JOHANNESBURG (AP) — An American pastor who was&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/south-africa-missionary-abducted-motherwell-fellowship-baptist-2ab7330c428838e917f60e54bf64c962">kidnapped last week by armed and masked men</a>&nbsp;during a sermon in the Eastern Cape province of South Africa was rescued on Tuesday after three of his abductors engaged in gunfire with officials and were killed, police said Wednesday.

The 45-year-old American citizen, Josh Sullivan from Tennessee, has been based in the Motherwell township branch of the Fellowship Baptist Church since 2018 alongside his wife and two children.

The missionary was abducted on Thursday when four men broke into the church. They stole two cellphones from members of the congregation before seizing Sullivan from the pulpit and bundling him out of the building. His truck was found abandoned a few hours later.

A multi-agency task force, including the Anti-Gang Unit and the Serious Organised Crime Unit, took over the investigation. On Tuesday night they approached the location where they suspected Sullivan was being held, a house in KwaMagxaki in the city of Gqeberha, about 20 minutes' drive from the Baptist church.

According to police, a shootout began when suspects in a car parked outside the house tried to escape and began firing at them. Three unidentified suspects were killed, police said.

“The victim was found inside the same vehicle from which the suspects had launched their attack,” Lieutenant Colonel Avele Fumba said in a statement. “Miraculously unharmed, he was immediately assessed by medical personnel and is currently in an excellent condition.”

The number of kidnappings in South Africa has risen by 264% over the past decade, police data showed.

According to the Institute of Security Studies, a think tank specializing in Africa, kidnapping has become a key tactic in armed robberies and carjackings. In its latest Africa report, the ISS noted that less than 5% of kidnappings in South Africa involve ransom demands.

Since his release, Sullivan, who describes himself as “a church-planting missionary” on his personal website, has been reunited with his wife, Meagan, and their two children.

A man named Tom Hatley, whom Sullivan describes on his blog as a training pastor, posted a picture of Sullivan and his family on Facebook. “Josh has been released,” Hatley wrote.

“Thank you for your support and prayers. Please do not stop praying for the Sullivans,” his post read.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/4/1744814618385.png" alt="File photo Josh Sullivan with family-courtesy photo" />
 <figcaption>File photo Josh Sullivan with family-courtesy photo</figcaption>
 </figure>JOHANNESBURG (AP) — An American pastor who was&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/south-africa-missionary-abducted-motherwell-fellowship-baptist-2ab7330c428838e917f60e54bf64c962">kidnapped last week by armed and masked men</a>&nbsp;during a sermon in the Eastern Cape province of South Africa was rescued on Tuesday after three of his abductors engaged in gunfire with officials and were killed, police said Wednesday.The 45-year-old American citizen, Josh Sullivan from Tennessee, has been based in the Motherwell township branch of the Fellowship Baptist Church since 2018 alongside his wife and two children.The missionary was abducted on Thursday when four men broke into the church. They stole two cellphones from members of the congregation before seizing Sullivan from the pulpit and bundling him out of the building. His truck was found abandoned a few hours later.A multi-agency task force, including the Anti-Gang Unit and the Serious Organised Crime Unit, took over the investigation. On Tuesday night they approached the location where they suspected Sullivan was being held, a house in KwaMagxaki in the city of Gqeberha, about 20 minutes' drive from the Baptist church.According to police, a shootout began when suspects in a car parked outside the house tried to escape and began firing at them. Three unidentified suspects were killed, police said.“The victim was found inside the same vehicle from which the suspects had launched their attack,” Lieutenant Colonel Avele Fumba said in a statement. “Miraculously unharmed, he was immediately assessed by medical personnel and is currently in an excellent condition.”The number of kidnappings in South Africa has risen by 264% over the past decade, police data showed.According to the Institute of Security Studies, a think tank specializing in Africa, kidnapping has become a key tactic in armed robberies and carjackings. In its latest Africa report, the ISS noted that less than 5% of kidnappings in South Africa involve ransom demands.Since his release, Sullivan, who describes himself as “a church-planting missionary” on his personal website, has been reunited with his wife, Meagan, and their two children.A man named Tom Hatley, whom Sullivan describes on his blog as a training pastor, posted a picture of Sullivan and his family on Facebook. “Josh has been released,” Hatley wrote.“Thank you for your support and prayers. Please do not stop praying for the Sullivans,” his post read.

Police: US pastor abducted in South Africa has been rescued 

KANSAS CITY — Law enforcement caught another driver in the region traveling well over the posted speed limit.

Last week, a sheriff's deputy stopped a driver traveling 114 mph in a 55mph zone on 69 Highway between Heartland Drive and 33 Highway, according to a social media report from the Clay County, Missouri Sheriff.

 There are stoplights at both of those intersections. The driver told the deputy he had just gotten off work and was in a hurry to get home. "This is incredibly dangerous, and speeds that high result in an automatic court date. You can't just pay a fine and move on."

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/4/1744768861072.png" alt="Photo Clay County Sheriff" />
 <figcaption>Photo Clay County Sheriff</figcaption>
 </figure>KANSAS CITY — Law enforcement caught another driver in the region traveling well over the posted speed limit.Last week, a sheriff's deputy stopped a driver traveling 114 mph in a 55mph zone on 69 Highway between Heartland Drive and 33 Highway, according to a social media report from the Clay County, Missouri Sheriff. There are stoplights at both of those intersections. The driver told the deputy he had just gotten off work and was in a hurry to get home. "This is incredibly dangerous, and speeds that high result in an automatic court date. You can't just pay a fine and move on."

Sheriff: 114mph in a 55mph zone; driver was in a hurry to get home

On this episode of the Post Podcast, Hays Post reporter Tony Guerrero speaks with Deputy of Police Tim Greenwood about the police department's recent assessment recruitment and critical response training.&nbsp;

<div><iframe title="Post Podcast: Hays Police Department recruitment, training" 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=cbz9b-1876fa4-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>On this episode of the Post Podcast, Hays Post reporter Tony Guerrero speaks with Deputy of Police Tim Greenwood about the police department's recent assessment recruitment and critical response training.&nbsp;

🎙 Post Podcast: Hays Police Department recruitment, training

On this episode of the&nbsp;<a href="https://hayspost.com/category/post-podcast" target="_blank">Post Podcast</a>, Hays Post reporter Cristina Janney speaks with Sarah Wasinger, the Chamber in Hays CEO, and Colin Bielser, deputy city manager, about local officials' trip to advocate for Ellis County with the Congressional delegation in Washington, D.C.

<div><iframe title="Post Podcast: The Chamber in Hays - Western Kansas Delegation DC Trip" 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=7i79u-187e109-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>On this episode of the&nbsp;<a href="https://hayspost.com/category/post-podcast" target="_blank">Post Podcast</a>, Hays Post reporter Cristina Janney speaks with Sarah Wasinger, the Chamber in Hays CEO, and Colin Bielser, deputy city manager, about local officials' trip to advocate for Ellis County with the Congressional delegation in Washington, D.C.

🎙 Post Podcast: Western Kansas Delegation meets with Congressmen in D.C.

By CRISTINA JANNEY Hays Post

U.S. Sen. Roger Marshall, R-Kan., made a quick stop in Hays Monday night to visit the Grove housing addition and community center.

Marshall, who had also been in Logan visiting a school/senior living development, said he was interested in learning more about housing developments and needs in Hays.

Marshall met with a Hays Post reporter and Doug Williams, executive director of Grow Hays, who took him on a brief tour of the Robert and Pat Schmidt Community Center. The center is scheduled to be completed this summer.

The community center will house a child care, the Hays Senior Center and multi-purpose rooms for community use. The Grove housing addition will include 54 single-level homes and additional smaller villa homes that are being marketed toward seniors.

Williams said he hopes 10 homes will be completed by next spring, with the complete build-out taking about four years.

"Congratulations," Marshall said to Williams on Hays' housing developments. "We have been across 15 communities Friday and today, and everywhere we go, housing, housing, housing."

Williams said it takes a lot of players to make these housing additions happen—the city, the county and independent builders.&nbsp;

"They have not been used to building at scale," he said. "They're used to building one or two [houses] a year, and we're asking them to do 10 to 15 a year. It puts a strain on subcontractors, plumbers and electricians. The infrastructure we need to build things is lacking.

"We struggle with that, but we're ramping up."

The Hays Post asked the senator about several economic issues during the meeting with Marshall. Marshall has been a supporter of the Trump administration and followed the administration's line of rhetoric in his answers.

The city of Hays had hoped to apply for $50 million in FEMA funds to support the R9 Ranch water project. An executive order has put a pause on those funds, Collin Bielser, deputy city manager, said on the Morning Blend radio show on Monday.

Marshall said he was very familiar with the R9 water project.&nbsp;

"We're trying to reach out to the White House to get an answer about what's going on with that," he said. "The bigger challenge is that we have seen so much waste and fraud coming out of all the grants that we had to say, 'Look, we don't know where they all are going,' so they paused all of them.

"I think this is a good project, and we'll get it back," he said. "I think they are just trying to take good care of taxpayer dollars."

The Post asked the Marshall if he was concerned President Trump's tariffs could drive up the cost of raw materials for housing projects such as the Grove in Hays.

"I don't think the cost could go anywhere near it has in the last four or five years," Marshall said.

"I think the things that we're doing to bring the prices down is the regulatory environment. When I talk to builders, and I have been talking to them all across the state, I ask them the No. 1 cost that's driving up the cost of building homes.

"They talk about the rules and regulations, the regulatory environment— that it takes two or four years to get a permit. You get a green space like this, and you have to get the EPA to look at it and all the different government agencies, and it was taking years."

Marshall said the building industry also relies on imported lumber.

"I think we need to look at ourselves. I want to plant 20 trees for every one that is cut down," he said.

He also discussed transformers, which had serious supply-chain issues during and after COVID. Lags in orders for transformers significantly delay building projects, including those in Hays.

Minerals are needed to rehab those transformers, and they have had to be imported, Marshall said.

"I think the bigger picture at the federal government that we need to be focused on is rolling back regulations, so we can start mining again. We haven't had a major mine open up in 10 years," he said.

He said he thought the impact of tariffs on buildings would be minimal and very short-lived.

Instead of tariffs causing further inflation, Marshall said he thought tariffs would stabilize prices.&nbsp;

"I think we will see inflation in that 3% range," Marshall said. "I'm not going to promise that it'll be back to 2%, but my hope is to get it in the 3% range and to see a 3% [Gross Domestic Product] growth as well.

"So I think by rolling back regulations and setting American energy free, we're going to get control of inflation and create more jobs."

<a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/11998038-026b-4a06-9e7d-98a4bca9ed3f">Sen. Jerry Moran, R-Kan., co-sponsored a bill introduced last week that would give Congress control over tariffs.</a>

In a letter backing that legislation, David French, the National Retail Federation's executive vice president, government relations, said, "One estimate indicates these tariffs could lead to a $2,100 tax increase per household. 

"The increased tariffs are not sustainable for small businesses that have to pay the tax. Many are concerned about their ability to stay in business as a result."&nbsp;

The Post also asked Marshall about the President's executive order to eliminate the U.S. Department of Education, given that Hays is home to Fort Hays State University.

Although the president laid off half of the department's staff, the administration has acknowledged it needs congressional approval to eliminate the department.

The department oversees $1.6 trillion in student loans owed by 45 million Americans.

Opponents of the move have expressed concerns the transfer of oversight of those loans to the Small Business Administration, which has also been gutted, will lead to issues for borrowers and taxpayers.

Cuts in D.C. have also affected $22 million in unspent COVID funds earmarked for education.

<a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/9bf09a5b-5c33-42fd-ba70-bfb74e835a7a">Gov. Laura Kelly said Tuesday a request was submitted to the U.S. Secretary of Education Linda McMahon to reinstate&nbsp;</a>those funds.

Marshall said, "I think by downsizing the Department of Education at the federal level, there will be more monies available to help people at a university like Fort Hays. 

"We want those dollars to be spent on people who are facing the students instead of this huge overhead that has been created in Washington. I think things can be done much more efficiently, including the Department of Education."

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/4/1744753160558.jpeg" alt="U.S. Sen. Roger Marshall, R-Kan., dicusses the Grove housing addition with Doug Williams, executive director of Grow Hays, on Monday night in Hays. Photo by Cristina Janney/Hays Post" />
 <figcaption>U.S. Sen. Roger Marshall, R-Kan., dicusses the Grove housing addition with Doug Williams, executive director of Grow Hays, on Monday night in Hays. Photo by Cristina Janney/Hays Post</figcaption>
 </figure>By CRISTINA JANNEY Hays PostU.S. Sen. Roger Marshall, R-Kan., made a quick stop in Hays Monday night to visit the Grove housing addition and community center.Marshall, who had also been in Logan visiting a school/senior living development, said he was interested in learning more about housing developments and needs in Hays.Marshall met with a Hays Post reporter and Doug Williams, executive director of Grow Hays, who took him on a brief tour of the Robert and Pat Schmidt Community Center. The center is scheduled to be completed this summer.The community center will house a child care, the Hays Senior Center and multi-purpose rooms for community use. The Grove housing addition will include 54 single-level homes and additional smaller villa homes that are being marketed toward seniors.Williams said he hopes 10 homes will be completed by next spring, with the complete build-out taking about four years."Congratulations," Marshall said to Williams on Hays' housing developments. "We have been across 15 communities Friday and today, and everywhere we go, housing, housing, housing."Williams said it takes a lot of players to make these housing additions happen—the city, the county and independent builders.&nbsp;"They have not been used to building at scale," he said. "They're used to building one or two [houses] a year, and we're asking them to do 10 to 15 a year. It puts a strain on subcontractors, plumbers and electricians. The infrastructure we need to build things is lacking."We struggle with that, but we're ramping up."The Hays Post asked the senator about several economic issues during the meeting with Marshall. Marshall has been a supporter of the Trump administration and followed the administration's line of rhetoric in his answers.<h2>R9 Ranch Funds</h2>The city of Hays had hoped to apply for $50 million in FEMA funds to support the R9 Ranch water project. An executive order has put a pause on those funds, Collin Bielser, deputy city manager, said on the Morning Blend radio show on Monday.Marshall said he was very familiar with the R9 water project.&nbsp;"We're trying to reach out to the White House to get an answer about what's going on with that," he said. "The bigger challenge is that we have seen so much waste and fraud coming out of all the grants that we had to say, 'Look, we don't know where they all are going,' so they paused all of them."I think this is a good project, and we'll get it back," he said. "I think they are just trying to take good care of taxpayer dollars."<h2>Tariffs</h2>The Post asked the Marshall if he was concerned President Trump's tariffs could drive up the cost of raw materials for housing projects such as the Grove in Hays."I don't think the cost could go anywhere near it has in the last four or five years," Marshall said."I think the things that we're doing to bring the prices down is the regulatory environment. When I talk to builders, and I have been talking to them all across the state, I ask them the No. 1 cost that's driving up the cost of building homes."They talk about the rules and regulations, the regulatory environment— that it takes two or four years to get a permit. You get a green space like this, and you have to get the EPA to look at it and all the different government agencies, and it was taking years."Marshall said the building industry also relies on imported lumber."I think we need to look at ourselves. I want to plant 20 trees for every one that is cut down," he said.He also discussed transformers, which had serious supply-chain issues during and after COVID. Lags in orders for transformers significantly delay building projects, including those in Hays.Minerals are needed to rehab those transformers, and they have had to be imported, Marshall said."I think the bigger picture at the federal government that we need to be focused on is rolling back regulations, so we can start mining again. We haven't had a major mine open up in 10 years," he said.<h2>Inflation</h2>He said he thought the impact of tariffs on buildings would be minimal and very short-lived.Instead of tariffs causing further inflation, Marshall said he thought tariffs would stabilize prices.&nbsp;"I think we will see inflation in that 3% range," Marshall said. "I'm not going to promise that it'll be back to 2%, but my hope is to get it in the 3% range and to see a 3% [Gross Domestic Product] growth as well."So I think by rolling back regulations and setting American energy free, we're going to get control of inflation and create more jobs."<a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/11998038-026b-4a06-9e7d-98a4bca9ed3f">Sen. Jerry Moran, R-Kan., co-sponsored a bill introduced last week that would give Congress control over tariffs.</a>In a letter backing that legislation, David French, the National Retail Federation's executive vice president, government relations, said, "One estimate indicates these tariffs could lead to a $2,100 tax increase per household. "The increased tariffs are not sustainable for small businesses that have to pay the tax. Many are concerned about their ability to stay in business as a result."&nbsp;<h2>Department of Education</h2>The Post also asked Marshall about the President's executive order to eliminate the U.S. Department of Education, given that Hays is home to Fort Hays State University.Although the president laid off half of the department's staff, the administration has acknowledged it needs congressional approval to eliminate the department.The department oversees $1.6 trillion in student loans owed by 45 million Americans.Opponents of the move have expressed concerns the transfer of oversight of those loans to the Small Business Administration, which has also been gutted, will lead to issues for borrowers and taxpayers.Cuts in D.C. have also affected $22 million in unspent COVID funds earmarked for education.<a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/9bf09a5b-5c33-42fd-ba70-bfb74e835a7a">Gov. Laura Kelly said Tuesday a request was submitted to the U.S. Secretary of Education Linda McMahon to reinstate&nbsp;</a>those funds.Marshall said, "I think by downsizing the Department of Education at the federal level, there will be more monies available to help people at a university like Fort Hays. "We want those dollars to be spent on people who are facing the students instead of this huge overhead that has been created in Washington. I think things can be done much more efficiently, including the Department of Education."

Sen. Marshall visits Grove housing addition, talks economy with Hays Post

By TONY GUERRERO Hays Post

The Ellis County Commission heard a report about infrastructure costs for new housing during its meeting this morning.

Reinvestment Housing Incentive Districts, a Kansas Department of Commerce program, have been used in nearby cities but could be used for the first time in rural Ellis County.

Dominic Eck of Gillmore &amp; Bell and Adam Pray with Platinum Builders provided an overview of the process if it were to proceed.

Pray is considering using an incentive district for a development near Reservation Road and Big Creek Drive that includes 15 lots, one designated for water retention. He said the program helps make it possible to build more affordable homes.

Darin Myers, county administrator, met with commissioners to begin the 2026 budget process. Commissioners provided direction on financial objectives, mill levy targets, staffing and project priorities.

Commissioner Nathan Leiker said agencies should keep applying for grants, noting that a pause in federal funding has delayed access to about half a million dollars in grants. Commissioner Michael Berges suggested department heads keep budgets flat and maintain current staffing levels.

Myers said there has been about a 3% increase in the county's assessed valuation, a smaller increase than in the last two years.

Leiker said he is still interested in offering county employees cost-of-living raises and step increases on the wage scale.

As part of the budget development, Ellis County will continue its revised approach to outside agency funding.&nbsp;Outside agencies now fall into two groups: Ellis County Care Council agencies and those not included in the Care Council.

Agencies not included in the Care Council review will submit their request to the county administrator by May 31 and present their proposals to the commission on June 10.

Commissioners approved using about $800 from the Opioid Settlement Fund to cover the travel costs of Timothy Beck, a retired narcotics detective.

The detective will teach a class for local law enforcement on fentanyl and opioid overdose death investigations.

The commission approved the purchase of asphalt emulsion oils from Ergon Asphalt &amp; Emulsions to support the 2025 Asphalt Maintenance Plan. The total cost is $882,837.

The Ellis County Joint Planning Commission chairman received approval from the commission to authorize equipment sales, storage and rental on county property.

Myers discussed the potential sale of a brush truck to a northwest Kansas fire department, which has shown interest in purchasing it.&nbsp;

Curt Hoffman, Road and Bridge supervisor, discussed with commissioners the 2024 County Engineer's annual report, which summarizes the previous year's projects and timesheets. It will be submitted to KDOT for inclusion in the Kansas local infrastructure planning.

<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 heard a report about infrastructure costs for new housing during its meeting this morning.Reinvestment Housing Incentive Districts, a Kansas Department of Commerce program, have been used in nearby cities but could be used for the first time in rural Ellis County.Dominic Eck of Gillmore &amp; Bell and Adam Pray with Platinum Builders provided an overview of the process if it were to proceed.Pray is considering using an incentive district for a development near Reservation Road and Big Creek Drive that includes 15 lots, one designated for water retention. He said the program helps make it possible to build more affordable homes.<h2>2026 budget direction</h2>Darin Myers, county administrator, met with commissioners to begin the 2026 budget process. Commissioners provided direction on financial objectives, mill levy targets, staffing and project priorities.Commissioner Nathan Leiker said agencies should keep applying for grants, noting that a pause in federal funding has delayed access to about half a million dollars in grants. Commissioner Michael Berges suggested department heads keep budgets flat and maintain current staffing levels.Myers said there has been about a 3% increase in the county's assessed valuation, a smaller increase than in the last two years.Leiker said he is still interested in offering county employees cost-of-living raises and step increases on the wage scale.As part of the budget development, Ellis County will continue its revised approach to outside agency funding.&nbsp;Outside agencies now fall into two groups: Ellis County Care Council agencies and those not included in the Care Council.Agencies not included in the Care Council review will submit their request to the county administrator by May 31 and present their proposals to the commission on June 10.<h2>Opioid funds for training</h2>Commissioners approved using about $800 from the Opioid Settlement Fund to cover the travel costs of Timothy Beck, a retired narcotics detective.The detective will teach a class for local law enforcement on fentanyl and opioid overdose death investigations. <h2>Other business</h2>The commission approved the purchase of asphalt emulsion oils from Ergon Asphalt &amp; Emulsions to support the 2025 Asphalt Maintenance Plan. The total cost is $882,837.The Ellis County Joint Planning Commission chairman received approval from the commission to authorize equipment sales, storage and rental on county property.Myers discussed the potential sale of a brush truck to a northwest Kansas fire department, which has shown interest in purchasing it.&nbsp;Curt Hoffman, Road and Bridge supervisor, discussed with commissioners the 2024 County Engineer's annual report, which summarizes the previous year's projects and timesheets. It will be submitted to KDOT for inclusion in the Kansas local infrastructure planning.

Ellis County Commission hears report on housing incentives, budget

By TONY GUERRERO Hays Post

The county commission approved scholarships for 15 recipients for the upcoming fall semester. 

These scholarships assist local high school seniors planning to attend Fort Hays Tech North Central, Fort Hays State University or Hays Academy of Hair Design.

The initiative aims to retain young residents in Ellis County and support county employees’ families as a recruitment and retention tool.

The 2025 Ellis County budget set aside $10,000 to support the following students:

$1,000 scholarship for Kamden Keller in Fort Hays Tech general business

$500 scholarship for Alyssa Rome in FHSU health and human performance

$500 scholarship for Chance Jimenez in Fort Hays Tech business technology 

$1,000 scholarship for Kiera Dealy in FHSU accounting

$1,000 scholarship for Morgan Munsch in FHSU nursing

$500 Scholarship for Dalton Meyers in FHSU Education

$500 scholarship for Chancellor Cullins in Fort Hays Tech automotive technology

$500 scholarship for Kyla Schmidt in FHSU nursing

$500 scholarship for Camdyn Copper in Fort Hays Tech automotive technology

$1,000 scholarship for Tessa Wentling in FHSU nursing

$500 scholarship for Ella Bain in FHSU psychology

$500 scholarship for Riley Frank in FHSU informatics 

$1,000 scholarship for Jillian Schmidt in Hays Hair Academy cosmetology

$500 scholarship for Brody Nowak in FHSU finance

$500 scholarship for Leeya Martinez in Hays Hair Academy cosmetology

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/4/1744738902644.jpg" alt="Courtesy of Pixabay" />
 <figcaption>Courtesy of Pixabay</figcaption>
 </figure>By TONY GUERRERO Hays PostThe county commission approved scholarships for 15 recipients for the upcoming fall semester. These scholarships assist local high school seniors planning to attend Fort Hays Tech North Central, Fort Hays State University or Hays Academy of Hair Design.The initiative aims to retain young residents in Ellis County and support county employees’ families as a recruitment and retention tool.The 2025 Ellis County budget set aside $10,000 to support the following students:<h2>Ellis High School</h2>$1,000 scholarship for Kamden Keller in Fort Hays Tech general business$500 scholarship for Alyssa Rome in FHSU health and human performance$500 scholarship for Chance Jimenez in Fort Hays Tech business technology <h2>Hays High School</h2>$1,000 scholarship for Kiera Dealy in FHSU accounting$1,000 scholarship for Morgan Munsch in FHSU nursing$500 Scholarship for Dalton Meyers in FHSU Education$500 scholarship for Chancellor Cullins in Fort Hays Tech automotive technology$500 scholarship for Kyla Schmidt in FHSU nursing$500 scholarship for Camdyn Copper in Fort Hays Tech automotive technology<h2>Thomas More Prep-Marian</h2>$1,000 scholarship for Tessa Wentling in FHSU nursing$500 scholarship for Ella Bain in FHSU psychology$500 scholarship for Riley Frank in FHSU informatics <h2>Victoria High School</h2>$1,000 scholarship for Jillian Schmidt in Hays Hair Academy cosmetology$500 scholarship for Brody Nowak in FHSU finance$500 scholarship for Leeya Martinez in Hays Hair Academy cosmetology

Ellis County Commission approves scholarships

By STEVE PEOPLES and FATIMA HUSSEIN&nbsp;

CHICAGO (AP) — Former President Joe Biden warned on Tuesday that President Donald Trump has "taken a hatchet" to Social Security, weighing in on a critical issue for millions of Americans as the 82-year-old Democrat briefly returned to the national stage.

Biden, who has largely avoided speaking publicly since leaving the White House in January, gave an evening speech at the national conference of Advocates, Counselors and Representatives for the Disabled in Chicago. The former president was speaking as Democrats across the nation offered similar warnings for what they described as a Social Security Day of Action.

"In fewer than 100 days, this new administration has done so much damage and so much destruction. It's kind of breathtaking," Biden charged during a speech that spanned just under a half-hour. "They've taken a hatchet to the Social Security Administration."

It was no coincidence that Tuesday's appearance, which marked Biden's first major event since leaving office, was focused on Social Security. Democrats have increasingly focused on Trump's turbulent leadership over the popular government agency that provides benefits to more than 70 million Americans.

Both parties expect Social Security to emerge as a key issue in next year's midterm elections.

Speaking before a crowd of roughly 200 people, Biden largely stuck to his prepared remarks but also rambled at times as he told stories about growing up with working-class people.

He referred to the Republican president only as "this guy." Trump, by contrast, continues to blame Biden for many of the nation's problems and often attacks his predecessor by name.

Conservatives immediately seized upon a Biden reference to the country's political divisions as an attack on Trump supporters.

"We can't go on like this as a divided nation, as divided as we are," Biden said. "As I said, I've been doing this a long time. It's never been this divided. Granted, it's roughly 30%, but it's a 30% that has no heart."

A Biden spokesperson did not immediately respond to a request for clarification about whom Biden was referencing.

Earlier in the day, White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt took a shot at the former president's age and fitness when asked about Biden's appearance.

"I'm shocked that he is speaking at nighttime," Leavitt said during Tuesday's White House press briefing. "I thought his bedtime was much earlier than his speech tonight."

She said that Trump, who is 78 years old, would sign a presidential memorandum Tuesday afternoon "aimed at stopping illegal aliens, and other ineligible people, from obtaining" Social Security benefits. The memorandum will expand the Social Security Administration's fraud prosecutor program to at least 50 U.S. attorney offices, and establish Medicare and Medicaid fraud prosecution programs in 15 U.S. attorney offices, Leavitt said.

The Social Security Administration pushed back against Biden's remarks using its official X account.

"Former President Joe Biden is lying to Americans," the agency wrote.

Trump's moves on Social Security have stirred controversy

The Republican president almost immediately began slashing the government workforce upon his return to the White House, including thousands of employees at the Social Security Administration.

Along with a planned layoff of 7,000 workers and contentious plans to impose tighter identity-proofing measures for recipients, the SSA has been sued over a decision to allow Trump adviser Elon Musk's Department of Government Efficiency to access individuals' Social Security numbers and other personally identifiable information.

Musk, the world's richest man and one of Trump's most influential advisers, has called Social Security "the biggest Ponzi scheme of all time."

At the same time, Social Security recipients have complained about long call wait times as the agency's "my Social Security" benefits portal has seen an increase in outages. Individuals who receive Supplemental Security Income, including disabled seniors and low-income adults and children, also reported receiving a notice that said they were "not receiving benefits."

The agency said the notice was a mistake. And the White House has vowed that it would not cut Social Security benefits, saying any changes are intended to reduce waste and fraud.

"They're shooting first and aiming later," Biden alleged. "They want to wreck it so they can rob it. Why do they want to rob it? In order to give tax cuts to billionaires and big corporations."

Among the conference attendees was Michigan-based attorney Jason Turkish, who leads one of the country's largest disability law firms. He said Trump's presidency has caused anxiety for many of his 32,000 clients nationwide, who are worried about diminished benefits and uncertainty over agency changes.

"We go from Republican to Democrat, Democrat to Republican and there's always been a belief that Social Security is just something we do not touch," he said.

Still, he said there are signs that Social Security Administration officials are open to change. He cited how the agency partly backtracked on plans to require beneficiaries to go to a field office to verify their identity. Turkish is also optimistic about agency modernization efforts.

Biden is not expected to make frequent public appearances as he transitions into his post-presidential career. He still maintains an office in Washington, but has returned to Delaware as his regular home base. Trump has revoked his security clearances.

"This is an all hands on deck moment, which is why President Biden's voice in this moment is so important," Democratic House leader Hakeem Jeffries said in a call with reporters ahead of Biden's address.

While Biden may be in a position to help his party with fundraising and messaging moving forward, he left the White House with weak approval ratings.

Biden also faces blame from some progressives who argue he shouldn't have sought a second term. Biden ended his reelection bid after his disastrous debate performance against Trump and made way for then-Vice President Kamala Harris, who lost to Trump in the fall.

Just 39% of Americans had a favorable opinion of Biden in January, according to a Gallup poll taken shortly after Trump's inauguration.

Views of the Democratic former president were essentially unchanged from a Gallup poll taken shortly after the November election. They broadly track with the steadily low favorability ratings that Biden experienced throughout the second half of his presidential term.

Indeed, while some Democratic leaders welcomed Biden's return this week, others were not pleased to see him.

"The best role that Biden could play going forward would be to stay off the public stage," said progressive activist Norman Solomon. "That might sound harsh, but frankly, his self-centered mentality has already done so much damage to the Democratic Party and the country that he certainly owes us some belated humility."

Peoples reported from New York. Associated Press writers Sophia Tareen, Will Weissert and Linley Sanders contributed to this report.

By STEVE PEOPLES and FATIMA HUSSEIN&nbsp;CHICAGO (AP) — Former President Joe Biden warned on Tuesday that President Donald Trump has "taken a hatchet" to Social Security, weighing in on a critical issue for millions of Americans as the 82-year-old Democrat briefly returned to the national stage.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Former President Biden: &quot;Look what&#39;s happened now, fewer than 100 days into this new administration has done so much damage and so much destruction. It is kind of breathtaking it could happen that soon.&quot; <a href="https://t.co/UrggjUWvQJ">pic.twitter.com/UrggjUWvQJ</a>&mdash; CSPAN (@cspan) <a href="https://twitter.com/cspan/status/1912284452794810763?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 15, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>Biden, who has largely avoided speaking publicly since leaving the White House in January, gave an evening speech at the national conference of Advocates, Counselors and Representatives for the Disabled in Chicago. The former president was speaking as Democrats across the nation offered similar warnings for what they described as a Social Security Day of Action."In fewer than 100 days, this new administration has done so much damage and so much destruction. It's kind of breathtaking," Biden charged during a speech that spanned just under a half-hour. "They've taken a hatchet to the Social Security Administration."It was no coincidence that Tuesday's appearance, which marked Biden's first major event since leaving office, was focused on Social Security. Democrats have increasingly focused on Trump's turbulent leadership over the popular government agency that provides benefits to more than 70 million Americans.Both parties expect Social Security to emerge as a key issue in next year's midterm elections.Speaking before a crowd of roughly 200 people, Biden largely stuck to his prepared remarks but also rambled at times as he told stories about growing up with working-class people.He referred to the Republican president only as "this guy." Trump, by contrast, continues to blame Biden for many of the nation's problems and often attacks his predecessor by name.Conservatives immediately seized upon a Biden reference to the country's political divisions as an attack on Trump supporters."We can't go on like this as a divided nation, as divided as we are," Biden said. "As I said, I've been doing this a long time. It's never been this divided. Granted, it's roughly 30%, but it's a 30% that has no heart."A Biden spokesperson did not immediately respond to a request for clarification about whom Biden was referencing.Earlier in the day, White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt took a shot at the former president's age and fitness when asked about Biden's appearance.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">.<a href="https://twitter.com/PressSec?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@PressSec</a>: &quot;My first reaction when seeing Former President Biden was speaking tonight was, I&#39;m shocked that he is speaking at nighttime... I understand the topic of his speech is Social Security. Let me make it very clear... <a href="https://twitter.com/POTUS?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@POTUS</a> is absolutely certain about protecting Social… <a href="https://t.co/0ElkJilupB">pic.twitter.com/0ElkJilupB</a>&mdash; Rapid Response 47 (@RapidResponse47) <a href="https://twitter.com/RapidResponse47/status/1912205669387870338?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 15, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>"I'm shocked that he is speaking at nighttime," Leavitt said during Tuesday's White House press briefing. "I thought his bedtime was much earlier than his speech tonight."She said that Trump, who is 78 years old, would sign a presidential memorandum Tuesday afternoon "aimed at stopping illegal aliens, and other ineligible people, from obtaining" Social Security benefits. The memorandum will expand the Social Security Administration's fraud prosecutor program to at least 50 U.S. attorney offices, and establish Medicare and Medicaid fraud prosecution programs in 15 U.S. attorney offices, Leavitt said.The Social Security Administration pushed back against Biden's remarks using its official X account."Former President Joe Biden is lying to Americans," the agency wrote.Trump's moves on Social Security have stirred controversyThe Republican president almost immediately began slashing the government workforce upon his return to the White House, including thousands of employees at the Social Security Administration.Along with a planned layoff of 7,000 workers and contentious plans to impose tighter identity-proofing measures for recipients, the SSA has been sued over a decision to allow Trump adviser Elon Musk's Department of Government Efficiency to access individuals' Social Security numbers and other personally identifiable information.Musk, the world's richest man and one of Trump's most influential advisers, has called Social Security "the biggest Ponzi scheme of all time."At the same time, Social Security recipients have complained about long call wait times as the agency's "my Social Security" benefits portal has seen an increase in outages. Individuals who receive Supplemental Security Income, including disabled seniors and low-income adults and children, also reported receiving a notice that said they were "not receiving benefits."The agency said the notice was a mistake. And the White House has vowed that it would not cut Social Security benefits, saying any changes are intended to reduce waste and fraud."They're shooting first and aiming later," Biden alleged. "They want to wreck it so they can rob it. Why do they want to rob it? In order to give tax cuts to billionaires and big corporations."Among the conference attendees was Michigan-based attorney Jason Turkish, who leads one of the country's largest disability law firms. He said Trump's presidency has caused anxiety for many of his 32,000 clients nationwide, who are worried about diminished benefits and uncertainty over agency changes."We go from Republican to Democrat, Democrat to Republican and there's always been a belief that Social Security is just something we do not touch," he said.Still, he said there are signs that Social Security Administration officials are open to change. He cited how the agency partly backtracked on plans to require beneficiaries to go to a field office to verify their identity. Turkish is also optimistic about agency modernization efforts.A return to the stage for BidenBiden is not expected to make frequent public appearances as he transitions into his post-presidential career. He still maintains an office in Washington, but has returned to Delaware as his regular home base. Trump has revoked his security clearances."This is an all hands on deck moment, which is why President Biden's voice in this moment is so important," Democratic House leader Hakeem Jeffries said in a call with reporters ahead of Biden's address.While Biden may be in a position to help his party with fundraising and messaging moving forward, he left the White House with weak approval ratings.Biden also faces blame from some progressives who argue he shouldn't have sought a second term. Biden ended his reelection bid after his disastrous debate performance against Trump and made way for then-Vice President Kamala Harris, who lost to Trump in the fall.Just 39% of Americans had a favorable opinion of Biden in January, according to a Gallup poll taken shortly after Trump's inauguration.Views of the Democratic former president were essentially unchanged from a Gallup poll taken shortly after the November election. They broadly track with the steadily low favorability ratings that Biden experienced throughout the second half of his presidential term.Indeed, while some Democratic leaders welcomed Biden's return this week, others were not pleased to see him."The best role that Biden could play going forward would be to stay off the public stage," said progressive activist Norman Solomon. "That might sound harsh, but frankly, his self-centered mentality has already done so much damage to the Democratic Party and the country that he certainly owes us some belated humility."___Peoples reported from New York. Associated Press writers Sophia Tareen, Will Weissert and Linley Sanders contributed to this report.

🎥Biden breaks silence, alleges Trump has 'taken a hatchet' to Social Security 

GOODLAND—TMP softball continued its unbeaten streak Tuesday,
running it to 14 straight games, in a sweep of the Goodland Cowgirls on the
road: 3-1 and 23-0.

In the first game of the day, the Monarchs rallied from down
1-0, scoring two runs in the sixth and one more in the seventh to win 3-1.

The two teams played to a 0-0 draw through the first two
innings before Goodland took advantage of an error in the bottom of the third
inning, taking a 1-0 lead.

Despite both teams threatening through the next two innings,
neither team was able to break through on the scoreboard until TMP pushed
across two runs in the top of the sixth inning. 

Brooke Koenigsman tripled home the tying run with one out in
the top of the sixth inning, and then two hitters later, she scored on an error
by the Goodland second baseman, putting TMP up 2-1.

Brynn Rebel added an RBI double in the seventh inning, lifting
TMP to the 3-1 win.

Rebel and Koenigsman each collected a pair of hits and an
RBI.

Rebel also earned the win in the circle, allowing just one
unearned run, on three hits with seven strikeouts in seven innings.

In the second game of the day, every Monarch but one collected
at least one hit, and all but two recorded an RBI.

The Monarchs got the offense going early, scoring five runs
in the first two innings and then putting the game away with 13 runs in the top
of the third inning. 

Brooke Koenigsman doubled in a pair of runs in the first
inning, putting TMP up 2-0.

The Monarchs also scored runs on a sacrifice fly, an error,
and a Brynn Schoepf double in the first inning for a 5-0 lead.

In the Monarchs' five-run second inning, Goodland committed
five errors, resulting in a TMP run. They added a Koenigsman two-run double and
scored on a fielder’s choice and a passed ball for a 10-0 lead in the second
inning.

With TMP leading 10-0 in the top of the third inning, Rebel
and Bria Windholz both homered, Paige Koenigsman doubled, and Nicole Schumacher,
Molly Helget and Brooke Koenigsman singled to drive in runs. TMP scored on three
Goodland errors in the inning in a 23-0 victory.

Brooke Koenigsman finished 4-for-4 with 6 RBIs and 4 runs
scored. Paige Koenigsman added 4 RBIs.

Bria Windholz earned the win in the circle. She allowed just
one hit with three strikeouts in three shutout innings.

TMP travels to Pratt to face Skyline on Tuesday, April 22. 

Hays Post SportsGOODLAND—TMP softball continued its unbeaten streak Tuesday,
running it to 14 straight games, in a sweep of the Goodland Cowgirls on the
road: 3-1 and 23-0.GAME 1: TMP 3, Goodland 1In the first game of the day, the Monarchs rallied from down
1-0, scoring two runs in the sixth and one more in the seventh to win 3-1.The two teams played to a 0-0 draw through the first two
innings before Goodland took advantage of an error in the bottom of the third
inning, taking a 1-0 lead.Despite both teams threatening through the next two innings,
neither team was able to break through on the scoreboard until TMP pushed
across two runs in the top of the sixth inning. Brooke Koenigsman tripled home the tying run with one out in
the top of the sixth inning, and then two hitters later, she scored on an error
by the Goodland second baseman, putting TMP up 2-1.Brynn Rebel added an RBI double in the seventh inning, lifting
TMP to the 3-1 win.Rebel and Koenigsman each collected a pair of hits and an
RBI.Rebel also earned the win in the circle, allowing just one
unearned run, on three hits with seven strikeouts in seven innings.GAME 2: TMP 23, Goodland 0In the second game of the day, every Monarch but one collected
at least one hit, and all but two recorded an RBI.The Monarchs got the offense going early, scoring five runs
in the first two innings and then putting the game away with 13 runs in the top
of the third inning. Brooke Koenigsman doubled in a pair of runs in the first
inning, putting TMP up 2-0.The Monarchs also scored runs on a sacrifice fly, an error,
and a Brynn Schoepf double in the first inning for a 5-0 lead.In the Monarchs' five-run second inning, Goodland committed
five errors, resulting in a TMP run. They added a Koenigsman two-run double and
scored on a fielder’s choice and a passed ball for a 10-0 lead in the second
inning.With TMP leading 10-0 in the top of the third inning, Rebel
and Bria Windholz both homered, Paige Koenigsman doubled, and Nicole Schumacher,
Molly Helget and Brooke Koenigsman singled to drive in runs. TMP scored on three
Goodland errors in the inning in a 23-0 victory.Brooke Koenigsman finished 4-for-4 with 6 RBIs and 4 runs
scored. Paige Koenigsman added 4 RBIs.Bria Windholz earned the win in the circle. She allowed just
one hit with three strikeouts in three shutout innings.TMP travels to Pratt to face Skyline on Tuesday, April 22.

🥎TMP-Marian picks up two wins over Goodland

Great Bend, KS - Hays High (6-2, 5-1) split with Great Bend (9-2, 4-2) on Tuesday to take the season series over the state ranked Panthers two games to one.

Game 1 - Hays High 4, Great Bend 2

Carter Graham hit a three run homerun on the top of the seventh inning to lift Hays High to a 4-2 lead over Great Bend in the first game of the doubleheader.

Each team tallied a single run in the fourth inning. Graham led off with a single and moved to second in a single by Trace Jacobs. Jalen Smith loaded the bases with a third single in the inning. Graham gave Hays a 1-0 lead on a passed ball.

Great Bend got the run back with a walk, double, and ground out. The Panthers then took a 2-1 lead in the bottom of the sixth inning with a run scoring double. Tiger Johnson got out of a bases loaded jam to limit the damage.

Johnny Cano was hit by a pitch with two outs in the top of the seventh. Johnson followed that up with a single before Graham's heroics gave the Indians a 4-2 lead.

Graham then took over with a runner aboard in the seventh to earn the save with a double play and fly out. Johnson (2-0) took the victory allowing two runs on four hits over six innings. He walked four and struck out one.&nbsp;

The second game started well for Hays High but they couldn't continue the momentum from game one. Jonny Cano and Landon Hardman scored in the top of the first inning. Great Bend countered with three in the home half of the same inning and three more in the second for a 6-2 lead.

The Panthers added four in the bottom of the sixth for a 10-2 score. Hays added their only other run in the top of the seventh.&nbsp;

Hays had five hits in the second game. Graham (1-1) took the loss. He allowed six runs, five earned, on seven hits with one walk and two strikeouts in just an inning and two thirds. Brett Rhoades pitched the remainder of the game giving up four runs on one hit. He struck out six and walked two.

Hays heads to Clay Center on Thursday for a doubleheader.&nbsp;

Hays Post SportsGreat Bend, KS - Hays High (6-2, 5-1) split with Great Bend (9-2, 4-2) on Tuesday to take the season series over the state ranked Panthers two games to one.Game 1 - Hays High 4, Great Bend 2Carter Graham hit a three run homerun on the top of the seventh inning to lift Hays High to a 4-2 lead over Great Bend in the first game of the doubleheader.Each team tallied a single run in the fourth inning. Graham led off with a single and moved to second in a single by Trace Jacobs. Jalen Smith loaded the bases with a third single in the inning. Graham gave Hays a 1-0 lead on a passed ball.Great Bend got the run back with a walk, double, and ground out. The Panthers then took a 2-1 lead in the bottom of the sixth inning with a run scoring double. Tiger Johnson got out of a bases loaded jam to limit the damage.Johnny Cano was hit by a pitch with two outs in the top of the seventh. Johnson followed that up with a single before Graham's heroics gave the Indians a 4-2 lead.Graham then took over with a runner aboard in the seventh to earn the save with a double play and fly out. Johnson (2-0) took the victory allowing two runs on four hits over six innings. He walked four and struck out one.&nbsp;Game 2 - Great Bend 10, Hays 3The second game started well for Hays High but they couldn't continue the momentum from game one. Jonny Cano and Landon Hardman scored in the top of the first inning. Great Bend countered with three in the home half of the same inning and three more in the second for a 6-2 lead.The Panthers added four in the bottom of the sixth for a 10-2 score. Hays added their only other run in the top of the seventh.&nbsp;Hays had five hits in the second game. Graham (1-1) took the loss. He allowed six runs, five earned, on seven hits with one walk and two strikeouts in just an inning and two thirds. Brett Rhoades pitched the remainder of the game giving up four runs on one hit. He struck out six and walked two.Hays heads to Clay Center on Thursday for a doubleheader.&nbsp;

⚾ Hays splits with Great Bend; takes season series

Hays, KS - Hays High (8-1, 4-1) split their Western Athletic Conference doubleheader with Garden City (5-1, 1-1) on Tuesday. The two will finish their season series in Garden City on May 13th with a single game.

Game 1 - Garden City 6, Hays High 5

Three errors over the first two innings by Hays High helped Garden City produce a 5-0 lead. The Buffaloes sent fourteen to the plate through the second inning.&nbsp;

Hays scratched a run across in the bottom of the third inning when Brynlee Rupp doubled and later scored on a passed ball for a 5-1 score. The Indians gave themselves a chance to win in the later innings.

Lauren Klein and Riley Dreher led the bottom of the fifth inning off with a pair of singles. Brynlee Brous drove in Klein on a ground out and Lanie Becker brought home Dreher with a single and a 5-3 score. Avery Solida then lifted a 3-2 pitch to centerfield for a game tying home run.

Garden City broke the tie with the first two batters of the seventh inning on a double and single for the final of 6-5.

Lanie Becker (2-1) took the loss in a relief role in game one. She pitched an inning and a third allowing one run on three hits. Riley Dreher pitched the first five innings and then the final two-thirds giving up five runs on six hits.

Game 2 - Hays High 13, Garden City 6

Hays High scored in five of six innings on their way to a split on the day.

Jaylee Summers (2-0) opened the game by retiring the side in the top of the first. The first five Indians that went to the plate in the bottom of the first reached and scored for a 5-0 advantage. Like Hays in the first game, Garden City errors played a role in the proceedings. Two of the five errors by the Buffaloes occurred in the five run first.

Garden City plated a run in the top of the second. That was answered by Alyse Zimmerman scored one of her three runs in the game on a Brynlee Brous single in the bottom of the second.

The Buffaloes did make the game close with a three run top of the third for a 6-4 game. Hays got the runs back in the bottom of the fourth. Lauren Klein drove in Summers and Zimmerman. Dreher scored her second of three runs on a Lanie Becker single and a 9-4 lead.

Shea Augustine singled and scored in the bottom of the fifth. She scored on a Summers single. The Indians then added three more runs in the sixth. The final runs came on a two run double by Brynlee Rupp.

Garden City did manage two runs in the top of the seventh before Hays closed the game with a 13-6 victory.

Jaylee Summers had pitched seven and third innings in three prior appearances total. She went seven full innings for the victory, allowing nine hits, striking out four and walking three.

Each team had five errors in the second game.&nbsp;

Hays will be in the Dodge City Softball Classic on Thursday and Friday. The Indians will face Wichita Northwest and Derby on Thursday then Goddard-Eisenhower and Maize South on Friday.

Hays Post SportsHays, KS - Hays High (8-1, 4-1) split their Western Athletic Conference doubleheader with Garden City (5-1, 1-1) on Tuesday. The two will finish their season series in Garden City on May 13th with a single game.Game 1 - Garden City 6, Hays High 5Three errors over the first two innings by Hays High helped Garden City produce a 5-0 lead. The Buffaloes sent fourteen to the plate through the second inning.&nbsp;Hays scratched a run across in the bottom of the third inning when Brynlee Rupp doubled and later scored on a passed ball for a 5-1 score. The Indians gave themselves a chance to win in the later innings.Lauren Klein and Riley Dreher led the bottom of the fifth inning off with a pair of singles. Brynlee Brous drove in Klein on a ground out and Lanie Becker brought home Dreher with a single and a 5-3 score. Avery Solida then lifted a 3-2 pitch to centerfield for a game tying home run.Garden City broke the tie with the first two batters of the seventh inning on a double and single for the final of 6-5.<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/2079530130&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/hhs-sbdh-highlights-vs-garden" title="HHS SBDH Highlights Vs Garden City (Apr 15th 25) game 1" target="_blank" style="color: #cccccc; text-decoration: none;">HHS SBDH Highlights Vs Garden City (Apr 15th 25) game 1</a></div></div>Lanie Becker (2-1) took the loss in a relief role in game one. She pitched an inning and a third allowing one run on three hits. Riley Dreher pitched the first five innings and then the final two-thirds giving up five runs on six hits.Game 2 - Hays High 13, Garden City 6Hays High scored in five of six innings on their way to a split on the day.Jaylee Summers (2-0) opened the game by retiring the side in the top of the first. The first five Indians that went to the plate in the bottom of the first reached and scored for a 5-0 advantage. Like Hays in the first game, Garden City errors played a role in the proceedings. Two of the five errors by the Buffaloes occurred in the five run first.Garden City plated a run in the top of the second. That was answered by Alyse Zimmerman scored one of her three runs in the game on a Brynlee Brous single in the bottom of the second.The Buffaloes did make the game close with a three run top of the third for a 6-4 game. Hays got the runs back in the bottom of the fourth. Lauren Klein drove in Summers and Zimmerman. Dreher scored her second of three runs on a Lanie Becker single and a 9-4 lead.Shea Augustine singled and scored in the bottom of the fifth. She scored on a Summers single. The Indians then added three more runs in the sixth. The final runs came on a two run double by Brynlee Rupp.Garden City did manage two runs in the top of the seventh before Hays closed the game with a 13-6 victory.<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/2079530277&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/hhs-sbdh-highlights-vs-1" title="HHS SBDH Highlights Vs Garden City (Apr 15th 25) game 2" target="_blank" style="color: #cccccc; text-decoration: none;">HHS SBDH Highlights Vs Garden City (Apr 15th 25) game 2</a></div></div>Jaylee Summers had pitched seven and third innings in three prior appearances total. She went seven full innings for the victory, allowing nine hits, striking out four and walking three.Each team had five errors in the second game.&nbsp;<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/2079529983&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/abby-gillan-postgame-1" title="Abby Gillan Postgame Interview vs Garden City (Apr 15th 25)" target="_blank" style="color: #cccccc; text-decoration: none;">Abby Gillan Postgame Interview vs Garden City (Apr 15th 25)</a></div></div>Hays will be in the Dodge City Softball Classic on Thursday and Friday. The Indians will face Wichita Northwest and Derby on Thursday then Goddard-Eisenhower and Maize South on Friday.

🥎 Hays High splits with Garden City

A Hays man was arrested after his roommate attempted to pay fines with cash that allegedly smelled like marijuana.

Hays Police Deputy Chief Tim Greenwood said the investigation began Monday after a records clerk reportedly smelled marijuana on the cash and alerted an officer, who confirmed the odor.

Another officer traced the cash to the woman’s residence in the 400 block of West Eighth Street.

Greenwood said an officer knocked on the door, where 28-year-old James Washington answered and admitted to possessing a small amount of marijuana, which he allegedly presented to the officer.

Washington denied the officer entry until a search warrant was obtained. Once executed, authorities allegedly discovered more than a pound of marijuana, THC vape cartridges and liquid wax, and two handguns, Greenwood said.

Washington was arrested on suspected charges of possession with intent to distribute and possession of drug paraphernalia. Greenwood said the woman who paid the fine was not arrested or charged at that time.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/4/1744751863517.png" alt="Washington photo Ellis County Jail" />
 <figcaption>Washington photo Ellis County Jail</figcaption>
 </figure>By TONY GUERRERO Hays PostA Hays man was arrested after his roommate attempted to pay fines with cash that allegedly smelled like marijuana.Hays Police Deputy Chief Tim Greenwood said the investigation began Monday after a records clerk reportedly smelled marijuana on the cash and alerted an officer, who confirmed the odor.Another officer traced the cash to the woman’s residence in the 400 block of West Eighth Street.Greenwood said an officer knocked on the door, where 28-year-old James Washington answered and admitted to possessing a small amount of marijuana, which he allegedly presented to the officer.Washington denied the officer entry until a search warrant was obtained. Once executed, authorities allegedly discovered more than a pound of marijuana, THC vape cartridges and liquid wax, and two handguns, Greenwood said.Washington was arrested on suspected charges of possession with intent to distribute and possession of drug paraphernalia. Greenwood said the woman who paid the fine was not arrested or charged at that time.