NORMAN, Okla. - Fort Hays State's Cooper Scheck has been named to the 2024-25 NCAA Division II PING All-Region team, as announced by the GCAA on Wednesday.

Scheck was one of just 12 individuals to earn the distinction from the Central Region. The MIAA dominated the list this season, with nine of the 12 honorees hailing from an MIAA institution. He is the first Tiger in recorded history to receive this honor.

The Dodge City, Kan. native put together a strong junior season, averaging 72.15 across 12 events and 33 rounds of competition. Scheck earned six top 10 finishes, including one victory at the Newman Invitational in October.

Scheck competed as an individual at the Central/Midwest Regional Championships in St. Joseph, Mo. last week, becoming the first Tiger to qualify for NCAA postseason competition in a decade. He finished in a tie for 22nd out of 108 golfers at regionals at 4-over for the week (72-75-70). He also earned All-MIAA honors for his performance this season, becoming just the second player in team history to earn multiple All-MIAA recognitions.

Scheck turned in 11 rounds at-or-under par, including the lowest round in recorded team history of 7-under 64 at the Hillcat Classic in March. He posted eight rounds in the 60s on the year, including five rounds of 67 or lower.

2024-25 NCAA Division II PING All-Region Team Central Region Selections Bennett Baldwin, Central Oklahoma Baylor Bostick, Central Oklahoma Nick Canales, Central Oklahoma Jeffrey Johnston, Missouri Western Tobey Kim, Arkansas Tech Maxime Lam, Henderson State Elliot-han Monteremal, Rogers State José Manuel Peralta, Harding Blake Saffell, Washburn Cooper Scheck, Fort Hays State Jeremy Tandoy, Arkansas - Fort Smith Jordan Wilson, Central Oklahoma

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/5/1747247647188.png" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure>FHSU AthleticsNORMAN, Okla. - Fort Hays State's Cooper Scheck has been named to the 2024-25 NCAA Division II PING All-Region team, as announced by the GCAA on Wednesday.Scheck was one of just 12 individuals to earn the distinction from the Central Region. The MIAA dominated the list this season, with nine of the 12 honorees hailing from an MIAA institution. He is the first Tiger in recorded history to receive this honor.The Dodge City, Kan. native put together a strong junior season, averaging 72.15 across 12 events and 33 rounds of competition. Scheck earned six top 10 finishes, including one victory at the Newman Invitational in October.Scheck competed as an individual at the Central/Midwest Regional Championships in St. Joseph, Mo. last week, becoming the first Tiger to qualify for NCAA postseason competition in a decade. He finished in a tie for 22nd out of 108 golfers at regionals at 4-over for the week (72-75-70). He also earned All-MIAA honors for his performance this season, becoming just the second player in team history to earn multiple All-MIAA recognitions.Scheck turned in 11 rounds at-or-under par, including the lowest round in recorded team history of 7-under 64 at the Hillcat Classic in March. He posted eight rounds in the 60s on the year, including five rounds of 67 or lower.2024-25 NCAA Division II PING All-Region Team Central Region Selections Bennett Baldwin, Central Oklahoma Baylor Bostick, Central Oklahoma Nick Canales, Central Oklahoma Jeffrey Johnston, Missouri Western Tobey Kim, Arkansas Tech Maxime Lam, Henderson State Elliot-han Monteremal, Rogers State José Manuel Peralta, Harding Blake Saffell, Washburn Cooper Scheck, Fort Hays State Jeremy Tandoy, Arkansas - Fort Smith Jordan Wilson, Central Oklahoma

⛳ FHSU's Scheck named to PING all-region team

DOHA, Qatar (AP) —&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/donald-trump">President Donald Trump’s</a>&nbsp;trip to Qatar is off to a flying start.

Like Saudi Arabia a day earlier, Qatar didn’t bother waiting for Trump to land before setting out to impress him with a fighter jet escort.

As Trump flew in to&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-mideast-saudi-arabia-mbs-qatar-uae-b782fe922d09afced2e1074b65016e80">Riyadh</a>&nbsp;on Tuesday and then in to&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/live/donald-trump-news-updates-5-14-2025">Doha</a>&nbsp;on Wednesday as part of his Middle East trip, he received ceremonial escorts from each country’s F-15 fighter jets, exceptionally rare sights.

A White House official, Margo Martin, posted videos of the escorts online.

“Saudi F-15’s providing honorary escort for Air Force One!” she wrote on Tuesday. The Royal Saudi Air Force has the world’s largest fleet of American-made F-15s after the U.S. Air Force.

Then on Wednesday, Martin posted: “what a view flying into Qatar!!!” She even captured one of the Qatari aviators, sitting in the F-15’s backseat, returning the favor by taking a picture of Air Force One.

The fighter jets aren’t the only planes Qatar has used to impress Trump, offering to gift him a luxury Boeing 747-8 that the U.S. could use as Air Force One while new versions of the plane are under construction by Boeing.

<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-qatar-gift-jet-air-force-one-7f9afb461c6b3ac16fca3bb0973715ff">Trump has defended the idea</a>&nbsp;as a fiscally smart move for the United States. But his critics have questioned what would amount to a president accepting an astonishingly valuable gift from a foreign government, calling it “naked corruption” and “a grave national security threat.”

The Republican president is on a three-nation Middle East trip and visits the United Arab Emirates on Thursday.

DOHA, Qatar (AP) —&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/donald-trump">President Donald Trump’s</a>&nbsp;trip to Qatar is off to a flying start.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Another great deal for America! <a href="https://t.co/T8xFj9CRkd">https://t.co/T8xFj9CRkd</a>&mdash; Karoline Leavitt (@PressSec) <a href="https://twitter.com/PressSec/status/1922658033189921016?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 14, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>Like Saudi Arabia a day earlier, Qatar didn’t bother waiting for Trump to land before setting out to impress him with a fighter jet escort.As Trump flew in to&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-mideast-saudi-arabia-mbs-qatar-uae-b782fe922d09afced2e1074b65016e80">Riyadh</a>&nbsp;on Tuesday and then in to&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/live/donald-trump-news-updates-5-14-2025">Doha</a>&nbsp;on Wednesday as part of his Middle East trip, he received ceremonial escorts from each country’s F-15 fighter jets, exceptionally rare sights.A White House official, Margo Martin, posted videos of the escorts online.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Qatari F-15’s providing honorary escort for Air Force One! 🇺🇸🇶🇦 <a href="https://t.co/nUsif3HWrh">pic.twitter.com/nUsif3HWrh</a>&mdash; Margo Martin (@MargoMartin47) <a href="https://twitter.com/MargoMartin47/status/1922607930374844426?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 14, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div><div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Pres. Trump arrives Old Amiri Palace -- Amiri Diwan -- in Doha for meeting with Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, Amir of the State of Qatar تميم بن حمد آل ثاني، أمير دولة قطر accompanied by folk Ardah performance, horses, camels. <a href="https://t.co/wGRGgSRsEt">pic.twitter.com/wGRGgSRsEt</a>&mdash; Howard Mortman (@HowardMortman) <a href="https://twitter.com/HowardMortman/status/1922678135021031694?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 14, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>“Saudi F-15’s providing honorary escort for Air Force One!” she wrote on Tuesday. The Royal Saudi Air Force has the world’s largest fleet of American-made F-15s after the U.S. Air Force.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Scene in Qatar from President Trump’s motorcade! 🐪 <a href="https://t.co/20I4DEQuZ6">pic.twitter.com/20I4DEQuZ6</a>&mdash; Margo Martin (@MargoMartin47) <a href="https://twitter.com/MargoMartin47/status/1922621403007754506?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 14, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>Then on Wednesday, Martin posted: “what a view flying into Qatar!!!” She even captured one of the Qatari aviators, sitting in the F-15’s backseat, returning the favor by taking a picture of Air Force One.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">A view from above as F-15QA Multirole Strike Fighters of the Qatar Emiri Air Force (QEAF) escort Air Force One into Qatar🇺🇸🇶🇦 <a href="https://t.co/nzpk2L8Cds">pic.twitter.com/nzpk2L8Cds</a>&mdash; Dan Scavino (@Scavino47) <a href="https://twitter.com/Scavino47/status/1922640677671747983?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 14, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>The fighter jets aren’t the only planes Qatar has used to impress Trump, offering to gift him a luxury Boeing 747-8 that the U.S. could use as Air Force One while new versions of the plane are under construction by Boeing.<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-qatar-gift-jet-air-force-one-7f9afb461c6b3ac16fca3bb0973715ff">Trump has defended the idea</a>&nbsp;as a fiscally smart move for the United States. But his critics have questioned what would amount to a president accepting an astonishingly valuable gift from a foreign government, calling it “naked corruption” and “a grave national security threat.”The Republican president is on a three-nation Middle East trip and visits the United Arab Emirates on Thursday.

White House: Qatar signs deal to buy 160 Boeing jets

By LAAH TUCKER American Legion Auxiliary Unit 109

NATOMA — Natoma American Legion Thomas J. Hogan Post 109 Color Guard and the American Legion Auxiliary Unit 109 will commemorate the 160th Memorial Day Observance on Monday, May 26.

 American flags will be placed on all veterans’ graves located in seven cemeteries in Osborne County and Russell County by veterans, auxiliary members, and volunteers. 

Natoma City Cemetery’s Avenue of Flags will be placed by Post 109 American Legion and Sons of the American Legion. 

• Memorial Day services will begin at 9:30 a.m. in the Natoma Catholic Cemetery where WWI Purple Heart recipient Thomas J. Hogan is buried • North Immanuel Lutheran where the memorial bell will ring, 10:00 a.m.&nbsp; • Paradise Mount Hermon, 10:30 a.m. • Natoma City Cemetery Avenue, 11:00 a.m.

The program will include American Legion Post 109 Commander William Workman and Color Guard; Welcome and Pledge of Allegiance by Jenjer Murphy, Unit 109 president; Veterans’ names from the Revolutionary War to present time will be remembered by Unit 109 Veteran Archivist, Linda Crawford; Shawna Dunlap, Unit 109 chaplain with a poppy for each deceased veteran’s name; Prayer and message by Peace Lutheran Pastor Michael Schmidt. Community will join in “My Country ‘Tis of Thee” and “God Bless America.” Taps will be played. 

American Legion Auxiliary will serve a community dinner following services, 11:45 a.m. - 1:00 p.m., in the Natoma American Legion Hall.

For information: Veterans buried in cemeteries, contact American Legion Auxiliary Archivist Linda Crawford, 785-885-8090; American Legion Auxiliary President, Jenjer Murphy, 785-885-8079; American Legion Post 109 and Sons of the American Legion Commander William Workman, 785-224-7993.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/5/1747240845425.png" alt="Natoma American Legion Post 109 and Sons of the American Legion with Commander William Workman will honor veterans at four cemeteries in Osborne and Russell Counties on Memorial Day, May 26. 2024 photo by Natoma American Legion Post 109/Sons of the American Legion" />
 <figcaption>Natoma American Legion Post 109 and Sons of the American Legion with Commander William Workman will honor veterans at four cemeteries in Osborne and Russell Counties on Memorial Day, May 26. 2024 photo by Natoma American Legion Post 109/Sons of the American Legion</figcaption>
 </figure>By LAAH TUCKER American Legion Auxiliary Unit 109 NATOMA — Natoma American Legion Thomas J. Hogan Post 109 Color Guard and the American Legion Auxiliary Unit 109 will commemorate the 160th Memorial Day Observance on Monday, May 26. American flags will be placed on all veterans’ graves located in seven cemeteries in Osborne County and Russell County by veterans, auxiliary members, and volunteers. Natoma City Cemetery’s Avenue of Flags will be placed by Post 109 American Legion and Sons of the American Legion. • Memorial Day services will begin at 9:30 a.m. in the Natoma Catholic Cemetery where WWI Purple Heart recipient Thomas J. Hogan is buried • North Immanuel Lutheran where the memorial bell will ring, 10:00 a.m.&nbsp; • Paradise Mount Hermon, 10:30 a.m. • Natoma City Cemetery Avenue, 11:00 a.m.The program will include American Legion Post 109 Commander William Workman and Color Guard; Welcome and Pledge of Allegiance by Jenjer Murphy, Unit 109 president; Veterans’ names from the Revolutionary War to present time will be remembered by Unit 109 Veteran Archivist, Linda Crawford; Shawna Dunlap, Unit 109 chaplain with a poppy for each deceased veteran’s name; Prayer and message by Peace Lutheran Pastor Michael Schmidt. Community will join in “My Country ‘Tis of Thee” and “God Bless America.” Taps will be played. American Legion Auxiliary will serve a community dinner following services, 11:45 a.m. - 1:00 p.m., in the Natoma American Legion Hall.For information: Veterans buried in cemeteries, contact American Legion Auxiliary Archivist Linda Crawford, 785-885-8090; American Legion Auxiliary President, Jenjer Murphy, 785-885-8079; American Legion Post 109 and Sons of the American Legion Commander William Workman, 785-224-7993.

Natoma area Memorial Day services are May 26

By TONY GUERRERO Hays Post

For three years, Amy Baltodano dealt with unexplained symptoms before doctors diagnosed her with a rare and fatal illness.

"It was so overwhelming and sad, but I was happy that I finally knew what was going on," Amy said.

Huntington's disease is a genetic condition that causes the progressive breakdown of nerve cells in the brain.

44-year-old Amy is a single mother in Hays and a former programmer at Eagle Radio who is now dedicated to raising awareness about her illness.

May is Huntington's disease awareness month.

Amy is the only person in Hays living with the fatal disease that she is aware, she said.

Amy began experiencing symptoms such as movement problems, trouble speaking and difficulty understanding before her primary doctor suspected Huntington’s disease. She was officially diagnosed on Nov. 15, 2024.

"It causes impairment of the ability to function like a normal person. Opening stuff and bottles is really hard for me to do. I need to have my daughter help me," she said.

Amy also deals with involuntary jerking movements known as chorea, along with anxiety, depression and muscle pain. She remains under the care of her primary doctor and neurologist.

Amy previously underwent speech therapy and now participates in occupational and physical therapy. She also takes medication to manage her symptoms and wears a vest to help control her movements.

Amy could not continue working as her symptoms worsened and fatigue set in. Fortunately, she isn’t facing the journey alone.

"My parents are helping out with rent, bills and for my daughter's education," she said.

Amy is adopted and has no contact with her biological parents, which has made it harder for her to trace the origins of her Huntington’s disease. Since the condition is inherited, the lack of a known family medical history has left many questions unanswered.

She wishes she had looked for her birth parents, but emphasized that she deeply loves and appreciates her adoptive parents, Allen and Rosalie Schmeidler.

"Amy's been a trooper. Her dad and I are so proud of her for the way she's handling this," Rosalie said.&nbsp;

Amy received her diagnosis on Allen’s birthday, making the news especially emotional. While the family was initially shocked, they felt relieved to understand what was happening.

"I was shocked but kind of relieved to finally know what was actually wrong," Allen said.

Rosalie and Allen said their daily routine now revolves around Amy’s needs. They regularly take her to physical and occupational therapy, and travel to Kansas City every three months for neurology appointments.

Amy said her 15-year-old daughter, Mia Baltodano, is her greatest source of joy and support, even though discussing the diagnosis with her has been difficult.

"She's the best person ever. I love her so much... her and my family have been so supportive," Amy said.

Not knowing her biological family history has created uncertainty about her daughter’s potential risk, as Amy has no way of knowing which side the gene came from. According to the <a href="https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/huntingtons-disease/symptoms-causes/syc-20356117#:~:text=Overview,changed%20gene%20from%20a%20parent.">Mayo Clinic</a>, a child of a parent with Huntington’s has a 50% chance of inheriting the gene that causes the disease.

Amy is determined to raise awareness about the illness in her free time, especially in a community where the condition is not well known.

Amy said she and her family have begun preparing for the future, including arrangements for Mia's care and planning Amy's funeral as a precaution.

"It's really depressing for Allen and me," Rosalie said. "You always thought your children would outlive you. She still may, but now we have to think of if we're not here, we have to have everything in place for her."

Amy said, "I really have nothing to lose now, so I'm just trying to live my days to the fullest... and watch a lot of reality TV. I can't get away from those housewives."&nbsp;

Rosalie said when Amy is in public, people often misunderstand or even mock her involuntary movements, not realizing they are caused by a medical condition. Sometimes, it comes from adults.

The family relies on their faith to navigate through the difficulties. Rosalie said she believes God gave Amy this challenge for a reason and trusts that she has the necessary strength.

"He blessed us with Amy. He knew that she was a warrior who could handle this and be a fighter for this cause," Rosalie said.

Despite the disease’s symptoms and fatal nature, Amy remains hopeful and focused on helping others identify early signs. She continues to stay alert for her daughter’s future.

"I'm nervous for her," Amy said. "At least we'll know if something does happen. We'll know the signs to look for that I didn't know."

Amy recommends the <a href="https://hdsa.org/">Huntington’s Disease Society of America</a>&nbsp;as a resource for learning more about the condition. She also welcomes questions through her <a href="https://www.facebook.com/amy.baltodano">Facebook</a> and said she’s happy to respond if she can.

The family thanks their doctors, therapist, neurologist, HaysMed, Northwest Kansas Area on Aging, and extended family and friends for supporting Amy's journey.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/5/1746732832882.jpeg" alt="Amy Baltodano of Hays sitting in the comfort of her home wearing a vest that helps control involuntary movement from her Huntington's disease. Photo By Tony Guerrero/Hays Post" />
 <figcaption>Amy Baltodano of Hays sitting in the comfort of her home wearing a vest that helps control involuntary movement from her Huntington's disease. Photo By Tony Guerrero/Hays Post</figcaption>
 </figure>By TONY GUERRERO Hays PostFor three years, Amy Baltodano dealt with unexplained symptoms before doctors diagnosed her with a rare and fatal illness."It was so overwhelming and sad, but I was happy that I finally knew what was going on," Amy said.Huntington's disease is a genetic condition that causes the progressive breakdown of nerve cells in the brain.44-year-old Amy is a single mother in Hays and a former programmer at Eagle Radio who is now dedicated to raising awareness about her illness.May is Huntington's disease awareness month.Amy is the only person in Hays living with the fatal disease that she is aware, she said.Amy began experiencing symptoms such as movement problems, trouble speaking and difficulty understanding before her primary doctor suspected Huntington’s disease. She was officially diagnosed on Nov. 15, 2024."It causes impairment of the ability to function like a normal person. Opening stuff and bottles is really hard for me to do. I need to have my daughter help me," she said.Amy also deals with involuntary jerking movements known as chorea, along with anxiety, depression and muscle pain. She remains under the care of her primary doctor and neurologist.Amy previously underwent speech therapy and now participates in occupational and physical therapy. She also takes medication to manage her symptoms and wears a vest to help control her movements.Amy could not continue working as her symptoms worsened and fatigue set in. Fortunately, she isn’t facing the journey alone."My parents are helping out with rent, bills and for my daughter's education," she said.Amy is adopted and has no contact with her biological parents, which has made it harder for her to trace the origins of her Huntington’s disease. Since the condition is inherited, the lack of a known family medical history has left many questions unanswered.She wishes she had looked for her birth parents, but emphasized that she deeply loves and appreciates her adoptive parents, Allen and Rosalie Schmeidler."Amy's been a trooper. Her dad and I are so proud of her for the way she's handling this," Rosalie said.&nbsp;Amy received her diagnosis on Allen’s birthday, making the news especially emotional. While the family was initially shocked, they felt relieved to understand what was happening."I was shocked but kind of relieved to finally know what was actually wrong," Allen said.Rosalie and Allen said their daily routine now revolves around Amy’s needs. They regularly take her to physical and occupational therapy, and travel to Kansas City every three months for neurology appointments.Amy said her 15-year-old daughter, Mia Baltodano, is her greatest source of joy and support, even though discussing the diagnosis with her has been difficult."She's the best person ever. I love her so much... her and my family have been so supportive," Amy said.Not knowing her biological family history has created uncertainty about her daughter’s potential risk, as Amy has no way of knowing which side the gene came from. According to the <a href="https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/huntingtons-disease/symptoms-causes/syc-20356117#:~:text=Overview,changed%20gene%20from%20a%20parent.">Mayo Clinic</a>, a child of a parent with Huntington’s has a 50% chance of inheriting the gene that causes the disease.Amy is determined to raise awareness about the illness in her free time, especially in a community where the condition is not well known.Amy said she and her family have begun preparing for the future, including arrangements for Mia's care and planning Amy's funeral as a precaution."It's really depressing for Allen and me," Rosalie said. "You always thought your children would outlive you. She still may, but now we have to think of if we're not here, we have to have everything in place for her."Amy said, "I really have nothing to lose now, so I'm just trying to live my days to the fullest... and watch a lot of reality TV. I can't get away from those housewives."&nbsp;Rosalie said when Amy is in public, people often misunderstand or even mock her involuntary movements, not realizing they are caused by a medical condition. Sometimes, it comes from adults.The family relies on their faith to navigate through the difficulties. Rosalie said she believes God gave Amy this challenge for a reason and trusts that she has the necessary strength."He blessed us with Amy. He knew that she was a warrior who could handle this and be a fighter for this cause," Rosalie said.Despite the disease’s symptoms and fatal nature, Amy remains hopeful and focused on helping others identify early signs. She continues to stay alert for her daughter’s future."I'm nervous for her," Amy said. "At least we'll know if something does happen. We'll know the signs to look for that I didn't know."Amy recommends the <a href="https://hdsa.org/">Huntington’s Disease Society of America</a>&nbsp;as a resource for learning more about the condition. She also welcomes questions through her <a href="https://www.facebook.com/amy.baltodano">Facebook</a> and said she’s happy to respond if she can.The family thanks their doctors, therapist, neurologist, HaysMed, Northwest Kansas Area on Aging, and extended family and friends for supporting Amy's journey.

Hays woman with Huntington’s disease shares her story

By CRISTINA JANNEY Hays Post

Renovation work will start this summer to convert the current high school into a middle school.

The Hays USD 489 school board heard an update on the Hays Middle School project at its meeting on Monday.

Ishita Banerjii, DLR Group's lead architect on the project, presented plans to the board.

Groups of three classrooms will be renovated into two classrooms with flexible space in between. The current high school classrooms are about 700 square feet. The new layout will include 900-square-foot classrooms.

Bond funds will also be used to install new flooring in the corridors, paint lockers, add new ceilings and lighting and reconfigure visual boards.

All of the exterior doors will also be replaced.

The HVAC system in the current high school was upgraded several years ago. The units were all installed to match the planned sizes of the new classrooms.

Banerjii said minor ductwork will need to be done to reconfigure the HVAC vents to match the new classroom alignment.

The total cost of the renovations is estimated at $6.47 million.&nbsp;

The total bond cost is now at $162.8 million, which is slightly less than at the last report.

Further renovations, amounting to about $445,000, will be completed with capital outlay funds and overseen by the building and grounds department.

Board member Derek Yarmer asked about the building's plumbing. Rusty Lindsay, director of building and grounds, said there were no apparent problems with the plumbing at this time.&nbsp;

The school had received a low score on plumbing before the bond was passed, likely because the HVAC system at that time was causing substantial condensation problems, Lindsay said.

The new HVAC system has eliminated that problem.

Yarmer asked what justified the $500,000 fee for DLR.&nbsp;Banerjii said the current project accounted for $150,000. The rest involved drawings for the previous scope of the project, which was a larger $10 million project.

The budgets for Felten Elementary School and the new middle school were reduced when the high school's budget increased,&nbsp;Banerjii said.

The buildings and grounds work will likely occur in three phases. The first phase will occur this summer before Nabholz Construction starts its bond work in August.

Phase one will include painting 12 classrooms, replacing ceiling tiles and floors. The cost of this phase will be $225,000.

Phase two of the buildings and grounds work will include work in the current locker room area. One of the locker rooms will be renovated into bathrooms.

A paint area will be added where the metal shop used to be.

The wood shop for the middle school students will be created where the former high school welding shop was, and a new dust collection system will be added.

Hays Middle School Principal Tom Albers said the new woodshop for the middle school will be about double the space students have at the current middle school.

Some classrooms will also be reconfigured in that area. The total cost of phase two will be $220,000.

The high school will still use the current woodshop and greenhouse. To prevent high school and middle school students from intermingling, a locked door will be between the high school portion of the building and the middle school portion.

The door can be accessed by staff using a key card. The door will still be available as a fire exit in an emergency.

The existing bathrooms in the career and technical education wing will be on the high school side of the building.

A third phase of work in the career tech portion of the building, set for next summer, will include an overhaul of the bathrooms in the locker rooms, Lindsay said. This will also be paid for with capital outlay funds.

The board rejected a renewal of a five-year lease agreement with Sumner One for print management, copy machines, support and maintenance for $63,049 per year under the Kansas Board of Regents contract.&nbsp;

The board rejected the contract renewal on a vote of 3-3, with board members Curt Vajnar, Allen Park and Yarmer voting against the contract.

All three said they wanted local bidders to have the option to bid on the contract.

Chris Hipp, assistant superintendent of business services, said the contract has already been bid through the Kansas Board of Regents contract system. Further bidding would result in a higher price or the district being forced to change its copy management system, which would be disruptive.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/5/1747147104018.png" alt="Drawing of the new middle school hallway. Courtesy image" />
 <figcaption>Drawing of the new middle school hallway. Courtesy image</figcaption>
 </figure><div><iframe title="Post Podcast: Hays Middle School design includes bigger classrooms" allowtransparency="true" height="300" width="100%" style="border: none; min-width: min(100%, 430px);height:300px;" scrolling="no" data-name="pb-iframe-player" src="https://www.podbean.com/player-v2/?from=embed&i=v29hn-18a9b52-pb&square=1&share=1&download=1&fonts=Arial&skin=3267a3&font-color=auto&rtl=0&logo_link=podcast_page&btn-skin=60a0c8&size=300" loading="lazy" allowfullscreen=""></iframe></div>By CRISTINA JANNEY Hays PostRenovation work will start this summer to convert the current high school into a middle school.The Hays USD 489 school board heard an update on the Hays Middle School project at its meeting on Monday.Ishita Banerjii, DLR Group's lead architect on the project, presented plans to the board.Groups of three classrooms will be renovated into two classrooms with flexible space in between. The current high school classrooms are about 700 square feet. The new layout will include 900-square-foot classrooms.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/5/1747147176712.png" alt="Floor plan for the new middle school shows the renovation of classrooms in yellow, new flooring in green and new entry doors as red dots. Courtesy image" />
 <figcaption>Floor plan for the new middle school shows the renovation of classrooms in yellow, new flooring in green and new entry doors as red dots. Courtesy image</figcaption>
 </figure>Bond funds will also be used to install new flooring in the corridors, paint lockers, add new ceilings and lighting and reconfigure visual boards.All of the exterior doors will also be replaced.The HVAC system in the current high school was upgraded several years ago. The units were all installed to match the planned sizes of the new classrooms.Banerjii said minor ductwork will need to be done to reconfigure the HVAC vents to match the new classroom alignment.The total cost of the renovations is estimated at $6.47 million.&nbsp;The total bond cost is now at $162.8 million, which is slightly less than at the last report.Further renovations, amounting to about $445,000, will be completed with capital outlay funds and overseen by the building and grounds department.Board member Derek Yarmer asked about the building's plumbing. Rusty Lindsay, director of building and grounds, said there were no apparent problems with the plumbing at this time.&nbsp;The school had received a low score on plumbing before the bond was passed, likely because the HVAC system at that time was causing substantial condensation problems, Lindsay said.The new HVAC system has eliminated that problem.Yarmer asked what justified the $500,000 fee for DLR.&nbsp;Banerjii said the current project accounted for $150,000. The rest involved drawings for the previous scope of the project, which was a larger $10 million project.The budgets for Felten Elementary School and the new middle school were reduced when the high school's budget increased,&nbsp;Banerjii said.The buildings and grounds work will likely occur in three phases. The first phase will occur this summer before Nabholz Construction starts its bond work in August.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/5/1747148463422.png" alt="The yellow highlighted areas will be in the first phase of the building and grounds work on Hays Middle School. The pink areas are part of the upcoming bond work." />
 <figcaption>The yellow highlighted areas will be in the first phase of the building and grounds work on Hays Middle School. The pink areas are part of the upcoming bond work.</figcaption>
 </figure>Phase one will include painting 12 classrooms, replacing ceiling tiles and floors. The cost of this phase will be $225,000.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/5/1747148659572.png" alt="Phase 2 of building and grounds renovations. The green areas are being renovated for use by the middle school. The blue area contains the current high school wood shop and will not be renovated." />
 <figcaption>Phase 2 of building and grounds renovations. The green areas are being renovated for use by the middle school. The blue area contains the current high school wood shop and will not be renovated.</figcaption>
 </figure>Phase two of the buildings and grounds work will include work in the current locker room area. One of the locker rooms will be renovated into bathrooms.A paint area will be added where the metal shop used to be.The wood shop for the middle school students will be created where the former high school welding shop was, and a new dust collection system will be added.Hays Middle School Principal Tom Albers said the new woodshop for the middle school will be about double the space students have at the current middle school.Some classrooms will also be reconfigured in that area. The total cost of phase two will be $220,000.The high school will still use the current woodshop and greenhouse. To prevent high school and middle school students from intermingling, a locked door will be between the high school portion of the building and the middle school portion.The door can be accessed by staff using a key card. The door will still be available as a fire exit in an emergency.The existing bathrooms in the career and technical education wing will be on the high school side of the building.A third phase of work in the career tech portion of the building, set for next summer, will include an overhaul of the bathrooms in the locker rooms, Lindsay said. This will also be paid for with capital outlay funds.<h2>Copier contract</h2>The board rejected a renewal of a five-year lease agreement with Sumner One for print management, copy machines, support and maintenance for $63,049 per year under the Kansas Board of Regents contract.&nbsp;The board rejected the contract renewal on a vote of 3-3, with board members Curt Vajnar, Allen Park and Yarmer voting against the contract.All three said they wanted local bidders to have the option to bid on the contract.Chris Hipp, assistant superintendent of business services, said the contract has already been bid through the Kansas Board of Regents contract system. Further bidding would result in a higher price or the district being forced to change its copy management system, which would be disruptive.

🎙 Hays Middle School design includes bigger classrooms

VATICAN CITY (AP) — Pope Leo XIV has taken over the Vatican’s official&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/pope-leo-journalists-free-press-121ae0103b771fb3cda71ae03870853d">social media</a>&nbsp;handles, with a first Instagram post on Tuesday repeating the first words he said to the world as pope: “Peace be with you all!”

The @Pontifex – Pope Leo XIV post featured some of the photos that have documented the first days of&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/conclave-pope-francis-cardinals-vatican-d7991a37a679f09792ed220cc1f6bbed">history’s first American pope</a>.

The Vatican said it was archiving the posts from&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/pope-francis-new-orleans-saints-nfl-e42784b6c180611d78d821c9e909a76b">Pope Francis</a>&nbsp;’ 12-year papacy. On X, the new account didn’t appear to be active Tuesday.

The Vatican launched the @Pontifex handle in 2012 during the pontificate of Pope Benedict XVI. It now comes in nine languages -- English, Spanish, Portuguese, Italian, French, German, Polish, Arabic, and Latin -- and counts a combined 52 million followers.

Past popes didn't actually send the posts, which were curated by the Vatican.

The former Cardinal Robert Prevost occasionally posted on X in an account started in 2011. It had been&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/pope-leo-twitter-x-trump-vance-criticism-9c311123985ebce282877071f75b6d80">dormant since July 2023</a>&nbsp;but came back to life earlier this year to share criticism of Trump administration migration policies and comments by Vice President JD Vance.

Associated Press religion coverage receives support through the AP’s&nbsp;<a href="https://bit.ly/ap-twir">collaboration</a>&nbsp;with The Conversation US, with funding from Lilly Endowment Inc. The AP is solely responsible for this content.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/5/1747189594985.png" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure>VATICAN CITY (AP) — Pope Leo XIV has taken over the Vatican’s official&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/pope-leo-journalists-free-press-121ae0103b771fb3cda71ae03870853d">social media</a>&nbsp;handles, with a first Instagram post on Tuesday repeating the first words he said to the world as pope: “Peace be with you all!”The @Pontifex – Pope Leo XIV post featured some of the photos that have documented the first days of&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/conclave-pope-francis-cardinals-vatican-d7991a37a679f09792ed220cc1f6bbed">history’s first American pope</a>.The Vatican said it was archiving the posts from&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/pope-francis-new-orleans-saints-nfl-e42784b6c180611d78d821c9e909a76b">Pope Francis</a>&nbsp;’ 12-year papacy. On X, the new account didn’t appear to be active Tuesday.The Vatican launched the @Pontifex handle in 2012 during the pontificate of Pope Benedict XVI. It now comes in nine languages -- English, Spanish, Portuguese, Italian, French, German, Polish, Arabic, and Latin -- and counts a combined 52 million followers.Past popes didn't actually send the posts, which were curated by the Vatican.The former Cardinal Robert Prevost occasionally posted on X in an account started in 2011. It had been&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/pope-leo-twitter-x-trump-vance-criticism-9c311123985ebce282877071f75b6d80">dormant since July 2023</a>&nbsp;but came back to life earlier this year to share criticism of Trump administration migration policies and comments by Vice President JD Vance.___Associated Press religion coverage receives support through the AP’s&nbsp;<a href="https://bit.ly/ap-twir">collaboration</a>&nbsp;with The Conversation US, with funding from Lilly Endowment Inc. The AP is solely responsible for this content.

Pope Leo XIV is back on social media, with a message of peace

SALINE COUNTY —Just after 10a.m. Tuesday, the Kansas Highway Patrol Troopers assisted local authorities in Marion County with a pursuit involving a bank robbery suspect from the Topeka area, according to a media release from the KHP.

Troopers attempted to stop the suspect while traveling northbound on I-135 in McPherson County. Troopers successfully deployed stop sticks deflating both driver’s side tires on the suspect’s vehicle. The suspect exited Interstate 135 onto Kansas 4, lost control of their vehicle, and drove into the ditch. 

Emergency medical services were requested for the suspect due to a self-inflicted gunshot injury. The suspect was taken into custody and transported to the Salina Regional Health Center. While at the hospital, the suspect identified as 47-year-old Anthony Marshall, Jr. succumbed to his injuries and was pronounced deceased.

&nbsp;Marshall, Jr. been charged in a federal criminal complaint with an alleged Bank Robbery that occurred on May 12,&nbsp; at the Equity Bank located at 3825 SW 29th Street in Topeka.

The Saline County Sheriff’s Office, Marion County Sheriff’s Office, McPherson County Sheriff’s Office, Hillsboro Police Department, Lindsborg Police Department, Salina Police Department, and McPherson Police Department assisted in the pursuit.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/5/1747158037978.jpeg" alt="Law enforcement on the scene Tuesday in Saline County-photo Salina Post" />
 <figcaption>Law enforcement on the scene Tuesday in Saline County-photo Salina Post</figcaption>
 </figure>SALINE COUNTY —Just after 10a.m. Tuesday, the Kansas Highway Patrol Troopers assisted local authorities in Marion County with a pursuit involving a bank robbery suspect from the Topeka area, according to a media release from the KHP.Troopers attempted to stop the suspect while traveling northbound on I-135 in McPherson County. Troopers successfully deployed stop sticks deflating both driver’s side tires on the suspect’s vehicle. The suspect exited Interstate 135 onto Kansas 4, lost control of their vehicle, and drove into the ditch. Emergency medical services were requested for the suspect due to a self-inflicted gunshot injury. The suspect was taken into custody and transported to the Salina Regional Health Center. While at the hospital, the suspect identified as 47-year-old Anthony Marshall, Jr. succumbed to his injuries and was pronounced deceased.&nbsp;Marshall, Jr. been charged in a federal criminal complaint with an alleged Bank Robbery that occurred on May 12,&nbsp; at the Equity Bank located at 3825 SW 29th Street in Topeka.The Saline County Sheriff’s Office, Marion County Sheriff’s Office, McPherson County Sheriff’s Office, Hillsboro Police Department, Lindsborg Police Department, Salina Police Department, and McPherson Police Department assisted in the pursuit.

KHP: Kan. bank robbery suspect dies after 3 county pursuit

HAYS
- TMP-Marian closed out their regular season with a pair of home wins Tuesday.
The Monarchs swept Garden City 3-1 and 18-3.

They
wrapped up the regular season with a 21-5 record and will host a 2-1A Regional
beginning Friday. The Monarchs will play the second game of the day around 5
p.m. against the winner between Oberlin and Ell-Saline.

Garden
City has lost eight of their last 10 and dropped to 6-14 on the season.

Game 1: TMP-Marian 3, Garden City 1
 Adler Brown go the Monarchs on the board with an RBI single in the bottom of
the third. Connor Breit and Isaac Purinton both added RBI singles in the fifth
to push the lead to 3-0.

Garden
City scored their lone run on a Jakobe Rathbun triple in the seventh.

Grant
Nehls allowed no runs on three hits with four strikeouts and three walks over 6
2/3 innings and picked up the win. Isaac Purinton gave up a walk then the triple
but got a groundout to shortstop to end the game and picked up the save.

Game 2: TMP-Marian 18, Garden City 3 (4 innings)
 The Buffs scored two in the top of the first inning but TMP answered with six in
the first and second.

TMP’s
tied the game on bases loaded walks to Carson Liles and Adler Brown. Connor
Breit gave them the lead on a sacrifice fly. TMP scored two on an error then
added their sixth run on a J Seib single.

After
Garden City scored another run in the second to make it a 6-3 game, TMP responded
with six more in the bottom of the inning. Ty Schmeidler singled home the first
run and would later score on a wild pitch. Grant Nehls also scored on a wild
pitch, Breit and Caden Dinkel added a bases loaded walks and Ian Nehls scored
on an error.

The
Monarchs added three runs in the third and fourth. Schmeidler and Breit both had
RBI triples, Austin Gilbert drove in a run with a sac fly. In the fourth, the
Monarchs scored on a Grant Nehls triple, a Carson Liles sac fly then ended the
game when Schmeidler scored on a wild pitch.

Adler
Brown allowed three runs (one earned) on six hits with two walks and two
strikeouts and picked up the run-rule shortened complete game win.

Ian
Nehls and Ty Schmeidler both had two of the Monarchs seven hits. Schmeidler and
Carson Liles both drove in two runs. 

Hays Post SportsHAYS
- TMP-Marian closed out their regular season with a pair of home wins Tuesday.
The Monarchs swept Garden City 3-1 and 18-3.They
wrapped up the regular season with a 21-5 record and will host a 2-1A Regional
beginning Friday. The Monarchs will play the second game of the day around 5
p.m. against the winner between Oberlin and Ell-Saline.Garden
City has lost eight of their last 10 and dropped to 6-14 on the season.Game 1: TMP-Marian 3, Garden City 1
 Adler Brown go the Monarchs on the board with an RBI single in the bottom of
the third. Connor Breit and Isaac Purinton both added RBI singles in the fifth
to push the lead to 3-0.Garden
City scored their lone run on a Jakobe Rathbun triple in the seventh.Grant
Nehls allowed no runs on three hits with four strikeouts and three walks over 6
2/3 innings and picked up the win. Isaac Purinton gave up a walk then the triple
but got a groundout to shortstop to end the game and picked up the save.Game 2: TMP-Marian 18, Garden City 3 (4 innings)
 The Buffs scored two in the top of the first inning but TMP answered with six in
the first and second.TMP’s
tied the game on bases loaded walks to Carson Liles and Adler Brown. Connor
Breit gave them the lead on a sacrifice fly. TMP scored two on an error then
added their sixth run on a J Seib single.After
Garden City scored another run in the second to make it a 6-3 game, TMP responded
with six more in the bottom of the inning. Ty Schmeidler singled home the first
run and would later score on a wild pitch. Grant Nehls also scored on a wild
pitch, Breit and Caden Dinkel added a bases loaded walks and Ian Nehls scored
on an error.The
Monarchs added three runs in the third and fourth. Schmeidler and Breit both had
RBI triples, Austin Gilbert drove in a run with a sac fly. In the fourth, the
Monarchs scored on a Grant Nehls triple, a Carson Liles sac fly then ended the
game when Schmeidler scored on a wild pitch.Adler
Brown allowed three runs (one earned) on six hits with two walks and two
strikeouts and picked up the run-rule shortened complete game win.Ian
Nehls and Ty Schmeidler both had two of the Monarchs seven hits. Schmeidler and
Carson Liles both drove in two runs.

⚾ Monarchs close out regular season with sweep of Buffs

A high wind warning has been issued for the area, including&nbsp;Ellis, Rush, Lane, Ness, Scott and Trego counties from 7 p.m. today to 2 a.m. Thursday.

Northwest winds are forecast to be 30 to 40 mph with gusts up to 60 mph, according to the National Weather Service.

Damaging winds will blow down trees and power lines.
  Widespread power outages are expected. Travel will be difficult,
  especially for high-profile vehicles.&nbsp;

Blowing dust may also accompany the strong winds, resulting in reduced visibility.

Hays PostA high wind warning has been issued for the area, including&nbsp;Ellis, Rush, Lane, Ness, Scott and Trego counties from 7 p.m. today to 2 a.m. Thursday.Northwest winds are forecast to be 30 to 40 mph with gusts up to 60 mph, according to the National Weather Service.Damaging winds will blow down trees and power lines.
 Widespread power outages are expected. Travel will be difficult,
 especially for high-profile vehicles.&nbsp;Blowing dust may also accompany the strong winds, resulting in reduced visibility.

High wind warning in effect

LIBERAL
– Cooper Johnson shot an even-par 70 and finished in second place to pace the
Hays High boys golfers at the Liberal Invitional Tuesday at the Willow Tree
Golf Course.

Dodge
City’s AJ Peters won the individual title with a 2-under-par 70. Hays High’s
Caleb Thompson shot a 5-over-par 77 and finished sixth.

Dodge
City won the team title with a 307, Liberal was second with a 312 and Hays
third with a 320.

Team Results Place - Team	Score 1 - Dodge City - 307 2 - Liberal - 312 3 - Hays -&nbsp;320 4 - Garden City - 334 5 - Great Bend -&nbsp;341

Top-10 Individual Place - Name - School - Total 1 - AJ Peters - Dodge City - 70 2 - Cooper Johnson - Hays - 72 T3 - Skyler Hubbard - Liberal - 73 T3 - Aidan Robinson - Dodge City - 73 5 - Maddix Shook - Garden City - 74 T6 - Caleb Thompson - Hays - 77 T6 - Kale Miller	Liberal - 77 8 - Ethan Somers - Great Bend - 79 9 - Aron Rivas - Liberal - 80 10 - Rase Smith - Dodge City - 81

Hays High Results Place	Name	School	Total 2 - Cooper Johnson - Hays - 72 T6 -&nbsp; Caleb Thompson - Hays - 77 17 - Miles Weimer - Hays - 84 T20 - Izaac Fox - Hays - 87 T20 - Mason Simmons - Hays - 87 T20 - Trey Oakley - Hays - 87

Hays Post SportsLIBERAL
– Cooper Johnson shot an even-par 70 and finished in second place to pace the
Hays High boys golfers at the Liberal Invitional Tuesday at the Willow Tree
Golf Course.Dodge
City’s AJ Peters won the individual title with a 2-under-par 70. Hays High’s
Caleb Thompson shot a 5-over-par 77 and finished sixth.Dodge
City won the team title with a 307, Liberal was second with a 312 and Hays
third with a 320.Team Results Place - Team	Score 1 - Dodge City - 307 2 - Liberal - 312 3 - Hays -&nbsp;320 4 - Garden City - 334 5 - Great Bend -&nbsp;341Top-10 Individual Place - Name - School - Total 1 - AJ Peters - Dodge City - 70 2 - Cooper Johnson - Hays - 72 T3 - Skyler Hubbard - Liberal - 73 T3 - Aidan Robinson - Dodge City - 73 5 - Maddix Shook - Garden City - 74 T6 - Caleb Thompson - Hays - 77 T6 - Kale Miller	Liberal - 77 8 - Ethan Somers - Great Bend - 79 9 - Aron Rivas - Liberal - 80 10 - Rase Smith - Dodge City - 81Hays High Results Place	Name	School	Total 2 - Cooper Johnson - Hays - 72 T6 -&nbsp; Caleb Thompson - Hays - 77 17 - Miles Weimer - Hays - 84 T20 - Izaac Fox - Hays - 87 T20 - Mason Simmons - Hays - 87 T20 - Trey Oakley - Hays - 87

⛳ Johnson leads Indians at Liberal Invitational

PAWNEE COUNTY– Jeffery Lynn Renfo, 39 formerly of Great Bend, appeared in the Pawnee County District Court in custody Monday for a hearing on defense motions in his three pending cases, according to Pawnee County Attorney Doug McNett.

Prior to the hearing, the parties advised the Court they had reached a plea agreement whereby Renfro entered a No Conest plea to Burglary of a Dwelling, a severity level 7 person felony, Possession of a Firearm by a Felon, a severity level 8 nonperson felony, and Inference with Law Enforcement, a severity level 8 nonperson felony. In exchange for the plea, the State agreed to dismiss additional charges of felony Theft, Criminal Deprivation of a Motor Vehicle and Intimidation of a Witness.

In support of the plea, Pawnee County Attorney Douglas McNett advised the Court that had the matter proceeded to trial the evidence would have shown that on September 25, 2023, Renfro entered a home south of Larned. While in the home, Renfro stole among other things a .45 caliber handgun. 

At the time, Renfro was on post-release supervision for a McPherson County conviction for criminal threat. Renfro was taken into custody on October 2, 2023, on an arrest warrant.

 While in custody, Renfro agreed to be interviewed by a detective with the Pawnee County Sheriff’s Office. At the close of the interview, Renfro grabbed the detective’s notebook in which he had been taking notes and preceded to rip up the pages.

After accepting the Renfr’s plea as being knowingly and voluntarily made, Pawnee County District Judge Bruce Gatterman ordered a presentence investigation report be completed to determine the defendant’s criminal history. Sentencing was scheduled for June 26, 2025.

Renfro remains in the custody of the Pawnee County Sheriff.&nbsp; He has over two dozen convictions in counties across the state for burglary, theft, aggravated assault, criminal threat and flee or attempt to elude police, according to the Kansas Department of Corrections.

Based on the plea agreement and the parties’ understanding of the defendant’s criminal history, it is anticipated Renfro will be subject to a presumptive prison sentence of 53 months less jail credit.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/5/1747086304346.png" alt="Renfro-photo Pawnee Co." />
 <figcaption>Renfro-photo Pawnee Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>PAWNEE COUNTY– Jeffery Lynn Renfo, 39 formerly of Great Bend, appeared in the Pawnee County District Court in custody Monday for a hearing on defense motions in his three pending cases, according to Pawnee County Attorney Doug McNett.Prior to the hearing, the parties advised the Court they had reached a plea agreement whereby Renfro entered a No Conest plea to Burglary of a Dwelling, a severity level 7 person felony, Possession of a Firearm by a Felon, a severity level 8 nonperson felony, and Inference with Law Enforcement, a severity level 8 nonperson felony. In exchange for the plea, the State agreed to dismiss additional charges of felony Theft, Criminal Deprivation of a Motor Vehicle and Intimidation of a Witness.In support of the plea, Pawnee County Attorney Douglas McNett advised the Court that had the matter proceeded to trial the evidence would have shown that on September 25, 2023, Renfro entered a home south of Larned. While in the home, Renfro stole among other things a .45 caliber handgun. At the time, Renfro was on post-release supervision for a McPherson County conviction for criminal threat. Renfro was taken into custody on October 2, 2023, on an arrest warrant. While in custody, Renfro agreed to be interviewed by a detective with the Pawnee County Sheriff’s Office. At the close of the interview, Renfro grabbed the detective’s notebook in which he had been taking notes and preceded to rip up the pages.After accepting the Renfr’s plea as being knowingly and voluntarily made, Pawnee County District Judge Bruce Gatterman ordered a presentence investigation report be completed to determine the defendant’s criminal history. Sentencing was scheduled for June 26, 2025.Renfro remains in the custody of the Pawnee County Sheriff.&nbsp; He has over two dozen convictions in counties across the state for burglary, theft, aggravated assault, criminal threat and flee or attempt to elude police, according to the Kansas Department of Corrections.Based on the plea agreement and the parties’ understanding of the defendant’s criminal history, it is anticipated Renfro will be subject to a presumptive prison sentence of 53 months less jail credit.

Kan. man with over 2 dozen convictions gets plea deal for burglary

JUNCTION
CITY – Hays High girls soccer team blanked Junction City 5-0 Tuesday.

It's
the Indians fifth shutout this season and third in their last four matches as
they improved to 8-7. 

Hays Post SportsJUNCTION
CITY – Hays High girls soccer team blanked Junction City 5-0 Tuesday.It's
the Indians fifth shutout this season and third in their last four matches as
they improved to 8-7.

⚽ HHS girls shutout Junction City

GARDEN
CITY – The Hays High softball team closed out Western Athletic Conference play
with an 8-4 loss at Garden City Tuesday. It’s the Buffaloes sixth-straight win
and it gave them the series win over HHS two games to one.

The
Buffs (17-5, 8-4 WAC) scored six in the fourth to break open a 2-2 game. Piper
Harris hit a two-run homer to break the tie. They added two more runs on a
fielder’s choice then scored two more on a single to center.

The
Indians (14-10, 7-5 WAC) had tied the game in the top of the inning on a two-out
single from Brynlee Brous followed by a double from Lanie Becker.

Riley
Dreher would add a two-run homer in the fifth.

Hays Post SportsGARDEN
CITY – The Hays High softball team closed out Western Athletic Conference play
with an 8-4 loss at Garden City Tuesday. It’s the Buffaloes sixth-straight win
and it gave them the series win over HHS two games to one.The
Buffs (17-5, 8-4 WAC) scored six in the fourth to break open a 2-2 game. Piper
Harris hit a two-run homer to break the tie. They added two more runs on a
fielder’s choice then scored two more on a single to center.The
Indians (14-10, 7-5 WAC) had tied the game in the top of the inning on a two-out
single from Brynlee Brous followed by a double from Lanie Becker.Riley
Dreher would add a two-run homer in the fifth.

🥎 HHS drops WAC finale at Garden City

2025 NCAA DII Outdoor Track and Field Championships Thursday-Saturday, May 22-24, 2025 Pueblo, Colo. • CSUP Thunderbowl

The Fort Hays State track and field teams will send nine student-athletes to compete in eight events at the 2025 NCAA Division II Outdoor Championships. This year's indoor meet is being held Thursday (May 22) till Saturday (May 24) at the CSUP Thunderbowl in Pueblo, Colo.

Six members of the men's team will take on the decathlon, 4x100m relay, pole vault and 200m, while three members of the women's team will aim for national success in the pole vault, discus and 10,000m.

Annabeth Baalmann, a junior pole vaulter, will look for her second All-American honor after finishing eighth indoors last season. She broke her own school record multiple times this year, with a top clearance of 14-0.5, the third-best mark in the country. Baalmann also became the first woman in school history to surpass the four-meter mark, doing it both indoors and outdoors, further cementing her place in program history.

Emily Diercks, a junior distance runner, is set to compete in the 10,000m after breaking the school record last week at the Franson Last Chance. She finished in 34:46.53 to claim a spot in nationals. Diercks has already broken three school records in the indoor and outdoor seasons, including the mile and 3,000m run during the indoor season.

Freshman standout Emma Slade will compete in the women's discus throw after she threw for 160-2 feet earlier this outdoor season, she had a top five mark for a good chunk of the season and now ranks 15th in Division II.

Junior sprinter Toby Wahlmeier is set to compete in the 200m dash, this will be his first trip to nationals after finishing this outdoor season with multiple provisional marks. He blazed to a 20.74 second 200m finish at the Alex Francis Classic a few weeks back and the mark held up to 19th in DII.

Nolan Churchman will compete in three events, the decathlon, long jump and 4x100m relay. Churchman is a seven-time All-American, including two All-American finishes in the outdoor decathlon. The senior ranks seventh in the country this season in the decathlon with a season-best total of 7,138 points. Churchman also has the 14th best long jump in DII, jumping 24-7 feet at the Jo meaker Classic earlier this season.

Freshman vaulter Josiah Ball vaulted his way into nationals with a qualifying mark of 16-7.5 feet this past weekend at the Ward Haylett Invitational. This will be his first trip to nationals.

Avrey Albright, Hayden Albright, Churchman and Wahlmeier are set to compete in the 4x100m relay race. Freshman Drew Tolar will join the team as the fifth runner, providing valuable depth alongside the core group of four competitors.

The Tigers have delivered an impressive outdoor season, highlighted by three school records and 33 NCAA provisional marks. The Tiger men rank 41st in the latest USTFCCCA MIAA rankings posted today (May 13) while the women rank 46th in DII.

2025 NCAA Division II Outdoor Track and Field Championships Thursday-Saturday, May 22-25 • Pueblo, Colo. Schedule of Events - FHSU Competitors

Thursday, May 22 Decathlon Day One - 11:30 a.m (10:30 a.m. MT) - Nolan Churchman Men's Pole Vault - 12:00 p.m. (11:00 a.m. MT) - Josiah Ball Men's 4x100m Relay Prelims - 5:40 p.m. (4:40 p.m. MT) - Hayden Albright, Toby Wahlmeier, Avrey Albright, Nolan Churchman or Drew Tolar Men's Long Jump - 6:30 p.m. (5:30 p.m. MT) - Nolan Churchman Women's 10,000m - 9:10 p.m. (8:10 p.m. MT) - Emily Diercks

Friday, May 23 Decathlon Day Two - 10:30 a.m. (9:30 a.m. MT) - Nolan Churchman Women's Discus - 3:00 p.m. (2:00 p.m. MT) - Emma Slade Men's 200m Prelims - 6:45 p.m. (5:45 p.m. MT) - Toby Wahlmeier

Saturday, May 24 Women's Pole Vault - 12:00 p.m. (11:00 a.m. MT) - Annabeth Baalmann Men's 4x100m Relay Finals - 6:20 p.m. (5:20 p.m. MT) - Hayden Albright, Toby Wahlmeier, Avrey Albright, Nolan Churchman or Drew Tolar Men's 200m Finals - 8:55 p.m. (7:55 p.m. MT) - Toby Wahlmeier

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/5/1747392407783.png" alt="2025-05-16.png" />
 <figcaption>2025-05-16.png</figcaption>
 </figure>FHSU Athletics2025 NCAA DII Outdoor Track and Field Championships Thursday-Saturday, May 22-24, 2025 Pueblo, Colo. • CSUP ThunderbowlThe Fort Hays State track and field teams will send nine student-athletes to compete in eight events at the 2025 NCAA Division II Outdoor Championships. This year's indoor meet is being held Thursday (May 22) till Saturday (May 24) at the CSUP Thunderbowl in Pueblo, Colo.Six members of the men's team will take on the decathlon, 4x100m relay, pole vault and 200m, while three members of the women's team will aim for national success in the pole vault, discus and 10,000m.Annabeth Baalmann, a junior pole vaulter, will look for her second All-American honor after finishing eighth indoors last season. She broke her own school record multiple times this year, with a top clearance of 14-0.5, the third-best mark in the country. Baalmann also became the first woman in school history to surpass the four-meter mark, doing it both indoors and outdoors, further cementing her place in program history.Emily Diercks, a junior distance runner, is set to compete in the 10,000m after breaking the school record last week at the Franson Last Chance. She finished in 34:46.53 to claim a spot in nationals. Diercks has already broken three school records in the indoor and outdoor seasons, including the mile and 3,000m run during the indoor season.Freshman standout Emma Slade will compete in the women's discus throw after she threw for 160-2 feet earlier this outdoor season, she had a top five mark for a good chunk of the season and now ranks 15th in Division II.Junior sprinter Toby Wahlmeier is set to compete in the 200m dash, this will be his first trip to nationals after finishing this outdoor season with multiple provisional marks. He blazed to a 20.74 second 200m finish at the Alex Francis Classic a few weeks back and the mark held up to 19th in DII.Nolan Churchman will compete in three events, the decathlon, long jump and 4x100m relay. Churchman is a seven-time All-American, including two All-American finishes in the outdoor decathlon. The senior ranks seventh in the country this season in the decathlon with a season-best total of 7,138 points. Churchman also has the 14th best long jump in DII, jumping 24-7 feet at the Jo meaker Classic earlier this season.Freshman vaulter Josiah Ball vaulted his way into nationals with a qualifying mark of 16-7.5 feet this past weekend at the Ward Haylett Invitational. This will be his first trip to nationals.Avrey Albright, Hayden Albright, Churchman and Wahlmeier are set to compete in the 4x100m relay race. Freshman Drew Tolar will join the team as the fifth runner, providing valuable depth alongside the core group of four competitors.The Tigers have delivered an impressive outdoor season, highlighted by three school records and 33 NCAA provisional marks. The Tiger men rank 41st in the latest USTFCCCA MIAA rankings posted today (May 13) while the women rank 46th in DII.2025 NCAA Division II Outdoor Track and Field Championships Thursday-Saturday, May 22-25 • Pueblo, Colo. Schedule of Events - FHSU CompetitorsThursday, May 22 Decathlon Day One - 11:30 a.m (10:30 a.m. MT) - Nolan Churchman Men's Pole Vault - 12:00 p.m. (11:00 a.m. MT) - Josiah Ball Men's 4x100m Relay Prelims - 5:40 p.m. (4:40 p.m. MT) - Hayden Albright, Toby Wahlmeier, Avrey Albright, Nolan Churchman or Drew Tolar Men's Long Jump - 6:30 p.m. (5:30 p.m. MT) - Nolan Churchman Women's 10,000m - 9:10 p.m. (8:10 p.m. MT) - Emily DiercksFriday, May 23 Decathlon Day Two - 10:30 a.m. (9:30 a.m. MT) - Nolan Churchman Women's Discus - 3:00 p.m. (2:00 p.m. MT) - Emma Slade Men's 200m Prelims - 6:45 p.m. (5:45 p.m. MT) - Toby WahlmeierSaturday, May 24 Women's Pole Vault - 12:00 p.m. (11:00 a.m. MT) - Annabeth Baalmann Men's 4x100m Relay Finals - 6:20 p.m. (5:20 p.m. MT) - Hayden Albright, Toby Wahlmeier, Avrey Albright, Nolan Churchman or Drew Tolar Men's 200m Finals - 8:55 p.m. (7:55 p.m. MT) - Toby Wahlmeier

👟 FHSU sending nine to outdoor nationals

By:&nbsp;NICOLAS FIERRO Salina Post

SALINE COUNTY —Authorities from several different agencies responded to a crime scene at the Bridgeport exit, south of Salina along Kansas 4 near Interstate 135, according to the Saline County Sheriff's Office.

&nbsp;The roadway where the crime scene happened is currently closed as authorities investigate.

The investigation of the crime scene has been turned over to the Federal Bureau of Investigation.&nbsp; Check the Post for additional details as they become available.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/5/1747158037978.jpeg" alt="View of the investigation Photo Salina Post" />
 <figcaption>View of the investigation Photo Salina Post</figcaption>
 </figure>By:&nbsp;NICOLAS FIERRO Salina PostSALINE COUNTY —Authorities from several different agencies responded to a crime scene at the Bridgeport exit, south of Salina along Kansas 4 near Interstate 135, according to the Saline County Sheriff's Office.&nbsp;The roadway where the crime scene happened is currently closed as authorities investigate.The investigation of the crime scene has been turned over to the Federal Bureau of Investigation.&nbsp; Check the Post for additional details as they become available.

FBI investigating after chase ends in central Kansas

By JONATHAN ZWEYGARDT Hays Post

An investigation started by the WaKeeney Police Department
into a 2024 incident led to more than 42 charges filed against seven individuals in Trego County last month.&nbsp;

According to information from the Trego County Attorney,
Abraham Pfannenstiel, police in WaKeeney received the report of a stolen
firearm during a vehicle burglary on Nov. 7, 2024.

Pfannenstiel said evidence from the burglary led to other
criminal investigations in Trego, Ness, Ellis and Russell counties.

According to Pfannenstiel, it also led to information on
the burglary and suspected arson at a Collyer home in August 2024. 

The same individuals are suspects in reports of people
turning off the power to homes in WaKeeney in December 2024.

Pfannenstiel charged the seven individuals in Trego County District Court on April 21.

Dakota Justice Wilson has been charged with theft of a
firearm, interference with law enforcement, drug possession, possession of drug
paraphernalia, and minor in possession of alcohol and tobacco.

David Allen Sinclair was charged with racketeering, theft of
a firearm, theft and drug possession. 

The names, ages and hometowns of the juveniles who have been
charged have not been released by the Trego County Attorney’s office. 

The complete list of charges filed against the seven individuals
can be found below:

• Five counts of racketeering—severity level 2 person felony

• Three counts of aggravated arson—severity level 3 person felony

•&nbsp; Two counts of vehicle burglary to steal firearm—severity level 5 nonperson felony

• Five counts of theft of a firearm—severity level 9 nonperson felony

• One count of interference with law enforcement officer—severity level 9 nonperson felony

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/9/1727368790804.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>By JONATHAN ZWEYGARDT Hays PostAn investigation started by the WaKeeney Police Department
into a 2024 incident led to more than 42 charges filed against seven individuals in Trego County last month.&nbsp;According to information from the Trego County Attorney,
Abraham Pfannenstiel, police in WaKeeney received the report of a stolen
firearm during a vehicle burglary on Nov. 7, 2024.Pfannenstiel said evidence from the burglary led to other
criminal investigations in Trego, Ness, Ellis and Russell counties.According to Pfannenstiel, it also led to information on
the burglary and suspected arson at a Collyer home in August 2024. The same individuals are suspects in reports of people
turning off the power to homes in WaKeeney in December 2024.Pfannenstiel charged the seven individuals in Trego County District Court on April 21.Five of the seven charged are juveniles.Dakota Justice Wilson has been charged with theft of a
firearm, interference with law enforcement, drug possession, possession of drug
paraphernalia, and minor in possession of alcohol and tobacco.David Allen Sinclair was charged with racketeering, theft of
a firearm, theft and drug possession. The names, ages and hometowns of the juveniles who have been
charged have not been released by the Trego County Attorney’s office. The complete list of charges filed against the seven individuals
can be found below:• Five counts of racketeering—severity level 2 person felony• Three counts of aggravated arson—severity level 3 person felony•&nbsp; Two counts of vehicle burglary to steal firearm—severity level 5 nonperson felony• Five counts of theft of a firearm—severity level 9 nonperson felony• One count of interference with law enforcement officer—severity level 9 nonperson felony• One count of interference with law enforcement officer—class A nonperson misdemeanor• One count of unlawful transmission of visual depiction of a child—Class A person misdemeanor• 10 counts of criminal deprivation of property—class A nonperson misdemeanor• One count of unlawful possession of a visual depiction of child—class B person misdemeanor• Two counts of attempted theft—class B nonperson misdemeanor• Four counts of possession of marijuana—class B nonperson misdemeanor• Three counts of possession of drug paraphernalia—class B nonperson misdemeanor• Two counts of minor in possession of alcohol—class C nonperson misdemeanor• Two counts of minor in possession of tobacco—tobacco infractionWilson and Sinclair are due in court for a first appearance on May 21.