Kansas Department of Transportation

TOPEKA — The Kansas Department of Transportation announces approved bids for state highway construction and maintenance projects. The letting took place May 21, 2025, in Topeka. Some of the bids may include multiple projects that have been bundled based on proximity and type of work.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/7/1657276342781.jpeg" alt="Photo by Pixabay" />
 <figcaption>Photo by Pixabay</figcaption>
 </figure>Kansas Department of TransportationTOPEKA — The Kansas Department of Transportation announces approved bids for state highway construction and maintenance projects. The letting took place May 21, 2025, in Topeka. Some of the bids may include multiple projects that have been bundled based on proximity and type of work.&nbsp;Projects include:&nbsp;District Three-Northwest<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/6/1748969347263.png" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure>

Hays, Ellis County bridges among May bids approved by KDOT

Note: The letter from the Executive Office of the President, Office of Management and Budget, and the EAS recommended line-item cuts are attached at the end of this letter.

This is in response to the article regarding Essential Air Service funding for the Hays airport.

<a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/2730c5cd-1026-4098-9e5f-ebf15c8fd949">SEE RELATED STORY: Hays faces loss of federal airport funds</a>

After reading the article in Hays Post about the Hays airport losing its Essential Air Service (EAS) federal funding, I shared mixed feelings of panic and anger. Panic because it meant that my husband who has worked for TSA for 22 plus years would possibly need to relocate or lose his job if Hays no longer had air service. And anger at our city council for fear-mongering the public by not giving more details about the information and its source. Instead, they chose to direct us down a path of doom by making this comment about their solution of how to make up the money that would be lost: "For us, to make that up, we would have to increase our mill levy from 25 to 44. That's almost double the mills just to cover that annual subsidy," said Mason Ruder, vice-mayor.

While I appreciate our city council directing us to contact our legislators about anything of concern, I am putting them on notice. Give us the facts and the source of where you are getting your information. Spend time explaining it to those who voted for you. Don’t just say “Trump’s budget” and sound the alarm, push us in a corner and leave it at that! Research some other funding options, or at least tell us you are looking into it, rather than make some crazy comment about raising our mill levy/taxes. Like we all needed to hear that right now!

I am always skeptical of both sides of the news – left and right. I think for myself. It’s sad that journalism isn’t what it used to be…when opinions of the journalists were not expressed, and all that we got were the facts. Now it’s almost like a reality show where the public feeds off the controversy.

After reading the article, I did my research. I went to the belly of the beast, the actual “Big Beautiful Bill” all 1,118 pages of it. Doing a search within the bill, I found nothing that mentions “Essential Air Service.” I dissected the table of contents and still nothing. After searching more on <a href="http://Congress.gov">Congress.gov</a>, I found that cutting EAS has not been introduced into any type of legislation. Where I did find it mentioned was at the bottom of page 23 in a letter from the Executive Office of the President, Office of Management and Budget as a proposal to Congress for the 2026 budget. This is not written in stone legislation. It is merely a proposal to Congress. Congress is the one that needs to enact the legislation to remove EAS. Nothing in that budget proposal letter is written in stone. I encourage you to click on the bill highlighted above, which is legislation currently in the Senate, and read (or press the listen button) to be informed of what your Congress is voting on…go to the source itself instead of listening to he said, she said. Make up your own mind.

Here is an explanation about Essential Air Service for those who don’t know. The airline is given federal EAS funding for each seat in the plane, whether empty or occupied. To receive EAS funding, certain criteria must be met, and an application must be submitted and approved. It is federal money put in the pocket of the airline to entice them to service the area, and it gives the city an edge to contract with a competitive air carrier. Many rural towns do not fill their seats, so it is debatable by the administration if it is considered wasteful to the taxpayers to pay for all those empty seats in the airplane. Hays has high boarding numbers, which is very good and something positive that should be pointed out by our city council. In my opinion, and according to the criteria they are stating in the budget proposal, we are being good stewards of the money given by evidence of the enplanements we have. FHSU requires their faculty/staff to fly out of Hays whenever possible because the more the community supports the airline, the more likelihood the airline will be able to receive EAS funding, and we will keep our service. Community support is also one of the criteria for receiving funding.

Everyone complains that it is so expensive to fly out of Hays. To get the best ticket price you should try being flexible on the dates you are traveling, if possible. When going to United.com, click on the “flexible dates” box and adjust how many days in your trip and the month. It will show the entire month and the ticket prices for every day. You can adjust your travel dates or number of days to get the lowest price. Also, booking on Tuesday or Wednesday could be better. On my search for Hays to Orlando, I found a roundtrip ticket price of $275 on June 27. Isn’t it much better to avoid the driving, traffic, gas, hotel, parking fees, plus just all the hassle when you can fly right out of Hays?

We could all use more positivity in our lives. Shouldn’t we try to be part of the solution rather than part of the problem?

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/10/1698091063975.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Note: The letter from the Executive Office of the President, Office of Management and Budget, and the EAS recommended line-item cuts are attached at the end of this letter.This is in response to the article regarding Essential Air Service funding for the Hays airport.<a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/2730c5cd-1026-4098-9e5f-ebf15c8fd949">SEE RELATED STORY: Hays faces loss of federal airport funds</a>After reading the article in Hays Post about the Hays airport losing its Essential Air Service (EAS) federal funding, I shared mixed feelings of panic and anger. Panic because it meant that my husband who has worked for TSA for 22 plus years would possibly need to relocate or lose his job if Hays no longer had air service. And anger at our city council for fear-mongering the public by not giving more details about the information and its source. Instead, they chose to direct us down a path of doom by making this comment about their solution of how to make up the money that would be lost: "For us, to make that up, we would have to increase our mill levy from 25 to 44. That's almost double the mills just to cover that annual subsidy," said Mason Ruder, vice-mayor.While I appreciate our city council directing us to contact our legislators about anything of concern, I am putting them on notice. Give us the facts and the source of where you are getting your information. Spend time explaining it to those who voted for you. Don’t just say “Trump’s budget” and sound the alarm, push us in a corner and leave it at that! Research some other funding options, or at least tell us you are looking into it, rather than make some crazy comment about raising our mill levy/taxes. Like we all needed to hear that right now!I am always skeptical of both sides of the news – left and right. I think for myself. It’s sad that journalism isn’t what it used to be…when opinions of the journalists were not expressed, and all that we got were the facts. Now it’s almost like a reality show where the public feeds off the controversy.After reading the article, I did my research. I went to the belly of the beast, the actual “Big Beautiful Bill” all 1,118 pages of it. Doing a search within the bill, I found nothing that mentions “Essential Air Service.” I dissected the table of contents and still nothing. After searching more on <a href="http://Congress.gov">Congress.gov</a>, I found that cutting EAS has not been introduced into any type of legislation. Where I did find it mentioned was at the bottom of page 23 in a letter from the Executive Office of the President, Office of Management and Budget as a proposal to Congress for the 2026 budget. This is not written in stone legislation. It is merely a proposal to Congress. Congress is the one that needs to enact the legislation to remove EAS. Nothing in that budget proposal letter is written in stone. I encourage you to click on the bill highlighted above, which is legislation currently in the Senate, and read (or press the listen button) to be informed of what your Congress is voting on…go to the source itself instead of listening to he said, she said. Make up your own mind.Here is an explanation about Essential Air Service for those who don’t know. The airline is given federal EAS funding for each seat in the plane, whether empty or occupied. To receive EAS funding, certain criteria must be met, and an application must be submitted and approved. It is federal money put in the pocket of the airline to entice them to service the area, and it gives the city an edge to contract with a competitive air carrier. Many rural towns do not fill their seats, so it is debatable by the administration if it is considered wasteful to the taxpayers to pay for all those empty seats in the airplane. Hays has high boarding numbers, which is very good and something positive that should be pointed out by our city council. In my opinion, and according to the criteria they are stating in the budget proposal, we are being good stewards of the money given by evidence of the enplanements we have. FHSU requires their faculty/staff to fly out of Hays whenever possible because the more the community supports the airline, the more likelihood the airline will be able to receive EAS funding, and we will keep our service. Community support is also one of the criteria for receiving funding.Everyone complains that it is so expensive to fly out of Hays. To get the best ticket price you should try being flexible on the dates you are traveling, if possible. When going to United.com, click on the “flexible dates” box and adjust how many days in your trip and the month. It will show the entire month and the ticket prices for every day. You can adjust your travel dates or number of days to get the lowest price. Also, booking on Tuesday or Wednesday could be better. On my search for Hays to Orlando, I found a roundtrip ticket price of $275 on June 27. Isn’t it much better to avoid the driving, traffic, gas, hotel, parking fees, plus just all the hassle when you can fly right out of Hays?We could all use more positivity in our lives. Shouldn’t we try to be part of the solution rather than part of the problem?— Jodie J. Wear-Leiker<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/6/1748979073961.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/6/1748979098644.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/6/1748979120678.png" alt="Line item for recommended budget cut for Essential Air Service." />
 <figcaption>Line item for recommended budget cut for Essential Air Service.</figcaption>
 </figure>

LETTER: Reader wants city to find other solutions for air service

Lucille
Marjorie Prater, of Plainville, KS, passed away on June 1, 2025, in Hays, KS,
at the age of 98. She was born on February 4, 1927, to Carl and Barbara (Schauer)
Pfannkuch in the family farmhouse in Phillips County, Kansas.

Raised
during the Great Depression, Lucille learned the value of hard work at a young
age. Whether it was harvesting wheat with scissors, milking the family’s
famously temperamental cow before school, or helping at her parents' business
after classes, Lucille’s industrious spirit remained steadfast throughout her
life.

Lucille
graduated from Logan High School with the Class of 1946. She married Leman
Dwight Prater on December 14, 1947, in Hays, Kansas, beginning a loving union
that would last 40 years until Leman’s passing in 1988.

Lucille’s
career journey was as varied as it was impressive. She worked in local grocery
stores—where she first met Dwight—and became a familiar face as a checker in
both Logan and later C.O. Mammel’s in Plainville. She was also employed at
Travenol, sold Avon, assisted her husband in his State Farm office, and
eventually found her true calling in real estate. Lucille earned her Real
Estate Broker’s license and opened her own business, Quality Real Estate, in
Plainville, serving her community with care.

Despite
her many professional accomplishments, Lucille’s heart always belonged to her
family. She cherished time spent with her children, grandchildren, and
great-grandchildren. She loved tending to her flowers, visiting with friends,
and making sure those around her felt loved and supported.

A life
defined by dedication to family, hard work, and quiet resilience, Lucille
leaves behind a legacy of love and service. She will be missed dearly and
remembered always.

She is
survived by her daughter, Dixie Prater Odum of Hays; son, Randy (Kim) Prater of
Plainville; grandchildren: Shane Odum of Parker, CO, Sarah Odum of Wood-Ridge,
NJ, Angie (John) Norton of Schoenchen, KS, Justin (Andee) Prater of Plainville;
step-grandchildren, Tristan (Carissa) Houser of Hays, Trever (Kaelyn) Houser of
Plainville, and Brianna (Dylan) Bloom of Wamego, KS; great-grandchildren,
Jackson Norton and Corbyn Marquess; and step-great-grandchildren: Brooks
Houser, Cole Anderson, and Cailyn Houser.

She is
preceded in death by her parents; husband; stillborn sister; infant brother
Erwin; sister, Maxine Zaltosky; and nephews, Craig and Ricky Zaltosky.

A Funeral
Service will be held on Thursday, June 5, 2025, at 11AM at the United Methodist
Church in Plainville. Burial will follow at the Plainville Cemetery. Visitation
will be held on Wednesday, 5:30-8PM with the family receiving friends 5:30-6:30
at the funeral home in Plainville. 

In lieu
of flowers, the family suggests memorials to United Methodist Church –
Plainville and may be sent to Plumer-Overlease Funeral Home, 320 SW 2nd,
Plainville, KS 67663.

Online
condolences may be left for the family at www.plumeroverlease.com.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/6/1748976369251.jpeg" alt="Lucille Marjorie Prater" />
 <figcaption>Lucille Marjorie Prater</figcaption>
 </figure>Lucille
Marjorie Prater, of Plainville, KS, passed away on June 1, 2025, in Hays, KS,
at the age of 98. She was born on February 4, 1927, to Carl and Barbara (Schauer)
Pfannkuch in the family farmhouse in Phillips County, Kansas.Raised
during the Great Depression, Lucille learned the value of hard work at a young
age. Whether it was harvesting wheat with scissors, milking the family’s
famously temperamental cow before school, or helping at her parents' business
after classes, Lucille’s industrious spirit remained steadfast throughout her
life.Lucille
graduated from Logan High School with the Class of 1946. She married Leman
Dwight Prater on December 14, 1947, in Hays, Kansas, beginning a loving union
that would last 40 years until Leman’s passing in 1988.Lucille’s
career journey was as varied as it was impressive. She worked in local grocery
stores—where she first met Dwight—and became a familiar face as a checker in
both Logan and later C.O. Mammel’s in Plainville. She was also employed at
Travenol, sold Avon, assisted her husband in his State Farm office, and
eventually found her true calling in real estate. Lucille earned her Real
Estate Broker’s license and opened her own business, Quality Real Estate, in
Plainville, serving her community with care.Despite
her many professional accomplishments, Lucille’s heart always belonged to her
family. She cherished time spent with her children, grandchildren, and
great-grandchildren. She loved tending to her flowers, visiting with friends,
and making sure those around her felt loved and supported.A life
defined by dedication to family, hard work, and quiet resilience, Lucille
leaves behind a legacy of love and service. She will be missed dearly and
remembered always.She is
survived by her daughter, Dixie Prater Odum of Hays; son, Randy (Kim) Prater of
Plainville; grandchildren: Shane Odum of Parker, CO, Sarah Odum of Wood-Ridge,
NJ, Angie (John) Norton of Schoenchen, KS, Justin (Andee) Prater of Plainville;
step-grandchildren, Tristan (Carissa) Houser of Hays, Trever (Kaelyn) Houser of
Plainville, and Brianna (Dylan) Bloom of Wamego, KS; great-grandchildren,
Jackson Norton and Corbyn Marquess; and step-great-grandchildren: Brooks
Houser, Cole Anderson, and Cailyn Houser.She is
preceded in death by her parents; husband; stillborn sister; infant brother
Erwin; sister, Maxine Zaltosky; and nephews, Craig and Ricky Zaltosky.A Funeral
Service will be held on Thursday, June 5, 2025, at 11AM at the United Methodist
Church in Plainville. Burial will follow at the Plainville Cemetery. Visitation
will be held on Wednesday, 5:30-8PM with the family receiving friends 5:30-6:30
at the funeral home in Plainville. In lieu
of flowers, the family suggests memorials to United Methodist Church –
Plainville and may be sent to Plumer-Overlease Funeral Home, 320 SW 2nd,
Plainville, KS 67663.Online
condolences may be left for the family at www.plumeroverlease.com.

Lucille Marjorie Prater

ELLLIS COUNTY&nbsp;–&nbsp; The Kansas Bureau of Investigation (KBI) has now canceled the Kansas Blue Alert that was issued after law enforcement were searching for a suspect believed to have shot a Lee’s Summit police officer Sunday night, according to a media release from the KBI.

The alert was canceled Tuesday morning, June 3, after Thomas Eugene Tolbert, 27, was located and apprehended in Ellis, Kansas.

In the early morning hours of June 3, 2025, at approximately 0204, the Ellis Police Department received a tip via CrimeStoppers that the suspect, identified as Thomas Tolbert, was staying at the Day’s Inn Hotel, located at 205 Washington Street in Ellis, according to a press release from the Ellis Police Department.

The Ellis Police officer on duty requested that the CrimeStoppers tip line get in contact with Ellis County Communications, in order to gather the most accurate information and broadcast it out to area law enforcement units. All available units were requested to respond to the city of Ellis so that a plan could be devised to verify the integrity of the tip that was received, the release said.

At about 2:42 a.m., Ellis County Communications received additional information from witnesses who reported giving Tolbert a ride from the Kansas City, Missouri area. They stated they were en route to Colorado and had been asked by a third party to transport Tolbert, unaware of his connection to the Blue Alert, the release said.

According to the witnesses, Tolbert provided a false name and began acting suspiciously during the trip. Upon stopping to rest for the night, one of the witnesses saw the Blue Alert on social media featuring Tolbert’s image and immediately contacted law enforcement, the Ellis release said.

At 2:45 a.m., the Ellis Police Department requested activation of the Hays Police Department’s Special Situation Response Team (SSRT). Members of the Kansas Bureau of Investigation also responded to the scene. At 4:39 a.m., SSRT began evacuating adjacent hotel rooms.

Officers from the Hays Police Department, deputies from the Ellis County Sheriff’s Office and KBI agents arrived at the hotel and safely took Tolbert into custody at around 4:50 a.m., the KBI said.

Tolbert was arrested on a Missouri warrant for assault first-degree or attempted serious physical injury, armed criminal action, unlawful possession of a firearm, resisting arrest or detention by fleeing, and second-degree domestic assault.

He was booked into the Ellis County Sheriff’s Office Jail.

"I’d like to applaud the exemplary teamwork that went into resolving this incident. The professionalism of Ellis County Communications, the Hays Police Department, the Ellis County Sheriff’s Office, and the Kansas Bureau of Investigation led to the best possible outcome in this incident. We thank them for their assistance. We also extend our heartfelt wishes for a speedy recovery to the Lee’s Summit Officer that was injured in the line of duty," Ellis Police Chief Avery Smith said.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/6/1748958751939.jpeg" alt="Tolbert photo Ellis Co. Jail" />
 <figcaption>Tolbert photo Ellis Co. Jail</figcaption>
 </figure>Updated: 12:20 p.m. June 3ELLLIS COUNTY&nbsp;–&nbsp; The Kansas Bureau of Investigation (KBI) has now canceled the Kansas Blue Alert that was issued after law enforcement were searching for a suspect believed to have shot a Lee’s Summit police officer Sunday night, according to a media release from the KBI.The alert was canceled Tuesday morning, June 3, after Thomas Eugene Tolbert, 27, was located and apprehended in Ellis, Kansas.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/6/1748872142987.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>In the early morning hours of June 3, 2025, at approximately 0204, the Ellis Police Department received a tip via CrimeStoppers that the suspect, identified as Thomas Tolbert, was staying at the Day’s Inn Hotel, located at 205 Washington Street in Ellis, according to a press release from the Ellis Police Department.The Ellis Police officer on duty requested that the CrimeStoppers tip line get in contact with Ellis County Communications, in order to gather the most accurate information and broadcast it out to area law enforcement units. All available units were requested to respond to the city of Ellis so that a plan could be devised to verify the integrity of the tip that was received, the release said.At about 2:42 a.m., Ellis County Communications received additional information from witnesses who reported giving Tolbert a ride from the Kansas City, Missouri area. They stated they were en route to Colorado and had been asked by a third party to transport Tolbert, unaware of his connection to the Blue Alert, the release said.According to the witnesses, Tolbert provided a false name and began acting suspiciously during the trip. Upon stopping to rest for the night, one of the witnesses saw the Blue Alert on social media featuring Tolbert’s image and immediately contacted law enforcement, the Ellis release said.At 2:45 a.m., the Ellis Police Department requested activation of the Hays Police Department’s Special Situation Response Team (SSRT). Members of the Kansas Bureau of Investigation also responded to the scene. At 4:39 a.m., SSRT began evacuating adjacent hotel rooms.Officers from the Hays Police Department, deputies from the Ellis County Sheriff’s Office and KBI agents arrived at the hotel and safely took Tolbert into custody at around 4:50 a.m., the KBI said.Tolbert was arrested on a Missouri warrant for assault first-degree or attempted serious physical injury, armed criminal action, unlawful possession of a firearm, resisting arrest or detention by fleeing, and second-degree domestic assault.He was booked into the Ellis County Sheriff’s Office Jail."I’d like to applaud the exemplary teamwork that went into resolving this incident. The professionalism of Ellis County Communications, the Hays Police Department, the Ellis County Sheriff’s Office, and the Kansas Bureau of Investigation led to the best possible outcome in this incident. We thank them for their assistance. We also extend our heartfelt wishes for a speedy recovery to the Lee’s Summit Officer that was injured in the line of duty," Ellis Police Chief Avery Smith said.

UPDATE: Suspect who shot KC area officer multiple times captured in Ellis Co.

KANSAS CITY, Mo. - Fort Hays State women's basketball student-athlete Katie Wagner DeGarmo repeated as the MIAA Women's Ken B. Jones Award winner, presented by Summit Pointe Financial Group, on Monday at the MIAA Awards Celebration in Kansas City, Mo. The Ken B. Jones Award recognizes the MIAA's top female and male student-athletes from the academic year, combining an individual's athletic, academic and service accomplishments.

DeGarmo was one of five women's finalists for the award invited on-site at the annual awards celebration in Kansas City, where she was announced as the winner once again. Myles Menges of FHSU football was one of the five male finalists for the award, which went to Tyler Kahmann of Emporia State.

A 15-member panel of athletics directors, senior woman administrators, faculty athletics representatives and sports information directors - including a representative from each member institution – vote to create the group of finalists, and then vote again on the final five for each gender. Each nominee is judged in three areas, including 2024-25 athletic accomplishments, career academic accomplishments and 2024-25 campus/community service.

DeGarmo is the fourth women's student-athlete in the history of the award to repeat as winner and the first to do so since Natalie O'Keefe of Southwest Baptist in 2017. She joins Deandra Doubrava of Emporia State (track and field/volleyball, 1997 and 1999), Lindsay Lettow of Central Missouri (track and field, 2011 and 2012) and O'Keefe (track and field/basketball, 2016 and 2017). There has been only one male repeat winner of the award, that being Brian Moorman of Pittsburg State football who went on to a successful career in the NFL, in 1998 and 1999. Levi Wyrick of Pittsburg State (football/track and field) and Ryan Stanley of Fort Hays State (track and field) each have the distinction of winning a Ken B. Jones Award and being a seasonal Student-Athlete of the year when sports seasons were affected by the COVID-19 pandemic during the 2019-20 and 2020-21 academic years.

Ken B. Jones Award History can be found <a href="https://themiaa.com/sports/2012/5/31/kenbjonesaward.aspx?id=26">HERE</a>.

DeGarmo had another elite year in her storied basketball career at Fort Hays State, averaging 17.2 points and 8.6 rebounds per game. She was the MIAA Player of the Year for a second-straight season, the first to repeat for that honor since 2003, then raked in All-America honors from both the WBCA (first team) and D2CCA (third team). She was an All-MIAA First Team selection for the third-straight year and a four-time all-conference selection overall. DeGarmo broke both the FHSU and MIAA records for rebounds in a career with 1,248 and she finished her career second all-time in scoring at both FHSU and in the MIAA with 2,299 points. The Tigers played in the NCAA Tournament for a fourth time in her five-year career and helped the program continue its NCAA Division II-leading streak of 14 straight years with at least 20 wins. It was the ninth time in the last 11 seasons FHSU reached the NCAA Tournament.

DeGarmo rewrote the MIAA Tournament record book as the new career leader in scoring (227 points), rebounds (117), field goals made (88), and field goals attempted (182) at the event. She tied the records for double-doubles in points and rebounds (5) games played (14). For a career at FHSU, she also ranks first in field goal attempts (1,830) and second in field goals made (865), free throws made (512), free throws attempted (661), and steals (236). She is fourth in FHSU history for assists (408).

Academically, DeGarmo was a three-time CSC Academic All-District selection, a four-time recipient of the MIAA Scholar-Athlete Award, and five-time member of the MIAA Academic Honor Roll. She was named a CSC Academic All-America selection in 2025, one of only 16 players nationally to receive the honor which combines athletic and academic performance. Ten of the 16 CSC Academic All-America selections this year were performance All-America selections by either the WBCA or D2CCA. DeGarmo held a perfect 4.0 GPA in her graduate studies and graduated in the spring of 2025 with a Master of Business Administration (MBA) degree. Her first degree was in Accounting when she graduated magna cum laude back in December of 2023 with a 3.87 GPA.

Back in 2024, DeGarmo was nominated for the Accounting Student of the Year by the FHSU Department of Economics, Finance and Accounting. She was also nominated and selected by accounting faculty for a Graduate Teaching Assistantship following her December 2023 graduation. She also held a summer accounting/analyst internship at Koch industries in Wichita.

DeGarmo served on a leadership team for Encounter Young Adults, a Christian ministry affiliated with Celebration Community Church. She was a volunteer for the annual Night to Shine event in Hays, honoring individuals in the community with special needs, and a volunteer at Bethesda Place, which is a residential community for individuals with disabilities. For the second-straight year, DeGarmo and teammates from women's basketball partnered with Team IMPACT, a non-profit organization matching children with serious illness and disabilities with college sports teams. She also helped instruct and facilitate during the Tigers for IDD Sports and Fitness Night, hosted by FHSU student-athletes for local Special Olympic athletes. The NCAA chose Fort Hays State as a finalist for the 2025 Division II Award of Excellence for that event.

Two of Fort Hays State's three winners of the Ken B. Jones award have been women's basketball student-athletes, which includes Kate Lehman (2015) and DeGarmo (2024, 2025). Lehman (now Bremerman) was also honored Monday night, along with FHSU track and field athlete Darcie Schmitz (now Riordan) at the celebration as one of 11 MIAA Hall of Fame inductees for 2025. Ryan Stanley (track and field) was the only male from FHSU to win the award back in 2023, so DeGarmo gave FHSU a winner of this prestigious award for a third-straight year.

Each institution may nominate one female and one male student-athlete for the Ken B. Jones Award. The nominees must have completed at least their junior season of athletic eligibility by June 1 of the academic year of nomination. A nominee must have at least a 3.25 cumulative grade-point average through the previous full semester term through February 1 of the academic year of nomination at the certifying member institution.

Fort Hays State has had 20 finalists for the Ken B. Jones Award or season-specific student-athlete of the year honors since joining the MIAA in 2006-07. FHSU has had at least one finalist for each of the last 13 awards given since 2014-15.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/6/1748946393702.png" alt="Fort Hays State's Katie DeGarmo receives the Ken B. Jones Award as the MIAA's top female student-athlete at the MIAA Awards Celebration on Monday, June 2, 2025 in Kansas City, Mo. (FHSU Athletics photo/Ryan Prickett)" />
 <figcaption>Fort Hays State's Katie DeGarmo receives the Ken B. Jones Award as the MIAA's top female student-athlete at the MIAA Awards Celebration on Monday, June 2, 2025 in Kansas City, Mo. (FHSU Athletics photo/Ryan Prickett)</figcaption>
 </figure>FHSU AthleticsKANSAS CITY, Mo. - Fort Hays State women's basketball student-athlete Katie Wagner DeGarmo repeated as the MIAA Women's Ken B. Jones Award winner, presented by Summit Pointe Financial Group, on Monday at the MIAA Awards Celebration in Kansas City, Mo. The Ken B. Jones Award recognizes the MIAA's top female and male student-athletes from the academic year, combining an individual's athletic, academic and service accomplishments.DeGarmo was one of five women's finalists for the award invited on-site at the annual awards celebration in Kansas City, where she was announced as the winner once again. Myles Menges of FHSU football was one of the five male finalists for the award, which went to Tyler Kahmann of Emporia State.A 15-member panel of athletics directors, senior woman administrators, faculty athletics representatives and sports information directors - including a representative from each member institution – vote to create the group of finalists, and then vote again on the final five for each gender. Each nominee is judged in three areas, including 2024-25 athletic accomplishments, career academic accomplishments and 2024-25 campus/community service.DeGarmo is the fourth women's student-athlete in the history of the award to repeat as winner and the first to do so since Natalie O'Keefe of Southwest Baptist in 2017. She joins Deandra Doubrava of Emporia State (track and field/volleyball, 1997 and 1999), Lindsay Lettow of Central Missouri (track and field, 2011 and 2012) and O'Keefe (track and field/basketball, 2016 and 2017). There has been only one male repeat winner of the award, that being Brian Moorman of Pittsburg State football who went on to a successful career in the NFL, in 1998 and 1999. Levi Wyrick of Pittsburg State (football/track and field) and Ryan Stanley of Fort Hays State (track and field) each have the distinction of winning a Ken B. Jones Award and being a seasonal Student-Athlete of the year when sports seasons were affected by the COVID-19 pandemic during the 2019-20 and 2020-21 academic years.Ken B. Jones Award History can be found <a href="https://themiaa.com/sports/2012/5/31/kenbjonesaward.aspx?id=26">HERE</a>.DeGarmo had another elite year in her storied basketball career at Fort Hays State, averaging 17.2 points and 8.6 rebounds per game. She was the MIAA Player of the Year for a second-straight season, the first to repeat for that honor since 2003, then raked in All-America honors from both the WBCA (first team) and D2CCA (third team). She was an All-MIAA First Team selection for the third-straight year and a four-time all-conference selection overall. DeGarmo broke both the FHSU and MIAA records for rebounds in a career with 1,248 and she finished her career second all-time in scoring at both FHSU and in the MIAA with 2,299 points. The Tigers played in the NCAA Tournament for a fourth time in her five-year career and helped the program continue its NCAA Division II-leading streak of 14 straight years with at least 20 wins. It was the ninth time in the last 11 seasons FHSU reached the NCAA Tournament.DeGarmo rewrote the MIAA Tournament record book as the new career leader in scoring (227 points), rebounds (117), field goals made (88), and field goals attempted (182) at the event. She tied the records for double-doubles in points and rebounds (5) games played (14). For a career at FHSU, she also ranks first in field goal attempts (1,830) and second in field goals made (865), free throws made (512), free throws attempted (661), and steals (236). She is fourth in FHSU history for assists (408).Academically, DeGarmo was a three-time CSC Academic All-District selection, a four-time recipient of the MIAA Scholar-Athlete Award, and five-time member of the MIAA Academic Honor Roll. She was named a CSC Academic All-America selection in 2025, one of only 16 players nationally to receive the honor which combines athletic and academic performance. Ten of the 16 CSC Academic All-America selections this year were performance All-America selections by either the WBCA or D2CCA. DeGarmo held a perfect 4.0 GPA in her graduate studies and graduated in the spring of 2025 with a Master of Business Administration (MBA) degree. Her first degree was in Accounting when she graduated magna cum laude back in December of 2023 with a 3.87 GPA.Back in 2024, DeGarmo was nominated for the Accounting Student of the Year by the FHSU Department of Economics, Finance and Accounting. She was also nominated and selected by accounting faculty for a Graduate Teaching Assistantship following her December 2023 graduation. She also held a summer accounting/analyst internship at Koch industries in Wichita.DeGarmo served on a leadership team for Encounter Young Adults, a Christian ministry affiliated with Celebration Community Church. She was a volunteer for the annual Night to Shine event in Hays, honoring individuals in the community with special needs, and a volunteer at Bethesda Place, which is a residential community for individuals with disabilities. For the second-straight year, DeGarmo and teammates from women's basketball partnered with Team IMPACT, a non-profit organization matching children with serious illness and disabilities with college sports teams. She also helped instruct and facilitate during the Tigers for IDD Sports and Fitness Night, hosted by FHSU student-athletes for local Special Olympic athletes. The NCAA chose Fort Hays State as a finalist for the 2025 Division II Award of Excellence for that event.Two of Fort Hays State's three winners of the Ken B. Jones award have been women's basketball student-athletes, which includes Kate Lehman (2015) and DeGarmo (2024, 2025). Lehman (now Bremerman) was also honored Monday night, along with FHSU track and field athlete Darcie Schmitz (now Riordan) at the celebration as one of 11 MIAA Hall of Fame inductees for 2025. Ryan Stanley (track and field) was the only male from FHSU to win the award back in 2023, so DeGarmo gave FHSU a winner of this prestigious award for a third-straight year.Each institution may nominate one female and one male student-athlete for the Ken B. Jones Award. The nominees must have completed at least their junior season of athletic eligibility by June 1 of the academic year of nomination. A nominee must have at least a 3.25 cumulative grade-point average through the previous full semester term through February 1 of the academic year of nomination at the certifying member institution.Fort Hays State has had 20 finalists for the Ken B. Jones Award or season-specific student-athlete of the year honors since joining the MIAA in 2006-07. FHSU has had at least one finalist for each of the last 13 awards given since 2014-15.

FHSU's DeGarmo repeats as MIAA women’s Ken B. Jones Award winner

By TONY GUERRERO Hays Post

The 2025 Ellis County Community Fair will unite health and support services under one roof in Hays.

The Ellis County Health Department will host this year’s fair from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Thursday at Big Creek Crossing, 2918 Vine St., offering attendees a chance to discover local resources.

"Our greatest mission is bridging the gap between public services and people who need them," Ellis County Health Department director, Mellisa Miller, said.

The third-annual fair will feature booths from organizations such as the Alzheimer's Association, Catholic Charities, Cottonwood Extension District, Hays Recreation Commission, High Plains Mental Health, United Way of Ellis County and USD 489.

The event is free to attend, but the health department will also provide $25 sports physicals for the upcoming school year with no appointment required.

Activities will include cornhole, balloon pop, prize wheels, face painting, ring toss and a bingo-style raffle with a $450 prize.

"Each vendor will have a stamp for the attendees' bingo card. And then when their bingo card is full, we'll draw a card and the winner will be notified," Miller said.

In addition to booths inside the mall, outdoor vendors and organizations will feature the Hays Public Library bookmobile, KansasWorks Mobile Center and Chick-fil-A.

The first 50 attendees will get free hot dogs and popcorn.

"We just wanted to create an inviting environment with a carnival theme, so a little less like a resource fair and more like a celebration of the community and what it has to offer," Miller said.

You can find more information on the Ellis County Health Department&nbsp;<a href="https://www.ellisco.net/97/Health">here&nbsp;</a>and follow it on&nbsp;<a href="https://www.facebook.com/elliscokshealth/">Facebook</a>.&nbsp;&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/6/1748888082139.jpeg" alt="2023 Ellis County Community Fair at Big Creek Crossing in Hays. Courtesy photo" />
 <figcaption>2023 Ellis County Community Fair at Big Creek Crossing in Hays. Courtesy photo</figcaption>
 </figure>By TONY GUERRERO Hays PostThe 2025 Ellis County Community Fair will unite health and support services under one roof in Hays.The Ellis County Health Department will host this year’s fair from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Thursday at Big Creek Crossing, 2918 Vine St., offering attendees a chance to discover local resources. "Our greatest mission is bridging the gap between public services and people who need them," Ellis County Health Department director, Mellisa Miller, said.The third-annual fair will feature booths from organizations such as the Alzheimer's Association, Catholic Charities, Cottonwood Extension District, Hays Recreation Commission, High Plains Mental Health, United Way of Ellis County and USD 489.The event is free to attend, but the health department will also provide $25 sports physicals for the upcoming school year with no appointment required.Activities will include cornhole, balloon pop, prize wheels, face painting, ring toss and a bingo-style raffle with a $450 prize."Each vendor will have a stamp for the attendees' bingo card. And then when their bingo card is full, we'll draw a card and the winner will be notified," Miller said.In addition to booths inside the mall, outdoor vendors and organizations will feature the Hays Public Library bookmobile, KansasWorks Mobile Center and Chick-fil-A.The first 50 attendees will get free hot dogs and popcorn."We just wanted to create an inviting environment with a carnival theme, so a little less like a resource fair and more like a celebration of the community and what it has to offer," Miller said.You can find more information on the Ellis County Health Department&nbsp;<a href="https://www.ellisco.net/97/Health">here&nbsp;</a>and follow it on&nbsp;<a href="https://www.facebook.com/elliscokshealth/">Facebook</a>.&nbsp;&nbsp;

2025 Ellis County Community Fair set for Thursday in Hays

Beginning Wednesday, the south side of 33rd Street between Willow Street and Vine Street will be closed to through traffic for road replacement. Westbound traffic in this area is allowed only.

It is anticipated that this shutdown will be until September 2025 or until further notice.

There will be no street parking permitted adjacent to the project during construction. The map provided shows the section of 33rd St. that will be under construction.

Motorists should use caution and allow more time for travel.

The city of Hays regrets any inconvenience this may cause to the public. For questions, please contact the Project Contractor, Vogts-Parga Construction LLC, at 316-320-6650 or the Office of Project Management at 785-628-7350.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/3/1584721067731.jpeg" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure>City of HaysBeginning Wednesday, the south side of 33rd Street between Willow Street and Vine Street will be closed to through traffic for road replacement. Westbound traffic in this area is allowed only.It is anticipated that this shutdown will be until September 2025 or until further notice.There will be no street parking permitted adjacent to the project during construction. The map provided shows the section of 33rd St. that will be under construction.Motorists should use caution and allow more time for travel.The city of Hays regrets any inconvenience this may cause to the public. For questions, please contact the Project Contractor, Vogts-Parga Construction LLC, at 316-320-6650 or the Office of Project Management at 785-628-7350.

South side of 33rd to close between Willow and Vine in Hays

This time of year, our lakes are buzzing with activity....boats launched, jet skis revving with excitement, and campers pulling into their favorite spots—ready for a season of summer fun.

We spend time getting our boats tuned up and campers stocked for weekend getaways.

But one thing we never plan for are those sudden summer storms that roll in fast and fierce. Strong wind gusts can knock jet skis clean off the trailer, or tree limbs can crash down on the roof of campers.

Take one more important step...insure your boat, jet ski and camper with Farmers Insurance agent Chelsy Proehl-Kofoid in Hays.

With proper coverage on your personal watercraft, camper, or boat, you won't be left high and dry with a huge repair bill.

Claims are handled quickly, so you can be back on the water very soon—less worried, and more focused on making memories.

Call or stop by Farmers Insurance agent Chelsy Proehl-Kofoid at 2703 Hall in Hays.

It’s important to review your policies before summer kicks into full swing.

Whether you’re hauling a camper to Cedar Bluff, launching your boat for a lazy Sunday float at Wilson, or racing across the lake on a jet ski at Webster, make sure you're protected.

It only takes a few minutes to check in—and it could save you thousands.

Farmers Insurance Agent Chelsy Proehl-Kofoid, 2703 Hall in Hays. 785-261-0766

<a target="_blank" href="https://agents.farmers.com/ks/hays/chelsy-proehl-kofoid/">https://agents.farmers.com/ks/hays/chelsy-proehl-kofoid/</a>

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/6/1748882498258.jpg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/6/1748882453510.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>This time of year, our lakes are buzzing with activity....boats launched, jet skis revving with excitement, and campers pulling into their favorite spots—ready for a season of summer fun.We spend time getting our boats tuned up and campers stocked for weekend getaways.But one thing we never plan for are those sudden summer storms that roll in fast and fierce. Strong wind gusts can knock jet skis clean off the trailer, or tree limbs can crash down on the roof of campers.Take one more important step...insure your boat, jet ski and camper with Farmers Insurance agent Chelsy Proehl-Kofoid in Hays.With proper coverage on your personal watercraft, camper, or boat, you won't be left high and dry with a huge repair bill.Claims are handled quickly, so you can be back on the water very soon—less worried, and more focused on making memories.Call or stop by Farmers Insurance agent Chelsy Proehl-Kofoid at 2703 Hall in Hays.It’s important to review your policies before summer kicks into full swing.Whether you’re hauling a camper to Cedar Bluff, launching your boat for a lazy Sunday float at Wilson, or racing across the lake on a jet ski at Webster, make sure you're protected.It only takes a few minutes to check in—and it could save you thousands.Farmers Insurance Agent Chelsy Proehl-Kofoid, 2703 Hall in Hays. 785-261-0766<a target="_blank" href="https://agents.farmers.com/ks/hays/chelsy-proehl-kofoid/">https://agents.farmers.com/ks/hays/chelsy-proehl-kofoid/</a>

⚽ Four Indians named to All-WAC team

Alma Jean Keller, 97, of Denver,
Colorado and former Russell, Kansas, resident died on Saturday, December 21,
2024, at the Woodland Estates Assisted Living in Denver.

Jean was born on January 22, 1927,
in Hays, Kansas, the daughter of Paul and Clara (Koehler) Rostocil.&nbsp; She grew up on the family farm near Stockton,
Kansas and graduated from Stockton High School.&nbsp;
After high school she graduated with a bachelor's degree of education
from Kansas State University.&nbsp; She was
united in marriage to Paul Keller on December 30, 1954, in Russell,
Kansas.&nbsp; She worked as a Home Economics
teacher and Para for 47 years in Russell with the USD 407 School District.&nbsp; From this union Jean and Paul were blessed
with a daughter Dea Ann.&nbsp; She was a
longtime member of Otterbein United Methodist Church in Russell.&nbsp; She was also a member of Delta Kappa Gamma,
Russell County Fair Board, Round Robin, Russell Garden Club.&nbsp; She was a very proud supporter and campaign
worker for Bob Dole.&nbsp; She enjoyed making
quilts, gardening, playing bridge, reading and researching family history.&nbsp; 

Surviving family include her
daughter Dea Ann Roark and husband Clay of Denver, Colorado; 3 grandchildren
Brooke Woodward (Brett), Anna Madsen (David) and Andrew Friesen and 6 great
grandchildren Mindzie, Scarlett, Raef, Sydney, Sienna and Alexzy.&nbsp; She was preceded in death by her parents and
husband Paul and sister Edith Bouchey.

Cremation has been selected by
Jean.&nbsp; A graveside memorial service of
Jean’s life will be held at 10:30 A.M. on Thursday, June 12, 2025, at the St.
John Lutheran Cemetery in Russell, Kansas.&nbsp;
Pohlman-Varner-Peeler Mortuary of Russell, Kansas, is in charge of the
funeral services.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/6/1748903956597.jpeg" alt="Alma Jean Keller" />
 <figcaption>Alma Jean Keller</figcaption>
 </figure>Alma Jean Keller, 97, of Denver,
Colorado and former Russell, Kansas, resident died on Saturday, December 21,
2024, at the Woodland Estates Assisted Living in Denver.Jean was born on January 22, 1927,
in Hays, Kansas, the daughter of Paul and Clara (Koehler) Rostocil.&nbsp; She grew up on the family farm near Stockton,
Kansas and graduated from Stockton High School.&nbsp;
After high school she graduated with a bachelor's degree of education
from Kansas State University.&nbsp; She was
united in marriage to Paul Keller on December 30, 1954, in Russell,
Kansas.&nbsp; She worked as a Home Economics
teacher and Para for 47 years in Russell with the USD 407 School District.&nbsp; From this union Jean and Paul were blessed
with a daughter Dea Ann.&nbsp; She was a
longtime member of Otterbein United Methodist Church in Russell.&nbsp; She was also a member of Delta Kappa Gamma,
Russell County Fair Board, Round Robin, Russell Garden Club.&nbsp; She was a very proud supporter and campaign
worker for Bob Dole.&nbsp; She enjoyed making
quilts, gardening, playing bridge, reading and researching family history.&nbsp; Surviving family include her
daughter Dea Ann Roark and husband Clay of Denver, Colorado; 3 grandchildren
Brooke Woodward (Brett), Anna Madsen (David) and Andrew Friesen and 6 great
grandchildren Mindzie, Scarlett, Raef, Sydney, Sienna and Alexzy.&nbsp; She was preceded in death by her parents and
husband Paul and sister Edith Bouchey.Cremation has been selected by
Jean.&nbsp; A graveside memorial service of
Jean’s life will be held at 10:30 A.M. on Thursday, June 12, 2025, at the St.
John Lutheran Cemetery in Russell, Kansas.&nbsp;
Pohlman-Varner-Peeler Mortuary of Russell, Kansas, is in charge of the
funeral services.

Alma Jean Keller

Coming off regional championships and trips to their respective state tournament's, one member of the Hays High baseball team and four TMP-Marian Monarchs were all-state selections in their respective classes by the Kansas Association of Baseball Coaches.

Hays High senior Carter Graham was named first team in Class 5A at third base. TMP-Marian's Ty Schmeidler was named a first team pitcher in Class 2-1A. Caden Dinkel was named second team catcher, Grant Nehls a second team middle infielder and Carson Liles was an honorable mention pitcher.

Graham led the Indians with a .398 batting average, .462 on-base percentage and .636 slugging percentage in 29 games. The senior had 35 hits which were the ninth most in a single season at HHS. His four home runs are tied for ninth most in a single season and his 35 RBI's was fourth most in a single season at HHS.

Schmeidler made 12 appearances with eight starts and went 5-2 with one save with a 1.86 ERA for the Monarchs. He pitched 41 1/3 innings and allowed only 21 hits and 18 runs (11 earned) with 78 strikeouts and 22 walks. The sophomore fanned a career-high 15 batters in TMP's state quarterfinal game with eventual state champ St. Mary's Colgan.

Dinkel, a junior, played in all 30 games for the Monarchs and finished with a .384 batting average with 33 hits, one home run and 26 RBIs.

Nehls played in 28 games and led the Monarchs with .440 batting average, 4 home runs and 34 RBIs. The freshman had six doubles and five triples.

Liles made 10 appearances with seven starts and went 5-1 with a 0.71 ERA. The junior who was coming off a hand injury suffered during the basketball season pitched allowed only four earned runs and 31 hits over 39 1/3 innings with 45 strikeouts and only 10 walks.

Three members from Russell/Victoria were honored in Class 3A.Junior Sam Thielen was selected to the first team as an outfielder, senior Mason Rohr was honorable mention at catcher and junior Max Evans was an honorable mention as a middle infielder.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/5/1685535233177.png" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure>Hays Post SportsComing off regional championships and trips to their respective state tournament's, one member of the Hays High baseball team and four TMP-Marian Monarchs were all-state selections in their respective classes by the Kansas Association of Baseball Coaches.Hays High senior Carter Graham was named first team in Class 5A at third base. TMP-Marian's Ty Schmeidler was named a first team pitcher in Class 2-1A. Caden Dinkel was named second team catcher, Grant Nehls a second team middle infielder and Carson Liles was an honorable mention pitcher.Graham led the Indians with a .398 batting average, .462 on-base percentage and .636 slugging percentage in 29 games. The senior had 35 hits which were the ninth most in a single season at HHS. His four home runs are tied for ninth most in a single season and his 35 RBI's was fourth most in a single season at HHS.Schmeidler made 12 appearances with eight starts and went 5-2 with one save with a 1.86 ERA for the Monarchs. He pitched 41 1/3 innings and allowed only 21 hits and 18 runs (11 earned) with 78 strikeouts and 22 walks. The sophomore fanned a career-high 15 batters in TMP's state quarterfinal game with eventual state champ St. Mary's Colgan.Dinkel, a junior, played in all 30 games for the Monarchs and finished with a .384 batting average with 33 hits, one home run and 26 RBIs.Nehls played in 28 games and led the Monarchs with .440 batting average, 4 home runs and 34 RBIs. The freshman had six doubles and five triples.Liles made 10 appearances with seven starts and went 5-1 with a 0.71 ERA. The junior who was coming off a hand injury suffered during the basketball season pitched allowed only four earned runs and 31 hits over 39 1/3 innings with 45 strikeouts and only 10 walks.Three members from Russell/Victoria were honored in Class 3A.Junior Sam Thielen was selected to the first team as an outfielder, senior Mason Rohr was honorable mention at catcher and junior Max Evans was an honorable mention as a middle infielder.

⚾ HHS's Graham, 4 Monarchs earn KABC All-State honors

The Ellis County Commission will review and offer direction on the first draft of the 2026 county budget during its meeting at 8:30 a.m. Tuesday.

Darin Myers, county administrator, will lead the discussion on the draft budget.

A mill levy increase is not expected, though that could change depending on the options the commissioners consider in the coming months.

The county commission will be asked to approve a resolution to advance the process of creating a Reinvestment Housing Incentive District (RHID) for the proposed Big Creek Estates development.

This is a procedural step and does not finalize the development's creation. Adam Pray of the Platinum Group and David Clingan of Grow Hays will speak at the meeting.

A certified copy will be submitted to the Kansas Secretary of Commerce if approved. If the secretary approves, the county can schedule a public hearing and further consider the district.

Myers will ask commissioners to decide whether to temporarily ease an existing resolution to allow the discharge of fireworks in unincorporated areas of the county in 2025.

If approved, the recommended dates and times are to be set the same as those of the city of Hays. However, the city is also reviewing its fireworks ordinance, and no decision has been made yet.

In previous years, the discharge of fireworks in unincorporated areas of Ellis County was permitted from 10 a.m. to 11 p.m. from July 2 to July 4.

Commissioners will hear from DSNWK President Jerry Michaud about the 2026 fiscal year budget requests for three disability services organizations' programs.

The commission provided $250,000 in 2024 and 2025, and the organization is asking for the same amount.

Myers will ask that commissioners reappoint Eugene Rupp as County Appraiser for a new four-year term starting July 1. Rupp was appointed in December 2023 to finish the term of former appraiser Lisa Ree.

The commission will be notified of two upcoming vacancies on the Planning &amp; Zoning and Library Boards due to members moving out of the county. Myers will announce the openings and invite interested residents to apply.

Doug Williams, executive director of Grow Hays, will provide an update on ongoing projects and economic development initiatives across Ellis County.

Ellis County Attorney Aaron Cunningham and Human Resources Manager Jennifer Taylor will request the commissioners approve a new job description for an assistant county attorney in training position.

You can view the full agenda <a href="https://www.ellisco.net/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_06032025-676">here</a>.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/5/1684183971486.png" alt="Ellis County" />
 <figcaption>Ellis County</figcaption>
 </figure>By TONY GUERRERO Hays PostThe Ellis County Commission will review and offer direction on the first draft of the 2026 county budget during its meeting at 8:30 a.m. Tuesday.Darin Myers, county administrator, will lead the discussion on the draft budget.A mill levy increase is not expected, though that could change depending on the options the commissioners consider in the coming months.<h2>Big Creek Estates</h2>The county commission will be asked to approve a resolution to advance the process of creating a Reinvestment Housing Incentive District (RHID) for the proposed Big Creek Estates development.This is a procedural step and does not finalize the development's creation. Adam Pray of the Platinum Group and David Clingan of Grow Hays will speak at the meeting.A certified copy will be submitted to the Kansas Secretary of Commerce if approved. If the secretary approves, the county can schedule a public hearing and further consider the district.<h2>Discharge of fireworks</h2>Myers will ask commissioners to decide whether to temporarily ease an existing resolution to allow the discharge of fireworks in unincorporated areas of the county in 2025.If approved, the recommended dates and times are to be set the same as those of the city of Hays. However, the city is also reviewing its fireworks ordinance, and no decision has been made yet.In previous years, the discharge of fireworks in unincorporated areas of Ellis County was permitted from 10 a.m. to 11 p.m. from July 2 to July 4.<h2>DSNWK budget requests</h2>Commissioners will hear from DSNWK President Jerry Michaud about the 2026 fiscal year budget requests for three disability services organizations' programs.The commission provided $250,000 in 2024 and 2025, and the organization is asking for the same amount.<h2>Other business</h2>Myers will ask that commissioners reappoint Eugene Rupp as County Appraiser for a new four-year term starting July 1. Rupp was appointed in December 2023 to finish the term of former appraiser Lisa Ree.The commission will be notified of two upcoming vacancies on the Planning &amp; Zoning and Library Boards due to members moving out of the county. Myers will announce the openings and invite interested residents to apply.Doug Williams, executive director of Grow Hays, will provide an update on ongoing projects and economic development initiatives across Ellis County.Ellis County Attorney Aaron Cunningham and Human Resources Manager Jennifer Taylor will request the commissioners approve a new job description for an assistant county attorney in training position.You can view the full agenda <a href="https://www.ellisco.net/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_06032025-676">here</a>.

Ellis County Commission to review 2026 county budget

Lee Allan Dellett, 87, Rush Center,
Kansas, died May 29, 2025 at The Good Samaritan Center, Hays, Kansas.

He was born September 27, 1937, at Rush
Center, the son of Harold and Edna Dellett.&nbsp;


A lifelong resident of Rush Center, he
attended Rush Center Grade School and graduated from LaCrosse High School in
1955.&nbsp; Following graduation, he worked in
the oil fields for one year.&nbsp; Lee joined
the Army in 1957 and served until 1959.&nbsp;
Upon returning to the States, he was employed by the Farmer’s Coop until
his retirement 43 years later.

Lee married Marvel Krug on September 7,
1959, in Rush Center.&nbsp; To this union they were blessed with
three children.&nbsp; Lee was a lifetime
member of Hope Lutheran Church, Rush Center, where he served on various
committees.&nbsp; Lee was known for his sense
of humor and never met a stranger.&nbsp; Lee
was always available to help his friends and family whenever needed.

Lee is survived by his wife, Marvel, of
the home; one daughter Lesa Reifschneider and husband Tom of
Rush Center; two sons Gregg Dellett and husband Tim of Wichita and Jason
Dellett and wife Jessica of LaCrosse; three grandchildren Eric Reifschneider,
Hannah Dellett, Carson Dellett and numerous nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his father,
Harold; mother, Edna;&nbsp; stepfather, Carl
Solomon; brother, Lloyd Dellett and granddaughter, Lindsey Jo Reifschneider.

Per Lee’s wishes he has been
cremated.&nbsp; There will be a graveside
service at 11:00 a.m. Tuesday, June 24, 2025; Locust Hill Cemetery, Rush Center
followed by a luncheon at Hope Lutheran Church, Rush Center.&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;

Memorials are suggested to Hope
Lutheran Church or Walnut Valley Senior Center.

For more information or to leave
condolences online please visit www.janousekfuneralhome.com.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/6/1748881268430.jpeg" alt="Lee Allan Dellett" />
 <figcaption>Lee Allan Dellett</figcaption>
 </figure>Lee Allan Dellett, 87, Rush Center,
Kansas, died May 29, 2025 at The Good Samaritan Center, Hays, Kansas.He was born September 27, 1937, at Rush
Center, the son of Harold and Edna Dellett.&nbsp;
A lifelong resident of Rush Center, he
attended Rush Center Grade School and graduated from LaCrosse High School in
1955.&nbsp; Following graduation, he worked in
the oil fields for one year.&nbsp; Lee joined
the Army in 1957 and served until 1959.&nbsp;
Upon returning to the States, he was employed by the Farmer’s Coop until
his retirement 43 years later.Lee married Marvel Krug on September 7,
1959, in Rush Center.&nbsp; To this union they were blessed with
three children.&nbsp; Lee was a lifetime
member of Hope Lutheran Church, Rush Center, where he served on various
committees.&nbsp; Lee was known for his sense
of humor and never met a stranger.&nbsp; Lee
was always available to help his friends and family whenever needed.Lee is survived by his wife, Marvel, of
the home; one daughter Lesa Reifschneider and husband Tom of
Rush Center; two sons Gregg Dellett and husband Tim of Wichita and Jason
Dellett and wife Jessica of LaCrosse; three grandchildren Eric Reifschneider,
Hannah Dellett, Carson Dellett and numerous nieces and nephews.He was preceded in death by his father,
Harold; mother, Edna;&nbsp; stepfather, Carl
Solomon; brother, Lloyd Dellett and granddaughter, Lindsey Jo Reifschneider.Per Lee’s wishes he has been
cremated.&nbsp; There will be a graveside
service at 11:00 a.m. Tuesday, June 24, 2025; Locust Hill Cemetery, Rush Center
followed by a luncheon at Hope Lutheran Church, Rush Center.&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;Memorials are suggested to Hope
Lutheran Church or Walnut Valley Senior Center.For more information or to leave
condolences online please visit www.janousekfuneralhome.com.

Lee Allan Dellett

The Hays Fire Department came within two points of earning the top Insurance Services Office class rating in its most recent evaluation.

Hays Deputy Fire Chief Shane Preston said the department kept its class 2 rating but raised its score to 88 out of 100, just short of the class 1 rating.

"If you want to think of it like percentages in grade school, if you get a 90, it's an A, if you're in the 80s, you get a B. That's where we're sitting at," Preston said.

Preston credited the improved ISO rating to better training documentation, properly equipped fire trucks, a more efficient dispatch center and a slight improvement in water supply systems.

Preston said the department barely qualified for a class 2 rating in the last evaluation, conducted in the fall. He said the average ISO rating in Kansas is around a four when considering rural departments.

Preston said the higher score reflects the department’s efforts as it influences insurance rates for residents and businesses.

"The general public should be very proud of the fire department, and everything that we've done to help lower their insurance premiums in that case," Preston said.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/10/1696621093343.jpeg" alt="Courtesy of Pixabay" />
 <figcaption>Courtesy of Pixabay</figcaption>
 </figure><div><iframe title="Post Podcast: Hays Fire Department nears top ISO rating" 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=hzf8w-18bf832-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 TONY GUERRERO Hays PostThe Hays Fire Department came within two points of earning the top Insurance Services Office class rating in its most recent evaluation.Hays Deputy Fire Chief Shane Preston said the department kept its class 2 rating but raised its score to 88 out of 100, just short of the class 1 rating."If you want to think of it like percentages in grade school, if you get a 90, it's an A, if you're in the 80s, you get a B. That's where we're sitting at," Preston said.Preston credited the improved ISO rating to better training documentation, properly equipped fire trucks, a more efficient dispatch center and a slight improvement in water supply systems.Preston said the department barely qualified for a class 2 rating in the last evaluation, conducted in the fall. He said the average ISO rating in Kansas is around a four when considering rural departments.Preston said the higher score reflects the department’s efforts as it influences insurance rates for residents and businesses."The general public should be very proud of the fire department, and everything that we've done to help lower their insurance premiums in that case," Preston said.

Hays Fire Department nears top ISO rating

Beloit, KS – Fort Hays Tech | North Central is proud to announce the release of the 2025 Spring Honor Roll, celebrating the academic excellence and dedication of our students. This distinguished list recognizes students who have achieved outstanding academic performance during the Fall semester.

The 2025 Spring Honor Roll includes students from various programs and disciplines, showcasing the breadth of talent and dedication across the campus. A complete list of honorees is available below or on the Fort Hays Tech | North Central website at <a href="https://fhtechnc.edu/2025-spring-honor-roll">https://fhtechnc.edu/2025-spring-honor-roll</a>

Fort Hays Tech | North Central remains committed to fostering an environment of academic excellence and providing students with the tools they need to succeed. The Honor Roll stands as a testament to the dedication of our students, faculty, and staff.

For more information about the Honor Roll or other academic achievements at Fort Hays Tech | North Central, please contact:

Ryan Emerson Marketing Director Fort Hays Tech | North Central remerson@fhtechnc.edu (785) 738-2276.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/2/1739989349609.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Fort Hays Tech | North CentralBeloit, KS – Fort Hays Tech | North Central is proud to announce the release of the 2025 Spring Honor Roll, celebrating the academic excellence and dedication of our students. This distinguished list recognizes students who have achieved outstanding academic performance during the Fall semester.The 2025 Spring Honor Roll includes students from various programs and disciplines, showcasing the breadth of talent and dedication across the campus. A complete list of honorees is available below or on the Fort Hays Tech | North Central website at <a href="https://fhtechnc.edu/2025-spring-honor-roll">https://fhtechnc.edu/2025-spring-honor-roll</a>Fort Hays Tech | North Central remains committed to fostering an environment of academic excellence and providing students with the tools they need to succeed. The Honor Roll stands as a testament to the dedication of our students, faculty, and staff.For more information about the Honor Roll or other academic achievements at Fort Hays Tech | North Central, please contact:Ryan Emerson Marketing Director Fort Hays Tech | North Central remerson@fhtechnc.edu (785) 738-2276.

Fort Hays Tech | North Central announces 2025 spring honor roll

Reporter Cristina Janney asks Doug Williams of Grow Hays questions from our listeners on this episode of the Hays Post Podcast.

Please submit your questions to hayspost@eaglemedia.com.

<div><iframe title="Post Podcast: Answering Listener Questions with Grow Hays" 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=97g37-18c2c84-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>Reporter Cristina Janney asks Doug Williams of Grow Hays questions from our listeners on this episode of the Hays Post Podcast.Please submit your questions to hayspost@eaglemedia.com.

🎙 Post Podcast: Doug Williams of Grow Hays answers questions about Microfactory

By BRETT MARSHALL <a href="https://www.wacathletics.com/">Western Athletic Conference</a>

Great Bend’s Umphres voted Player of Year

It was by the slimmest of margins, but that’s all that matters when it comes to wins and losses to determine the Western Athletic Conference baseball champion.

This year, it was a razor-thin battle between the Hays Indians and Great Bend Panthers, the two most successful programs in the conference’s four decades of existence.

Hays prevailed, winning two of three in the newly formatted schedule in which teams play each other three times, one at home and two on the road or vice-versa.

In the early portion of the schedule, Hays won the first game on April 1, 5-4, then added a 4-2 triumph on April 15 as part of the doubleheader before Great Bend broke through and won the finale, 10-3.

At the end of the 12-game conference slate, it was Hays atop the standings at 11-1 and Great Bend a game behind at 10-2. Overall, Hays finished the regular season 16-8 and Great Bend 19-5.

“One of the main things for us this year was our solid senior class,” said Hays Coach Dustin Dreher. “Quite a few of them gained a lot of experience as juniors and some played varsity as sophomores.”

Another contributor to the team’s success was its collection of pitchers.

“We’re fortunate in that we have had a lot of good arms,” Dreher noted. “I don’t think we have a lot of high-powered arms, but they do a good job of keeping the ball over the plate and then let our defense do its job. I think we have one of the best defenses in the state.”

Since he became the head coach (2020), Dreher said he has tried to strengthen the team’s schedule outside the WAC.

That includes playing tournaments in DeSoto, Bonner Springs and other schools that are among the top Class 4-5-6A schools.

“It’s a measuring stick for us to see where we are,” Dreher said of the tough slate. “We want to be able to see what it’s like to compete against the best.”

“I think it shows that when we are playing at a high level, we can compete with the best teams,” Dreher said. “

Dreher likes his lineup in the 1 through 9 positions, citing that all of them make good contact when at the plate.

“We’ve got guys who compete, and our offense is exciting to watch,” Dreher said. “We put stress on other team’s defenses by running the bases. We do a lot bunting, hitting to the gaps and getting a lot of singles. We don’t have a lot of big innings, but we just keep trying to advance runners.

“When you do all of those little things, you find ways to win.”

Many of Dreher’s players have had him as the coach since they were in the second, third and fourth grade.

“It’s a close-knit team,” Dreher said. “They are friends, like family and teammates and they get together in the offseason. We have a nice indoor facility that they use in the offseason and that helps tremendously.”

This year’s Hays team split a doubleheader with 4A No. 5 Rock Creek; lost two games to No. 6 4A Clay Center; lost 2-0 to 5A No. 7 seed Kansas City-Piper and lost to No. 4 6A Manhattan and to No. 3 2-1A Thomas More Prep.&nbsp;

Perhaps Great Bend as the WAC runner-up complements the Hays squad by employing many of the same strategies especially when it comes to scheduling.

This year’s non-conference schedule included losses to 5A power Wichita-Bishop Carroll (10-5); a split with No. 1-seeded Class 4A McPherson (Won 15-0, Lost 5-0); wins over Lee’s Summit North, Mo. (5-4) and Gardner Edgerton (2-1) and a lost to Class 5A No. 1 seed St. Thomas Aquinas (2-0).

Both teams then swept through their respective Class 5A regional tournaments to win two games and advanced to the state tournament at Wichita State University’s Eck Stadium. Great Bend’s wins in regional came against Arkansas City, 10-0, and Wichita-Kapaun Mt. Carmel, 5-4. Hays’s victories were one-run thrillers – 6-5 over Salina South and 2-1 over Andover High.

Versatile Carson Umphres voted WAC Baseball Player of the Year

If there is one description of Carson Umphres when it comes to his role with the Great Bend Panthers’ baseball team, it could be that he likes to be in the middle of things.

Depending on the opponent and other factors, the senior can be found pitching the bulk of innings for his squad. When he’s not throwing on the mound, he will be either in centerfield or shortstop (when Daxton Minton is pitching – the usual shortstop).

“It’s been a great season, and everyone is competitive on the team,” said Umphres who was voted by the conference coaches as the 2025 Player of the Year. “I think we’ve got a great collection of athletes and it’s a real credit to the coaches. It says a lot about how they get people to come out and then develop them in all the sports we have at the school.”

The POY award was a bit of a surprise to Umphres when he was notified.

“It’s a great honor because there are many other outstanding players in the league,” he said.&nbsp;

Umphres finished the regular season and regionals with a 7-2 won-loss record, he saved two other wins for the Panthers in relief and pitched a team-high 58.2 innings. His earned-run-average was a miniscule 1.67, giving up only 14 earned runs all season. He recorded 61 strikeouts and walked just 15 batters.

“I think my velocity improved quite a lot this year,” Umphres said. “I was able to work on my arm strength (increasing fastball from 85 to 90mph).”

Umphres utilizes a variety of pitches, and the repertoire includes a slider, change-up, knuckle ball and fastball.&nbsp;

“I’ve been throwing the knuckle ball since I was 10, and it is my favorite pitch,” Umphres said. “Not too many hitters in high school see a knuckle ball and I think that’s why I like it so much. I don’t throw a curve because I couldn’t control it and I’ve got my change-up to throw to the other side (of the plate).”

When he is hitting, Umphres is in the lead-off spot with the goal of getting on base any way possible.

“Last year I didn’t hit a lot of hard balls for base hits and this year the ball got to the outfield a lot quicker, so I had to find ways of getting to second base,” Umphres said.&nbsp;

That translated into stealing bases, and he had 31 of those. He batted .450, had 36 hits including six doubles, three triples, five home runs that produced 31 RBIs, and 44 runs scored.

“I opened up my spray chart for hitting this year,” Umphres said. “I had a lot of hits to the gaps and had many more hits to the right side.”

Defensively, when he’s playing centerfield and shortstop, he’s usually in the middle of most plays.

“At shortstop you’re like the commander of the defense, making sure the ball gets where it needs to. You just put it all on the line.”

By BRETT MARSHALL <a href="https://www.wacathletics.com/">Western Athletic Conference</a><h2>Great Bend’s Umphres voted Player of Year</h2>It was by the slimmest of margins, but that’s all that matters when it comes to wins and losses to determine the Western Athletic Conference baseball champion.This year, it was a razor-thin battle between the Hays Indians and Great Bend Panthers, the two most successful programs in the conference’s four decades of existence.Hays prevailed, winning two of three in the newly formatted schedule in which teams play each other three times, one at home and two on the road or vice-versa.In the early portion of the schedule, Hays won the first game on April 1, 5-4, then added a 4-2 triumph on April 15 as part of the doubleheader before Great Bend broke through and won the finale, 10-3.At the end of the 12-game conference slate, it was Hays atop the standings at 11-1 and Great Bend a game behind at 10-2. Overall, Hays finished the regular season 16-8 and Great Bend 19-5.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/6/1748865982460.png" alt="Courtesy Hays High School" />
 <figcaption>Courtesy Hays High School</figcaption>
 </figure>“One of the main things for us this year was our solid senior class,” said Hays Coach Dustin Dreher. “Quite a few of them gained a lot of experience as juniors and some played varsity as sophomores.”Another contributor to the team’s success was its collection of pitchers.“We’re fortunate in that we have had a lot of good arms,” Dreher noted. “I don’t think we have a lot of high-powered arms, but they do a good job of keeping the ball over the plate and then let our defense do its job. I think we have one of the best defenses in the state.”Since he became the head coach (2020), Dreher said he has tried to strengthen the team’s schedule outside the WAC.That includes playing tournaments in DeSoto, Bonner Springs and other schools that are among the top Class 4-5-6A schools.“It’s a measuring stick for us to see where we are,” Dreher said of the tough slate. “We want to be able to see what it’s like to compete against the best.”“I think it shows that when we are playing at a high level, we can compete with the best teams,” Dreher said. “Dreher likes his lineup in the 1 through 9 positions, citing that all of them make good contact when at the plate.“We’ve got guys who compete, and our offense is exciting to watch,” Dreher said. “We put stress on other team’s defenses by running the bases. We do a lot bunting, hitting to the gaps and getting a lot of singles. We don’t have a lot of big innings, but we just keep trying to advance runners.“When you do all of those little things, you find ways to win.”Many of Dreher’s players have had him as the coach since they were in the second, third and fourth grade.“It’s a close-knit team,” Dreher said. “They are friends, like family and teammates and they get together in the offseason. We have a nice indoor facility that they use in the offseason and that helps tremendously.”This year’s Hays team split a doubleheader with 4A No. 5 Rock Creek; lost two games to No. 6 4A Clay Center; lost 2-0 to 5A No. 7 seed Kansas City-Piper and lost to No. 4 6A Manhattan and to No. 3 2-1A Thomas More Prep.&nbsp;Perhaps Great Bend as the WAC runner-up complements the Hays squad by employing many of the same strategies especially when it comes to scheduling.This year’s non-conference schedule included losses to 5A power Wichita-Bishop Carroll (10-5); a split with No. 1-seeded Class 4A McPherson (Won 15-0, Lost 5-0); wins over Lee’s Summit North, Mo. (5-4) and Gardner Edgerton (2-1) and a lost to Class 5A No. 1 seed St. Thomas Aquinas (2-0).Both teams then swept through their respective Class 5A regional tournaments to win two games and advanced to the state tournament at Wichita State University’s Eck Stadium. Great Bend’s wins in regional came against Arkansas City, 10-0, and Wichita-Kapaun Mt. Carmel, 5-4. Hays’s victories were one-run thrillers – 6-5 over Salina South and 2-1 over Andover High.<h2>Versatile Carson Umphres voted WAC Baseball Player of the Year</h2>If there is one description of Carson Umphres when it comes to his role with the Great Bend Panthers’ baseball team, it could be that he likes to be in the middle of things.Depending on the opponent and other factors, the senior can be found pitching the bulk of innings for his squad. When he’s not throwing on the mound, he will be either in centerfield or shortstop (when Daxton Minton is pitching – the usual shortstop).“It’s been a great season, and everyone is competitive on the team,” said Umphres who was voted by the conference coaches as the 2025 Player of the Year. “I think we’ve got a great collection of athletes and it’s a real credit to the coaches. It says a lot about how they get people to come out and then develop them in all the sports we have at the school.”The POY award was a bit of a surprise to Umphres when he was notified.“It’s a great honor because there are many other outstanding players in the league,” he said.&nbsp;Umphres finished the regular season and regionals with a 7-2 won-loss record, he saved two other wins for the Panthers in relief and pitched a team-high 58.2 innings. His earned-run-average was a miniscule 1.67, giving up only 14 earned runs all season. He recorded 61 strikeouts and walked just 15 batters.“I think my velocity improved quite a lot this year,” Umphres said. “I was able to work on my arm strength (increasing fastball from 85 to 90mph).”Umphres utilizes a variety of pitches, and the repertoire includes a slider, change-up, knuckle ball and fastball.&nbsp;“I’ve been throwing the knuckle ball since I was 10, and it is my favorite pitch,” Umphres said. “Not too many hitters in high school see a knuckle ball and I think that’s why I like it so much. I don’t throw a curve because I couldn’t control it and I’ve got my change-up to throw to the other side (of the plate).”When he is hitting, Umphres is in the lead-off spot with the goal of getting on base any way possible.“Last year I didn’t hit a lot of hard balls for base hits and this year the ball got to the outfield a lot quicker, so I had to find ways of getting to second base,” Umphres said.&nbsp;That translated into stealing bases, and he had 31 of those. He batted .450, had 36 hits including six doubles, three triples, five home runs that produced 31 RBIs, and 44 runs scored.“I opened up my spray chart for hitting this year,” Umphres said. “I had a lot of hits to the gaps and had many more hits to the right side.”Defensively, when he’s playing centerfield and shortstop, he’s usually in the middle of most plays.“At shortstop you’re like the commander of the defense, making sure the ball gets where it needs to. You just put it all on the line.”2025 WAC All-Conference Teams FIRST TEAM	 Carson Umphres - 12 - OF/P - Great Bend Carter Graham - 12 - INF/P - Hays Cooper Johnson - 12 - INF/P - Hays Daxton Minton - 11 - INF/P - Great Bend Jakobe Rathbun - 10 - INF/P - Garden City Ian Premer - 11 - 1B - Great Bend Max Gonzales - 10 - 1B/P - Dodge City Koehn Ribordy - 11 - OF/P - Great Bend Alex Schwindt - 12 - OF/P - LiberalPlayer of the Year: Carson Umphres - Great Bend Coach of the Year: Dustin Dreher - HaysSECOND TEAM Trace Jacobs - 12 - OF/P - Hays Landon Martinez - 12 - OF - Liberal Johnny Cano - 12 - INF/P -Hays Hunter Herrman - 12 - OF/P - Great Bend Jace Gifford - 11 - P - Dodge City Kyler Metzen - 12 - UTL - Garden City Culden Plankenhorn - 11 - UTL - Garden City Ian McGuire - 12 - OF - Hays Trenton Kern - 11 - INF - Great Bend