By DUSTIN ARMBRUSTER Hays Post

COLBY - Two undefeated teams entered the championship semifinals in the Colby Orange &amp; Black Classic Friday afternoon. Only Hays remained that way after a 74-72 overtime victory that gave Wellington their first loss.

Wellington led for the entire first half. Hays tied the score at five in the first quarter just over two minutes into the game. The Indians though went scoreless for the next 3:35 and fell behind 11-5.

Hays once trailed by a single possession several different times in the first quarter before Wellington took a 16-12 lead after the first eight minutes.

Wellington held three different six point leads early in the second quarter and led by nine at 26-17. The Crusaders' biggest lead came at 30-19 with three minutes remaining before halftime and led 36-25 at the midgame break.

Wellington took their biggest lead of the game early in the third quarter on a free throw at 37-25. Hays spend the next ten minutes chipping away at the lead.&nbsp;

The Indians trailed 40-29 midway through the third quarter when they took a chunk out of the lead outscoring Wellington 10-2. That run pulled Hays within a single possession at 42-39. The Crusaders pushed the lead back to six with a three pointer and led by four heading to the fourth quarter 47-43.

Hays took their first lead with 5:30 to go in regulation during another 10-2 run. Hays never trailed again. Wellington tied the game at 55 with 4:42 left before Hays scored the next eight points for a 63-55 edge with 2:40 remaining.

The Indians though scored just one point rest of regulation and Wellington ended the game on a 9-1 run to tie the game with 1:05 left. Wellington got the final look of regulation but the shot from just outside the block was blocked and the game went to overtime tied at 64.

Hays led by five twice in overtime at 71-66 and 73-68. The final five point lead with 1:17 on the clock proved to be just enough. Wellington scored four straight points over the next 25 seconds to pull within one at 73-72. The Crusaders had a chance to take the lead but couldn't connect on a shot. A final Hays free throw and steal in the final four seconds kept Hays undefeated with the 74-72 win.

Hays(11-0) will face either Colby or Beloit in the championship game at 4:00 on Saturday. It is the Indians second championship appearance. Their other title game was in 2019 during their first visit to the Orange &amp; Black. Wellington(10-1) plays for third place at 1:00.

Val Norwood, a Lindenwood signee, led Wellington with 22. Jenna Schmeidler and Molly Martin each scored 19. Katie Linenberger recorded a double-double at 15 points and 11 rebounds.

Janna Schmeidler 19; Annie Humphrey 0; Katie Linenberger 15; Molly Martin 19; Kenlee Winter 4; Morgan Armbruster 2; Kinslee Newell 0; Riley Dreher 3; Lynsi Kanak 2; Molly Buckles 0; Zoe Winter 10.

By DUSTIN ARMBRUSTER Hays PostCOLBY - Two undefeated teams entered the championship semifinals in the Colby Orange &amp; Black Classic Friday afternoon. Only Hays remained that way after a 74-72 overtime victory that gave Wellington their first loss.Wellington led for the entire first half. Hays tied the score at five in the first quarter just over two minutes into the game. The Indians though went scoreless for the next 3:35 and fell behind 11-5.Hays once trailed by a single possession several different times in the first quarter before Wellington took a 16-12 lead after the first eight minutes.Wellington held three different six point leads early in the second quarter and led by nine at 26-17. The Crusaders' biggest lead came at 30-19 with three minutes remaining before halftime and led 36-25 at the midgame break.Highlights<div><iframe width="100%" height="300" scrolling="no" frameborder="no" allow="autoplay" src="https://w.soundcloud.com/player/?url=https%3A//api.soundcloud.com/tracks/2017612149&color=%23ff5500&auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false&show_teaser=true&visual=true"></iframe><div style="font-size: 10px; color: #cccccc;line-break: anywhere;word-break: normal;overflow: hidden;white-space: nowrap;text-overflow: ellipsis; font-family: Interstate,Lucida Grande,Lucida Sans Unicode,Lucida Sans,Garuda,Verdana,Tahoma,sans-serif;font-weight: 100;"><a href="https://soundcloud.com/user-814667509" title="Eagle Radio" target="_blank" style="color: #cccccc; text-decoration: none;">Eagle Radio</a> · <a href="https://soundcloud.com/user-814667509/01-24-25-hhs-wbkb-vs-wellington-highlights" title="01 - 24 - 25 HHS WBKB Vs Wellington Highlights" target="_blank" style="color: #cccccc; text-decoration: none;">01 - 24 - 25 HHS WBKB Vs Wellington Highlights</a></div></div>Wellington took their biggest lead of the game early in the third quarter on a free throw at 37-25. Hays spend the next ten minutes chipping away at the lead.&nbsp;The Indians trailed 40-29 midway through the third quarter when they took a chunk out of the lead outscoring Wellington 10-2. That run pulled Hays within a single possession at 42-39. The Crusaders pushed the lead back to six with a three pointer and led by four heading to the fourth quarter 47-43.Hays took their first lead with 5:30 to go in regulation during another 10-2 run. Hays never trailed again. Wellington tied the game at 55 with 4:42 left before Hays scored the next eight points for a 63-55 edge with 2:40 remaining.The Indians though scored just one point rest of regulation and Wellington ended the game on a 9-1 run to tie the game with 1:05 left. Wellington got the final look of regulation but the shot from just outside the block was blocked and the game went to overtime tied at 64.Hays led by five twice in overtime at 71-66 and 73-68. The final five point lead with 1:17 on the clock proved to be just enough. Wellington scored four straight points over the next 25 seconds to pull within one at 73-72. The Crusaders had a chance to take the lead but couldn't connect on a shot. A final Hays free throw and steal in the final four seconds kept Hays undefeated with the 74-72 win.Coach Len Melvin<div><iframe width="100%" height="300" scrolling="no" frameborder="no" allow="autoplay" src="https://w.soundcloud.com/player/?url=https%3A//api.soundcloud.com/tracks/2017612137&color=%23ff5500&auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false&show_teaser=true&visual=true"></iframe><div style="font-size: 10px; color: #cccccc;line-break: anywhere;word-break: normal;overflow: hidden;white-space: nowrap;text-overflow: ellipsis; font-family: Interstate,Lucida Grande,Lucida Sans Unicode,Lucida Sans,Garuda,Verdana,Tahoma,sans-serif;font-weight: 100;"><a href="https://soundcloud.com/user-814667509" title="Eagle Radio" target="_blank" style="color: #cccccc; text-decoration: none;">Eagle Radio</a> · <a href="https://soundcloud.com/user-814667509/01-24-25-hhs-coach-len-melvin-interview" title="01 - 24 - 25 HHS Coach Len Melvin Interview" target="_blank" style="color: #cccccc; text-decoration: none;">01 - 24 - 25 HHS Coach Len Melvin Interview</a></div></div>Hays(11-0) will face either Colby or Beloit in the championship game at 4:00 on Saturday. It is the Indians second championship appearance. Their other title game was in 2019 during their first visit to the Orange &amp; Black. Wellington(10-1) plays for third place at 1:00.Val Norwood, a Lindenwood signee, led Wellington with 22. Jenna Schmeidler and Molly Martin each scored 19. Katie Linenberger recorded a double-double at 15 points and 11 rebounds.Janna Schmeidler 19; Annie Humphrey 0; Katie Linenberger 15; Molly Martin 19; Kenlee Winter 4; Morgan Armbruster 2; Kinslee Newell 0; Riley Dreher 3; Lynsi Kanak 2; Molly Buckles 0; Zoe Winter 10.

🏀 Hays girls' wins overtime thriller over Wellington; remains undefeated

Curtis Hammeke, Fort Hays State University Director of Athletics, announced he will retire from his position effective in June of 2025. Hammeke will complete 21 years of service in his role at Fort Hays State at the end of the 2024-25 academic year. He has had a major impact on Fort Hays State's continued athletic success at the NCAA Division II level, while also making a tremendous impact on the community of Hays in his time as an administrator, coach, and student-athlete at FHSU.

A native of Great Bend, Kansas, Hammeke has spent nearly three decades at Fort Hays State University. His time began as a baseball student-athlete in the mid-1980s followed by five years as head coach of the Tiger baseball team from 1991-1996. He is currently in his 21st year of service as Director of Athletics for the Tigers, running from 2004-2025. He received his bachelor's degree from Fort Hays State University in Physical Education in 1985 and then completed his master's degree in Athletic Administration in 1993.

"Having spent the vast majority of my adult life engaged with this university, I'm thankful for the many opportunities I've been given as a student-athlete, baseball coach, and as director of athletics. I will always be grateful for the relationships developed through the years, and the people I've worked alongside both internally and externally," said Hammeke.

In Hammeke's time as Director of Athletics, Fort Hays State has enjoyed a total of 22 team conference titles in all sports combined since 2004. Numerous individual conference titles were also won on his watch. Hammeke was instrumental in FHSU's transition from the Rocky Mountain Athletic Conference in 2006 to its current affiliation with the Mid-America Intercollegiate Athletics Association (MIAA), one of the most competitive NCAA Division II conferences nationally. Twenty of the 22 conference titles under Hammeke have been during the Tigers' membership with the MIAA. Current head coaches Chris Brown (football), Mark Johnson (men's basketball), Adrian Pilkington (softball), and Brian Flax (women's tennis), along with former head coaches Tony Hobson (women's basketball), Brett Parker (men's soccer), Craig Shaw (women's soccer), and Chas Thompson (men's wrestling) all set new records for wins at FHSU in their respective sports under Hammeke's guidance.

Fort Hays State served as host of several NCAA postseason events during Hammeke's 21 years of service, several based on the success of Fort Hays State's teams. FHSU was host of the NCAA Central Regional in women's basketball three times after the team earned the No. 1 seed (2015, 2019, 2022). Football hosted an NCAA playoff game in 2017 as the super region's No. 1 seed following an undefeated regular season. Softball also hosted an NCAA regional in 2013 as the No. 1 seed. FHSU was also selected as a regional host in men's wrestling and cross country within the last 21 years.

Fort Hays State Athletics has seen numerous facility upgrades over the past couple of decades thanks to Hammeke's guidance and the generous contributions and donations from the Tiger community. FHSU Soccer Stadium (2011), Schmidt-Bickle Indoor Training Facility (2013), FHSU Track and Field Facility (2016), and the ongoing construction of the Bickle-Schmidt Athletic Complex (projected for late 2025) highlight the new facilities built for Tiger Athletics during his time at the helm. He also orchestrated numerous upgrades to existing facilities, including Lewis Field Stadium, Gross Memorial Coliseum, Larks Park, Fleharty Family Field, and FHSU Tennis Courts. Several of the upgrades include chairback seating for fans, replacement of playing surfaces, videoboards and scoreboards, locker rooms, lighting, fencing, study space for student-athletes, and various other improvements to current infrastructure.

Hammeke has made a huge impact by making a strong connection with members of the Tiger community and working with several individuals who have made generous donations and contributions to FHSU Athletics. He created the existing Difference Makers group for FHSU Athletics, a group of families and individuals who have made major contributions to help fund major upgrades and improvements at FHSU. He was also instrumental in creating the annual Tiger Auction and Dinner, a highly-popular fundraising event among Tiger supporters held each summer. The Tiger Auction and Dinner, currently organized by Assistant Athletic Director Matt Cook, celebrated its 15th year in 2024.

Fort Hays State Athletics has also seen the addition of three new sports during Hammeke's post, which included men's and women's soccer in 2011 and women's wrestling in 2023, going from 16 to 19 intercollegiate sports overall. With the additional sports, Fort Hays State now has over 500 student-athletes competing annually at the NCAA Division II level.

Hammeke has built and provided strong stability for FHSU Athletics in his time at the helm. Five of the current members of the Athletic Administration Staff have served in their roles for at least 11 years, including one spanning two decades. The sports of football, men's basketball, women's basketball, men's wrestling, softball, tennis, men's and women's cross country, men's and women's track and field, and women's golf have all seen tenures of head coaches last more than a decade under Hammeke's guidance. Five of those head coaches are still in their positions today and three of the five have coached at least 20 years at FHSU.

"It is with a profound sense of gratitude and admiration that I recognize Curtis Hammeke's exceptional contributions as our Director of Athletics," said President of Fort Hays State University Dr. Tisa Mason. "Over the past 21 years, Curtis has not only elevated our athletic programs to remarkable heights, but also fostered a deep sense of community and connection with our student-athletes, coaches, and supporters. Working alongside Curtis has been an honor and a privilege. His dedication and vision have shaped the strong foundation we enjoy today, and his leadership will be greatly missed. I extend my heartfelt wishes for a fulfilling and joyful retirement and thank him for his years of service and the legacy he leaves behind."

Hammeke has enjoyed a lifetime of contributions to collegiate athletics in the state of Kansas. Following his graduation from FHSU in 1985, he served as Assistant Baseball Coach and Sports Information Director at Barton (Kan.) Community College from 1987 to 1991. Barton is where his journey as a collegiate student-athlete and administrator began in the early 1980s, surrounding his two years as a student-athlete at Fort Hays State University. Following his five years as head baseball coach at FHSU, Hammeke was Director of Athletics at Great Bend High School for two years and then took his first collegiate Director of Athletics position at Butler (Kan.) Community College from 1998 to 2003. Butler won a pair of football national championships at the junior college level on Hammeke's watch. He spent one year as Director of Athletics at Newman University in 2003-04 before returning to Hays to serve the last 21 years in his current role. In 2017, Hammeke was inducted into the Barton Community College Sports Hall of Fame for his time as both a player and coach at the institution.

Curtis and his wife Annette are blessed with three children, Father Andy Hammeke and Alicia Knight currently residing in Hays, and Nick Hammeke currently residing in Kansas City. All three were student-athletes and graduates of Fort Hays State University and have enjoyed great success in their lives beyond FHSU. Alicia and husband Kegan have four children – Emery, Kollins, Kolter, and Turner, while Nick and wife Olivia have one son – Jack.

"It is with a great sense of gratitude that I reflect on the last 30 years," Hammeke said. "The two cornerstones of my career have been the ongoing growth of my Catholic faith and the supportive presence of my wife Annette. We've been extremely blessed with our children, their spouses, and our grandchildren. Words can't describe what they all mean to us. Beyond faith and family, it is Fort Hays State University that I'm most grateful for. There's a certain degree of apprehension, along with excitement, which coincide with not knowing exactly what the next chapter of our lives will encompass. But regardless, I will cherish forever my time spent here with all the amazing people who work tirelessly on a mission to 'Defend the Fort.'"

Fort Hays State University will begin a nationwide search for its next Director of Athletics immediately.

Individuals interested in applying or sharing information about the position can access the link to the job posting here.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/1/1737742115838.png" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure>FHSU AthleticsCurtis Hammeke, Fort Hays State University Director of Athletics, announced he will retire from his position effective in June of 2025. Hammeke will complete 21 years of service in his role at Fort Hays State at the end of the 2024-25 academic year. He has had a major impact on Fort Hays State's continued athletic success at the NCAA Division II level, while also making a tremendous impact on the community of Hays in his time as an administrator, coach, and student-athlete at FHSU.A native of Great Bend, Kansas, Hammeke has spent nearly three decades at Fort Hays State University. His time began as a baseball student-athlete in the mid-1980s followed by five years as head coach of the Tiger baseball team from 1991-1996. He is currently in his 21st year of service as Director of Athletics for the Tigers, running from 2004-2025. He received his bachelor's degree from Fort Hays State University in Physical Education in 1985 and then completed his master's degree in Athletic Administration in 1993."Having spent the vast majority of my adult life engaged with this university, I'm thankful for the many opportunities I've been given as a student-athlete, baseball coach, and as director of athletics. I will always be grateful for the relationships developed through the years, and the people I've worked alongside both internally and externally," said Hammeke.In Hammeke's time as Director of Athletics, Fort Hays State has enjoyed a total of 22 team conference titles in all sports combined since 2004. Numerous individual conference titles were also won on his watch. Hammeke was instrumental in FHSU's transition from the Rocky Mountain Athletic Conference in 2006 to its current affiliation with the Mid-America Intercollegiate Athletics Association (MIAA), one of the most competitive NCAA Division II conferences nationally. Twenty of the 22 conference titles under Hammeke have been during the Tigers' membership with the MIAA. Current head coaches Chris Brown (football), Mark Johnson (men's basketball), Adrian Pilkington (softball), and Brian Flax (women's tennis), along with former head coaches Tony Hobson (women's basketball), Brett Parker (men's soccer), Craig Shaw (women's soccer), and Chas Thompson (men's wrestling) all set new records for wins at FHSU in their respective sports under Hammeke's guidance.Fort Hays State served as host of several NCAA postseason events during Hammeke's 21 years of service, several based on the success of Fort Hays State's teams. FHSU was host of the NCAA Central Regional in women's basketball three times after the team earned the No. 1 seed (2015, 2019, 2022). Football hosted an NCAA playoff game in 2017 as the super region's No. 1 seed following an undefeated regular season. Softball also hosted an NCAA regional in 2013 as the No. 1 seed. FHSU was also selected as a regional host in men's wrestling and cross country within the last 21 years.Fort Hays State Athletics has seen numerous facility upgrades over the past couple of decades thanks to Hammeke's guidance and the generous contributions and donations from the Tiger community. FHSU Soccer Stadium (2011), Schmidt-Bickle Indoor Training Facility (2013), FHSU Track and Field Facility (2016), and the ongoing construction of the Bickle-Schmidt Athletic Complex (projected for late 2025) highlight the new facilities built for Tiger Athletics during his time at the helm. He also orchestrated numerous upgrades to existing facilities, including Lewis Field Stadium, Gross Memorial Coliseum, Larks Park, Fleharty Family Field, and FHSU Tennis Courts. Several of the upgrades include chairback seating for fans, replacement of playing surfaces, videoboards and scoreboards, locker rooms, lighting, fencing, study space for student-athletes, and various other improvements to current infrastructure.Hammeke has made a huge impact by making a strong connection with members of the Tiger community and working with several individuals who have made generous donations and contributions to FHSU Athletics. He created the existing Difference Makers group for FHSU Athletics, a group of families and individuals who have made major contributions to help fund major upgrades and improvements at FHSU. He was also instrumental in creating the annual Tiger Auction and Dinner, a highly-popular fundraising event among Tiger supporters held each summer. The Tiger Auction and Dinner, currently organized by Assistant Athletic Director Matt Cook, celebrated its 15th year in 2024.Fort Hays State Athletics has also seen the addition of three new sports during Hammeke's post, which included men's and women's soccer in 2011 and women's wrestling in 2023, going from 16 to 19 intercollegiate sports overall. With the additional sports, Fort Hays State now has over 500 student-athletes competing annually at the NCAA Division II level.Hammeke has built and provided strong stability for FHSU Athletics in his time at the helm. Five of the current members of the Athletic Administration Staff have served in their roles for at least 11 years, including one spanning two decades. The sports of football, men's basketball, women's basketball, men's wrestling, softball, tennis, men's and women's cross country, men's and women's track and field, and women's golf have all seen tenures of head coaches last more than a decade under Hammeke's guidance. Five of those head coaches are still in their positions today and three of the five have coached at least 20 years at FHSU."It is with a profound sense of gratitude and admiration that I recognize Curtis Hammeke's exceptional contributions as our Director of Athletics," said President of Fort Hays State University Dr. Tisa Mason. "Over the past 21 years, Curtis has not only elevated our athletic programs to remarkable heights, but also fostered a deep sense of community and connection with our student-athletes, coaches, and supporters. Working alongside Curtis has been an honor and a privilege. His dedication and vision have shaped the strong foundation we enjoy today, and his leadership will be greatly missed. I extend my heartfelt wishes for a fulfilling and joyful retirement and thank him for his years of service and the legacy he leaves behind."Hammeke has enjoyed a lifetime of contributions to collegiate athletics in the state of Kansas. Following his graduation from FHSU in 1985, he served as Assistant Baseball Coach and Sports Information Director at Barton (Kan.) Community College from 1987 to 1991. Barton is where his journey as a collegiate student-athlete and administrator began in the early 1980s, surrounding his two years as a student-athlete at Fort Hays State University. Following his five years as head baseball coach at FHSU, Hammeke was Director of Athletics at Great Bend High School for two years and then took his first collegiate Director of Athletics position at Butler (Kan.) Community College from 1998 to 2003. Butler won a pair of football national championships at the junior college level on Hammeke's watch. He spent one year as Director of Athletics at Newman University in 2003-04 before returning to Hays to serve the last 21 years in his current role. In 2017, Hammeke was inducted into the Barton Community College Sports Hall of Fame for his time as both a player and coach at the institution.Curtis and his wife Annette are blessed with three children, Father Andy Hammeke and Alicia Knight currently residing in Hays, and Nick Hammeke currently residing in Kansas City. All three were student-athletes and graduates of Fort Hays State University and have enjoyed great success in their lives beyond FHSU. Alicia and husband Kegan have four children – Emery, Kollins, Kolter, and Turner, while Nick and wife Olivia have one son – Jack."It is with a great sense of gratitude that I reflect on the last 30 years," Hammeke said. "The two cornerstones of my career have been the ongoing growth of my Catholic faith and the supportive presence of my wife Annette. We've been extremely blessed with our children, their spouses, and our grandchildren. Words can't describe what they all mean to us. Beyond faith and family, it is Fort Hays State University that I'm most grateful for. There's a certain degree of apprehension, along with excitement, which coincide with not knowing exactly what the next chapter of our lives will encompass. But regardless, I will cherish forever my time spent here with all the amazing people who work tirelessly on a mission to 'Defend the Fort.'"Fort Hays State University will begin a nationwide search for its next Director of Athletics immediately.Individuals interested in applying or sharing information about the position can access the link to the job posting here.

Hammeke announces retirement from Director of Athletics position; Set for June 2025

Cristina Janney speaks with Hays Middle School Principal Tom Albers about student-led conferences and the Room app.

<div><iframe title="Post Podcast: USD 489 Update" 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=6dbxc-17c4ced-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>Cristina Janney speaks with Hays Middle School Principal Tom Albers about student-led conferences and the Room app.

🎙 Post Podcast: Hays Middle School student-led conferences

By NATE KING Salina Post

Coperion K-Tron, a bulk handling manufacturing company in Salina announced plans to close its facility by the end of the year, resulting in the loss of 98 jobs.

The company notified Salina Mayor Greg Lenkiewicz, the Kansas Department of Commerce, and KansasWorks on Jan. 22 through a Worker Adjustment and Retraining Notification (WARN) Act notice. This federal law mandates that employers provide 60 days advance notice to employees in the event of plant closures or mass layoffs.

According to Salina City Manager Mike Schrage, the Salina Community Economic Development Organization in partnership with Kansas Works and Kansas Department of Commerce’s rapid response team are working to assist those affected by the layoffs. The team will help connect displaced workers with new employment opportunities and other Salina resources.

Salina Post reached out to Coperion K-Tron for comment but was unable to connect with a company representative.

Additional details about the closure and support efforts have not been announced.

By NATE KING Salina PostCoperion K-Tron, a bulk handling manufacturing company in Salina announced plans to close its facility by the end of the year, resulting in the loss of 98 jobs.The company notified Salina Mayor Greg Lenkiewicz, the Kansas Department of Commerce, and KansasWorks on Jan. 22 through a Worker Adjustment and Retraining Notification (WARN) Act notice. This federal law mandates that employers provide 60 days advance notice to employees in the event of plant closures or mass layoffs.According to Salina City Manager Mike Schrage, the Salina Community Economic Development Organization in partnership with Kansas Works and Kansas Department of Commerce’s rapid response team are working to assist those affected by the layoffs. The team will help connect displaced workers with new employment opportunities and other Salina resources.Salina Post reached out to Coperion K-Tron for comment but was unable to connect with a company representative.Additional details about the closure and support efforts have not been announced.

Bulk handling manufacturing company will close Kan. facility

By TONY GUERRERO Hays Post

Fridays at Victoria Jr./Sr. High School are redefining traditional education. Through learning labs, students gain practical life skills that reach far beyond the classroom.

Dan Rogers, Victoria High assistant principal and athletic director, said the concept stemmed from a workshop he attended at Peabody-Burns High School.

"We have to think differently in terms of learning and what education is to have the kids feel relevant in school because that's a huge problem in today's society," Rogers said.

The effort aims to offer life skills training every Friday for students in grades 7-12, efficiently using the limited resources available in a small school setting.

The learning labs rotate every nine weeks and offer students diverse practical skills, including hunter safety, equine management, culinary arts, guitar and drum lessons, archery, mentorship, German, chess, and plumbing and electrical basics.

"It's been really cool. The vibe is so much better on Friday. The energy is there. Staff are excited to share what they know," he said.

Rogers leads a dance learning lab focused on two-step and swing dance, inspired by students’ interest in learning how to dance.

Teachers are encouraged to share their unique hobbies, skills and passions. Some even provide personal resources to support their workshops, with additional materials supplied by the community.

"Victoria is very willing to support our kids," he said. "The ultimate goal is for our kids to learn skills and then help them out in the process."

Community members can coordinate donations by contacting Victoria High's main office. Previous contributions have included fishing poles and a toilet for plumbing labs.

Additional learning labs include genealogy research, conversational German, creative writing, calligraphy, golf, volunteering at the Humane Society, and knitting and crocheting.

Rogers said the learning labs at Victoria High have brought about a positive shift in the school environment, strengthening relationships between students and staff.

"Our custodians and maintenance staff are teaching labs, building relationships with students in ways we've never seen before," he said.&nbsp;

"We have seniors in the same learning lab as seventh graders. I was a little nervous about how that would go, but it's been great. The whole dynamic of the building has changed," Rogers said.

Since September, the workshops have attracted interest from other schools in the area, which recognize the program as a model for reimagining education.

Rogers said he hopes to develop the labs so students can create and sell goods or services, benefiting the community while helping to fund future labs.

In the meantime, Rogers aims to support students as they request skills the school cannot readily provide, such as auto body and dent removal.

"If there's business owners or retired people in these trades who can donate or give hours of your time a week to teach our students these skills, that would benefit them," he said.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/1/1737464182348.jpeg" alt="Victoria High School students working on a homemade electrical contraption during learning labs. Photo by Tony Guerrero/Hays Post" />
 <figcaption>Victoria High School students working on a homemade electrical contraption during learning labs. Photo by Tony Guerrero/Hays Post</figcaption>
 </figure>By TONY GUERRERO Hays PostFridays at Victoria Jr./Sr. High School are redefining traditional education. Through learning labs, students gain practical life skills that reach far beyond the classroom.Dan Rogers, Victoria High assistant principal and athletic director, said the concept stemmed from a workshop he attended at Peabody-Burns High School."We have to think differently in terms of learning and what education is to have the kids feel relevant in school because that's a huge problem in today's society," Rogers said.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/1/1737465339806.jpeg" alt="Victoria High School students cooking during learning labs. Courtesy photo" />
 <figcaption>Victoria High School students cooking during learning labs. Courtesy photo</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/1/1737465386640.jpeg" alt="Victoria High School students playing the guitar during learning labs. Courtesy photo" />
 <figcaption>Victoria High School students playing the guitar during learning labs. Courtesy photo</figcaption>
 </figure>The effort aims to offer life skills training every Friday for students in grades 7-12, efficiently using the limited resources available in a small school setting.The learning labs rotate every nine weeks and offer students diverse practical skills, including hunter safety, equine management, culinary arts, guitar and drum lessons, archery, mentorship, German, chess, and plumbing and electrical basics."It's been really cool. The vibe is so much better on Friday. The energy is there. Staff are excited to share what they know," he said.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/1/1737464308805.jpeg" alt="Pairs of Victoria High School students dancing during learning labs. Photo by Tony Guerrero/Hays Post" />
 <figcaption>Pairs of Victoria High School students dancing during learning labs. Photo by Tony Guerrero/Hays Post</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/1/1737464442227.jpeg" alt="Victoria High School students dancing during learning labs. Photo by Tony Guerrero/Hays Post" />
 <figcaption>Victoria High School students dancing during learning labs. Photo by Tony Guerrero/Hays Post</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/1/1737464254993.jpeg" alt="Dan Rogers, Victoria High's assistant principal and athletic director, teaches Victoria High School students to dance during learning labs. Photo by Tony Guerrero/Hays Post" />
 <figcaption>Dan Rogers, Victoria High's assistant principal and athletic director, teaches Victoria High School students to dance during learning labs. Photo by Tony Guerrero/Hays Post</figcaption>
 </figure>Rogers leads a dance learning lab focused on two-step and swing dance, inspired by students’ interest in learning how to dance.Teachers are encouraged to share their unique hobbies, skills and passions. Some even provide personal resources to support their workshops, with additional materials supplied by the community."Victoria is very willing to support our kids," he said. "The ultimate goal is for our kids to learn skills and then help them out in the process."Community members can coordinate donations by contacting Victoria High's main office. Previous contributions have included fishing poles and a toilet for plumbing labs.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/1/1737464572405.jpeg" alt="A Victoria High School student embroidering during learning labs. Photo by Tony Guerrero/Hays Post" />
 <figcaption>A Victoria High School student embroidering during learning labs. Photo by Tony Guerrero/Hays Post</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/1/1737465194092.jpeg" alt="Two Victoria High School students playing chess during learning labs. Courtesy Photo" />
 <figcaption>Two Victoria High School students playing chess during learning labs. Courtesy Photo</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/1/1737464610486.jpeg" alt="Several Victoria High School students practicing&nbsp;calligraphy during learning labs. Photo by Tony Guerrero/Hays Post" />
 <figcaption>Several Victoria High School students practicing&nbsp;calligraphy during learning labs. Photo by Tony Guerrero/Hays Post</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/1/1737464534988.jpeg" alt="Several Victoria High School students learning to cook pizza during learning labs. Photo by Tony Guerrero/Hays Post" />
 <figcaption>Several Victoria High School students learning to cook pizza during learning labs. Photo by Tony Guerrero/Hays Post</figcaption>
 </figure>Additional learning labs include genealogy research, conversational German, creative writing, calligraphy, golf, volunteering at the Humane Society, and knitting and crocheting.Rogers said the learning labs at Victoria High have brought about a positive shift in the school environment, strengthening relationships between students and staff."Our custodians and maintenance staff are teaching labs, building relationships with students in ways we've never seen before," he said.&nbsp;"We have seniors in the same learning lab as seventh graders. I was a little nervous about how that would go, but it's been great. The whole dynamic of the building has changed," Rogers said.Since September, the workshops have attracted interest from other schools in the area, which recognize the program as a model for reimagining education.Rogers said he hopes to develop the labs so students can create and sell goods or services, benefiting the community while helping to fund future labs.In the meantime, Rogers aims to support students as they request skills the school cannot readily provide, such as auto body and dent removal."If there's business owners or retired people in these trades who can donate or give hours of your time a week to teach our students these skills, that would benefit them," he said.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/1/1737465587399.jpeg" alt="Three Victoria High School students prepare meals during learning labs. Courtesy photo" />
 <figcaption>Three Victoria High School students prepare meals during learning labs. Courtesy photo</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/1/1737465654721.jpeg" alt="Three Victoria High School students working on a deer during learning labs. Courtesy photo" />
 <figcaption>Three Victoria High School students working on a deer during learning labs. Courtesy photo</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/1/1737465844188.jpeg" alt="A Victoria High School student's graphic design created in a Canva learning lab for a thank you card. Courtesy photo" />
 <figcaption>A Victoria High School student's graphic design created in a Canva learning lab for a thank you card. Courtesy photo</figcaption>
 </figure>

Victoria High's learning labs redefine Fridays with life skills workshops

Heartland Community Foundation is sponsoring a Town Hall Meeting called Ellis County Solutions Summit, facilitated by Hansen Foundation's Betty Johnson.

"We've had great success with the ideas that have come out of previous Strategic Doings for Ellis County the past few years, with many of them implemented and enhancing the county," Johnson said.

"We look forward to hearing from anyone who wants to come to the session, brainstorm with us and be a part of making good things happen.&nbsp;We are open to all ideas and suggestions and are excited to start some new projects," she said.

Johnson said the goal is to get people thinking and talking about what could and should happen in Ellis County, brainstorm how to implement it, and work to make it happen with some action items moving forward.&nbsp;

The Solutions Summit will take place from 6 to 8 p.m. on Feb. 4 at the Rose Garden Banquet Hall.

You can sign up to attend the event on <a href="https://www.facebook.com/events/957839283078466?acontext=%7B%22event_action_history%22%3A[]%7D">Facebook</a>. It is free and open to the public.

"Ellis County is great, and we want to make it even greater! Come share your ideas for growth, sustainability and quality of life," organizers said in a press release.

Drinks and snacks will be provided along with the discussion.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/1/1737649234505.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Hays PostHeartland Community Foundation is sponsoring a Town Hall Meeting called Ellis County Solutions Summit, facilitated by Hansen Foundation's Betty Johnson."We've had great success with the ideas that have come out of previous Strategic Doings for Ellis County the past few years, with many of them implemented and enhancing the county," Johnson said."We look forward to hearing from anyone who wants to come to the session, brainstorm with us and be a part of making good things happen.&nbsp;We are open to all ideas and suggestions and are excited to start some new projects," she said.Johnson said the goal is to get people thinking and talking about what could and should happen in Ellis County, brainstorm how to implement it, and work to make it happen with some action items moving forward.&nbsp;The Solutions Summit will take place from 6 to 8 p.m. on Feb. 4 at the Rose Garden Banquet Hall.You can sign up to attend the event on <a href="https://www.facebook.com/events/957839283078466?acontext=%7B%22event_action_history%22%3A[]%7D">Facebook</a>. It is free and open to the public."Ellis County is great, and we want to make it even greater! Come share your ideas for growth, sustainability and quality of life," organizers said in a press release.Drinks and snacks will be provided along with the discussion.

Solutions Summit set for Feb. 4 in Hays; sign up now

COLBY - Goodland has been a thorn in the side of Hays High at the Orange &amp; Black Classic in Colby. The Indians lost three consecutive years to the Cowgirls. Two of those times was in the semifinals and another in the first round.

Thursday Hays defeated Goodland 54-31. The Cowgirls led early on a three pointer and then held an 8-2 advantage three minutes in.

Hays the launched into a 18-1 run that lasted into the second quarter. Jenna Schmeidler scored the first 12 points of that stretch. The Indians led 16-9 after the first quarter and increased the lead to 20-9. Goodland broke a six minute scoring drought with a basket at 20-12.

Hays used a 6-1 spurt to lead 26-13 at halftime.&nbsp;

Hays was never threatened in the second half. The Cowgirls were never closer than 13 points. The Indians led by 18 after three quarters 38-20.&nbsp;

The biggest lead ballooned to 27 points at one time 51-24 before settling for a 54-31 victory.

Hays (10-0) will face #1-4A Wellington in the semifinals at 3:00 Friday. The Hertz Pregame Show starts at 2:40. Goodland (7-4) will play Concordia.

Jenna Schmeidler 15; Annie Humphrey 1; Katie Linenberger 10; Molly Martin 12; Kenlee Winter 0; Morgan Armbruster 5; Jaysa Roa 0; Kinslee Newell 0; Riley Dreher 0; Lynsi Kanak 0; Molly Buckles 6; Zoe Winter 4; Liz Cunningham 1; Rylen Harrington 0.

By DUSTIN ARMBRUSTER Hays PostCOLBY - Goodland has been a thorn in the side of Hays High at the Orange &amp; Black Classic in Colby. The Indians lost three consecutive years to the Cowgirls. Two of those times was in the semifinals and another in the first round.Thursday Hays defeated Goodland 54-31. The Cowgirls led early on a three pointer and then held an 8-2 advantage three minutes in.Hays the launched into a 18-1 run that lasted into the second quarter. Jenna Schmeidler scored the first 12 points of that stretch. The Indians led 16-9 after the first quarter and increased the lead to 20-9. Goodland broke a six minute scoring drought with a basket at 20-12.Hays used a 6-1 spurt to lead 26-13 at halftime.&nbsp;Highlights<div><iframe width="100%" height="300" scrolling="no" frameborder="no" allow="autoplay" src="https://w.soundcloud.com/player/?url=https%3A//api.soundcloud.com/tracks/2016888747&color=%23ff5500&auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false&show_teaser=true&visual=true"></iframe><div style="font-size: 10px; color: #cccccc;line-break: anywhere;word-break: normal;overflow: hidden;white-space: nowrap;text-overflow: ellipsis; font-family: Interstate,Lucida Grande,Lucida Sans Unicode,Lucida Sans,Garuda,Verdana,Tahoma,sans-serif;font-weight: 100;"><a href="https://soundcloud.com/user-814667509" title="Eagle Radio" target="_blank" style="color: #cccccc; text-decoration: none;">Eagle Radio</a> · <a href="https://soundcloud.com/user-814667509/1-23-25-hhs-wbkb-highlights-v-goodland" title="1 - 23 - 25 HHS WBKB Highlights V. Goodland" target="_blank" style="color: #cccccc; text-decoration: none;">1 - 23 - 25 HHS WBKB Highlights V. Goodland</a></div></div>Hays was never threatened in the second half. The Cowgirls were never closer than 13 points. The Indians led by 18 after three quarters 38-20.&nbsp;The biggest lead ballooned to 27 points at one time 51-24 before settling for a 54-31 victory.Coach Len Melvin<div><iframe width="100%" height="300" scrolling="no" frameborder="no" allow="autoplay" src="https://w.soundcloud.com/player/?url=https%3A//api.soundcloud.com/tracks/2016888603&color=%23ff5500&auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false&show_teaser=true&visual=true"></iframe><div style="font-size: 10px; color: #cccccc;line-break: anywhere;word-break: normal;overflow: hidden;white-space: nowrap;text-overflow: ellipsis; font-family: Interstate,Lucida Grande,Lucida Sans Unicode,Lucida Sans,Garuda,Verdana,Tahoma,sans-serif;font-weight: 100;"><a href="https://soundcloud.com/user-814667509" title="Eagle Radio" target="_blank" style="color: #cccccc; text-decoration: none;">Eagle Radio</a> · <a href="https://soundcloud.com/user-814667509/1-23-25-hhs-wbkb-coach-interview-v-goodland" title="1 - 23 - 25 HHS WBKB Coach Interview V. Goodland" target="_blank" style="color: #cccccc; text-decoration: none;">1 - 23 - 25 HHS WBKB Coach Interview V. Goodland</a></div></div>Hays (10-0) will face #1-4A Wellington in the semifinals at 3:00 Friday. The Hertz Pregame Show starts at 2:40. Goodland (7-4) will play Concordia.Jenna Schmeidler 15; Annie Humphrey 1; Katie Linenberger 10; Molly Martin 12; Kenlee Winter 0; Morgan Armbruster 5; Jaysa Roa 0; Kinslee Newell 0; Riley Dreher 0; Lynsi Kanak 0; Molly Buckles 6; Zoe Winter 4; Liz Cunningham 1; Rylen Harrington 0.

🏀 #8 Hays girls advance in Colby tournament

By JONATHAN ZEWYGARDT Hays Post&nbsp;

HAYS - The TMP-Marian boys' and girls' basketball teams earned two wins Thursday in the consolation semifinals of the Mid-Continent League tournament, securing a spot in the fifth-place games Saturday in WaKeeney.&nbsp;

The TMP Lady Monarchs (5-5) used an 11-3 run in the first half and then held off a late Norton rally as they beat the Lady Jays 36-29.

TMP rushed out to an early 6-2 lead thanks to four straight by Brooke Koenigsman. Only to see Norton score five straight for a 7-6 lead.

Claire Schippers was able to give the Monarchs the lead back, scoring four straight putting TMP up 10-7.&nbsp;

The Monarchs led 10-8 after the first quarter.

A Hannah Rose three-point play sparked an 11-3 run to close out the first half and open the third quarter as&nbsp; TMP took a 21-11 lead.

Norton closed within two in the fourth quarter, but the Monarchs secured the victory at the free-throw line, 36-29.

Brooke Koenigsman led all scorers with 10 points and added nine rebounds.&nbsp;

The TMP-M (4-6) boys used a 21-2 run in the second half as they knocked off the Phillipsburg Panthers Thursday 56-45.

TMP scored the game's first six points, and Phillipsburg answered right back with six straight, tying the game at six. It was one of nine different lead changes in the first two before the Monarchs took control with the 21-2 run.&nbsp;

Grant Nehls scored eight points during the run, which was capped off by Will Eck's three-pointers, putting TMP up 45-30 early in the fourth quarter.&nbsp;

Phillipsburg threatened in the fourth quarter, trimming a 15-point TMP lead to seven with under four minutes left in the game, but TMP made their free throws down the stretch and secured a 56-45 victory.

Grant Nehls matched his career-high 18 points and added eight rebounds. Ty Schmeidler added 10 points.

The TMP girls will take on Russell in the fifth-place game at approximately 2:30 p.m.

The boys will play Oakley after the girl's game at the Trego Auxiliary Gym.

By JONATHAN ZEWYGARDT Hays Post&nbsp;HAYS - The TMP-Marian boys' and girls' basketball teams earned two wins Thursday in the consolation semifinals of the Mid-Continent League tournament, securing a spot in the fifth-place games Saturday in WaKeeney.&nbsp;GIRLS: TMP 36, Norton 29The TMP Lady Monarchs (5-5) used an 11-3 run in the first half and then held off a late Norton rally as they beat the Lady Jays 36-29.<div><iframe width="100%" height="166" scrolling="no" frameborder="no" allow="autoplay" src="https://w.soundcloud.com/player/?url=https%3A//api.soundcloud.com/tracks/2016899179&color=%23294b71&auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false&show_teaser=true"></iframe><div style="font-size: 10px; color: #cccccc;line-break: anywhere;word-break: normal;overflow: hidden;white-space: nowrap;text-overflow: ellipsis; font-family: Interstate,Lucida Grande,Lucida Sans Unicode,Lucida Sans,Garuda,Verdana,Tahoma,sans-serif;font-weight: 100;"><a href="https://soundcloud.com/user-814667509" title="Eagle Radio" target="_blank" style="color: #cccccc; text-decoration: none;">Eagle Radio</a> · <a href="https://soundcloud.com/user-814667509/01-23-25-coach-john-linn-interview" title="01 - 23 - 25 Coach John Linn Interview" target="_blank" style="color: #cccccc; text-decoration: none;">01 - 23 - 25 Coach John Linn Interview</a></div></div>TMP rushed out to an early 6-2 lead thanks to four straight by Brooke Koenigsman. Only to see Norton score five straight for a 7-6 lead.Claire Schippers was able to give the Monarchs the lead back, scoring four straight putting TMP up 10-7.&nbsp;The Monarchs led 10-8 after the first quarter.A Hannah Rose three-point play sparked an 11-3 run to close out the first half and open the third quarter as&nbsp; TMP took a 21-11 lead.Norton closed within two in the fourth quarter, but the Monarchs secured the victory at the free-throw line, 36-29.<div><iframe width="100%" height="166" scrolling="no" frameborder="no" allow="autoplay" src="https://w.soundcloud.com/player/?url=https%3A//api.soundcloud.com/tracks/2016899235&color=%23294b71&auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false&show_teaser=true"></iframe><div style="font-size: 10px; color: #cccccc;line-break: anywhere;word-break: normal;overflow: hidden;white-space: nowrap;text-overflow: ellipsis; font-family: Interstate,Lucida Grande,Lucida Sans Unicode,Lucida Sans,Garuda,Verdana,Tahoma,sans-serif;font-weight: 100;"><a href="https://soundcloud.com/user-814667509" title="Eagle Radio" target="_blank" style="color: #cccccc; text-decoration: none;">Eagle Radio</a> · <a href="https://soundcloud.com/user-814667509/01-23-25-tmp-wbkb-vs-norton-highlights" title="01 - 23 - 25 TMP WBKB Vs Norton Highlights" target="_blank" style="color: #cccccc; text-decoration: none;">01 - 23 - 25 TMP WBKB Vs Norton Highlights</a></div></div>Brooke Koenigsman led all scorers with 10 points and added nine rebounds.&nbsp;BOYS: TMP 56, Phillipsburg 45The TMP-M (4-6) boys used a 21-2 run in the second half as they knocked off the Phillipsburg Panthers Thursday 56-45.<div><iframe width="100%" height="166" scrolling="no" frameborder="no" allow="autoplay" src="https://w.soundcloud.com/player/?url=https%3A//api.soundcloud.com/tracks/2016899203&color=%23294b71&auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false&show_teaser=true"></iframe><div style="font-size: 10px; color: #cccccc;line-break: anywhere;word-break: normal;overflow: hidden;white-space: nowrap;text-overflow: ellipsis; font-family: Interstate,Lucida Grande,Lucida Sans Unicode,Lucida Sans,Garuda,Verdana,Tahoma,sans-serif;font-weight: 100;"><a href="https://soundcloud.com/user-814667509" title="Eagle Radio" target="_blank" style="color: #cccccc; text-decoration: none;">Eagle Radio</a> · <a href="https://soundcloud.com/user-814667509/01-23-25-tmp-coach-bill-meagher-interview" title="01 - 23 - 25 TMP Coach Bill Meagher Interview" target="_blank" style="color: #cccccc; text-decoration: none;">01 - 23 - 25 TMP Coach Bill Meagher Interview</a></div></div>TMP scored the game's first six points, and Phillipsburg answered right back with six straight, tying the game at six. It was one of nine different lead changes in the first two before the Monarchs took control with the 21-2 run.&nbsp;Grant Nehls scored eight points during the run, which was capped off by Will Eck's three-pointers, putting TMP up 45-30 early in the fourth quarter.&nbsp;Phillipsburg threatened in the fourth quarter, trimming a 15-point TMP lead to seven with under four minutes left in the game, but TMP made their free throws down the stretch and secured a 56-45 victory.<div><iframe width="100%" height="166" scrolling="no" frameborder="no" allow="autoplay" src="https://w.soundcloud.com/player/?url=https%3A//api.soundcloud.com/tracks/2016899203&color=%23294b71&auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false&show_teaser=true"></iframe><div style="font-size: 10px; color: #cccccc;line-break: anywhere;word-break: normal;overflow: hidden;white-space: nowrap;text-overflow: ellipsis; font-family: Interstate,Lucida Grande,Lucida Sans Unicode,Lucida Sans,Garuda,Verdana,Tahoma,sans-serif;font-weight: 100;"><a href="https://soundcloud.com/user-814667509" title="Eagle Radio" target="_blank" style="color: #cccccc; text-decoration: none;">Eagle Radio</a> · <a href="https://soundcloud.com/user-814667509/01-23-25-tmp-coach-bill-meagher-interview" title="01 - 23 - 25 TMP Coach Bill Meagher Interview" target="_blank" style="color: #cccccc; text-decoration: none;">01 - 23 - 25 TMP Coach Bill Meagher Interview</a></div></div>Grant Nehls matched his career-high 18 points and added eight rebounds. Ty Schmeidler added 10 points.The TMP girls will take on Russell in the fifth-place game at approximately 2:30 p.m.The boys will play Oakley after the girl's game at the Trego Auxiliary Gym.

🏀TMP girls and boys pick up MCL tournament wins; will play for 5th

COLBY - Hays High opened up the 40th Colby Orange &amp; Black Classic with a 51-31 victory against Concordia Thursday afternoon. The Indians are 17-5 in the first round of the tournament.

Hays trailed just once in the game at 2-0 when Concordia scored on the first possession. The Indians took the lead on a 7-0 run midway through the opening quarter. Concordia did cut the lead down to one by the end of the first quarter 7-6.

Hays opened the second quarter with a 6-0 run and closed it with 12-2 run. The Indians led 13-6 after the first run before the Panthers closed it down to one possession at 13-11. Hays closed the half with a 12-2 run that pushed their advantage to 25-13 at halftime. Concordia went scoreless for the last 3:45 of the quarter.

Hays took a 2o point lead in the first two minutes of the third quarter thanks to a 9-0 run. The Indians went scoreless for 3:50 but gave back just seven points. Back-to-back three pointers by the Indians broke the drought and put Hays ahead 40-21.

The lead was 17 heading to the fourth quarter and hovered around 20 for rest of the game with the final at 51-31.&nbsp;

Dawson Ruder recorded his second double-double of the season at 13 points and 14 rebounds. He had the double-double by halftime.

Hays (6-4) has won their last three games. Concordia (6-2) has lost their last two after winning six straight to start the season. Hays will face the winner of Colby and Beloit at 8:15 on Friday evening.

Carter Lang 0; Johnny Cano 11; Trace Jacobs 0; Cooper Lindemeyer 3; Brogan Albers 0; Trey Oakley 3; Tiger Johnson 10; Brody Harmony 0; Izaac Fox 9; Noah Smalley 0; Brecken Otte 0; Dawson Ruder 13; Alex Loving 2.

By DUSTIN ARMBRUSTER Hays PostCOLBY - Hays High opened up the 40th Colby Orange &amp; Black Classic with a 51-31 victory against Concordia Thursday afternoon. The Indians are 17-5 in the first round of the tournament.Hays trailed just once in the game at 2-0 when Concordia scored on the first possession. The Indians took the lead on a 7-0 run midway through the opening quarter. Concordia did cut the lead down to one by the end of the first quarter 7-6.Hays opened the second quarter with a 6-0 run and closed it with 12-2 run. The Indians led 13-6 after the first run before the Panthers closed it down to one possession at 13-11. Hays closed the half with a 12-2 run that pushed their advantage to 25-13 at halftime. Concordia went scoreless for the last 3:45 of the quarter.Highlights<div><iframe width="100%" height="300" scrolling="no" frameborder="no" allow="autoplay" src="https://w.soundcloud.com/player/?url=https%3A//api.soundcloud.com/tracks/2016768487&color=%23ff5500&auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false&show_teaser=true&visual=true"></iframe><div style="font-size: 10px; color: #cccccc;line-break: anywhere;word-break: normal;overflow: hidden;white-space: nowrap;text-overflow: ellipsis; font-family: Interstate,Lucida Grande,Lucida Sans Unicode,Lucida Sans,Garuda,Verdana,Tahoma,sans-serif;font-weight: 100;"><a href="https://soundcloud.com/user-814667509" title="Eagle Radio" target="_blank" style="color: #cccccc; text-decoration: none;">Eagle Radio</a> · <a href="https://soundcloud.com/user-814667509/1-23-25-hhs-mbkb-highlights-v-concordia" title="1 - 23 - 25 HHS MBKB Highlights V. Concordia" target="_blank" style="color: #cccccc; text-decoration: none;">1 - 23 - 25 HHS MBKB Highlights V. Concordia</a></div></div>Hays took a 2o point lead in the first two minutes of the third quarter thanks to a 9-0 run. The Indians went scoreless for 3:50 but gave back just seven points. Back-to-back three pointers by the Indians broke the drought and put Hays ahead 40-21.The lead was 17 heading to the fourth quarter and hovered around 20 for rest of the game with the final at 51-31.&nbsp;Coach Sean Dreiling<div><iframe width="100%" height="300" scrolling="no" frameborder="no" allow="autoplay" src="https://w.soundcloud.com/player/?url=https%3A//api.soundcloud.com/tracks/2016768275&color=%23ff5500&auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false&show_teaser=true&visual=true"></iframe><div style="font-size: 10px; color: #cccccc;line-break: anywhere;word-break: normal;overflow: hidden;white-space: nowrap;text-overflow: ellipsis; font-family: Interstate,Lucida Grande,Lucida Sans Unicode,Lucida Sans,Garuda,Verdana,Tahoma,sans-serif;font-weight: 100;"><a href="https://soundcloud.com/user-814667509" title="Eagle Radio" target="_blank" style="color: #cccccc; text-decoration: none;">Eagle Radio</a> · <a href="https://soundcloud.com/user-814667509/1-23-25-hhs-mbkb-coach-interview-v-concordia" title="1 - 23 - 25 HHS MBKB Coach Interview V. Concordia" target="_blank" style="color: #cccccc; text-decoration: none;">1 - 23 - 25 HHS MBKB Coach Interview V. Concordia</a></div></div>Dawson Ruder recorded his second double-double of the season at 13 points and 14 rebounds. He had the double-double by halftime.Hays (6-4) has won their last three games. Concordia (6-2) has lost their last two after winning six straight to start the season. Hays will face the winner of Colby and Beloit at 8:15 on Friday evening.Carter Lang 0; Johnny Cano 11; Trace Jacobs 0; Cooper Lindemeyer 3; Brogan Albers 0; Trey Oakley 3; Tiger Johnson 10; Brody Harmony 0; Izaac Fox 9; Noah Smalley 0; Brecken Otte 0; Dawson Ruder 13; Alex Loving 2.

🏀 Hays boys open tournament play with victory

WASHINGTON (AP) — The Right Rev. Mariann Edgar Budde, bishop of the Diocese of Washington, said Wednesday that she will continue to pray for President Donald Trump, hours after he lashed out at her over a sermon.

“I don’t consider him an enemy,” Budde told The Associated Press.

“I believe we can disagree respectfully and put our ideas out there and continue to stand for the convictions we’ve been given without resorting to violence of speech.”

Budde made a direct appeal to Trump during a post-Inauguration&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-inaugural-prayer-service-washington-national-cathedral-interfaith-a95b36f962be93c8647cc5144266da11">prayer service</a>&nbsp;he attended on Tuesday, asking him to show mercy to members of the LGBTQ+ community and migrants who are in the country illegally.

Trump called Budde a “Radical Left hard line Trump hater” on his Truth Social site on Wednesday.

“Apart from her inappropriate statements, the service was a very boring and uninspiring one. She is not very good at her job!” he posted after midnight. “She and her church owe the public an apology!”

Referencing Trump’s belief that he was saved by God from assassination, Budde preached, “You have felt the providential hand of a loving God. In the name of our God, I ask you to have mercy upon the people in our country who are scared now.”

As the president looked on, Budde said, "There are gay, lesbian and transgender children in Democratic, Republican and independent families, some who fear for their lives.”

She preached that the “vast majority of immigrants are not criminals,” but “good neighbors” and “faithful members” of religious communities.

The Trump administration has already issued executive orders rolling back&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-sex-gender-transgender-dei-order-245350b97e0c4dcc221fefc49ef44699">transgender rights</a>&nbsp;and toughening&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-deportation-immigration-homan-asylum-inauguration-ac10480dc636b758ab3c435b974aeb19">immigration policies</a>.

Trump and Vice President JD Vance looked visibly disgruntled at times as they sat in the front pew with their wives. Vance raised his eyebrows and said something to second lady Usha Vance, who stared straight ahead.

At the White House on Tuesday, Trump said, “I didn’t think it was a good service.” Later, on Truth Social, he criticized Budde for failing to mention crimes committed by immigrants in the U.S. illegally.

Budde knew last summer that the subject of her inaugural sermon would be unity after a “divisive election season.”

As she watched the Inauguration the day before she was set to preach, she noted that the prayers from Trump-supporting clergy were “coming at things from a pretty different perspective” than her.

“The Episcopal Church is not a large church, but we do have a what I would call a very generous view of God and a view of human beings,” she said. “And I wanted to make sure that people knew that also is a way to interpret the world through the lens of faith.”

She thought phrasing her words to the president as a plea for mercy “was a very gentle way to do it because I was acknowledging his authority and his power.”

“I guess I had that wrong,” she said.

The strong reactions to Budde’s sermon largely fell along predictable political and religious lines. Progressive people of faith found in her an inspiring example of “speaking truth to power.” Some conservative religious voices found her plea confrontational and disrespectful. Others took issue with a woman in a powerful church leadership role, which their traditions reserve for men.

National spokespeople for the Episcopal Church said Budde is “a valued and trusted pastor” and colleague. “We stand by Bishop Budde and her appeal for the Christian values of mercy and compassion.”

Progressive Christian activist and author Shane Claiborne wrote of Budde on X: “This is what it looks like to speak the truth in love.”

Republican Rep. Mike Collins of Georgia, in contrast, posted on X alongside a video of Budde preaching: “The person giving this sermon should be added to the deportation list.”

Pastor Robert Jeffress of First Baptist Dallas, a prominent Trump supporter, was at the service and posted on X that Budde “insulted rather than encouraged our great president” and “there was palpable disgust in the audience with her words.”

Budde felt some of that pushback when she processed down the aisle of the cathedral after the service. The president did not acknowledge her when she passed.

“I try to make eye contact with people and to smile, and not a lot of smiles came back to me,” she said.

The bishop is mostly staying off social media. The vitriol of some of her critics was “the very thing” she was wanting to avoid with her sermon’s message of unity.

“I was hoping to address that culture of contempt in a way that said we could have a different kind of conversation with each other,” the softspoken cleric said.

Most notably, she said she was&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/donald-trump-us-news-ap-top-news-mn-state-wire-politics-09f54acd0aadf861ea3aadc5b79c0fd8">“outraged”</a>&nbsp;in 2020 after Trump staged an appearance in front of St. John’s Episcopal Church, which is near the White House. He held up a Bible after the area had been cleared of peaceful protesters.

The Episcopal Church and its Anglican predecessor have long been a mainstay of American political power. It claimed more signers of the Declaration of Independence than any other denomination. Its reach has dwindled along with many mainline Protestant denominations in recent decades as more Americans no longer identify as religious.

The Episcopal Church continues to host high-profile events at its National Cathedral in Washington, including many inaugural prayer services and the recent funeral of former President&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/jimmy-carter-state-funeral-joe-biden-donald-trump-df391a578d6b4627ad500f5df03ac1ff">Jimmy Carter</a>.

Budde is the first woman to lead the Episcopal Diocese of Washington, a position she has held since 2011.

“I’m a mom. I’m a grandmother. I really care about the people in our communities,” Budde said.

“We’re far more alike with each other than we realize. And if we if we just take the time to know one another and know each other’s stories, we tend to soften.”

WASHINGTON (AP) — The Right Rev. Mariann Edgar Budde, bishop of the Diocese of Washington, said Wednesday that she will continue to pray for President Donald Trump, hours after he lashed out at her over a sermon.“I don’t consider him an enemy,” Budde told The Associated Press.“I believe we can disagree respectfully and put our ideas out there and continue to stand for the convictions we’ve been given without resorting to violence of speech.”<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-media-max-width="560">Bishop Mariann Edgar Budde: &quot;The vast majority of immigrants are not criminals. They pay taxes and are good neighbors...may I ask you to have mercy Mr. President on those in our communities whose children fear that their parents will be taken away.&quot; <a href="https://t.co/iXaHJrPsof">pic.twitter.com/iXaHJrPsof</a>&mdash; CSPAN (@cspan) <a href="https://twitter.com/cspan/status/1881761682944397728?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 21, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>Budde made a direct appeal to Trump during a post-Inauguration&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-inaugural-prayer-service-washington-national-cathedral-interfaith-a95b36f962be93c8647cc5144266da11">prayer service</a>&nbsp;he attended on Tuesday, asking him to show mercy to members of the LGBTQ+ community and migrants who are in the country illegally.Trump called Budde a “Radical Left hard line Trump hater” on his Truth Social site on Wednesday.“Apart from her inappropriate statements, the service was a very boring and uninspiring one. She is not very good at her job!” he posted after midnight. “She and her church owe the public an apology!”Referencing Trump’s belief that he was saved by God from assassination, Budde preached, “You have felt the providential hand of a loving God. In the name of our God, I ask you to have mercy upon the people in our country who are scared now.”As the president looked on, Budde said, "There are gay, lesbian and transgender children in Democratic, Republican and independent families, some who fear for their lives.”She preached that the “vast majority of immigrants are not criminals,” but “good neighbors” and “faithful members” of religious communities.The Trump administration has already issued executive orders rolling back&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-sex-gender-transgender-dei-order-245350b97e0c4dcc221fefc49ef44699">transgender rights</a>&nbsp;and toughening&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-deportation-immigration-homan-asylum-inauguration-ac10480dc636b758ab3c435b974aeb19">immigration policies</a>.Trump and Vice President JD Vance looked visibly disgruntled at times as they sat in the front pew with their wives. Vance raised his eyebrows and said something to second lady Usha Vance, who stared straight ahead.At the White House on Tuesday, Trump said, “I didn’t think it was a good service.” Later, on Truth Social, he criticized Budde for failing to mention crimes committed by immigrants in the U.S. illegally.Budde knew last summer that the subject of her inaugural sermon would be unity after a “divisive election season.”As she watched the Inauguration the day before she was set to preach, she noted that the prayers from Trump-supporting clergy were “coming at things from a pretty different perspective” than her.“The Episcopal Church is not a large church, but we do have a what I would call a very generous view of God and a view of human beings,” she said. “And I wanted to make sure that people knew that also is a way to interpret the world through the lens of faith.”She thought phrasing her words to the president as a plea for mercy “was a very gentle way to do it because I was acknowledging his authority and his power.”“I guess I had that wrong,” she said.The strong reactions to Budde’s sermon largely fell along predictable political and religious lines. Progressive people of faith found in her an inspiring example of “speaking truth to power.” Some conservative religious voices found her plea confrontational and disrespectful. Others took issue with a woman in a powerful church leadership role, which their traditions reserve for men.National spokespeople for the Episcopal Church said Budde is “a valued and trusted pastor” and colleague. “We stand by Bishop Budde and her appeal for the Christian values of mercy and compassion.”Progressive Christian activist and author Shane Claiborne wrote of Budde on X: “This is what it looks like to speak the truth in love.”Republican Rep. Mike Collins of Georgia, in contrast, posted on X alongside a video of Budde preaching: “The person giving this sermon should be added to the deportation list.”Pastor Robert Jeffress of First Baptist Dallas, a prominent Trump supporter, was at the service and posted on X that Budde “insulted rather than encouraged our great president” and “there was palpable disgust in the audience with her words.”Budde felt some of that pushback when she processed down the aisle of the cathedral after the service. The president did not acknowledge her when she passed.“I try to make eye contact with people and to smile, and not a lot of smiles came back to me,” she said.The bishop is mostly staying off social media. The vitriol of some of her critics was “the very thing” she was wanting to avoid with her sermon’s message of unity.“I was hoping to address that culture of contempt in a way that said we could have a different kind of conversation with each other,” the softspoken cleric said.Budde has criticized Trump in the past.Most notably, she said she was&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/donald-trump-us-news-ap-top-news-mn-state-wire-politics-09f54acd0aadf861ea3aadc5b79c0fd8">“outraged”</a>&nbsp;in 2020 after Trump staged an appearance in front of St. John’s Episcopal Church, which is near the White House. He held up a Bible after the area had been cleared of peaceful protesters.The Episcopal Church and its Anglican predecessor have long been a mainstay of American political power. It claimed more signers of the Declaration of Independence than any other denomination. Its reach has dwindled along with many mainline Protestant denominations in recent decades as more Americans no longer identify as religious.The Episcopal Church continues to host high-profile events at its National Cathedral in Washington, including many inaugural prayer services and the recent funeral of former President&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/jimmy-carter-state-funeral-joe-biden-donald-trump-df391a578d6b4627ad500f5df03ac1ff">Jimmy Carter</a>.Budde is the first woman to lead the Episcopal Diocese of Washington, a position she has held since 2011.“I’m a mom. I’m a grandmother. I really care about the people in our communities,” Budde said.“We’re far more alike with each other than we realize. And if we if we just take the time to know one another and know each other’s stories, we tend to soften.”___

Bishop who pleaded with President Trump: I don't consider him an enemy 

Washington, D.C.&nbsp;– U.S. Senators Roger Marshall (KS), Jerry Moran (KS), James Lankford (OK), and Markwayne Mullin (OK) introduced legislation to delist the Lesser Prairie Chicken as endangered under the Endangered Species Act. First District Representative Tracey Mann introduced the House companion legislation.&nbsp;

“In listing the lesser prairie-chicken, the Biden Administration prioritized the interests of radical environmentalists over rural America. Kansas and surrounding states have contributed millions of public and private dollars to conservation efforts that are committed to preserving the lesser prairie-chicken,”&nbsp;said Marshall.&nbsp;

“This work resulted in increasing the population of the bird well before the unnecessary and heavy-handed decision to list it. Fortunately, with this bill, we can undo the burdensome government micromanagement of agriculture and industry in western Kansas and celebrate the voluntary, locally-driven conservation efforts.”

“Listing the lesser prairie chicken as a threatened or endangered species is disruptive to Kansas farmers and ranchers and harmful to rural communities,”&nbsp;said Moran. 

“We need more rain, not regulations, to protect the future of this bird. I will continue to work with local communities to bolster voluntary solutions to protect the habitat of the lesser prairie chicken without placing unnecessary burdens on landowners in Kansas.”

“America’s farmers, ranchers, and agricultural producers are the original conservationists of the land,”&nbsp;said Mann.

"For more than a decade, farmers, ranchers, private landowners, agricultural and energy producers have enacted voluntary conservation efforts to preserve the lesser prairie-chicken’s population. Despite these efforts increasing the population by more than 15,000, President Biden’s U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service ignored the facts and decided that the federal government is better equipped to manage these populations than local citizens. 

"This bill is the first step in rolling back burdensome regulations from the previous administration that handcuffed Americans. I look forward to working with President Trump and the DOGE Caucus to roll back these senseless regulations and to get our country back on track," Mann said.

In 2023, Senators Marshall, Moran, Lankford, and Mullin&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.marshall.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/sens-marshall-moran-lankford-mullin-lead-the-charge-to-strike-down-biden-lesser-prairie-chicken-listing/">led</a>&nbsp;the charge to strike down the Biden Administration’s listing of the Lesser Prairie Chicken (LPC) as part of the Endangered Species Act (ESA). The measure passed both the Senate and the House before then-President Biden&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.marshall.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/senator-marshall-releases-statement-on-bidens-veto-of-the-lesser-prairie-chicken-cra/">vetoed</a>&nbsp;the resolution. This bill will de-list the LPC as endangered or threatened under the ESA and prohibit future re-listing efforts.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/4/1681936081724.jpeg" alt="Lesser prairie chickens in northwest Kansas. Photo by Cristina Janney/Hays Post" />
 <figcaption>Lesser prairie chickens in northwest Kansas. Photo by Cristina Janney/Hays Post</figcaption>
 </figure>Office of Sen. MarshallWashington, D.C.&nbsp;– U.S. Senators Roger Marshall (KS), Jerry Moran (KS), James Lankford (OK), and Markwayne Mullin (OK) introduced legislation to delist the Lesser Prairie Chicken as endangered under the Endangered Species Act. First District Representative Tracey Mann introduced the House companion legislation.&nbsp;“In listing the lesser prairie-chicken, the Biden Administration prioritized the interests of radical environmentalists over rural America. Kansas and surrounding states have contributed millions of public and private dollars to conservation efforts that are committed to preserving the lesser prairie-chicken,”&nbsp;said Marshall.&nbsp;“This work resulted in increasing the population of the bird well before the unnecessary and heavy-handed decision to list it. Fortunately, with this bill, we can undo the burdensome government micromanagement of agriculture and industry in western Kansas and celebrate the voluntary, locally-driven conservation efforts.”“Listing the lesser prairie chicken as a threatened or endangered species is disruptive to Kansas farmers and ranchers and harmful to rural communities,”&nbsp;said Moran. “We need more rain, not regulations, to protect the future of this bird. I will continue to work with local communities to bolster voluntary solutions to protect the habitat of the lesser prairie chicken without placing unnecessary burdens on landowners in Kansas.”“America’s farmers, ranchers, and agricultural producers are the original conservationists of the land,”&nbsp;said Mann."For more than a decade, farmers, ranchers, private landowners, agricultural and energy producers have enacted voluntary conservation efforts to preserve the lesser prairie-chicken’s population. Despite these efforts increasing the population by more than 15,000, President Biden’s U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service ignored the facts and decided that the federal government is better equipped to manage these populations than local citizens. "This bill is the first step in rolling back burdensome regulations from the previous administration that handcuffed Americans. I look forward to working with President Trump and the DOGE Caucus to roll back these senseless regulations and to get our country back on track," Mann said.Background:&nbsp;In 2023, Senators Marshall, Moran, Lankford, and Mullin&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.marshall.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/sens-marshall-moran-lankford-mullin-lead-the-charge-to-strike-down-biden-lesser-prairie-chicken-listing/">led</a>&nbsp;the charge to strike down the Biden Administration’s listing of the Lesser Prairie Chicken (LPC) as part of the Endangered Species Act (ESA). The measure passed both the Senate and the House before then-President Biden&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.marshall.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/senator-marshall-releases-statement-on-bidens-veto-of-the-lesser-prairie-chicken-cra/">vetoed</a>&nbsp;the resolution. This bill will de-list the LPC as endangered or threatened under the ESA and prohibit future re-listing efforts.

Moran, Marshall and Mann introduce bill to delist lesser prairie chicken

WASHINGTON (AP) — The Senate advanced the nomination of&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/pete-hegseth-allegations-defense-trump-194e39797595d87f621db641d0f35ff1">Pete Hegseth</a>&nbsp;as President&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/donald-trump">Donald Trump's</a>&nbsp;defense secretary Thursday on a largely party-line vote, despite grave objections from Democrats and stirring unease among Republicans over his behavior and qualifications to lead the U.S. military.

Two Republicans, Sen. Lisa Murkowski of Alaska and Sen. Susan Collins of Maine, broke ranks with Trump and his allies who have mounted an extensive public campaign to push Hegseth toward confirmation. The former combat veteran and Fox News host faces&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/hegseth-defense-trump-women-allegations-cd3bfa2dbc35afa37a7f98b72e576233">allegations of excessive drinking and aggressive actions toward women</a>, which he has denied. The vote was 51-49, with a final vote on confirmation expected Friday.

Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer implored his colleagues to think seriously, “Is this the best man we have to lead the greatest military in the world?”

Mukowksi, in a lengthy statement, said that his behaviors “starkly contrast” with what is expected of the U.S. military. She also noted his past statements that women should not fill military combat roles.

“I remain concerned about the message that confirming Mr. Hegseth sends to women currently serving and those aspiring to join,” Murkowski wrote on social media.

Murkowski said behavior that Hegseth has acknowledged, “including infidelity on multiple occasions,” shows a lack of judgment. “These behaviors starkly contrast the values and discipline expected of service members,” she said.

"Above all, I believe that character is the defining trait required of the Secretary of Defense, and must be prioritized without compromise,” she said.

Rarely has a Cabinet choice encountered such swirling allegations of wrongdoing. Trump is standing by Hegseth, and the chairman of the Senate Armed Services Committee has dismissed the claims as factually inaccurate.

It will take a simple majority senators to confirm Hegseth’s confirmation. Most Republicans, who hold a 53-seat majority in the chamber, have signaled they will back the nominee, though Vice President JD Vance could be called in to break a tie vote.

“I am ironclad in my assessment that the nominee, Mr. Hegseth, is prepared to be the next secretary of defense,” the chairman, Sen. Roger Wicker, R-Miss., said in a statement on the eve of voting. "The Senate needs to confirm this nominee as fast as possible.”

A new president's national security nominees are often the first to be lined up for confirmation, to ensure U.S. safety at home and abroad. Already the Senate has overwhelmingly confirmed&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/marco-rubio">Marco Rubio</a>&nbsp;as secretary of state in a unanimous vote, and it was on track to confirm&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/ratcliffe-trump-cia-russia-senate-gabbard-e85881d1c3921bc65d6c0e3be3ed555c">John Ratcliffe</a>&nbsp;as CIA director later Thursday.

But Hegseth stands in a category of his own&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/pete-hegseth-background-defense-secretary-confirmation-hearing-e160e10c86385a8beff110d9190fb34e">amid allegations</a>&nbsp;that he sexually assaulted a woman at a Republican conference in California, which he has denied as a consensual encounter, and of heavy drinking at events when he led a veterans organization. He has also said women should not work in combat roles, a view he has since tempered during his confirmation process.

A&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/pete-hegseth-affidavit-defense-secretary-pentagon-trump-e195ba72a3f47060f7a1b7a81981cba2">new claim emerged</a>&nbsp;this week in an affidavit from a former sister-in-law who claimed Hegseth was abusive to his second wife to the point that she feared for her safety. Hegseth has denied the allegation. In divorce proceedings, neither Hegseth nor the woman claimed to be a victim of domestic abuse.

Schumer said Thursday that Hegseth is unqualified for the job because of his personal behavior, including drinking, and his lack of experience.

“One of the kindest words that might be used to describe Mr. Hegseth is erratic, and that’s a term you don’t want at DOD,” Schumer said. “He has a clear problem of judgment.”

A Princeton and Harvard-educated former combat veteran, Hegseth went on to make a career at Fox News, where he hosted a weekend show. Trump tapped him as the defense secretary to lead an organization with nearly 2.1 million service members, about 780,000 civilians and a budget of $850 billion.

Hegseth has promised not to drink on the job if confirmed.

But senators have remained doubtful of his experience and abilities and the alleged behavior that could lead to&nbsp;<a href="https://www.ap.org/news-highlights/spotlights/2025/hegseth-could-lead-troops-whod-face-getting-fired-for-actions-hes-done-in-the-past/">reprimand or firing</a>&nbsp;for military personnel he would now be expected to lead.

Sen. Joni Ernst, R-Iowa, herself a combat veteran and sexual assault survivor, has signaled her backing.

However, several GOP senators, including Murkowski and Sen. Susan Collins of Maine, are being widely watched for their votes.

During a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/video/pete-hegseth-roger-wicker-greenland-virginia-military-and-defense-cc8aef7f27e44f55a3f4e6476fed3086">fiery confirmation</a>&nbsp;hearing, Hegseth swatted away allegations of wrongdoing one by one — dismissing them as “smears” — as he displayed his military credentials and vowed to bring “warrior culture" to the top Pentagon post.

Wicker said he had been briefed a third time on the FBI background investigation into Hegseth. He said "the allegations unfairly impugning his character do not pass scrutiny.”

WASHINGTON (AP) — Sen. Lisa Murkowski announced Thursday that she will vote against confirming&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/pete-hegseth-allegations-defense-trump-194e39797595d87f621db641d0f35ff1">Pete Hegseth</a>&nbsp;to lead the Pentagon, becoming the first Republican to oppose one of President&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/donald-trump">Donald Trump’s</a>&nbsp;Cabinet picks ahead of a crucial test vote.

Murkowski, of Alaska, said in a lengthy statement that&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/hegseth-defense-trump-women-allegations-cd3bfa2dbc35afa37a7f98b72e576233">allegations of excessive drinking and aggressive actions toward women</a>, which Hegseth has denied, show that his behaviors “starkly contrast” with what is expected of the U.S. military. She also noted his past statements that women should not fill military combat roles.

Murkowski said behavior that Hegseth has acknowledged, “including infidelity on multiple occasions,” shows a lack of judgement. “These behaviors starkly contrast the values and discipline expected of service members,” she said.

Senate GOP leaders rushed to advance&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/donald-trump">Trump's</a>&nbsp;defense secretary nominee toward confirmation, despite grave objections from Democrats and stirring unease among Republicans over his behavior and qualifications to lead the U.S. military.

It will take a simple majority senators to advance Hegseth’s confirmation in Thursday’s vote. Most Republicans, who hold a 53-seat majority in the chamber, have signaled they will back the nominee, though Vice PResident JD Vance could be called in to break a tie vote.

“I am ironclad in my assessment that the nominee, Mr. Hegseth, is prepared to be the next secretary of defense,” the chairman, Sen. Roger Wicker, R-Miss., said in a statement on the eve of the test vote. "The Senate needs to confirm this nominee as fast as possible.”

A new president's national security nominees are often the first to be lined up for confirmation, to unsure U.S. safety at home and abroad. Already the Senate has overwhelmingly confirmed&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/marco-rubio">Marco Rubio</a>&nbsp;as secretary of state in a unanimous vote, and it was on track to confirm&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/ratcliffe-trump-cia-russia-senate-gabbard-e85881d1c3921bc65d6c0e3be3ed555c">John Ratcliffe</a>&nbsp;as CIA director later Thursday.

Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer said Thursday that Hegseth is unqualified for the job because of his personal behavior, including drinking, and his lack of experience.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/1/1737660176564.png" alt="Senator Lisa Murkowski -courtesy photo" />
 <figcaption>Senator Lisa Murkowski -courtesy photo</figcaption>
 </figure>WASHINGTON (AP) — The Senate advanced the nomination of&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/pete-hegseth-allegations-defense-trump-194e39797595d87f621db641d0f35ff1">Pete Hegseth</a>&nbsp;as President&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/donald-trump">Donald Trump's</a>&nbsp;defense secretary Thursday on a largely party-line vote, despite grave objections from Democrats and stirring unease among Republicans over his behavior and qualifications to lead the U.S. military.Two Republicans, Sen. Lisa Murkowski of Alaska and Sen. Susan Collins of Maine, broke ranks with Trump and his allies who have mounted an extensive public campaign to push Hegseth toward confirmation. The former combat veteran and Fox News host faces&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/hegseth-defense-trump-women-allegations-cd3bfa2dbc35afa37a7f98b72e576233">allegations of excessive drinking and aggressive actions toward women</a>, which he has denied. The vote was 51-49, with a final vote on confirmation expected Friday.Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer implored his colleagues to think seriously, “Is this the best man we have to lead the greatest military in the world?”<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Since Mr. Hegseth’s nomination last November, I have met with him and carefully reviewed his writings, various reports, and other pertinent materials. I closely followed his hearing before the Senate Armed Services Committee and gathered substantial feedback from organizations,…&mdash; Sen. Lisa Murkowski (@lisamurkowski) <a href="https://twitter.com/lisamurkowski/status/1882496900223377719?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 23, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>Mukowksi, in a lengthy statement, said that his behaviors “starkly contrast” with what is expected of the U.S. military. She also noted his past statements that women should not fill military combat roles.“I remain concerned about the message that confirming Mr. Hegseth sends to women currently serving and those aspiring to join,” Murkowski wrote on social media.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/12/1733437046049.png" alt="Pete Hegseth photo courtesy CSPAN" />
 <figcaption>Pete Hegseth photo courtesy CSPAN</figcaption>
 </figure>Murkowski said behavior that Hegseth has acknowledged, “including infidelity on multiple occasions,” shows a lack of judgment. “These behaviors starkly contrast the values and discipline expected of service members,” she said."Above all, I believe that character is the defining trait required of the Secretary of Defense, and must be prioritized without compromise,” she said.Rarely has a Cabinet choice encountered such swirling allegations of wrongdoing. Trump is standing by Hegseth, and the chairman of the Senate Armed Services Committee has dismissed the claims as factually inaccurate.It will take a simple majority senators to confirm Hegseth’s confirmation. Most Republicans, who hold a 53-seat majority in the chamber, have signaled they will back the nominee, though Vice President JD Vance could be called in to break a tie vote.“I am ironclad in my assessment that the nominee, Mr. Hegseth, is prepared to be the next secretary of defense,” the chairman, Sen. Roger Wicker, R-Miss., said in a statement on the eve of voting. "The Senate needs to confirm this nominee as fast as possible.”A new president's national security nominees are often the first to be lined up for confirmation, to ensure U.S. safety at home and abroad. Already the Senate has overwhelmingly confirmed&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/marco-rubio">Marco Rubio</a>&nbsp;as secretary of state in a unanimous vote, and it was on track to confirm&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/ratcliffe-trump-cia-russia-senate-gabbard-e85881d1c3921bc65d6c0e3be3ed555c">John Ratcliffe</a>&nbsp;as CIA director later Thursday.But Hegseth stands in a category of his own&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/pete-hegseth-background-defense-secretary-confirmation-hearing-e160e10c86385a8beff110d9190fb34e">amid allegations</a>&nbsp;that he sexually assaulted a woman at a Republican conference in California, which he has denied as a consensual encounter, and of heavy drinking at events when he led a veterans organization. He has also said women should not work in combat roles, a view he has since tempered during his confirmation process.A&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/pete-hegseth-affidavit-defense-secretary-pentagon-trump-e195ba72a3f47060f7a1b7a81981cba2">new claim emerged</a>&nbsp;this week in an affidavit from a former sister-in-law who claimed Hegseth was abusive to his second wife to the point that she feared for her safety. Hegseth has denied the allegation. In divorce proceedings, neither Hegseth nor the woman claimed to be a victim of domestic abuse.Schumer said Thursday that Hegseth is unqualified for the job because of his personal behavior, including drinking, and his lack of experience.“One of the kindest words that might be used to describe Mr. Hegseth is erratic, and that’s a term you don’t want at DOD,” Schumer said. “He has a clear problem of judgment.”A Princeton and Harvard-educated former combat veteran, Hegseth went on to make a career at Fox News, where he hosted a weekend show. Trump tapped him as the defense secretary to lead an organization with nearly 2.1 million service members, about 780,000 civilians and a budget of $850 billion.Hegseth has promised not to drink on the job if confirmed.But senators have remained doubtful of his experience and abilities and the alleged behavior that could lead to&nbsp;<a href="https://www.ap.org/news-highlights/spotlights/2025/hegseth-could-lead-troops-whod-face-getting-fired-for-actions-hes-done-in-the-past/">reprimand or firing</a>&nbsp;for military personnel he would now be expected to lead.Sen. Joni Ernst, R-Iowa, herself a combat veteran and sexual assault survivor, has signaled her backing.However, several GOP senators, including Murkowski and Sen. Susan Collins of Maine, are being widely watched for their votes.During a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/video/pete-hegseth-roger-wicker-greenland-virginia-military-and-defense-cc8aef7f27e44f55a3f4e6476fed3086">fiery confirmation</a>&nbsp;hearing, Hegseth swatted away allegations of wrongdoing one by one — dismissing them as “smears” — as he displayed his military credentials and vowed to bring “warrior culture" to the top Pentagon post.Wicker said he had been briefed a third time on the FBI background investigation into Hegseth. He said "the allegations unfairly impugning his character do not pass scrutiny.”------------WASHINGTON (AP) — Sen. Lisa Murkowski announced Thursday that she will vote against confirming&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/pete-hegseth-allegations-defense-trump-194e39797595d87f621db641d0f35ff1">Pete Hegseth</a>&nbsp;to lead the Pentagon, becoming the first Republican to oppose one of President&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/donald-trump">Donald Trump’s</a>&nbsp;Cabinet picks ahead of a crucial test vote.Murkowski, of Alaska, said in a lengthy statement that&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/hegseth-defense-trump-women-allegations-cd3bfa2dbc35afa37a7f98b72e576233">allegations of excessive drinking and aggressive actions toward women</a>, which Hegseth has denied, show that his behaviors “starkly contrast” with what is expected of the U.S. military. She also noted his past statements that women should not fill military combat roles.“I remain concerned about the message that confirming Mr. Hegseth sends to women currently serving and those aspiring to join,” Murkowski wrote on social media.Murkowski said behavior that Hegseth has acknowledged, “including infidelity on multiple occasions,” shows a lack of judgement. “These behaviors starkly contrast the values and discipline expected of service members,” she said."Above all, I believe that character is the defining trait required of the Secretary of Defense, and must be prioritized without compromise,” she said.Senate GOP leaders rushed to advance&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/donald-trump">Trump's</a>&nbsp;defense secretary nominee toward confirmation, despite grave objections from Democrats and stirring unease among Republicans over his behavior and qualifications to lead the U.S. military.It will take a simple majority senators to advance Hegseth’s confirmation in Thursday’s vote. Most Republicans, who hold a 53-seat majority in the chamber, have signaled they will back the nominee, though Vice PResident JD Vance could be called in to break a tie vote.Rarely has a Cabinet choice encountered such swirling allegations of wrongdoing. Trump is standing by Hegseth, and the chairman of the Senate Armed Services Committee has dismissed the claims as factually inaccurate.“I am ironclad in my assessment that the nominee, Mr. Hegseth, is prepared to be the next secretary of defense,” the chairman, Sen. Roger Wicker, R-Miss., said in a statement on the eve of the test vote. "The Senate needs to confirm this nominee as fast as possible.”A new president's national security nominees are often the first to be lined up for confirmation, to unsure U.S. safety at home and abroad. Already the Senate has overwhelmingly confirmed&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/marco-rubio">Marco Rubio</a>&nbsp;as secretary of state in a unanimous vote, and it was on track to confirm&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/ratcliffe-trump-cia-russia-senate-gabbard-e85881d1c3921bc65d6c0e3be3ed555c">John Ratcliffe</a>&nbsp;as CIA director later Thursday.But Hegseth stands in a category of his own&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/pete-hegseth-background-defense-secretary-confirmation-hearing-e160e10c86385a8beff110d9190fb34e">amid allegations</a>&nbsp;that he sexually assaulted a woman at a Republican conference in California, which he has denied as a consensual encounter, and of heavy drinking at events when he led a veterans organization. He has also said women should not work in combat roles, a view he has since tempered during his confirmation process.A&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/pete-hegseth-affidavit-defense-secretary-pentagon-trump-e195ba72a3f47060f7a1b7a81981cba2">new claim emerged</a>&nbsp;this week in an affidavit from a former sister-in-law who claimed Hegseth was abusive to his second wife to the point that she feared for her safety. Hegseth has denied the allegation. In divorce proceedings, neither Hegseth nor the woman claimed to be a victim of domestic abuse.Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer said Thursday that Hegseth is unqualified for the job because of his personal behavior, including drinking, and his lack of experience.“One of the kindest words that might be used to describe Mr. Hegseth is erratic, and that’s a term you don’t want at DOD,” Schumer said. “He has a clear problem of judgment.”A Princeton and Harvard-educated former combat veteran, Hegseth went on to make a career at Fox News, where he hosted a weekend show. Trump tapped him as the defense secretary to lead an organization with nearly 2.1 million service members, about 780,000 civilians and a budget of $850 billion.Hegseth has promised not to drink on the job if confirmed.But senators have remained doubtful of his experience and abilities and the alleged behavior that could lead to&nbsp;<a href="https://www.ap.org/news-highlights/spotlights/2025/hegseth-could-lead-troops-whod-face-getting-fired-for-actions-hes-done-in-the-past/">reprimand or firing</a>&nbsp;for military personnel he would now be expected to lead.Sen. Joni Ernst, R-Iowa, herself a combat veteran and sexual assault survivor, has signaled her backing.However, several GOP senators, including Murkowski and Sen. Susan Collins of Maine, are being widely watched for their votes.During a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/video/pete-hegseth-roger-wicker-greenland-virginia-military-and-defense-cc8aef7f27e44f55a3f4e6476fed3086">fiery confirmation</a>&nbsp;hearing, Hegseth swatted away allegations of wrongdoing one by one — dismissing them as “smears” — as he displayed his military credentials and vowed to bring “warrior culture" to the top Pentagon post.Wicker said he had been briefed a third time on the FBI background investigation into Hegseth. He said "the allegations unfairly impugning his character do not pass scrutiny.”

Senators become first Republicans to oppose a Trump Cabinet pick

Hays High School won eight of the 11 events at its own boys’ swim meet Tuesday, bettering its seeding times for the meet in every single championship finish and recording several state-consideration times in the process.

Leading the way for HHS at Fort Hays State University’s Tiger Aquatics Center were senior Marshall Sook and juniors Karsen Flaska and Chase Zadina, who collectively were part of all eight of those championship performances.

Sook won the 50-yard freestyle with a state-qualifying time of 23.46 seconds, finished first in the 100-yard butterfly with a state-consideration time and joined Flaska and Zadina on the first-place 200-yard and 400-yard relay teams.

Flaska won the 200-yard individual medley and the 100-yard breaststroke. Zadina won the individual 200-yard and 100-yard freestyle races and might have saved his best for last when he anchored the 400-yard freestyle relay to its season-best time in the day's final race.

That winning time of 3 minutes, 49.21 seconds, not only crushed the Indians’ previous-best time by more than 7 seconds but also hit the state-consideration standard for that event.

Completing the foursome for that relay team was sophomore Cedric Durr, who also placed second in the 100-yard backstroke and third in the 50-yard freestyle races.

The final member of the 200-yard relay team was junior Jude Hileman, who also finished runner-up in the 100-yard butterfly and third in the 100-yard backstroke, a performance that helped the Indians claim a 1-2-3 sweep in that event.

Rounding out the list of top-three finishes for the Indians was junior Noah Schaeffer, who finished third in the 100-yard breaststroke, shaving more than 5 seconds off his previous season-best time.

Garden City and Junction City, which fielded enough swimmers to have several entries in each event, finished first and second in team scoring with 496 and 465 points, respectively. Because of their multiple championship efforts, the Indians scored an impressive 449 points to finish third in team scoring.

Next up for the Indians is Tuesday at the Topeka High meet at the Hummer Sports Complex’s Capitol Federal Natatorium in Topeka.

Hays PostHays High School won eight of the 11 events at its own boys’ swim meet Tuesday, bettering its seeding times for the meet in every single championship finish and recording several state-consideration times in the process.Leading the way for HHS at Fort Hays State University’s Tiger Aquatics Center were senior Marshall Sook and juniors Karsen Flaska and Chase Zadina, who collectively were part of all eight of those championship performances.Sook won the 50-yard freestyle with a state-qualifying time of 23.46 seconds, finished first in the 100-yard butterfly with a state-consideration time and joined Flaska and Zadina on the first-place 200-yard and 400-yard relay teams.Flaska won the 200-yard individual medley and the 100-yard breaststroke. Zadina won the individual 200-yard and 100-yard freestyle races and might have saved his best for last when he anchored the 400-yard freestyle relay to its season-best time in the day's final race.That winning time of 3 minutes, 49.21 seconds, not only crushed the Indians’ previous-best time by more than 7 seconds but also hit the state-consideration standard for that event.Completing the foursome for that relay team was sophomore Cedric Durr, who also placed second in the 100-yard backstroke and third in the 50-yard freestyle races.The final member of the 200-yard relay team was junior Jude Hileman, who also finished runner-up in the 100-yard butterfly and third in the 100-yard backstroke, a performance that helped the Indians claim a 1-2-3 sweep in that event.Rounding out the list of top-three finishes for the Indians was junior Noah Schaeffer, who finished third in the 100-yard breaststroke, shaving more than 5 seconds off his previous season-best time.Garden City and Junction City, which fielded enough swimmers to have several entries in each event, finished first and second in team scoring with 496 and 465 points, respectively. Because of their multiple championship efforts, the Indians scored an impressive 449 points to finish third in team scoring.Next up for the Indians is Tuesday at the Topeka High meet at the Hummer Sports Complex’s Capitol Federal Natatorium in Topeka.