T. Warren Hall, 104, Hays, died Monday, April 21, 2025 at
HaysMed.

He was born February 6, 1921 in Hays, the son of Frank John
and Elsie Elizabeth (Giinther) Hall.&nbsp;
Warren graduated from Hays High School in 1940 and attended Fort Hays
State University.&nbsp; On February 11, 1942 he
was united in marriage to Juanita Oglesbee in Beaumont, Texas, and they
celebrated 56 years of marriage before she preceded him in death on October 21,
1998.&nbsp; 

He was a U.S. Navy Veteran, serving during World War II in
the Philippines, Okinawa, and Iwo Jima.&nbsp;
Warren was a rancher and oilman, and in 1948 he and Juanita began life
at the Lazy-H Ranch where they lived until 1990 when they moved to Hays.&nbsp; He was a member of Trinity Lutheran Church,
the Masons, the Lions Club, and he loved flowers.&nbsp; Most of all, Warren was family loyal and
loved traveling with his family to many countries and continents including
Europe, Asia, Russia, Africa, South America, and China.

Survivors include his granddaughter Dawn Lantis and husband
Bill Cunningham of Ellis, two great grandchildren, Rachel (Lantis) Nissley and
husband Jason and Alex Lantis, and three great-great grandchildren, Rhett,
Beckett, and Arabella Nissley.

He was preceded in death by his parents, his wife Juanita,
daughter Linda Sue (Hall) Neihardt, brother Harold Hall, and his sister Dorothy
Shumaker.

Funeral services will be at 10:30 am on Saturday, April 26,
2025 at Trinity Lutheran Church with Rev. Randy Gibbs officiating.&nbsp; Burial with military honors by the Hays VFW
Post #9076 Honor Guard will follow in Fort Hays Memorial Gardens Cemetery.&nbsp; Visitation will be from 9:30 am until service
time at the church.&nbsp; Memorials are
suggested to ALS Foundation.&nbsp; Services
are in the care of Hays Memorial Chapel Funeral Home and condolences and
memories of Warren may be left for his family at www.haysmemorial.com 

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/4/1745412663055.jpeg" alt="T. Warren Hall" />
 <figcaption>T. Warren Hall</figcaption>
 </figure>T. Warren Hall, 104, Hays, died Monday, April 21, 2025 at
HaysMed.He was born February 6, 1921 in Hays, the son of Frank John
and Elsie Elizabeth (Giinther) Hall.&nbsp;
Warren graduated from Hays High School in 1940 and attended Fort Hays
State University.&nbsp; On February 11, 1942 he
was united in marriage to Juanita Oglesbee in Beaumont, Texas, and they
celebrated 56 years of marriage before she preceded him in death on October 21,
1998.&nbsp; He was a U.S. Navy Veteran, serving during World War II in
the Philippines, Okinawa, and Iwo Jima.&nbsp;
Warren was a rancher and oilman, and in 1948 he and Juanita began life
at the Lazy-H Ranch where they lived until 1990 when they moved to Hays.&nbsp; He was a member of Trinity Lutheran Church,
the Masons, the Lions Club, and he loved flowers.&nbsp; Most of all, Warren was family loyal and
loved traveling with his family to many countries and continents including
Europe, Asia, Russia, Africa, South America, and China.Survivors include his granddaughter Dawn Lantis and husband
Bill Cunningham of Ellis, two great grandchildren, Rachel (Lantis) Nissley and
husband Jason and Alex Lantis, and three great-great grandchildren, Rhett,
Beckett, and Arabella Nissley.He was preceded in death by his parents, his wife Juanita,
daughter Linda Sue (Hall) Neihardt, brother Harold Hall, and his sister Dorothy
Shumaker.Funeral services will be at 10:30 am on Saturday, April 26,
2025 at Trinity Lutheran Church with Rev. Randy Gibbs officiating.&nbsp; Burial with military honors by the Hays VFW
Post #9076 Honor Guard will follow in Fort Hays Memorial Gardens Cemetery.&nbsp; Visitation will be from 9:30 am until service
time at the church.&nbsp; Memorials are
suggested to ALS Foundation.&nbsp; Services
are in the care of Hays Memorial Chapel Funeral Home and condolences and
memories of Warren may be left for his family at www.haysmemorial.com

T. Warren Hall

PRATT – The TMP-Marian Monarchs softball team ran its win streak to
16 straight Tuesday night with a doubleheader sweep of Pratt Skyline
Thunderbirds.

Bria Windholz homered, doubled, and drove in three runs, and the Monarchs scored runs in the first inning, a 14-3 win in game one.

TMP got the offense going in the top of the first inning
when the first three hitters of the game reached base, and Brooke Koenigsman
walked with the bases loaded for a 1-0 TMP lead.

Windholz followed with a two-run single for a 3-0 TMP lead. 

Three batters later Teagan Gottschalk walked with the bases
loaded making it 4-0 TMP.

Brynn Rebel capped off the inning two-run single in a 6-0
TMP lead.

After giving up a pair of runs in the Skyline half of the
first, TMP got the two runs back in the top of the second, soring on Paige
Koenigsman single and an Addison Watson sacrifice fly.

TMP added three runs in each the third and fourth innings on
their way to the 14-3 victory.

In the third inning TMP scored on a passed ball, a Brynn
Schoepf RBI single and a solo homerun by Windholz.

Brooke Koenigsman added a run on s sacrifice fly in the
fourth and Watson singled home two runs to put TMP by 11.

Brynn Rebel earned the win in the circle for TMP. 

She allowed three runs, two earned, with four walks and four
strikeouts in five innings.

The Monarchs drove in three runs each in a 14-2 victory in
the second game of the doubleheader.

It took TMP’s offense a couple of innings to get going in
the second game, managing only a run on a sacrifice fly in the second inning.

Leading 1-0, the Monarch broke through with four runs in the
third inning. 

Molly Helget singled in a run and Brynn Rebel added a sacrifice
fly, putting TMP up 3-0.

Paige Koenigsman capped off the inning with a two-run single
for a 5-0 TMP lead.

With the bases loaded in the top of the fourth, TMP scored on a Brynn Rebel single, a Hannah Rose double, and a wild pitch for a 10-0 TMP lead. Addison Watson added an RBI double to put TMP up 11-0.

Brooke Koenigsman drove in two more runs with her second triple
of the game, leading off the fifth, and then she scored on an error, putting TMP
14-1.

Skyline got a run in the bottom of the fifth, but TMP went on
to earn the 14-2 win.

Brooke Koenigsman, Paige Koenigsman and Brynne Rebel all
drove in three runs.

Bria Windholz allowed two runs, one earned, with three walks
and eight strikeouts in five innings as she picked up the win in the circle.

TMP is 16-0 and will travel to Dodge City on Friday.

Hays Post SportsPRATT – The TMP-Marian Monarchs softball team ran its win streak to
16 straight Tuesday night with a doubleheader sweep of Pratt Skyline
Thunderbirds.GAME 1: TMP 14, Skyline 3Bria Windholz homered, doubled, and drove in three runs, and the Monarchs scored runs in the first inning, a 14-3 win in game one.TMP got the offense going in the top of the first inning
when the first three hitters of the game reached base, and Brooke Koenigsman
walked with the bases loaded for a 1-0 TMP lead.Windholz followed with a two-run single for a 3-0 TMP lead. Three batters later Teagan Gottschalk walked with the bases
loaded making it 4-0 TMP.Brynn Rebel capped off the inning two-run single in a 6-0
TMP lead.After giving up a pair of runs in the Skyline half of the
first, TMP got the two runs back in the top of the second, soring on Paige
Koenigsman single and an Addison Watson sacrifice fly.TMP added three runs in each the third and fourth innings on
their way to the 14-3 victory.In the third inning TMP scored on a passed ball, a Brynn
Schoepf RBI single and a solo homerun by Windholz.Brooke Koenigsman added a run on s sacrifice fly in the
fourth and Watson singled home two runs to put TMP by 11.Brynn Rebel earned the win in the circle for TMP. She allowed three runs, two earned, with four walks and four
strikeouts in five innings.GAME 2: TMP 14, Skyline 2The Monarchs drove in three runs each in a 14-2 victory in
the second game of the doubleheader.It took TMP’s offense a couple of innings to get going in
the second game, managing only a run on a sacrifice fly in the second inning.Leading 1-0, the Monarch broke through with four runs in the
third inning. Molly Helget singled in a run and Brynn Rebel added a sacrifice
fly, putting TMP up 3-0.Paige Koenigsman capped off the inning with a two-run single
for a 5-0 TMP lead.With the bases loaded in the top of the fourth, TMP scored on a Brynn Rebel single, a Hannah Rose double, and a wild pitch for a 10-0 TMP lead. Addison Watson added an RBI double to put TMP up 11-0.She scBrooke Koenigsman drove in two more runs with her second triple
of the game, leading off the fifth, and then she scored on an error, putting TMP
14-1.Skyline got a run in the bottom of the fifth, but TMP went on
to earn the 14-2 win.Brooke Koenigsman, Paige Koenigsman and Brynne Rebel all
drove in three runs.Bria Windholz allowed two runs, one earned, with three walks
and eight strikeouts in five innings as she picked up the win in the circle.TMP is 16-0 and will travel to Dodge City on Friday.

🥎TMP-Marian remains unbeaten with sweep of Skyline

By CRISTINA JANNEY Hays Post

Representatives with the Kansas Department of Commerce made a stop in Hays on Monday at the new Catholic Charities location during its&nbsp;Community Impact Tour.

The stop was part of a weeklong tour of community projects across the state.

The tour also made stops in Ellis, Plainville, Colby and St. Francis on Monday.

The group toured the new Catholic Charities of Northern Kansas office and thrift store in Hays. The agency completed its move to the new location&nbsp;at 1011 Centennial Blvd. in December, relocating from its previous location on 12th Street. The t<a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/e8e9d549-4eee-4415-a4e0-272eb8d92834">hrift store celebrated its ribbon cutting in February.</a>

<a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/9108b04d-d307-4e44-b588-f0405d5575ae">The building was donated to Catholic Charities in late 2022.</a>

Catholic Charities was awarded $150,000 in tax credits for the $1.2 million renovation of the new location. Those tax credits were leveraged to secure a $300,000 matching grant from the Patterson Family Foundation,&nbsp; said Megan Robl, executive director of Catholic Charities of Northern Kansas.

Catholic Charities assists families in poverty with food, hygiene products, diapers, clothes, prescriptions, and emergency rental and utility assistance.

The services are available to all who need them. You don't need to be Catholic to receive assistance.

Cameras and new locks were installed in the new building to enhance security, Robl said.

The new building features offices that offer privacy for consultations with clients. The region's pregnancy support and adoption program is also housed in the new building.

A van based in Hays also provides mobile assistance to rural communities in Kansas.&nbsp;The mobile unit offers both food boxes and hygiene kits.

<a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/42a6d7e4-4972-4e69-8310-5b34a02c0326">Catholic Charities just announced it will be providing mobile services in Colby.</a>&nbsp;

However, Robl said she would like to see a small office in Colby eventually.

"That's how we establish relationships with those families, so when they have other needs, they'll call us," Robl said.

Colby is the 11th stop on the mobile unit's monthly route. The Colby services will start in May.

The Hays office has a new freezer, so Catholic Charities has launched a campaign for donations of chicken, pork or beef that can be added to food boxes.

Shannon Werth is the director of the newly opened thrift store.

"Since we opened, we have had some of the kindest, most thoughtful donations," she said.

The store requests gently used clothing so clients can maintain their dignity. Those items that don't meet the thrift store's standards are baled to be sent to Catholic missions overseas.

If clients qualify based on income, they can receive two pairs of pants and two shirts every other month, free of charge. They can also request shoes.

If they are hired for a job, clients can request assistance with work clothes. If the store receives donations of steel-toed boots, they keep those for clients. During the winter, clients and their children can receive coats.&nbsp;

Catholic Charities also works with Oxford Houses, which are cooperative living homes for people in recovery from substance abuse.

"A lot of those clients come in with just the clothes on their backs," Werth said. "We like to start them off with five pairs of socks, five pairs of underwear, jeans and shirts so they can get out in the workforce."

Oxford House residents are required to pay rent and a portion of the expenses for the houses in which they live.

Two bikes donated to Catholic Charities are being given to Oxford Houses to help residents get to work.

The thrift store is open to the public from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., Monday through Thursday, and from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Friday. Donations of gently used clothing, household items and small appliances are accepted 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Tuesday-Thursday.&nbsp; Those with questions about donations may contact Werth at 785-625-2644.

For more information about the thrift store or other services provided by Catholic Charities of Northern Kansas, visit&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="http://www.ccnks.org/thrift-store-hays">www.ccnks.org/thrift-store-hays</a>&nbsp;or contact us at&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="http://www.ccnks.org/contact">www.ccnks.org/contact</a>&nbsp;or 785-825-0208.

The Commerce group also visited the Ellis restroom, bathhouse and accessible playground at the Ellis Lakeside Campground; Letha's venue in Plainville; Nesting, a baby boutique in Colby; and 202 on Washington, a venue in St. Francis.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/4/1745352401321.jpeg" alt="Representatives of the Kansas Department of Commerce and Catholic Charities at the new&nbsp;Catholic Charities of Northern Kansas Thrift Store in Hays. Photo by Cristina Janney/Hays Post" />
 <figcaption>Representatives of the Kansas Department of Commerce and Catholic Charities at the new&nbsp;Catholic Charities of Northern Kansas Thrift Store in Hays. Photo by Cristina Janney/Hays Post</figcaption>
 </figure>By CRISTINA JANNEY Hays PostRepresentatives with the Kansas Department of Commerce made a stop in Hays on Monday at the new Catholic Charities location during its&nbsp;Community Impact Tour.The stop was part of a weeklong tour of community projects across the state.The tour also made stops in Ellis, Plainville, Colby and St. Francis on Monday.The group toured the new Catholic Charities of Northern Kansas office and thrift store in Hays. The agency completed its move to the new location&nbsp;at 1011 Centennial Blvd. in December, relocating from its previous location on 12th Street. The t<a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/e8e9d549-4eee-4415-a4e0-272eb8d92834">hrift store celebrated its ribbon cutting in February.</a><a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/9108b04d-d307-4e44-b588-f0405d5575ae">The building was donated to Catholic Charities in late 2022.</a><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/4/1745352533651.jpeg" alt="Kelli Hansen, Kansas Department of Commerce, and&nbsp;Megan Robl, executive director of Catholic Charities of Northern Kansas, in the donations room of the new Catholic Charities office in Hays. Tax credits help pay for the renovation of the agency's new location. Photo by Cristina Janney/Hays Post" />
 <figcaption>Kelli Hansen, Kansas Department of Commerce, and&nbsp;Megan Robl, executive director of Catholic Charities of Northern Kansas, in the donations room of the new Catholic Charities office in Hays. Tax credits help pay for the renovation of the agency's new location. Photo by Cristina Janney/Hays Post</figcaption>
 </figure>Catholic Charities was awarded $150,000 in tax credits for the $1.2 million renovation of the new location. Those tax credits were leveraged to secure a $300,000 matching grant from the Patterson Family Foundation,&nbsp; said Megan Robl, executive director of Catholic Charities of Northern Kansas.Catholic Charities assists families in poverty with food, hygiene products, diapers, clothes, prescriptions, and emergency rental and utility assistance.The services are available to all who need them. You don't need to be Catholic to receive assistance.Cameras and new locks were installed in the new building to enhance security, Robl said.The new building features offices that offer privacy for consultations with clients. The region's pregnancy support and adoption program is also housed in the new building.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/4/1745353044653.jpeg" alt="Kelli Hansen, Kansas Department of Commerce, and Megan Robl, executive director of Catholic Charities of Northern Kansas, in a Catholic Charities storage room filled with supplies for its pregnancy assistance program.&nbsp;Photo by Cristina Janney/Hays Post" />
 <figcaption>Kelli Hansen, Kansas Department of Commerce, and Megan Robl, executive director of Catholic Charities of Northern Kansas, in a Catholic Charities storage room filled with supplies for its pregnancy assistance program.&nbsp;Photo by Cristina Janney/Hays Post</figcaption>
 </figure>A van based in Hays also provides mobile assistance to rural communities in Kansas.&nbsp;The mobile unit offers both food boxes and hygiene kits.<a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/42a6d7e4-4972-4e69-8310-5b34a02c0326">Catholic Charities just announced it will be providing mobile services in Colby.</a>&nbsp;However, Robl said she would like to see a small office in Colby eventually."That's how we establish relationships with those families, so when they have other needs, they'll call us," Robl said.Colby is the 11th stop on the mobile unit's monthly route. The Colby services will start in May.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/4/1745353168033.jpeg" alt="Kansas Department of Commerce representatives and Ellis residents at Ellis' Lakeside Campground. The city installed new accessible playground equipment with assistance from the department.&nbsp;Photo courtesy of the Kansas Department of Commerce." />
 <figcaption>Kansas Department of Commerce representatives and Ellis residents at Ellis' Lakeside Campground. The city installed new accessible playground equipment with assistance from the department.&nbsp;Photo courtesy of the Kansas Department of Commerce.</figcaption>
 </figure>The Hays office has a new freezer, so Catholic Charities has launched a campaign for donations of chicken, pork or beef that can be added to food boxes.Shannon Werth is the director of the newly opened thrift store."Since we opened, we have had some of the kindest, most thoughtful donations," she said.The store requests gently used clothing so clients can maintain their dignity. Those items that don't meet the thrift store's standards are baled to be sent to Catholic missions overseas.If clients qualify based on income, they can receive two pairs of pants and two shirts every other month, free of charge. They can also request shoes.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/4/1745353323545.jpeg" alt="Letha's a new venue in Plainville.&nbsp;Photo courtesy of the Kansas Department of Commerce." />
 <figcaption>Letha's a new venue in Plainville.&nbsp;Photo courtesy of the Kansas Department of Commerce.</figcaption>
 </figure>If they are hired for a job, clients can request assistance with work clothes. If the store receives donations of steel-toed boots, they keep those for clients. During the winter, clients and their children can receive coats.&nbsp;Catholic Charities also works with Oxford Houses, which are cooperative living homes for people in recovery from substance abuse."A lot of those clients come in with just the clothes on their backs," Werth said. "We like to start them off with five pairs of socks, five pairs of underwear, jeans and shirts so they can get out in the workforce."Oxford House residents are required to pay rent and a portion of the expenses for the houses in which they live.Two bikes donated to Catholic Charities are being given to Oxford Houses to help residents get to work.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/4/1745353374010.jpeg" alt="Nesting, a baby boutique in Colby.&nbsp;Photo courtesy of the Kansas Department of Commerce." />
 <figcaption>Nesting, a baby boutique in Colby.&nbsp;Photo courtesy of the Kansas Department of Commerce.</figcaption>
 </figure>The thrift store is open to the public from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., Monday through Thursday, and from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Friday. Donations of gently used clothing, household items and small appliances are accepted 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Tuesday-Thursday.&nbsp; Those with questions about donations may contact Werth at 785-625-2644.For more information about the thrift store or other services provided by Catholic Charities of Northern Kansas, visit&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="http://www.ccnks.org/thrift-store-hays">www.ccnks.org/thrift-store-hays</a>&nbsp;or contact us at&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="http://www.ccnks.org/contact">www.ccnks.org/contact</a>&nbsp;or 785-825-0208.The Commerce group also visited the Ellis restroom, bathhouse and accessible playground at the Ellis Lakeside Campground; Letha's venue in Plainville; Nesting, a baby boutique in Colby; and 202 on Washington, a venue in St. Francis.

Kansas Department of Commerce visits Catholic Charities in Hays on community tour

HAYS – The TMP-Marian Monarchs ran their win streak to 12
straight games as they completed a doubleheader sweep of the Plainville
Cardinals Tuesday in Hays.

In the two games, the Monarchs’ pitching combined to allow just
three hits and struck out 23.

GAME 1: TMP 10, Plainville 0 In the first game of the doubleheader, Adler Brown was two-for-three
with three RBIs and scored two runs, and Grant Nehls struck out six in three
shutout innings in the 10-0 TMP victory.

The Monarchs opened the scoring with four runs in the bottom
of the first inning, taking advantage of a passed ball, a wild pitch, two hit
by pitches, and a walk for a 4-0 lead.

After a scoreless second, TMP added two more runs in the
third inning, scoring runs on back-to-back RBI singles by Grant Nehls and Adler
Brown, putting TMP up 6-0.

In the bottom of the fifth, Brown drove in two more runs with
a single in the bottom of the fifth inning, making it 8-0 TMP.

TMP added another run on an error, making it 9-0.

The Monarchs' final run came on a wild pitch in the bottom
of the sixth inning, securing the 10-0 TMP victory.

Grant Nehls allowed just three hits in three shutout innings
with six strikeouts for the win.

Carson Liles earned the save with three shutout innings of
relief, with eight strikeouts.

Liles recorded an immaculate inning in his first inning of
relief, striking out three hitters on nine strikes.

GAME 2: TMP 15, Plainville 0 In the second game of the doubleheader, two TMP pitchers combined
on a no-hitter in a 15-0 victory.

TMP’s Ty Schmeidler earned the win on the mound. He struck
out all nine hitters he faced in three perfect innings.

Austin Gilbert allowed a walk and then closed the game with
a scoreless fourth inning as TMP secured its 12th straight victory.

While the pitching was holding Plainville at bay, TMP’s
offense got to work early, scoring five runs in the first inning.

In the bottom of the first, TMP’s Caden Dinkel drove in the
first run of the game on a sacrifice fly. 

Two batters later, Adler Brown singled home a run, and a third
run scored on an error for a 3-0 TMP lead.

Connor Breit and Austin Gilbert added back-to-back RBI singles
as the Monarchs took a 5-0 lead into the second inning.

TMP added a Breit sacrifice fly at the bottom of the third
for a 6-0 lead.

The Monarchs' offense exploded for nine runs in the fourth
inning, locking up the TMP win.

In the nine-run fourth, the Monarchs scored on an Ian Nehls
single, a Schmeidler groundout, a Grant Nehls double, a Brown single, and three
walks in a 15-0 run-rule victory.

Adler Brown and Connor Breit each drove in a pair of runs
for the Monarchs. 

TMP is 12-0 and 4-0 in the MCL and will travel to Abilene on
Friday to take on the Cowboys.

Hays Post SportsHAYS – The TMP-Marian Monarchs ran their win streak to 12
straight games as they completed a doubleheader sweep of the Plainville
Cardinals Tuesday in Hays.In the two games, the Monarchs’ pitching combined to allow just
three hits and struck out 23.GAME 1: TMP 10, Plainville 0 In the first game of the doubleheader, Adler Brown was two-for-three
with three RBIs and scored two runs, and Grant Nehls struck out six in three
shutout innings in the 10-0 TMP victory.<div><iframe width="100%" height="166" scrolling="no" frameborder="no" allow="autoplay" src="https://w.soundcloud.com/player/?url=https%3A//api.soundcloud.com/tracks/2083439802&color=%232b009a&auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false&show_teaser=true"></iframe><div style="font-size: 10px; color: #cccccc;line-break: anywhere;word-break: normal;overflow: hidden;white-space: nowrap;text-overflow: ellipsis; font-family: Interstate,Lucida Grande,Lucida Sans Unicode,Lucida Sans,Garuda,Verdana,Tahoma,sans-serif;font-weight: 100;"><a href="https://soundcloud.com/user-814667509" title="Eagle Radio" target="_blank" style="color: #cccccc; text-decoration: none;">Eagle Radio</a> · <a href="https://soundcloud.com/user-814667509/aaron-breit-postgame-1" title="Aaron Breit Postgame Interview vs Plainville (Apr 22nd 25)" target="_blank" style="color: #cccccc; text-decoration: none;">Aaron Breit Postgame Interview vs Plainville (Apr 22nd 25)</a></div></div>The Monarchs opened the scoring with four runs in the bottom
of the first inning, taking advantage of a passed ball, a wild pitch, two hit
by pitches, and a walk for a 4-0 lead.After a scoreless second, TMP added two more runs in the
third inning, scoring runs on back-to-back RBI singles by Grant Nehls and Adler
Brown, putting TMP up 6-0.In the bottom of the fifth, Brown drove in two more runs with
a single in the bottom of the fifth inning, making it 8-0 TMP.TMP added another run on an error, making it 9-0.The Monarchs' final run came on a wild pitch in the bottom
of the sixth inning, securing the 10-0 TMP victory.<div><iframe width="100%" height="166" scrolling="no" frameborder="no" allow="autoplay" src="https://w.soundcloud.com/player/?url=https%3A//api.soundcloud.com/tracks/2083440114&color=%232b009a&auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false&show_teaser=true"></iframe><div style="font-size: 10px; color: #cccccc;line-break: anywhere;word-break: normal;overflow: hidden;white-space: nowrap;text-overflow: ellipsis; font-family: Interstate,Lucida Grande,Lucida Sans Unicode,Lucida Sans,Garuda,Verdana,Tahoma,sans-serif;font-weight: 100;"><a href="https://soundcloud.com/user-814667509" title="Eagle Radio" target="_blank" style="color: #cccccc; text-decoration: none;">Eagle Radio</a> · <a href="https://soundcloud.com/user-814667509/tmp-bsb-dh-highlights-vs" title="TMP BSB DH Highlights vs Plainville (Apr 22nd 25) game 1" target="_blank" style="color: #cccccc; text-decoration: none;">TMP BSB DH Highlights vs Plainville (Apr 22nd 25) game 1</a></div></div>Grant Nehls allowed just three hits in three shutout innings
with six strikeouts for the win.Carson Liles earned the save with three shutout innings of
relief, with eight strikeouts.Liles recorded an immaculate inning in his first inning of
relief, striking out three hitters on nine strikes.GAME 2: TMP 15, Plainville 0 In the second game of the doubleheader, two TMP pitchers combined
on a no-hitter in a 15-0 victory.TMP’s Ty Schmeidler earned the win on the mound. He struck
out all nine hitters he faced in three perfect innings.Austin Gilbert allowed a walk and then closed the game with
a scoreless fourth inning as TMP secured its 12th straight victory.While the pitching was holding Plainville at bay, TMP’s
offense got to work early, scoring five runs in the first inning.In the bottom of the first, TMP’s Caden Dinkel drove in the
first run of the game on a sacrifice fly. Two batters later, Adler Brown singled home a run, and a third
run scored on an error for a 3-0 TMP lead.Connor Breit and Austin Gilbert added back-to-back RBI singles
as the Monarchs took a 5-0 lead into the second inning.TMP added a Breit sacrifice fly at the bottom of the third
for a 6-0 lead.The Monarchs' offense exploded for nine runs in the fourth
inning, locking up the TMP win.In the nine-run fourth, the Monarchs scored on an Ian Nehls
single, a Schmeidler groundout, a Grant Nehls double, a Brown single, and three
walks in a 15-0 run-rule victory.<div><iframe width="100%" height="166" scrolling="no" frameborder="no" allow="autoplay" src="https://w.soundcloud.com/player/?url=https%3A//api.soundcloud.com/tracks/2083440378&color=%232b009a&auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false&show_teaser=true"></iframe><div style="font-size: 10px; color: #cccccc;line-break: anywhere;word-break: normal;overflow: hidden;white-space: nowrap;text-overflow: ellipsis; font-family: Interstate,Lucida Grande,Lucida Sans Unicode,Lucida Sans,Garuda,Verdana,Tahoma,sans-serif;font-weight: 100;"><a href="https://soundcloud.com/user-814667509" title="Eagle Radio" target="_blank" style="color: #cccccc; text-decoration: none;">Eagle Radio</a> · <a href="https://soundcloud.com/user-814667509/tmp-bsb-dh-highlights-vs-plainville-apr-22nd-25-game-2" title="TMP BSB DH Highlights vs Plainville (Apr 22nd 25) game 2" target="_blank" style="color: #cccccc; text-decoration: none;">TMP BSB DH Highlights vs Plainville (Apr 22nd 25) game 2</a></div></div>Adler Brown and Connor Breit each drove in a pair of runs
for the Monarchs. TMP is 12-0 and 4-0 in the MCL and will travel to Abilene on
Friday to take on the Cowboys.

⚾Monarchs' pitching leads the way in sweep of Plainville

By DUSTIN ARMBRUSTER Hays Post

HAYS - Hays High (8-4, 7-1) completed their three game season series with Dodge City (6-7, 1-4) with a doubleheader at home on Tuesday at Leo-Harper Field. The Indians scored in double figures in both games, winning 12-3 and 11-6.

Game 1: Hays High 13, Dodge City 3 Hays High scored in five of six innings for a 13-3 win over Dodge City. The Indians gave up three runs in the top of the first and then answered with three of their own to tie the game.

Hays scored six more in the bottom of the second to grab firm control of the game at 9-3. A single tally in the third inning made the score 10-3. The Indians added on three more runs during the fifth and sixth innings for a 13-3 run-rule victory.

Johnny Cano scored three runs and drove in three more. Carter Graham and Brett Rhoades each scored two and drove in two. They each had two hits. Landon Hardman tallied two hits and two runs while Weston Werth scored two runs.

Tiger Johnson pitched the first two innings allowing three runs but none earned. Johnny Cano (2-1) pitched three innings of hitless ball for the victory. Ian McGuire pitched the sixth inning.

Game 2: Hays 11, Dodge City 6 All of the fireworks came in the first three innings as Hays High took an 11-0 lead enroute to a 11-6 victory.

The Indians batted around in the first inning scoring five runs. Then sent ten to the plate in a ten run third inning. Hays added a run in between during the second innings.

That would be all the scoring though for Hays. Dodge City scored four in the fourth and two in the sixth inning. The Indians also worked themselves out of a some potential trouble with some defensive gems. Ian McGuire made a sliding catch to rob a hit and right fielder Landon Hardman threw out two would be singles at first base.

Hays Carter Graham and Brett Rhoades each had three hits. Both had a pair of doubles and Rhoades added one of three triples for the Indians who had 17 hits in the victory. Trace Jacobs and Bennett Smith also had triples.

Tiger Johnson, Jacobs, Jalen Smith, Bennett Smith and Landon Hardman had two hits each.

The Indians used four pitchers. Carter Graham (2-1) threw the first two innings facing the minimum batters for the victory. Jalen Smith worked two innings, Trenton Welch struck out three in his one inning of work and Brett Rhoades pitched the last two innings.

Hays heads to DeSoto on Friday to face Kansas City-Piper and Spring Hill.

By DUSTIN ARMBRUSTER Hays PostHAYS - Hays High (8-4, 7-1) completed their three game season series with Dodge City (6-7, 1-4) with a doubleheader at home on Tuesday at Leo-Harper Field. The Indians scored in double figures in both games, winning 12-3 and 11-6.Game 1: Hays High 13, Dodge City 3 Hays High scored in five of six innings for a 13-3 win over Dodge City. The Indians gave up three runs in the top of the first and then answered with three of their own to tie the game.Hays scored six more in the bottom of the second to grab firm control of the game at 9-3. A single tally in the third inning made the score 10-3. The Indians added on three more runs during the fifth and sixth innings for a 13-3 run-rule victory.Highlights<div><iframe width="100%" height="300" scrolling="no" frameborder="no" allow="autoplay" src="https://w.soundcloud.com/player/?url=https%3A//api.soundcloud.com/tracks/2083382175&color=%23ff5500&auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false&show_teaser=true&visual=true"></iframe><div style="font-size: 10px; color: #cccccc;line-break: anywhere;word-break: normal;overflow: hidden;white-space: nowrap;text-overflow: ellipsis; font-family: Interstate,Lucida Grande,Lucida Sans Unicode,Lucida Sans,Garuda,Verdana,Tahoma,sans-serif;font-weight: 100;"><a href="https://soundcloud.com/user-814667509" title="Eagle Radio" target="_blank" style="color: #cccccc; text-decoration: none;">Eagle Radio</a> · <a href="https://soundcloud.com/user-814667509/4-22-24-hhs-bsb-dh-game-1-highlights-v-dodge-city" title="4-22-25 HHS BSB DH Game 1 Highlights v. Dodge City" target="_blank" style="color: #cccccc; text-decoration: none;">4-22-25 HHS BSB DH Game 1 Highlights v. Dodge City</a></div></div>Johnny Cano scored three runs and drove in three more. Carter Graham and Brett Rhoades each scored two and drove in two. They each had two hits. Landon Hardman tallied two hits and two runs while Weston Werth scored two runs.Tiger Johnson pitched the first two innings allowing three runs but none earned. Johnny Cano (2-1) pitched three innings of hitless ball for the victory. Ian McGuire pitched the sixth inning.Game 2: Hays 11, Dodge City 6 All of the fireworks came in the first three innings as Hays High took an 11-0 lead enroute to a 11-6 victory.The Indians batted around in the first inning scoring five runs. Then sent ten to the plate in a ten run third inning. Hays added a run in between during the second innings.Highlights<div><iframe width="100%" height="300" scrolling="no" frameborder="no" allow="autoplay" src="https://w.soundcloud.com/player/?url=https%3A//api.soundcloud.com/tracks/2083434591&color=%23ff5500&auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false&show_teaser=true&visual=true"></iframe><div style="font-size: 10px; color: #cccccc;line-break: anywhere;word-break: normal;overflow: hidden;white-space: nowrap;text-overflow: ellipsis; font-family: Interstate,Lucida Grande,Lucida Sans Unicode,Lucida Sans,Garuda,Verdana,Tahoma,sans-serif;font-weight: 100;"><a href="https://soundcloud.com/user-814667509" title="Eagle Radio" target="_blank" style="color: #cccccc; text-decoration: none;">Eagle Radio</a> · <a href="https://soundcloud.com/user-814667509/4-22-25-hhs-bsb-dh-game-2" title="4-22-25 HHS BSB DH Game 2 Highlights v. Dodge City" target="_blank" style="color: #cccccc; text-decoration: none;">4-22-25 HHS BSB DH Game 2 Highlights v. Dodge City</a></div></div>That would be all the scoring though for Hays. Dodge City scored four in the fourth and two in the sixth inning. The Indians also worked themselves out of a some potential trouble with some defensive gems. Ian McGuire made a sliding catch to rob a hit and right fielder Landon Hardman threw out two would be singles at first base.Hays Carter Graham and Brett Rhoades each had three hits. Both had a pair of doubles and Rhoades added one of three triples for the Indians who had 17 hits in the victory. Trace Jacobs and Bennett Smith also had triples.Tiger Johnson, Jacobs, Jalen Smith, Bennett Smith and Landon Hardman had two hits each.Coach Dustin Dreher<div><iframe width="100%" height="300" scrolling="no" frameborder="no" allow="autoplay" src="https://w.soundcloud.com/player/?url=https%3A//api.soundcloud.com/tracks/2083434432&color=%23ff5500&auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false&show_teaser=true&visual=true"></iframe><div style="font-size: 10px; color: #cccccc;line-break: anywhere;word-break: normal;overflow: hidden;white-space: nowrap;text-overflow: ellipsis; font-family: Interstate,Lucida Grande,Lucida Sans Unicode,Lucida Sans,Garuda,Verdana,Tahoma,sans-serif;font-weight: 100;"><a href="https://soundcloud.com/user-814667509" title="Eagle Radio" target="_blank" style="color: #cccccc; text-decoration: none;">Eagle Radio</a> · <a href="https://soundcloud.com/user-814667509/4-22-25-hhs-bsb-dh-coach" title="4-22-25 HHS BSB DH Coach Interview v. Dodge City" target="_blank" style="color: #cccccc; text-decoration: none;">4-22-25 HHS BSB DH Coach Interview v. Dodge City</a></div></div>The Indians used four pitchers. Carter Graham (2-1) threw the first two innings facing the minimum batters for the victory. Jalen Smith worked two innings, Trenton Welch struck out three in his one inning of work and Brett Rhoades pitched the last two innings.Hays heads to DeSoto on Friday to face Kansas City-Piper and Spring Hill.

⚾ Hays sweeps Dodge City to keep WAC lead

&nbsp;Jacqueline
Susan 'Jackie Sue' Hertel, age 72, of Hays, Kansas, passed away
peacefully surrounded by family and friends on Sunday, March 30, 2025, in Hays.
She was born on May 2, 1952, in Hays to Gerald and Hedwig (Leikam) Allen.


Jackie worked for Travenol in Hays and then Dillons, where she worked as a
checker and then in the bakery department before retiring. She enjoyed cooking,
quilting and gardening in her spare time. She was a member of St. Joseph’s
Catholic Church in Hays

 Family had always meant the most to Jackie. No matter what, family came first.
Even in the final parts of her life as she was managing a liver disease, all it
took to get a smile on an otherwise gloomy day was a picture of a grandchild or
her hearing of a recent grandchild's accomplishment. She always did what she
could to try and be a part of their lives without hesitation or regret

 She is survived by her sons, Fredrick Hertel of Kansas City, KS, Patrick Hertel
(Angela Pruett) of Hays, Steven Hertel of Independence, Missouri and Matthew
Hertel of Washington, D.C.; two brothers, Stanley Allen (Karen) of Hays and
Robert Allen (Sam) of Colonial Heights, VA; a sister, Rosa Lee (Allen)
Mewhinney of Hays; and her grandchildren, Alyssa (Hertel) Gafner (Chase), CJ
Hertel, Annie Hertel, Colton Hertel and Westen Hertel

 Jackie was preceded in death by her mother, a son, Curtis Hertel, and a
brother, Phillip Allen.


A Mass of Christian Burial will be on Saturday, April 26th, 2025, at 10:00 A.M.
at St. Joseph's Catholic Church, 215 W. 13th, Hays. Inurnment will follow in
the St. Joseph Cemetery in Hays. A funeral reception will take place following
inurnment at VFW Post 9076. All are welcome

 Memorial visitation will be on Friday at Keithley Funeral Homes-Brock’s Chapel
with a combined parish vigil and rosary service at 7:00 PM.

Memorial contributions are suggested to the Humane Society of the High Plains (<a href="https://hshponline.org/donate/">https://hshponline.org/donate/</a>) or
the Leukemia Research Foundation in memory of Curtis Hertel (<a href="https://leukemiarf.org/donate/">https://leukemiarf.org/donate/</a>).

Please share memories on Jackie’s tribute page at <a href="http://www.keithleyfuneralchapels.com">www.keithleyfuneralchapels.com</a>

<a href="http://www.keithleyfuneralchapels.com"></a>
Services under the direction of Keithley Funeral Homes and Crematory-Brock’s
Chapel, 2509 Vine, Hays, KS 67601&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/4/1744336792399.jpeg" alt="Jacqueline Susan 'Jackie Sue' Hertel" />
 <figcaption>Jacqueline Susan 'Jackie Sue' Hertel</figcaption>
 </figure>&nbsp;Jacqueline
Susan 'Jackie Sue' Hertel, age 72, of Hays, Kansas, passed away
peacefully surrounded by family and friends on Sunday, March 30, 2025, in Hays.
She was born on May 2, 1952, in Hays to Gerald and Hedwig (Leikam) Allen.
Jackie worked for Travenol in Hays and then Dillons, where she worked as a
checker and then in the bakery department before retiring. She enjoyed cooking,
quilting and gardening in her spare time. She was a member of St. Joseph’s
Catholic Church in Hays Family had always meant the most to Jackie. No matter what, family came first.
Even in the final parts of her life as she was managing a liver disease, all it
took to get a smile on an otherwise gloomy day was a picture of a grandchild or
her hearing of a recent grandchild's accomplishment. She always did what she
could to try and be a part of their lives without hesitation or regret She is survived by her sons, Fredrick Hertel of Kansas City, KS, Patrick Hertel
(Angela Pruett) of Hays, Steven Hertel of Independence, Missouri and Matthew
Hertel of Washington, D.C.; two brothers, Stanley Allen (Karen) of Hays and
Robert Allen (Sam) of Colonial Heights, VA; a sister, Rosa Lee (Allen)
Mewhinney of Hays; and her grandchildren, Alyssa (Hertel) Gafner (Chase), CJ
Hertel, Annie Hertel, Colton Hertel and Westen Hertel Jackie was preceded in death by her mother, a son, Curtis Hertel, and a
brother, Phillip Allen.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be on Saturday, April 26th, 2025, at 10:00 A.M.
at St. Joseph's Catholic Church, 215 W. 13th, Hays. Inurnment will follow in
the St. Joseph Cemetery in Hays. A funeral reception will take place following
inurnment at VFW Post 9076. All are welcome Memorial visitation will be on Friday at Keithley Funeral Homes-Brock’s Chapel
with a combined parish vigil and rosary service at 7:00 PM.
Memorial contributions are suggested to the Humane Society of the High Plains (<a href="https://hshponline.org/donate/">https://hshponline.org/donate/</a>) or
the Leukemia Research Foundation in memory of Curtis Hertel (<a href="https://leukemiarf.org/donate/">https://leukemiarf.org/donate/</a>).
Please share memories on Jackie’s tribute page at <a href="http://www.keithleyfuneralchapels.com">www.keithleyfuneralchapels.com</a><a href="http://www.keithleyfuneralchapels.com"></a>
Services under the direction of Keithley Funeral Homes and Crematory-Brock’s
Chapel, 2509 Vine, Hays, KS 67601&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;

Jacqueline Susan 'Jackie Sue' Hertel

HaysMed President and CEO Edward (Eddie) Herrman was recently selected as one of only four hospital executives nationwide to participate in a special healthcare policy roundtable with U.S. Secretary of Health and Human Services Robert F. Kennedy Jr. in Washington, D.C.

The April 17 meeting, hosted at the HHS headquarters, brought together a select group of health system leaders to discuss the future of American health care with a focus on the ‘Making America Healthy Again’ (MAHA) initiative, rural access challenges, administrative burden reduction, and the use of digital health and AI.

“It was an incredible honor to represent not only HaysMed but also the entire rural health landscape in Kansas,” said Herrman. “Secretary Kennedy was engaged and direct. He not only wanted to hear our challenges; he asked for specifics and solutions.”

During the 75-minute session, Herrman highlighted the unique health&nbsp; care delivery challenges faced by providers in rural areas, including transportation barriers, food scarcity, lack of post-acute care options, and inequities in federal pilot programs.

HaysMed, a leading regional tertiary center in western Kansas, serves a vast geographic area stretching westward with no comparable providers until Denver. Herrman emphasized the importance of continued federal support for rural hospitals that act as lifelines for their communities.

He also brought forward key concerns around Medicare Advantage denials, excessive administrative and compliance requirements, and the discontinuation of preventative outreach programs due to funding limitations.

“Rural hospitals like HaysMed are doing everything we can to keep our communities healthy,” Herrman added. “But we need the federal government to recognize how different the rural reality is from urban America.”

According to Herrman, Secretary Kennedy requested a detailed list of regulatory burdens and associated costs to help guide forthcoming policy reform efforts.

“It’s a testament to the reputation our team has built at HaysMed,” said Herrman. “Our participation shows that rural voices matter and that we can help shape national policy for the better.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/4/1745329311006.jpeg" alt="Health care policy roundtable participants were John Starcher (CEO of Bon Secours Mercy Health), Cliff Megerian, MD (CEO of University Hospitals), HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., Edward Herrman (President and CEO of HaysMed), and Ken Westman (CEO of Riverside Healthcare Center). Courtesy photo" />
 <figcaption>Health care policy roundtable participants were John Starcher (CEO of Bon Secours Mercy Health), Cliff Megerian, MD (CEO of University Hospitals), HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., Edward Herrman (President and CEO of HaysMed), and Ken Westman (CEO of Riverside Healthcare Center). Courtesy photo</figcaption>
 </figure>HaysMedHaysMed President and CEO Edward (Eddie) Herrman was recently selected as one of only four hospital executives nationwide to participate in a special healthcare policy roundtable with U.S. Secretary of Health and Human Services Robert F. Kennedy Jr. in Washington, D.C.The April 17 meeting, hosted at the HHS headquarters, brought together a select group of health system leaders to discuss the future of American health care with a focus on the ‘Making America Healthy Again’ (MAHA) initiative, rural access challenges, administrative burden reduction, and the use of digital health and AI.“It was an incredible honor to represent not only HaysMed but also the entire rural health landscape in Kansas,” said Herrman. “Secretary Kennedy was engaged and direct. He not only wanted to hear our challenges; he asked for specifics and solutions.”During the 75-minute session, Herrman highlighted the unique health&nbsp; care delivery challenges faced by providers in rural areas, including transportation barriers, food scarcity, lack of post-acute care options, and inequities in federal pilot programs.HaysMed, a leading regional tertiary center in western Kansas, serves a vast geographic area stretching westward with no comparable providers until Denver. Herrman emphasized the importance of continued federal support for rural hospitals that act as lifelines for their communities.He also brought forward key concerns around Medicare Advantage denials, excessive administrative and compliance requirements, and the discontinuation of preventative outreach programs due to funding limitations.“Rural hospitals like HaysMed are doing everything we can to keep our communities healthy,” Herrman added. “But we need the federal government to recognize how different the rural reality is from urban America.”According to Herrman, Secretary Kennedy requested a detailed list of regulatory burdens and associated costs to help guide forthcoming policy reform efforts.“It’s a testament to the reputation our team has built at HaysMed,” said Herrman. “Our participation shows that rural voices matter and that we can help shape national policy for the better.”

HaysMed CEO represents rural health care at HHS meeting in Washington, D.C.

By JOHN P. TRETBAR Eagle Media

Crude prices rebound Tuesday, after dropping two percent on Monday.&nbsp; 

Monday's settlement price for NYMEX crude was pennies above $63 a barrel. On Tuesday, the expiring May NYMEX contract was fetching offers just under $64, while the June contract was nearly a dollar cheaper.&nbsp; London Brent was fetching a few cents over $67 a barrel by midday.

Kansas crude prices start the week lower than they started the month. Prices in the Sunflower State jumped more than two dollars last Thursday, &nbsp;only to drop $1.75 after the holiday break. 

Kansas Common crude at CHS in McPherson is priced Monday at $53.25 per barrel. That's up $1.50 from last week, but down eight dollars from the first of the month, and nearly nine dollars lower than at the first of the year.

Producers continue to get more bang for the buck. The weekly Rig Count from Baker Hughes posted the first increase in the closely-watched industry barometer in four weeks, at 585 active rigs, marking an increase of one oil rig and one gas rig. But, despite record production, the average rig count so far this year drops to 587 rigs, down 13 rigs from the average for all of last year.

The weekly Kansas Rig Count from Independent Oil and Gas Service is unchanged in western Kansas, but up two rigs east of Wichita. This week's total of 24 active drilling rigs is up nine percent from a week ago, up 33 percent from a month ago, but down 22 percent from a year ago. Drilling was underway Friday on two leases in Finney County.

Regulators okayed eight new drilling permits in western Kansas out of 12 statewide last week, with one of those in Ellis County. That's 221 new drilling locations so far this year, compared to 256 a year ago at this time.

Independent Oil and Gas Service reports 24 newly completed wells, 389 so far this year, which is up 35 wells from a year ago. There are twenty wells on the list in eastern Kansas and four west of Wichita.

The U.S. is still a net crude oil importer, but the balance is getting closer. Average crude exports last week topped five million barrels per day, something that has only happened ten times before. The Energy Information Administration reports exports jumped nearly two million barrels a day from a week earlier to 5.1 million barrels a day. That's the highest tally in a year. 

Domestic crude imports dropped nearly 200,000 barrels to six million barrels a day. Imports outpace exports by just 900,000 barrels a day, the smallest net-import ratio in recent memory.

Commercial crude inventories rose half a million barrels to nearly 443 million. That's about six percent below the five-year average.

The Energy Department continues to reap a paper profit refilling the Strategic Petroleum Reserves, adding 300,000 barrels last week to top off the SPR at 397 million barrels, up 33 million from a year ago.

EIA reports domestic crude-oil production rose slightly from a week ago, to just under 13.5 million barrels a day. The four-week average is also above 13.5 million but cumulative output so far this year is just under that mark.

The Energy Information Administration is bracing for the administration’s latest round of resignation offers, putting at risk some of the most closely watched energy reports anywhere. The agency publishes weekly, monthly and annual data on the oil and gas industry. Reuters cites five unnamed sources with estimates up to one-third of the workforce leaving.

The Keystone Pipeline restarted just a week after a rupture and spill in North Dakota shut down the facility. South Bow, the spin-off company now in charge of the pipeline, announced last week it had completed all repairs, inspections and testing. The company says the government has approved its repair and restart plans. 

They will operate at reduced pressure as assessments continue, based on government corrective orders. Work on recovering the spilled crude are ongoing, and site remediation efforts continue at the farm field near Fort Ransom, North Dakota. 

The cause of the spill has not been announced. On the morning of April 8, an employee reported the spill after hearing what was described as "mechanical bang." Officials say 3,500 barrels spilled.&nbsp;&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/5/1685114004842.jpg" alt="Photo by Pixabay" />
 <figcaption>Photo by Pixabay</figcaption>
 </figure>By JOHN P. TRETBAR Eagle Media Crude prices rebound Tuesday, after dropping two percent on Monday.&nbsp; Monday's settlement price for NYMEX crude was pennies above $63 a barrel. On Tuesday, the expiring May NYMEX contract was fetching offers just under $64, while the June contract was nearly a dollar cheaper.&nbsp; London Brent was fetching a few cents over $67 a barrel by midday.Kansas crude prices start the week lower than they started the month. Prices in the Sunflower State jumped more than two dollars last Thursday, &nbsp;only to drop $1.75 after the holiday break. Kansas Common crude at CHS in McPherson is priced Monday at $53.25 per barrel. That's up $1.50 from last week, but down eight dollars from the first of the month, and nearly nine dollars lower than at the first of the year.Producers continue to get more bang for the buck. The weekly Rig Count from Baker Hughes posted the first increase in the closely-watched industry barometer in four weeks, at 585 active rigs, marking an increase of one oil rig and one gas rig. But, despite record production, the average rig count so far this year drops to 587 rigs, down 13 rigs from the average for all of last year.The weekly Kansas Rig Count from Independent Oil and Gas Service is unchanged in western Kansas, but up two rigs east of Wichita. This week's total of 24 active drilling rigs is up nine percent from a week ago, up 33 percent from a month ago, but down 22 percent from a year ago. Drilling was underway Friday on two leases in Finney County.Regulators okayed eight new drilling permits in western Kansas out of 12 statewide last week, with one of those in Ellis County. That's 221 new drilling locations so far this year, compared to 256 a year ago at this time.Independent Oil and Gas Service reports 24 newly completed wells, 389 so far this year, which is up 35 wells from a year ago. There are twenty wells on the list in eastern Kansas and four west of Wichita.The U.S. is still a net crude oil importer, but the balance is getting closer. Average crude exports last week topped five million barrels per day, something that has only happened ten times before. The Energy Information Administration reports exports jumped nearly two million barrels a day from a week earlier to 5.1 million barrels a day. That's the highest tally in a year. Domestic crude imports dropped nearly 200,000 barrels to six million barrels a day. Imports outpace exports by just 900,000 barrels a day, the smallest net-import ratio in recent memory.Commercial crude inventories rose half a million barrels to nearly 443 million. That's about six percent below the five-year average.The Energy Department continues to reap a paper profit refilling the Strategic Petroleum Reserves, adding 300,000 barrels last week to top off the SPR at 397 million barrels, up 33 million from a year ago.EIA reports domestic crude-oil production rose slightly from a week ago, to just under 13.5 million barrels a day. The four-week average is also above 13.5 million but cumulative output so far this year is just under that mark.The Energy Information Administration is bracing for the administration’s latest round of resignation offers, putting at risk some of the most closely watched energy reports anywhere. The agency publishes weekly, monthly and annual data on the oil and gas industry. Reuters cites five unnamed sources with estimates up to one-third of the workforce leaving.The Keystone Pipeline restarted just a week after a rupture and spill in North Dakota shut down the facility. South Bow, the spin-off company now in charge of the pipeline, announced last week it had completed all repairs, inspections and testing. The company says the government has approved its repair and restart plans. They will operate at reduced pressure as assessments continue, based on government corrective orders. Work on recovering the spilled crude are ongoing, and site remediation efforts continue at the farm field near Fort Ransom, North Dakota. The cause of the spill has not been announced. On the morning of April 8, an employee reported the spill after hearing what was described as "mechanical bang." Officials say 3,500 barrels spilled.&nbsp;&nbsp;

News From the Oil Patch: Keystone restarts one week after spill

HAYS, Kan. - Fort Hays State University Athletics will pay tribute to the 1974 Tiger Baseball team for its historic achievement prior to the 7 p.m. game against Northwest Missouri State University on April 25 at Larks Park. The recognition will be a part of the annual Pack the Park event. The team was the first at FHSU to play in a national baseball tournament, specifically the NAIA National Baseball Tournament, now known as the NAIA College World Series.

That season the Tigers won the NAIA District 10 Playoffs, defeating Bethany College, Emporia State, and Benedictine College to reach the NAIA Area 3 Playoffs in Oklahoma City. The Tigers then defeated Kearney State and Southeastern Oklahoma twice to reach the NAIA championship site in St. Joseph, Mo. They fell to Sam Houston State and Wisconsin-Oshkosh at the championship site, wrapping their season at 26-18 overall. The Tigers finished the year at No. 7 in the NAIA national rankings.

It has been 51 years since the 1974 season, yet all 16 players on the team's postseason roster will be in attendance and recognized at Larks Park on Friday night prior to the annual Pack the Park game. The team featured just one senior and the rest were underclassmen.

Below are the individuals planning to be in attendance.

Outfielders: Bill Hall (Hays), Brad Rumble (Great Bend), Val McLean (Lewis) and Dick Kollhoff (Burdett).

Infielders: Lance Wise (Hill City), Keith Harper (Colby), Galen Pfannenstiel (Ransom), Bill Hachmeister (Hill City), Mike Weiser (Great Bend), Mike Giarratano (Pueblo, Colo.) and Larry Koster (Cawker City).

Pitchers; Ray Dolezal (Great Bend), Ken Ubelaker (Osborne), Rick Zimmerman (Denver, Colo.), and Ray Coupal (Hays).

Six Tiger players received post-season honors: All-Great Plains Athletic Conference First Team&nbsp;- Brad Rumble (LF), Lance Wise (SS). Academic All-Conference Team&nbsp;- Val McLean (CF), Bill Hall (RF), Keith Harper (2B), Brad Rumble (LF). All-District 10 First Team&nbsp;- Galen Pfannenstiel (1B), Lance Wise (SS), Bill Hall (OF), Brad Rumble (OF). All-Area III&nbsp;- Bill Hall (OF). NAIA All-America&nbsp;- Bill Hall (OF), Lance Wise (SS).

Tiger records set during the 1974 season: Most doubles -&nbsp;Bill Hall, 16 Most stolen bases -&nbsp;Keith Harper, 26 Most times hit by pitch -&nbsp;Lance Wise, 5 Most strikeouts -&nbsp;Ray Coupal, 94 Most wins -&nbsp;Ray Coupal, 10 Most innings pitched -&nbsp;Ray Coupal, 102.2

Guiding the Tigers to the national tournament was Earl Hobbs (1929-2013) who coached the Tigers from 1967-1976. Both of his assistant coaches, Rod Ruder (1951-2021) and Frank Leo, were graduates of FHSU and were eventually inducted into the Tiger Sports Hall of Fame. "We were truly fortunate to have had the opportunity to play for them," commented Brad Rumble. "What they did to help the team reach the national tournament and become part of FHSU baseball history is something we will never forget."

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/4/1745327713227.png" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure>FHSU AthleticsHAYS, Kan. - Fort Hays State University Athletics will pay tribute to the 1974 Tiger Baseball team for its historic achievement prior to the 7 p.m. game against Northwest Missouri State University on April 25 at Larks Park. The recognition will be a part of the annual Pack the Park event. The team was the first at FHSU to play in a national baseball tournament, specifically the NAIA National Baseball Tournament, now known as the NAIA College World Series.That season the Tigers won the NAIA District 10 Playoffs, defeating Bethany College, Emporia State, and Benedictine College to reach the NAIA Area 3 Playoffs in Oklahoma City. The Tigers then defeated Kearney State and Southeastern Oklahoma twice to reach the NAIA championship site in St. Joseph, Mo. They fell to Sam Houston State and Wisconsin-Oshkosh at the championship site, wrapping their season at 26-18 overall. The Tigers finished the year at No. 7 in the NAIA national rankings.It has been 51 years since the 1974 season, yet all 16 players on the team's postseason roster will be in attendance and recognized at Larks Park on Friday night prior to the annual Pack the Park game. The team featured just one senior and the rest were underclassmen.Below are the individuals planning to be in attendance.Outfielders: Bill Hall (Hays), Brad Rumble (Great Bend), Val McLean (Lewis) and Dick Kollhoff (Burdett).Infielders: Lance Wise (Hill City), Keith Harper (Colby), Galen Pfannenstiel (Ransom), Bill Hachmeister (Hill City), Mike Weiser (Great Bend), Mike Giarratano (Pueblo, Colo.) and Larry Koster (Cawker City).Pitchers; Ray Dolezal (Great Bend), Ken Ubelaker (Osborne), Rick Zimmerman (Denver, Colo.), and Ray Coupal (Hays).Catcher: Steve Rohr (Hays).Assistant Coach: Frank Leo (Hays).Six Tiger players received post-season honors: All-Great Plains Athletic Conference First Team&nbsp;- Brad Rumble (LF), Lance Wise (SS). Academic All-Conference Team&nbsp;- Val McLean (CF), Bill Hall (RF), Keith Harper (2B), Brad Rumble (LF). All-District 10 First Team&nbsp;- Galen Pfannenstiel (1B), Lance Wise (SS), Bill Hall (OF), Brad Rumble (OF). All-Area III&nbsp;- Bill Hall (OF). NAIA All-America&nbsp;- Bill Hall (OF), Lance Wise (SS).Tiger records set during the 1974 season: Most doubles -&nbsp;Bill Hall, 16 Most stolen bases -&nbsp;Keith Harper, 26 Most times hit by pitch -&nbsp;Lance Wise, 5 Most strikeouts -&nbsp;Ray Coupal, 94 Most wins -&nbsp;Ray Coupal, 10 Most innings pitched -&nbsp;Ray Coupal, 102.2Guiding the Tigers to the national tournament was Earl Hobbs (1929-2013) who coached the Tigers from 1967-1976. Both of his assistant coaches, Rod Ruder (1951-2021) and Frank Leo, were graduates of FHSU and were eventually inducted into the Tiger Sports Hall of Fame. "We were truly fortunate to have had the opportunity to play for them," commented Brad Rumble. "What they did to help the team reach the national tournament and become part of FHSU baseball history is something we will never forget."

⚾ First FHSU national tournament team to be recognized at Pack the Park

The Hays USD 489 school board approved a&nbsp;$799,728 purchase of a new English curriculum for kindergarten through 12th grades from Savvas Learning Company at its meeting Monday night.

The district has been saving money from fees in a reserve account for the anticipated purchase of this updated curriculum.

The cost includes both digital and print student materials, as well as teacher materials, for six years.

The district will implement the curriculum this fall.

The board approved marketing partnerships for advertising on the new Hays High School and Hays Middle School scoreboards.

The Hays Middle School scoreboards will have static advertising. Those signs were sold on 10-year contracts. The money from those ads was used to buy new wrestling mats for the middle school.

The new Hays High School will have video scoreboards on the football field and in the new competition gym. These scoreboards had opportunities for both static signs and digital advertising.&nbsp;

These contracts were sold for three years. Those funds will be placed in the district's capital outlay fund to cover the cost of the high school scoreboards.

Chris Hipp, USD 489 superintendent of business services, said once the scoreboard costs are recouped, advertising revenue will continue to be deposited in the capital outlay fund for future capital projects of the board's choosing.

All of the HMS scoreboard advertising has been sold, but some advertising packages for the Hays High scoreboards are still available, Ron Wilson, USD 489 superintendent, said.

Wilson also reported high winds recently damaged a soccer scoreboard. That scoreboard was installed about a year ago and was funded through donations.

The district will work with the sign and insurance companies to determine options for replacing or repairing the scoreboard, he said.

The board also approved capacity for the enrollment of nonresident students for the 2025-26 school year. This is required annually to meet state open enrollment rules.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/4/1745283268912.jpg" alt="Photo courtesy of Pixabay" />
 <figcaption>Photo courtesy of Pixabay</figcaption>
 </figure>By CRISTINA JANNEY Hays PostThe Hays USD 489 school board approved a&nbsp;$799,728 purchase of a new English curriculum for kindergarten through 12th grades from Savvas Learning Company at its meeting Monday night.The district has been saving money from fees in a reserve account for the anticipated purchase of this updated curriculum.The cost includes both digital and print student materials, as well as teacher materials, for six years.The district will implement the curriculum this fall.<h2>Scoreboard advertising</h2>The board approved marketing partnerships for advertising on the new Hays High School and Hays Middle School scoreboards.The Hays Middle School scoreboards will have static advertising. Those signs were sold on 10-year contracts. The money from those ads was used to buy new wrestling mats for the middle school.The new Hays High School will have video scoreboards on the football field and in the new competition gym. These scoreboards had opportunities for both static signs and digital advertising.&nbsp;These contracts were sold for three years. Those funds will be placed in the district's capital outlay fund to cover the cost of the high school scoreboards.Chris Hipp, USD 489 superintendent of business services, said once the scoreboard costs are recouped, advertising revenue will continue to be deposited in the capital outlay fund for future capital projects of the board's choosing.All of the HMS scoreboard advertising has been sold, but some advertising packages for the Hays High scoreboards are still available, Ron Wilson, USD 489 superintendent, said.Wilson also reported high winds recently damaged a soccer scoreboard. That scoreboard was installed about a year ago and was funded through donations.The district will work with the sign and insurance companies to determine options for replacing or repairing the scoreboard, he said.The board also approved capacity for the enrollment of nonresident students for the 2025-26 school year. This is required annually to meet state open enrollment rules.

Hays USD 489 school board approves new $800,000 English curriculum

TOPEKA — The Kansas State Department of Education (KSDE) announced this week that 200 Kansas high school seniors have earned the recognition as 2025 Kansas Career and Technical Education (CTE) Scholars.

The announcement was made during the Kansas State Board of Education meeting on Tuesday, April 8, in Topeka.

The Kansas CTE Scholar&nbsp;<a>program is an opportunity to recognize well-rounded, outstanding CTE students who are finishing their senior year of high school.&nbsp;</a>The first Kansas CTE Scholars were named in 2017.

To be named a CTE Scholar, a student must be a high school senior and meet the following criteria:

A&nbsp;minimum&nbsp;of&nbsp;one&nbsp;of&nbsp;the&nbsp;following&nbsp;technical&nbsp;skill&nbsp;attainment&nbsp;options&nbsp;must&nbsp;be&nbsp;earned&nbsp;and&nbsp;verified:

CTE scholars receive a commemorative pin, special certificate, graduation honor cord and statewide recognition.

The 2025 Kansas CTE Scholars include the following:

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/2/1740581713646.jpg" alt="Photo by Pixabay" />
 <figcaption>Photo by Pixabay</figcaption>
 </figure>KSDETOPEKA — The Kansas State Department of Education (KSDE) announced this week that 200 Kansas high school seniors have earned the recognition as 2025 Kansas Career and Technical Education (CTE) Scholars.The announcement was made during the Kansas State Board of Education meeting on Tuesday, April 8, in Topeka.The Kansas CTE Scholar&nbsp;<a>program is an opportunity to recognize well-rounded, outstanding CTE students who are finishing their senior year of high school.&nbsp;</a>The first Kansas CTE Scholars were named in 2017.To be named a CTE Scholar, a student must be a high school senior and meet the following criteria:<ul>
 <li>Have completed (or upon successful completion of current course enrollment) a minimum of three CTE credits with at least two of the three credits above introductory level. Earned credits must be in one pathway.</li><li>Have a CTE grade point average (GPA) of 3.5 or better in CTE coursework.</li><li>Be involved in civic engagement leadership, which refers to a student selecting an issue of concern and providing leadership through project-based actions to improve the community, state or nation; or have a minimum of 40 hours of volunteer experience. A letter of validation is required for civic engagement leadership, and documentation of 40 hours with an adult signature is required for community service.</li>
 </ul>Technical Skill AttainmentA&nbsp;minimum&nbsp;of&nbsp;one&nbsp;of&nbsp;the&nbsp;following&nbsp;technical&nbsp;skill&nbsp;attainment&nbsp;options&nbsp;must&nbsp;be&nbsp;earned&nbsp;and&nbsp;verified:<ul>
 <li>Earned&nbsp;an&nbsp;end&nbsp;of&nbsp;pathway&nbsp;(aligned&nbsp;with&nbsp;pathway&nbsp;selected)&nbsp;assessment/certiﬁcation&nbsp;for&nbsp;completer&nbsp;status&nbsp;(industry-&nbsp;recognized certiﬁcation or a passing score on a third-party, end-of- pathway assessment) recorded on the K-PAC (Kansas Pathway Assessments, Credentials or Certiﬁcations) columns eight (8) and nine (9).</li><li>Earned&nbsp;an&nbsp;Excel&nbsp;in&nbsp;CTE&nbsp;Qualifying&nbsp;Recognized&nbsp;Credential&nbsp;aligned&nbsp;to&nbsp;the Pathway selected.</li><li>Earned nine (9) + college hours leading to completion of a certiﬁcate, or post-secondary&nbsp;program&nbsp;aligned&nbsp;to&nbsp;the&nbsp;Pathway's&nbsp;Program&nbsp;of&nbsp;Study&nbsp;that was selected.</li><li>Completed a high-quality work-based learning career preparation experience,&nbsp;Kansas&nbsp;Work-Based&nbsp;Learning&nbsp;Continuum,&nbsp;in&nbsp;the&nbsp;Pathway selected deﬁned in Kansas Work-Based Learning: Personalized Learning Plan Guidance Document.</li>
 </ul>CTE scholars receive a commemorative pin, special certificate, graduation honor cord and statewide recognition.The 2025 Kansas CTE Scholars include the following:<figure>
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Kansas State Board of Education recognizes area Career and Technical Education Scholars

HAYS -&nbsp;
















The Hays High boys golf team tied Dodge City through 18 holes at Monday's Bob Blazer/Hays
High Invitational at Smoky Hill Country Club. Both teams shot a 325 but Dodge City's&nbsp;fifth man score was lower so they win the tiebreaker.


The Indians placed two in the top-10. Caleb Thompson was fourth with a 6-over-par 77 and Braiden
Bickle eighth with an 80.

Garden City's Maddix Shook won the individual title with an even-par 71.

Team Results Place. School - Score 1. Dodge City - 325 (5th man score 87) 2. Hays - 325 (5th man score 94) 3. Salina-South - 334 4. Salina Sacred Heart - 335 5. Garden City - 336 6. Liberal - 338 7. Topeka Seaman - 345 8. Salina Central - 360 9. Great Bend - 369 10. Junction City - 371

Top 10 Medalists Place. Name - School - Score 1. Maddix Shook - Garden City&nbsp; - 71 2. Kale Miller - Liberal - 73 3. Luke Newell - Salina Sacred Heart - 76 4. Caleb Thompson - Hays - 77 5. Jackson Perry - Salina South - 77 6. Aiden Robinson - Dodge City - 78 7. Rase Smith - Dodge City - 80 8. Braiden Bickle - Hays - 80 9. Bradley William - Topeka Seaman - 80 10. Ledger Michel - Salina South - 81

Hays High Results 4. Caleb Thompson - 77 8. Braiden Bickle - 80 15. Trey Oakley - 84 16. Cooper Johnson - 84 46. Mason Simmons - 94 59. Miles Weimer - 103

Hays Post SportsHAYS -&nbsp;
















The Hays High boys golf team tied Dodge City through 18 holes at Monday's Bob Blazer/Hays
High Invitational at Smoky Hill Country Club. Both teams shot a 325 but Dodge City's&nbsp;fifth man score was lower so they win the tiebreaker.
The Indians placed two in the top-10. Caleb Thompson was fourth with a 6-over-par 77 and Braiden
Bickle eighth with an 80.Garden City's Maddix Shook won the individual title with an even-par 71.Team Results Place. School - Score 1. Dodge City - 325 (5th man score 87) 2. Hays - 325 (5th man score 94) 3. Salina-South - 334 4. Salina Sacred Heart - 335 5. Garden City - 336 6. Liberal - 338 7. Topeka Seaman - 345 8. Salina Central - 360 9. Great Bend - 369 10. Junction City - 371Top 10 Medalists Place. Name - School - Score 1. Maddix Shook - Garden City&nbsp; - 71 2. Kale Miller - Liberal - 73 3. Luke Newell - Salina Sacred Heart - 76 4. Caleb Thompson - Hays - 77 5. Jackson Perry - Salina South - 77 6. Aiden Robinson - Dodge City - 78 7. Rase Smith - Dodge City - 80 8. Braiden Bickle - Hays - 80 9. Bradley William - Topeka Seaman - 80 10. Ledger Michel - Salina South - 81Hays High Results 4. Caleb Thompson - 77 8. Braiden Bickle - 80 15. Trey Oakley - 84 16. Cooper Johnson - 84 46. Mason Simmons - 94 59. Miles Weimer - 103

⛳ HHS loses tiebreaker to Dodge City at Bob Blazer

BY:&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/author/jason-hancock/">JASON HANCOCK</a> <a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2023/02/20/state-senator-throws-first-punches-of-2024-missouri-governors-campaign/">Missouri Independent</a>

Former Missouri Congressman Billy Long received $137,000 in campaign contributions — just enough to pay off a personal loan to his campaign — soon after he was tapped to lead the Internal Revenue Service.

Some of the donations are connected to companies that will be policed by the agency Long has been nominated to run.

According to recently filed financial disclosures, which were first reported on by the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.levernews.com/trump-irs-pick-was-just-enriched-by-tax-schemers/" target="_blank">investigative journalism site The Lever</a>, Long only raised roughly $36,000 in the last two years.&nbsp;

He was named as&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/briefs/donald-trump-picks-missouris-billy-long-to-lead-the-irs/">President Donald Trump’s pick to lead the IRS</a>&nbsp;in December, and in January received $137,000 in donations. He then paid back the remaining&nbsp;<a href="https://www.fec.gov/data/committee/C00460063/?tab=summary" target="_blank">$130,000 in debt from a $250,000 loan</a>&nbsp;he made to his unsuccessful 2022 U.S. Senate campaign.

The donations, and their timing, have renewed criticism of Long’s appointment, which still awaits Senate confirmation. Senate Democrats have already called for a&nbsp;<a href="https://www.finance.senate.gov/chairmans-news/wyden-cortez-masto-call-for-criminal-investigation-into-evidence-of-fraud-by-promoters-affiliated-with-irs-nominee-billy-long" target="_blank">criminal investigation of firms with ties to Long</a>&nbsp;that they allege are involved in fraudulent tax credit schemes.&nbsp;

Among the donors to Long’s campaign are financial advisers from some of those firms.

“When they told Billy he’d be in charge of revenue collection, did they forget to tell him that meant for the American people, not his own bank account?” said Sean Nicholson, a longtime progressive activist and campaign consultant in Missouri.&nbsp;

Jordan Libowitz, vice president of communications for the liberal watchdog Citizens for Responsibility and Ethics in Washington, said the timing of the donations and the “explicit knowledge that they’d end up directly in Long’s bank account, it’s hard to see them as anything other than an attempt to curry favor with the future head of the IRS.”

Long did not respond to a request for comment.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/12/1734986359615.png" alt="- Billy Long speaks during a press conference before filing for to be on the ballot in the Missouri GOP Senate primary on Feb. 22, 2022, in Jefferson City (Madeline Carter/Missouri Independent)." />
 <figcaption>- Billy Long speaks during a press conference before filing for to be on the ballot in the Missouri GOP Senate primary on Feb. 22, 2022, in Jefferson City (Madeline Carter/Missouri Independent).</figcaption>
 </figure>BY:&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/author/jason-hancock/">JASON HANCOCK</a> <a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2023/02/20/state-senator-throws-first-punches-of-2024-missouri-governors-campaign/">Missouri Independent</a>Former Missouri Congressman Billy Long received $137,000 in campaign contributions — just enough to pay off a personal loan to his campaign — soon after he was tapped to lead the Internal Revenue Service.Some of the donations are connected to companies that will be policed by the agency Long has been nominated to run.According to recently filed financial disclosures, which were first reported on by the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.levernews.com/trump-irs-pick-was-just-enriched-by-tax-schemers/" target="_blank">investigative journalism site The Lever</a>, Long only raised roughly $36,000 in the last two years.&nbsp;He was named as&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/briefs/donald-trump-picks-missouris-billy-long-to-lead-the-irs/">President Donald Trump’s pick to lead the IRS</a>&nbsp;in December, and in January received $137,000 in donations. He then paid back the remaining&nbsp;<a href="https://www.fec.gov/data/committee/C00460063/?tab=summary" target="_blank">$130,000 in debt from a $250,000 loan</a>&nbsp;he made to his unsuccessful 2022 U.S. Senate campaign.The donations, and their timing, have renewed criticism of Long’s appointment, which still awaits Senate confirmation. Senate Democrats have already called for a&nbsp;<a href="https://www.finance.senate.gov/chairmans-news/wyden-cortez-masto-call-for-criminal-investigation-into-evidence-of-fraud-by-promoters-affiliated-with-irs-nominee-billy-long" target="_blank">criminal investigation of firms with ties to Long</a>&nbsp;that they allege are involved in fraudulent tax credit schemes.&nbsp;Among the donors to Long’s campaign are financial advisers from some of those firms.“When they told Billy he’d be in charge of revenue collection, did they forget to tell him that meant for the American people, not his own bank account?” said Sean Nicholson, a longtime progressive activist and campaign consultant in Missouri.&nbsp;Jordan Libowitz, vice president of communications for the liberal watchdog Citizens for Responsibility and Ethics in Washington, said the timing of the donations and the “explicit knowledge that they’d end up directly in Long’s bank account, it’s hard to see them as anything other than an attempt to curry favor with the future head of the IRS.”Long did not respond to a request for comment.&nbsp;After a career as an auctioneer and conservative radio host, Long served six terms representing a Southwest Missouri congressional district. He gave up his seat to&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2022/07/21/billy-longs-chances-in-missouri-gop-senate-primary-depend-on-donald-trump/">run for U.S. Senate in 2022</a>, losing in the GOP primary to now-Sen. Eric Schmitt.&nbsp;Long then worked for&nbsp;<a href="https://www.nytimes.com/2024/12/24/business/billy-long-irs-tax-credit.html" target="_blank">Lifetime Advisors</a>&nbsp;and earned at least $5,000 in income from&nbsp;<a href="https://news.bloombergtax.com/daily-tax-report/trump-irs-pick-has-ties-to-group-that-pushed-dubious-tax-credits" target="_blank">White River Energy</a>. Both companies have drawn&nbsp;<a href="https://www.warren.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/warren-presses-irs-nominee-billy-long-on-questionable-record-of-pushing-fraud-ridden-tax-credit" target="_blank">scorn from Senate Democrats</a>, and intense media scrutiny, over their involvement in controversial tax credit programs.&nbsp;In 2022, the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.texastribune.org/2022/05/16/ted-cruz-supreme-court-campaign-finance/" target="_blank">U.S. Supreme Court struck down a limit&nbsp;</a>on the amount of post-election funds a candidate can use to pay back personal loans. The majority found the limit an unconstitutional restriction on the freedom of speech, while the dissenting justices argued removing it would pave the way for political corruption.&nbsp;&nbsp;“Even if our broken campaign finance system allows this behavior,” Libowitz said, “it raises serious questions about future conflicts of interest and needs to be addressed in any hearings (Billy Long) has before Congress.”&nbsp;Last updated 5:57 a.m., Apr. 19, 2025