David Alan Staab, 43, of Bountiful, Utah passed away on
April 5, 2025 in Paris, France.&nbsp;&nbsp;

&nbsp;He was born Sept 25, 1981, in Hays, Kansas to Dave Staab and Rebecca (Huser)
Kahler.

He graduated from Bishop Carroll High School in 2000, and continued&nbsp; education at Iowa State University, earning a degree in Engineering. He was a
developer of Technology and a Facilitator of the Human Process. 

His career accomplishments included: Psychological Trauma Coach and Leadership
Coach, General Engineer for the United States Air Force, Software and Business
Consultant, and Principal Developer for Staab Engineering.&nbsp;

David coached others in emotional intelligence, leadership, and trauma healing.
He believed how we communicate, work, and live with one another is shaped by
our personal psyches. David saw people for who they truly were, and met them
with unwavering compassion. His authenticity and kindness exemplified his love
of people, and left a lasting impression on those he touched.

David had many gifts. He loved music and sang in a choir, he created pottery,
he danced with abandon, and he was an excellent cook. Art was one of the many
ways he expressed himself. You could often find David outside, playing volleyball,
snowboarding, hiking, or volunteering at a community garden. 

David cared deeply for people. He dedicated much of his time to building
community, whether it be through serving at a food bank, or engaging in
insightful conversations with friends. Anyone who met him was moved by his
gentleness and his great curiosity for life.&nbsp;

David is survived by his father, Dave L. Staab of Hays, Kansas; his mother,
Rebecca J. Kahler and husband, JR, of Kansas City, Missouri; and his sister,
Tamara L. Staab of Baltimore, Maryland.

David was preceded in death by his sister, Jessica Ann Staab, along with his
grandparents: Bob &amp; Alice (Windholz) Staab, and Julian &amp; Norma (Gabel)
Huser.&nbsp;

A Mass of Christian Burial will be at 10:00 A.M. Tuesday, April 22, 2025 at
Saint Joseph Catholic Church, 13th and Ash, Hays, Kansas with
Celebrant, Father Andy Hammeke.

The burial will be at Saint Joseph Cemetery in Hays, Kansas.&nbsp;

Visitation
will be from 6:00 to 8:00 P.M. Monday, and from 9:00 to 9:45 A.M. Tuesday at
Cline’s-Keithley Mortuary of Hays. 

A rosary will be at 7:00 P.M. Monday, at Cline’s-Keithley Mortuary of Hays.
&nbsp;

The family suggests memorials made payable to: Comeau Catholic Campus Center in
Hays, Kansas in care of Cline’s-Keithley Mortuary of Hays, 1919 East 22nd
Street, Hays, Kansas 67601.&nbsp; 

Condolences can be emailed to <a href="mailto:clineschapels@gmail.com">clineschapels@gmail.com</a>
or left by guestbook at <a href="http://www.keithleyfuneralchapels.com">www.keithleyfuneralchapels.com</a>&nbsp;&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/4/1744922547180.jpeg" alt="David Alan Staab" />
 <figcaption>David Alan Staab</figcaption>
 </figure>David Alan Staab, 43, of Bountiful, Utah passed away on
April 5, 2025 in Paris, France.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;He was born Sept 25, 1981, in Hays, Kansas to Dave Staab and Rebecca (Huser)
Kahler.He graduated from Bishop Carroll High School in 2000, and continued&nbsp; education at Iowa State University, earning a degree in Engineering. He was a
developer of Technology and a Facilitator of the Human Process. His career accomplishments included: Psychological Trauma Coach and Leadership
Coach, General Engineer for the United States Air Force, Software and Business
Consultant, and Principal Developer for Staab Engineering.&nbsp;David coached others in emotional intelligence, leadership, and trauma healing.
He believed how we communicate, work, and live with one another is shaped by
our personal psyches. David saw people for who they truly were, and met them
with unwavering compassion. His authenticity and kindness exemplified his love
of people, and left a lasting impression on those he touched.David had many gifts. He loved music and sang in a choir, he created pottery,
he danced with abandon, and he was an excellent cook. Art was one of the many
ways he expressed himself. You could often find David outside, playing volleyball,
snowboarding, hiking, or volunteering at a community garden. David cared deeply for people. He dedicated much of his time to building
community, whether it be through serving at a food bank, or engaging in
insightful conversations with friends. Anyone who met him was moved by his
gentleness and his great curiosity for life.&nbsp;David is survived by his father, Dave L. Staab of Hays, Kansas; his mother,
Rebecca J. Kahler and husband, JR, of Kansas City, Missouri; and his sister,
Tamara L. Staab of Baltimore, Maryland.David was preceded in death by his sister, Jessica Ann Staab, along with his
grandparents: Bob &amp; Alice (Windholz) Staab, and Julian &amp; Norma (Gabel)
Huser.&nbsp;A Mass of Christian Burial will be at 10:00 A.M. Tuesday, April 22, 2025 at
Saint Joseph Catholic Church, 13th and Ash, Hays, Kansas with
Celebrant, Father Andy Hammeke.The burial will be at Saint Joseph Cemetery in Hays, Kansas.&nbsp;Visitation
will be from 6:00 to 8:00 P.M. Monday, and from 9:00 to 9:45 A.M. Tuesday at
Cline’s-Keithley Mortuary of Hays. A rosary will be at 7:00 P.M. Monday, at Cline’s-Keithley Mortuary of Hays.
&nbsp;The family suggests memorials made payable to: Comeau Catholic Campus Center in
Hays, Kansas in care of Cline’s-Keithley Mortuary of Hays, 1919 East 22nd
Street, Hays, Kansas 67601.&nbsp; Condolences can be emailed to <a href="mailto:clineschapels@gmail.com">clineschapels@gmail.com</a>
or left by guestbook at <a href="http://www.keithleyfuneralchapels.com">www.keithleyfuneralchapels.com</a>&nbsp;&nbsp;

David Alan Staab

On this episode of the&nbsp;<a href="https://hayspost.com/category/post-podcast" target="_blank">Post Podcast</a>,&nbsp;Hays Post reporter Cristina Janney speaks with Nancy Jeter, board member for Women Who Lead, about the nonprofit's sponsorship of Sunrise Park and other projects.

<a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/f65fcc68-89ab-4e30-a13f-227e50ebe586">SEE RELATED STORY: Hays Sunrise Park improvements championed by Women Who Lead</a>

<div><iframe title="Post Podcast: Women Who Lead - Sunrise Park" height="150" width="100%" style="border: none;" scrolling="no" data-name="pb-iframe-player" src="https://www.podbean.com/player-v2/?i=4czep-1881a88-pb&from=pb6admin&share=1&download=1&rtl=0&fonts=Arial&skin=3267a3&font-color=auto&logo_link=podcast_page&btn-skin=60a0c8&size=315" allowfullscreen=""></iframe></div>On this episode of the&nbsp;<a href="https://hayspost.com/category/post-podcast" target="_blank">Post Podcast</a>,&nbsp;Hays Post reporter Cristina Janney speaks with Nancy Jeter, board member for Women Who Lead, about the nonprofit's sponsorship of Sunrise Park and other projects.<a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/f65fcc68-89ab-4e30-a13f-227e50ebe586">SEE RELATED STORY: Hays Sunrise Park improvements championed by Women Who Lead</a>

🎙 Post Podcast: Women Who Lead becomes sponsor of Sunrise Park

JoAnn Louise (Mayfield)
Richards, 81, of Hays, Kansas, passed away on April 13, 2025, at Via Christi
Village in Hays. She was born on October 2, 1943, to Melvin “Bud” and Leona
(Werth) Mayfield in Wichita, Kansas. JoAnn married Darrell Karlin on June 17,
1961, and together they were blessed with two sons: Kevin and Keith. They later
divorced.&nbsp; In December of 1981, JoAnn
married Roger Richards and later they divorced.&nbsp;


JoAnn grew up in Hays and
throughout her life worked as a waitress and later as a pilot car driver for
Schult Mobile Homes. She was a member of the Epsilon Sigma Alpha (ESA)
International and a member of St. Fidelis Basilica in Victoria.&nbsp; 

JoAnn had a zest for life and
loved spending time outdoors, especially at the lake, fishing and swimming. She
found joy in visiting casinos, playing BINGO and cards —especially Texas Hold
'Em. Her dogs were a special part of her life, and she cared deeply for them.&nbsp; Her laughter, quick wit, and love for family
will be dearly missed. 

JoAnn is survived by her sons,
Kevin (Robyn) Karlin of Victoria, KS and Keith (Jolene) Karlin of Salina, KS;
brother, Cliff (Fran) Mayfield of Hays, KS; six grandchildren: Dustin
(Danielle), Dillon, Dallas, Desirae, Krystal, Kassandra (Zach); and nine great-grandchildren.

She is preceded in death by
her parents, Bud and Leona Mayfield; ex-husband, Roger Richards; brother, Gary
Mayfield; and sister Rebecca “Becky” Ganoung.

A Celebration of Life Service
will be held on Monday, April 21, 2025, at 10:30 at St. Fidelis Basilica in
Victoria. Inurnment will be at the Plainville City Cemetery at 2:00 PM. 

In lieu of flowers, memorials
are suggested to Via Christi and Hays Hospice 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.plumeroverlease.com">www.plumeroverlease.com</a>

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/4/1744981820239.jpeg" alt="JoAnn Louise (Mayfield) Richards" />
 <figcaption>JoAnn Louise (Mayfield) Richards</figcaption>
 </figure>JoAnn Louise (Mayfield)
Richards, 81, of Hays, Kansas, passed away on April 13, 2025, at Via Christi
Village in Hays. She was born on October 2, 1943, to Melvin “Bud” and Leona
(Werth) Mayfield in Wichita, Kansas. JoAnn married Darrell Karlin on June 17,
1961, and together they were blessed with two sons: Kevin and Keith. They later
divorced.&nbsp; In December of 1981, JoAnn
married Roger Richards and later they divorced.&nbsp;
JoAnn grew up in Hays and
throughout her life worked as a waitress and later as a pilot car driver for
Schult Mobile Homes. She was a member of the Epsilon Sigma Alpha (ESA)
International and a member of St. Fidelis Basilica in Victoria.&nbsp; JoAnn had a zest for life and
loved spending time outdoors, especially at the lake, fishing and swimming. She
found joy in visiting casinos, playing BINGO and cards —especially Texas Hold
'Em. Her dogs were a special part of her life, and she cared deeply for them.&nbsp; Her laughter, quick wit, and love for family
will be dearly missed. JoAnn is survived by her sons,
Kevin (Robyn) Karlin of Victoria, KS and Keith (Jolene) Karlin of Salina, KS;
brother, Cliff (Fran) Mayfield of Hays, KS; six grandchildren: Dustin
(Danielle), Dillon, Dallas, Desirae, Krystal, Kassandra (Zach); and nine great-grandchildren.She is preceded in death by
her parents, Bud and Leona Mayfield; ex-husband, Roger Richards; brother, Gary
Mayfield; and sister Rebecca “Becky” Ganoung.A Celebration of Life Service
will be held on Monday, April 21, 2025, at 10:30 at St. Fidelis Basilica in
Victoria. Inurnment will be at the Plainville City Cemetery at 2:00 PM. In lieu of flowers, memorials
are suggested to Via Christi and Hays Hospice 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.plumeroverlease.com">www.plumeroverlease.com</a>

JoAnn Louise (Mayfield) Richards

By CRISTINA JANNEY Hays Post

The Hays USD 489 school board approved almost $1 million in furniture purchases for the new high school at its meeting on April 7.

The purchases from&nbsp;Circadia are being made with bond funds.

The new school is scheduled to open in August.

HHS Principal Shawn Henderson said staff members had extensive discussions about what furniture should be transferred to the new school and what should be purchased new.

The staff reviewed the budget and the number of rooms that needed to be outfitted, and then determined a budget for each room, Henderson said.

He said you will see some changes in furniture based on the new design of the school.

The science rooms were designed to allow the lab stations to be mobile, rather than built into the wall.

The lab desks could not be moved to the new high school because the ones in the current high school are bolted in place. Those tables will be left in the current high school, which is being remodeled into a middle school.

The science teachers will have built-in lab stations at the front of their classrooms. Other teachers have requested portable, adjustbale lecterns.

Other areas of the school will be outfitted with more furniture from the current high school. Henderson said all of the furniture from the cafeteria, which is two years old, is being transferred to the new school.

New cafeteria seating will be purchased with capital outlay funds for the new middle school.

Soft seating areas where students can meet and collaborate have been added to the new school. Henderson said this is a theme in the school. At the current high school, students often have to sit on the floor in the halls when working on collaborative projects.

The school also features small group rooms throughout its premises.

&nbsp;"It's that constant conversation on how we maximize space with what we have and what we need to purchase," Henderson said.

Board member Derek Yarmer said he wished he had been able to see the agenda item earlier.

Henderson said he and other staff have put extensive time and effort into reviewing the furniture choices to get the most for the dollars spent.

Circadia sells all types of furniture and brands and worked with the school district to select the best furniture for the school at the best price, Henderson said.

"I know you don't have all of that, but from the bottom of my heart, we have dove into this totally and wholistically, brought you this podium that's there. I promise that we were looking through trying to find the best option to put in that bowl," Henderson said.

Yarmer said, "I don't have any reason to doubt you. At the end of the day, we're supposed to look over this stuff to make an informed decision, and I don't think we can actually make an informed decision without just blindly trusting."

Henderson said timing is important, so the items can be ordered, received and placed in time for the school to open in August.

Board President Curt Vajnar said he would also like more time to absorb the purchase of this amount, but he said he understood the timeline.

"Big purchases, I would like to hear about them so we have time to digest them before we have to make that vote," he said.

Vajnar thanked Henderson for all his work and said he thought the bid looked good.

The purchases were approved on a vote of 6-1, with board member Allen Park voting against.

The school board approved&nbsp;$127,812 for 103 flat-panel displays and mounts for the new Hays High building from&nbsp;Kansas City Audio-Visual of Kansas City, Missouri.

The displays will be purchased with bond funds.

Scott Summers said he was trying to lock in the price of the devices as soon as possible to avoid price increases related to tariffs, which could be 10 to 28%.

The screens are wifi compatible and can mirror computer screens, Summers said. The devices will be under warranty.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/4/1744917155628.png" alt="Furniture in a typical classroom in the new Hays High School. Courtesy image." />
 <figcaption>Furniture in a typical classroom in the new Hays High School. Courtesy image.</figcaption>
 </figure>By CRISTINA JANNEY Hays PostThe Hays USD 489 school board approved almost $1 million in furniture purchases for the new high school at its meeting on April 7.The purchases from&nbsp;Circadia are being made with bond funds.The new school is scheduled to open in August.HHS Principal Shawn Henderson said staff members had extensive discussions about what furniture should be transferred to the new school and what should be purchased new.The staff reviewed the budget and the number of rooms that needed to be outfitted, and then determined a budget for each room, Henderson said.He said you will see some changes in furniture based on the new design of the school.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/4/1744917685106.png" alt="Typical lecture classroom furniture. Courtesy image." />
 <figcaption>Typical lecture classroom furniture. Courtesy image.</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/4/1744917235491.png" alt="Typical science room furniture in the new high school. Courtesy image" />
 <figcaption>Typical science room furniture in the new high school. Courtesy image</figcaption>
 </figure>The science rooms were designed to allow the lab stations to be mobile, rather than built into the wall.The lab desks could not be moved to the new high school because the ones in the current high school are bolted in place. Those tables will be left in the current high school, which is being remodeled into a middle school.The science teachers will have built-in lab stations at the front of their classrooms. Other teachers have requested portable, adjustbale lecterns.Other areas of the school will be outfitted with more furniture from the current high school. Henderson said all of the furniture from the cafeteria, which is two years old, is being transferred to the new school.New cafeteria seating will be purchased with capital outlay funds for the new middle school.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/4/1744917306921.png" alt="Media Center furniture at the new Hays High School. Courtesy image." />
 <figcaption>Media Center furniture at the new Hays High School. Courtesy image.</figcaption>
 </figure>Soft seating areas where students can meet and collaborate have been added to the new school. Henderson said this is a theme in the school. At the current high school, students often have to sit on the floor in the halls when working on collaborative projects.The school also features small group rooms throughout its premises.&nbsp;"It's that constant conversation on how we maximize space with what we have and what we need to purchase," Henderson said.Board member Derek Yarmer said he wished he had been able to see the agenda item earlier.Henderson said he and other staff have put extensive time and effort into reviewing the furniture choices to get the most for the dollars spent.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/4/1744917531313.png" alt="Commons seating. Courtesy photo" />
 <figcaption>Commons seating. Courtesy photo</figcaption>
 </figure>Circadia sells all types of furniture and brands and worked with the school district to select the best furniture for the school at the best price, Henderson said."I know you don't have all of that, but from the bottom of my heart, we have dove into this totally and wholistically, brought you this podium that's there. I promise that we were looking through trying to find the best option to put in that bowl," Henderson said.Yarmer said, "I don't have any reason to doubt you. At the end of the day, we're supposed to look over this stuff to make an informed decision, and I don't think we can actually make an informed decision without just blindly trusting."Henderson said timing is important, so the items can be ordered, received and placed in time for the school to open in August.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/4/1744917582895.png" alt="Map of the furniture needs for the new high school. Blue represents new furniture. Yellow represents new and existing furniture and purple represents existing furniture only. Courtesy image." />
 <figcaption>Map of the furniture needs for the new high school. Blue represents new furniture. Yellow represents new and existing furniture and purple represents existing furniture only. Courtesy image.</figcaption>
 </figure>Board President Curt Vajnar said he would also like more time to absorb the purchase of this amount, but he said he understood the timeline."Big purchases, I would like to hear about them so we have time to digest them before we have to make that vote," he said.Vajnar thanked Henderson for all his work and said he thought the bid looked good.The purchases were approved on a vote of 6-1, with board member Allen Park voting against.<h2>Classroom displays</h2>The school board approved&nbsp;$127,812 for 103 flat-panel displays and mounts for the new Hays High building from&nbsp;Kansas City Audio-Visual of Kansas City, Missouri.The displays will be purchased with bond funds.Scott Summers said he was trying to lock in the price of the devices as soon as possible to avoid price increases related to tariffs, which could be 10 to 28%.The screens are wifi compatible and can mirror computer screens, Summers said. The devices will be under warranty.

Hays USD 489 spends $1M for furniture for new high school

Local land developer, Western Plains Service Corporation, a subsidiary of Golden Belt Bank, is excited to announce further lot development in Victoria, Kansas.

In 2010, Western Plains partnered with USD 432 and the City of Victoria to develop the previous site of a 9-hole golf course located directly North of the high school. The development, known as the Knights Addition, was to add a total of 40 lots, developed in three separate phases. Phase 1 was completed and 12 new homes were added to the Victoria landscape.

“We were seeing an increase in demand from people wanting to build a home, and decided it was the right time to move forward with our next phase of development in Victoria,” stated Chris Wente, President and CEO of Golden Belt Bank. Phase 2 is slated to begin this summer along an extended 13th Street East of Squires Avenue. Once complete, there will be 11 new lots available for purchase. After the 11 lots in Phase 2 are sold, Western Plains will proceed with Phase 3, developing the final 11 lots to be known as Knights Circle.

Sales prices for the lots will range from $20,000 - $21,000 and buyers must commit to beginning construction on their new home within 2 years. Thanks to a partnership with the City of Victoria, these lots will not have special assessments. Additionally, new construction on these lots will be eligible for the City of Victoria’s Neighborhood Revitalization Plan (NRP). Under the program, qualified owners will be refunded approximately 70% of their real estate taxes during their first 10 years of ownership. “This unique structure provides a truly affordable path to building your own home, and we are excited to be playing a part in this story,” expressed Wente.

Over the past 50 years, Western Plains has completed many land developments in Ellis County. Across the over 450 acres that Western Plains has developed sits 1,000 single family homes, 50 duplexes, 10 apartment buildings and 20 businesses. One of its most recognizable and newest developments is the Smoky Hill Addition located at 41st Street and Smoky Hill Drive in Hays.

Reservations are currently being accepted for Phase 2 lots. If you are interested, please contact Chris Dreiling or Chris Wente at Golden Belt Bank in Hays at 785-625-7345.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/4/1744903282133.jpeg" alt="Knights Addition Phase II Lot Plat" />
 <figcaption>Knights Addition Phase II Lot Plat</figcaption>
 </figure>SubmittedLocal land developer, Western Plains Service Corporation, a subsidiary of Golden Belt Bank, is excited to announce further lot development in Victoria, Kansas.In 2010, Western Plains partnered with USD 432 and the City of Victoria to develop the previous site of a 9-hole golf course located directly North of the high school. The development, known as the Knights Addition, was to add a total of 40 lots, developed in three separate phases. Phase 1 was completed and 12 new homes were added to the Victoria landscape.“We were seeing an increase in demand from people wanting to build a home, and decided it was the right time to move forward with our next phase of development in Victoria,” stated Chris Wente, President and CEO of Golden Belt Bank. Phase 2 is slated to begin this summer along an extended 13th Street East of Squires Avenue. Once complete, there will be 11 new lots available for purchase. After the 11 lots in Phase 2 are sold, Western Plains will proceed with Phase 3, developing the final 11 lots to be known as Knights Circle.Sales prices for the lots will range from $20,000 - $21,000 and buyers must commit to beginning construction on their new home within 2 years. Thanks to a partnership with the City of Victoria, these lots will not have special assessments. Additionally, new construction on these lots will be eligible for the City of Victoria’s Neighborhood Revitalization Plan (NRP). Under the program, qualified owners will be refunded approximately 70% of their real estate taxes during their first 10 years of ownership. “This unique structure provides a truly affordable path to building your own home, and we are excited to be playing a part in this story,” expressed Wente.Over the past 50 years, Western Plains has completed many land developments in Ellis County. Across the over 450 acres that Western Plains has developed sits 1,000 single family homes, 50 duplexes, 10 apartment buildings and 20 businesses. One of its most recognizable and newest developments is the Smoky Hill Addition located at 41st Street and Smoky Hill Drive in Hays.Reservations are currently being accepted for Phase 2 lots. If you are interested, please contact Chris Dreiling or Chris Wente at Golden Belt Bank in Hays at 785-625-7345.

Local land developer brings new residential lots to Victoria

The Hays school board approved the school fees for the 2025-26 school year at its meeting on April 7.

All fees will remain the same, except for school lunches, which have increased by 5 cents at each grade level, and the afterschool care fee, which will increase from $4 per day to $5 per day.

The district will continue to provide free breakfast for all students.

Board member Allen Park suggested offering a fee discount to families with multiple children. 

Superintendent Ron Wilson said he did not support a fee reduction. The district has had historical fee reductions, and that has decreased the available funds for textbooks and other classroom materials.

With the planned adoption of a new English curriculum, the FY2026 carryover is estimated to be only $6,059, from an FY2025 budget of more than $1.2 million.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/3/1741714465522.jpeg" alt="Image courtesy of Pixabay" />
 <figcaption>Image courtesy of Pixabay</figcaption>
 </figure>By CRISTINA JANNEY Hays PostThe Hays school board approved the school fees for the 2025-26 school year at its meeting on April 7.All fees will remain the same, except for school lunches, which have increased by 5 cents at each grade level, and the afterschool care fee, which will increase from $4 per day to $5 per day.The district will continue to provide free breakfast for all students.Board member Allen Park suggested offering a fee discount to families with multiple children. Superintendent Ron Wilson said he did not support a fee reduction. The district has had historical fee reductions, and that has decreased the available funds for textbooks and other classroom materials.With the planned adoption of a new English curriculum, the FY2026 carryover is estimated to be only $6,059, from an FY2025 budget of more than $1.2 million.The full fee schedule is below.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/4/1744915960859.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>

Hays USD 489 approves school fees for 25-26 school year

TOPEKA&nbsp;–&nbsp;Governor Laura Kelly&nbsp;recently appointed&nbsp;Jennifer O’Hare&nbsp;of&nbsp;Lincoln to the new&nbsp;12th&nbsp;Judicial District judge position created through&nbsp;Kansas Supreme Court Administrative Order 2024-JA-096,&nbsp;which&nbsp;eliminates&nbsp;a district magistrate position and adds&nbsp;a new district judgeship.&nbsp;&nbsp;

The 12th Judicial District is composed of Cloud, Jewell, Lincoln, Mitchell, Republic, and Washington counties.

“Judge&nbsp;Jennifer O’Hare&nbsp;has&nbsp;a broad range of&nbsp;legal experience, including&nbsp;20&nbsp;years&nbsp;as a county attorney and&nbsp;more than four years as district magistrate judge,” Kelly said. “Her&nbsp;substantial experience in various practice areas and her&nbsp;connection to her community will make her an even greater asset to the&nbsp;12th&nbsp;Judicial District as she undertakes the duties of district&nbsp;court&nbsp;judge.”&nbsp;

O’Hare&nbsp;has been&nbsp;the&nbsp;Lincoln County&nbsp;Magistrate Judge for the&nbsp;12th&nbsp;District&nbsp;since December 2021.&nbsp;She&nbsp;has also been a&nbsp;municipal judge for the cities of Lincoln, Lucas, and Wilson.&nbsp;

She is active in the legal community with memberships&nbsp;in&nbsp;the Kansas District Magistrate Judge Association, Kansas Municipal Judge Association,&nbsp;Supreme Court Learning Center Committee, and the&nbsp;12th&nbsp;Judicial District Department of Corrections Advisory.&nbsp;

O’Hare earned&nbsp;a&nbsp;bachelor’s degree at Fort Hays State University and&nbsp;a&nbsp;juris doctor from&nbsp;Oklahoma City University Law School.&nbsp;

“I am deeply honored and sincerely grateful to Governor Kelly for entrusting me with this important responsibility,”&nbsp;said O’Hare. “I am committed to serving the citizens of the 12th Judicial District with integrity, fairness, and respect, and to upholding our district’s strong tradition of judicial excellence.”&nbsp;

District court judges in the 12th Judicial District are appointed by the governor.&nbsp;After serving one year in office, the new district judge must stand for a retention vote in the next general election to&nbsp;remain&nbsp;in the position. If&nbsp;retained, the incumbent will serve a four-year term.&nbsp;

The other nominees&nbsp;for this position&nbsp;were&nbsp;Guy Steier, Nels Noel, and Robert Walsh.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/12/1702678815334.jpg" alt="Photo by Pixabay" />
 <figcaption>Photo by Pixabay</figcaption>
 </figure>Office of Governor KellyTOPEKA&nbsp;–&nbsp;Governor Laura Kelly&nbsp;recently appointed&nbsp;Jennifer O’Hare&nbsp;of&nbsp;Lincoln to the new&nbsp;12th&nbsp;Judicial District judge position created through&nbsp;Kansas Supreme Court Administrative Order 2024-JA-096,&nbsp;which&nbsp;eliminates&nbsp;a district magistrate position and adds&nbsp;a new district judgeship.&nbsp;&nbsp;The 12th Judicial District is composed of Cloud, Jewell, Lincoln, Mitchell, Republic, and Washington counties.“Judge&nbsp;Jennifer O’Hare&nbsp;has&nbsp;a broad range of&nbsp;legal experience, including&nbsp;20&nbsp;years&nbsp;as a county attorney and&nbsp;more than four years as district magistrate judge,” Kelly said. “Her&nbsp;substantial experience in various practice areas and her&nbsp;connection to her community will make her an even greater asset to the&nbsp;12th&nbsp;Judicial District as she undertakes the duties of district&nbsp;court&nbsp;judge.”&nbsp;O’Hare&nbsp;has been&nbsp;the&nbsp;Lincoln County&nbsp;Magistrate Judge for the&nbsp;12th&nbsp;District&nbsp;since December 2021.&nbsp;She&nbsp;has also been a&nbsp;municipal judge for the cities of Lincoln, Lucas, and Wilson.&nbsp;She is active in the legal community with memberships&nbsp;in&nbsp;the Kansas District Magistrate Judge Association, Kansas Municipal Judge Association,&nbsp;Supreme Court Learning Center Committee, and the&nbsp;12th&nbsp;Judicial District Department of Corrections Advisory.&nbsp;O’Hare earned&nbsp;a&nbsp;bachelor’s degree at Fort Hays State University and&nbsp;a&nbsp;juris doctor from&nbsp;Oklahoma City University Law School.&nbsp;“I am deeply honored and sincerely grateful to Governor Kelly for entrusting me with this important responsibility,”&nbsp;said O’Hare. “I am committed to serving the citizens of the 12th Judicial District with integrity, fairness, and respect, and to upholding our district’s strong tradition of judicial excellence.”&nbsp;District court judges in the 12th Judicial District are appointed by the governor.&nbsp;After serving one year in office, the new district judge must stand for a retention vote in the next general election to&nbsp;remain&nbsp;in the position. If&nbsp;retained, the incumbent will serve a four-year term.&nbsp;The other nominees&nbsp;for this position&nbsp;were&nbsp;Guy Steier, Nels Noel, and Robert Walsh.&nbsp;

FHSU alumnus appointed to new 12th Judicial District judge position

CLAY
CENTER – The Hays High baseball team lost twice at Clay Center Thursday, 8-7 and
4-0. The Indians have now dropped three-straight and fall to 6-4 on the season.

Game 1: Clay Center 8, Hays 7
 Hays scored four in the first and two in the second to build an early 6-1 lead
but the Tigers answered with five in the fifth to take a 7-6 lead. After the
Indians scored a run in the top of the sixth, Clay Center answered with a two-out
RBI single in the bottom of the inning to retake the lead. HHS got a leadoff
single in the seventh but the next three batters were retired.

Brett
Rhoades got the Indians on the board with a one-out RBI double in the first.
Johnny Cano later scored on a wild pitch. Ian McGuire added an RBI single and Bennet
Smith drove in a run with a sacrifice fly.

Jalen
Smtih drew a bases loaded walk and Rhoades scored on a wild pitch to push the
lead to 6-1 in the top of the second.

Cooper
Johnson had three of the Indians nine hits and had two stolen bases. Rhoades
added two doubles.

Cano
allowed two runs (one earned) on three hits with three strikeouts and a walk in
1 2/3 innings relief and took the loss. 

Starter
Trenton Welch allowed six runs on three hits with four walks and four strikeouts
over 4 1/3 innings.

Game 2: Clay Center 4, Hays 0
 The Tigers scored single runs in the first and second then two in the bottom of
the sixth.

Starter
Jalen Smith allowed two runs on seven hits with a strikeout and walk over three
innings and took the loss.

Cooper
Johnson and Camden Sanders both had doubles and combined for two of the Indians
three hits.

Hays Post SportsCLAY
CENTER – The Hays High baseball team lost twice at Clay Center Thursday, 8-7 and
4-0. The Indians have now dropped three-straight and fall to 6-4 on the season.Game 1: Clay Center 8, Hays 7
 Hays scored four in the first and two in the second to build an early 6-1 lead
but the Tigers answered with five in the fifth to take a 7-6 lead. After the
Indians scored a run in the top of the sixth, Clay Center answered with a two-out
RBI single in the bottom of the inning to retake the lead. HHS got a leadoff
single in the seventh but the next three batters were retired.Brett
Rhoades got the Indians on the board with a one-out RBI double in the first.
Johnny Cano later scored on a wild pitch. Ian McGuire added an RBI single and Bennet
Smith drove in a run with a sacrifice fly.Jalen
Smtih drew a bases loaded walk and Rhoades scored on a wild pitch to push the
lead to 6-1 in the top of the second.Cooper
Johnson had three of the Indians nine hits and had two stolen bases. Rhoades
added two doubles.Cano
allowed two runs (one earned) on three hits with three strikeouts and a walk in
1 2/3 innings relief and took the loss. Starter
Trenton Welch allowed six runs on three hits with four walks and four strikeouts
over 4 1/3 innings.Game 2: Clay Center 4, Hays 0
 The Tigers scored single runs in the first and second then two in the bottom of
the sixth.Starter
Jalen Smith allowed two runs on seven hits with a strikeout and walk over three
innings and took the loss.Cooper
Johnson and Camden Sanders both had doubles and combined for two of the Indians
three hits.

⚾ Indians swept at Clay Center

GREAT
BEND – The Hays High girls finished second and boys third at Thursday’s Jack Bowman Track and Field Invitational hosted by Great Bend high school. The girls scored 118.75
points, 43.25 behind first place Andale. The boys scored 120 points and were
three back of second-place Andale and 13 behind first place Bishop Carroll.

The
girls won five events and were led by sophomore Lyndi Zimmerman who broke the school
record in the 100 hurdles (14.57). The previous school record was 14.81 was set by Kristin Fleharty in 2008. Zimmerman now has the fastest time in Class 5A and the second fastest in all classes. She was also on the first-place 4x100 relay along
with Mariah Hallam, Lynsi Kanak and Kamryn McCall. Their time of 49.58 is the second fastest in 5A.

The
other girls first place finishers were Katie Linenberger in the high jump (5-6), Zoe
Winter in the shot put (37-9.50) and Aralen Maupin in the 400 (1:01.96).

The
boys had three first place finishes. Kamani Jones won the high jump (6-4). He finished second in the long jump and triple jump as well as the 4x100 relay. Jack Zeller
won the discus (158-7) and Dalton Meyers the javelin (168-8).

Among
the second place finishes for the Hays girls was Lynsi Kanek in the long
jump, Brooke Bieker the triple jump and Rylen Harrington the javelin.

The boys second place finishes included Jaxson Chartier in the shot put, Taevian
Maupin-Dabney the 400, Bryce Steffan the 300 hurdles and the 4x100 relay consisting
of Holden Lind, Michael Watson, Braxton Basgall and Kamani Jones.

Hays Post SportsGREAT
BEND – The Hays High girls finished second and boys third at Thursday’s Jack Bowman Track and Field Invitational hosted by Great Bend high school. The girls scored 118.75
points, 43.25 behind first place Andale. The boys scored 120 points and were
three back of second-place Andale and 13 behind first place Bishop Carroll.The
girls won five events and were led by sophomore Lyndi Zimmerman who broke the school
record in the 100 hurdles (14.57). The previous school record was 14.81 was set by Kristin Fleharty in 2008. Zimmerman now has the fastest time in Class 5A and the second fastest in all classes. She was also on the first-place 4x100 relay along
with Mariah Hallam, Lynsi Kanak and Kamryn McCall. Their time of 49.58 is the second fastest in 5A.The
other girls first place finishers were Katie Linenberger in the high jump (5-6), Zoe
Winter in the shot put (37-9.50) and Aralen Maupin in the 400 (1:01.96).The
boys had three first place finishes. Kamani Jones won the high jump (6-4). He finished second in the long jump and triple jump as well as the 4x100 relay. Jack Zeller
won the discus (158-7) and Dalton Meyers the javelin (168-8).Among
the second place finishes for the Hays girls was Lynsi Kanek in the long
jump, Brooke Bieker the triple jump and Rylen Harrington the javelin.The boys second place finishes included Jaxson Chartier in the shot put, Taevian
Maupin-Dabney the 400, Bryce Steffan the 300 hurdles and the 4x100 relay consisting
of Holden Lind, Michael Watson, Braxton Basgall and Kamani Jones.

🏃‍♀️ Zimmerman breaks school record, HHS girls second in Great Bend

WICHITA, Kan. - The 23rd-ranked Fort Hays State baseball team fell to Newman 15-9 on a blustery Thursday afternoon at McCarthy Field. The teams combined to hit seven home runs on the day, including four from the Jets (10-28, 6-22 MIAA) and three from the Tigers (27-11, 21-6 MIAA).

Ty Riley&nbsp;got the start and struck out seven batters in five-plus innings of work, giving the senior 95 strikeouts on the year. That total ties the FHSU single season school record set 48 years ago by Kevin Jilka (1977).

Fort Hays State opened the scoring early and often, with the first five batters coming across to score. Tony Moore and Trey DeGarmo&nbsp;both worked walks while Isiah Ural singled, loading the bases for Derek Woolwine. The designated hitter made it 2-0 with a single to left before Brady Kreutzer&nbsp;smashed his ninth home run of the season, driving in three RBI and giving the Tigers a quick 5-0 lead.

Newman's starting pitcher Aleks Koppel settled in after that, retiring 14 of the next 15 batters he faced. The Jet bats, meanwhile, slowly chipped away at the lead, pushing across one run in the first, another in the second, two in the third and the game-tying run in the fourth.

The Tigers regained the lead in the top of the seventh when&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/baseball/roster/luis-ayala/8413">Luis Ayala</a>&nbsp;stroked a one-out double to left field. Moore followed with a two-run home run, giving FHSU a 7-5 advantage. Jose Cintron&nbsp;added another home run three batters later after a Jet error, doubling the Tiger lead to 9-5.The Jets answered right back with three runs in the bottom of the seventh before taking the lead for the first time all game with seven runs in the home half of the eighth. The Tigers had one runner reach in both the eighth and ninth innings, but were unable to push any more runs across.

Riley allowed five runs on five hits and six walks, with&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/baseball/roster/brett-jacobs/8423">Brett Jacobs</a>&nbsp;tossing two innings and allowing four runs on five hits and two strikeouts. Brandon Chavez&nbsp;(6-1) took the loss after surrendering six runs on four hits and one walk in one inning of relief.

Woolwine collected two of FHSU's eight hits and drove in two RBI. Kreutzer led the team with three RBI while Moore and Ural both scored twice.

Due to potential weather in the Wichita area on Saturday, the teams will wrap up the series with a doubleheader on Friday beginning at noon.&nbsp;&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/4/1744971204738.png" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure>FHSU AthleticsWICHITA, Kan. - The 23rd-ranked Fort Hays State baseball team fell to Newman 15-9 on a blustery Thursday afternoon at McCarthy Field. The teams combined to hit seven home runs on the day, including four from the Jets (10-28, 6-22 MIAA) and three from the Tigers (27-11, 21-6 MIAA).Ty Riley&nbsp;got the start and struck out seven batters in five-plus innings of work, giving the senior 95 strikeouts on the year. That total ties the FHSU single season school record set 48 years ago by Kevin Jilka (1977).Fort Hays State opened the scoring early and often, with the first five batters coming across to score. Tony Moore and Trey DeGarmo&nbsp;both worked walks while Isiah Ural singled, loading the bases for Derek Woolwine. The designated hitter made it 2-0 with a single to left before Brady Kreutzer&nbsp;smashed his ninth home run of the season, driving in three RBI and giving the Tigers a quick 5-0 lead.Newman's starting pitcher Aleks Koppel settled in after that, retiring 14 of the next 15 batters he faced. The Jet bats, meanwhile, slowly chipped away at the lead, pushing across one run in the first, another in the second, two in the third and the game-tying run in the fourth.The Tigers regained the lead in the top of the seventh when&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/baseball/roster/luis-ayala/8413">Luis Ayala</a>&nbsp;stroked a one-out double to left field. Moore followed with a two-run home run, giving FHSU a 7-5 advantage. Jose Cintron&nbsp;added another home run three batters later after a Jet error, doubling the Tiger lead to 9-5.The Jets answered right back with three runs in the bottom of the seventh before taking the lead for the first time all game with seven runs in the home half of the eighth. The Tigers had one runner reach in both the eighth and ninth innings, but were unable to push any more runs across.Riley allowed five runs on five hits and six walks, with&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/baseball/roster/brett-jacobs/8423">Brett Jacobs</a>&nbsp;tossing two innings and allowing four runs on five hits and two strikeouts. Brandon Chavez&nbsp;(6-1) took the loss after surrendering six runs on four hits and one walk in one inning of relief.Woolwine collected two of FHSU's eight hits and drove in two RBI. Kreutzer led the team with three RBI while Moore and Ural both scored twice.UP NEXTDue to potential weather in the Wichita area on Saturday, the teams will wrap up the series with a doubleheader on Friday beginning at noon.&nbsp;&nbsp;

⚾ Riley ties single season strikeout record; No. 23 Tigers fall to Jets

NEWTON - The Hays High boys golf team finished seventh out of 21 teams at Thursday's Newton Invitational at the Sand Creek Golf Course.

Caleb Thompson led the Indians with a 12-over par 84 and finished in 19th place.

Maize South won the team title with a 322, five shots ahead of second-place Bishop Carroll. The Indians fired a 362.

Garden City's&nbsp;Maddix Shook was individual champ with a 2-over par 74.

HHS Results Caleb Thompson - 84&nbsp; - 19th Cooper Johnson - 90 - 38th Miles Weimer - 92&nbsp; - 44th Mason Simmons - 96 68th

Hays Post SportsNEWTON - The Hays High boys golf team finished seventh out of 21 teams at Thursday's Newton Invitational at the Sand Creek Golf Course.Caleb Thompson led the Indians with a 12-over par 84 and finished in 19th place.Maize South won the team title with a 322, five shots ahead of second-place Bishop Carroll. The Indians fired a 362.Garden City's&nbsp;Maddix Shook was individual champ with a 2-over par 74.HHS Results Caleb Thompson - 84&nbsp; - 19th Cooper Johnson - 90 - 38th Miles Weimer - 92&nbsp; - 44th Mason Simmons - 96 68th

⛳ Indians seventh at Newton Invitational

DODGE
CITY – The Hays High softball team split their first two games of the Dodge City
Classic at Legends Park. The Indians beat Wichita Northwest 16-0 then lost to
Derby 12-1.

Hays
will play Goddard Eisenhower Friday at 10 a.m. then Maize South at 2 p.m.

Hays 16, Wichita Northwest 0 (4 innings)
 Jaylee Summers didn’t allow a hit as the Indians made short work of the Grizzlies.
Summers stuck out six and walked two in the run-rule victory.

Hays
struck for eight runs in the bottom of the first then added four in the second
and four more in the fourth.

Riley
Dreher, Lanie Becker and Brynlee Rupp all had two hits. Dreher drove in four
runs.



Derby 12, Hays 1 (5 innings)
 The Panthers scored two in the second, three in the third and five in the third.

Hays
committed six errors which resulted in eight of Derby’s runs being unearned.

The
Indians were held to only two hits in the game. Alyse Zimmerman drove in the lone
run with a two-out single in the second inning.

Riley
Dreher allowed five runs (one earned) on three hits over two innings and took
the loss.

Hays Post SportsDODGE
CITY – The Hays High softball team split their first two games of the Dodge City
Classic at Legends Park. The Indians beat Wichita Northwest 16-0 then lost to
Derby 12-1.Hays
will play Goddard Eisenhower Friday at 10 a.m. then Maize South at 2 p.m.Hays 16, Wichita Northwest 0 (4 innings)
 Jaylee Summers didn’t allow a hit as the Indians made short work of the Grizzlies.
Summers stuck out six and walked two in the run-rule victory.Hays
struck for eight runs in the bottom of the first then added four in the second
and four more in the fourth.Riley
Dreher, Lanie Becker and Brynlee Rupp all had two hits. Dreher drove in four
runs.

Derby 12, Hays 1 (5 innings)
 The Panthers scored two in the second, three in the third and five in the third.Hays
committed six errors which resulted in eight of Derby’s runs being unearned.The
Indians were held to only two hits in the game. Alyse Zimmerman drove in the lone
run with a two-out single in the second inning.Riley
Dreher allowed five runs (one earned) on three hits over two innings and took
the loss.

🥎 HHS splits first two games at Dodge City Classic

🎥 Fort Hays State Rodeo Night 1 Watch Here

JOPLIN, Mo. - The Fort Hays State softball team dropped both ends of a doubleheader against Missouri Southern Thursday afternoon on the road, losing 2-1 in the opener before falling 10-0 in game two. The Tigers dip to 23-17 on the year and 8-12 in conference play, while the Lions are now 32-16 overall and 12-8 in MIAA action.

Game 1: Missouri Southern 2, Fort Hays State 1 FHSU's&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/softball/roster/morgan-schmidt/8190">Morgan Schmidt</a>&nbsp;and MSSU's Kiki Pickens were locked in a pitcher's duel in the opener, with the pair combining to allow just two earned runs on eight hits while striking out a combined nine hitters.

The Tigers had their first real chance to score in the third when Pickens started the inning by issuing a pair of walks to last two hitters in FHSU's lineup.&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/softball/roster/lilliana-ramirez-johnson/8189">Lilliana Ramirez-Johnson</a>&nbsp;followed with a single, loading the bases with no outs.&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/softball/roster/jules-bosco/8199">Jules Bosco</a>&nbsp;kept things rolling with an RBI single, but the Lions were able to get out of the inning without further damage thanks to a strikeout and a lineout double play.

After giving up a leadoff single in the bottom of the first, Schmidt retired 13 straight batters to keep the Lions at bay. MSSU did not have another base runner until the fifth inning before finally breaking through with two runs in the bottom of the sixth. A two-out walk extended the inning before MSSU tied the score with an RBI triple. Schmidt then got a pop up that could have ended the inning but was misplayed, giving the Lions a 2-1 lead.

Pickens retired 14 in a row after the third inning before&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/softball/roster/lexi-mohr/8187">Lexi Mohr</a>&nbsp;gave the Tigers a chance with a two-out single in the top of the seventh.&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/softball/roster/paige-thexton/8200">Paige Thexton</a>&nbsp;followed with another single before the Lions escaped with the win on a routine groundout to short.

Schmidt (11-7) allowed one earned run on three hits and one walk while striking out six batters over her six-inning complete game.

Game 2: Missouri Southern 10, Fort Hays State 0 (5 innings) The Tigers managed runners in four of the five innings but were unable to push any runs across, while the Lions put up three crooked numbers with two runs in the first, four in the second and four more in the fourth.

<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/softball/roster/savanah-egger/8183">Savanah Egger</a>&nbsp;(10-10) suffered the loss after allowing 10 runs on 12 hits and three walks in 4.0 innings of work, striking out three Lions.&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/softball/roster/abbey-duarte/8206">Abbey Duarte</a>&nbsp;collected two of FHSU's three hits in the game, with&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/softball/roster/paige-thexton/8200">Paige Thexton</a>&nbsp;adding the final Tiger base knock.

The Tigers will make the short drive from Joplin to Pittsburg, Kan. to take on 24th-ranked Pittsburg State in another conference doubleheader on Friday (April 18) beginning at noon.&nbsp;&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/4/1744971677289.png" alt="FHSU Athletics photo" />
 <figcaption>FHSU Athletics photo</figcaption>
 </figure>FHSU AthleticsJOPLIN, Mo. - The Fort Hays State softball team dropped both ends of a doubleheader against Missouri Southern Thursday afternoon on the road, losing 2-1 in the opener before falling 10-0 in game two. The Tigers dip to 23-17 on the year and 8-12 in conference play, while the Lions are now 32-16 overall and 12-8 in MIAA action.Game 1: Missouri Southern 2, Fort Hays State 1 FHSU's&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/softball/roster/morgan-schmidt/8190">Morgan Schmidt</a>&nbsp;and MSSU's Kiki Pickens were locked in a pitcher's duel in the opener, with the pair combining to allow just two earned runs on eight hits while striking out a combined nine hitters.The Tigers had their first real chance to score in the third when Pickens started the inning by issuing a pair of walks to last two hitters in FHSU's lineup.&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/softball/roster/lilliana-ramirez-johnson/8189">Lilliana Ramirez-Johnson</a>&nbsp;followed with a single, loading the bases with no outs.&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/softball/roster/jules-bosco/8199">Jules Bosco</a>&nbsp;kept things rolling with an RBI single, but the Lions were able to get out of the inning without further damage thanks to a strikeout and a lineout double play.After giving up a leadoff single in the bottom of the first, Schmidt retired 13 straight batters to keep the Lions at bay. MSSU did not have another base runner until the fifth inning before finally breaking through with two runs in the bottom of the sixth. A two-out walk extended the inning before MSSU tied the score with an RBI triple. Schmidt then got a pop up that could have ended the inning but was misplayed, giving the Lions a 2-1 lead.Pickens retired 14 in a row after the third inning before&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/softball/roster/lexi-mohr/8187">Lexi Mohr</a>&nbsp;gave the Tigers a chance with a two-out single in the top of the seventh.&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/softball/roster/paige-thexton/8200">Paige Thexton</a>&nbsp;followed with another single before the Lions escaped with the win on a routine groundout to short.Schmidt (11-7) allowed one earned run on three hits and one walk while striking out six batters over her six-inning complete game.Game 2: Missouri Southern 10, Fort Hays State 0 (5 innings) The Tigers managed runners in four of the five innings but were unable to push any runs across, while the Lions put up three crooked numbers with two runs in the first, four in the second and four more in the fourth.<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/softball/roster/savanah-egger/8183">Savanah Egger</a>&nbsp;(10-10) suffered the loss after allowing 10 runs on 12 hits and three walks in 4.0 innings of work, striking out three Lions.&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/softball/roster/abbey-duarte/8206">Abbey Duarte</a>&nbsp;collected two of FHSU's three hits in the game, with&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/softball/roster/paige-thexton/8200">Paige Thexton</a>&nbsp;adding the final Tiger base knock.UP NEXTThe Tigers will make the short drive from Joplin to Pittsburg, Kan. to take on 24th-ranked Pittsburg State in another conference doubleheader on Friday (April 18) beginning at noon.&nbsp;&nbsp;

🥎 Tigers swept at Missouri Southern

BY:&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/author/mchilson/">MORGAN CHILSON</a> <a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2025/02/24/gov-laura-kelly-skeptical-kansas-houses-anti-tenure-legislation-will-reach-her-desk/">Kansas Reflector</a>

TOPEKA — Kansans can expect to see more of their tax dollars at work within local communities when new rules go into effect next year at the agency in charge of investing state funds.

It’s a version of the “Shop Local” concept in the investment world, said Alex Orel, spokesman for the Kansas Bankers Association, one of the major backers of&nbsp;<a href="https://kslegislature.gov/li/b2025_26/measures/HB2152/" target="_blank">House Bill 2152</a>, which makes multiple changes affecting banks statewide.

“I think long-term, this is going to be a proposal that’s going to benefit the local governments, our local communities and the state,” Orel said. “Our taxes should be invested here, or as much of them as we can anyway.”

The Pooled Money Investment Board is responsible for investing state general fund dollars and other money deposited with the state treasurer’s office. Among its programs is the Kansas Bank CD Program, which offers Kansas banks the opportunity to invest in certificates of deposit. Depending on the interest rate, which is set weekly, banks can determine whether they want to buy a CD and use those dollars to make loans in their local communities, said Mark Schifferdecker, chairman, president and CEO of GNBank in Girard.

PMIB has been required to get the highest rate of return possible for its CDs, Orel said.

While that makes good investment sense for state dollars, the CD rate was typically set using high-yielding investments, which are above U.S. treasuries, he said. That left Kansas banks no incentive to participate when they could get lower rates elsewhere.

As a result, the Kansas Bank CD Program began to disappear from PMIB’s investment portfolio. As of March 31, it was only 0.48% of the $8.5 billion invested by PMIB, meaning that most of the state’s funds are being invested outside the state.

Schifferdecker said a decade ago, the CD program investment was 10 to 15% of the portfolio.

New regulations included in HB 2152, in effect Jan. 1, 2026, will allow PMIB to offer a more competitive rate, as much as 2% lower, which is expected to increase program participation and bring tax dollars to local banks, which will then distribute them through loans to their customers.

Brent Shelton, Sedgwick County’s deputy chief financial officer, said HB 2152 has an impact on counties.

Portions of the bill addressed ways to make it easier for banks to hold deposits of county money, along with the increased access to capital through the CD program, he said.

“We give our local banks the first opportunity to keep that money local,” Shelton said. “It also preserves our ability to get a market rate on that money. That helps economic development efforts, makes more money available for lending to local business. All in all, (HB 2152) was a great compromise. Everybody won.”

The “compromise” Shelton referred to was disagreement between county officials and the banking industry on the first version of the bill. In fact, there were about 20 opponents when it was first presented.

Schifferdecker said the Kansas Bankers Association led the charge to draw all the parties to the table and work out the issues. The result was that opponents either switched to becoming proponents or took a neutral stance, he said.

“How often do you see that at the federal and state government anymore?” Schifferdecker said. “I think we made it better. We didn’t everything we wanted — Kansas Bankers Association and me as a banker. They didn’t get everything they wanted. We met in the middle.”

Both county officials and PMIB officials were concerned the bill could potentially decrease their investment income. The&nbsp;<a href="https://kslegislature.gov/li/b2025_26/measures/documents/supp_note_hb2152_02_0000.pdf" target="_blank">fiscal note on the bill</a>&nbsp;once it was amended points to decreased revenue for the Kansas Bank CD Program, adding that increased participation in the program is expected.

State General Fund revenues are estimated to decrease by $4.5 million in FY 2026 and by $9 million in FY 2027.

“This analysis only details the impact to the PMIB and does not consider any potential benefits that may be realized from money deposited,” the supplemental note said.

Such longer-term benefits that bankers like Schifferdecker are excited about. A Fort Hays State study, funded by the Kansas Bankers Association, explained the ripple effect seen in communities when banks invest locally.

Specifically, this study considered that when dollars are deposited in a local bank, which can then loan them out repeatedly, their impact on the community will multiply by as much as seven times through increased economic activities.

The study, completed by Emily Breit, policy fellow at the Docking Institute of Public Affairs, found that with the impact of increased income, property and other taxes earned when investments are made in Kansas, out-of-state investments would need to offer rates 3.15% higher than local rates to make the state better off. For example, if a local bank is offering a rate of 5%, then the decision to invest outside the state instead would only generate more value if the outside investment was 8.15% or higher.

“As a community bank, we can loan that money back out to businesses and farmers and consumers,” Schifferdecker said. “We’re not looking at 80% of Kansas money going to be invested in CDs — just to get that back to 10% would be respectable.”

Additional money being invested through rural banks like Schifferbecker’s is another important factor for the state, he said.

“It’s a game changer. Our little bank, we’re in 15 rural markets across Kansas and eastern Colorado. In some of those we’re the only bank in town,” he said. “We can take that money and loan that money back out. We’ve got lots of loan demand, particularly in this ag economy right now, and it’s really critical for us in order for us to grow. There’s only a certain amount of deposits in our little communities. The counties and school districts, they keep quite a bit of money on hand, and if we can attract more of that money, 100% of that money is going to be lent back out to the community.”

Schifferbecker understands why the state invests money outside of its borders to get a higher rate of return. Still, he was glad Kansas lawmakers recognized that long-term benefits will build from what they want to accomplish with HB 2152.

“Money invested locally truly has the multiplier effect; it’s going to raise your tax revenues. Farmers, businesses can expand and grow,” he said. “You make more money and that’s going to create tax revenue.”

Orel at KBA said the banking landscape has changed. This type of support is meaningful for all banks, but especially those in more sparsely populated areas.

“Our community banks don’t have the necessary liquidity they used to have,” he said. “This bill will allow them another liquidity option.”

The banking challenges are reflected in the data from Breit’s study. In 1984, there were 690 FDIC-insured banks and thrifts in Kansas, a number that dropped to 204 by the end of 2023. Number of bank locations grew from 216 to 1,100 in that same time period. Community banks play an important role, Breit’s research said, by maintaining banking services in rural areas where larger banking businesses don’t typically locate.

“We’re so happy,” Schifferdecker said. “I was just tickled when it passed the Senate overwhelmingly and then the House.”

The bill passed the Senate 40-0 and the House 117-5.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/4/1744833918938.png" alt="The Kansas Bankers Association was one of the lead proponents of a bill that aims to put more Kansas taxpayer dollars to work in local communities. (Morgan Chilson/Kansas Reflector)" />
 <figcaption>The Kansas Bankers Association was one of the lead proponents of a bill that aims to put more Kansas taxpayer dollars to work in local communities. (Morgan Chilson/Kansas Reflector)</figcaption>
 </figure>BY:&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/author/mchilson/">MORGAN CHILSON</a> <a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2025/02/24/gov-laura-kelly-skeptical-kansas-houses-anti-tenure-legislation-will-reach-her-desk/">Kansas Reflector</a>TOPEKA — Kansans can expect to see more of their tax dollars at work within local communities when new rules go into effect next year at the agency in charge of investing state funds.It’s a version of the “Shop Local” concept in the investment world, said Alex Orel, spokesman for the Kansas Bankers Association, one of the major backers of&nbsp;<a href="https://kslegislature.gov/li/b2025_26/measures/HB2152/" target="_blank">House Bill 2152</a>, which makes multiple changes affecting banks statewide.“I think long-term, this is going to be a proposal that’s going to benefit the local governments, our local communities and the state,” Orel said. “Our taxes should be invested here, or as much of them as we can anyway.”The Pooled Money Investment Board is responsible for investing state general fund dollars and other money deposited with the state treasurer’s office. Among its programs is the Kansas Bank CD Program, which offers Kansas banks the opportunity to invest in certificates of deposit. Depending on the interest rate, which is set weekly, banks can determine whether they want to buy a CD and use those dollars to make loans in their local communities, said Mark Schifferdecker, chairman, president and CEO of GNBank in Girard.PMIB has been required to get the highest rate of return possible for its CDs, Orel said.While that makes good investment sense for state dollars, the CD rate was typically set using high-yielding investments, which are above U.S. treasuries, he said. That left Kansas banks no incentive to participate when they could get lower rates elsewhere.As a result, the Kansas Bank CD Program began to disappear from PMIB’s investment portfolio. As of March 31, it was only 0.48% of the $8.5 billion invested by PMIB, meaning that most of the state’s funds are being invested outside the state.Schifferdecker said a decade ago, the CD program investment was 10 to 15% of the portfolio.New regulations included in HB 2152, in effect Jan. 1, 2026, will allow PMIB to offer a more competitive rate, as much as 2% lower, which is expected to increase program participation and bring tax dollars to local banks, which will then distribute them through loans to their customers.<h2>At the county level</h2>Brent Shelton, Sedgwick County’s deputy chief financial officer, said HB 2152 has an impact on counties.Portions of the bill addressed ways to make it easier for banks to hold deposits of county money, along with the increased access to capital through the CD program, he said.“We give our local banks the first opportunity to keep that money local,” Shelton said. “It also preserves our ability to get a market rate on that money. That helps economic development efforts, makes more money available for lending to local business. All in all, (HB 2152) was a great compromise. Everybody won.”The “compromise” Shelton referred to was disagreement between county officials and the banking industry on the first version of the bill. In fact, there were about 20 opponents when it was first presented.Schifferdecker said the Kansas Bankers Association led the charge to draw all the parties to the table and work out the issues. The result was that opponents either switched to becoming proponents or took a neutral stance, he said.“How often do you see that at the federal and state government anymore?” Schifferdecker said. “I think we made it better. We didn’t everything we wanted — Kansas Bankers Association and me as a banker. They didn’t get everything they wanted. We met in the middle.”<h2>The challenges</h2>Both county officials and PMIB officials were concerned the bill could potentially decrease their investment income. The&nbsp;<a href="https://kslegislature.gov/li/b2025_26/measures/documents/supp_note_hb2152_02_0000.pdf" target="_blank">fiscal note on the bill</a>&nbsp;once it was amended points to decreased revenue for the Kansas Bank CD Program, adding that increased participation in the program is expected.State General Fund revenues are estimated to decrease by $4.5 million in FY 2026 and by $9 million in FY 2027.“This analysis only details the impact to the PMIB and does not consider any potential benefits that may be realized from money deposited,” the supplemental note said.Such longer-term benefits that bankers like Schifferdecker are excited about. A Fort Hays State study, funded by the Kansas Bankers Association, explained the ripple effect seen in communities when banks invest locally.Specifically, this study considered that when dollars are deposited in a local bank, which can then loan them out repeatedly, their impact on the community will multiply by as much as seven times through increased economic activities.The study, completed by Emily Breit, policy fellow at the Docking Institute of Public Affairs, found that with the impact of increased income, property and other taxes earned when investments are made in Kansas, out-of-state investments would need to offer rates 3.15% higher than local rates to make the state better off. For example, if a local bank is offering a rate of 5%, then the decision to invest outside the state instead would only generate more value if the outside investment was 8.15% or higher.“As a community bank, we can loan that money back out to businesses and farmers and consumers,” Schifferdecker said. “We’re not looking at 80% of Kansas money going to be invested in CDs — just to get that back to 10% would be respectable.”<h2>A ‘game-changer’ for rural banks</h2>Additional money being invested through rural banks like Schifferbecker’s is another important factor for the state, he said.“It’s a game changer. Our little bank, we’re in 15 rural markets across Kansas and eastern Colorado. In some of those we’re the only bank in town,” he said. “We can take that money and loan that money back out. We’ve got lots of loan demand, particularly in this ag economy right now, and it’s really critical for us in order for us to grow. There’s only a certain amount of deposits in our little communities. The counties and school districts, they keep quite a bit of money on hand, and if we can attract more of that money, 100% of that money is going to be lent back out to the community.”Schifferbecker understands why the state invests money outside of its borders to get a higher rate of return. Still, he was glad Kansas lawmakers recognized that long-term benefits will build from what they want to accomplish with HB 2152.“Money invested locally truly has the multiplier effect; it’s going to raise your tax revenues. Farmers, businesses can expand and grow,” he said. “You make more money and that’s going to create tax revenue.”Orel at KBA said the banking landscape has changed. This type of support is meaningful for all banks, but especially those in more sparsely populated areas.“Our community banks don’t have the necessary liquidity they used to have,” he said. “This bill will allow them another liquidity option.”The banking challenges are reflected in the data from Breit’s study. In 1984, there were 690 FDIC-insured banks and thrifts in Kansas, a number that dropped to 204 by the end of 2023. Number of bank locations grew from 216 to 1,100 in that same time period. Community banks play an important role, Breit’s research said, by maintaining banking services in rural areas where larger banking businesses don’t typically locate.“We’re so happy,” Schifferdecker said. “I was just tickled when it passed the Senate overwhelmingly and then the House.”The bill passed the Senate 40-0 and the House 117-5.

New law pushes for Kansas taxpayer dollars to be invested within local communities

A check for $21,306 was presented to Developmental Services of Northwest Kansas from the Dancing Together for DSNWK event held on Sunday, March 2 at Beach Schmidt Performing Arts Center in Hays. 

Hays High School senior Allison Dreiling and Thomas More Prep-Marian senior Macara Rohr along with Alyssa Dechant with Styles Dance Centre presented the check on Thursday, April 3.

Styles Dance Centre has hosted the event for several years with this year raising the most money of any other year. A large raffle with a variety of donated prizes was also a contributing factor to the success of the recital.

Thirty-seven individuals served by DSNWK participated in the recital which featured dances by both the dancers at Styles, HHS Cheer, Fort Hays State University Tiger Debs as well as special group dances featuring individuals served by DSNWK.

“This event is really inspiring,” said Dechant. “ It's truly my favorite show of our season.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/4/1744385235607.jpeg" alt="Dancing Together for DSNWK. Photo by DSNWK" />
 <figcaption>Dancing Together for DSNWK. Photo by DSNWK</figcaption>
 </figure>DSNWKA check for $21,306 was presented to Developmental Services of Northwest Kansas from the Dancing Together for DSNWK event held on Sunday, March 2 at Beach Schmidt Performing Arts Center in Hays. Hays High School senior Allison Dreiling and Thomas More Prep-Marian senior Macara Rohr along with Alyssa Dechant with Styles Dance Centre presented the check on Thursday, April 3.Styles Dance Centre has hosted the event for several years with this year raising the most money of any other year. A large raffle with a variety of donated prizes was also a contributing factor to the success of the recital.Thirty-seven individuals served by DSNWK participated in the recital which featured dances by both the dancers at Styles, HHS Cheer, Fort Hays State University Tiger Debs as well as special group dances featuring individuals served by DSNWK.“This event is really inspiring,” said Dechant. “ It's truly my favorite show of our season.”

Dancing Together for DSNWK raises more than $21,000

Congratulations to&nbsp;Gary Pinkall, who&nbsp;finished just one point behind in second place and receives $100 in Chamber Checks in Fort Hays Tech North Central March Mania Bracket Challenge from Hays Post!

Bob Mickelson was the first-place winner.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/4/1744901443997.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Congratulations to&nbsp;Gary Pinkall, who&nbsp;finished just one point behind in second place and receives $100 in Chamber Checks in Fort Hays Tech North Central March Mania Bracket Challenge from Hays Post!Bob Mickelson was the first-place winner.

Fort Hays Tech North Central March Mania Bracket Challenge 2nd-place winner

The National Weather Service in Dodge City has issued a red flag warning for wind and low relative humidity, which is in effect from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Thursday.

Affectted counties include Trego-Ellis-Scott-Lane-Ness-Rush-Hamilton-Kearny-Finney-Hodgeman-Pawnee-Stafford-Stanton-Grant-Haskell-Gray-Ford-Edwards-Kiowa-Pratt-Morton-Stevens-Seward-Meade-Clark-Comanche-Barber

A red flag warning means that critical fire weather conditions are either occurring now, or will shortly. A combination of strong winds, low relative humidity, and warm temperatures can contribute to extreme fire behavior.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/4/1744886075141.png" alt="National Weather Service, Dodge City" />
 <figcaption>National Weather Service, Dodge City</figcaption>
 </figure>Hays PostThe National Weather Service in Dodge City has issued a red flag warning for wind and low relative humidity, which is in effect from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Thursday.Affectted counties include Trego-Ellis-Scott-Lane-Ness-Rush-Hamilton-Kearny-Finney-Hodgeman-Pawnee-Stafford-Stanton-Grant-Haskell-Gray-Ford-Edwards-Kiowa-Pratt-Morton-Stevens-Seward-Meade-Clark-Comanche-BarberA red flag warning means that critical fire weather conditions are either occurring now, or will shortly. A combination of strong winds, low relative humidity, and warm temperatures can contribute to extreme fire behavior.

Red flag warning issued for Ellis County Thursday

By TONY GUERRERO Hays Post

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/4/1744827015453.jpeg" alt="A Lewis Chevrolet of Hays sign outside the former Hays Chevrolet location. Courtesy photo" />
 <figcaption>A Lewis Chevrolet of Hays sign outside the former Hays Chevrolet location. Courtesy photo</figcaption>
 </figure>By TONY GUERRERO Hays PostA new name is rolling into town, but the same trusted team is staying behind the wheel as Hays Chevrolet is now Lewis Chevrolet of Hays.Lewis Automotive Group made the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.facebook.com/lewisautomotivegroup">announcement</a>&nbsp;on social media on Tuesday. The transition is led by Lewis Automotive owner Brad Lewis and his sister, Jamey Lewis-Gonzales."This is more than just a new location, it's the continuation of a legacy that Wayne and Karol Kieffer built over the past 18 years with hard work, dedication and a genuine love for the Hays community," Brad said.Saying he admired and respected Wayne, Lewis said Wayne will still be the general manager. He praised Wayne’s approach to treating customers like family and his commitment to serving the community."I'm personally grateful to Wayne for his trust in allowing us to carry that torch forward," Brad said.Lewis said customers can look forward to seeing the same familiar faces, an increase in Chevrolet inventory, a doubling of the size of used car inventory and the support of the Lewis family.He said the group remains dedicated to serving the Hays area with the same integrity, transparency and community focus it has demonstrated across Kansas."We're not just here to sell cars, we're here to be a part of the fabric of this community," Lewis said.You can follow Lewis Chevrolet of Hays on&nbsp;<a href="https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61575257579432">Facebook</a>&nbsp;for the latest updates, new Chevrolet arrivals, community events and special deals.