Hays High vs Dodge City Thursday, April 10th – 4:00 p.m.&nbsp; Hays, Kan. - Bickle Schmidt Sports Complex

Radio: KFIX (96.9)&nbsp;<a href="https://radio.securenetsystems.net/cwa/KFIX">CLICK HERE TO LISTEN</a> Video: Hays High Sports Network:&nbsp;<a href="https://vcloud.hudl.com/broadcast/embed/2343480">CLICK HERE TO WATCH $$</a>

Hays High (5-0, 1-0) resumes their three game series with Western Athletic Conference opponent Dodge City (0-5, 0-3) today. The double header will be played at Bickle Schmidt Sports Complex. The Indians defeated the Red Demons in Dodge City on Tuesday by the score of 15-0 in three innings.

First pitch&nbsp; is set for 4:oo p.m. on the Hays High Sports Network.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/9/1694699014932.jpeg" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure>Hays High vs Dodge City Thursday, April 10th – 4:00 p.m.&nbsp; Hays, Kan. - Bickle Schmidt Sports ComplexRadio: KFIX (96.9)&nbsp;<a href="https://radio.securenetsystems.net/cwa/KFIX">CLICK HERE TO LISTEN</a> Video: Hays High Sports Network:&nbsp;<a href="https://vcloud.hudl.com/broadcast/embed/2343480">CLICK HERE TO WATCH $$</a>Hays High (5-0, 1-0) resumes their three game series with Western Athletic Conference opponent Dodge City (0-5, 0-3) today. The double header will be played at Bickle Schmidt Sports Complex. The Indians defeated the Red Demons in Dodge City on Tuesday by the score of 15-0 in three innings.First pitch&nbsp; is set for 4:oo p.m. on the Hays High Sports Network.

🥎🎥 Hays High hosts Dodge City

Barry Alan Carter, 70, of Russell,
Kansas, died on Monday, April 07, 2025, at the Hays Medical Center in Hays,
Kansas.

Barry was born on February 11,
1955, in Topeka, Kansas, the son of Ernest L. and Twila Mae (Vonfeldt)
Carter.&nbsp; He moved to Russell in 1960, at
age 5, when his father changed jobs.&nbsp; He
grew up in Russell and graduated from Russell High School in the class of
1973.&nbsp; After high school, he graduated
with an associates degree from Barton Community College and his bachelor’s in
business degree from Ft. Hays State University. He was owner and operator of
Docks Boat and RV for over 40 years.&nbsp; He
is a member of St. Mary Queen of Angels Catholic Church in Russell.&nbsp; He was a 4th degree Knights of
Columbus member and a member of the Shriners and Elks of Russell.&nbsp; He enjoyed boating, hunting, fishing and
being an honorary uncle to Russell kids.&nbsp;
Most of all he enjoyed spending time with his family, especially his
brothers, sisters, nieces and nephews.

Surviving family include his
brothers Jim Carter (Janie) and Mark Carter (DeAnna) all of Russell, Kansas;
sisters Debbie Beck (Don) and Tamera Carter and aunt Shirley Bellinder all of
Topeka, Kansas and numerous nieces and nephews.&nbsp;
He was preceded in death by his parents and nephew Joey Carter.

A celebration of the funeral mass
for Barry will be held at 10:30 A.M. on Tuesday, April 15, 2025, at the St.
Mary Queen of Angels Catholic Church in Russell, Kansas.&nbsp; Burial will follow at the St. Mary Catholic
Cemetery in Russell.&nbsp; Visitation will be
from 9 A.M. to 5 P.M. on Monday, April 14, 2025, at the mortuary.&nbsp; The rosary and vigil will be held at 7 P.M.
on Monday evening, April 14, 2025, at the church.&nbsp; Memorials may be given to the Joey Carter
Memorial Fund and sent in care of the mortuary.&nbsp;
Pohlman-Varner-Peeler Mortuary of Russell, Kansas, is in charge of the
funeral service arrangements.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/4/1744299676561.jpeg" alt="Barry Alan Carter" />
 <figcaption>Barry Alan Carter</figcaption>
 </figure>Barry Alan Carter, 70, of Russell,
Kansas, died on Monday, April 07, 2025, at the Hays Medical Center in Hays,
Kansas.Barry was born on February 11,
1955, in Topeka, Kansas, the son of Ernest L. and Twila Mae (Vonfeldt)
Carter.&nbsp; He moved to Russell in 1960, at
age 5, when his father changed jobs.&nbsp; He
grew up in Russell and graduated from Russell High School in the class of
1973.&nbsp; After high school, he graduated
with an associates degree from Barton Community College and his bachelor’s in
business degree from Ft. Hays State University. He was owner and operator of
Docks Boat and RV for over 40 years.&nbsp; He
is a member of St. Mary Queen of Angels Catholic Church in Russell.&nbsp; He was a 4th degree Knights of
Columbus member and a member of the Shriners and Elks of Russell.&nbsp; He enjoyed boating, hunting, fishing and
being an honorary uncle to Russell kids.&nbsp;
Most of all he enjoyed spending time with his family, especially his
brothers, sisters, nieces and nephews.Surviving family include his
brothers Jim Carter (Janie) and Mark Carter (DeAnna) all of Russell, Kansas;
sisters Debbie Beck (Don) and Tamera Carter and aunt Shirley Bellinder all of
Topeka, Kansas and numerous nieces and nephews.&nbsp;
He was preceded in death by his parents and nephew Joey Carter.A celebration of the funeral mass
for Barry will be held at 10:30 A.M. on Tuesday, April 15, 2025, at the St.
Mary Queen of Angels Catholic Church in Russell, Kansas.&nbsp; Burial will follow at the St. Mary Catholic
Cemetery in Russell.&nbsp; Visitation will be
from 9 A.M. to 5 P.M. on Monday, April 14, 2025, at the mortuary.&nbsp; The rosary and vigil will be held at 7 P.M.
on Monday evening, April 14, 2025, at the church.&nbsp; Memorials may be given to the Joey Carter
Memorial Fund and sent in care of the mortuary.&nbsp;
Pohlman-Varner-Peeler Mortuary of Russell, Kansas, is in charge of the
funeral service arrangements.

Barry Alan Carter

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/4/1744129196965.jpeg" alt="Hays Toy Show" />
 <figcaption>Hays Toy Show</figcaption>
 </figure>Submitted

11th annual Hays Toy Show is Saturday at Ellis Co. Fairgrounds

The next Healing Hearts Grief Support meeting will be Thursday, April 17.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/4/1744293918005.png" alt="Healing Heart-Hays" />
 <figcaption>Healing Heart-Hays</figcaption>
 </figure>SubmittedThe next Healing Hearts Grief Support meeting will be Thursday, April 17.

Healing Heart-Hays meets 3rd Thursday of each month

An update on project work by the Hays Youth Leadership Advisory Board will be heard by city commissioners during their meeting this afternoon.

Also to be presented is the city's 2024 audit by Adams Brown, Hays.

The complete April 10 agenda is available <a href="https://www.haysusa.com/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_04102025-1538">here</a>.&nbsp;

The meeting begins at 4 p.m. in Hays City Hall, 1507 Main.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/3/1584721067731.jpeg" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure>Hays PostAn update on project work by the Hays Youth Leadership Advisory Board will be heard by city commissioners during their meeting this afternoon.Also to be presented is the city's 2024 audit by Adams Brown, Hays.The complete April 10 agenda is available <a href="https://www.haysusa.com/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_04102025-1538">here</a>.&nbsp;The meeting begins at 4 p.m. in Hays City Hall, 1507 Main.&nbsp;

Hays Youth Leadership Advisory Board to present update to city commission today

By <a href="https://kansasreflector.com/author/tim-carpenter/">TIM CARPENTER</a> <a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2025/04/08/kansas-board-of-educations-informal-school-policy-discussion-proves-informative/?emci=4e11d4a7-b414-f011-8b3d-0022482a9fb7&amp;emdi=d21bf603-2115-f011-8b3d-0022482a9fb7&amp;ceid=115039">Kansas Reflector</a>

<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/author/tim-carpenter/"></a>TOPEKA — A policy retreat offered the Kansas Board of Education opportunity to explore how local school boards could be liberated from much of the state’s educational bureaucracy by reshaping standards to emphasize instruction in the basics of reading, writing and math.

Conservatives on the 10-member state Board of Education expressed support Monday in personal and philosophical terms for a shift toward fundamental subjects. During the informal gathering at a Topeka office building, right-leaning members said time had come to curtail state mandates bearing down on 284 school districts serving nearly 500,000 students.

Cathy Hopkins, Hays, who serves as chair of the state Board of Education and represents District 5 covering much of western Kansas, said the board was guilty of piling burdensome responsibilities on teachers and administrators. It could be necessary to jettison a large portion of state mandates to improve the ability of local districts to deliver for students in fundamental subject areas, she said.

Her personal agenda for the upcoming two years centered on helping students excel in reading and writing because prowess in those core areas would create an educational ripple effect on student learning.

“How do we get back to that? The core,” said Leavenworth state board member Danny Zeck, who serves as the board’s vice chair. “Get rid of all this Barbra Streisand stuff that we’re doing. What we’re doing now … is not working. We need to get down to the basic stuff for these kids — that they can read and write and do arithmetic and maybe there’s some computer skills and go from there.”

State board member Debby Potter of Garden Plain said accreditation standards for public schools set by the state board had to be condensed.

“There’s a whole range of people and they don’t all have to know math at the level of every other one to be successful,” Potter said.

She indicted the state board should be operating at a 20,000-foot level in terms of academic directives. Local school boards should be allowed to fill in details of academic standards to reflect the character or needs of individual districts.

“God made us to want to learn and gain something we don’t have. All we have to do is provide the tools,” said Hutchinson board member Dennis Hershberger.

He said young children were being harmed by parents who gave them a PlayStation gaming device instead of a box of Crayons. He said he yearned for the past when a jar of pencils on a shelf or a chalkboard at the front of the classroom were keys to the educational experience.

Randy Watson, commissioner of the Kansas State Department of Education, began the policy retreat by emphasizing the value of public service performed by the state Board of Education members. He asked the eight board members in attendance to consider policy amendments that could be accomplished in the next two years, but requested each be framed in terms of children and their families.

“This isn’t about trying to bait people,” Watson said. “All of you not only serve different parts of the state, you come at this job from a different perspective.”

He reminded board members of Article 6, Section 2 of the Kansas Constitution that declared the Kansas Legislature “shall provide for a state Board of Education, which shall have general supervision of public schools.” And, Article 6, Section 6 of the document: “The Legislature shall make suitable provision for finance of the educational interests of the state.”

Interpretation of those constitutional duties has prompted major legal battles every 20 years of so that ultimately were addressed by the Kansas Supreme Court, he said.

“You have a lot of authority, as does a local board,” Watson said. “What does a kindergartner need? What does a third-grader need? How do you build that? We can’t do everything.”

Politically moderate members of the state Board of Education said during the retreat in Topeka that Kansas ought to maintain a central role in the academic evolution of school districts statewide. They said the state board’s mission of delivering educational opportunity to all students had to remain a cornerstone of Kansas’ pre-kindergarten through high school public education system.

There was discussion of students’ demand for instruction in life skills, which have been designed by the state board to prepare graduates for a career or college.

Board member Betty Arnold of Wichita said compaction of instruction to reading, writing and math to the exclusion of other parts of a person’s education ignored reality because many students arrived in public school buildings ill-equipped to learn. Time devoted to mentally preparing students to succeed in school and life shouldn’t be viewed as an extravagance, she said.

“It’s more difficult to teach a kid who does not believe in him or herself,” Arnold said. “No students come to us the same way.”

Hershberger, the Hutchinson state board member, said he was “old-school” and recalled how he struggled emotionally as a child to overcome barriers to reading aloud in class. Students experience real education when they accomplished something they didn’t know they were capable of doing, he said.

“Every child unless there is some mental disability … has the capability of learning to read no matter what their background is,” Hershberger said.

In response, Arnold said it would be wrong for a state board member to transfer personal school experiences from decades ago to decisions about what was necessary to educate children in this era and the future.

“We have to be able to live outside of our own story,” Arnold said.

Melanie Haas, a state board member from Overland Park, said state board placed proper emphasis on a commitment to individual plans of study for students as well as issues related to values and morality. She said the Kansas Education Systems Accreditation program, which was crafted so district-level decisions were made about improving educational opportunity, was in place.

“We’re right in the middle of it. We’re doing it,” Haas said.

In terms of statewide reform, she said, it was imperative the state board concentrate on improving school culture by minimizing friction between teachers and administrators.

“When you have a great administrator who gives autonomy to those in school, you see that in student success,” Haas said. “When you have someone who is micromanaging and telling teachers what to do, and ruling, I think that’s where you see these cultures start to break down.”

She said surveys showed students welcomed instruction in life skills tied to personal, academic and vocational success, including social-emotional learning, practical skills for daily living and character development.

Zeck, the northeast Kansas member of the state board, said he was frustrated with emphasis on life skills in public schools.

“If we’re going to talk about life skills, I would like it to be black and white and not a whole bunch of gray,” Zeck said. “If we’re going to simplify things, then we need to simplify them and not have all this gray stuff.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/4/1744208911399.jpeg" alt="Kansas State Board of Education chair Cathy Hopkins, Hays, center, shares the opinion of some of her peers about the need to streamline state board mandates so local school boards and districts can best address the fundamentals of student instruction in math, reading and writing. (Kansas Reflector screen capture of state board’s livestream)" />
 <figcaption>Kansas State Board of Education chair Cathy Hopkins, Hays, center, shares the opinion of some of her peers about the need to streamline state board mandates so local school boards and districts can best address the fundamentals of student instruction in math, reading and writing. (Kansas Reflector screen capture of state board’s livestream)</figcaption>
 </figure>By <a href="https://kansasreflector.com/author/tim-carpenter/">TIM CARPENTER</a> <a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2025/04/08/kansas-board-of-educations-informal-school-policy-discussion-proves-informative/?emci=4e11d4a7-b414-f011-8b3d-0022482a9fb7&amp;emdi=d21bf603-2115-f011-8b3d-0022482a9fb7&amp;ceid=115039">Kansas Reflector</a><a href="https://kansasreflector.com/author/tim-carpenter/"></a>TOPEKA — A policy retreat offered the Kansas Board of Education opportunity to explore how local school boards could be liberated from much of the state’s educational bureaucracy by reshaping standards to emphasize instruction in the basics of reading, writing and math.Conservatives on the 10-member state Board of Education expressed support Monday in personal and philosophical terms for a shift toward fundamental subjects. During the informal gathering at a Topeka office building, right-leaning members said time had come to curtail state mandates bearing down on 284 school districts serving nearly 500,000 students.Cathy Hopkins, Hays, who serves as chair of the state Board of Education and represents District 5 covering much of western Kansas, said the board was guilty of piling burdensome responsibilities on teachers and administrators. It could be necessary to jettison a large portion of state mandates to improve the ability of local districts to deliver for students in fundamental subject areas, she said.Her personal agenda for the upcoming two years centered on helping students excel in reading and writing because prowess in those core areas would create an educational ripple effect on student learning.“How do we get back to that? The core,” said Leavenworth state board member Danny Zeck, who serves as the board’s vice chair. “Get rid of all this Barbra Streisand stuff that we’re doing. What we’re doing now … is not working. We need to get down to the basic stuff for these kids — that they can read and write and do arithmetic and maybe there’s some computer skills and go from there.”State board member Debby Potter of Garden Plain said accreditation standards for public schools set by the state board had to be condensed.“There’s a whole range of people and they don’t all have to know math at the level of every other one to be successful,” Potter said.She indicted the state board should be operating at a 20,000-foot level in terms of academic directives. Local school boards should be allowed to fill in details of academic standards to reflect the character or needs of individual districts.“God made us to want to learn and gain something we don’t have. All we have to do is provide the tools,” said Hutchinson board member Dennis Hershberger.He said young children were being harmed by parents who gave them a PlayStation gaming device instead of a box of Crayons. He said he yearned for the past when a jar of pencils on a shelf or a chalkboard at the front of the classroom were keys to the educational experience.<h2>Peering into future</h2>Randy Watson, commissioner of the Kansas State Department of Education, began the policy retreat by emphasizing the value of public service performed by the state Board of Education members. He asked the eight board members in attendance to consider policy amendments that could be accomplished in the next two years, but requested each be framed in terms of children and their families.“This isn’t about trying to bait people,” Watson said. “All of you not only serve different parts of the state, you come at this job from a different perspective.”He reminded board members of Article 6, Section 2 of the Kansas Constitution that declared the Kansas Legislature “shall provide for a state Board of Education, which shall have general supervision of public schools.” And, Article 6, Section 6 of the document: “The Legislature shall make suitable provision for finance of the educational interests of the state.”Interpretation of those constitutional duties has prompted major legal battles every 20 years of so that ultimately were addressed by the Kansas Supreme Court, he said.“You have a lot of authority, as does a local board,” Watson said. “What does a kindergartner need? What does a third-grader need? How do you build that? We can’t do everything.”Politically moderate members of the state Board of Education said during the retreat in Topeka that Kansas ought to maintain a central role in the academic evolution of school districts statewide. They said the state board’s mission of delivering educational opportunity to all students had to remain a cornerstone of Kansas’ pre-kindergarten through high school public education system.There was discussion of students’ demand for instruction in life skills, which have been designed by the state board to prepare graduates for a career or college.<h2>‘Our own story’</h2>Board member Betty Arnold of Wichita said compaction of instruction to reading, writing and math to the exclusion of other parts of a person’s education ignored reality because many students arrived in public school buildings ill-equipped to learn. Time devoted to mentally preparing students to succeed in school and life shouldn’t be viewed as an extravagance, she said.“It’s more difficult to teach a kid who does not believe in him or herself,” Arnold said. “No students come to us the same way.”Hershberger, the Hutchinson state board member, said he was “old-school” and recalled how he struggled emotionally as a child to overcome barriers to reading aloud in class. Students experience real education when they accomplished something they didn’t know they were capable of doing, he said.“Every child unless there is some mental disability … has the capability of learning to read no matter what their background is,” Hershberger said.In response, Arnold said it would be wrong for a state board member to transfer personal school experiences from decades ago to decisions about what was necessary to educate children in this era and the future.“We have to be able to live outside of our own story,” Arnold said.Melanie Haas, a state board member from Overland Park, said state board placed proper emphasis on a commitment to individual plans of study for students as well as issues related to values and morality. She said the Kansas Education Systems Accreditation program, which was crafted so district-level decisions were made about improving educational opportunity, was in place.“We’re right in the middle of it. We’re doing it,” Haas said.In terms of statewide reform, she said, it was imperative the state board concentrate on improving school culture by minimizing friction between teachers and administrators.“When you have a great administrator who gives autonomy to those in school, you see that in student success,” Haas said. “When you have someone who is micromanaging and telling teachers what to do, and ruling, I think that’s where you see these cultures start to break down.”She said surveys showed students welcomed instruction in life skills tied to personal, academic and vocational success, including social-emotional learning, practical skills for daily living and character development.Zeck, the northeast Kansas member of the state board, said he was frustrated with emphasis on life skills in public schools.“If we’re going to talk about life skills, I would like it to be black and white and not a whole bunch of gray,” Zeck said. “If we’re going to simplify things, then we need to simplify them and not have all this gray stuff.”

KS Board of Education’s conservative wing emphasizes desire to focus on core subjects

A classic case of good versus evil is coming to Fort Hays State University this week.

Jekyll &amp; Hyde, the 1990 musical based on Robert Louis Stevenson’s 1886 novella, will run Friday and Saturday at 7:30 p.m. and Sunday, April 13 at 2:30 p.m. in FHSU’s Felten-Start Theatre. 

On this episode of the Hays Post Podcast, Jeff Leiker, host of The Morning Blend on KAYS Radio, talks with&nbsp;Dr. Terry Crull, professor of music and director of Jekyll &amp; Hyde. &nbsp;

<div><iframe title="Post Podcast: 'Jekyll & Hyde' musical presented by FHSU" 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=8s6zx-1876f8f-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>A classic case of good versus evil is coming to Fort Hays State University this week.Jekyll &amp; Hyde, the 1990 musical based on Robert Louis Stevenson’s 1886 novella, will run Friday and Saturday at 7:30 p.m. and Sunday, April 13 at 2:30 p.m. in FHSU’s Felten-Start Theatre. On this episode of the Hays Post Podcast, Jeff Leiker, host of The Morning Blend on KAYS Radio, talks with&nbsp;Dr. Terry Crull, professor of music and director of Jekyll &amp; Hyde. &nbsp;

🎙Post Podcast: 'Jekyll & Hyde' musical presented by FHSU this weekend

MIAMI COUNTY, Kan. —Law enforcement are investigating the meth overdose involving a toddler.

Just before noon Wednesday, police were dispatched to 320 Pacific Avenue in Osawatomie for a 2-year-old inn medical distress, according to a media release from police.

First responders were informed the girl was having a seizure due to ingesting an unknown amount of methamphetamine. When police arrived the child was in critical condition. Miami County EMS transported the child to Children's Mercy Hospiital.

During the investigation, officers applied for and received a search warrant for the home, and found a small amount of marijuana along with meth and marijuana paraphernalia.

Police also learned that, in fear of getting in trouble, the biological mother of the child never called for medical attention for the child. The woman did destroy, "flush" evidence of the meth and the child's overdose.&nbsp; A grandparent contacted police about what actually happened, according to Chief of Police David Stuteville.&nbsp;

Police took 34-year-old Jacci Marie Hays into custody on requested charges of aggravated child endangerment, interference with law enforcement, possession of drug paraphernalia and possession of marijuana.

Stuteville asked the community to keep the child and first responders who worked the case in your thoughts and prayers. "Cases like this take a toll on everyone involved."

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/4/1744281009009.png" alt="Hays photo from her drug arrest in Sept. 2024 in Johnson County" />
 <figcaption>Hays photo from her drug arrest in Sept. 2024 in Johnson County</figcaption>
 </figure>MIAMI COUNTY, Kan. —Law enforcement are investigating the meth overdose involving a toddler.Just before noon Wednesday, police were dispatched to 320 Pacific Avenue in Osawatomie for a 2-year-old inn medical distress, according to a media release from police.First responders were informed the girl was having a seizure due to ingesting an unknown amount of methamphetamine. When police arrived the child was in critical condition. Miami County EMS transported the child to Children's Mercy Hospiital.During the investigation, officers applied for and received a search warrant for the home, and found a small amount of marijuana along with meth and marijuana paraphernalia.Police also learned that, in fear of getting in trouble, the biological mother of the child never called for medical attention for the child. The woman did destroy, "flush" evidence of the meth and the child's overdose.&nbsp; A grandparent contacted police about what actually happened, according to Chief of Police David Stuteville.&nbsp;Police took 34-year-old Jacci Marie Hays into custody on requested charges of aggravated child endangerment, interference with law enforcement, possession of drug paraphernalia and possession of marijuana.Stuteville asked the community to keep the child and first responders who worked the case in your thoughts and prayers. "Cases like this take a toll on everyone involved."

Kansas mom jailed after 2-year-old overdoses on meth

Thursday, April 10
 KAYS: Kansas City
Royals vs. Minnesota Twins, 12:30pm
 KFIX: Hays High SB (DH) vs. Dodge City, 3:45pm

Friday, April 11
 KHAZ: TMP-Marian SB
(DH) vs. Holcomb, 3:45pm
 KAYS: Kansas City Royals at Cleveland Guardians, 4:30pm
 KJLS: Fort Hays State BSB vs. Northeastern State, 4:40pm

Saturday, April 12
 KAYS: Kansas City
Royals at Cleveland Guardians, 4:30pm

Sunday, April 13
 KAYS: Kansas City
Royals at Cleveland Guardians, 12:00pm

Thursday, April 10
 KAYS: Kansas City
Royals vs. Minnesota Twins, 12:30pm
 KFIX: Hays High SB (DH) vs. Dodge City, 3:45pmFriday, April 11
 KHAZ: TMP-Marian SB
(DH) vs. Holcomb, 3:45pm
 KAYS: Kansas City Royals at Cleveland Guardians, 4:30pm
 KJLS: Fort Hays State BSB vs. Northeastern State, 4:40pmSaturday, April 12
 KAYS: Kansas City
Royals at Cleveland Guardians, 4:30pmSunday, April 13
 KAYS: Kansas City
Royals at Cleveland Guardians, 12:00pm

🎧 Eagle Radio, Hull sports broadcast schedule

By MONIQUE KOERNER Cottonwood Extension District

Our HAPp program began in January 2025 and is going strong! 

Participants are learning the basics about hypertension, how to take their blood pressure at home and be in dialogue with their health care provider about the data. They are also learning about lifestyle choices that can affect their blood pressure such as diet, exercise, and stress management.

HAPp offers office hours twice a month that coach participants and answer questions around hypertension. They are also setting goals in relationship to the health goals they want to accomplish. In addition to the office hours, participants, as well as the public, are invited to the nutrition workshops.

We have had two of our nutrition workshops that also include a food demonstration. At our first workshop we discussed the role of fat in our diet and learned about how to read food labels. Our program assistant conducted a food demonstration, and participants were able to taste test a couple of delicious recipes.

The second workshop included a special guest speaker, Dr. Travis Haneke, a cardiologist from Hays Medical Center. Dr. Haneke gave an overview of hypertension from a cardiologist’s point of view and was able to answer detailed questions about what hypertension is and how it affects the body! He was a great addition to the night as we further explored how salt in our diet affects blood pressure. 

We finished the night with another food demonstration from Cottonwood District program assistant, Jacy, and she broke down the numbers for us on how using reduced sodium products in recipes affects the bottom line. We also tasted a couple of great recipes! Black bean soup and a lentil recipe were outstanding!

The participants are reporting great successes including lowered blood pressure readings and just an overall feeling of wellness after a couple months into the program. They enjoy the office hours to troubleshoot specifics for themselves as well as the group support offered at the nutrition programs. 

Most importantly, participants regularly monitor their blood pressure at home to enjoy better health in the long term.

It’s not too late to join us! We have two nutrition programs left scheduled for April 29 and May 27. In April we will discuss cooking with herbs and spices and in May we will explore ways to eat healthy when out and about. Both nights will include food demonstrations and tasting new recipes and foods.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/11/1668522152076.jpeg" alt="Monique Koerner is the Family and Community Wellness Agent with K-State Research and Extension – Cottonwood District. Courtesy photo" />
 <figcaption>Monique Koerner is the Family and Community Wellness Agent with K-State Research and Extension – Cottonwood District. Courtesy photo</figcaption>
 </figure>By MONIQUE KOERNER Cottonwood Extension DistrictOur HAPp program began in January 2025 and is going strong! Participants are learning the basics about hypertension, how to take their blood pressure at home and be in dialogue with their health care provider about the data. They are also learning about lifestyle choices that can affect their blood pressure such as diet, exercise, and stress management.HAPp offers office hours twice a month that coach participants and answer questions around hypertension. They are also setting goals in relationship to the health goals they want to accomplish. In addition to the office hours, participants, as well as the public, are invited to the nutrition workshops.We have had two of our nutrition workshops that also include a food demonstration. At our first workshop we discussed the role of fat in our diet and learned about how to read food labels. Our program assistant conducted a food demonstration, and participants were able to taste test a couple of delicious recipes.The second workshop included a special guest speaker, Dr. Travis Haneke, a cardiologist from Hays Medical Center. Dr. Haneke gave an overview of hypertension from a cardiologist’s point of view and was able to answer detailed questions about what hypertension is and how it affects the body! He was a great addition to the night as we further explored how salt in our diet affects blood pressure. We finished the night with another food demonstration from Cottonwood District program assistant, Jacy, and she broke down the numbers for us on how using reduced sodium products in recipes affects the bottom line. We also tasted a couple of great recipes! Black bean soup and a lentil recipe were outstanding!The participants are reporting great successes including lowered blood pressure readings and just an overall feeling of wellness after a couple months into the program. They enjoy the office hours to troubleshoot specifics for themselves as well as the group support offered at the nutrition programs. Most importantly, participants regularly monitor their blood pressure at home to enjoy better health in the long term.It’s not too late to join us! We have two nutrition programs left scheduled for April 29 and May 27. In April we will discuss cooking with herbs and spices and in May we will explore ways to eat healthy when out and about. Both nights will include food demonstrations and tasting new recipes and foods.

KOERNER: Hypertension Awareness and Prevention program (HAPp) update

In August of 2023, Bob Davis the voice behind some of the most memorable moments for the University of Kansas Jayhawks, was inducted into the Hays High School Athletics Hall of Fame.

Davis, who also is know for his time behind the microphone calling games for the Fort Hays State University Tigers and the Kansas City Royals died last month.&nbsp; In his memory, we present this special edition of Forward Ever: Leading in Challenging Time as Gary Shorman visits with Bob Davis from August 2023.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/4/1744141710977.png" alt="Photo courtesy University of Kansas Athletics" />
 <figcaption>Photo courtesy University of Kansas Athletics</figcaption>
 </figure>In August of 2023, Bob Davis the voice behind some of the most memorable moments for the University of Kansas Jayhawks, was inducted into the Hays High School Athletics Hall of Fame.Davis, who also is know for his time behind the microphone calling games for the Fort Hays State University Tigers and the Kansas City Royals died last month.&nbsp; In his memory, we present this special edition of Forward Ever: Leading in Challenging Time as Gary Shorman visits with Bob Davis from August 2023.<div><iframe title="Forward Ever: Hays High Athletic Hall of Fall inductee Bob Davis" 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=59w2u-14848e7-pb&from=pb6admin&share=1&download=1&rtl=0&fonts=Arial&skin=f6f6f6&font-color=auto&logo_link=podcast_page&btn-skin=3267a3&size=315" loading="lazy"></iframe></div>

🎤 Forward Ever Special Edition with radio voice Bob Davis

The Arbor Day Foundation named Hays a 2024 Tree City USA in honor of&nbsp;its commitment to plant, grow, and maintain trees to benefit its community. 

The Arbor Day Foundation is a global nonprofit with a mission to inspire people to plant, nurture and&nbsp;celebrate trees. 

Its network of more than a million supporters and partners has helped the organization plant more than 500 million trees in forests and communities across more than 60 countries since 1972.&nbsp;

The Tree City USA program has recognized cities and towns that leverage urban forestry to enhance the livability and sustainability of their local area for over 40 years. 

"We all have a role to play in shaping our future and tree champions like Hays are leading the way," said&nbsp;Michelle Saulnier, vice president of programs at the Arbor Day Foundation. "Trees are critical infrastructure, building resiliency and fostering good health in our nation's cities. We're proud Hays is among the Arbor Day Foundation's growing network of communities dedicated to creating positive impact through trees."&nbsp;

In cities and neighborhoods, trees are proven to help mitigate the urban heat island effect, reduce&nbsp;stormwater runoff, improve air quality, and boost mental and physical health. &nbsp;

When the right trees are planted in the right places, they can also reduce traffic noise, increase property values, and lower energy costs for homeowners.&nbsp;

“The desire to plant trees in the area dates back to the city’s early settlers,” said Sandy Jacobs, City of Hays mayor. “Many of those early efforts by Fort Hays soldiers, Martin Allen, and many others, can still be seen today. We are proud to continue that legacy, and the recognition from the Arbor Day Foundation remains a point of pride for the City of Hays.”&nbsp;

To earn Tree City USA recognition, a city must uphold four core standards including maintaining a tree&nbsp;board or department, having a community tree ordinance, spending at least $2 per capita on urban&nbsp;forestry, and participating in an Arbor Day celebration. 

The Arbor Day Foundation's Tree City USA program is operated in partnership with the National&nbsp;Association of State Foresters and the USDA Forest Service. 

To learn more about the program or how to apply, visit <a href="https://www.arborday.org/">arborday.org</a>.&nbsp;

About the Arbor Day Foundation&nbsp;

The Arbor Day Foundation is a global nonprofit inspiring people to plant, nurture, and celebrate trees.&nbsp;

They foster a growing community of more than 1 million leaders, innovators, planters, and supporter united by their bold belief that a more hopeful future can be shaped through the power of trees.&nbsp;

For more than 50 years, they've answered critical need with action, planting more than half a billion trees alongside their partners. And this is only the beginning.&nbsp;

The Arbor Day Foundation is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit pursuing a future where all life flourishes through the&nbsp;power of trees.

Learn more at <a href="https://www.arborday.org/">arborday.org</a>.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/4/1743780590377.jpeg" alt="Trees in Frontier Park. City of Hays" />
 <figcaption>Trees in Frontier Park. City of Hays</figcaption>
 </figure>City of HaysThe Arbor Day Foundation named Hays a 2024 Tree City USA in honor of&nbsp;its commitment to plant, grow, and maintain trees to benefit its community. The Arbor Day Foundation is a global nonprofit with a mission to inspire people to plant, nurture and&nbsp;celebrate trees. Its network of more than a million supporters and partners has helped the organization plant more than 500 million trees in forests and communities across more than 60 countries since 1972.&nbsp;The Tree City USA program has recognized cities and towns that leverage urban forestry to enhance the livability and sustainability of their local area for over 40 years. "We all have a role to play in shaping our future and tree champions like Hays are leading the way," said&nbsp;Michelle Saulnier, vice president of programs at the Arbor Day Foundation. "Trees are critical infrastructure, building resiliency and fostering good health in our nation's cities. We're proud Hays is among the Arbor Day Foundation's growing network of communities dedicated to creating positive impact through trees."&nbsp;In cities and neighborhoods, trees are proven to help mitigate the urban heat island effect, reduce&nbsp;stormwater runoff, improve air quality, and boost mental and physical health. &nbsp;When the right trees are planted in the right places, they can also reduce traffic noise, increase property values, and lower energy costs for homeowners.&nbsp;“The desire to plant trees in the area dates back to the city’s early settlers,” said Sandy Jacobs, City of Hays mayor. “Many of those early efforts by Fort Hays soldiers, Martin Allen, and many others, can still be seen today. We are proud to continue that legacy, and the recognition from the Arbor Day Foundation remains a point of pride for the City of Hays.”&nbsp;To earn Tree City USA recognition, a city must uphold four core standards including maintaining a tree&nbsp;board or department, having a community tree ordinance, spending at least $2 per capita on urban&nbsp;forestry, and participating in an Arbor Day celebration. The Arbor Day Foundation's Tree City USA program is operated in partnership with the National&nbsp;Association of State Foresters and the USDA Forest Service. To learn more about the program or how to apply, visit <a href="https://www.arborday.org/">arborday.org</a>.&nbsp;About the Arbor Day Foundation&nbsp;The Arbor Day Foundation is a global nonprofit inspiring people to plant, nurture, and celebrate trees.&nbsp;They foster a growing community of more than 1 million leaders, innovators, planters, and supporter united by their bold belief that a more hopeful future can be shaped through the power of trees.&nbsp;For more than 50 years, they've answered critical need with action, planting more than half a billion trees alongside their partners. And this is only the beginning.&nbsp;The Arbor Day Foundation is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit pursuing a future where all life flourishes through the&nbsp;power of trees. Learn more at <a href="https://www.arborday.org/">arborday.org</a>.

Hays earns 2024 Tree City USA recognition from Arbor Day Foundation

COLBY — The Colby Community College Trojan basketball teams hosted the Trojan All-Stars game March 30 at the Colby Event Center. 

"It was a game to showcase the region's top athletes in the senior class, with one last time representing their school, families and teams," Coach Jerrod Stanford said. “It was a great day celebrating our local athletes, I hope they understand what an honor it is to be nominated and also the significance of sharing the game of basketball with the youth of the communities.”&nbsp;

The top senior athletes from this region in Kansas, Nebraska and Colorado are nominated by their high school coaches and selected to join their fellow all-stars.

 This year's selected class is as follows:&nbsp;

Averi Windholz (Victoria HS), Megan Trout (Scott City HS), Molly Martin (Hays HS), Karissa Keeten (Philipsburg HS), Jadyn Mangan (Greeley HS), Emily Bainter (Hoxie HS), Hallie Brooks (Norton HS), Kelvie Reeves (Russell HS), Aubrey Birney&nbsp;(Russell HS), Logan Nolan (Colby HS), Addison Poore (Osborne HS),  Grace William (Osborne HS), Briana Croisant (Otis-Bison HS), Bryan Gillespie (Quinter HS), Natalie North (Ellis HS), Kassi Kaser (Osborne HS), Maggie Labertew (Sylvan-Lucas HS), Juanita Puentes (Southwestern HTS HS), Brynn Billings (Phillipsburg HS), Kayla Jacobs (Phillipsburg HS) and Cris Valle (Weskan HS). 

Tomohito Kobari (Bel Air, KS/Sunrise Christian), Tyce Bollers (Strasburg, CO), Grant Stevens (Colby, KS), Jaryn Windholz (WaKeeney KS/Trego), Daniel Cramer (Healy, KS/Dighton), Clayton Hammeke (Burdett, KS/Pawnee Heights), Shea Salyers (Quinter, KS), Andrew Cooper (Courtland, KS/Pike Valley), Marko Pavlovic (Bel Air, KS/Sunrise Christian), Rhett Kats (Prairie View, KS/ Logan-Palco) and&nbsp; Coach Tim Simoneau. Alvaro Leyva-Loya (Syracuse, KS), Levi Renner (Oakley, KS), Trey Allen (Weskan, KS) Noah Dowell (Hoxie, KS), Mason Jackson (Oakley, KS), Brody Keller (Syracuse, KS), Josiah Irwin (Kit Carson, CO, Kit Carson), Kaden Hardy (Holcomb, KS), Zavionn Thurman (Colorado Springs, CO, Vista Ridge) and Coach Vance Keller.&nbsp;

In addition to the game they also open the gym to pour into the next generation of athletes, hosting a free Rising Stars Skills Clinic. 

The kids in attendance got to learn from the Trojan All-Stars and CCC basketball players. They take them through a series of skills drills, fun competition and team building. The event is a huge success ending with a friendly dunk contest by the men’s basketball team. 

“We had a great day celebrating the high school playing careers of several players across our region. The game was highly competitive and all the players were fun to have around. Our CCC players had a chance to give back to our community with the kids skills camp and all had a blast,” Coach Darin Spence shared. &nbsp;

Congratulations to all of the area All-Stars on the huge accomplishment of being chosen and hosted in Colby.&nbsp;

SubmittedCOLBY — The Colby Community College Trojan basketball teams hosted the Trojan All-Stars game March 30 at the Colby Event Center. "It was a game to showcase the region's top athletes in the senior class, with one last time representing their school, families and teams," Coach Jerrod Stanford said. “It was a great day celebrating our local athletes, I hope they understand what an honor it is to be nominated and also the significance of sharing the game of basketball with the youth of the communities.”&nbsp;The top senior athletes from this region in Kansas, Nebraska and Colorado are nominated by their high school coaches and selected to join their fellow all-stars. This year's selected class is as follows:&nbsp;<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/4/1743786047485.jpeg" alt="Girls All-Stars.&nbsp; Courtesy photo" />
 <figcaption>Girls All-Stars.&nbsp; Courtesy photo</figcaption>
 </figure>Girls All-Stars:&nbsp;Averi Windholz (Victoria HS), Megan Trout (Scott City HS), Molly Martin (Hays HS), Karissa Keeten (Philipsburg HS), Jadyn Mangan (Greeley HS), Emily Bainter (Hoxie HS), Hallie Brooks (Norton HS), Kelvie Reeves (Russell HS), Aubrey Birney&nbsp;(Russell HS), Logan Nolan (Colby HS), Addison Poore (Osborne HS), Grace William (Osborne HS), Briana Croisant (Otis-Bison HS), Bryan Gillespie (Quinter HS), Natalie North (Ellis HS), Kassi Kaser (Osborne HS), Maggie Labertew (Sylvan-Lucas HS), Juanita Puentes (Southwestern HTS HS), Brynn Billings (Phillipsburg HS), Kayla Jacobs (Phillipsburg HS) and Cris Valle (Weskan HS). <figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/4/1743786340718.jpeg" alt="Boys All-Stars. Courtesy photo" />
 <figcaption>Boys All-Stars. Courtesy photo</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/4/1743786403743.jpeg" alt="Boys All-Stars. Courtesy photo" />
 <figcaption>Boys All-Stars. Courtesy photo</figcaption>
 </figure>Boys All-StarsTomohito Kobari (Bel Air, KS/Sunrise Christian), Tyce Bollers (Strasburg, CO), Grant Stevens (Colby, KS), Jaryn Windholz (WaKeeney KS/Trego), Daniel Cramer (Healy, KS/Dighton), Clayton Hammeke (Burdett, KS/Pawnee Heights), Shea Salyers (Quinter, KS), Andrew Cooper (Courtland, KS/Pike Valley), Marko Pavlovic (Bel Air, KS/Sunrise Christian), Rhett Kats (Prairie View, KS/ Logan-Palco) and&nbsp; Coach Tim Simoneau. Alvaro Leyva-Loya (Syracuse, KS), Levi Renner (Oakley, KS), Trey Allen (Weskan, KS) Noah Dowell (Hoxie, KS), Mason Jackson (Oakley, KS), Brody Keller (Syracuse, KS), Josiah Irwin (Kit Carson, CO, Kit Carson), Kaden Hardy (Holcomb, KS), Zavionn Thurman (Colorado Springs, CO, Vista Ridge) and Coach Vance Keller.&nbsp;<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/4/1743786176525.jpeg" alt="Rising Stars Skills Clinic. Courtesy photo" />
 <figcaption>Rising Stars Skills Clinic. Courtesy photo</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/4/1743786255880.jpeg" alt="Rising Stars Skills Clinic. Courtesy photo" />
 <figcaption>Rising Stars Skills Clinic. Courtesy photo</figcaption>
 </figure>In addition to the game they also open the gym to pour into the next generation of athletes, hosting a free Rising Stars Skills Clinic. The kids in attendance got to learn from the Trojan All-Stars and CCC basketball players. They take them through a series of skills drills, fun competition and team building. The event is a huge success ending with a friendly dunk contest by the men’s basketball team. “We had a great day celebrating the high school playing careers of several players across our region. The game was highly competitive and all the players were fun to have around. Our CCC players had a chance to give back to our community with the kids skills camp and all had a blast,” Coach Darin Spence shared. &nbsp;Congratulations to all of the area All-Stars on the huge accomplishment of being chosen and hosted in Colby.&nbsp;

Area high school senior athletes compete in Trojan All-Stars basketball game

EMPORIA, Kan. - A complete game from Cade Flaherty&nbsp;helped the 27th-ranked Fort Hays State baseball team defeat Emporia State at the Trusler Sports Complex Wednesday afternoon, 8-1. The Tigers (24-9, 18-4 MIAA) collected 11 hits in the win, including four players with multi-hit performances, while Flaherty limited the Hornets (16-17, 9-13 MIAA) to six hits along with six strikeouts in the win.

Flaherty (3-1) scattered the six ESU hits over the first five innings before retiring 13 of the last 14 batters he faced, allowing only one walk over the final four frames. The complete game was his second nine-inning&nbsp;complete game win of the season.

The Tiger offense backed up its pitcher starting in the top of the second when Brady Kreutzer&nbsp;delivered his eighth home run of the season soaring over the fence in right field. FHSU doubled its lead in the following inning when Tony Moore&nbsp;started a two-out rally with a single. Jose Cintron&nbsp;then worked a walk on a full count to bring Trey DeGarmo&nbsp;to the plate, who singled up the middle to push the lead to 2-0.

Emporia State put together a pair of hits to trim the deficit to 2-1 in the bottom of the third, but FHSU grabbed that run right back in the top of the fourth. Kreutzer led off the inning with a double down the left field line before later coming in to score on a ground ball, pushing the lead to 3-1.

Fort Hays State extended its advantage to 4-1 in the top of the fifth when DeGarmo reached on a bunt single. Kreutzer later worked a walk to extend the inning before Isaiah Ural&nbsp;drove in a run with a single to right field.

The Tigers doubled their run total in the top of the eighth thanks to three hits and multiple free bases. Cesar Saavedra&nbsp;and Luis Ayala&nbsp;were both hit by a pitch while Cooper Howell&nbsp;reached on an infield single, loading the bases for Moore. The second baseman drove in a pair with a double into the left field corner before Cintron drove in two more with a single through the hole at short.

DeGarmo finished the game 3-for-5, while Kreutzer had a pair of extra-base hits and scored two runs. Moore and Howell also recorded two base hits each.

The MIAA-leading Tigers will return to Larks Park this weekend to host Northeastern State in a conference series. First pitch is set for 5 p.m. on Friday, 3 p.m. on Saturday and noon on Sunday.&nbsp;&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/4/1744246053968.png" alt="FHSU Athletics photo/Jordyn Bredenberg" />
 <figcaption>FHSU Athletics photo/Jordyn Bredenberg</figcaption>
 </figure>FHSU AthleticsEMPORIA, Kan. - A complete game from Cade Flaherty&nbsp;helped the 27th-ranked Fort Hays State baseball team defeat Emporia State at the Trusler Sports Complex Wednesday afternoon, 8-1. The Tigers (24-9, 18-4 MIAA) collected 11 hits in the win, including four players with multi-hit performances, while Flaherty limited the Hornets (16-17, 9-13 MIAA) to six hits along with six strikeouts in the win.Flaherty (3-1) scattered the six ESU hits over the first five innings before retiring 13 of the last 14 batters he faced, allowing only one walk over the final four frames. The complete game was his second nine-inning&nbsp;complete game win of the season.The Tiger offense backed up its pitcher starting in the top of the second when Brady Kreutzer&nbsp;delivered his eighth home run of the season soaring over the fence in right field. FHSU doubled its lead in the following inning when Tony Moore&nbsp;started a two-out rally with a single. Jose Cintron&nbsp;then worked a walk on a full count to bring Trey DeGarmo&nbsp;to the plate, who singled up the middle to push the lead to 2-0.Emporia State put together a pair of hits to trim the deficit to 2-1 in the bottom of the third, but FHSU grabbed that run right back in the top of the fourth. Kreutzer led off the inning with a double down the left field line before later coming in to score on a ground ball, pushing the lead to 3-1.Fort Hays State extended its advantage to 4-1 in the top of the fifth when DeGarmo reached on a bunt single. Kreutzer later worked a walk to extend the inning before Isaiah Ural&nbsp;drove in a run with a single to right field.The Tigers doubled their run total in the top of the eighth thanks to three hits and multiple free bases. Cesar Saavedra&nbsp;and Luis Ayala&nbsp;were both hit by a pitch while Cooper Howell&nbsp;reached on an infield single, loading the bases for Moore. The second baseman drove in a pair with a double into the left field corner before Cintron drove in two more with a single through the hole at short.DeGarmo finished the game 3-for-5, while Kreutzer had a pair of extra-base hits and scored two runs. Moore and Howell also recorded two base hits each.UP NEXTThe MIAA-leading Tigers will return to Larks Park this weekend to host Northeastern State in a conference series. First pitch is set for 5 p.m. on Friday, 3 p.m. on Saturday and noon on Sunday.&nbsp;&nbsp;

⚾ No. 27/20 Tigers top Hornets in Emporia

WINGATE, N.C. - The Fort Hays State baseball team moved up two spots to No. 20 in the latest National Collegiate Baseball Writers Association Division II Poll, released Wednesday .

The Tigers secured 121 points in the voting process, up 34 points from last week when FHSU was slotted 22nd in the rankings.

The league-leading Tigers are one of two MIAA teams in this week's NCBWA Top 25, with Central Missouri holding on to the No. 2 spot. Central Oklahoma is the only other league rival mentioned in the poll, with the Bronchos receiving votes for the second week in a row.

With 14 games remaining on the conference schedule, Fort Hays State will return to Larks Park this weekend to host Northeastern State. First pitch is set for 5 p.m. on Friday, 3 p.m. on Saturday and noon on Sunday.

2025 NCBWA National Poll - Week Nine (4/9/25) Rank - School (1st Place) - Record - Pts. - Prev .1 - Tampa (18) - 29-6 - 499 - 1 2 - Central Missouri - 25-8 - 470 - 2 3 - Angelo State (2) - 30-7 - 459 -3 4 - Westmont - 28-9 - 419 - 4 5 - North Greenville - 32-8 - 408 - 11 6 - Florida Southern - 27-8 - 381 - 6 7 - UT Tyler - 28-9 - 371 - 5 8 - Minnesota State - 24-2 - 369 - 8 9 - Millersville - 24-5 - 327 - 14 10 - Lenoir-Rhyne - 31-6 - 323 - 16 11 - Grand Valley State - 23-9 - 317 - 15 12 - Delta State - 27-10 - 249 - 12 13 - Colorado Mesa - 26-8 - 223 - 18 14 - Thomas Jefferson - 23-9 - 216 - 17 15 - Northwest Nazarene - 27-10 - 193 - 24 16 - East Stroudsburg - 24-6 - 186 - 20 17 - Catawba - 26-10 - 177 - 23 18 - Lewis - 24-6 - 153 - NR 19 - Point Loma - 22-10 - 130 - 13 20 - Fort Hays State - 23-9 - 121 - 22 21 - West Chester - 25-7 - 111 - 10 22 - Rollins - 23-10 - 96 - 21 23 - Francis Marion - 30-9 - 66 - NR 24 - Goldey-Beacom - 23-9 - 62 - 25 25 - Davenport - 22-10 - 46 - 9

Dropped Out:&nbsp;Carson-Newman (7th); Young Harris (19th)

Receiving Votes:&nbsp;Central Oklahoma (28-8) 33 points; Young Harris (26-11) 29 points; St. Edward's (28-13) 28 points; Seton Hill (23-7) 12 points; North Georgia (27-10) 7 points; Bentley (19-12) 7 points;&nbsp;West Texas A&amp;M (25-12) 3 points; Spring Hill 1 point; Cal State Monterey Bay (21-12 ) 1 point&nbsp;&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/4/1744246312377.png" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure>FHSU AthleticsWINGATE, N.C. - The Fort Hays State baseball team moved up two spots to No. 20 in the latest National Collegiate Baseball Writers Association Division II Poll, released Wednesday .The Tigers secured 121 points in the voting process, up 34 points from last week when FHSU was slotted 22nd in the rankings.The league-leading Tigers are one of two MIAA teams in this week's NCBWA Top 25, with Central Missouri holding on to the No. 2 spot. Central Oklahoma is the only other league rival mentioned in the poll, with the Bronchos receiving votes for the second week in a row.With 14 games remaining on the conference schedule, Fort Hays State will return to Larks Park this weekend to host Northeastern State. First pitch is set for 5 p.m. on Friday, 3 p.m. on Saturday and noon on Sunday.2025 NCBWA National Poll - Week Nine (4/9/25) Rank - School (1st Place) - Record - Pts. - Prev .1 - Tampa (18) - 29-6 - 499 - 1 2 - Central Missouri - 25-8 - 470 - 2 3 - Angelo State (2) - 30-7 - 459 -3 4 - Westmont - 28-9 - 419 - 4 5 - North Greenville - 32-8 - 408 - 11 6 - Florida Southern - 27-8 - 381 - 6 7 - UT Tyler - 28-9 - 371 - 5 8 - Minnesota State - 24-2 - 369 - 8 9 - Millersville - 24-5 - 327 - 14 10 - Lenoir-Rhyne - 31-6 - 323 - 16 11 - Grand Valley State - 23-9 - 317 - 15 12 - Delta State - 27-10 - 249 - 12 13 - Colorado Mesa - 26-8 - 223 - 18 14 - Thomas Jefferson - 23-9 - 216 - 17 15 - Northwest Nazarene - 27-10 - 193 - 24 16 - East Stroudsburg - 24-6 - 186 - 20 17 - Catawba - 26-10 - 177 - 23 18 - Lewis - 24-6 - 153 - NR 19 - Point Loma - 22-10 - 130 - 13 20 - Fort Hays State - 23-9 - 121 - 22 21 - West Chester - 25-7 - 111 - 10 22 - Rollins - 23-10 - 96 - 21 23 - Francis Marion - 30-9 - 66 - NR 24 - Goldey-Beacom - 23-9 - 62 - 25 25 - Davenport - 22-10 - 46 - 9Dropped Out:&nbsp;Carson-Newman (7th); Young Harris (19th)Receiving Votes:&nbsp;Central Oklahoma (28-8) 33 points; Young Harris (26-11) 29 points; St. Edward's (28-13) 28 points; Seton Hill (23-7) 12 points; North Georgia (27-10) 7 points; Bentley (19-12) 7 points;&nbsp;West Texas A&amp;M (25-12) 3 points; Spring Hill 1 point; Cal State Monterey Bay (21-12 ) 1 point&nbsp;&nbsp;

⚾ FHSU up to No. 20 in NCBWA poll

Congratulations to Bob Mickelson, winner of the&nbsp;Fort Hays Tech North Central March Mania Bracket Challenge from Hays Post!

Bob received $200 worth of Hays Chamber checks for having the top score.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/4/1744235601083.jpeg" alt="Bob Michelson claimed the top prize in the Fort Hays NC Tech March Mania Bracket Challenge" />
 <figcaption>Bob Michelson claimed the top prize in the Fort Hays NC Tech March Mania Bracket Challenge</figcaption>
 </figure>Congratulations to Bob Mickelson, winner of the&nbsp;Fort Hays Tech North Central March Mania Bracket Challenge from Hays Post!Bob received $200 worth of Hays Chamber checks for having the top score.

The Fort Hays Tech North Central March Mania Bracket Challenge winner is...

An Easter story time and special Easter egg hunt will take place starting at 11 a.m. Saturday, April 12, at ARC Park, 3300 Hillcrest Drive, Hays.

The Rev. Jason Murray, pastor at Cornerstone Southern Baptist Church, will present a “resurrection story time,” including songs, on the Rainbow Stage in the park.

Following the story time, an Easter egg hunt will be held for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Individuals should bring their own baskets or bags.

Both events are free and open to all ages.

 The hunt is being sponsored by Celebration Community Church. 

The events will not be held in case of inclement weather.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/4/1744210501880.png" alt="Photo by Unsplash" />
 <figcaption>Photo by Unsplash</figcaption>
 </figure>Ellis County Ministerial AllianceAn Easter story time and special Easter egg hunt will take place starting at 11 a.m. Saturday, April 12, at ARC Park, 3300 Hillcrest Drive, Hays.The Rev. Jason Murray, pastor at Cornerstone Southern Baptist Church, will present a “resurrection story time,” including songs, on the Rainbow Stage in the park.Following the story time, an Easter egg hunt will be held for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Individuals should bring their own baskets or bags.Both events are free and open to all ages. The hunt is being sponsored by Celebration Community Church. The events will not be held in case of inclement weather.

ARC Park to feature story time, IDD Easter egg hunt

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Address: 2522 Vine St, Hays Phone: <a href="https://www.google.com/search?q=doghouse+liquor&amp;client=safari&amp;sca_esv=1c8765e962fa8ef3&amp;sxsrf=AHTn8zq4kfHfeM7P7E8u-TzjUXQ06F5IpQ%3A1742395396103&amp;source=hp&amp;ei=BNjaZ4y9ArrTkPIP4uT9kAY&amp;iflsig=ACkRmUkAAAAAZ9rmFJwljfz4K-o9b7FffRXASguiVIit&amp;ved=0ahUKEwiMz47VsJaMAxW6KUQIHWJyH2IQ4dUDCBs&amp;uact=5&amp;oq=doghouse+liquor&amp;gs_lp=Egdnd3Mtd2l6Ig9kb2dob3VzZSBsaXF1b3IyChAjGIAEGCcYigUyDhAuGIAEGMcBGI4FGK8BMgUQABiABDIGEAAYFhgeMgYQABgWGB4yBhAAGBYYHjIGEAAYFhgeMgIQJjILEAAYgAQYhgMYigUyCxAAGIAEGIYDGIoFSPMUUABYkhRwAHgAkAEAmAG9AaABuA2qAQQzLjEyuAEDyAEA-AEBmAIPoAKgDsICFBAuGIAEGJECGMcBGIoFGI4FGK8BwgIREC4YgAQYkQIY0QMYxwEYigXCAgoQABiABBhDGIoFwgILEC4YgAQY0QMYxwHCAggQABiABBixA8ICERAuGIAEGLEDGNEDGIMBGMcBwgIOEC4YgAQYsQMY0QMYxwHCAgQQIxgnwgITEC4YgAQYQxjHARiKBRiOBRivAcICCxAAGIAEGJECGIoFwgIQEC4YgAQYQxjHARiKBRivAcICDRAAGIAEGLEDGEMYigXCAgsQLhiABBjHARivAcICChAuGIAEGEMYigXCAhEQLhiABBjHARiYBRiZBRivAcICExAuGIAEGBQYxwEYhwIYjgUYrwGYAwCSBwQzLjEyoAeF4wGyBwQzLjEyuAegDg&amp;sclient=gws-wiz#">(785) 621-4030</a>

Monday - Saturday 9am to 11pm Sunday Noon to 6pm

<div><iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/5ZkAuHrLvEk?si=X9h2i9MANOZzcYQ4" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" referrerpolicy="strict-origin-when-cross-origin" allowfullscreen></iframe></div><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/3/1742397042885.jpeg" alt="15% OFF RETAIL PRICED WINE EVERY THURSDAY" />
 <figcaption>15% OFF RETAIL PRICED WINE EVERY THURSDAY</figcaption>
 </figure>Follow us on <a href="https://www.facebook.com/p/Doghouse-Liquor-100083091443102/">Facebook</a>Address: 2522 Vine St, Hays Phone: <a href="https://www.google.com/search?q=doghouse+liquor&amp;client=safari&amp;sca_esv=1c8765e962fa8ef3&amp;sxsrf=AHTn8zq4kfHfeM7P7E8u-TzjUXQ06F5IpQ%3A1742395396103&amp;source=hp&amp;ei=BNjaZ4y9ArrTkPIP4uT9kAY&amp;iflsig=ACkRmUkAAAAAZ9rmFJwljfz4K-o9b7FffRXASguiVIit&amp;ved=0ahUKEwiMz47VsJaMAxW6KUQIHWJyH2IQ4dUDCBs&amp;uact=5&amp;oq=doghouse+liquor&amp;gs_lp=Egdnd3Mtd2l6Ig9kb2dob3VzZSBsaXF1b3IyChAjGIAEGCcYigUyDhAuGIAEGMcBGI4FGK8BMgUQABiABDIGEAAYFhgeMgYQABgWGB4yBhAAGBYYHjIGEAAYFhgeMgIQJjILEAAYgAQYhgMYigUyCxAAGIAEGIYDGIoFSPMUUABYkhRwAHgAkAEAmAG9AaABuA2qAQQzLjEyuAEDyAEA-AEBmAIPoAKgDsICFBAuGIAEGJECGMcBGIoFGI4FGK8BwgIREC4YgAQYkQIY0QMYxwEYigXCAgoQABiABBhDGIoFwgILEC4YgAQY0QMYxwHCAggQABiABBixA8ICERAuGIAEGLEDGNEDGIMBGMcBwgIOEC4YgAQYsQMY0QMYxwHCAgQQIxgnwgITEC4YgAQYQxjHARiKBRiOBRivAcICCxAAGIAEGJECGIoFwgIQEC4YgAQYQxjHARiKBRivAcICDRAAGIAEGLEDGEMYigXCAgsQLhiABBjHARivAcICChAuGIAEGEMYigXCAhEQLhiABBjHARiYBRiZBRivAcICExAuGIAEGBQYxwEYhwIYjgUYrwGYAwCSBwQzLjEyoAeF4wGyBwQzLjEyuAegDg&amp;sclient=gws-wiz#">(785) 621-4030</a><h2>HOURS</h2>Monday - Saturday 9am to 11pm Sunday Noon to 6pm

Doghouse Liquor

We're joined by Fort Hays State track and field coach Jason McCullough, softball coach Adrian Pilkington and retiring athletic director Curtis Hammeke.

We're joined by Fort Hays State track and field coach Jason McCullough, softball coach Adrian Pilkington and retiring athletic director Curtis Hammeke.<div><iframe title="Tiger Talk (April 9, 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=a83gg-1877431-pb&from=pb6admin&share=1&download=1&rtl=0&fonts=Arial&skin=1&font-color=&logo_link=episode_page&btn-skin=2" loading="lazy"></iframe></div>

🎧 Defend the Fort Podcast: Tiger Talk (April 9, 2025)

Darrell Francis Brungardt, aged 84, passed away in March 2025 at
his home in Honolulu Hawaii. Born on December 8, 1940, in Hays, KS, Darrell was
the epitome of hard work, dedication, and love.

As a veteran of the US Air Force, Darrell served his country with
honor and integrity. After his military service and as a graduate of Fort Hays
State University, Darrell embarked on a career as a skilled retail store
manager and executive for 4+ decades. He built and led organizations and brick
and mortar stores for some of the most successful retail firms throughout the
western United States and Hawaii. His work ethic, learned at an early age from
his family and work on local farms, was above and beyond. He took immense pride
in his ability to understand customer, company, and employee needs and was
revered by his peers and employees.

Beyond his work, Darrel was devoted to his family above all else.
He was very generous and supportive to his mother Ida Pfiefer, father Dan, his
twin brother Harry, sisters Jeanette and Bernette, nieces and nephews, and
countless extended family members. In addition, Darrell was a loving and
generous father to his children, Jeff and Heide, and was a proud grandfather to
4 grandchildren and 2 great grandchildren.

Darrell’s legacy is one of integrity, devotion, and love. He lived
an unconventional and independent life, always looking for new challenges and
never really settled down until he retired. He loved his retirement in his
adopted state of Hawaii and it afforded him the exact, easy-going lifestyle he
wanted. That said, he really didn’t slow down. Darrell spent countless hours in
retirement exploring and documenting his family tree, delving into archives and
working with people as far away as Russia. He leaves the family an invaluable
legacy of documentation that will keep the history of the family alive for
generations to come.

Darrell is preceded in death by his parents, Ida and Daniel and
his sister Bernette.

In addition to his children and grandchildren, Darrell is survived
by brother, Harry Brungardt, and sister, Jeanette Wellbrock.

Mass of Christian burial will be Saturday, April 12, 2025 at 1:00
PM at St. Joseph Catholic Church, 215 West 13th Street Hays, Kansas 67601.
Interment will follow the mass in the parish cemetery.

Services in care of: Keithley Funeral Homes and Crematory -
Brock's Chapel, 2509 Vine Street Hays, Kansas 67601.

In Darrell’s memory, contributions can be made to the Pauahi
Foundation’s Memorial and Tribute program&nbsp;<a href="https://pauahi.org/memorial-and-tribute-giving">https://pauahi.org/memorial-and-tribute-giving</a>

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/4/1744216985429.jpeg" alt="Darrell Francis Brungardt" />
 <figcaption>Darrell Francis Brungardt</figcaption>
 </figure>Darrell Francis Brungardt, aged 84, passed away in March 2025 at
his home in Honolulu Hawaii. Born on December 8, 1940, in Hays, KS, Darrell was
the epitome of hard work, dedication, and love.As a veteran of the US Air Force, Darrell served his country with
honor and integrity. After his military service and as a graduate of Fort Hays
State University, Darrell embarked on a career as a skilled retail store
manager and executive for 4+ decades. He built and led organizations and brick
and mortar stores for some of the most successful retail firms throughout the
western United States and Hawaii. His work ethic, learned at an early age from
his family and work on local farms, was above and beyond. He took immense pride
in his ability to understand customer, company, and employee needs and was
revered by his peers and employees.Beyond his work, Darrel was devoted to his family above all else.
He was very generous and supportive to his mother Ida Pfiefer, father Dan, his
twin brother Harry, sisters Jeanette and Bernette, nieces and nephews, and
countless extended family members. In addition, Darrell was a loving and
generous father to his children, Jeff and Heide, and was a proud grandfather to
4 grandchildren and 2 great grandchildren.Darrell’s legacy is one of integrity, devotion, and love. He lived
an unconventional and independent life, always looking for new challenges and
never really settled down until he retired. He loved his retirement in his
adopted state of Hawaii and it afforded him the exact, easy-going lifestyle he
wanted. That said, he really didn’t slow down. Darrell spent countless hours in
retirement exploring and documenting his family tree, delving into archives and
working with people as far away as Russia. He leaves the family an invaluable
legacy of documentation that will keep the history of the family alive for
generations to come.Darrell is preceded in death by his parents, Ida and Daniel and
his sister Bernette.In addition to his children and grandchildren, Darrell is survived
by brother, Harry Brungardt, and sister, Jeanette Wellbrock.Mass of Christian burial will be Saturday, April 12, 2025 at 1:00
PM at St. Joseph Catholic Church, 215 West 13th Street Hays, Kansas 67601.
Interment will follow the mass in the parish cemetery.Services in care of: Keithley Funeral Homes and Crematory -
Brock's Chapel, 2509 Vine Street Hays, Kansas 67601.In Darrell’s memory, contributions can be made to the Pauahi
Foundation’s Memorial and Tribute program&nbsp;<a href="https://pauahi.org/memorial-and-tribute-giving">https://pauahi.org/memorial-and-tribute-giving</a>

Darrell Francis Brungardt

Wednesday, April 9
 KAYS: Tiger Talk,
12:15pm
 KAYS: Kansas City Royals vs. Minnesota Twins, 6:00pm

Wednesday, April 9
 KAYS: Tiger Talk,
12:15pm
 KAYS: Kansas City Royals vs. Minnesota Twins, 6:00pmThursday, April 10
 KAYS: Kansas City
Royals vs. Minnesota Twins, 12:30pm
 KFIX: Hays High SB (DH) vs. Dodge City, 3:45pmFriday, April 11
 KHAZ: TMP-Marian SB
(DH) vs. Holcomb, 3:45pm
 KAYS: Kansas City Royals at Cleveland Guardians, 4:30pm
 KJLS: Fort Hays State BSB vs. Northeastern State, 4:40pmSaturday, April 12
 KAYS: Kansas City
Royals at Cleveland Guardians, 4:30pmSunday, April 13
 KAYS: Kansas City
Royals at Cleveland Guardians, 12:00pm

Gilbert F. Brungardt, 84, Hays, died Friday, April 4, 2025
at HaysMed.

He was born October 27, 1940 in Hays, the son of Bonaventure
and Helen (Weber) Brungardt.&nbsp; In 1959, he
graduated from Ellis High School, and on May 12, 1962, he was united in
marriage to Lorraine Brungardt at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Hays.&nbsp; Throughout high school, Gilbert lettered in
football, basketball, and track.&nbsp; His
love for sports continued during his time as a referee and umpire for various
high school and junior college sports and long after when watching or attending
sporting events.&nbsp; Gilbert worked for
Allied Construction, was a bus driver for USD 489, and for over 20 years, he helped
Lorraine with her daycare.&nbsp; 

He was a devout Catholic, a member of Immaculate Heart of
Mary Catholic Church, the Ellis Third and Fourth Degree Knights of Columbus,
and was active in many parish activities including funeral dinners,
extraordinary minister of Holy Communion, ushering, and teaching RCIA classes
with Lorraine.&nbsp; Gilbert maintained a
beautiful lawn and enjoyed reading, going to movies, dog sitting his grand
dogs, and taking road trips which included driving all the way to and from
Virginia to visit family.&nbsp; Most of all,
he cherished gatherings with family and friends and was a loving husband,
father, and granddad.&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

Survivors include his wife Lorraine of Hays, his son Darren
Brungardt of Overland Park, two daughters, Tonya Orth and husband Marty of
Urbandale, Iowa and Audra Brungardt of Hays, his grandson Matthew Orth and
fiancé Theresa Li, one sister, Helen (Jeanie) Windholz and husband Francis of
Victoria, and numerous nieces and nephews.&nbsp;


He was preceded in death by his daughter-in-law Rita Zavora
Brungardt, four brothers, Edwin, Elmer, Sonny, and Anthony Brungardt and four
sisters, Angie Kinderknecht, Anna Rita Weber, Clara Walters, and Esther Laws.

Mass of Christian Burial will be at 10:30 am on Saturday,
April 12, 2025 at Immaculate Heart of Mary Catholic Church with Fr. Nick Parker
officiating.&nbsp; Burial will follow in St.
Joseph Cemetery.&nbsp; Visitation will be from
5:00 pm until 8:00 on Friday and from 9:30 am until 10:15 on Saturday, all at
Hays Memorial Chapel Funeral Home.&nbsp;
Recitation of the rosary will be at 6:00 pm, a parish vigil service will
be at 6:30 pm, and a combined Third and Fourth Degree Knights of Columbus
rosary will follow at 7:00 pm, all on Friday at the funeral home.&nbsp; Memorials are suggested to Immaculate Heart
of Mary Catholic Church for the Unify, Beautify, Glorify campaign or for
masses.&nbsp; Condolences and memories of
Gilbert may be shared with his family at www.haysmemorial.com&nbsp;&nbsp; 

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/4/1744202489488.jpeg" alt="Gilbert F. Brungardt" />
 <figcaption>Gilbert F. Brungardt</figcaption>
 </figure>Gilbert F. Brungardt, 84, Hays, died Friday, April 4, 2025
at HaysMed.He was born October 27, 1940 in Hays, the son of Bonaventure
and Helen (Weber) Brungardt.&nbsp; In 1959, he
graduated from Ellis High School, and on May 12, 1962, he was united in
marriage to Lorraine Brungardt at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Hays.&nbsp; Throughout high school, Gilbert lettered in
football, basketball, and track.&nbsp; His
love for sports continued during his time as a referee and umpire for various
high school and junior college sports and long after when watching or attending
sporting events.&nbsp; Gilbert worked for
Allied Construction, was a bus driver for USD 489, and for over 20 years, he helped
Lorraine with her daycare.&nbsp; He was a devout Catholic, a member of Immaculate Heart of
Mary Catholic Church, the Ellis Third and Fourth Degree Knights of Columbus,
and was active in many parish activities including funeral dinners,
extraordinary minister of Holy Communion, ushering, and teaching RCIA classes
with Lorraine.&nbsp; Gilbert maintained a
beautiful lawn and enjoyed reading, going to movies, dog sitting his grand
dogs, and taking road trips which included driving all the way to and from
Virginia to visit family.&nbsp; Most of all,
he cherished gatherings with family and friends and was a loving husband,
father, and granddad.&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Survivors include his wife Lorraine of Hays, his son Darren
Brungardt of Overland Park, two daughters, Tonya Orth and husband Marty of
Urbandale, Iowa and Audra Brungardt of Hays, his grandson Matthew Orth and
fiancé Theresa Li, one sister, Helen (Jeanie) Windholz and husband Francis of
Victoria, and numerous nieces and nephews.&nbsp;
He was preceded in death by his daughter-in-law Rita Zavora
Brungardt, four brothers, Edwin, Elmer, Sonny, and Anthony Brungardt and four
sisters, Angie Kinderknecht, Anna Rita Weber, Clara Walters, and Esther Laws.Mass of Christian Burial will be at 10:30 am on Saturday,
April 12, 2025 at Immaculate Heart of Mary Catholic Church with Fr. Nick Parker
officiating.&nbsp; Burial will follow in St.
Joseph Cemetery.&nbsp; Visitation will be from
5:00 pm until 8:00 on Friday and from 9:30 am until 10:15 on Saturday, all at
Hays Memorial Chapel Funeral Home.&nbsp;
Recitation of the rosary will be at 6:00 pm, a parish vigil service will
be at 6:30 pm, and a combined Third and Fourth Degree Knights of Columbus
rosary will follow at 7:00 pm, all on Friday at the funeral home.&nbsp; Memorials are suggested to Immaculate Heart
of Mary Catholic Church for the Unify, Beautify, Glorify campaign or for
masses.&nbsp; Condolences and memories of
Gilbert may be shared with his family at www.haysmemorial.com&nbsp;&nbsp;

Gilbert F. Brungardt

Senate’s COGE panel hears feedback about Medicaid expansion, Kobach’s performance and anti-trans bills

By&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/author/akaminski/">ANNA KAMINISKI</a> <a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2025/04/07/let-kansans-live-free-leaked-emails-to-efficiency-portal-call-for-abortion-rights-school-funding/?emci=115dd2d6-3714-f011-8b3d-0022482a9fb7&amp;emdi=8f2e75d4-5714-f011-8b3d-0022482a9fb7&amp;ceid=115039">Kansas Reflector</a>

TOPEKA — A “defeated” single mother seeking health coverage, a disabled Navy veteran who wants to move to Kansas but can’t afford the taxes and a former state internal auditor fed up with corruption and bureaucracy were among the suggestions submitted to Kansas’ GOP-led Senate Committee on Government Efficiency.

The majority of submissions to the committee’s public suggestion portal, which debuted Jan. 31 and was the&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2025/03/21/kansas-government-efficiency-committee-restricts-access-to-public-suggestions/">subject of public records requests</a>, included complaints that do not align with the policy priorities of the majority party. Instead, top suggestions included maintaining abortion rights, leaving school vouchers out of public education funding, critiques of leadership, expanding the state’s Medicaid program, focusing on substantial policy issues instead of legislation targeted at trans kids, and more than 60 references to legalizing marijuana.

Kansas Reflector obtained leaked copies of the more than 1,500 submissions sent to officials between Feb. 3 and March 28 containing specific public input from across the state alongside sarcastic replies, spam and suggestions in jest. A significant portion of those submissions showed a sense of disillusionment with Kansas politics, politicians and government. A few submissions contained personal stories of inefficiencies in state government. Even fewer included complaints or opinions in line with Republican policy.

Sen. Renee Erickson, a Wichita Republican and chair of the efficiency committee, has promised that the committee will meet outside of the legislative session to review the submissions. Republican leadership created the Senate Committee on Government Efficiency, or COGE, earlier this year in response to the similar federal effort from billionaire Elon Musk called the Department of Government Efficiency, or DOGE. The committee sponsored&nbsp;<a href="https://kslegislature.gov/li/b2025_26/committees/ctte_s_government_efficiency_1/" target="_blank">11</a>&nbsp;bills this session, many of which targeted public assistance programs, public employees or spending cuts. Little, if any, of the committee’s work this year aligned with what Kansans suggested.

Suggestions could be submitted in one of two ways: via&nbsp;<a href="mailto:kansascoge@senate.ks.gov">email</a>&nbsp;or a standardized form in a&nbsp;<a href="https://kslegislature.gov/li/kansascoge/" target="_blank">public portal</a>&nbsp;that includes the submitter’s first and last name, an age range and their county, city and zip code. The form notes that submissions are public records. Kansas Reflector did not independently verify the names provided with submissions.

Kansas Reflector submitted a request for the public records to Erickson in February. Erickson said she would deliver them to journalists on April 9, even though she delivered them to a legislator on March 17 in response to his formal records request. Under the Kansas Open Records Act, public records are required to be provided as soon as possible.

One suggestion from Ben Carmichael, a Wichita resident in his 30s, detailed concerns that the Legislature has morphed into a “full-time machine, expanding its power and influence without corresponding checks in accountability, transparency, or fiscal restraint.” He pointed to continued meetings among legislators outside of the session and the consolidation of power within the Legislative Coordinating Council, which is made up of the governor and legislative leadership.&nbsp;

The line is blurred, he said, between “part-time service and full-time rule.”

“Instead of trusting Kansans to govern their own lives and communities, the state has taken on a paternalistic posture, eroding both personal freedom and local governance,” Carmichael wrote. “This is not only inefficient government — it is unjust government.”

Carmichael added that in times of national division and economic uncertainty, Kansans don’t need more laws, rules or interference.

“They need a Legislature that knows its limits and remembers its mandate: to serve, not to rule,” Carmichael wrote. “Shrink the footprint of government. Restore the citizen Legislature. Let Kansans live free.”

Around 300 submissions included mention of abortion. Most begged legislators to leave the issue alone, as voters made their opinions clear in the August 2022 primary, during which a constitutional amendment to eliminate abortion rights failed by a 59-41 margin.

Bethany Quesnell, a 30-something in Wamego, said elected officials could be most effective if they listened to the stories of the constituents in their districts.

“Don’t just stop listening after one person who matches your personal beliefs, either,” Quesnell wrote.

And if an issue has been voted on in recent years, Quesnell suggested officials refrain from bringing that issue up again.

“Abortion is a great example,” Quesnell said. “Kansans made their opinions known and we don’t want to hear about it anymore.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/4/1744134665240.jpeg" alt="&nbsp;Kansas Reflector obtained leaked copies of suggestions that were sent to the Senate Committee on Government Efficiency. They urge lawmakers to maintain abortion rights, reject school vouchers, expand Medicaid, stop harming trans kids, and legalize marijuana.&nbsp; Photo by Sherman Smith/Kansas Reflector" />
 <figcaption>&nbsp;Kansas Reflector obtained leaked copies of suggestions that were sent to the Senate Committee on Government Efficiency. They urge lawmakers to maintain abortion rights, reject school vouchers, expand Medicaid, stop harming trans kids, and legalize marijuana.&nbsp; Photo by Sherman Smith/Kansas Reflector</figcaption>
 </figure><h2>Senate’s COGE panel hears feedback about Medicaid expansion, Kobach’s performance and anti-trans bills</h2>By&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/author/akaminski/">ANNA KAMINISKI</a> <a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2025/04/07/let-kansans-live-free-leaked-emails-to-efficiency-portal-call-for-abortion-rights-school-funding/?emci=115dd2d6-3714-f011-8b3d-0022482a9fb7&amp;emdi=8f2e75d4-5714-f011-8b3d-0022482a9fb7&amp;ceid=115039">Kansas Reflector</a>TOPEKA — A “defeated” single mother seeking health coverage, a disabled Navy veteran who wants to move to Kansas but can’t afford the taxes and a former state internal auditor fed up with corruption and bureaucracy were among the suggestions submitted to Kansas’ GOP-led Senate Committee on Government Efficiency.The majority of submissions to the committee’s public suggestion portal, which debuted Jan. 31 and was the&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2025/03/21/kansas-government-efficiency-committee-restricts-access-to-public-suggestions/">subject of public records requests</a>, included complaints that do not align with the policy priorities of the majority party. Instead, top suggestions included maintaining abortion rights, leaving school vouchers out of public education funding, critiques of leadership, expanding the state’s Medicaid program, focusing on substantial policy issues instead of legislation targeted at trans kids, and more than 60 references to legalizing marijuana.Kansas Reflector obtained leaked copies of the more than 1,500 submissions sent to officials between Feb. 3 and March 28 containing specific public input from across the state alongside sarcastic replies, spam and suggestions in jest. A significant portion of those submissions showed a sense of disillusionment with Kansas politics, politicians and government. A few submissions contained personal stories of inefficiencies in state government. Even fewer included complaints or opinions in line with Republican policy.Sen. Renee Erickson, a Wichita Republican and chair of the efficiency committee, has promised that the committee will meet outside of the legislative session to review the submissions. Republican leadership created the Senate Committee on Government Efficiency, or COGE, earlier this year in response to the similar federal effort from billionaire Elon Musk called the Department of Government Efficiency, or DOGE. The committee sponsored&nbsp;<a href="https://kslegislature.gov/li/b2025_26/committees/ctte_s_government_efficiency_1/" target="_blank">11</a>&nbsp;bills this session, many of which targeted public assistance programs, public employees or spending cuts. Little, if any, of the committee’s work this year aligned with what Kansans suggested.Suggestions could be submitted in one of two ways: via&nbsp;<a href="mailto:kansascoge@senate.ks.gov">email</a>&nbsp;or a standardized form in a&nbsp;<a href="https://kslegislature.gov/li/kansascoge/" target="_blank">public portal</a>&nbsp;that includes the submitter’s first and last name, an age range and their county, city and zip code. The form notes that submissions are public records. Kansas Reflector did not independently verify the names provided with submissions.Kansas Reflector submitted a request for the public records to Erickson in February. Erickson said she would deliver them to journalists on April 9, even though she delivered them to a legislator on March 17 in response to his formal records request. Under the Kansas Open Records Act, public records are required to be provided as soon as possible.One suggestion from Ben Carmichael, a Wichita resident in his 30s, detailed concerns that the Legislature has morphed into a “full-time machine, expanding its power and influence without corresponding checks in accountability, transparency, or fiscal restraint.” He pointed to continued meetings among legislators outside of the session and the consolidation of power within the Legislative Coordinating Council, which is made up of the governor and legislative leadership.&nbsp;The line is blurred, he said, between “part-time service and full-time rule.”“Instead of trusting Kansans to govern their own lives and communities, the state has taken on a paternalistic posture, eroding both personal freedom and local governance,” Carmichael wrote. “This is not only inefficient government — it is unjust government.”Carmichael added that in times of national division and economic uncertainty, Kansans don’t need more laws, rules or interference.“They need a Legislature that knows its limits and remembers its mandate: to serve, not to rule,” Carmichael wrote. “Shrink the footprint of government. Restore the citizen Legislature. Let Kansans live free.”<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/4/1744134759087.jpeg" alt="&nbsp;Attendees of the August 2022 Kansans for Constitutional Freedom watch party celebrate after primary election results verify Kansans voted to keep abortion a constitutional right.&nbsp; Photo by Lily O’Shea Becker/Kansas Reflector" />
 <figcaption>&nbsp;Attendees of the August 2022 Kansans for Constitutional Freedom watch party celebrate after primary election results verify Kansans voted to keep abortion a constitutional right.&nbsp; Photo by Lily O’Shea Becker/Kansas Reflector</figcaption>
 </figure><h2>Attacks on health and autonomy</h2>Around 300 submissions included mention of abortion. Most begged legislators to leave the issue alone, as voters made their opinions clear in the August 2022 primary, during which a constitutional amendment to eliminate abortion rights failed by a 59-41 margin.Bethany Quesnell, a 30-something in Wamego, said elected officials could be most effective if they listened to the stories of the constituents in their districts.“Don’t just stop listening after one person who matches your personal beliefs, either,” Quesnell wrote.And if an issue has been voted on in recent years, Quesnell suggested officials refrain from bringing that issue up again.“Abortion is a great example,” Quesnell said. “Kansans made their opinions known and we don’t want to hear about it anymore.”Submitters characterized the Legislature’s continued focus on abortion regulation as a waste of time and money.“The amount of times transgender healthcare and abortion have come up in this legislature is downright wasteful,” said Kat Stucky, a Cheney resident in her 30s.More than 130 suggestions told lawmakers to stop legislating trans issues.Stucky, and several other commenters, said trans people make up a tiny fraction of Kansas’ population but have received a significant amount of focus, particularly this legislative session.Pamela Sturm, a septuagenarian from Kansas City, Kansas, said the state could save money if the Legislature focused on issues guided by voter’s actions.“The legislature has decided that attacking transgender kids is a more legitimate target for their attention than dealing with real issues for Kansans, just as they’ve decided to deny Kansas residents legitimate access to cannabis and that it’s okay for rural hospitals to close because they refuse to honor the will of the people by expanding Medicaid in our state,” Sturm wrote.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/4/1744134835468.jpeg" alt="Kansans attended a March 6, 2024 rally to urge lawmakers to hear a Medicaid expansion proposal. Photo by Rachel Mipro/Kansas Reflector" />
 <figcaption>Kansans attended a March 6, 2024 rally to urge lawmakers to hear a Medicaid expansion proposal. Photo by Rachel Mipro/Kansas Reflector</figcaption>
 </figure><h2>Expanding Medicaid</h2>A “very frustrated and defeated” single mother of three, Ashlie Bruner, wrote to legislators in February detailing a recent denial of health care coverage under the state’s Medicaid program. Bruner is caught in what is known as the Medicaid gap.Her employer doesn’t offer health insurance. She said she earns $1,200 a month while the state Medicaid income cap for a household of four is $880 a month.“This has left me in a position where I can not afford health insurance or do not qualify for lower rates or state insurance as my income is either too high or too low,” she said. “The system is flawed.”Average rental prices, bills and necessities make up a majority of Bruner’s spending, and, as a single parent, she said she struggles to pay those costs.“I know I’m not the only person with this problem,” she said. “And it leaves the question of what am I supposed to do?”Bruner begged legislators for a solution because she cannot seek medical care without paying out of pocket, leaving her “suffering through illnesses or medical conditions unable to afford the help I need.”The vast majority of the roughly 180 submissions that mentioned Medicaid supported expansion or opposed further cuts to the program. Kansas is one of 10 states that hasn’t expanded Medicaid. Roger Smith, a Wichita resident in his 70s, suggested the Legislature ensure Medicaid fraud isn’t taking place by reviewing and confirming that Medicaid participants are appropriately using allocated funds.“Let us all be responsible for supplying the resources needed to those that truly need it,” Smith said. “Being a good steward at all levels is very important for everyone’s survival.”<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/4/1744134918911.jpeg" alt="Private school kids rally in support of vouchers on Jan. 28, 2025, at the Statehouse in Topeka.&nbsp; Photo by Sherman Smith/Kansas Reflector" />
 <figcaption>Private school kids rally in support of vouchers on Jan. 28, 2025, at the Statehouse in Topeka.&nbsp; Photo by Sherman Smith/Kansas Reflector</figcaption>
 </figure><h2>Funding or dismantling education</h2>Suggestions on education were varied. Legislators in recent years have attempted to impose influence on education typically reserved for the Kansas State Board of Education. The Legislature controls funding for public schools and has the ability to create voucher programs.Sandra Kirby, a 40-something from Pittsburg, asked legislators to oppose any legislation that would eliminate the Kansas State Department of Education. Kirby said taxpayers shouldn’t support any religious institution or school.“If a person wanted to send their kids to a private or religious school- so be it,” Kirby wrote, “but leave the rest of Kansans alone.”Kirby added: “NO VOUCHERS.”Ryan Patton, a Hutchinson resident in his 40s, said the Kansas education system costs taxpayers around $18,000 annually per student, which is true according to KSDE data. Homeschooling produces better results, he said.“The Kansas education system is far beyond repair and needs to be dismantled,” Patton wrote. “There is extreme amounts of waste of these funds that never reach the teachers let alone the children.”Rick Ruppe, who did not include an age or location in his email to the committee, applauded the Legislature’s proposal to shift the Kansas Supreme Court&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2025/03/18/plan-to-elect-kansas-supreme-court-justices-scrutinized-by-critics-including-courts-former-chief/">judicial selection process to a popular vote</a>&nbsp;instead of the current nomination and appointment system.It’s long overdue, he said.State education funding, Ruppe said, is one area that has been part of a series of “bad outcomes in decisions being made by the court, which have been politically and ideologically slanted towards liberal and progressive viewpoints.”The Kansas Supreme Court has repeatedly determined the Legislature is not adequately funding education. Ruppe characterized the wording of the Kansas State Constitution that has been used to determine funding requirements as vague.“This has led to this issue becoming a political football, with the punting of a real solution, much like kicking a can down the road, with no clear criteria for what ‘sufficient or adequate’ funding is,” he said.He added that the court also erred in ruling the state constitution includes implicit rights that allow legal abortions.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/4/1744134994815.jpeg" alt="Kansas Attorney General Kris Kobach announces he is suing Pfizer during a June 17, 2024, news conference at the Statehouse in Topeka.&nbsp; Photo by Sherman Smith/Kansas Reflector" />
 <figcaption>Kansas Attorney General Kris Kobach announces he is suing Pfizer during a June 17, 2024, news conference at the Statehouse in Topeka.&nbsp; Photo by Sherman Smith/Kansas Reflector</figcaption>
 </figure><h2>‘Frivolous lawsuits’</h2>Nearly 60 submissions included criticism of the Kansas Attorney General’s performance. Many claimed Kris Kobach’s “frivolous lawsuits” have cost Kansas taxpayers millions, and others called for him to be fired.Amy Warfield, a Hays resident in her 30s, said “a more efficient Kansas state government would better seek to reign in vanity lawsuits” from Kobach, which include banning abortion drug mifepristone,&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2025/01/19/kobach-part-of-lawsuit-aimed-at-helping-kansas-avoid-losing-u-s-house-seat-in-2030/">blocking immigrants without citizenship from being counted in the Census</a>, and limiting Title IX protections for youths.“In fact, the list of confrontations and lawsuits is so long and such a tangled web, it’s difficult to parse through what is even in the best interest of the people of this state and its funds, or just ideological check boxes,” Warfield said.Brice Cronn, a Colby resident in his 40s, suggested the Legislature refrain from passing any legislation having to do with Kobach.“Millions in litigation costs are unacceptable,” Cronn wrote.“This culture war stuff makes you popular with a certain voting block, but it is a nonsensical money pit that doesn’t do anything to improve the wellbeing of Kansans,” he said.Kari Nilson, an Andover resident in her 40s, said the best way to cut government spending would be to “get Kris Kobach to quit filing lawsuits that the people of Kansas don’t want to be part of.”<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/4/1744135097041.jpeg" alt="A bright sun rises March 5, 2025, behind the Kansas Statehouse dome. Photo by Sherman Smith/Kansas Reflector" />
 <figcaption>A bright sun rises March 5, 2025, behind the Kansas Statehouse dome. Photo by Sherman Smith/Kansas Reflector</figcaption>
 </figure><h2>Government efficiency</h2>Roberta Hill, who identified herself as a disabled Navy veteran, began her email by giving credit to the state of Kansas for taking care of its veterans.“I as a 100% disabled female veteran would move to Kansas, yet I financially could not afford to own a home,” Hill said.In her current state, which she did not disclose, she doesn’t have to pay property taxes on the home she owns.“I don’t abuse my taxes exempt status,” she said. “I believe in paying taxes on a lot of things. If Kansas allowed veterans to own homes and not pay property taxes. You would have them in your state paying taxes on other things. Helping the economy of Kansas!”Bills aimed at providing tax relief for veterans did not progress this session.A handful of submissions requested greater transparency from Kansas government.Jadie Chauncey, a Junction City resident, submitted a list of three issues, each with a clear proposal aimed at making Kansas government more open, fair and accessible. The three suggestions included eliminating “gut and go” bills, which allow legislators to entirely overhaul the content of a bill with unrelated legislation.“This process confuses voters and allows bills to pass without proper review,” Chauncey said.The second item suggested the Legislature make it easier for Kansans to submit testimony and establish a mandatory 72-hour notice before testimony submission deadlines. Chauncey called the current system “confusing and outdated.”“Some committees give very short notice for hearings, change their rules often, and require paper copies of testimony,” Chauncey said. “This makes it hard for people who live far from Topeka or have jobs during the day to participate.”Lastly, Chauncey noticed special interest groups tend to get more time than citizens and suggested ensuring all speakers at hearings get equal time to testify.Mark Ummel, a Burlingame resident in his 60s, said he performed internal audits and investigations for 15 years at one of the state’s largest agencies. He retired not because he was ready but because he “became fed up with various senior leaders at the agency who would use their position of power to hire their personal friends for high paying jobs without advertising publicly, review audits only to hide the malfeasance or illegal activity and position their personal needs above what is best for the agency.”State government operations could become more efficient, Ummel said, with improved audit practices that evaluate internal processes, wasteful spending and potential fraud.“If the legislative process can be described as ‘making sausage,’ ” he said, “the inner workings inside the agencies could be describe(d) as the ‘slaughterhouse.’ ”