The City of Hays will temporarily close ARC Park for two days next week to perform necessary maintenance on the playground’s fall zone surface. The closure is scheduled for May 12 and 13.

The maintenance involves resealing the playground’s rubber safety surfacing, which helps protect children from injury during play.

This process is intended to extend the life of the surfacing and prevent premature wear.

According to Jeff Boyle, director of parks for the City of Hays, the project is essential for maintaining safety and long-term durability at the park.

“This type of maintenance is part of our commitment to keeping ARC Park in top condition for families who use it,” Boyle said. “By resealing the surface now, we’re helping ensure that it remains safe and functional for years to come.”

The resealing process includes the application of a special binding material over the rubber fall zone, which takes approximately half a day to three-quarters of a day to apply.

The remainder of the time is needed for the material to fully dry and cure, allowing it to properly bind the rubber particles together and reduce future flaking or surface damage.

City officials ask for the public’s patience during the closure and encourage families to explore other local parks and recreational facilities during the brief maintenance period.

“The park will reopen once the surface has completely cured and it is safe to walk and play on again,” Boyle said. “This short closure will help preserve the quality and safety of ARC Park for the long term.”

For further details on park amenities, residents can contact the City of Hays Parks Department at (785) 628-7375 or visit the official website at HaysUSA.com.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/5/1746698220228.png" alt="Hays ARC Park. Courtesy photo" />
 <figcaption>Hays ARC Park. Courtesy photo</figcaption>
 </figure>City of HaysThe City of Hays will temporarily close ARC Park for two days next week to perform necessary maintenance on the playground’s fall zone surface. The closure is scheduled for May 12 and 13.The maintenance involves resealing the playground’s rubber safety surfacing, which helps protect children from injury during play.This process is intended to extend the life of the surfacing and prevent premature wear.According to Jeff Boyle, director of parks for the City of Hays, the project is essential for maintaining safety and long-term durability at the park.“This type of maintenance is part of our commitment to keeping ARC Park in top condition for families who use it,” Boyle said. “By resealing the surface now, we’re helping ensure that it remains safe and functional for years to come.”The resealing process includes the application of a special binding material over the rubber fall zone, which takes approximately half a day to three-quarters of a day to apply.The remainder of the time is needed for the material to fully dry and cure, allowing it to properly bind the rubber particles together and reduce future flaking or surface damage.City officials ask for the public’s patience during the closure and encourage families to explore other local parks and recreational facilities during the brief maintenance period.“The park will reopen once the surface has completely cured and it is safe to walk and play on again,” Boyle said. “This short closure will help preserve the quality and safety of ARC Park for the long term.”For further details on park amenities, residents can contact the City of Hays Parks Department at (785) 628-7375 or visit the official website at HaysUSA.com.

ARC Park to temporarily close for playground maintenance May 12, 13

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

Tuesday, April29
 KAYS: Kansas City
Royals at Tampa Bay Rays, 5:30pm

Wednesday, April 30
 KJLS: Fort Hays State
SB vs. Emporia State, 2:40pm &nbsp;KAYS: Kansas City Royals at Tampa Bay Rays, 5:30pm

Thursday, May 1
 KJLS: Fort Hays State
SB (if win 4/29) vs. Central Oklahoma, 10:40am
 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
 KJLS: Fort Hays State
SB (if win 5/1) vs. TBD, 11:40am
 KHAZ: TMP-Marian BSB (DH) vs. Russell, 3:45pm
 KAYS: Kansas City Royals at Baltimore Orioles, 5:30pm

Saturday, May 3
 KJLS: Fort Hays State
SB (if win 5/1) vs. TBD, 11:40am
 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)Monday, April 28
 noneTuesday, April29
 KAYS: Kansas City
Royals at Tampa Bay Rays, 5:30pmWednesday, April 30
 KJLS: Fort Hays State
SB vs. Emporia State, 2:40pm &nbsp;KAYS: Kansas City Royals at Tampa Bay Rays, 5:30pmThursday, May 1
 KJLS: Fort Hays State
SB (if win 4/29) vs. Central Oklahoma, 10:40am
 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
 KJLS: Fort Hays State
SB (if win 5/1) vs. TBD, 11:40am
 KHAZ: TMP-Marian BSB (DH) vs. Russell, 3:45pm
 KAYS: Kansas City Royals at Baltimore Orioles, 5:30pmSaturday, May 3
 KJLS: Fort Hays State
SB (if win 5/1) vs. TBD, 11:40am
 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

Fort Hays State baseball hosts Northwest Missouri State in the annual Pack the Park game on Friday, April 25, 2025 at Larks Park in Hays, Kan.

Fort Hays State baseball hosts Northwest Missouri State in the annual Pack the Park game on Friday, April 25, 2025 at Larks Park in Hays, Kan.<div><iframe title="FHSU Rewind-BSB vs. NW Missouri State (April 25, 2025)" allowtransparency="true" height="150" width="100%" style="border: none; min-width: min(100%, 430px);height:150px;" scrolling="no" data-name="pb-iframe-player" src="https://www.podbean.com/player-v2/?i=bv34v-18929cc-pb&from=pb6admin&share=1&download=1&rtl=0&fonts=Arial&skin=1&font-color=auto&logo_link=episode_page&btn-skin=2" loading="lazy"></iframe></div>

🎧 Defend the Fort Podcast: FHSU Rewind-BSB vs. NW Missouri State

By TONY GUERRERO Hays Post

For decades, Lincoln Elementary in Hays was not just a school, but it was a place for family.

The school celebrated its 100th anniversary Saturday as former and current staff, and students reflected on a century of education. Kerri Lacy, principal of Lincoln Elementary, has spent 10 years at the school and will retire at the end of the school year.

"Lincoln has been here since the very beginning... we are a nice little family school in the middle of town," she said.

Lacy said the community is losing a special place as the school prepares to close permanently on May 21. The school is closing as other schools in the district undergo renovation and expansion as part of bond projects.

<a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/3bd7510a-797a-40e5-bc36-b81a6e848d8d">The school is under contract to a developer, who plans to renovate the school into apartments.</a>

 Just before its closure, attendees had the chance to view memorabilia and reunite with former teachers from years past.

Four retired faculty and staff members took a final walk through the school and its classrooms, reflecting on their years at Lincoln Elementary.

"I feel like it was the best job I've ever had. I loved going to work every day," Ross said.

Ross said they are still recognized by former students who now have children of their own. Weber said that although the building will soon close, Lincoln has made a lasting impact on the community over its 100-year history.

"It left its mark because there were four or five generations of parents who would send their kids here, then their kids would send their kids here. We were doing something right," Weber said.

The group of retirees observed changes in the school’s history, such as technology in classrooms, the implementation of maternity leave and an increase in student respect over the years.

They said the building itself remained largely unchanged during their time there, though Lincoln did undergo additions in 1951, 1955 and 2021.

The four retired around the same time in 2015 and 2016, and have stayed in touch since, meeting occasionally for coffee and dinner.

"We kind of joke that when Lincoln gets fixed into apartments, we're all going to get one," Ross said.&nbsp;

Lincoln Elementary’s centennial celebration included a wall of fame at its entrance, where former faculty and staff signed before viewing memorabilia from their time at the school.

Inside the school’s gym, attendees found old collections, including yearbooks and newspaper articles that highlighted big moments from Lincoln’s history.&nbsp;

In 2006, Emma Kolb was honored for 33 years of teaching, followed by 22 additional years of volunteering after her retirement. In 2016, Lincoln Elementary received $100,000 for a new playground through a Reading for Education program drawing.

Lacy said with so many retired instructors in attendance, the celebration went beyond the gym as teacher groups gathered for additional time together outside the school.

"It's a time to get together, reminisce, see old friends, laugh, cry and all that good stuff," she said.

Lacy said Lincoln had the largest Hispanic population among the district’s elementary schools and takes pride in the diverse cultures students experience. She said the school’s atmosphere was always family-oriented.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/4/1745790032442.jpeg" alt="A banner outside of Lincoln Elementary in Hays for its centennial celebration. Photo By Tony Guerrero/Hays Post" />
 <figcaption>A banner outside of Lincoln Elementary in Hays for its centennial celebration. Photo By Tony Guerrero/Hays Post</figcaption>
 </figure>By TONY GUERRERO Hays PostFor decades, Lincoln Elementary in Hays was not just a school, but it was a place for family.The school celebrated its 100th anniversary Saturday as former and current staff, and students reflected on a century of education. Kerri Lacy, principal of Lincoln Elementary, has spent 10 years at the school and will retire at the end of the school year."Lincoln has been here since the very beginning... we are a nice little family school in the middle of town," she said.Lacy said the community is losing a special place as the school prepares to close permanently on May 21. The school is closing as other schools in the district undergo renovation and expansion as part of bond projects.<a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/3bd7510a-797a-40e5-bc36-b81a6e848d8d">The school is under contract to a developer, who plans to renovate the school into apartments.</a> Just before its closure, attendees had the chance to view memorabilia and reunite with former teachers from years past.Four retired faculty and staff members took a final walk through the school and its classrooms, reflecting on their years at Lincoln Elementary.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/4/1745780852184.jpeg" alt="(Left to right) Former physical education teacher Patty Weber, from 1998 to 2015, former paraeducator Linda Hammerschmidt, 1986 to 2015, former administrator Assistant Debbie Ross, 1990 to 2016 and former&nbsp;fourth grade teacher Mary Ann Coyne, from 1986 to 2016. Photo By Tony Guerrero/Hays Post" />
 <figcaption>(Left to right) Former physical education teacher Patty Weber, from 1998 to 2015, former paraeducator Linda Hammerschmidt, 1986 to 2015, former administrator Assistant Debbie Ross, 1990 to 2016 and former&nbsp;fourth grade teacher Mary Ann Coyne, from 1986 to 2016. Photo By Tony Guerrero/Hays Post</figcaption>
 </figure>"I feel like it was the best job I've ever had. I loved going to work every day," Ross said.Ross said they are still recognized by former students who now have children of their own. Weber said that although the building will soon close, Lincoln has made a lasting impact on the community over its 100-year history."It left its mark because there were four or five generations of parents who would send their kids here, then their kids would send their kids here. We were doing something right," Weber said.The group of retirees observed changes in the school’s history, such as technology in classrooms, the implementation of maternity leave and an increase in student respect over the years.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/4/1745790109341.jpeg" alt="A Lincoln Elementary School classroom in Hays. Photo By Tony Guerrero/Hays Post" />
 <figcaption>A Lincoln Elementary School classroom in Hays. Photo By Tony Guerrero/Hays Post</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/4/1745790131241.jpeg" alt="A Lincoln Elementary School classroom in Hays. Photo By Tony Guerrero/Hays Post" />
 <figcaption>A Lincoln Elementary School classroom in Hays. Photo By Tony Guerrero/Hays Post</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/4/1745790163424.jpeg" alt="Instruments in the Lincoln Elementary School music classroom. Photo By Tony Guerrero/Hays Post" />
 <figcaption>Instruments in the Lincoln Elementary School music classroom. Photo By Tony Guerrero/Hays Post</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/4/1745790195241.jpeg" alt="The Lincoln Elementary School library in Hays. Photo By Tony Guerrero/Hays Post" />
 <figcaption>The Lincoln Elementary School library in Hays. Photo By Tony Guerrero/Hays Post</figcaption>
 </figure>They said the building itself remained largely unchanged during their time there, though Lincoln did undergo additions in 1951, 1955 and 2021.The four retired around the same time in 2015 and 2016, and have stayed in touch since, meeting occasionally for coffee and dinner."We kind of joke that when Lincoln gets fixed into apartments, we're all going to get one," Ross said.&nbsp;Lincoln Elementary’s centennial celebration included a wall of fame at its entrance, where former faculty and staff signed before viewing memorabilia from their time at the school.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/4/1745790223527.jpeg" alt="Names of former faculty and staff on the wall of fame at Lincoln Elementary’s centennial celebration. Photo By Tony Guerrero/Hays Post" />
 <figcaption>Names of former faculty and staff on the wall of fame at Lincoln Elementary’s centennial celebration. Photo By Tony Guerrero/Hays Post</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/4/1745790285613.jpeg" alt="Names of former faculty and staff on the wall of fame at Lincoln Elementary’s centennial celebration. Photo By Tony Guerrero/Hays Post" />
 <figcaption>Names of former faculty and staff on the wall of fame at Lincoln Elementary’s centennial celebration. Photo By Tony Guerrero/Hays Post</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/4/1745790370959.jpeg" alt="School equipment such as a projectors and cameras on display at Lincoln Elementary’s centennial celebration. Photo By Tony Guerrero/Hays Post" />
 <figcaption>School equipment such as a projectors and cameras on display at Lincoln Elementary’s centennial celebration. Photo By Tony Guerrero/Hays Post</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/4/1745790342412.jpeg" alt="Newspaper articles and awards on display at&nbsp;Lincoln Elementary’s centennial celebration. Photo By Tony Guerrero/Hays Post" />
 <figcaption>Newspaper articles and awards on display at&nbsp;Lincoln Elementary’s centennial celebration. Photo By Tony Guerrero/Hays Post</figcaption>
 </figure>Inside the school’s gym, attendees found old collections, including yearbooks and newspaper articles that highlighted big moments from Lincoln’s history.&nbsp;In 2006, Emma Kolb was honored for 33 years of teaching, followed by 22 additional years of volunteering after her retirement. In 2016, Lincoln Elementary received $100,000 for a new playground through a Reading for Education program drawing.Lacy said with so many retired instructors in attendance, the celebration went beyond the gym as teacher groups gathered for additional time together outside the school."It's a time to get together, reminisce, see old friends, laugh, cry and all that good stuff," she said.Lacy said Lincoln had the largest Hispanic population among the district’s elementary schools and takes pride in the diverse cultures students experience. She said the school’s atmosphere was always family-oriented.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/4/1745790460275.jpeg" alt="Past plaques of faculty and staff on display at Lincoln Elementary’s centennial celebration. Photo By Tony Guerrero/Hays Post" />
 <figcaption>Past plaques of faculty and staff on display at Lincoln Elementary’s centennial celebration. Photo By Tony Guerrero/Hays Post</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/4/1745790573292.jpeg" alt="Attendees looking through a rack of shirts from throughout the years at Lincoln Elementary’s centennial celebration. Photo By Tony Guerrero/Hays Post" />
 <figcaption>Attendees looking through a rack of shirts from throughout the years at Lincoln Elementary’s centennial celebration. Photo By Tony Guerrero/Hays Post</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/4/1745809443894.jpeg" alt="A former teacher looking through an old year book at Lincoln Elementary’s centennial celebration. Photo By Tony Guerrero/Hays Post" />
 <figcaption>A former teacher looking through an old year book at Lincoln Elementary’s centennial celebration. Photo By Tony Guerrero/Hays Post</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/4/1745790607760.jpeg" alt="Attendees looking through picture books and yearbooks at&nbsp;Lincoln Elementary’s centennial celebration. Photo By Tony Guerrero/Hays Post" />
 <figcaption>Attendees looking through picture books and yearbooks at&nbsp;Lincoln Elementary’s centennial celebration. Photo By Tony Guerrero/Hays Post</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/4/1745790433629.jpeg" alt="Former faculty and staff catching up at&nbsp;Lincoln Elementary’s centennial celebration. Photo By Tony Guerrero/Hays Post" />
 <figcaption>Former faculty and staff catching up at&nbsp;Lincoln Elementary’s centennial celebration. Photo By Tony Guerrero/Hays Post</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/4/1745809557662.jpeg" alt="The Lincoln Elementary School building in Hays. Photo By Tony Guerrero/Hays Post" />
 <figcaption>The Lincoln Elementary School building in Hays. Photo By Tony Guerrero/Hays Post</figcaption>
 </figure>

Lincoln Elementary in Hays celebrates 100 years before closing

Fort Hays State University students showcased their literary talents on a national stage at the 2025 Sigma Tau Delta International English Honor Society convention, held March 19-22 in Pittsburgh, Penn. 

Senior English major Isaiah Russell, Codell, earned top honors, winning first place in the British literature critical essay competition for his analysis titled “Setting and Subjectivity in Kazuo Ishiguro’s A Pale View of Hill.” His award included a $500 prize.

Russell was among several FHSU students selected through a highly competitive blind review process to present original scholarship and creative work. The group was accompanied by faculty advisors Dr. Lexey Bartlett, professor of English, currently serving as president of Sigma Tau Delta, and Lisa Bell, writing center director.

Russell also serves as the High Plains Student Representative, one of six regional student representatives. He attended board meetings in the fall and spring and was a member of the Student Leadership Committee and the Service Committee.

Sigma Tau Delta is the International English Honor Society, founded in 1924. The Rho Psi chapter at FHSU is one of more than 800 active chapters internationally.

Other students presenting their work at the convention included:

“It takes a great deal of courage to present your work in front of other faculty and high-achieving students from the U.S. and beyond, so our students should be proud of themselves,” Bartlett said. “FHSU should be proud of them, too, since they beautifully represented our university as scholars and members of our community.”

For additional news and information about Fort Hays State University, go to&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://link.mediaoutreach.meltwater.com/ls/click?upn=u001.EWtdXdo3nx3t8ZlvSfKX0fRrRToYU8moO1n-2Fd4GGiT0b4Ei0-2FXI6uYJgK8xhg8h8c6SpnfpJAeDbpYL-2BUKp3ng-3D-3Da68g_1ix3pnygukYWZfKiCJpm8BsHsayWXlw0ucteiDEo46fRc0p9DVWJmv2prlqkbHR6S2dsrJiXPEopagJAn55fgrGOya21Ubchf288oY8AFP4iYaBJwhylwdd5l9F7UOfOUOOpXIeDdC3GkUWFlPnFwZ6vAHdXlIJr59nspzJjEEfCYVyvv5tpGAmfO2QMI5Uuw-2FdiwQJ0W2DfS9NxhrhpUX60O9QC7pumqSo1NULpZfMDCbT-2BUi16-2F-2Fyf91KFrP6p9bsPta1-2FbCGLO5k-2FYrRA7oJUbyxdmb5kF5Y7-2BkFfN2UodmZOvRCkZRsFdzDg6oqB13NfIJ4dFR4vhz9g00Ht7faEBHyJdOVm7bami3ir9U3jAYi4V71dsy4iTtEzm4my">https://www.fhsu.edu/university-communications/</a>

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/4/1745339709894.jpeg" alt="Back row: Isaiah Russell, Elizabeth Clingan, Olivia McGillivary. Front row: Dr. Lexey Bartlett, Audrey Ball, Elio Dixon-Phillips, Lisa Bell. Courtesy photo" />
 <figcaption>Back row: Isaiah Russell, Elizabeth Clingan, Olivia McGillivary. Front row: Dr. Lexey Bartlett, Audrey Ball, Elio Dixon-Phillips, Lisa Bell. Courtesy photo</figcaption>
 </figure>FHSU University CommunicationsFort Hays State University students showcased their literary talents on a national stage at the 2025 Sigma Tau Delta International English Honor Society convention, held March 19-22 in Pittsburgh, Penn. Senior English major Isaiah Russell, Codell, earned top honors, winning first place in the British literature critical essay competition for his analysis titled “Setting and Subjectivity in Kazuo Ishiguro’s A Pale View of Hill.” His award included a $500 prize.Russell was among several FHSU students selected through a highly competitive blind review process to present original scholarship and creative work. The group was accompanied by faculty advisors Dr. Lexey Bartlett, professor of English, currently serving as president of Sigma Tau Delta, and Lisa Bell, writing center director.Russell also serves as the High Plains Student Representative, one of six regional student representatives. He attended board meetings in the fall and spring and was a member of the Student Leadership Committee and the Service Committee.Sigma Tau Delta is the International English Honor Society, founded in 1924. The Rho Psi chapter at FHSU is one of more than 800 active chapters internationally.Other students presenting their work at the convention included:<ul>
 <li>Audrey Ball, Kismet, "Resistant Readers: Alice's Adventures in Wonderland”</li><li>Elizabeth Clingan, Hays, "Harry Potter as Gothic Literature"</li><li>CJ Gibson, Gothenburg, Neb., "Victorian Anti-Intellectualism in Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde"</li><li>Olivia McGillivray, Hutchinson, "Chipped" (original prose)</li><li>Taylor Province, Topeka, "Male Doctoring on Female Bodies in Dracula"</li>
 </ul>“It takes a great deal of courage to present your work in front of other faculty and high-achieving students from the U.S. and beyond, so our students should be proud of themselves,” Bartlett said. “FHSU should be proud of them, too, since they beautifully represented our university as scholars and members of our community.”For additional news and information about Fort Hays State University, go to&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://link.mediaoutreach.meltwater.com/ls/click?upn=u001.EWtdXdo3nx3t8ZlvSfKX0fRrRToYU8moO1n-2Fd4GGiT0b4Ei0-2FXI6uYJgK8xhg8h8c6SpnfpJAeDbpYL-2BUKp3ng-3D-3Da68g_1ix3pnygukYWZfKiCJpm8BsHsayWXlw0ucteiDEo46fRc0p9DVWJmv2prlqkbHR6S2dsrJiXPEopagJAn55fgrGOya21Ubchf288oY8AFP4iYaBJwhylwdd5l9F7UOfOUOOpXIeDdC3GkUWFlPnFwZ6vAHdXlIJr59nspzJjEEfCYVyvv5tpGAmfO2QMI5Uuw-2FdiwQJ0W2DfS9NxhrhpUX60O9QC7pumqSo1NULpZfMDCbT-2BUi16-2F-2Fyf91KFrP6p9bsPta1-2FbCGLO5k-2FYrRA7oJUbyxdmb5kF5Y7-2BkFfN2UodmZOvRCkZRsFdzDg6oqB13NfIJ4dFR4vhz9g00Ht7faEBHyJdOVm7bami3ir9U3jAYi4V71dsy4iTtEzm4my">https://www.fhsu.edu/university-communications/</a>

Codell student wins first place for FHSU at International English Honor Society convention

LOGAN -&nbsp; Area residents are invited to come to Logan on April 29 for a unique opportunity to view the Kansas justice system in action.

Nearly 300 area students will be among the audience on April 29 when the Kansas Supreme Court will visit Logan as part of its ongoing outreach to familiarize Kansans with the court, its work, and the overall role of the Kansas judiciary. 

The court will visit USD 326 and the Logan Intergenerational Family Education Center, also known as the LIFE Center, at 601 W. North Street, where it will hear oral arguments in one case. 

Logan mayor and former clerk for Phillips County District Court,&nbsp;Debra Grammon will serve as honorary bailiff.

Before the oral argument, Chief Justice Marla Luckert will give a brief educational presentation on the Kansas court system.

The presentation is scheduled for 9:30 a.m. From 10 a.m. to about 10:45 a.m., the court will be in session to hear oral arguments in the&nbsp;State of Kansas v. Stanton S. Holt.&nbsp;

Doors will open at 8:15. Those who wish to watch the proceedings are encouraged to arrive by 8:45 to allow time for security and seating.

Following the oral argument, the justices will greet in-person attendees in an informal reception.

In 2011, the Supreme Court began conducting special sessions outside its Topeka courtroom. That year, it marked the state's 150th anniversary by convening in the historic Supreme Court courtroom in the Kansas Statehouse. The court returned to the Statehouse for another special session in January 2025.

Since 2011, the court has conducted special sessions in Colby, Concordia, Dodge City, El Dorado, Emporia, Garden City, Great Bend, Greensburg, Hays, Hiawatha, Hutchinson, Kansas City, Lawrence, Lansing, Louisburg, Manhattan, Overland Park, Parsons, Pittsburg, Salina, Topeka, Wichita, and Winfield.&nbsp;

Logan will be the 25th community the court will visit since it began the outreach program 14 years ago.

Appeal No. 127,534: State of Kansas (appellee) v. Stanton S. Holt (appellant)

Geary County: (Criminal appeal) Holt is serving two consecutive life sentences plus 123 to 355 years in prison. A jury convicted Holt in 1994 in Geary County District Court of two counts of first-degree murder, as well as multiple counts of aggravated burglary and other charges related to a series of burglaries in 1993. In October 2020, Holt filed a motion for postconviction DNA testing of trial evidence. The district court initially ordered the evidence be sent to the Kansas Bureau of Investigation lab for testing. However, the district court later rescinded the testing order and denied Holt’s motion after hearing testimony from a KBI supervisor at an evidentiary hearing. The KBI supervisor testified that the evidence the lab received wasn’t appropriately preserved and lacked documentation. The district court concluded that because of how the evidence had been packaged and stored since the trial, DNA testing of the evidence would not produce results accurate to a reasonable degree of scientific certainty. Holt appeals, claiming the district court erred in denying his motion. Holt asserts Kansas law allows him to seek DNA testing and that whether the results of the testing would be accurate to a reasonable degree of scientific certainty is not a factor under the law. The State argues the district court correctly denied Holt's motion for postconviction DNA testing because the evidence had undergone DNA testing at the time of trial. It further argues that even if new DNA testing is done, the condition of the evidence would result in the DNA testing being meaningless or inconclusive.

The special session will also be livestreamed online at&nbsp;YouTube.com/KansasSupremeCourt.

To learn about the special session and the case to be heard, visit&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://go.kansascourts.gov/l/yY46cFhS_mKDxyPPfTSf5RGXVnxKF0amjmoSkAVZmNA">kscourts.gov/travel-docket</a>.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/4/1745336560841.png" alt="Kansas Supreme Court justices. Photo by Kansas Courts" />
 <figcaption>Kansas Supreme Court justices. Photo by Kansas Courts</figcaption>
 </figure>Hansen FoundationLOGAN -&nbsp; Area residents are invited to come to Logan on April 29 for a unique opportunity to view the Kansas justice system in action.Nearly 300 area students will be among the audience on April 29 when the Kansas Supreme Court will visit Logan as part of its ongoing outreach to familiarize Kansans with the court, its work, and the overall role of the Kansas judiciary. The public is also invited to attend.The court will visit USD 326 and the Logan Intergenerational Family Education Center, also known as the LIFE Center, at 601 W. North Street, where it will hear oral arguments in one case. Logan mayor and former clerk for Phillips County District Court,&nbsp;Debra Grammon will serve as honorary bailiff.Before the oral argument, Chief Justice Marla Luckert will give a brief educational presentation on the Kansas court system.The presentation is scheduled for 9:30 a.m. From 10 a.m. to about 10:45 a.m., the court will be in session to hear oral arguments in the&nbsp;State of Kansas v. Stanton S. Holt.&nbsp;Doors will open at 8:15. Those who wish to watch the proceedings are encouraged to arrive by 8:45 to allow time for security and seating.Attendees should not bring:<ul>
 <li>Food or drink</li><li>Large bags, large purses, backpacks, computer cases, or briefcases</li><li>Knives, pepper spray, firearms, or weapons.</li><li>Laptop computers, handheld games, personal digital assistants, or tablets. If you must carry a cellphone, it should be stored out of sight, preferably turned off, or the ringer must be silenced.</li>
 </ul>Following the oral argument, the justices will greet in-person attendees in an informal reception.In 2011, the Supreme Court began conducting special sessions outside its Topeka courtroom. That year, it marked the state's 150th anniversary by convening in the historic Supreme Court courtroom in the Kansas Statehouse. The court returned to the Statehouse for another special session in January 2025.Since 2011, the court has conducted special sessions in Colby, Concordia, Dodge City, El Dorado, Emporia, Garden City, Great Bend, Greensburg, Hays, Hiawatha, Hutchinson, Kansas City, Lawrence, Lansing, Louisburg, Manhattan, Overland Park, Parsons, Pittsburg, Salina, Topeka, Wichita, and Winfield.&nbsp;Logan will be the 25th community the court will visit since it began the outreach program 14 years ago.&nbsp;About the case:Appeal No. 127,534: State of Kansas (appellee) v. Stanton S. Holt (appellant)Geary County: (Criminal appeal) Holt is serving two consecutive life sentences plus 123 to 355 years in prison. A jury convicted Holt in 1994 in Geary County District Court of two counts of first-degree murder, as well as multiple counts of aggravated burglary and other charges related to a series of burglaries in 1993. In October 2020, Holt filed a motion for postconviction DNA testing of trial evidence. The district court initially ordered the evidence be sent to the Kansas Bureau of Investigation lab for testing. However, the district court later rescinded the testing order and denied Holt’s motion after hearing testimony from a KBI supervisor at an evidentiary hearing. The KBI supervisor testified that the evidence the lab received wasn’t appropriately preserved and lacked documentation. The district court concluded that because of how the evidence had been packaged and stored since the trial, DNA testing of the evidence would not produce results accurate to a reasonable degree of scientific certainty. Holt appeals, claiming the district court erred in denying his motion. Holt asserts Kansas law allows him to seek DNA testing and that whether the results of the testing would be accurate to a reasonable degree of scientific certainty is not a factor under the law. The State argues the district court correctly denied Holt's motion for postconviction DNA testing because the evidence had undergone DNA testing at the time of trial. It further argues that even if new DNA testing is done, the condition of the evidence would result in the DNA testing being meaningless or inconclusive.The special session will also be livestreamed online at&nbsp;YouTube.com/KansasSupremeCourt.To learn about the special session and the case to be heard, visit&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://go.kansascourts.gov/l/yY46cFhS_mKDxyPPfTSf5RGXVnxKF0amjmoSkAVZmNA">kscourts.gov/travel-docket</a>.

Kansas Supreme Court to be in Logan for special session April 29

Hays Police Department activity log: April 13-19, 2025

Hays Police Department arrest log: April 13-19, 2025

HAYS, Kan. - The 21st-ranked Fort Hays State baseball team rallied for a Senior Day series-clinching victory Sunday against Northwest Missouri State, scoring four runs in the bottom of the eighth inning to knock off the Bearcats 4-3. The Tigers (32-12, 26-7 MIAA) fell behind 3-0 in the top of the first before a pair of sophomores in Brandon Chavez&nbsp;and Brett Jacobs&nbsp;combined to hold the Bearcats (22-24, 16-17 MIAA) scoreless over the next eight frames.

The Tigers now have 26 MIAA victories this season, their highest conference win total since joining the league in 2007. Fort Hays State finishes the regular season 20-7 at home, winning 20 games at Larks Park for the first time since 2009 (24-8).

With the win and No. 3 Central Missouri's home loss to Northeastern State, the Tigers and Mules are now tied atop the MIAA standings at 26-7 with three games to play in the regular season. Pittsburg State is two games back in third place at 23-9 in league play.

Northwest Missouri State took advantage of four hits and two walks in the first inning, pushing across three runs. Making his first start of the season and just the second start of his career, Chavez was able to get out of the jam with back-to-back strikeouts to the last two batters in the NWMSU lineup.

The sophomore limited the Bearcats to just two more hits over the next six innings, leaving the game after seven innings of work and allowing just the three runs on six hits, four walks and five strikeouts.

The Tigers struggled to get things going offensively against NWMSU starter Brock Steggall, who retired the first nine batters while allowing only two hits and three total baserunners over the first seven frames.

Several seniors playing in their final home game at Larks Park helped Fort Hays State finally able to break through in the bottom of the eighth. Elliott Herrmann&nbsp;got things going with a leadoff walk, just the second walk issued by Steggall in the game. Luis Ayala&nbsp;later picked up his second double of the game, driving in Herrmann and helping FHSU pull within 3-1.

The Bearcats went to the bullpen after Cooper Howell extended his hitting streak to 12 games with an infield single. Cooper Howell&nbsp;kept things rolling by beating out an infield single. Zane Knox then worked a pinch hit walk against the relief pitcher to load the bases for the top of the order. Tony Moore&nbsp;trimmed the deficit to one with a sacrifice fly to deep left field before Isaiah Ural&nbsp;and Trey DeGarmo worked back-to-back walks, helping FHSU tie things up at three.

Derek Woolwine&nbsp;gave the Tigers their first lead of the day with a single to left field, putting FHSU on top 4-3 heading into the ninth.

After Jacobs worked around a single in the top of the eighth, the sophomore went back out to the mound to finish things off in the ninth. Northwest managed a pair of baserunners with a single and a walk, but with two men in scoring position Jacobs was able to complete the win with a strikeout and a pop up to short.

Jacobs (3-0) earned the win after tossing two scoreless innings of relief, giving up two hits and one walk while striking out a pair. Ayala had two of FHSU's five hits in the win.

The Tigers wrap up the regular season on the road next Thursday through Saturday when they take on Rogers State in Claremore, Okla. First pitch is set for 3 p.m. on Thursday and Friday and noon on Saturday. Central Missouri concludes the regular season on the road against Newman while Pittsburg State will finish at home against Arkansas-Fort Smith.

Fort Hays State has already clinched a spot in the 2025 MIAA Championship Tournament, scheduled for May 7-10 in Joplin, Mo. The Tigers are guaranteed to finish no lower than third, while one win in the final series would clinch a top two finish for the squad.&nbsp;&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/4/1745789810972.png" alt="Fort Hays State's Brandon Chavez pumps his fist after getting an out during an NCAA college baseball game against Northwest Missouri State on Sunday, April 27, 2025 at Larks Park in Hays, Kan. (FHSU Athletics photo/Jordyn Bredenberg)" />
 <figcaption>Fort Hays State's Brandon Chavez pumps his fist after getting an out during an NCAA college baseball game against Northwest Missouri State on Sunday, April 27, 2025 at Larks Park in Hays, Kan. (FHSU Athletics photo/Jordyn Bredenberg)</figcaption>
 </figure>FHSU AthleticsHAYS, Kan. - The 21st-ranked Fort Hays State baseball team rallied for a Senior Day series-clinching victory Sunday against Northwest Missouri State, scoring four runs in the bottom of the eighth inning to knock off the Bearcats 4-3. The Tigers (32-12, 26-7 MIAA) fell behind 3-0 in the top of the first before a pair of sophomores in Brandon Chavez&nbsp;and Brett Jacobs&nbsp;combined to hold the Bearcats (22-24, 16-17 MIAA) scoreless over the next eight frames.The Tigers now have 26 MIAA victories this season, their highest conference win total since joining the league in 2007. Fort Hays State finishes the regular season 20-7 at home, winning 20 games at Larks Park for the first time since 2009 (24-8).With the win and No. 3 Central Missouri's home loss to Northeastern State, the Tigers and Mules are now tied atop the MIAA standings at 26-7 with three games to play in the regular season. Pittsburg State is two games back in third place at 23-9 in league play.<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/2086163475&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-814667509/4-27-25-fhsu-bsb-coach" title="Justin Wichert Postgame vs. NW Missouri State (April 27, 2025)" target="_blank" style="color: #cccccc; text-decoration: none;">Justin Wichert Postgame vs. NW Missouri State (April 27, 2025)</a></div></div>Northwest Missouri State took advantage of four hits and two walks in the first inning, pushing across three runs. Making his first start of the season and just the second start of his career, Chavez was able to get out of the jam with back-to-back strikeouts to the last two batters in the NWMSU lineup.The sophomore limited the Bearcats to just two more hits over the next six innings, leaving the game after seven innings of work and allowing just the three runs on six hits, four walks and five strikeouts.The Tigers struggled to get things going offensively against NWMSU starter Brock Steggall, who retired the first nine batters while allowing only two hits and three total baserunners over the first seven frames.Several seniors playing in their final home game at Larks Park helped Fort Hays State finally able to break through in the bottom of the eighth. Elliott Herrmann&nbsp;got things going with a leadoff walk, just the second walk issued by Steggall in the game. Luis Ayala&nbsp;later picked up his second double of the game, driving in Herrmann and helping FHSU pull within 3-1.The Bearcats went to the bullpen after Cooper Howell extended his hitting streak to 12 games with an infield single. Cooper Howell&nbsp;kept things rolling by beating out an infield single. Zane Knox then worked a pinch hit walk against the relief pitcher to load the bases for the top of the order. Tony Moore&nbsp;trimmed the deficit to one with a sacrifice fly to deep left field before Isaiah Ural&nbsp;and Trey DeGarmo worked back-to-back walks, helping FHSU tie things up at three.<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/2086161249&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-814667509/4-27-25-fhsu-bsb-highlights-v" title="#21 Fort Hays State BSB Highlights vs. NW Missouri State (April 27, 2025)" target="_blank" style="color: #cccccc; text-decoration: none;">#21 Fort Hays State BSB Highlights vs. NW Missouri State (April 27, 2025)</a></div></div>Derek Woolwine&nbsp;gave the Tigers their first lead of the day with a single to left field, putting FHSU on top 4-3 heading into the ninth.After Jacobs worked around a single in the top of the eighth, the sophomore went back out to the mound to finish things off in the ninth. Northwest managed a pair of baserunners with a single and a walk, but with two men in scoring position Jacobs was able to complete the win with a strikeout and a pop up to short.Jacobs (3-0) earned the win after tossing two scoreless innings of relief, giving up two hits and one walk while striking out a pair. Ayala had two of FHSU's five hits in the win.UP NEXTThe Tigers wrap up the regular season on the road next Thursday through Saturday when they take on Rogers State in Claremore, Okla. First pitch is set for 3 p.m. on Thursday and Friday and noon on Saturday. Central Missouri concludes the regular season on the road against Newman while Pittsburg State will finish at home against Arkansas-Fort Smith.Fort Hays State has already clinched a spot in the 2025 MIAA Championship Tournament, scheduled for May 7-10 in Joplin, Mo. The Tigers are guaranteed to finish no lower than third, while one win in the final series would clinch a top two finish for the squad.&nbsp;&nbsp;

⚾ Tigers rally past Bearcats on Senior Day, tied atop MIAA standings

A strategic communication campaign produced by three Fort Hays State University (FHSU) students has earned a first-place award in the collegiate division for Public Relations, Social Media, or Recruitment/Involvement Campaign in the recent 2025 National Federation of Press Women (NFPW) at-large contest. &nbsp;

As first-place winners in the at-large competition, the FHSU students are now invited to enter the NFPW National Contest.

The award-winning project was created in the spring 2024 strategic campaign design class taught by Dr. Hsin-Yen Yang, a professor in the Department of Communication Studies, Law, and Political Science at FHSU. NFPW is a national organization for all professionals in various communication fields. &nbsp;

The winning students, all majoring in communication with an emphasis in public relations and advertising, are:

• Nathan Erbert of Hays, Kansas • Halee Glover of Wichita, Kansas • Kaitlyn Flaherty of Derby, Kansas

Their campaign was designed to support Jana’s Campaign in celebrating its significant milestone of reaching 100,000 K-12 students with relationship violence prevention education.

Nathan Erbert shared his connection to the project, stating, "Having grown up in Hays, I was introduced to the mission and message of Jana’s Campaign from a very early age through their regular presentations in our grade schools. To have the opportunity to work on a celebratory project with them during my final undergraduate semester felt like a full-circle moment. The team at Jana’s Campaign was incredibly welcoming and available, making them a joy to collaborate with. Being able to help tell such an impactful story truly fueled our creative process."

Dr. Yang emphasized the value of experiential learning in her curriculum. “At FHSU, we are committed to providing students with practical, real-world experiences through service learning,” she said. “This pedagogical approach integrates meaningful community service with academic instruction, guiding students to apply their knowledge, develop critical thinking skills, and cultivate a sense of civic engagement. The success of this project with Jana’s Campaign in the NFPW at-large contest is a testament to the power of service learning and the dedication of our students.”

Jana’s Campaign is a national education and violence prevention organization with the single mission of reducing relationship violence. In honor of the late Jana Mackey and other victims and survivors of relationship violence, Jana’s Campaign delivers educational programs that prevent domestic and dating violence, sexual violence, and stalking

About the National Federation of Press Women:

The National Federation of Press Women is a nationwide organization of women and men pursuing careers across the communications spectrum, from journalism to public relations and beyond. &nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/4/1745344630639.jpeg" alt="Halee Glover, Kaitlyn Flaherty and Nathan Erbert, Fort Hays State University communication studies students, present their public relations campaign for Jana's Campaign to the organization and FHSU faculty members on April 26, 2024, at the university. The students won first place in a National Federation of Press Women at-large contest for their work. Courtesy photo" />
 <figcaption>Halee Glover, Kaitlyn Flaherty and Nathan Erbert, Fort Hays State University communication studies students, present their public relations campaign for Jana's Campaign to the organization and FHSU faculty members on April 26, 2024, at the university. The students won first place in a National Federation of Press Women at-large contest for their work. Courtesy photo</figcaption>
 </figure>FHSU&nbsp;A strategic communication campaign produced by three Fort Hays State University (FHSU) students has earned a first-place award in the collegiate division for Public Relations, Social Media, or Recruitment/Involvement Campaign in the recent 2025 National Federation of Press Women (NFPW) at-large contest. &nbsp;As first-place winners in the at-large competition, the FHSU students are now invited to enter the NFPW National Contest.The award-winning project was created in the spring 2024 strategic campaign design class taught by Dr. Hsin-Yen Yang, a professor in the Department of Communication Studies, Law, and Political Science at FHSU. NFPW is a national organization for all professionals in various communication fields. &nbsp;The winning students, all majoring in communication with an emphasis in public relations and advertising, are:• Nathan Erbert of Hays, Kansas • Halee Glover of Wichita, Kansas • Kaitlyn Flaherty of Derby, KansasTheir campaign was designed to support Jana’s Campaign in celebrating its significant milestone of reaching 100,000 K-12 students with relationship violence prevention education.Nathan Erbert shared his connection to the project, stating, "Having grown up in Hays, I was introduced to the mission and message of Jana’s Campaign from a very early age through their regular presentations in our grade schools. To have the opportunity to work on a celebratory project with them during my final undergraduate semester felt like a full-circle moment. The team at Jana’s Campaign was incredibly welcoming and available, making them a joy to collaborate with. Being able to help tell such an impactful story truly fueled our creative process."Dr. Yang emphasized the value of experiential learning in her curriculum. “At FHSU, we are committed to providing students with practical, real-world experiences through service learning,” she said. “This pedagogical approach integrates meaningful community service with academic instruction, guiding students to apply their knowledge, develop critical thinking skills, and cultivate a sense of civic engagement. The success of this project with Jana’s Campaign in the NFPW at-large contest is a testament to the power of service learning and the dedication of our students.”About Jana’s Campaign:Jana’s Campaign is a national education and violence prevention organization with the single mission of reducing relationship violence. In honor of the late Jana Mackey and other victims and survivors of relationship violence, Jana’s Campaign delivers educational programs that prevent domestic and dating violence, sexual violence, and stalkingAbout the National Federation of Press Women:The National Federation of Press Women is a nationwide organization of women and men pursuing careers across the communications spectrum, from journalism to public relations and beyond. &nbsp;

FHSU students win National Federation of Press Women at-large contest, advance to nationals

WASHINGTON – KSDS Assistance Dogs, Inc. is excited to announce that we have received two generous grants that will greatly improve accessibility on our campus. 

The Hays Lions Club has awarded us a grant of $1,000, while the Washington County Community Foundation has provided a grant of $2,347. These funds will be used to purchase and install ADA-accessible doors for the west training building on the KSDS campus.

Replacing the ADA-accessible doors will significantly enhance the accessibility of our facilities, allowing all individuals, especially those with disabilities, to navigate our campus more easily. This improvement aligns with our mission to provide assistance dogs that promote greater independence and improve the quality of life for individuals with disabilities.

"We are extremely grateful to the Hays Lions Club and the Washington County Community Foundation for their generous support," said Duane Toews, CEO at KSDS Assistance Dogs, Inc. "These grants will enable us to foster a more inclusive environment for our clients and visitors.”

KSDS Assistance Dogs, Inc. has been dedicated to training and placing assistance dogs since 1990. Our programs include guide dogs for the visually impaired, service dogs for individuals with physical disabilities, and facility dogs for professionals in education, healthcare, and other fields.

For more information about KSDS Assistance Dogs, Inc. and our programs, please visit www.ksds.org or contact Jenny Pachta at 785-325-2256.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/4/1745491541840.png" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure>KSDSWASHINGTON – KSDS Assistance Dogs, Inc. is excited to announce that we have received two generous grants that will greatly improve accessibility on our campus. The Hays Lions Club has awarded us a grant of $1,000, while the Washington County Community Foundation has provided a grant of $2,347. These funds will be used to purchase and install ADA-accessible doors for the west training building on the KSDS campus.Replacing the ADA-accessible doors will significantly enhance the accessibility of our facilities, allowing all individuals, especially those with disabilities, to navigate our campus more easily. This improvement aligns with our mission to provide assistance dogs that promote greater independence and improve the quality of life for individuals with disabilities."We are extremely grateful to the Hays Lions Club and the Washington County Community Foundation for their generous support," said Duane Toews, CEO at KSDS Assistance Dogs, Inc. "These grants will enable us to foster a more inclusive environment for our clients and visitors.”KSDS Assistance Dogs, Inc. has been dedicated to training and placing assistance dogs since 1990. Our programs include guide dogs for the visually impaired, service dogs for individuals with physical disabilities, and facility dogs for professionals in education, healthcare, and other fields.For more information about KSDS Assistance Dogs, Inc. and our programs, please visit www.ksds.org or contact Jenny Pachta at 785-325-2256.

Hays Lions Club grant goes to KSDS Assistance Dogs

Reporter Cristina Janney speaks with Doug Williams of Grow Hays who gives an update on local retail development on this episode of the Hays Post Podcast.

<div><iframe title="Post Podcast: Grow Hays" allowtransparency="true" height="300" width="100%" style="border: none; min-width: min(100%, 430px);height:300px;" scrolling="no" data-name="pb-iframe-player" src="https://www.podbean.com/player-v2/?from=embed&i=24xbd-188f429-pb&square=1&share=1&download=1&fonts=Arial&skin=3267a3&font-color=auto&rtl=0&logo_link=podcast_page&btn-skin=60a0c8&size=300" loading="lazy" allowfullscreen=""></iframe></div>Reporter Cristina Janney speaks with Doug Williams of Grow Hays who gives an update on local retail development on this episode of the Hays Post Podcast.

🎙 Post Podcast: Grow Hays update on retail development

Sunday, April 27 KJLS: Fort Hays State BSB vs. Northwest Missouri State, 11:40am&nbsp; KAYS: Kansas City Royals vs Houston Astros, 12:30pm&nbsp;&nbsp;

Sunday, April 27 KJLS: Fort Hays State BSB vs. Northwest Missouri State, 11:40am&nbsp; KAYS: Kansas City Royals vs Houston Astros, 12:30pm&nbsp;&nbsp;

By RANDY GONZALES Special to Hays Post

Tens of thousands from many states and foreign countries visit Fort Hays State University’s Sternberg Museum of Natural History each year.

They come to see the dinosaurs, reptiles, fossils and to soak up some history.

Last week, some visitors from Colorado and California came to Sternberg for a different reason: to record music under the sea.

Recording sessions were conducted on three nights in the museum’s undersea diorama, where music reverberated in the dark, enclosed space with rounded walls.

Jeff Berkley, a singer/songwriter who is also a music producer, heard about Sternberg while listening to National Public Radio shortly before coming through town on one of his many treks&nbsp;across Interstate 70 for a music gig in 2023.

So, Berkley decided to visit the museum when he pulled into Hays. He was astonished by the acoustics when he suddenly felt the urge to sing in the undersea diorama’s cave-like enclosure that represents the Western Interior Seaway that covered much of Kansas 66 million to 80 million years ago.

“The reverb in there, I was blown away,” Berkley said. “I just thought in that moment I would love to bring some amazing artists to Hays and record them in there.”

Berkley emailed Sternberg Director Reese Barrick soon after his visit.

Barrick gave the green light, and Berkley contacted three groups of recording artists who all immediately said “yes” to what would become known as the Paleoverb Project.

“I thought it was a weird request but really awesome,” Barrick said. “It is a cool space, but I didn’t know how they were going to make it work.”

Barrick, who played the trumpet in high school, also marveled at the acoustics.

“The way the room is shaped and covered up, the walls bounce everything back and forth. It’s really cool,” Barrick said. “It does reverberate some. It’s not crystal clear. It’s sort of unique in that way.”

The original plan was to have one group record on Sunday, another on Monday, and then the final one on Tuesday. However, as the artists congregated in the recording space, they all joined in on some songs each night, with Berkley serving as the sound engineer with his portable studio equipment.

“There’s no headphones, no overdubbing, no tuning software,” Berkley said. “You just go into this weird room and kick (tail) and be really good. That’s why I chose them.”

Berkley and two of the three groups are from San Diego. Veronica May and Hanna Doreen Brown, both from Fort Collins, Colorado, recorded on Sunday.

The duo Stucky Leigh, composed of Will Stucky and Lauren Leigh, was in the spotlight Monday. Tuesday evening, it was Marlo J. Smith and Joshua McCleskey, joined by bandmate Sean Cox Briar, from the group Please ask for Paul.

“They all have amazing melodies and harmonies and songs,” Berkley said. “That’s why I chose them.”

There was no hesitation in agreeing to become part of the project.

“Jeff is this lovely, sweet, weird figure where we live, but also has quite a list of accomplishments,” McCleskey said. “We love and respect him. It didn’t take much arm-twisting.”

“It just sounded weird and fun and beautiful,” he added. “When we found out who was getting involved, it just kept getting bigger and bigger. Just so much excitement.”

The three groups bring an eclectic blend of an indie-alt sound, with some folk thrown in. Each artist was amazed by what they encountered in that special space with a surreal atmosphere.

“The reverb in there, you throw your voice and it just stays,” May said.

“What they learned was how long the reverb would last,” Berkley said.

Performing in a dimly lit space with an otherworldly vibe was special.

“I feel like that was the best part of the magic,” Brown said. “It was so fun to sing.”

The recording artists all agreed they did not choose music for their path; music chose them. One artist’s mother is a concert pianist; another was inspired to pursue a life in the arts by watching a performance of “A Christmas Carol” when she was young. Another had a teacher who recognized her musical potential, while yet another took piano lessons.

“It’s been my only path,” Briar said.

“Creativity is my biggest asset in this life,” he said. “It was never about getting rich or famous. It was just making music. There’s never been another option for me.”

“I was raised around musicians,” Leigh said. “I tried my best to not do it.”

“I had to have it in my life,” she added. “I’m much happier for it.”

Smith knew she wanted to make music her life. She became a music therapist in a hospice setting.

“I knew I wanted to make a living making music,” Smith said. “I couldn’t imagine living my days without having music in my life every day.”

Each group has tour dates throughout the country. In addition to a Paleoverb Project album, each artist will have their recorded songs featured on their own albums.

With their albums, Stucky and Leigh collaborate in turning thoughts into songs.

“Our process feels more like tossing wet noodles against the wall and whoever has the perfectly-cooked noodle, we move on from there,” Stucky said.

The artists moved on to their next gigs on Wednesday. It was Hays one day, performing in New Mexico or Wyoming the next.

“What I feel lucky about is being surrounded by people like I’m surrounded with right now,” Stucky said. “That has pulled me into being courageous and wanting to share, create.”

Barrick said that while the museum will get some exposure from the project, that was not the guiding force for him.

“I don’t know if it has to help the museum,” Barrick said. “It’s just a cool form of art that our building can add to creative performers. … We’ll get some good advertising out of it, but it’s more about helping people do something that’s cool and creative.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/4/1745611529478.jpeg" alt="The life-sized Tylosaurus in the undersea exhibit at Sternberg Museum of Natural History in Hays appears to be enjoying the music from recording artists in town last week. Photo by Diane Gasper-O’Brien/Special to Hays Post" />
 <figcaption>The life-sized Tylosaurus in the undersea exhibit at Sternberg Museum of Natural History in Hays appears to be enjoying the music from recording artists in town last week. Photo by Diane Gasper-O’Brien/Special to Hays Post</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/4/1745612972219.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>By RANDY GONZALES Special to Hays PostTens of thousands from many states and foreign countries visit Fort Hays State University’s Sternberg Museum of Natural History each year.They come to see the dinosaurs, reptiles, fossils and to soak up some history.Last week, some visitors from Colorado and California came to Sternberg for a different reason: to record music under the sea.Recording sessions were conducted on three nights in the museum’s undersea diorama, where music reverberated in the dark, enclosed space with rounded walls.Jeff Berkley, a singer/songwriter who is also a music producer, heard about Sternberg while listening to National Public Radio shortly before coming through town on one of his many treks&nbsp;across Interstate 70 for a music gig in 2023.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/4/1745611615909.jpeg" alt="Surrounded by historical exhibits, Producer Jeff Berkley sets up the sound board prior to a recording session last week at Sternberg Museum of Natural History. Photo by Diane Gasper-O’Brien/Special to Hays Post" />
 <figcaption>Surrounded by historical exhibits, Producer Jeff Berkley sets up the sound board prior to a recording session last week at Sternberg Museum of Natural History. Photo by Diane Gasper-O’Brien/Special to Hays Post</figcaption>
 </figure>So, Berkley decided to visit the museum when he pulled into Hays. He was astonished by the acoustics when he suddenly felt the urge to sing in the undersea diorama’s cave-like enclosure that represents the Western Interior Seaway that covered much of Kansas 66 million to 80 million years ago.“The reverb in there, I was blown away,” Berkley said. “I just thought in that moment I would love to bring some amazing artists to Hays and record them in there.”Berkley emailed Sternberg Director Reese Barrick soon after his visit.Barrick gave the green light, and Berkley contacted three groups of recording artists who all immediately said “yes” to what would become known as the Paleoverb Project.“I thought it was a weird request but really awesome,” Barrick said. “It is a cool space, but I didn’t know how they were going to make it work.”Barrick, who played the trumpet in high school, also marveled at the acoustics.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/4/1745611757222.jpeg" alt="A skeleton of the world-famous Xiphactinus and the huge lizard-like Tylosaurus draw thousands of visitors to Sternberg Museum each year, including recording artists. Photo courtesy of Sternberg Museum" />
 <figcaption>A skeleton of the world-famous Xiphactinus and the huge lizard-like Tylosaurus draw thousands of visitors to Sternberg Museum each year, including recording artists. Photo courtesy of Sternberg Museum</figcaption>
 </figure>“The way the room is shaped and covered up, the walls bounce everything back and forth. It’s really cool,” Barrick said. “It does reverberate some. It’s not crystal clear. It’s sort of unique in that way.”The original plan was to have one group record on Sunday, another on Monday, and then the final one on Tuesday. However, as the artists congregated in the recording space, they all joined in on some songs each night, with Berkley serving as the sound engineer with his portable studio equipment.“There’s no headphones, no overdubbing, no tuning software,” Berkley said. “You just go into this weird room and kick (tail) and be really good. That’s why I chose them.”Berkley and two of the three groups are from San Diego. Veronica May and Hanna Doreen Brown, both from Fort Collins, Colorado, recorded on Sunday.The duo Stucky Leigh, composed of Will Stucky and Lauren Leigh, was in the spotlight Monday. Tuesday evening, it was Marlo J. Smith and Joshua McCleskey, joined by bandmate Sean Cox Briar, from the group Please ask for Paul.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/4/1745611822438.png" alt="Three groups of performing artists doing recording sessions at Sternberg Museum last week also enjoyed a stay at a local Air B&amp;B. They were from left: Hanna Doreen Brown, Veronica May, Lauren Leigh, Marlo J. Smith, Sean Cox Briar, Joshua&nbsp;McCleskey and Will Stucky. Photo by Randy Gonzales/Special to Hays Post" />
 <figcaption>Three groups of performing artists doing recording sessions at Sternberg Museum last week also enjoyed a stay at a local Air B&amp;B. They were from left: Hanna Doreen Brown, Veronica May, Lauren Leigh, Marlo J. Smith, Sean Cox Briar, Joshua&nbsp;McCleskey and Will Stucky. Photo by Randy Gonzales/Special to Hays Post</figcaption>
 </figure>“They all have amazing melodies and harmonies and songs,” Berkley said. “That’s why I chose them.”There was no hesitation in agreeing to become part of the project.“Jeff is this lovely, sweet, weird figure where we live, but also has quite a list of accomplishments,” McCleskey said. “We love and respect him. It didn’t take much arm-twisting.”“It just sounded weird and fun and beautiful,” he added. “When we found out who was getting involved, it just kept getting bigger and bigger. Just so much excitement.”The three groups bring an eclectic blend of an indie-alt sound, with some folk thrown in. Each artist was amazed by what they encountered in that special space with a surreal atmosphere.“The reverb in there, you throw your voice and it just stays,” May said.“What they learned was how long the reverb would last,” Berkley said.Performing in a dimly lit space with an otherworldly vibe was special.“I feel like that was the best part of the magic,” Brown said. “It was so fun to sing.”The recording artists all agreed they did not choose music for their path; music chose them. One artist’s mother is a concert pianist; another was inspired to pursue a life in the arts by watching a performance of “A Christmas Carol” when she was young. Another had a teacher who recognized her musical potential, while yet another took piano lessons.Different paths, same destination.“It’s been my only path,” Briar said.McCleskey knows nothing else.“Creativity is my biggest asset in this life,” he said. “It was never about getting rich or famous. It was just making music. There’s never been another option for me.”“I was raised around musicians,” Leigh said. “I tried my best to not do it.”“I had to have it in my life,” she added. “I’m much happier for it.”Smith knew she wanted to make music her life. She became a music therapist in a hospice setting.“I knew I wanted to make a living making music,” Smith said. “I couldn’t imagine living my days without having music in my life every day.”Each group has tour dates throughout the country. In addition to a Paleoverb Project album, each artist will have their recorded songs featured on their own albums.With their albums, Stucky and Leigh collaborate in turning thoughts into songs.“Our process feels more like tossing wet noodles against the wall and whoever has the perfectly-cooked noodle, we move on from there,” Stucky said.The artists moved on to their next gigs on Wednesday. It was Hays one day, performing in New Mexico or Wyoming the next.“What I feel lucky about is being surrounded by people like I’m surrounded with right now,” Stucky said. “That has pulled me into being courageous and wanting to share, create.”Barrick said that while the museum will get some exposure from the project, that was not the guiding force for him.“I don’t know if it has to help the museum,” Barrick said. “It’s just a cool form of art that our building can add to creative performers. … We’ll get some good advertising out of it, but it’s more about helping people do something that’s cool and creative.”

NWester: Making music under the sea at Sternberg Museum

When Kyle received a call from the “fraud department” of his local bank, he was worried about the safety of his money and immediately complied with their requests for information. Unfortunately for Kyle, the bank’s fraud department was not on the other end of that call. Instead—a very stealthy and talented scammer.

Scammers impersonate all types of businesses, organizations, and people to get access to your personal information. In Kyle’s case, the scammer asked Kyle identity verification questions like his social security number and birthdate. At the same time, the scammer was relaying that information to the bank, pretending to be Kyle. Using this method, the scammer finds out which identity verification questions the bank is asking and then in real-time obtains the answers he needs from the victim. If the scammer is successful at tricking the bank into believing he is Kyle, the scammer could get access to Kyle’s money.

When you’re caught in these situations, emotions are running high, and it becomes hard to know what to do. 

Golden Belt Bank’s Chief Operations Officer Kathy Stenzel weighs in with, “The best strategy is to hang up. Find the number for your local branch and call them directly. If something is going on with your account, they will be able to assist you immediately.” 

With over 30 years of experience, when it comes to scams, there’s not much Stenzel hasn’t seen. “Scammers will say anything to convince you the story they are telling is legitimate.” Stenzel recounts an instance where a scammer convinced his victim that she would be arrested if a large amount of money wasn’t paid. The scammer instructed the victim to sell her property and when that didn’t work, convinced her to apply for a home equity loan to repay the debt owed. This was after the victim had withdrawn cash and shipped it via the scammer’s instructions.

Impersonation scams are only one type of scam that fraudsters use to trick you out of your personal information and money. Look and listen for these red flags in any interaction where you are providing personal information or access to your money.

· Too good to be true. If the story you’re being told sounds too good to be true, it probably is.

· Immediate action required. Scammers pressure you into acting quickly, before you have time to research what they’re telling you. Don’t take any action until you have time to do your research and avoid taking any emotionally charged actions. Scammers will be anxious to get their money. If you don’t take action, they will move on.

· Insistence on secrecy. Scammers will insist that you keep your conversation with them a secret. This protects their anonymity but also isolates you from others that may be able to provide advice and resources.

· Money needed upfront. Legitimate dealings do not require large sums of money upfront. In the rare instances when upfront money is required, it is accompanied by a contractual agreement to protect both parties.

· Hard-to-track payment methods. These methods include wire transfer, gift cards, cash or cryptocurrency. You should be suspicious if you’re asked to pay by any of these methods.

If scammers are successful in obtaining enough personal information from you, they can make purchases using your debit card. In these cases, the scammer uses the information obtained to add your debit card to their mobile wallet. Once there, they can start making purchases. 

Remember banks will never ask for your full debit card number, PIN, or online banking password. And they will only ask you identity verification questions—like your birthdate and social security number, when you initiate the contact. 

Never share any one-time passcodes that are sent to you with anyone. These passcodes are for your eyes only, if someone is asking for that passcode, they are trying to access your online banking or add your debit card to a mobile wallet. 

Keeping a close eye on your transaction activity, ideally through online or mobile banking can help you prevent losses.

For the scammer, tricking people out of their money is their full-time job. To stop them, that job needs to stop being financially lucrative. 

That’s why education is one of the most important tools in stopping scammers. 

If you or your organization are interested in learning more about identifying and avoiding scams, Golden Belt Bank provides a free one-hour educational seminar on a quarterly basis. The next session will be held May 22, 2025, at Golden Belt Bank, Hays, at 10 a.m. The session is free and open to everyone. Registration is not required. 

You can also download their free resource that contains information on some of the most prevalent scams here: <a href="https://www.goldenbeltbank.com/home/misc/financial_education">https://www.goldenbeltbank.com/home/misc/financial_education</a>.

In the fight against scams, knowledge is your best defense. By being aware of common tactics like impersonation and recognizing red flags, you can protect yourself from falling victim to fraud. 

As scammers become increasingly sophisticated, staying informed and vigilant is more important than ever. If you ever find yourself unsure or pressured in a situation involving your personal information or finances, always take a step back, hang up, and reach out to your bank directly using verified contact information. Don’t let scammers succeed—stay educated, stay alert, and protect what matters most.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/4/1712245575011.jpeg" alt="Image by Federal Trade Commission" />
 <figcaption>Image by Federal Trade Commission</figcaption>
 </figure>Golden Belt BankWhen Kyle received a call from the “fraud department” of his local bank, he was worried about the safety of his money and immediately complied with their requests for information. Unfortunately for Kyle, the bank’s fraud department was not on the other end of that call. Instead—a very stealthy and talented scammer.Scammers impersonate all types of businesses, organizations, and people to get access to your personal information. In Kyle’s case, the scammer asked Kyle identity verification questions like his social security number and birthdate. At the same time, the scammer was relaying that information to the bank, pretending to be Kyle. Using this method, the scammer finds out which identity verification questions the bank is asking and then in real-time obtains the answers he needs from the victim. If the scammer is successful at tricking the bank into believing he is Kyle, the scammer could get access to Kyle’s money.When you’re caught in these situations, emotions are running high, and it becomes hard to know what to do. Golden Belt Bank’s Chief Operations Officer Kathy Stenzel weighs in with, “The best strategy is to hang up. Find the number for your local branch and call them directly. If something is going on with your account, they will be able to assist you immediately.” With over 30 years of experience, when it comes to scams, there’s not much Stenzel hasn’t seen. “Scammers will say anything to convince you the story they are telling is legitimate.” Stenzel recounts an instance where a scammer convinced his victim that she would be arrested if a large amount of money wasn’t paid. The scammer instructed the victim to sell her property and when that didn’t work, convinced her to apply for a home equity loan to repay the debt owed. This was after the victim had withdrawn cash and shipped it via the scammer’s instructions.Impersonation scams are only one type of scam that fraudsters use to trick you out of your personal information and money. Look and listen for these red flags in any interaction where you are providing personal information or access to your money.· Too good to be true. If the story you’re being told sounds too good to be true, it probably is.· Immediate action required. Scammers pressure you into acting quickly, before you have time to research what they’re telling you. Don’t take any action until you have time to do your research and avoid taking any emotionally charged actions. Scammers will be anxious to get their money. If you don’t take action, they will move on.· Insistence on secrecy. Scammers will insist that you keep your conversation with them a secret. This protects their anonymity but also isolates you from others that may be able to provide advice and resources.· Money needed upfront. Legitimate dealings do not require large sums of money upfront. In the rare instances when upfront money is required, it is accompanied by a contractual agreement to protect both parties.· Hard-to-track payment methods. These methods include wire transfer, gift cards, cash or cryptocurrency. You should be suspicious if you’re asked to pay by any of these methods.If scammers are successful in obtaining enough personal information from you, they can make purchases using your debit card. In these cases, the scammer uses the information obtained to add your debit card to their mobile wallet. Once there, they can start making purchases. Remember banks will never ask for your full debit card number, PIN, or online banking password. And they will only ask you identity verification questions—like your birthdate and social security number, when you initiate the contact. Never share any one-time passcodes that are sent to you with anyone. These passcodes are for your eyes only, if someone is asking for that passcode, they are trying to access your online banking or add your debit card to a mobile wallet. Keeping a close eye on your transaction activity, ideally through online or mobile banking can help you prevent losses.For the scammer, tricking people out of their money is their full-time job. To stop them, that job needs to stop being financially lucrative. That’s why education is one of the most important tools in stopping scammers. If you or your organization are interested in learning more about identifying and avoiding scams, Golden Belt Bank provides a free one-hour educational seminar on a quarterly basis. The next session will be held May 22, 2025, at Golden Belt Bank, Hays, at 10 a.m. The session is free and open to everyone. Registration is not required. You can also download their free resource that contains information on some of the most prevalent scams here: <a href="https://www.goldenbeltbank.com/home/misc/financial_education">https://www.goldenbeltbank.com/home/misc/financial_education</a>.In the fight against scams, knowledge is your best defense. By being aware of common tactics like impersonation and recognizing red flags, you can protect yourself from falling victim to fraud. As scammers become increasingly sophisticated, staying informed and vigilant is more important than ever. If you ever find yourself unsure or pressured in a situation involving your personal information or finances, always take a step back, hang up, and reach out to your bank directly using verified contact information. Don’t let scammers succeed—stay educated, stay alert, and protect what matters most.

Golden Belt Bank warns of local impersonation scams

Compass Community Center, a plan for a center providing accessible transitional housing, employment, job training, recovery coaching, and life skills to unhoused women, won the 2025 Faulkner Challenge, FHSU’s spring business plan competition.

Niya Teresita Gaines, an MBA student from Stockton, Calif., focusing on healthcare management, created the plan to address the rising number of unhoused women in DuPage County, Ill. &nbsp;Gaines said the Compass Community Center idea came about through a collaboration with her fiancé.

“I personally want to be a behavioral/mental health director,” she said. “I find it fulfilling to help those who want to help themselves. When I mentioned this aspiration to my partner, Claude, he then chimed in, stating that it is his lifetime goal to create a homeless shelter.”

Current shelters often fail to keep unhoused people from living on the streets, Gaines said.

“Therefore, to separate those who would bring their outside behavior into the shelter from those who are genuinely trying to improve their circumstances and get on their feet, a program would be established alongside the shelter to ensure safety and support progress,” she said. “That would be a holistic approach to recovery and care.”

Eight teams competed in the final round of the Faulkner Challenge, delivering “innovative and inspiring business proposals,” according to Henry Schwaller, Department of Management instructor.

“This year’s event was truly groundbreaking, bringing together FHSU students from across the globe and showcasing a diverse array of entrepreneurial ideas,” Schwaller said. “The creativity, professionalism, and vision demonstrated by the participants set a new standard for excellence, making this one of the most memorable competitions in the event’s history.”

Second place was awarded to the team of Diana Angarita, Venezuela; Noah Erichsen, Ellsworth; Dustin Rajewski, Hays; Chelsie Rose, Scott City; and Bryce Steffan, Ellinwood; for their project “Flavor to Fertilizer,” a solar-powered composter for grocery stores. William Tice, Viola, won third place with his business proposal, “Triple T Livestock Feed,” livestock-pressed block feed manufactured from grain dust.

The Faulkner Challenge is a business plan competition designed to develop entrepreneurial imagination and innovation in university students, regardless of major or interests. It is open to any new venture in the conceptual, seed, or startup stages and to students from any community college or university in Kansas. Teams are evaluated on their ability to clearly identify a market opportunity, value proposition, and sustainable competitive advantage.

While all entries are welcome, of special interest are proposals for innovations in or design of products, processes, systems, services, or businesses that are economically sustainable, with promise for social and or environmental benefit.

FHSU alum Kevin Faulkner established an endowed fund for the W.R. and Yvonne Robbins College of Business and Entrepreneurship business plan challenge that now bears his name.

“This event owes its success to the generosity of Kevin Faulkner, whose support played a vital role in the success of this year’s Faulkner Challenge,” Schwaller said. “We extend our gratitude for his invaluable time, mentorship, and insightful guidance, which had a lasting impact on the competing teams.”

For Gaines, winning the Faulkner Challenge has been encouraging and exciting.

“The project has instilled a sense of possibility, as in this is something that can be done,” she said. “This project made me create the blueprint for what I would like to do in the future.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/4/1745337902697.jpeg" alt="Niya Gaines. Photo by Fort Hays State University" />
 <figcaption>Niya Gaines. Photo by Fort Hays State University</figcaption>
 </figure>FHSU University CommunicationsCompass Community Center, a plan for a center providing accessible transitional housing, employment, job training, recovery coaching, and life skills to unhoused women, won the 2025 Faulkner Challenge, FHSU’s spring business plan competition.Niya Teresita Gaines, an MBA student from Stockton, Calif., focusing on healthcare management, created the plan to address the rising number of unhoused women in DuPage County, Ill. &nbsp;Gaines said the Compass Community Center idea came about through a collaboration with her fiancé.“I personally want to be a behavioral/mental health director,” she said. “I find it fulfilling to help those who want to help themselves. When I mentioned this aspiration to my partner, Claude, he then chimed in, stating that it is his lifetime goal to create a homeless shelter.”Current shelters often fail to keep unhoused people from living on the streets, Gaines said.“Therefore, to separate those who would bring their outside behavior into the shelter from those who are genuinely trying to improve their circumstances and get on their feet, a program would be established alongside the shelter to ensure safety and support progress,” she said. “That would be a holistic approach to recovery and care.”Eight teams competed in the final round of the Faulkner Challenge, delivering “innovative and inspiring business proposals,” according to Henry Schwaller, Department of Management instructor.“This year’s event was truly groundbreaking, bringing together FHSU students from across the globe and showcasing a diverse array of entrepreneurial ideas,” Schwaller said. “The creativity, professionalism, and vision demonstrated by the participants set a new standard for excellence, making this one of the most memorable competitions in the event’s history.”Second place was awarded to the team of Diana Angarita, Venezuela; Noah Erichsen, Ellsworth; Dustin Rajewski, Hays; Chelsie Rose, Scott City; and Bryce Steffan, Ellinwood; for their project “Flavor to Fertilizer,” a solar-powered composter for grocery stores. William Tice, Viola, won third place with his business proposal, “Triple T Livestock Feed,” livestock-pressed block feed manufactured from grain dust.The Faulkner Challenge is a business plan competition designed to develop entrepreneurial imagination and innovation in university students, regardless of major or interests. It is open to any new venture in the conceptual, seed, or startup stages and to students from any community college or university in Kansas. Teams are evaluated on their ability to clearly identify a market opportunity, value proposition, and sustainable competitive advantage.While all entries are welcome, of special interest are proposals for innovations in or design of products, processes, systems, services, or businesses that are economically sustainable, with promise for social and or environmental benefit.FHSU alum Kevin Faulkner established an endowed fund for the W.R. and Yvonne Robbins College of Business and Entrepreneurship business plan challenge that now bears his name.“This event owes its success to the generosity of Kevin Faulkner, whose support played a vital role in the success of this year’s Faulkner Challenge,” Schwaller said. “We extend our gratitude for his invaluable time, mentorship, and insightful guidance, which had a lasting impact on the competing teams.”For Gaines, winning the Faulkner Challenge has been encouraging and exciting.“The project has instilled a sense of possibility, as in this is something that can be done,” she said. “This project made me create the blueprint for what I would like to do in the future.”

Business student wins Faulkner Challenge with vision for holistic housing

BATON ROUGE, La. — The following people recently were elected to membership into The Honor Society of Phi Kappa Phi, the nation's oldest and most selective collegiate honor society for all academic disciplines.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/5/1588607146495.jpeg" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure>Phi Kappa PhiBATON ROUGE, La. — The following people recently were elected to membership into The Honor Society of Phi Kappa Phi, the nation's oldest and most selective collegiate honor society for all academic disciplines.• Carol Solko-Olliff of Hays (67601) at Fort Hays State University • Erica Berges of Hays (67601) at Fort Hays State University • Karen McCullough of Hays (67601) at Fort Hays State University • Masakatsu Watanabe of Hays (67601) at Fort Hays State University • Michelle Lippert of Hays (67601) at Fort Hays State University • Richard Lisichenko of Hays (67601) at Fort Hays State UniversityThey are among approximately 20,000 students, faculty, professional staff and alumni to be initiated into Phi Kappa Phi each year. Membership is by invitation only and requires nomination and approval by a chapter. Only the top 10 percent of seniors and 7.5 percent of juniors are eligible for membership. Graduate students in the top 10 percent of the number of candidates for graduate degrees may also qualify, as do faculty, professional staff and alumni who have achieved scholarly distinction.About&nbsp;Phi Kappa Phi&nbsp;Phi Kappa Phi was founded in 1897 under the leadership of undergraduate student Marcus L. Urann who had a desire to create a different kind of honor society: one that recognized excellence in all academic disciplines. Today, the Society has chapters on more than 300 campuses in the United States and its territories. Its mission is to "cultivate a community that celebrates and advances the love of learning."