Thomas (Tom) Lee Weimer passed
away on April 25,2025 at his home in Park, Kansas. Tom was born on May 1,1944
in Colby, Kansas to Pius and Eileen (Andre) Weimer. Tom grew up on a farm north
of Park, Kansas and learned many farming and ranching skills from his dad.&nbsp; Tom worked many jobs as a farm and ranch hand
over the years and loved riding horses all his life. With eight siblings on the
farm, there was never a dull moment! He could tell many stories about his life
experiences that would leave you in stitches!&nbsp;
He loved life and lived it to the fullest! &nbsp;He will be missed by his family and friends. 

&nbsp;He leaves behind brothers Richard Weimer, Hays,
Kansas; Bob Weimer and wife Jan, Golden, Colorado; Mike Weimer and wife Alis,
Hoxie, Kansas; Joe Weimer, Golden, Colorado.&nbsp;
Sisters, Pat Thrasher, Fort Collins, Colorado; Janet and husband Mike
Buchholz, Hays, Kansas;&nbsp;and Mary Weimer, Park, Kansas. Tom also leaves
behind many nieces, nephews, great nieces, great nephews, a great-great niece,
and many cousins.

He is preceded in death by his
parents, Pius and Eileen Weimer, infant brother Michael, sister Carolyn, and
great nephew Kohl Gropp.

There will be a graveside service on Saturday
May 10, 2025, at 2:00 p.m. at Sacred Heart Cemetery, Park, Kansas.&nbsp; Anyone that knew Tom knew he was a cowboy at
heart, and a huge KU fan.&nbsp; To honor Tom,
we ask that you dress casually as we say goodbye to him one final time.&nbsp; 

The family will have a private burial following
Tom’s graveside service.&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/5/1746132008886.jpeg" alt="Thomas (Tom) Lee Weimer" />
 <figcaption>Thomas (Tom) Lee Weimer</figcaption>
 </figure>Thomas (Tom) Lee Weimer passed
away on April 25,2025 at his home in Park, Kansas. Tom was born on May 1,1944
in Colby, Kansas to Pius and Eileen (Andre) Weimer. Tom grew up on a farm north
of Park, Kansas and learned many farming and ranching skills from his dad.&nbsp; Tom worked many jobs as a farm and ranch hand
over the years and loved riding horses all his life. With eight siblings on the
farm, there was never a dull moment! He could tell many stories about his life
experiences that would leave you in stitches!&nbsp;
He loved life and lived it to the fullest! &nbsp;He will be missed by his family and friends. &nbsp;He leaves behind brothers Richard Weimer, Hays,
Kansas; Bob Weimer and wife Jan, Golden, Colorado; Mike Weimer and wife Alis,
Hoxie, Kansas; Joe Weimer, Golden, Colorado.&nbsp;
Sisters, Pat Thrasher, Fort Collins, Colorado; Janet and husband Mike
Buchholz, Hays, Kansas;&nbsp;and Mary Weimer, Park, Kansas. Tom also leaves
behind many nieces, nephews, great nieces, great nephews, a great-great niece,
and many cousins.He is preceded in death by his
parents, Pius and Eileen Weimer, infant brother Michael, sister Carolyn, and
great nephew Kohl Gropp.There will be a graveside service on Saturday
May 10, 2025, at 2:00 p.m. at Sacred Heart Cemetery, Park, Kansas.&nbsp; Anyone that knew Tom knew he was a cowboy at
heart, and a huge KU fan.&nbsp; To honor Tom,
we ask that you dress casually as we say goodbye to him one final time.&nbsp; The family will have a private burial following
Tom’s graveside service.&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;

Thomas (Tom) Lee Weimer

Hays High vs Liberal Thursday, May 1st – 4:00 p.m.&nbsp; Hays, Kan. - Hays High School

Radio: KFIX (96.9)&nbsp;<a href="https://radio.securenetsystems.net/cwa/KFIX">CLICK HERE TO LISTEN</a> Video: Hays High Sports Network:&nbsp;<a href="https://vcloud.hudl.com/broadcast/embed/2401952">CLICK HERE TO WATCH $$</a>

Hays High (8-6, 7-1) tries to take another step towards the Western Athletic Conference title on Thursday as they host Liberal (6-13, 2-4). It is the first of three games this season between the two teams.

WAC Standings Hays 7-1 Great Bend 6-2 Liberal 2-4 Dodge City 2-5 Garden City 2-7

This is the only conference games on Thursday. Friday the Indians host Garden City for a single game while Dodge City travels to Great Bend for a double header.

First pitch is set for 4:00 p.m. on the Hays High Sports Network.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/9/1694699014932.jpeg" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure>Hays High vs Liberal Thursday, May 1st – 4:00 p.m.&nbsp; Hays, Kan. - Hays High SchoolRadio: KFIX (96.9)&nbsp;<a href="https://radio.securenetsystems.net/cwa/KFIX">CLICK HERE TO LISTEN</a> Video: Hays High Sports Network:&nbsp;<a href="https://vcloud.hudl.com/broadcast/embed/2401952">CLICK HERE TO WATCH $$</a>Hays High (8-6, 7-1) tries to take another step towards the Western Athletic Conference title on Thursday as they host Liberal (6-13, 2-4). It is the first of three games this season between the two teams.WAC Standings Hays 7-1 Great Bend 6-2 Liberal 2-4 Dodge City 2-5 Garden City 2-7This is the only conference games on Thursday. Friday the Indians host Garden City for a single game while Dodge City travels to Great Bend for a double header.First pitch is set for 4:00 p.m. on the Hays High Sports Network.

⚾📹 Hays High hosts Liberal

TMP-Marian at Hays Thursday, May 1 Hays, Kan. - Bickle-Schmidt Sports Complex

Radio: KHAZ (99.5) <a href="https://99kzcountry.com/">CLICK HERE TO LISTEN</a> Video: TMP-Marian Sports Network <a href="https://vcloud.hudl.com/broadcast/embed/2401329">CLICK HERE TO WATCH ($)</a>

The TMP-Marian Monarchs take on the Hays High Indians Thursday afternoon in a doubleheader at Bickle-Schmidt Sports Complex.

The first pitch is set for 4 p.m. on the Monarchs Sports Network.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/12/1575411582384.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>TMP-Marian at Hays Thursday, May 1 Hays, Kan. - Bickle-Schmidt Sports ComplexRadio: KHAZ (99.5) <a href="https://99kzcountry.com/">CLICK HERE TO LISTEN</a> Video: TMP-Marian Sports Network <a href="https://vcloud.hudl.com/broadcast/embed/2401329">CLICK HERE TO WATCH ($)</a>The TMP-Marian Monarchs take on the Hays High Indians Thursday afternoon in a doubleheader at Bickle-Schmidt Sports Complex.The first pitch is set for 4 p.m. on the Monarchs Sports Network.

🥎🎥 WATCH LIVE TMP vs Hays

HAYS -&nbsp;On Wednesday, TMP-Marian senior Shalee Gottschalk signed to
continue her track and field career at Fort Hays State University.

Gottschalk, who suffered a season-ending injury during
basketball, is a seven-time state medal winner, including winning the 2A 100-meter
hurdles as a junior. She also claimed second in the 2A triple jump and third in
the 2A girls 300 300-meter hurdles.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/5/1746118425646.jpeg" alt="Shalee Gottschalk signed with Fort Hays State Wednesday. Courtesy TMP-Marian Athletics" />
 <figcaption>Shalee Gottschalk signed with Fort Hays State Wednesday. Courtesy TMP-Marian Athletics</figcaption>
 </figure>HAYS -&nbsp;On Wednesday, TMP-Marian senior Shalee Gottschalk signed to
continue her track and field career at Fort Hays State University.Gottschalk, who suffered a season-ending injury during
basketball, is a seven-time state medal winner, including winning the 2A 100-meter
hurdles as a junior. She also claimed second in the 2A triple jump and third in
the 2A girls 300 300-meter hurdles.<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/2088385989&color=%232c5e95&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/shalee-gottschalk" title="Shalee Gottschalk" target="_blank" style="color: #cccccc; text-decoration: none;">Shalee Gottschalk</a></div></div>

👟🎧TMP's Gottschalk signs with FHSU for track and field

By BECKY KISER Hays Post

Property abatements for two former motel properties in Hays will be heard by the Hays City Commission this afternoon.&nbsp;

If an abatement is ultimately approved by commissioners, and if the owner does not take action to remedy the issues, the city will hire a contractor to demolish the structure, and all costs of abatement will be charged to the property owner.

The Rodeway Inn Motel, 3404 Vine St., is owned by HKHR Hospitality Inc. and was <a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/5e02e23b-0f72-40cb-9cb4-862afda92c4c">shut down by the Kansas Fire Marshal</a> last year for significant structural damage.&nbsp; On Oct. 5, 2024, the fire marshal was notified by the owner that the motel was closed.&nbsp;

Also under consideration for property abatement is the former Budget Host Inn, 810 E. Eighth St., owned by Mark Ottley. 

In 2019, Ottley remodeled two of the closed motel buildings into apartments. In May 2020, three of the remaining four buildings were demolished. 

City staff received building plans for the last building in June 2024 and completed a full plan review. No action has been taken by Ottley since then to obtain permits for the project.

Commissioners will also review an ordinance to establish a Reinvestment Housing Incentive District and a plan developing 101 houses and public facilities in the Tallgrass 2nd Addition, Phase 4 at the northeast corner of Wheatland Ave. and 22nd Street.

The developer, Heart of America Development Corporation of Ellis County,&nbsp; requests the district financing on a pay-as-you-go basis for 25 years. 

Heart of America proposes that the city finance the majority of the district-eligible costs and construct the infrastructure, utilizing the district revenues to offset the city’s costs. Revenues will come from incremental property taxes revenues collected on the project site.

A low bid award will be considered for the construction of a stormwater equipment storage building by QMC, Inc., Gove County, for $292,650. QMC most recently built the Hays Microfactory.&nbsp;

The complete May 1 agenda is available <a href="https://ks-hays.civicplus.com/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_05012025-1543">here</a>.&nbsp;

The work session begins at 4 p.m. in Hays City Hall, 1507 Main.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/5/1746115364907.png" alt="3404 Vine St. property owned by&nbsp;HKHR Hospitality Inc. Photo by city of Hays" />
 <figcaption>3404 Vine St. property owned by&nbsp;HKHR Hospitality Inc. Photo by city of Hays</figcaption>
 </figure>By BECKY KISER Hays PostProperty abatements for two former motel properties in Hays will be heard by the Hays City Commission this afternoon.&nbsp;If an abatement is ultimately approved by commissioners, and if the owner does not take action to remedy the issues, the city will hire a contractor to demolish the structure, and all costs of abatement will be charged to the property owner.The Rodeway Inn Motel, 3404 Vine St., is owned by HKHR Hospitality Inc. and was <a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/5e02e23b-0f72-40cb-9cb4-862afda92c4c">shut down by the Kansas Fire Marshal</a> last year for significant structural damage.&nbsp; On Oct. 5, 2024, the fire marshal was notified by the owner that the motel was closed.&nbsp;<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/5/1746115157019.png" alt="810 E. Eighth St. property owned by Mark Ottley. Photo by City of Hays" />
 <figcaption>810 E. Eighth St. property owned by Mark Ottley. Photo by City of Hays</figcaption>
 </figure>Also under consideration for property abatement is the former Budget Host Inn, 810 E. Eighth St., owned by Mark Ottley. In 2019, Ottley remodeled two of the closed motel buildings into apartments. In May 2020, three of the remaining four buildings were demolished. City staff received building plans for the last building in June 2024 and completed a full plan review. No action has been taken by Ottley since then to obtain permits for the project.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/5/1746115659056.png" alt="Tallgrass Housing 2nd Addition Phase 4 at the northeast corner of Wheatland Avenue and 22nd Street. Courtesy image" />
 <figcaption>Tallgrass Housing 2nd Addition Phase 4 at the northeast corner of Wheatland Avenue and 22nd Street. Courtesy image</figcaption>
 </figure>Commissioners will also review an ordinance to establish a Reinvestment Housing Incentive District and a plan developing 101 houses and public facilities in the Tallgrass 2nd Addition, Phase 4 at the northeast corner of Wheatland Ave. and 22nd Street.The developer, Heart of America Development Corporation of Ellis County,&nbsp; requests the district financing on a pay-as-you-go basis for 25 years. Heart of America proposes that the city finance the majority of the district-eligible costs and construct the infrastructure, utilizing the district revenues to offset the city’s costs. Revenues will come from incremental property taxes revenues collected on the project site.A low bid award will be considered for the construction of a stormwater equipment storage building by QMC, Inc., Gove County, for $292,650. QMC most recently built the Hays Microfactory.&nbsp;The complete May 1 agenda is available <a href="https://ks-hays.civicplus.com/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_05012025-1543">here</a>.&nbsp;The work session begins at 4 p.m. in Hays City Hall, 1507 Main.

Rodeway Inn, and other former motel property may be demolished by city

We are excited to kick off our Summer Concert Series at the Downtown Hays Pavilion tomorrow, May 1st at 6 pm with the Whiskey Mash Band from Kansas City!

These events are FREE and open to the public. Bring your chairs, coolers, and dancing shoes for great entertainment from our 2025 performers!

Tacos el Guero Guey will be on-site with delicious food, and we will have a limited selection of Lovegrass merchandise available for purchase. Donations are appreciated!

Many thanks to our sponsors, TreeTop Security, Cold Stone Creamery, Lomato's Pizza, Midwest Energy, and the Hays Convention and Visitors Bureau, for making these events possible!

Whiskey Mash: <a href="https://www.facebook.com/events/679071361124017/">https://www.facebook.com/events/679071361124017/</a>

Sicard Hollow: <a href="https://www.facebook.com/events/648954511267495/">https://www.facebook.com/events/648954511267495/</a>

Shakedown Strings: <a href="https://www.facebook.com/events/1304378447304000/">https://www.facebook.com/events/1304378447304000/</a>

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/5/1746111330125.png" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure>Lovegrass Concert SeriesWe are excited to kick off our Summer Concert Series at the Downtown Hays Pavilion tomorrow, May 1st at 6 pm with the Whiskey Mash Band from Kansas City!These events are FREE and open to the public. Bring your chairs, coolers, and dancing shoes for great entertainment from our 2025 performers!Tacos el Guero Guey will be on-site with delicious food, and we will have a limited selection of Lovegrass merchandise available for purchase. Donations are appreciated!Many thanks to our sponsors, TreeTop Security, Cold Stone Creamery, Lomato's Pizza, Midwest Energy, and the Hays Convention and Visitors Bureau, for making these events possible!Summer Concert Event details:Whiskey Mash: <a href="https://www.facebook.com/events/679071361124017/">https://www.facebook.com/events/679071361124017/</a>Sicard Hollow: <a href="https://www.facebook.com/events/648954511267495/">https://www.facebook.com/events/648954511267495/</a>Shakedown Strings: <a href="https://www.facebook.com/events/1304378447304000/">https://www.facebook.com/events/1304378447304000/</a>

Whiskey Mash Band featured tonight in Lovegrass free concert series in Hays

KAYS - (1400/94.3) KFIX - (96.9) KHAZ - (99.5) KJLS - (103.3) KKQY - (101.9)

Thursday, May 1 KAYS: Kansas City Royals at Tampa Bay Rays, 11:30am 
 KFIX: Hays High BSB
(DH) vs. Liberal, 3:45pm
 KHAZ: TMP-Marian SB (DH) at Hays, 3:45pm

Friday, May 2 KHAZ: TMP-Marian BSB (DH) vs. Russell, 3:45pm
 KAYS: Kansas City Royals at Baltimore Orioles, 5:30pm

Saturday, May 3 KAYS: Kansas City Royals at Baltimore Orioles, 5:30pm

Sunday, May 4
 KAYS: Kansas City
Royals at Baltimore Orioles, 12:00pm

KAYS - (1400/94.3) KFIX - (96.9) KHAZ - (99.5) KJLS - (103.3) KKQY - (101.9)Thursday, May 1 KAYS: Kansas City Royals at Tampa Bay Rays, 11:30am 
 KFIX: Hays High BSB
(DH) vs. Liberal, 3:45pm
 KHAZ: TMP-Marian SB (DH) at Hays, 3:45pmFriday, May 2 KHAZ: TMP-Marian BSB (DH) vs. Russell, 3:45pm
 KAYS: Kansas City Royals at Baltimore Orioles, 5:30pmSaturday, May 3 KAYS: Kansas City Royals at Baltimore Orioles, 5:30pmSunday, May 4
 KAYS: Kansas City
Royals at Baltimore Orioles, 12:00pm

🎧 Eagle Radio, Hull sports broadcast schedule

See your school's goal and learn how you can help

By CRISTINA JANNEY Hays Post

The state of Kansas has changed the accreditation process for Kansas schools, and Hays USD 489 schools have announced new goals for improvement.

Accreditation is transitioning from a five-year cycle to a one-year cycle, said Shanna Dinkel, assistant superintendent and director of curriculum.

The accreditation is split into three sections: compliance, outcomes and improvements.

Compliance covers items such as the number of school days and school nutrition programs—requirements that all schools must meet.

Outcomes have been narrowed to include math and English student assessment scores, graduation rate and postsecondary success. All three of these measures were also part of the former accreditation system.

Post-secondary success is the number of students who have received post-secondary degrees or accreditation, or are enrolled in post-secondary education two years after graduation. It does not include students who enter the workforce or military directly after high school.

You can find information about the district's data on the Kansas Department of Education website under the <a href="https://ksreportcard.ksde.gov/home.aspx?org_no=D0489&amp;rptType=2">Data Central tab</a>.

Assessments are completed in the spring, so the data for the 2024-25 school year has not been released.

The assessments are based on scores ranging from one to four. • Level one indicates students demonstrate a limited ability to understand the material. • Level two&nbsp;indicates students demonstrate a basic ability to understand the material. • Level three indicates students demonstrate effective skills to understand the material. • Level four&nbsp;indicates students demonstrate an excellent ability to understand the material.

In 2023 and 2024, USD 489 had fewer students in the lowest level for English and math, but had slightly higher percentages of students in level two compared to the state average.

Dinkel said the district will emphasize math improvement during the coming school year. The district's math scores for all students have decreased since the pandemic. The district has had more students scoring in level one and fewer in levels three and four, Dinkel said.

"The gap is a little tighter than we want it to be," Dinkel said of the district's scores compared to the state averages.

The district plans for English improvement projects at a later date, she said.

Hays USD 489 exceeded the state graduation rate in 2023 and 2024, with a 89.6% graduation rate in 2023 and a 93.5% graduation rate in 2024.

The district's post-secondary success rate has declined during the last two years. These would be students who graduated in 2021 and 2022 and were affected by pandemic remote learning.

The school districts have been planning their improvement projects this year. They will implement the plans in the 2025-26 school year, and the state will assess how those plans have affected outcomes in the 2026-27 school year.

The Kansas Department of Education has yet to establish benchmarks that school districts must meet to achieve accreditation, Dinkel said.

Dinkel said the district is working to align its curriculum with test standards and better coordinate collaboration among teachers.

"We want to make sure we're looking at the data and having the right conversations to make sure it impacts students at the desk level so our students are better prepared for those state assessments," Dinkel said.

Each school also has a distinct improvement plan based on the needs of its students, Dinkel said.

They are as follows: • Hays High School: Promoting student responsibility by expanding staff capacity in classroom management and relationship-building practices.

• Hays Middle School: Students will show improvement in course grades. • Roosevelt Elementary School:&nbsp;Targeted Tier 1 instruction in the area of behavior and social/emotional learning.

• O'Loughlin Elementary School:&nbsp;By spring 2025, at least 92% of O’Loughlin students will show modest, typical or aggressive overall reading growth as measured by FastBridge.

• Wilson Elementary School:&nbsp;Focus on grade-level learners in Numbers and Operations in Base Ten standards K-5.

• Early Childhood Connections: Increase self-control of feelings and behavior, phonological awareness, and letter and word knowledge to 80%.

Dinkel said the schools will periodically check their progress toward their goals throughout the school year.

&nbsp;The district offers a parent feedback survey in the spring, but Dinkel encourages parents to provide their thoughts throughout the year.

"The more families who provide feedback, the better, because that helps us identify where we are falling short from the parents' perspective," Dinkel said.&nbsp;"We can think we're doing a great job, but we really need to hear ways we can support [students]."

Based on parent feedback, the middle school changed to the Rooms app, which allows parents and teachers to communicate through text messages.

Dinkel said parents can also assist their students by offering homework help and establishing routines that set aside time for homework.&nbsp;

Check your students' grades on PowerSchool and then visit with them on how school is going, Dinkel suggested.

Parents can also become involved through home and school organizations and school site councils.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/4/1745952157863.jpg" alt="Photo courtesy of Pixabay" />
 <figcaption>Photo courtesy of Pixabay</figcaption>
 </figure><h2>See your school's goal and learn how you can help</h2>By CRISTINA JANNEY Hays PostThe state of Kansas has changed the accreditation process for Kansas schools, and Hays USD 489 schools have announced new goals for improvement.Accreditation is transitioning from a five-year cycle to a one-year cycle, said Shanna Dinkel, assistant superintendent and director of curriculum.The accreditation is split into three sections: compliance, outcomes and improvements.Compliance covers items such as the number of school days and school nutrition programs—requirements that all schools must meet.Outcomes have been narrowed to include math and English student assessment scores, graduation rate and postsecondary success. All three of these measures were also part of the former accreditation system.Post-secondary success is the number of students who have received post-secondary degrees or accreditation, or are enrolled in post-secondary education two years after graduation. It does not include students who enter the workforce or military directly after high school.You can find information about the district's data on the Kansas Department of Education website under the <a href="https://ksreportcard.ksde.gov/home.aspx?org_no=D0489&amp;rptType=2">Data Central tab</a>.Assessments are completed in the spring, so the data for the 2024-25 school year has not been released.The assessments are based on scores ranging from one to four. • Level one indicates students demonstrate a limited ability to understand the material. • Level two&nbsp;indicates students demonstrate a basic ability to understand the material. • Level three indicates students demonstrate effective skills to understand the material. • Level four&nbsp;indicates students demonstrate an excellent ability to understand the material.In 2023 and 2024, USD 489 had fewer students in the lowest level for English and math, but had slightly higher percentages of students in level two compared to the state average.Dinkel said the district will emphasize math improvement during the coming school year. The district's math scores for all students have decreased since the pandemic. The district has had more students scoring in level one and fewer in levels three and four, Dinkel said."The gap is a little tighter than we want it to be," Dinkel said of the district's scores compared to the state averages.The district plans for English improvement projects at a later date, she said.Hays USD 489 exceeded the state graduation rate in 2023 and 2024, with a 89.6% graduation rate in 2023 and a 93.5% graduation rate in 2024.The district's post-secondary success rate has declined during the last two years. These would be students who graduated in 2021 and 2022 and were affected by pandemic remote learning.The school districts have been planning their improvement projects this year. They will implement the plans in the 2025-26 school year, and the state will assess how those plans have affected outcomes in the 2026-27 school year.The Kansas Department of Education has yet to establish benchmarks that school districts must meet to achieve accreditation, Dinkel said.Dinkel said the district is working to align its curriculum with test standards and better coordinate collaboration among teachers."We want to make sure we're looking at the data and having the right conversations to make sure it impacts students at the desk level so our students are better prepared for those state assessments," Dinkel said.<h2>School-level improvements</h2>Each school also has a distinct improvement plan based on the needs of its students, Dinkel said.They are as follows: • Hays High School: Promoting student responsibility by expanding staff capacity in classroom management and relationship-building practices.• Hays Middle School: Students will show improvement in course grades. • Roosevelt Elementary School:&nbsp;Targeted Tier 1 instruction in the area of behavior and social/emotional learning. • O'Loughlin Elementary School:&nbsp;By spring 2025, at least 92% of O’Loughlin students will show modest, typical or aggressive overall reading growth as measured by FastBridge.• Wilson Elementary School:&nbsp;Focus on grade-level learners in Numbers and Operations in Base Ten standards K-5.• Early Childhood Connections: Increase self-control of feelings and behavior, phonological awareness, and letter and word knowledge to 80%.Dinkel said the schools will periodically check their progress toward their goals throughout the school year.<h2>How can parents help?</h2>&nbsp;The district offers a parent feedback survey in the spring, but Dinkel encourages parents to provide their thoughts throughout the year."The more families who provide feedback, the better, because that helps us identify where we are falling short from the parents' perspective," Dinkel said.&nbsp;"We can think we're doing a great job, but we really need to hear ways we can support [students]."Based on parent feedback, the middle school changed to the Rooms app, which allows parents and teachers to communicate through text messages.Dinkel said parents can also assist their students by offering homework help and establishing routines that set aside time for homework.&nbsp;Check your students' grades on PowerSchool and then visit with them on how school is going, Dinkel suggested.Parents can also become involved through home and school organizations and school site councils.

Hays USD 489 to focus on math under new state accreditation system

INDIANAPOLIS - The Fort Hays State baseball team is ranked ninth in the latest release of the NCAA Division II Central Region Rankings, announced Wednesday (April 30).

The Tigers were one of 10 teams listed as under consideration last week. This is the first time that the teams have been officially ranked by the regional selection committee.

Fort Hays State has the fourth fewest losses in the region and the rank in the top 25 of all three national polls (ABCA No. 19, D2Baseball No. 23, NCBWA No. 25). However, the Tigers rank seventh in the region in in-region RPI, 11th in KPI and 16th in performance indicator which are all data points looked at by the region committee in addition to head-to-head, win-loss record, strength of schedule, etc.

The Tigers will wrap up the regular season against Rogers State Thursday through Saturday (May 1-3) before traveling to Joplin, Mo. for the 2025 MIAA Baseball Championship Tournament May 7-10.

The eight teams selected to compete in the Central Region Championships, three automatic bids and five at-large picks, will be announced on NCAA.com with a selection show on Sunday, May 11 at 9:30 p.m. CT.

NCAA Division II Central Region Rankings - April 30, 2025 1 • Central Missouri • 35-10 • 34-10 2 • Pittsburg State • 36-9 • 36-9 3 • Minnesota State • 38-5 • 37-4 4 • Central Oklahoma • 31-14 • 31-14 5 • Arkansas Tech • 29-19 • 29-17 6 • Arkansas-Monticello • 30-19 • 30-18 7 • Southern Arkansas • 30-19 • 30-19 8 • Augustana (SD) • 31-14 • 31-14 9 • Fort Hays State • 32-12 • 32-12 10 • Missouri Southern State • 25-22 • 25-22

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/5/1746094258853.png" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure>FHSU AthleticsINDIANAPOLIS - The Fort Hays State baseball team is ranked ninth in the latest release of the NCAA Division II Central Region Rankings, announced Wednesday (April 30).The Tigers were one of 10 teams listed as under consideration last week. This is the first time that the teams have been officially ranked by the regional selection committee.Fort Hays State has the fourth fewest losses in the region and the rank in the top 25 of all three national polls (ABCA No. 19, D2Baseball No. 23, NCBWA No. 25). However, the Tigers rank seventh in the region in in-region RPI, 11th in KPI and 16th in performance indicator which are all data points looked at by the region committee in addition to head-to-head, win-loss record, strength of schedule, etc.The Tigers will wrap up the regular season against Rogers State Thursday through Saturday (May 1-3) before traveling to Joplin, Mo. for the 2025 MIAA Baseball Championship Tournament May 7-10.The eight teams selected to compete in the Central Region Championships, three automatic bids and five at-large picks, will be announced on NCAA.com with a selection show on Sunday, May 11 at 9:30 p.m. CT.NCAA Division II Central Region Rankings - April 30, 2025 1 • Central Missouri • 35-10 • 34-10 2 • Pittsburg State • 36-9 • 36-9 3 • Minnesota State • 38-5 • 37-4 4 • Central Oklahoma • 31-14 • 31-14 5 • Arkansas Tech • 29-19 • 29-17 6 • Arkansas-Monticello • 30-19 • 30-18 7 • Southern Arkansas • 30-19 • 30-19 8 • Augustana (SD) • 31-14 • 31-14 9 • Fort Hays State • 32-12 • 32-12 10 • Missouri Southern State • 25-22 • 25-22

⚾ FHSU ninth in first Central Region rankings

HAYS, Kan. – Fort Hays State&nbsp; saw its 2025 softball season come to an end in the opening round of the MIAA Championship Tournament. The No. 9 seed Tigers lost 7-1 to No. 8 seed Emporia State on Fleharty Family FIeld. The Hornets used a 5-run third inning to move to 31-22 overall and advance to Thursday's semifinals. The Tigers closed the season at 24-21 overall.

Both starting pitchers coasted through the first two innings, but ran into some trouble in the third. A walk and single put runners at first and second for the Tigers with one out, but they could not push any runs across against Hornet starter Jordan Harrison. In the bottom half of the inning, three well-placed singles set up a bases-loaded opportunity for the Hornets with one out. FHSU starter Savanah Egger got a fielder's choice grounder for the second out, but then on a 3-2 battle at the plate, Brooke Flewelling took a borderline pitch on the inside corner for a ball to push the first run across. Right after that, the floodgates opened as a bases-clearing double by Ally Miller made it 4-0 and then a single by Juliana De Luna drove a fifth run in for the inning.

Morgan Schmidt relieved for the final 3 1/3 innings for FHSU, allowing two more runs on three hits. Those runs came in the fifth, pushing the Hornet lead to 7-0. The Tigers finally got on the board in the seventh when Lilly Mohr tripled off the wall in right field and her sister Lexi Mohr drove her in with a sacrifice fly.

The Tigers had five players all finish with one hit in the game. Miller led ESU with two of her team's nine hits in the game. Egger and Schmidt each struck out two. Harrison threw 5 innings in her start for ESU, allowing three hits with two strikeouts. Gracie Rabe threw the final 2.0 innings and allowed a run on two hits. Harrison moved to 16-7 on the season with the win.

The Tigers won over 20 games for the fifth straight year and reached at least 24 in a season for the fifth time since 2019.

Emporia State moved on to the tournament quarterfinals against No. 1 seed and No. 4 nationally ranked Central Oklahoma on Thursday (May 1).

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/4/1746064142064.png" alt="Emporia State's Haley Garnett (12) slides behind Fort Hays State's Maddie Pierce and beats a throw home in the third inning of their MIAA Tournament opener on Wednesday, April 30, 2025 at Fleharty Family Field in Hays, Kan. (FHSU Athletics photo/Nicole Heitmann)" />
 <figcaption>Emporia State's Haley Garnett (12) slides behind Fort Hays State's Maddie Pierce and beats a throw home in the third inning of their MIAA Tournament opener on Wednesday, April 30, 2025 at Fleharty Family Field in Hays, Kan. (FHSU Athletics photo/Nicole Heitmann)</figcaption>
 </figure>FHSU AthleticsHAYS, Kan. – Fort Hays State&nbsp; saw its 2025 softball season come to an end in the opening round of the MIAA Championship Tournament. The No. 9 seed Tigers lost 7-1 to No. 8 seed Emporia State on Fleharty Family FIeld. The Hornets used a 5-run third inning to move to 31-22 overall and advance to Thursday's semifinals. The Tigers closed the season at 24-21 overall.<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/2087985048&color=%23ff5500&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-814667509/4-30-25-fhsu-vs-emporia-state" title="Adrian Pilkington Postgame vs. Emporia State (April 30, 2025)" target="_blank" style="color: #cccccc; text-decoration: none;">Adrian Pilkington Postgame vs. Emporia State (April 30, 2025)</a></div></div>Both starting pitchers coasted through the first two innings, but ran into some trouble in the third. A walk and single put runners at first and second for the Tigers with one out, but they could not push any runs across against Hornet starter Jordan Harrison. In the bottom half of the inning, three well-placed singles set up a bases-loaded opportunity for the Hornets with one out. FHSU starter Savanah Egger got a fielder's choice grounder for the second out, but then on a 3-2 battle at the plate, Brooke Flewelling took a borderline pitch on the inside corner for a ball to push the first run across. Right after that, the floodgates opened as a bases-clearing double by Ally Miller made it 4-0 and then a single by Juliana De Luna drove a fifth run in for the inning.Morgan Schmidt relieved for the final 3 1/3 innings for FHSU, allowing two more runs on three hits. Those runs came in the fifth, pushing the Hornet lead to 7-0. The Tigers finally got on the board in the seventh when Lilly Mohr tripled off the wall in right field and her sister Lexi Mohr drove her in with a sacrifice fly.<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/2087984709&color=%23ff5500&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-814667509/4-30-25-fhsu-softball-vs" title="Fort Hays State SB Highlights vs. Emporia State (April 30, 2025)" target="_blank" style="color: #cccccc; text-decoration: none;">Fort Hays State SB Highlights vs. Emporia State (April 30, 2025)</a></div></div>The Tigers had five players all finish with one hit in the game. Miller led ESU with two of her team's nine hits in the game. Egger and Schmidt each struck out two. Harrison threw 5 innings in her start for ESU, allowing three hits with two strikeouts. Gracie Rabe threw the final 2.0 innings and allowed a run on two hits. Harrison moved to 16-7 on the season with the win.The Tigers won over 20 games for the fifth straight year and reached at least 24 in a season for the fifth time since 2019.Emporia State moved on to the tournament quarterfinals against No. 1 seed and No. 4 nationally ranked Central Oklahoma on Thursday (May 1).

🥎 Tigers fall to Hornets in MIAA Tournament opener

WINGATE, N.C. - The Fort Hays State baseball team returned to the NCBWA Top 25 this week after receiving votes for the last two weeks, with the Tigers now ranked 25th as announced Wednesday (April 30) by the National Collegiate Baseball Writers Association.

This is the third time this season the Tigers have cracked the top 25 in addition to three weeks when FHSU was receiving votes. Fort Hays State was listed at No. 22 in the country on April 2 before climbing as high as No. 20 one week later on April 9.

The Tigers are one of three MIAA programs listed in the top 25 alongside No. 3 Central Missouri and No. 15 Pittsburg State. Additionally, Central Oklahoma is recognized in the also receiving votes category.

Fort Hays State is 32-12 on the year, tied for the 16th fewest losses in Division II. The Tigers also rank 24th in the country in win percentage and are tied for first place in the MIAA standings at 26-7 with three games remaining in the regular season.

The Tigers will wrap up the regular season this week at Rogers State Thursday through Saturday (May 1-3) before heading to Joplin, Mo. for the MIAA Championship Tournament May 7-10.

Rank - School (1st Place) - Record - Pts. - Prev. 1 - Tampa (19) - 38-6 - 499 - 1 2 - Angelo State (1) - 41-7 - 474 - 2 3 - Central Missouri - 35-10 - 453 - 3 4 - Catawba - 36-12 - 415 - 6 5 - UT Tyler - 41-9 - 412 - 5 6 - Westmont - 37-11 - 409 - 4 7 - Minnesota State - 39-5 - 375 - 7 8 - Grand Valley State - 35-10 - 355 - 8 9 - Millersville - 34-7 - 319 - 10 10 - North Greenville - 42-11 - 316 - 11 11 - Florida Southern - 32-12 - 315 - 9 12 - Colorado Mesa - 33-10 - 272 - 12 13 - Northwest Nazarene - 38-12 - 233 - 15 14 - Young Harris - 37-13 - 213 - 16 15 - Pittsburg State - 36-9 - 199 - 17 16 - East Stroudsburg - 35-9 - 175 - 22 17 - Lenoir-Rhyne - 40-9 - 161 - 20 18 - Davenport - 33-12 - 160 - 21 19 - Delta State - 32-16 - 151 - 14 20 - Thomas Jefferson - 33-13 - 139 - 24 21 - Point Loma - 32-12 - 99 - 23 22 - West Chester - 32-13 - 75 - 19 23 - North Georgia - 36-13 - 52 - 25 24 - Goldey-Beacom - 33-15 - 50 - 18 25 - Fort Hays State - 32-12 - 33 - RV

Receiving Votes: St. Edward's (32-18) 32 points; Ashland (32-13) 30 points; Francis Marion (39-11) 18 points; West Florida (31-17) 16 points; Cal State Monterey Bay (30-15) 9 points; Regis (30-14) 7 points; Lewis (34-12) 6 points; Central Oklahoma (31-14) 3 points; San Francisco State (29-16) 2 points; Bentley (29-14) 2 points; Seton Hill (32-12) 1 point

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/4/1746063258600.png" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure>FHSU AthleticsWINGATE, N.C. - The Fort Hays State baseball team returned to the NCBWA Top 25 this week after receiving votes for the last two weeks, with the Tigers now ranked 25th as announced Wednesday (April 30) by the National Collegiate Baseball Writers Association.This is the third time this season the Tigers have cracked the top 25 in addition to three weeks when FHSU was receiving votes. Fort Hays State was listed at No. 22 in the country on April 2 before climbing as high as No. 20 one week later on April 9.The Tigers are one of three MIAA programs listed in the top 25 alongside No. 3 Central Missouri and No. 15 Pittsburg State. Additionally, Central Oklahoma is recognized in the also receiving votes category.Fort Hays State is 32-12 on the year, tied for the 16th fewest losses in Division II. The Tigers also rank 24th in the country in win percentage and are tied for first place in the MIAA standings at 26-7 with three games remaining in the regular season.The Tigers will wrap up the regular season this week at Rogers State Thursday through Saturday (May 1-3) before heading to Joplin, Mo. for the MIAA Championship Tournament May 7-10.Rank - School (1st Place) - Record - Pts. - Prev. 1 - Tampa (19) - 38-6 - 499 - 1 2 - Angelo State (1) - 41-7 - 474 - 2 3 - Central Missouri - 35-10 - 453 - 3 4 - Catawba - 36-12 - 415 - 6 5 - UT Tyler - 41-9 - 412 - 5 6 - Westmont - 37-11 - 409 - 4 7 - Minnesota State - 39-5 - 375 - 7 8 - Grand Valley State - 35-10 - 355 - 8 9 - Millersville - 34-7 - 319 - 10 10 - North Greenville - 42-11 - 316 - 11 11 - Florida Southern - 32-12 - 315 - 9 12 - Colorado Mesa - 33-10 - 272 - 12 13 - Northwest Nazarene - 38-12 - 233 - 15 14 - Young Harris - 37-13 - 213 - 16 15 - Pittsburg State - 36-9 - 199 - 17 16 - East Stroudsburg - 35-9 - 175 - 22 17 - Lenoir-Rhyne - 40-9 - 161 - 20 18 - Davenport - 33-12 - 160 - 21 19 - Delta State - 32-16 - 151 - 14 20 - Thomas Jefferson - 33-13 - 139 - 24 21 - Point Loma - 32-12 - 99 - 23 22 - West Chester - 32-13 - 75 - 19 23 - North Georgia - 36-13 - 52 - 25 24 - Goldey-Beacom - 33-15 - 50 - 18 25 - Fort Hays State - 32-12 - 33 - RVDropped Out: Lewis (13th)Receiving Votes: St. Edward's (32-18) 32 points; Ashland (32-13) 30 points; Francis Marion (39-11) 18 points; West Florida (31-17) 16 points; Cal State Monterey Bay (30-15) 9 points; Regis (30-14) 7 points; Lewis (34-12) 6 points; Central Oklahoma (31-14) 3 points; San Francisco State (29-16) 2 points; Bentley (29-14) 2 points; Seton Hill (32-12) 1 point

⚾ Tigers return to NCBWA Top 25

Judith Lou Tuttle Allen, 85, of Wichita, Kansas, passed away
on April 29, 2025. Judy was born in Mooresville, Indiana, on January 16, 1940.
She graduated from Haviland High School in Haviland, Kansas, and continued on
to receive an education degree from Fort Hays State University.

Judy married the late Boyd Tuttle on September 23, 1960;
they shared 52 years until his passing. She later married the late Carroll
(Red) Allen, sharing seven years until his death. A dedicated and passionate
educator, Judy served as an elementary school teacher across multiple school
districts—including USD 292 Grainfield-Wheatland—for 37 years. Alongside her
professional commitments, she embraced her role as a homemaker on the Tuttle
farmstead, nurturing and guiding her children with unwavering love. Judy
delighted in drawing, painting, gardening, baking, jogging, and travel, and as
a loyal K-State football fan, relished cheering on the Wildcats with family.
She actively supported the Grinnell Kids Wrestling Club, Golden Plains 4-H
Club, Delta Kappa Gamma, and Gove Community Bible Church in Gove, Kansas.

Judy is survived by daughter Myrna Craig (David), Cedar
Grove, New Jersey; sons Craig Tuttle, Scott City, Kansas, Troy Tuttle
(Melanie), Lenexa, Kansas, and Derek Tuttle (Jodi), Andover, Kansas; nine
grandchildren, Amanda, Seth, Max, Karina, Carly, Myah, Brennan, Katelyn, and
Kinsey; and one great-grandson, Jude.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Albert and Louise
Greiner; her husband, Boyd Tuttle; her second husband, Carroll (Red) Allen, and
her sister, Janice Parker.

Visitation: 5:00–7:00 p.m., Friday, May 2, 2025, Schmitt
Funeral Home, 901 Main Street, Quinter, Kansas.

Funeral: 10:30 a.m., Saturday, May 3, 2025, Quinter United
Methodist Church, 218 W. 4th Street, Quinter, Kansas, with Jon Tuttle of
Prairie View Church, Scott City, Kansas, officiating. Burial follows at Gove
Cemetery, Gove, Kansas.

Memorials: In lieu of flowers, contributions are suggested
to USD 292 Wheatland Schools, sent to Schmitt Funeral Home, 336 North 12th
Street, WaKeeney, Kansas 67672.

To share memories or condolences, please visit&nbsp;<a href="https://www.schmittfuneral.com/">www.schmittfuneral.com.</a>

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/4/1746036670326.jpeg" alt="Judith Lou Tuttle Allen" />
 <figcaption>Judith Lou Tuttle Allen</figcaption>
 </figure>Judith Lou Tuttle Allen, 85, of Wichita, Kansas, passed away
on April 29, 2025. Judy was born in Mooresville, Indiana, on January 16, 1940.
She graduated from Haviland High School in Haviland, Kansas, and continued on
to receive an education degree from Fort Hays State University.Judy married the late Boyd Tuttle on September 23, 1960;
they shared 52 years until his passing. She later married the late Carroll
(Red) Allen, sharing seven years until his death. A dedicated and passionate
educator, Judy served as an elementary school teacher across multiple school
districts—including USD 292 Grainfield-Wheatland—for 37 years. Alongside her
professional commitments, she embraced her role as a homemaker on the Tuttle
farmstead, nurturing and guiding her children with unwavering love. Judy
delighted in drawing, painting, gardening, baking, jogging, and travel, and as
a loyal K-State football fan, relished cheering on the Wildcats with family.
She actively supported the Grinnell Kids Wrestling Club, Golden Plains 4-H
Club, Delta Kappa Gamma, and Gove Community Bible Church in Gove, Kansas.Judy is survived by daughter Myrna Craig (David), Cedar
Grove, New Jersey; sons Craig Tuttle, Scott City, Kansas, Troy Tuttle
(Melanie), Lenexa, Kansas, and Derek Tuttle (Jodi), Andover, Kansas; nine
grandchildren, Amanda, Seth, Max, Karina, Carly, Myah, Brennan, Katelyn, and
Kinsey; and one great-grandson, Jude.She was preceded in death by her parents, Albert and Louise
Greiner; her husband, Boyd Tuttle; her second husband, Carroll (Red) Allen, and
her sister, Janice Parker.Visitation: 5:00–7:00 p.m., Friday, May 2, 2025, Schmitt
Funeral Home, 901 Main Street, Quinter, Kansas.Funeral: 10:30 a.m., Saturday, May 3, 2025, Quinter United
Methodist Church, 218 W. 4th Street, Quinter, Kansas, with Jon Tuttle of
Prairie View Church, Scott City, Kansas, officiating. Burial follows at Gove
Cemetery, Gove, Kansas.Memorials: In lieu of flowers, contributions are suggested
to USD 292 Wheatland Schools, sent to Schmitt Funeral Home, 336 North 12th
Street, WaKeeney, Kansas 67672.To share memories or condolences, please visit&nbsp;<a href="https://www.schmittfuneral.com/">www.schmittfuneral.com.</a>

Judith Lou Tuttle Allen

Helen Mary
Smith, formerly of Plainville, Kansas, passed away on April 26, 2025, at the
Locust Grove Village Nursing Home in La Crosse, Kansas. She was born on
November 7, 1943, to Aldemore M. and MaryRose B. (Plante) Tremblay. 

Throughout her
life, Helen embraced many roles and wore many hats—with kindness, resilience,
and a spirit full of life. She was first married in 1959 to Kenneth Lee, who
preceded her in death on May 15, 1982. She later married Patrick Thrasher, who
passed away on April 5, 2014. On May 24, 1994, she married Larry Smith in
Miami, Oklahoma, who survives her. &nbsp;

Helen grew up
attending schools in Damar and Plainville. She had a heart as big as the sky
and was always ready to help others—whether by opening her doors to those in
need of shelter, offering a warm meal, or simply lending a listening ear. Early
in life, she worked as a waitress and Candy Striper, and she was best known for
her cooking, which she shared generously. She worked at Redbud Village doing
laundry and housekeeping, ran her own café in Bogue, KS, and operated the K-18
Bar in Plainville. At the Plainville Sale Barn, she was beloved for serving up
hearty meals and Mickey Mouse pancakes for the children. 

Never one to
shy away from hard work, Helen also helped paint houses, worked in farming,
home health care, and even telemarketing. Her creativity and zest for life
showed in her love for animals, motorcycles, arts and crafts, bingo, singing,
dancing, and especially her devotion to Elvis Presley.

Helen leaves
behind a legacy of compassion, hard work, and joy. She will be deeply missed by
her family, friends, and all whose lives she touched with her warmth and
generosity.

Helen is
survived by her husband, Larry Smith of Plainville; two daughters, Patricia
(Brandon) McDonald of Mankato, KS and Hope Smith of Norton, KS; step-daughters,
Linda (Mike) McCulloch of Russell, KS and
Terri (Len) Steinle of Russell; step-son, Marc Smith of Hays, KS; 18 grandchildren;
and 23 great-grandchildren and many nieces and nephews. 

She was
preceded in death by her two husbands, Kenneth and Patrick; two sons, Keith and
Roger Lee; brother, Gilbert Tremblay; and two sisters, Theresa Smith and Marian
Tremblay.

A Funeral will
be held on Tuesday, May 6, 2025, at 10:00 AM, at the Nazarene Church in
Plainville. Burial will follow at St. Joseph Catholic Cemetery in Damar.
Visitation will be held on Monday, May 5th, from 5 PM until 7 PM at the funeral
home in Plainville.

In lieu of
flowers, memorials are suggested to Church of the Nazarene and may be sent to
Plumer-Overlease Funeral Home, 320 SW 2nd, Plainville, KS 67663.

Online
condolences may be left for the family at <a href="http://www.plumeroverleae.com">www.plumeroverleae.com</a>

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/4/1746034164788.jpeg" alt="Helen Mary Smith" />
 <figcaption>Helen Mary Smith</figcaption>
 </figure>Helen Mary
Smith, formerly of Plainville, Kansas, passed away on April 26, 2025, at the
Locust Grove Village Nursing Home in La Crosse, Kansas. She was born on
November 7, 1943, to Aldemore M. and MaryRose B. (Plante) Tremblay. Throughout her
life, Helen embraced many roles and wore many hats—with kindness, resilience,
and a spirit full of life. She was first married in 1959 to Kenneth Lee, who
preceded her in death on May 15, 1982. She later married Patrick Thrasher, who
passed away on April 5, 2014. On May 24, 1994, she married Larry Smith in
Miami, Oklahoma, who survives her. &nbsp;Helen grew up
attending schools in Damar and Plainville. She had a heart as big as the sky
and was always ready to help others—whether by opening her doors to those in
need of shelter, offering a warm meal, or simply lending a listening ear. Early
in life, she worked as a waitress and Candy Striper, and she was best known for
her cooking, which she shared generously. She worked at Redbud Village doing
laundry and housekeeping, ran her own café in Bogue, KS, and operated the K-18
Bar in Plainville. At the Plainville Sale Barn, she was beloved for serving up
hearty meals and Mickey Mouse pancakes for the children. Never one to
shy away from hard work, Helen also helped paint houses, worked in farming,
home health care, and even telemarketing. Her creativity and zest for life
showed in her love for animals, motorcycles, arts and crafts, bingo, singing,
dancing, and especially her devotion to Elvis Presley.Helen leaves
behind a legacy of compassion, hard work, and joy. She will be deeply missed by
her family, friends, and all whose lives she touched with her warmth and
generosity.Helen is
survived by her husband, Larry Smith of Plainville; two daughters, Patricia
(Brandon) McDonald of Mankato, KS and Hope Smith of Norton, KS; step-daughters,
Linda (Mike) McCulloch of Russell, KS and
Terri (Len) Steinle of Russell; step-son, Marc Smith of Hays, KS; 18 grandchildren;
and 23 great-grandchildren and many nieces and nephews. She was
preceded in death by her two husbands, Kenneth and Patrick; two sons, Keith and
Roger Lee; brother, Gilbert Tremblay; and two sisters, Theresa Smith and Marian
Tremblay.A Funeral will
be held on Tuesday, May 6, 2025, at 10:00 AM, at the Nazarene Church in
Plainville. Burial will follow at St. Joseph Catholic Cemetery in Damar.
Visitation will be held on Monday, May 5th, from 5 PM until 7 PM at the funeral
home in Plainville.In lieu of
flowers, memorials are suggested to Church of the Nazarene and may be sent to
Plumer-Overlease Funeral Home, 320 SW 2nd, Plainville, KS 67663.Online
condolences may be left for the family at <a href="http://www.plumeroverleae.com">www.plumeroverleae.com</a>

Helen Mary Smith

Robert Torres, (a.k.a. Cupcake) 49,
of Russell, Kansas, died on Thursday, April 24, 2025, at his home in Russell.

Robert was born in San Antonio,
Texas, in the backseat of a ‘57 Chevy, on September 01, 1975. He is the son of
Rogelio and Rosalinda (Alvarez) Torres.&nbsp;
He grew up and attended public schools in San Antonio, Texas, and at age
14, he moved to Goodland, Kansas.&nbsp; It was
in Goodland, Kansas, at age 15, he met the love of his life, Deborah Jean
Chapman, and they have been together ever since.&nbsp; From this union, they were blessed with 3
children: Bobby, Seth, and Veronica.&nbsp; In
August 2007, Robert and Debbie made it official and were united in
marriage.&nbsp; The family made their home in
Great Bend, Kansas, until they moved to Russell, Kansas, in 2013.&nbsp; Robert worked in the oil field industry for
many years.&nbsp; In May of 2013, Robert
became the driving force and head tattoo artist of Fantasy Graphics East Tattoo
Studio in Hays, Kansas.&nbsp; As a business
owner, he was known as a kind and friendly person with a gifted and unique
artistic style. He had a heart of gold and was everyone’s biggest supporter. His
family and clients loved his work and often came back over and over again for
new tattoos, because of his skill, professional attention to detail, and
creative artistry.&nbsp; He enjoyed his tattoo
work, music, motorcycles, Harley-Davidson, UFC Fights, Dallas Cowboys football,
and his dogs.&nbsp; Most of all, he enjoyed
hanging out with his family and friends and his granddaughter “Chunks”, his
most precious angel. 

Surviving family include his wife
Debbie of the home, son Bobby Torres; son Seth Torres and fiancé Callie Camp of
Hays, Kansas and daughter Veronica Torres of Great Bend, Kansas; sisters Norma
Alvarez of Roswell, New Mexico, Corina Flores, Sandra Camacho and Barbara
Fabela all of San Antonio, Texas and granddaughter Adelynn “Chunks” Torres.

He was preceded in death by his
father, Rogelio Torres, and brother, Roger Torres. 

A gather service for viewing and
visitation will be held from 9 A.M. to 8 P.M. on Friday, May 02, 2025, at the
Pohlman-Varner-Peeler Mortuary in Russell, Kansas.&nbsp; The family will greet guests from 6 P.M. to 8
P.M., May 2nd Friday evening.&nbsp;
A celebration of Robert’s life will be held at a later date.&nbsp; In lieu of flowers memorials can be given to
the Robert Torres Memorial Fund and sent in care of the mortuary.&nbsp; Pohlman-Varner-Peeler Mortuary of Russell,
Kansas, is in charge of the funeral service arrangements.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/4/1746034068038.jpeg" alt="Robert Torres, (a.k.a. Cupcake)" />
 <figcaption>Robert Torres, (a.k.a. Cupcake)</figcaption>
 </figure>Robert Torres, (a.k.a. Cupcake) 49,
of Russell, Kansas, died on Thursday, April 24, 2025, at his home in Russell.Robert was born in San Antonio,
Texas, in the backseat of a ‘57 Chevy, on September 01, 1975. He is the son of
Rogelio and Rosalinda (Alvarez) Torres.&nbsp;
He grew up and attended public schools in San Antonio, Texas, and at age
14, he moved to Goodland, Kansas.&nbsp; It was
in Goodland, Kansas, at age 15, he met the love of his life, Deborah Jean
Chapman, and they have been together ever since.&nbsp; From this union, they were blessed with 3
children: Bobby, Seth, and Veronica.&nbsp; In
August 2007, Robert and Debbie made it official and were united in
marriage.&nbsp; The family made their home in
Great Bend, Kansas, until they moved to Russell, Kansas, in 2013.&nbsp; Robert worked in the oil field industry for
many years.&nbsp; In May of 2013, Robert
became the driving force and head tattoo artist of Fantasy Graphics East Tattoo
Studio in Hays, Kansas.&nbsp; As a business
owner, he was known as a kind and friendly person with a gifted and unique
artistic style. He had a heart of gold and was everyone’s biggest supporter. His
family and clients loved his work and often came back over and over again for
new tattoos, because of his skill, professional attention to detail, and
creative artistry.&nbsp; He enjoyed his tattoo
work, music, motorcycles, Harley-Davidson, UFC Fights, Dallas Cowboys football,
and his dogs.&nbsp; Most of all, he enjoyed
hanging out with his family and friends and his granddaughter “Chunks”, his
most precious angel. Surviving family include his wife
Debbie of the home, son Bobby Torres; son Seth Torres and fiancé Callie Camp of
Hays, Kansas and daughter Veronica Torres of Great Bend, Kansas; sisters Norma
Alvarez of Roswell, New Mexico, Corina Flores, Sandra Camacho and Barbara
Fabela all of San Antonio, Texas and granddaughter Adelynn “Chunks” Torres.He was preceded in death by his
father, Rogelio Torres, and brother, Roger Torres. A gather service for viewing and
visitation will be held from 9 A.M. to 8 P.M. on Friday, May 02, 2025, at the
Pohlman-Varner-Peeler Mortuary in Russell, Kansas.&nbsp; The family will greet guests from 6 P.M. to 8
P.M., May 2nd Friday evening.&nbsp;
A celebration of Robert’s life will be held at a later date.&nbsp; In lieu of flowers memorials can be given to
the Robert Torres Memorial Fund and sent in care of the mortuary.&nbsp; Pohlman-Varner-Peeler Mortuary of Russell,
Kansas, is in charge of the funeral service arrangements.

Robert Torres, (a.k.a. Cupcake)

The Hays Symphony Orchestra will conclude its 2024-2025 season with "Romantic Visions" at 7:30 p.m. May 3, at the Beach/Schmidt Performing Arts Center, 600 Park St.

Admission is free, but tickets can be reserved in advance at&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="http://www.hayssymphony.org/">HaysSymphony.org.</a>

<a target="_blank" href="http://www.hayssymphony.org/"></a>The concert will feature pianist Irena Ravitskaya performing Edvard Grieg's Piano Concerto in A minor.

Ravitskaya, who regularly performs in international venues, is a member of the faculty at Fort Hays State University and frequently collaborates with orchestras across the country.

The concert program also includes Douglas Lilburn's Concert Overture in D and Robert Schumann's Symphony No. 1, known as the "Spring Symphony." Together, the selections represent key works from the Romantic period and offer a diverse listening experience for concertgoers.

"We are excited to present this final concert to the community," said Brian Buckstead, director of the Hays Symphony. "The selections highlight significant works from the Romantic era and showcase the talents of both our orchestra and soloist. I believe this program will appeal to a wide audience, whether you're a long-time classical music supporter or attending your first symphony concert."

Sandy Jacobs, president of the Hays Symphony Guild, emphasized the accessibility of the event. "Our mission is to ensure that classical music remains accessible to all members of our community," Jacobs said. "With the generous support of our sponsors, we're able to offer this concert free of charge and invite residents from across the region to experience the power of live orchestral music."

Dick and Kay Werth of Auto World are sponsoring the concert itself, continuing their tradition of supporting the arts in Hays. Insurance Planning is sponsoring the post-concert reception, which provides attendees the opportunity to meet the musicians and celebrate the season’s conclusion.

"The support we receive from our community and sponsors is invaluable," Buckstead said. "It helps us continue providing high-quality, accessible performances and enables us to invite talented guest artists like Irena Ravitskaya to join us."

Jacobs noted that while the concert is free, attendees are encouraged to reserve their tickets in advance. "We want to make sure everyone who wants to attend has a seat,” Jacobs said. “Free tickets are available online at <a href="https://www.hayssymphony.org/">HaysSymphony.org</a>. It only takes a minute to reserve your spot, and we’re looking forward to a full house."

The May 3 performance marks the final event of the season for the Hays Symphony, which continues to present a series of orchestral concerts throughout the year in collaboration with Fort Hays State University.

"Every concert is an opportunity to connect people through music," Buckstead said. "We’re proud of what we’ve accomplished this season and look forward to building on that momentum in the year ahead."

For tickets, program details, and more information about the Hays Symphony, visit&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.hayssymphony.org/">HaysSymphony.org</a>.&nbsp;&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/4/1746027571654.png" alt="Hays Symphony Orchestra" />
 <figcaption>Hays Symphony Orchestra</figcaption>
 </figure>Hays Symphony OrchestraThe Hays Symphony Orchestra will conclude its 2024-2025 season with "Romantic Visions" at 7:30 p.m. May 3, at the Beach/Schmidt Performing Arts Center, 600 Park St.Admission is free, but tickets can be reserved in advance at&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="http://www.hayssymphony.org/">HaysSymphony.org.</a><a target="_blank" href="http://www.hayssymphony.org/"></a>The concert will feature pianist Irena Ravitskaya performing Edvard Grieg's Piano Concerto in A minor.Ravitskaya, who regularly performs in international venues, is a member of the faculty at Fort Hays State University and frequently collaborates with orchestras across the country.The concert program also includes Douglas Lilburn's Concert Overture in D and Robert Schumann's Symphony No. 1, known as the "Spring Symphony." Together, the selections represent key works from the Romantic period and offer a diverse listening experience for concertgoers."We are excited to present this final concert to the community," said Brian Buckstead, director of the Hays Symphony. "The selections highlight significant works from the Romantic era and showcase the talents of both our orchestra and soloist. I believe this program will appeal to a wide audience, whether you're a long-time classical music supporter or attending your first symphony concert."Sandy Jacobs, president of the Hays Symphony Guild, emphasized the accessibility of the event. "Our mission is to ensure that classical music remains accessible to all members of our community," Jacobs said. "With the generous support of our sponsors, we're able to offer this concert free of charge and invite residents from across the region to experience the power of live orchestral music."Dick and Kay Werth of Auto World are sponsoring the concert itself, continuing their tradition of supporting the arts in Hays. Insurance Planning is sponsoring the post-concert reception, which provides attendees the opportunity to meet the musicians and celebrate the season’s conclusion."The support we receive from our community and sponsors is invaluable," Buckstead said. "It helps us continue providing high-quality, accessible performances and enables us to invite talented guest artists like Irena Ravitskaya to join us."Jacobs noted that while the concert is free, attendees are encouraged to reserve their tickets in advance. "We want to make sure everyone who wants to attend has a seat,” Jacobs said. “Free tickets are available online at <a href="https://www.hayssymphony.org/">HaysSymphony.org</a>. It only takes a minute to reserve your spot, and we’re looking forward to a full house."The May 3 performance marks the final event of the season for the Hays Symphony, which continues to present a series of orchestral concerts throughout the year in collaboration with Fort Hays State University."Every concert is an opportunity to connect people through music," Buckstead said. "We’re proud of what we’ve accomplished this season and look forward to building on that momentum in the year ahead."For tickets, program details, and more information about the Hays Symphony, visit&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.hayssymphony.org/">HaysSymphony.org</a>.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Hays Symphony Orchestra concludes season with free concert Saturday

By&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/author/mchilson/">MORGAN CHILSON</a> <a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2025/04/29/kansas-meals-on-wheels-families-leaders-fear-potential-federal-funding-cuts/">Kansas Reflector</a>

TOPEKA — Fear that federal funding cuts will mean loved ones won’t receive nutritional food and safety checks through Meals on Wheels is driving an increase of calls to agencies across Kansas.

“It’s scary,” said Laurel Alkire, executive director of Senior Services Inc. of Wichita. “I’ve had a lot of families call me about their mom or dad. We’re trying to not overreact, but it’s very concerning.”

The fear is generated by potential federal funding cuts from multiple sources that could affect Meals on Wheels budgets nationwide, said Josh Protas, an advocate at the organization’s national office, Meals on Wheels America.&nbsp;

“I think there’s a lot of confusion and a lot of anxiety that we’re hearing from across our network that is in response to multiple threats that are happening all at once,” he said.

Programs facing federal cuts include those funded by Health and Human Services, which has faced “massive” cuts of budget and personnel, Protas said. A leaked budget document signaled intentions to cut and split apart some programs that serve older adults.&nbsp;

Also of concern is the ongoing budget reconciliation process, which among other things may include elimination of social services block grants and cuts to the Older Americans Act, he said.&nbsp;

“Social Services Block Grants are a critical source of funding for many Meals on Wheels programs to help fill in the gaps where there are shortfalls in other funding sources,” Protas said.&nbsp;

Proposed cuts to Medicaid also could harm Meals on Wheels budgets because those funds sometimes offer reimbursements, he said.&nbsp;

Isys Schmitt, director of nutrition at the Hays-based Northwest Kansas Area Agency on Aging, said her agency serves 18 counties at 28 sites in northwest Kansas.&nbsp;

“I do hear the concerns from participants,” she said. “I think it’s more they hear these things on the news, and they automatically think it’s going to affect our program very badly.”

Her agency receives about 25% of its funding from federal sources, 25% from the state, and the rest in contributions, Schmitt said.&nbsp;

Protas said Meals on Wheels programs are all funded through different mechanisms, so it’s difficult to tell how cuts might affect each program. Some get almost no federal funding, while others may receive 80% of funds from federal sources.

Julie Govert Walter, executive director of the North Central-Flint Hills Area Agency on Aging Inc., is assessing potential cuts and trying to plan for how her agency might be affected, including the Meals on Wheels program it runs.&nbsp;

“We’re right now telling people don’t panic,” she said. “We don’t want our elder Kansans to stress out over the uncertainty. At the same time, we want lawmakers in Washington to understand that the Older Americans Act programs are making significant differences in the lives of older Kansans and their caregivers and their families.”

About half of Walter’s agency budget is derived from the Older Americans Act, with about 34% of the allocation and related in-kind match donations supporting the meals program in 18 northeast Kansas counties.

Alkire said that Wichita’s Senior Services has other programs besides Meals on Wheels, including a senior employment program and four senior centers for active seniors 55 and older.&nbsp;

“Meals on Wheels is our bread and butter,” she said. “We’ve got some reserves, but that wouldn’t last long.”

Walter said she believes the programs her organization runs are aligned with Trump administration policies because they’re frugal, cost-conscious and have significant volunteer support. In addition, Meals on Wheels helps seniors live independently, which often keeps them out of more costly nursing home facilities.&nbsp;

Protas said the national organization is walking the line of not scaring seniors about funding cuts but making sure people are reaching out to make their voices heard.

“Many of these things that we’re worried about, there haven’t been final decisions made yet,” he said. “So we’re using this time to advocate and to just tell the story about Meals on Wheels. We’re advising our Meals on Wheels member programs to do some contingency planning so that in the event that there are delays or disruptions in funding, they’re not caught off guard. We’re not doing that in a way that instills panic, but we recognize that the threats are serious.”

Walter said planning right now is tough because of political uncertainties, but even more so because she doesn’t have information from the feds that she needs. Usually by this time of year, she knows what her budget is for the upcoming year. She doesn’t have those numbers yet to plan for fiscal year 2026, which will start in October.&nbsp;

In mid-March, Congress funded the Older Americans Act and other programs through September 2025 with a continuing resolution. But no one knows what will happen next, Walter said. When she considers potential cuts of up to 30% of her agency’s funding, she’s not sure how to think about what actions to take.&nbsp;

Options could include cutting the number of days they serve meals from five to two or three, but that would involve potential workforce cuts, she said.&nbsp;

“It’s a puzzle,” she said. “We’re doing what we can to communicate with members of Congress about our situation, and I will say I think most members of the Kansas congressional delegation understand the importance of the OAA.”

Walter said one of the biggest challenges is communicating with people about the importance of Meals on Wheels and other programs for aging Kansans.&nbsp;

“We all know what it’s like to be a kid, to be an adolescent, to be a young adult, and to be in middle age,” she said. “But honestly, most people don’t get what it’s like to really deal with challenges and the anxieties of being older, 75 and 80 plus, until we’re there. It’s so dependent on health and community and social relationships.”

“The stress and uncertainty is real, and it has real effects on people’s minds and hearts and spirits,” Walter said. “It’s hard to quantify, but you know it’s real. Drama is not good for older people.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/4/1746021166061.jpeg" alt="The Northwest Kansas Area Agency on Aging in Hays gets 25% of its budget from federal funding sources, which are facing possible cuts. Photo by Cade Rothenberger/ Kansas Reflector" />
 <figcaption>The Northwest Kansas Area Agency on Aging in Hays gets 25% of its budget from federal funding sources, which are facing possible cuts. Photo by Cade Rothenberger/ Kansas Reflector</figcaption>
 </figure>By&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/author/mchilson/">MORGAN CHILSON</a> <a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2025/04/29/kansas-meals-on-wheels-families-leaders-fear-potential-federal-funding-cuts/">Kansas Reflector</a>TOPEKA — Fear that federal funding cuts will mean loved ones won’t receive nutritional food and safety checks through Meals on Wheels is driving an increase of calls to agencies across Kansas.“It’s scary,” said Laurel Alkire, executive director of Senior Services Inc. of Wichita. “I’ve had a lot of families call me about their mom or dad. We’re trying to not overreact, but it’s very concerning.”The fear is generated by potential federal funding cuts from multiple sources that could affect Meals on Wheels budgets nationwide, said Josh Protas, an advocate at the organization’s national office, Meals on Wheels America.&nbsp;“I think there’s a lot of confusion and a lot of anxiety that we’re hearing from across our network that is in response to multiple threats that are happening all at once,” he said.Programs facing federal cuts include those funded by Health and Human Services, which has faced “massive” cuts of budget and personnel, Protas said. A leaked budget document signaled intentions to cut and split apart some programs that serve older adults.&nbsp;Also of concern is the ongoing budget reconciliation process, which among other things may include elimination of social services block grants and cuts to the Older Americans Act, he said.&nbsp;“Social Services Block Grants are a critical source of funding for many Meals on Wheels programs to help fill in the gaps where there are shortfalls in other funding sources,” Protas said.&nbsp;Proposed cuts to Medicaid also could harm Meals on Wheels budgets because those funds sometimes offer reimbursements, he said.&nbsp;Isys Schmitt, director of nutrition at the Hays-based Northwest Kansas Area Agency on Aging, said her agency serves 18 counties at 28 sites in northwest Kansas.&nbsp;“I do hear the concerns from participants,” she said. “I think it’s more they hear these things on the news, and they automatically think it’s going to affect our program very badly.”Her agency receives about 25% of its funding from federal sources, 25% from the state, and the rest in contributions, Schmitt said.&nbsp;Protas said Meals on Wheels programs are all funded through different mechanisms, so it’s difficult to tell how cuts might affect each program. Some get almost no federal funding, while others may receive 80% of funds from federal sources.<h2>Staying calm, planning ahead</h2>Julie Govert Walter, executive director of the North Central-Flint Hills Area Agency on Aging Inc., is assessing potential cuts and trying to plan for how her agency might be affected, including the Meals on Wheels program it runs.&nbsp;“We’re right now telling people don’t panic,” she said. “We don’t want our elder Kansans to stress out over the uncertainty. At the same time, we want lawmakers in Washington to understand that the Older Americans Act programs are making significant differences in the lives of older Kansans and their caregivers and their families.”About half of Walter’s agency budget is derived from the Older Americans Act, with about 34% of the allocation and related in-kind match donations supporting the meals program in 18 northeast Kansas counties.Alkire said that Wichita’s Senior Services has other programs besides Meals on Wheels, including a senior employment program and four senior centers for active seniors 55 and older.&nbsp;“Meals on Wheels is our bread and butter,” she said. “We’ve got some reserves, but that wouldn’t last long.”Walter said she believes the programs her organization runs are aligned with Trump administration policies because they’re frugal, cost-conscious and have significant volunteer support. In addition, Meals on Wheels helps seniors live independently, which often keeps them out of more costly nursing home facilities.&nbsp;Protas said the national organization is walking the line of not scaring seniors about funding cuts but making sure people are reaching out to make their voices heard.“Many of these things that we’re worried about, there haven’t been final decisions made yet,” he said. “So we’re using this time to advocate and to just tell the story about Meals on Wheels. We’re advising our Meals on Wheels member programs to do some contingency planning so that in the event that there are delays or disruptions in funding, they’re not caught off guard. We’re not doing that in a way that instills panic, but we recognize that the threats are serious.”<h2>No budget numbers</h2>Walter said planning right now is tough because of political uncertainties, but even more so because she doesn’t have information from the feds that she needs. Usually by this time of year, she knows what her budget is for the upcoming year. She doesn’t have those numbers yet to plan for fiscal year 2026, which will start in October.&nbsp;In mid-March, Congress funded the Older Americans Act and other programs through September 2025 with a continuing resolution. But no one knows what will happen next, Walter said. When she considers potential cuts of up to 30% of her agency’s funding, she’s not sure how to think about what actions to take.&nbsp;Options could include cutting the number of days they serve meals from five to two or three, but that would involve potential workforce cuts, she said.&nbsp;“It’s a puzzle,” she said. “We’re doing what we can to communicate with members of Congress about our situation, and I will say I think most members of the Kansas congressional delegation understand the importance of the OAA.”<h2>Little understanding of aging</h2>Walter said one of the biggest challenges is communicating with people about the importance of Meals on Wheels and other programs for aging Kansans.&nbsp;“We all know what it’s like to be a kid, to be an adolescent, to be a young adult, and to be in middle age,” she said. “But honestly, most people don’t get what it’s like to really deal with challenges and the anxieties of being older, 75 and 80 plus, until we’re there. It’s so dependent on health and community and social relationships.”“The stress and uncertainty is real, and it has real effects on people’s minds and hearts and spirits,” Walter said. “It’s hard to quantify, but you know it’s real. Drama is not good for older people.”

Kansas Meals on Wheels families, leaders fear potential federal funding cuts

Join us for a vibrant and inclusive community potluck celebrating LGBTQ+ pride and togetherness! Bring your favorite dish to share and enjoy a wonderful time with friends and neighbors.

The next Hays Pride potluck will take place at 5:00 p.m. on Saturday, May 10, at the West Shelter at Frontier Park.

• Your favorite dish (please label any allergens) • A drink to share (optional) • Your wonderful self!

• Food sharing and tasting • Games and activities • Community discussions

We look forward to celebrating with you! RSVPs are not required, but helpful.

RSVP online at&nbsp;<a href="https://www.hayskspride.org/event-details-registration/hays-pride-community-potluck">https://www.hayskspride.org/event-details-registration/hays-pride-community-potluck</a>

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/4/1746025609250.jpeg" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure>Hays PrideJoin us for a vibrant and inclusive community potluck celebrating LGBTQ+ pride and togetherness! Bring your favorite dish to share and enjoy a wonderful time with friends and neighbors.The next Hays Pride potluck will take place at 5:00 p.m. on Saturday, May 10, at the West Shelter at Frontier Park.<h2>What to Bring:</h2>• Your favorite dish (please label any allergens) • A drink to share (optional) • Your wonderful self!<h2>Activities:</h2>• Food sharing and tasting • Games and activities • Community discussionsWe look forward to celebrating with you! RSVPs are not required, but helpful.RSVP online at&nbsp;<a href="https://www.hayskspride.org/event-details-registration/hays-pride-community-potluck">https://www.hayskspride.org/event-details-registration/hays-pride-community-potluck</a>

Hays Pride Community Potluck set for May 10

Fort Hays State (24-20, 9-15 MIAA) vs. Emporia State (30-22, 10-14 MIAA) Wednesday, April 30&nbsp;⦁ 3 p.m. Hays, Kan.&nbsp;⦁ Fleharty Family Field

Radio:&nbsp;KJLS (103.3)&nbsp;<a href="https://mix103fm.com/">CLICK HERE TO LISTEN</a> Video:&nbsp;MIAA Network:&nbsp;<a href="https://themiaanetwork.com/">CLICK HERE TO WATCH ($)</a>

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/4/1746009562487.png" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure>FHSU AthleticsFort Hays State (24-20, 9-15 MIAA) vs. Emporia State (30-22, 10-14 MIAA) Wednesday, April 30&nbsp;⦁ 3 p.m. Hays, Kan.&nbsp;⦁ Fleharty Family FieldRadio:&nbsp;KJLS (103.3)&nbsp;<a href="https://mix103fm.com/">CLICK HERE TO LISTEN</a> Video:&nbsp;MIAA Network:&nbsp;<a href="https://themiaanetwork.com/">CLICK HERE TO WATCH ($)</a>Fort Hays State Softball will open the 2025 MIAA Tournament on Wednesday by taking on Emporia State at 3 p.m. in the first game of the MIAA Tournament, which is taking place at Fleharty Family Field this year in Hays. The Tigers are the No. 9 seed in the tournament, while the Hornets are the No. 8 seed. Fort Hays State enters with a record of 24-20 overall, while Emporia State is 30-22 overall. The tournament is a 10-team single elimination format, a format that started in 2024.With the lower seed in the matchup, the Tigers will play as the visitor even though the game is on their home field. The winner of the FHSU vs. ESU opening round game moves on to Thursday's quarterfinal game against No. 1 seed Central Oklahoma, which is set for 11 a.m. If the Tigers advance to the semifinals, they will play at 12 p.m. on Friday, and if they advance to the championship game, they will play at 12 p.m. on Saturday.Fort Hays State jumped back into the win column by defeating Nebraska-Kearney 6-3 in the final game of the regular season. The result snapped a seven-game losing streak. The Tigers needed that win to get into the MIAA Tournament, tying for ninth place in the regular season standings with Nebraska-Kearney. It kept Northwest Missouri State out of the tournament, which also finished in the tie for ninth with FHSU and UNK.