By BECKY KISER Hays Post

The Hays City Commission approved infrastructure engineering services for city-owned property just northeast of Exit 161 on Interstate 70 on Thursday.

The city purchased the 93 acres, known as the Braun property, in 2019 for continued growth and development opportunities. Hays aims for a 1% population increase each year.

Kaw Valley Engineering, Salina, received the low bid of&nbsp;$118,750 for the design of infrastructure improvements.&nbsp;

Tom Howie, Hays project manager, agreed with Hays Vice-Mayor Mason Ruder that bringing infrastructure under I-70 to the new property is "very proactive and shows our intent. It'll never be more cost-effective than now."

A 2023 feasibility study by RDG Planning and Design, Omaha, includes residential mixed housing, commercial business, offices, restaurants, hotels, walking trails, open space and public art.

"When I moved here in the early '90s, there was nothing north of I-70. Look at what we have now," Shaun Musil, commissioner,&nbsp;said.

"It's going to take time, but it's going to happen. ... I'm very proud of what we're doing with this."

Hays has already been&nbsp;<a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/fc8ac5a9-8e28-48ec-a7ab-6c3eeab9f02d">awarded $4 million in state funding for retail development</a>&nbsp;as part of the proposed project.&nbsp;&nbsp;

In other agenda items, T&amp;T Builders, Hays, was awarded a low bid of $231,616 for connecting multi-use paths in northeast Hays.

Jeff Boyle, parks director, said in 2021, Hays funded a new multi-use path from the Hays Recreation Commission to HaysMed. The city is currently working with the state of Kansas on a new path from 41st and Hall to the Sternberg Museum of Natural History. The Grove housing development north of HaysMed, will include a multi-use path.&nbsp;The east connector path will link all these path segments.&nbsp;

Once all the new paths are constructed, there will be about five miles of multi-use paths connecting the entire northeast side of town, Boyle said.

Boyle also presented a review of the 2024 financial reports and attendance for Hays Aquatic Park, Wilson Pool and the Bickle-Schmidt Sports Complex.

Hays Recreation Commission board members and city commissioners agreed last week to split this year's $50,895 operating loss for the pools under a long-standing agreement. Hays will reimburse the rec center $25,447.

The sports complex operated at a profit of&nbsp;$39,883.

Jeff Crispin, water resources director, discussed demolishing two obsolete structures at the water reclamation and reuse facility, 755 General Custer Road.&nbsp;

Three clarifiers were abandoned when the facility upgrade was completed in 2019 to meet the Kansas Department of Health and Environment's new permit requirements.&nbsp;

One clarifier will be kept, although its metal components will be removed. It will be used if highly contaminated wastewater needs to be temporarily separated.

A single bid of $191,550 was submitted by M&amp;D, Hays, and is below the budget of $200,000.

Crispin said the newly opened area would be planted with grass.

Commissioners also approved the consent agenda, which included: • 2025 cereal malt beverage annual licenses • Adoption of the 2024 employee pay plan • Mayoral appointments of Cindy Elliot and Amy Schaffer to the CARE Council • Waiver resolution for generally accepted accounting principles. The city now uses the Kansas Municipal Audit and Accounting Guide.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/12/1734108175110.png" alt="The 93-acre Braun property was purchased by the city of Hays in 2019 for future development. City of Hays" />
 <figcaption>The 93-acre Braun property was purchased by the city of Hays in 2019 for future development. City of Hays</figcaption>
 </figure><div></div>By BECKY KISER Hays PostThe Hays City Commission approved infrastructure engineering services for city-owned property just northeast of Exit 161 on Interstate 70 on Thursday.The city purchased the 93 acres, known as the Braun property, in 2019 for continued growth and development opportunities. Hays aims for a 1% population increase each year.Kaw Valley Engineering, Salina, received the low bid of&nbsp;$118,750 for the design of infrastructure improvements.&nbsp;Tom Howie, Hays project manager, agreed with Hays Vice-Mayor Mason Ruder that bringing infrastructure under I-70 to the new property is "very proactive and shows our intent. It'll never be more cost-effective than now."<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/12/1733500723566.png" alt="Braun property development concept by RDG Planning and Design. Courtesy RDG" />
 <figcaption>Braun property development concept by RDG Planning and Design. Courtesy RDG</figcaption>
 </figure><div><iframe width="640" height="360" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/wUs7Ta5plN4" title="musil ruder on exit 161" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" referrerpolicy="strict-origin-when-cross-origin" allowfullscreen></iframe></div>A 2023 feasibility study by RDG Planning and Design, Omaha, includes residential mixed housing, commercial business, offices, restaurants, hotels, walking trails, open space and public art."When I moved here in the early '90s, there was nothing north of I-70. Look at what we have now," Shaun Musil, commissioner,&nbsp;said."It's going to take time, but it's going to happen. ... I'm very proud of what we're doing with this."Hays has already been&nbsp;<a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/fc8ac5a9-8e28-48ec-a7ab-6c3eeab9f02d">awarded $4 million in state funding for retail development</a>&nbsp;as part of the proposed project.&nbsp;&nbsp;<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/12/1734109447835.png" alt="Multi-use paths to be built connecting the northeast side of Hays. City of Hays" />
 <figcaption>Multi-use paths to be built connecting the northeast side of Hays. City of Hays</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/12/1734109563933.png" alt="Multi-use paths in Hays, including the yet-to-be-developed connectors in the northeast area. City of Hays" />
 <figcaption>Multi-use paths in Hays, including the yet-to-be-developed connectors in the northeast area. City of Hays</figcaption>
 </figure><h2>Walking path extension</h2>In other agenda items, T&amp;T Builders, Hays, was awarded a low bid of $231,616 for connecting multi-use paths in northeast Hays.Jeff Boyle, parks director, said in 2021, Hays funded a new multi-use path from the Hays Recreation Commission to HaysMed. The city is currently working with the state of Kansas on a new path from 41st and Hall to the Sternberg Museum of Natural History. The Grove housing development north of HaysMed, will include a multi-use path.&nbsp;The east connector path will link all these path segments.&nbsp;Once all the new paths are constructed, there will be about five miles of multi-use paths connecting the entire northeast side of town, Boyle said.Boyle also presented a review of the 2024 financial reports and attendance for Hays Aquatic Park, Wilson Pool and the Bickle-Schmidt Sports Complex.Hays Recreation Commission board members and city commissioners agreed last week to split this year's $50,895 operating loss for the pools under a long-standing agreement. Hays will reimburse the rec center $25,447.The sports complex operated at a profit of&nbsp;$39,883.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/12/1733503964195.png" alt="Hays Water Reclamation and Reuse Facility, 755 General Custer Road. City of Hays&nbsp;" />
 <figcaption>Hays Water Reclamation and Reuse Facility, 755 General Custer Road. City of Hays&nbsp;</figcaption>
 </figure><h2>Water plant demo</h2>Jeff Crispin, water resources director, discussed demolishing two obsolete structures at the water reclamation and reuse facility, 755 General Custer Road.&nbsp;Three clarifiers were abandoned when the facility upgrade was completed in 2019 to meet the Kansas Department of Health and Environment's new permit requirements.&nbsp;One clarifier will be kept, although its metal components will be removed. It will be used if highly contaminated wastewater needs to be temporarily separated.A single bid of $191,550 was submitted by M&amp;D, Hays, and is below the budget of $200,000.Crispin said the newly opened area would be planted with grass.Commissioners also approved the consent agenda, which included: • 2025 cereal malt beverage annual licenses • Adoption of the 2024 employee pay plan • Mayoral appointments of Cindy Elliot and Amy Schaffer to the CARE Council • Waiver resolution for generally accepted accounting principles. The city now uses the Kansas Municipal Audit and Accounting Guide.&nbsp; &nbsp;

🎥 Infrastructure engineering services approved for new Hays development at I-70 Exit 161

By CRISTINA JANNEY Hays Post

Ellis USD 388 board member Cindy Hertel resigned from her position on the board as of Monday.

Several board members thanked her for her service.

The board is in the process of seeking applications for a new board member.&nbsp;&nbsp;

The board will interview candidates at its February meeting. The person who is appointed will serve until the next board election.

An election will be held to fill the vacant seat. The person elected to that seat will fill the remaining two years in the term.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/11/1700661924756.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>By CRISTINA JANNEY Hays PostEllis USD 388 board member Cindy Hertel resigned from her position on the board as of Monday.She is moving.Several board members thanked her for her service.The board is in the process of seeking applications for a new board member.&nbsp;&nbsp;The board will interview candidates at its February meeting. The person who is appointed will serve until the next board election.An election will be held to fill the vacant seat. The person elected to that seat will fill the remaining two years in the term.

Ellis USD 388 school board seeking new member

KEARNEY, Neb. - The Fort Hays State men's and women's track and field teams posted several standout performances at the UNK Pre-Holiday Classic Friday, including one broken school record, four national qualifying marks, multiple event wins and personal bests.

<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/womens-track-and-field/roster/annabeth-baalmann/8389">Annabeth Baalmann</a>&nbsp;stole the show by breaking her own school record in the pole vault, clearing 13-3.75 to surpass her previous indoor best by three inches. The junior easily cleared her first two heights before first breaking the record at 13-1.75 (4.01m), becoming the first woman in school history to surpass the four-meter mark, indoors or outdoors. She then pushed the bar up another five centimeters, clearing her school-record height on her third attempt. The NCAA Division II national qualifying mark ranks her fourth in the country to date.

Her performance was one of six event titles for the women's team.&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/womens-track-and-field/roster/jayme-hagerman/8396">Jayme Hagerman</a>&nbsp;added two victories of her own, claiming the long jump with a personal-best leap of 18-2.25 and securing the triple jump crown with a mark of 35-9.25.On the track,&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/womens-track-and-field/roster/reba-mader/8402">Reba Mader</a>&nbsp;dominated at two distances, winning the 60-meter dash in 8.02 and the 600-yard run in 1:27.33.&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/womens-track-and-field/roster/taylor-hoskinson/8444">Taylor Hoskinson</a>&nbsp;led the distance runners with a commanding first-place finish in the 3,000 meters, clocking 10:46.95.Other notable performances for the Tiger women included&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/womens-track-and-field/roster/donna-jackson/8400">Donna Jackson's</a>&nbsp;second-place finishes in the 60-meter hurdles (9.31) and long jump (17-0.75), while&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/womens-track-and-field/roster/makenzie-premer/8447">Makenzie Premer</a>&nbsp;delivered a strong double, finishing third in the 600-yard run (1:30.09) and second in the 3,000 meters (11:33.78).

The Tiger men also enjoyed a stellar outing, highlighted by national-qualifying marks from&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/mens-track-and-field/roster/jacob-clark/8482">Jacob Clark</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/mens-track-and-field/roster/brady-deges/8485">Brady Deges</a>&nbsp;in the pole vault. Clark cleared 16-6.75 to take the top spot, while Deges cleared an indoor personal-best 16-0.75 to take second place on the day and move into the top 10 on the national performance chart.

In the sprints,&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/mens-track-and-field/roster/hayden-albright/8477">Hayden Albright</a>&nbsp;claimed the 60-meter dash title with a national-qualifying time of 6.84, while teammate&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/mens-track-and-field/roster/toby-wahlmeier/8507">Toby Wahlmeier</a>&nbsp;followed closely in second with a personal-best time of 6.87. The Tigers swept the top five spots in the final, with four athletes setting personal bests.&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/mens-track-and-field/roster/ethan-salmans/8502">Ethan Salmans</a>&nbsp;gave the Tigers another victory in the 60m hurdles, taking first in 8.42.Distance standout&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/mens-track-and-field/roster/christian-darrah/8512">Christian Darrah</a>&nbsp;was victorious in the 3,000 meters, finishing in 8:41.87, while&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/mens-track-and-field/roster/daniel-bechle/8478">Daniel Bechle</a>&nbsp;(4:32.98) and&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/mens-track-and-field/roster/ian-weich/8519">Ian Weich</a>&nbsp;(4:33.86) took the top two spots in the mile.

Fort Hays State will now look to carry this momentum into the new year when the Tigers travel to Topeka, Kan. on January 17th) for the Washburn Rust Buster.

Full FHSU Men's Results 60m Dash Prelims 1st –&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/mens-track-and-field/roster/toby-wahlmeier/8507">Toby Wahlmeier</a>&nbsp;– 6.88 2nd –&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/mens-track-and-field/roster/hayden-albright/8477">Hayden Albright</a>&nbsp;– 6.89 3rd –&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/mens-track-and-field/roster/kenny-fritsch/8489">Kenny Fritsch</a>&nbsp;– 6.94 4th –&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/mens-track-and-field/roster/avrey-albright/8476">Avrey Albright</a>&nbsp;– 6.95 6th –&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/mens-track-and-field/roster/eddie-mcvay/7868">Eddie McVay</a>&nbsp;– 6.98 7th –&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/mens-track-and-field/roster/nakari-morrical-palmer/8496">Nakari Morrical-Palmer</a>&nbsp;– 7.02 15th –&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/mens-track-and-field/roster/dean-clark/8481">Dean Clark</a>&nbsp;– 7.24 17th –&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/mens-track-and-field/roster/dylan-velasco/8536">Dylan Velasco</a>&nbsp;– 7.34 22nd –&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/mens-track-and-field/roster/cole-darling/8483">Cole Darling</a>&nbsp;– 7.34 24th –&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/mens-track-and-field/roster/asher-wassom/8537">Asher Wassom</a>&nbsp;– 7.58

60m Dash Finals 1st –&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/mens-track-and-field/roster/hayden-albright/8477">Hayden Albright</a>&nbsp;– 6.84 # 2nd –&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/mens-track-and-field/roster/toby-wahlmeier/8507">Toby Wahlmeier</a>&nbsp;– 6.87 3rd –&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/mens-track-and-field/roster/eddie-mcvay/7868">Eddie McVay</a>&nbsp;– 6.92 4th –&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/mens-track-and-field/roster/kenny-fritsch/8489">Kenny Fritsch</a>&nbsp;– 6.93 5th –&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/mens-track-and-field/roster/nakari-morrical-palmer/8496">Nakari Morrical-Palmer</a>&nbsp;– 6.95 7th –&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/mens-track-and-field/roster/avrey-albright/8476">Avrey Albright</a>&nbsp;– 6.97

600y Run 2nd –&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/mens-track-and-field/roster/braylon-moore/8533">Braylon Moore</a>&nbsp;–1:20.58

800m Run 2nd –&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/mens-track-and-field/roster/emery-wolfe/8510">Emery Wolfe</a>&nbsp;– 2:00.56

Mile Run 1st –&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/mens-track-and-field/roster/daniel-bechle/8478">Daniel Bechle</a>&nbsp;– 4:32.98 2nd –&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/mens-track-and-field/roster/ian-weich/8519">Ian Weich</a>&nbsp;– 4:33.86

3,000m Run 1st&nbsp; –&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/mens-track-and-field/roster/christian-darrah/8512">Christian Darrah</a>&nbsp;– 8:41.87 3rd –&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/mens-track-and-field/roster/brady-conway/8511">Brady Conway</a>&nbsp;– 9:14.98 4th –&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/mens-track-and-field/roster/ian-weich/8519">Ian Weich</a>&nbsp;– 9:16.66 5th –&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/mens-track-and-field/roster/daniel-bechle/8478">Daniel Bechle</a>&nbsp;– 9:24.44 <a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/mens-track-and-field/roster/chayse-mccullough/8494">Chayse McCullough</a>&nbsp;- DNF

60m Hurdles 1st –&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/mens-track-and-field/roster/ethan-salmans/8502">Ethan Salmans</a>&nbsp;– 8.42 3rd –&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/mens-track-and-field/roster/spencer-rich/8534">Spencer Rich</a>&nbsp;– 8.92

Pole Vault 1st –&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/mens-track-and-field/roster/jacob-clark/8482">Jacob Clark</a>&nbsp;– 16-6.75 # 2nd –&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/mens-track-and-field/roster/brady-deges/8485">Brady Deges</a>&nbsp;– 16-0.75 # 2nd –&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/mens-track-and-field/roster/josiah-ball/8526">Josiah Ball</a>&nbsp;– 15-7 5th –&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/mens-track-and-field/roster/kurtis-mccormick/8493">Kurtis McCormick</a>&nbsp;– 14-7.25 6th –&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/mens-track-and-field/roster/mason-younger/8540">Mason Younger</a>&nbsp;– 14-1.25 9th –&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/mens-track-and-field/roster/trevor-christensen/8528">Trevor Christensen</a>&nbsp;– 14-1.25 <a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/mens-track-and-field/roster/rylan-white/8538">Rylan White</a>&nbsp;- NH

Long Jump 2nd –&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/mens-track-and-field/roster/dean-clark/8481">Dean Clark</a>&nbsp;– 22-8 13th –&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/mens-track-and-field/roster/kade-harris/8491">Kade Harris</a>&nbsp;– 19-8 17th –&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/mens-track-and-field/roster/spencer-rich/8534">Spencer Rich</a>&nbsp;– 18-5 18th –&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/mens-track-and-field/roster/ervin-fierro/8529">Ervin Fierro</a>&nbsp;– 18-4.5

Triple Jump 6th –&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/mens-track-and-field/roster/ervin-fierro/8529">Ervin Fierro</a>&nbsp;– 38-10.5

Full FHSU Women's Results 60m Dash Finals 1st –&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/womens-track-and-field/roster/reba-mader/8402">Reba Mader</a>&nbsp;– 8.02 5th –&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/womens-track-and-field/roster/chloe-mader/8449">Chloe Mader</a>&nbsp;– 8.36 8th –&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/womens-track-and-field/roster/amelia-foster/8395">Amelia Foster</a>&nbsp;– 8.55

600y 1st –&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/womens-track-and-field/roster/reba-mader/8402">Reba Mader</a>&nbsp;– 1:27.33 3rd –&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/womens-track-and-field/roster/makenzie-premer/8447">Makenzie Premer</a>&nbsp;– 1:30.09 4th –&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/womens-track-and-field/roster/amelia-foster/8395">Amelia Foster</a>&nbsp;– 1:33.21

800m Run 2nd –&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/womens-track-and-field/roster/kyra-nippert/8446">Kyra Nippert</a>&nbsp;– 2:31.66

3,000m Run 1st –&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/womens-track-and-field/roster/taylor-hoskinson/8444">Taylor Hoskinson</a>&nbsp;– 10:46.95 2nd –&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/womens-track-and-field/roster/makenzie-premer/8447">Makenzie Premer</a>&nbsp;– 11:33.78 3rd –&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/womens-track-and-field/roster/keziah-bachman/8440">Keziah Bachman</a>&nbsp;– 11:36.93

60m Hurdles 2nd –&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/womens-track-and-field/roster/donna-jackson/8400">Donna Jackson</a>&nbsp;– 9.31 3rd –&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/womens-track-and-field/roster/chloe-mader/8449">Chloe Mader</a>&nbsp;– 9.51 7th –&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/womens-track-and-field/roster/elysia-kunkler/7127">Elysia Kunkler</a>&nbsp;– 9.97 8th –&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/womens-track-and-field/roster/kylin-rudzik/8405">Kylin Rudzik</a>&nbsp;– 10.31

High Jump 5th –&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/womens-track-and-field/roster/lanie-page/8473">Lanie Page</a>&nbsp;– 4-11.75 <a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/womens-track-and-field/roster/kylin-rudzik/8405">Kylin Rudzik</a>&nbsp;- NH

Pole Vault 1st -&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/womens-track-and-field/roster/annabeth-baalmann/8389">Annabeth Baalmann</a>&nbsp;- 13-3.75 ! # 7th –&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/womens-track-and-field/roster/liz-moore/8467">Liz Moore</a>&nbsp;– 10-8.75 8th –&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/womens-track-and-field/roster/piper-robinson/8474">Piper Robinson</a>&nbsp;– 10-8.75

Long Jump 1st –&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/womens-track-and-field/roster/jayme-hagerman/8396">Jayme Hagerman</a>&nbsp;– 18-2.25 2nd –&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/womens-track-and-field/roster/donna-jackson/8400">Donna Jackson</a>&nbsp;– 17-0.75 3rd –&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/womens-track-and-field/roster/elysia-kunkler/7127">Elysia Kunkler</a>&nbsp;– 16-4.25 6th –&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/womens-track-and-field/roster/brynlee-frank/8470">Brynlee Frank</a>&nbsp;– 15-8.75 8th –&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/womens-track-and-field/roster/lanie-page/8473">Lanie Page</a>&nbsp;– 15-5.50

Triple Jump 1st -&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/womens-track-and-field/roster/jayme-hagerman/8396">Jayme Hagerman</a>&nbsp;- 35-9.25 2nd –&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/womens-track-and-field/roster/brynlee-frank/8470">Brynlee Frank</a>&nbsp;– 34-7.50 3rd –&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/womens-track-and-field/roster/abby-rueschhoff/8406">Abby Rueschhoff</a>&nbsp;– 33-11.50

Shot Put 13th –&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/womens-track-and-field/roster/kylin-rudzik/8405">Kylin Rudzik</a>&nbsp;– 32-4.25

! indicates school record # indicates NCAA DII national qualifying mark&nbsp;&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/12/1734236111911.png" alt="FHSU Athletics photo/Max Bowyer" />
 <figcaption>FHSU Athletics photo/Max Bowyer</figcaption>
 </figure>FHSU AthleticsKEARNEY, Neb. - The Fort Hays State men's and women's track and field teams posted several standout performances at the UNK Pre-Holiday Classic Friday, including one broken school record, four national qualifying marks, multiple event wins and personal bests.<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/womens-track-and-field/roster/annabeth-baalmann/8389">Annabeth Baalmann</a>&nbsp;stole the show by breaking her own school record in the pole vault, clearing 13-3.75 to surpass her previous indoor best by three inches. The junior easily cleared her first two heights before first breaking the record at 13-1.75 (4.01m), becoming the first woman in school history to surpass the four-meter mark, indoors or outdoors. She then pushed the bar up another five centimeters, clearing her school-record height on her third attempt. The NCAA Division II national qualifying mark ranks her fourth in the country to date.Her performance was one of six event titles for the women's team.&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/womens-track-and-field/roster/jayme-hagerman/8396">Jayme Hagerman</a>&nbsp;added two victories of her own, claiming the long jump with a personal-best leap of 18-2.25 and securing the triple jump crown with a mark of 35-9.25.On the track,&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/womens-track-and-field/roster/reba-mader/8402">Reba Mader</a>&nbsp;dominated at two distances, winning the 60-meter dash in 8.02 and the 600-yard run in 1:27.33.&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/womens-track-and-field/roster/taylor-hoskinson/8444">Taylor Hoskinson</a>&nbsp;led the distance runners with a commanding first-place finish in the 3,000 meters, clocking 10:46.95.Other notable performances for the Tiger women included&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/womens-track-and-field/roster/donna-jackson/8400">Donna Jackson's</a>&nbsp;second-place finishes in the 60-meter hurdles (9.31) and long jump (17-0.75), while&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/womens-track-and-field/roster/makenzie-premer/8447">Makenzie Premer</a>&nbsp;delivered a strong double, finishing third in the 600-yard run (1:30.09) and second in the 3,000 meters (11:33.78).The Tiger men also enjoyed a stellar outing, highlighted by national-qualifying marks from&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/mens-track-and-field/roster/jacob-clark/8482">Jacob Clark</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/mens-track-and-field/roster/brady-deges/8485">Brady Deges</a>&nbsp;in the pole vault. Clark cleared 16-6.75 to take the top spot, while Deges cleared an indoor personal-best 16-0.75 to take second place on the day and move into the top 10 on the national performance chart.In the sprints,&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/mens-track-and-field/roster/hayden-albright/8477">Hayden Albright</a>&nbsp;claimed the 60-meter dash title with a national-qualifying time of 6.84, while teammate&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/mens-track-and-field/roster/toby-wahlmeier/8507">Toby Wahlmeier</a>&nbsp;followed closely in second with a personal-best time of 6.87. The Tigers swept the top five spots in the final, with four athletes setting personal bests.&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/mens-track-and-field/roster/ethan-salmans/8502">Ethan Salmans</a>&nbsp;gave the Tigers another victory in the 60m hurdles, taking first in 8.42.Distance standout&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/mens-track-and-field/roster/christian-darrah/8512">Christian Darrah</a>&nbsp;was victorious in the 3,000 meters, finishing in 8:41.87, while&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/mens-track-and-field/roster/daniel-bechle/8478">Daniel Bechle</a>&nbsp;(4:32.98) and&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/mens-track-and-field/roster/ian-weich/8519">Ian Weich</a>&nbsp;(4:33.86) took the top two spots in the mile.Fort Hays State will now look to carry this momentum into the new year when the Tigers travel to Topeka, Kan. on January 17th) for the Washburn Rust Buster.Full FHSU Men's Results 60m Dash Prelims 1st –&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/mens-track-and-field/roster/toby-wahlmeier/8507">Toby Wahlmeier</a>&nbsp;– 6.88 2nd –&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/mens-track-and-field/roster/hayden-albright/8477">Hayden Albright</a>&nbsp;– 6.89 3rd –&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/mens-track-and-field/roster/kenny-fritsch/8489">Kenny Fritsch</a>&nbsp;– 6.94 4th –&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/mens-track-and-field/roster/avrey-albright/8476">Avrey Albright</a>&nbsp;– 6.95 6th –&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/mens-track-and-field/roster/eddie-mcvay/7868">Eddie McVay</a>&nbsp;– 6.98 7th –&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/mens-track-and-field/roster/nakari-morrical-palmer/8496">Nakari Morrical-Palmer</a>&nbsp;– 7.02 15th –&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/mens-track-and-field/roster/dean-clark/8481">Dean Clark</a>&nbsp;– 7.24 17th –&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/mens-track-and-field/roster/dylan-velasco/8536">Dylan Velasco</a>&nbsp;– 7.34 22nd –&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/mens-track-and-field/roster/cole-darling/8483">Cole Darling</a>&nbsp;– 7.34 24th –&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/mens-track-and-field/roster/asher-wassom/8537">Asher Wassom</a>&nbsp;– 7.5860m Dash Finals 1st –&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/mens-track-and-field/roster/hayden-albright/8477">Hayden Albright</a>&nbsp;– 6.84 # 2nd –&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/mens-track-and-field/roster/toby-wahlmeier/8507">Toby Wahlmeier</a>&nbsp;– 6.87 3rd –&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/mens-track-and-field/roster/eddie-mcvay/7868">Eddie McVay</a>&nbsp;– 6.92 4th –&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/mens-track-and-field/roster/kenny-fritsch/8489">Kenny Fritsch</a>&nbsp;– 6.93 5th –&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/mens-track-and-field/roster/nakari-morrical-palmer/8496">Nakari Morrical-Palmer</a>&nbsp;– 6.95 7th –&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/mens-track-and-field/roster/avrey-albright/8476">Avrey Albright</a>&nbsp;– 6.97600y Run 2nd –&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/mens-track-and-field/roster/braylon-moore/8533">Braylon Moore</a>&nbsp;–1:20.58800m Run 2nd –&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/mens-track-and-field/roster/emery-wolfe/8510">Emery Wolfe</a>&nbsp;– 2:00.56Mile Run 1st –&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/mens-track-and-field/roster/daniel-bechle/8478">Daniel Bechle</a>&nbsp;– 4:32.98 2nd –&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/mens-track-and-field/roster/ian-weich/8519">Ian Weich</a>&nbsp;– 4:33.863,000m Run 1st&nbsp; –&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/mens-track-and-field/roster/christian-darrah/8512">Christian Darrah</a>&nbsp;– 8:41.87 3rd –&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/mens-track-and-field/roster/brady-conway/8511">Brady Conway</a>&nbsp;– 9:14.98 4th –&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/mens-track-and-field/roster/ian-weich/8519">Ian Weich</a>&nbsp;– 9:16.66 5th –&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/mens-track-and-field/roster/daniel-bechle/8478">Daniel Bechle</a>&nbsp;– 9:24.44 <a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/mens-track-and-field/roster/chayse-mccullough/8494">Chayse McCullough</a>&nbsp;- DNF60m Hurdles 1st –&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/mens-track-and-field/roster/ethan-salmans/8502">Ethan Salmans</a>&nbsp;– 8.42 3rd –&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/mens-track-and-field/roster/spencer-rich/8534">Spencer Rich</a>&nbsp;– 8.92Pole Vault 1st –&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/mens-track-and-field/roster/jacob-clark/8482">Jacob Clark</a>&nbsp;– 16-6.75 # 2nd –&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/mens-track-and-field/roster/brady-deges/8485">Brady Deges</a>&nbsp;– 16-0.75 # 2nd –&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/mens-track-and-field/roster/josiah-ball/8526">Josiah Ball</a>&nbsp;– 15-7 5th –&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/mens-track-and-field/roster/kurtis-mccormick/8493">Kurtis McCormick</a>&nbsp;– 14-7.25 6th –&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/mens-track-and-field/roster/mason-younger/8540">Mason Younger</a>&nbsp;– 14-1.25 9th –&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/mens-track-and-field/roster/trevor-christensen/8528">Trevor Christensen</a>&nbsp;– 14-1.25 <a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/mens-track-and-field/roster/rylan-white/8538">Rylan White</a>&nbsp;- NHLong Jump 2nd –&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/mens-track-and-field/roster/dean-clark/8481">Dean Clark</a>&nbsp;– 22-8 13th –&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/mens-track-and-field/roster/kade-harris/8491">Kade Harris</a>&nbsp;– 19-8 17th –&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/mens-track-and-field/roster/spencer-rich/8534">Spencer Rich</a>&nbsp;– 18-5 18th –&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/mens-track-and-field/roster/ervin-fierro/8529">Ervin Fierro</a>&nbsp;– 18-4.5Triple Jump 6th –&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/mens-track-and-field/roster/ervin-fierro/8529">Ervin Fierro</a>&nbsp;– 38-10.5Full FHSU Women's Results 60m Dash Finals 1st –&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/womens-track-and-field/roster/reba-mader/8402">Reba Mader</a>&nbsp;– 8.02 5th –&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/womens-track-and-field/roster/chloe-mader/8449">Chloe Mader</a>&nbsp;– 8.36 8th –&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/womens-track-and-field/roster/amelia-foster/8395">Amelia Foster</a>&nbsp;– 8.55600y 1st –&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/womens-track-and-field/roster/reba-mader/8402">Reba Mader</a>&nbsp;– 1:27.33 3rd –&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/womens-track-and-field/roster/makenzie-premer/8447">Makenzie Premer</a>&nbsp;– 1:30.09 4th –&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/womens-track-and-field/roster/amelia-foster/8395">Amelia Foster</a>&nbsp;– 1:33.21800m Run 2nd –&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/womens-track-and-field/roster/kyra-nippert/8446">Kyra Nippert</a>&nbsp;– 2:31.663,000m Run 1st –&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/womens-track-and-field/roster/taylor-hoskinson/8444">Taylor Hoskinson</a>&nbsp;– 10:46.95 2nd –&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/womens-track-and-field/roster/makenzie-premer/8447">Makenzie Premer</a>&nbsp;– 11:33.78 3rd –&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/womens-track-and-field/roster/keziah-bachman/8440">Keziah Bachman</a>&nbsp;– 11:36.9360m Hurdles 2nd –&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/womens-track-and-field/roster/donna-jackson/8400">Donna Jackson</a>&nbsp;– 9.31 3rd –&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/womens-track-and-field/roster/chloe-mader/8449">Chloe Mader</a>&nbsp;– 9.51 7th –&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/womens-track-and-field/roster/elysia-kunkler/7127">Elysia Kunkler</a>&nbsp;– 9.97 8th –&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/womens-track-and-field/roster/kylin-rudzik/8405">Kylin Rudzik</a>&nbsp;– 10.31High Jump 5th –&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/womens-track-and-field/roster/lanie-page/8473">Lanie Page</a>&nbsp;– 4-11.75 <a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/womens-track-and-field/roster/kylin-rudzik/8405">Kylin Rudzik</a>&nbsp;- NHPole Vault 1st -&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/womens-track-and-field/roster/annabeth-baalmann/8389">Annabeth Baalmann</a>&nbsp;- 13-3.75 ! # 7th –&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/womens-track-and-field/roster/liz-moore/8467">Liz Moore</a>&nbsp;– 10-8.75 8th –&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/womens-track-and-field/roster/piper-robinson/8474">Piper Robinson</a>&nbsp;– 10-8.75Long Jump 1st –&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/womens-track-and-field/roster/jayme-hagerman/8396">Jayme Hagerman</a>&nbsp;– 18-2.25 2nd –&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/womens-track-and-field/roster/donna-jackson/8400">Donna Jackson</a>&nbsp;– 17-0.75 3rd –&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/womens-track-and-field/roster/elysia-kunkler/7127">Elysia Kunkler</a>&nbsp;– 16-4.25 6th –&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/womens-track-and-field/roster/brynlee-frank/8470">Brynlee Frank</a>&nbsp;– 15-8.75 8th –&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/womens-track-and-field/roster/lanie-page/8473">Lanie Page</a>&nbsp;– 15-5.50Triple Jump 1st -&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/womens-track-and-field/roster/jayme-hagerman/8396">Jayme Hagerman</a>&nbsp;- 35-9.25 2nd –&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/womens-track-and-field/roster/brynlee-frank/8470">Brynlee Frank</a>&nbsp;– 34-7.50 3rd –&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/womens-track-and-field/roster/abby-rueschhoff/8406">Abby Rueschhoff</a>&nbsp;– 33-11.50Shot Put 13th –&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/womens-track-and-field/roster/kylin-rudzik/8405">Kylin Rudzik</a>&nbsp;– 32-4.25! indicates school record # indicates NCAA DII national qualifying mark&nbsp;&nbsp;

🏃‍♀️FHSU's Baalmann breaks pole vault record in Kearney

Hays High hosted Junction City for their final home games of 2024.&nbsp;

Hays scored the first 18 points of the game on the way to a 79-20 win over the Blue Jays.

Junction City scored their first two points from the free throw line to make the score 18-2. The Indians scored the next 24 points before another Blue Jay free throw at 44-3.

Molly Buckles scored ten points consecutive points for the Indians during the second quarter, the final of those points made the score 46-3. Junction City made their lone first half field goal with a three pointer at 49-6 before the Indians scored the final seven points of the half, capped by a Jaysa Roa layup at the buzzer for a halftime score of 56-6.

Junction City outscored Hays 11-9 in the third quarter making three field goals and five of ten free throw attempts. The Indians led 65-17 going to a continuous clock fourth quarter.

Hays added 14 more points in the fourth quarter to their total for a final of 79-20. The point total matches the 79 scored by the Indians in the opening round of the Hays City Shootout in 2018 against Great Bend.

Hays improves to 5-0 and will play in Manhattan next Friday to close out 2024. Junction City falls to 0-1. Jenna Schmeidler scored a game high 16. Lynsi Kanak and Molly Buckles added career highs of 12 points.

Jenna Schmeidler 12; Annie Humphrey 0; Katie Linenberger 8; Molly Martin 5; Kenlee Winter 2; Morgan Armbruster 9; Jays Roa 2; Kinslee Newell 0; Riley Dreher 0; Lynsi Kanak 12; Molly Buckles 12; Zoe Winter 8; Liz Cunningham 0; Rylen Harrington 5; Brynlee Rupp 0.

Boys #10-6A Junction City 50 - Hays 32

A big third quarter by Junction City sunk the hopes of Hays on Friday night at Hays High School as the Blue Jays won 50-32.

Junction City led the entire game. The Indians had chances to take the lead or tie the game trailing 5-4 and 9-7 but couldn't score. Junction City led 12-9 when they opened up a ten point lead on a 9-2 run that covered the first two minutes of the second quarter.

Trailing 21-11 with 6:12 to go in the first half, Hays allowed just one more point for the rest of the second quarter. The Indians closed the deficit down to three by halftime using an 8-1 run. Trace Jacobs scored the last six points of the run.

The third quarter belonged to Junction City. The Blue Jays outscored Hays 17-2 to build their lead to 39-21 entering the fourth quarter. The Blue Jays continued their run for the first two minutes of the fourth quarter with nine straight points. The 26-2 run covered 10 minutes and pushed the Junction City lead to 48-21.&nbsp;

The Indians could only close the gap down to 50-32 over the next six minutes for the final difference.

Dawson Ruder led Hays with 17 points. Jackson Autry, last year's Centennial League player of the year, led Junction City with 15.

Hays falls to 3-2 on the year, both losses coming to state ranked 6A teams. Junction City moves to 2-0. Hays travels to Manhattan next Friday to close out 2024.

Hays High hosted Junction City for their final home games of 2024.&nbsp;Girls #8 Hays 79 - Junction City 20Hays scored the first 18 points of the game on the way to a 79-20 win over the Blue Jays.Junction City scored their first two points from the free throw line to make the score 18-2. The Indians scored the next 24 points before another Blue Jay free throw at 44-3.Molly Buckles scored ten points consecutive points for the Indians during the second quarter, the final of those points made the score 46-3. Junction City made their lone first half field goal with a three pointer at 49-6 before the Indians scored the final seven points of the half, capped by a Jaysa Roa layup at the buzzer for a halftime score of 56-6.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/1983967135&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/hays-wbkb-highlights-v" title="Hays WBKB Highlights v Junction City Dec 13, 2024" target="_blank" style="color: #cccccc; text-decoration: none;">Hays WBKB Highlights v Junction City Dec 13, 2024</a></div></div>Junction City outscored Hays 11-9 in the third quarter making three field goals and five of ten free throw attempts. The Indians led 65-17 going to a continuous clock fourth quarter.Hays added 14 more points in the fourth quarter to their total for a final of 79-20. The point total matches the 79 scored by the Indians in the opening round of the Hays City Shootout in 2018 against Great Bend.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/1983966911&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/hays-wbkb-coach-post-v" title="Hays WBKB Coach Post v Junction City Dec 13, 2024" target="_blank" style="color: #cccccc; text-decoration: none;">Hays WBKB Coach Post v Junction City Dec 13, 2024</a></div></div>Hays improves to 5-0 and will play in Manhattan next Friday to close out 2024. Junction City falls to 0-1. Jenna Schmeidler scored a game high 16. Lynsi Kanak and Molly Buckles added career highs of 12 points.Jenna Schmeidler 12; Annie Humphrey 0; Katie Linenberger 8; Molly Martin 5; Kenlee Winter 2; Morgan Armbruster 9; Jays Roa 2; Kinslee Newell 0; Riley Dreher 0; Lynsi Kanak 12; Molly Buckles 12; Zoe Winter 8; Liz Cunningham 0; Rylen Harrington 5; Brynlee Rupp 0.Boys #10-6A Junction City 50 - Hays 32A big third quarter by Junction City sunk the hopes of Hays on Friday night at Hays High School as the Blue Jays won 50-32.Junction City led the entire game. The Indians had chances to take the lead or tie the game trailing 5-4 and 9-7 but couldn't score. Junction City led 12-9 when they opened up a ten point lead on a 9-2 run that covered the first two minutes of the second quarter.Trailing 21-11 with 6:12 to go in the first half, Hays allowed just one more point for the rest of the second quarter. The Indians closed the deficit down to three by halftime using an 8-1 run. Trace Jacobs scored the last six points of the run.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/1983967983&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/hays-mbkb-highlights-v" title="Hays MBKB Highlights v Junction City Dec 13, 2024" target="_blank" style="color: #cccccc; text-decoration: none;">Hays MBKB Highlights v Junction City Dec 13, 2024</a></div></div>The third quarter belonged to Junction City. The Blue Jays outscored Hays 17-2 to build their lead to 39-21 entering the fourth quarter. The Blue Jays continued their run for the first two minutes of the fourth quarter with nine straight points. The 26-2 run covered 10 minutes and pushed the Junction City lead to 48-21.&nbsp;The Indians could only close the gap down to 50-32 over the next six minutes for the final difference.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/1983967791&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/hays-mbkb-coach-post-v" title="Hays MBKB Coach Post v Junction City Dec 13, 2024" target="_blank" style="color: #cccccc; text-decoration: none;">Hays MBKB Coach Post v Junction City Dec 13, 2024</a></div></div>Dawson Ruder led Hays with 17 points. Jackson Autry, last year's Centennial League player of the year, led Junction City with 15.Hays falls to 3-2 on the year, both losses coming to state ranked 6A teams. Junction City moves to 2-0. Hays travels to Manhattan next Friday to close out 2024.

🏀 Hays girls win; boys lose against Junction City

HARVEY COUNTY —Newton Police are investigating an incident that occurred this afternoon on a USD 373 bus. In the course of the investigation, police have confirmed that during the ride home from school, a can of Axe body spray was punctured, requiring the bus to be evacuated. 

The bus driver pulled over on South Kansas Avenue near SE 14th Street and asked the students to exit the bus. The bus was carrying about 64 students. 

The students were told to stay with the bus  while it aired out, but most of them scattered. Eight students stayed with the bus, and they were taken home on the bus. The other students walked home, were picked up by police, or got other rides. We believe all students are safe.

HARVEY COUNTY —Official with USD 373 and Newton police are investigating an incident involving a school bus that occurred on Friday afternoon, according to a statement from the school district.&nbsp;

The incident resulted in the evacuation of the transportation school bus. The district is ensuring all students made it home and were accounted for. 

The district reported they were&nbsp; not aware of any student injuries at this time. "We are cooperating with law enforcement in their investigation of the incident, according to USD 373.

Check the Post for additional details as they become available.

HARVEY COUNTY —Newton Police are investigating an incident that occurred this afternoon on a USD 373 bus. In the course of the investigation, police have confirmed that during the ride home from school, a can of Axe body spray was punctured, requiring the bus to be evacuated. The bus driver pulled over on South Kansas Avenue near SE 14th Street and asked the students to exit the bus. The bus was carrying about 64 students. The students were told to stay with the bus while it aired out, but most of them scattered. Eight students stayed with the bus, and they were taken home on the bus. The other students walked home, were picked up by police, or got other rides. We believe all students are safe.----------HARVEY COUNTY —Official with USD 373 and Newton police are investigating an incident involving a school bus that occurred on Friday afternoon, according to a statement from the school district.&nbsp;The incident resulted in the evacuation of the transportation school bus. The district is ensuring all students made it home and were accounted for. The district reported they were&nbsp; not aware of any student injuries at this time. "We are cooperating with law enforcement in their investigation of the incident, according to USD 373.Check the Post for additional details as they become available.

Students evacuated from Newton school bus after can of body spray punctured

<a href="https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search/?query=byline:%22NICK%20INGRAM%20and%20HEATHER%20HOLLINGSWORTH%22&amp;mediaType=text&amp;st=keyword&amp;sortOrder=newest">By NICK INGRAM and HEATHER HOLLINGSWORTH </a>

KANSAS CITY (AP) —<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/taylor-swift">Taylor Swift</a>&nbsp;has made a surprise stop at a Kansas City children’s hospital, shocking parents and patients alike as she laughed with them, posed for photos and exchanged gifts.

All parent Cassie Thomas was told beforehand was that she might want to brush her hair and teeth because there was going to be a special visitor. But she was stunned when Swift, fresh off her&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/taylor-swift-eras-tour-numbers-2-billion-118a7f5ea4609c5d3072a29152e387bb">Eras Tour</a>&nbsp;and one day before her 35th birthday, walked into her son's son Beckett Thomas' room on Thursday at Children’s Mercy Hospital in Kansas City.

“No rumors. Like, we literally had absolutely no idea this was happening,” Thomas recalled.

Her 13-year-old son, Beckett Thomas, is a cancer patient and a fan of Swift's Kansas City Chiefs tight-end boyfriend, Travis Kelce. Beckett uses a 3D printer to make earrings bearing his and Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes' names, walking around the hospital unit selling them to nurses.

“She was amazing,” Beckett's mom said. “So down to earth.”

Another patient told Swift that her favorite song was “Love Story" and had some questions about San Francisco quarterback Brock Purdy, whose team played the Chiefs in the Super Bowl earlier this year.

Surprised, Taylor, muttered: “Brock Purdy, What? I mean, I don’t mind Brock Purdy.” She then continued: “He put me through a lot last February.”

<a href="https://apnews.com/article/super-bowl-las-vegas-opening-night-chiefs-49ers-8ec1d950f7f6be86e72963cc1dcbe7f7">Asked before the Super Bowl whether he was</a>&nbsp;prepared to disappoint Swift, Purdy responded: “Yes.”

The game ended with Mahomes rallying the Chiefs to second straight Super Bowl title, 25-22 over the 49ers in overtime.

“I was very stressed for a second but it all ended up fine,” Swift told the girl, their recorded conversation posted online.

The girl then chimed in: “I like Travis now.” Swift responded with: “Me too. That’s an absolute yes on that one."

There is no word on whether Swift will be in the stands when the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/chiefs-browns-preview-77ebd2cd1344e97a0489d7697001ca93">Chiefs play the Browns</a>&nbsp;on Sunday in Kelce’s hometown of Cleveland.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/12/1734122660700.png" alt="n this image provided by Cassie Thomas, Beckett Thomas, 13, who is a patient at Children's Mercy Hospital in Kansas City, Mo., poses with Taylor Swift, Thursday, Dec. 12, 2024. (Cassie Thomas via AP)" />
 <figcaption>n this image provided by Cassie Thomas, Beckett Thomas, 13, who is a patient at Children's Mercy Hospital in Kansas City, Mo., poses with Taylor Swift, Thursday, Dec. 12, 2024. (Cassie Thomas via AP)</figcaption>
 </figure><a href="https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search/?query=byline:%22NICK%20INGRAM%20and%20HEATHER%20HOLLINGSWORTH%22&amp;mediaType=text&amp;st=keyword&amp;sortOrder=newest">By NICK INGRAM and HEATHER HOLLINGSWORTH </a>KANSAS CITY (AP) —<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/taylor-swift">Taylor Swift</a>&nbsp;has made a surprise stop at a Kansas City children’s hospital, shocking parents and patients alike as she laughed with them, posed for photos and exchanged gifts.All parent Cassie Thomas was told beforehand was that she might want to brush her hair and teeth because there was going to be a special visitor. But she was stunned when Swift, fresh off her&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/taylor-swift-eras-tour-numbers-2-billion-118a7f5ea4609c5d3072a29152e387bb">Eras Tour</a>&nbsp;and one day before her 35th birthday, walked into her son's son Beckett Thomas' room on Thursday at Children’s Mercy Hospital in Kansas City.“No rumors. Like, we literally had absolutely no idea this was happening,” Thomas recalled.Her 13-year-old son, Beckett Thomas, is a cancer patient and a fan of Swift's Kansas City Chiefs tight-end boyfriend, Travis Kelce. Beckett uses a 3D printer to make earrings bearing his and Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes' names, walking around the hospital unit selling them to nurses.Now, Swift has a pair as well.“She was amazing,” Beckett's mom said. “So down to earth.”Another patient told Swift that her favorite song was “Love Story" and had some questions about San Francisco quarterback Brock Purdy, whose team played the Chiefs in the Super Bowl earlier this year.Surprised, Taylor, muttered: “Brock Purdy, What? I mean, I don’t mind Brock Purdy.” She then continued: “He put me through a lot last February.”<a href="https://apnews.com/article/super-bowl-las-vegas-opening-night-chiefs-49ers-8ec1d950f7f6be86e72963cc1dcbe7f7">Asked before the Super Bowl whether he was</a>&nbsp;prepared to disappoint Swift, Purdy responded: “Yes.”The game ended with Mahomes rallying the Chiefs to second straight Super Bowl title, 25-22 over the 49ers in overtime.“I was very stressed for a second but it all ended up fine,” Swift told the girl, their recorded conversation posted online.The girl then chimed in: “I like Travis now.” Swift responded with: “Me too. That’s an absolute yes on that one."There is no word on whether Swift will be in the stands when the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/chiefs-browns-preview-77ebd2cd1344e97a0489d7697001ca93">Chiefs play the Browns</a>&nbsp;on Sunday in Kelce’s hometown of Cleveland.

Taylor Swift makes surprise visit to Kansas City children's hospital

This week's prize was courtesy of sponsor Dr. Melinda Miner - The Dentist in Hays.

Listen to KAYS, 94.3 FM, between 7 a.m. and midnight Mondays through Thursdays for the codeword of the day. Enter the codeword on the Hays Post, and you'll have a chance to win!

The contest runs through&nbsp;through Dec. 20.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/12/1734118129833.jpeg" alt="Eagle Radio programmers Jeff Leiker, left, and Theresa Trapp, Rrght, award Kerri Lacy of Hays, center , the week five Reindeer Radio prize. Photo by Cristina Janney/Hays Post" />
 <figcaption>Eagle Radio programmers Jeff Leiker, left, and Theresa Trapp, Rrght, award Kerri Lacy of Hays, center , the week five Reindeer Radio prize. Photo by Cristina Janney/Hays Post</figcaption>
 </figure>This week's prize was courtesy of sponsor Dr. Melinda Miner - The Dentist in Hays.Listen to KAYS, 94.3 FM, between 7 a.m. and midnight Mondays through Thursdays for the codeword of the day. Enter the codeword on the Hays Post, and you'll have a chance to win!The contest runs through&nbsp;through Dec. 20.

Reindeer Radio week 5 winner announced

WASHINGTON (AP) — Former House Speaker&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/nancy-pelosi">Nancy Pelosi</a>&nbsp;has been hospitalized after she “sustained an injury” during an official engagement in Luxembourg, according to a spokesman.

Pelosi, 84, was in Europe with a bipartisan congressional delegation to mark the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/europe-us-wwii-battle-of-bulge-6b4d87e4f7b79614e4f8ccb343c81c47">80th anniversary of the Battle of the Bulge</a>&nbsp;in&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/world-war-ii">World War II</a>. Her spokesman, Ian Krager, said in a statement that she is “currently receiving excellent treatment from doctors and medical professionals” and is unable to attend the remainder of events on her trip.

He did not describe the nature of her injury or give any additional details, but a person familiar with the incident said that Pelosi tripped and fell while at an event with the other members of Congress. Another person familiar with the situation said she injured her hip. The people requested anonymity to discuss the fall because they were not authorized to speak about it publicly.

Krager said that Pelosi “looks forward to returning home to the U.S. soon."

Among the members on the trip was Rep.&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/michael-mccaul">Michael McCaul</a>, R-Texas, who posted on social media that he was “praying for a speedy recovery,” for Pelosi. The two lawmakers were captured holding hands in a group photo Friday at the U.S. Embassy in Luxembourg.

“I’m disappointed Speaker Emerita Pelosi won’t be able to join the rest of our delegation’s events this weekend as I know how much she looked forward to honoring our veterans,” McCaul wrote on X. “But she is strong, and I am confident she will be back on her feet in no time.”

The former leader's fall comes two years after her husband Paul was attacked by a man with a hammer at their San Francisco home. The man, who was sentenced in October to 30 years in federal prison, broke into their home looking for Pelosi.

Pelosi, who was first elected in 1987 and served as speaker twice,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/nancy-pelosi-house-future-plans-updates-3839ff31c605efa0ec1ee4ff004b72d2">stepped down</a>&nbsp;from her leadership post two years ago but remained in Congress and was re-elected to represent her San Francisco district in November.

She has remained active in the two years since she left the top job, working with Democrats in private and in public and attending official events. Last summer, she was instrumental in her party's behind the scenes push to urge President&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/joe-biden">Joe Biden</a>&nbsp;to leave the presidential ticket.

She attended the Kennedy Center Honors in Washington last weekend and was on the Senate floor Monday to attend the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/adam-schiff-senate-trump-california-1f611ee885e9c6b73a22ea1cab0d08bc">swearing in</a>&nbsp;of her former Democratic House colleagues,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/adam-schiff">Adam Schiff</a>&nbsp;of California and&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/election-2024-new-jersey-senate-kim-bashaw-42b8fe654b8cf03c7f50d030ab3374db">Andy Kim</a>&nbsp;of New Jersey.

Earlier this week, Senate Republican Leader&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/mitch-mcconnell">Mitch McConnell</a>, 82,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/mcconnell-senate-fall-republican-8d58004d3f14c1995d83c11319d77d72">tripped and fell in the Senate</a>, spraining his wrist and cutting his face. McConnell, who is stepping down from his leadership post at the end of the year,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/mitch-mcconnell-senate-fall-absent-gop-republican-43eb4c142f089fe5ce0c00f3b4e3c8aa">missed Senate votes</a>&nbsp;on Thursday after experiencing some stiffness in his leg from the fall, his office said.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/12/1575554925834.png" alt="File photo Nancy Pelosi courtesy CSPAN" />
 <figcaption>File photo Nancy Pelosi courtesy CSPAN</figcaption>
 </figure>WASHINGTON (AP) — Former House Speaker&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/nancy-pelosi">Nancy Pelosi</a>&nbsp;has been hospitalized after she “sustained an injury” during an official engagement in Luxembourg, according to a spokesman.Pelosi, 84, was in Europe with a bipartisan congressional delegation to mark the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/europe-us-wwii-battle-of-bulge-6b4d87e4f7b79614e4f8ccb343c81c47">80th anniversary of the Battle of the Bulge</a>&nbsp;in&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/world-war-ii">World War II</a>. Her spokesman, Ian Krager, said in a statement that she is “currently receiving excellent treatment from doctors and medical professionals” and is unable to attend the remainder of events on her trip.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">We welcome <a href="https://twitter.com/NASA?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@nasa</a> Bill Nelson and Members of Congress to commemorate the 80th anniversary of the Battle of the Bulge in Luxembourg and Belgium. The sacrifices of brave <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WWII?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WWII</a> soldiers echo from the past, reminding us that each generation must continue the fight for freedom and… <a href="https://t.co/ae50RVceWL">pic.twitter.com/ae50RVceWL</a>&mdash; U.S. Embassy Luxembourg (@USEmbLuxembourg) <a href="https://twitter.com/USEmbLuxembourg/status/1867570544675090828?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 13, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>He did not describe the nature of her injury or give any additional details, but a person familiar with the incident said that Pelosi tripped and fell while at an event with the other members of Congress. Another person familiar with the situation said she injured her hip. The people requested anonymity to discuss the fall because they were not authorized to speak about it publicly.Krager said that Pelosi “looks forward to returning home to the U.S. soon."Among the members on the trip was Rep.&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/michael-mccaul">Michael McCaul</a>, R-Texas, who posted on social media that he was “praying for a speedy recovery,” for Pelosi. The two lawmakers were captured holding hands in a group photo Friday at the U.S. Embassy in Luxembourg.“I’m disappointed Speaker Emerita Pelosi won’t be able to join the rest of our delegation’s events this weekend as I know how much she looked forward to honoring our veterans,” McCaul wrote on X. “But she is strong, and I am confident she will be back on her feet in no time.”The former leader's fall comes two years after her husband Paul was attacked by a man with a hammer at their San Francisco home. The man, who was sentenced in October to 30 years in federal prison, broke into their home looking for Pelosi.Pelosi, who was first elected in 1987 and served as speaker twice,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/nancy-pelosi-house-future-plans-updates-3839ff31c605efa0ec1ee4ff004b72d2">stepped down</a>&nbsp;from her leadership post two years ago but remained in Congress and was re-elected to represent her San Francisco district in November.She has remained active in the two years since she left the top job, working with Democrats in private and in public and attending official events. Last summer, she was instrumental in her party's behind the scenes push to urge President&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/joe-biden">Joe Biden</a>&nbsp;to leave the presidential ticket.She attended the Kennedy Center Honors in Washington last weekend and was on the Senate floor Monday to attend the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/adam-schiff-senate-trump-california-1f611ee885e9c6b73a22ea1cab0d08bc">swearing in</a>&nbsp;of her former Democratic House colleagues,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/adam-schiff">Adam Schiff</a>&nbsp;of California and&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/election-2024-new-jersey-senate-kim-bashaw-42b8fe654b8cf03c7f50d030ab3374db">Andy Kim</a>&nbsp;of New Jersey.Earlier this week, Senate Republican Leader&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/mitch-mcconnell">Mitch McConnell</a>, 82,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/mcconnell-senate-fall-republican-8d58004d3f14c1995d83c11319d77d72">tripped and fell in the Senate</a>, spraining his wrist and cutting his face. McConnell, who is stepping down from his leadership post at the end of the year,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/mitch-mcconnell-senate-fall-absent-gop-republican-43eb4c142f089fe5ce0c00f3b4e3c8aa">missed Senate votes</a>&nbsp;on Thursday after experiencing some stiffness in his leg from the fall, his office said.

Nancy Pelosi hospitalized after fall during trip to Luxembourg

It's the season for holiday events in Hays.&nbsp;

Janet Kuhn,&nbsp;convention sales manager at the Hays Convention and Visitors Bureau, reviews some of the December activities.

For an up-to-the-minute calendar of events, check the Hays CVB website at <a href="https://www.visithays.com/calendar.aspx">visithays.com</a>.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/12/1733246730247.jpeg" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure>By BECKY KISER Hays PostIt's the season for holiday events in Hays.&nbsp;Janet Kuhn,&nbsp;convention sales manager at the Hays Convention and Visitors Bureau, reviews some of the December activities.<div><iframe width="640" height="360" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/DbEz9LZ7JOY" title="CVB dec" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" referrerpolicy="strict-origin-when-cross-origin" allowfullscreen></iframe></div><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/12/1733246976006.jpeg" alt="Hays Convention and Visitors Bureau" />
 <figcaption>Hays Convention and Visitors Bureau</figcaption>
 </figure>For an up-to-the-minute calendar of events, check the Hays CVB website at <a href="https://www.visithays.com/calendar.aspx">visithays.com</a>.

🎥 CVB: It's holiday time in Hays

SARASOTA, Florida (AP) —Dick Vitale said he's cancer-free after his fourth bout with the disease in just over three years.

The 85-year-old ESPN college basketball analyst announced Thursday on social media that he got the news after a morning scan.

“SANTA CLAUS came early as Dr Rick Brown called &amp; said that my PET SCAN at 7 AM came back CLEAN OF CANCER !” Vitale posted on X. “OMG thanks so much to ALL of YOU for your (prayers). Yes I’m cutting the nets down baby it’s my National Championship!”

Vitale had surgery in the summer to remove cancerous lymph nodes from his neck. He was previously treated for melanoma and lymphoma, and had radiation treatments last year for vocal cord cancer.

The Basketball Hall of Famer has been with ESPN since 1979, the year the network launched. The former college and NBA coach called ESPN’s first college basketball broadcast.

He’s also a longtime fundraiser for cancer research, helping friend Jim Valvano to the stage at the 1993 ESPYs, where Valvano delivered his famous “Don’t give up” speech. Valvano died of adenocarcinoma less than two months later.

SARASOTA, Florida (AP) —Dick Vitale said he's cancer-free after his fourth bout with the disease in just over three years.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">SANTA CLAUS came early as Dr Rick Brown called &amp; said that my PET SCAN at 7 AM came back CLEAN OF CANCER ! OMG thanks so much to ALL of YOU for your 🙏🙏🙏Yes I’m cutting the nets down baby it’s my National Championship! <a href="https://twitter.com/TheMontagGroup?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@TheMontagGroup</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/jksports?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@jksports</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/TheVCEO?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@TheVCEO</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/ESPNPR?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@ESPNPR</a> @ <a href="https://twitter.com/WSB_Speakers?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@WSB_Speakers</a> <a href="https://t.co/XGa1bJ8pzu">pic.twitter.com/XGa1bJ8pzu</a>&mdash; Dick Vitale (@DickieV) <a href="https://twitter.com/DickieV/status/1867284607424442494?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 12, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>The 85-year-old ESPN college basketball analyst announced Thursday on social media that he got the news after a morning scan.“SANTA CLAUS came early as Dr Rick Brown called &amp; said that my PET SCAN at 7 AM came back CLEAN OF CANCER !” Vitale posted on X. “OMG thanks so much to ALL of YOU for your (prayers). Yes I’m cutting the nets down baby it’s my National Championship!”Vitale had surgery in the summer to remove cancerous lymph nodes from his neck. He was previously treated for melanoma and lymphoma, and had radiation treatments last year for vocal cord cancer.The Basketball Hall of Famer has been with ESPN since 1979, the year the network launched. The former college and NBA coach called ESPN’s first college basketball broadcast.He’s also a longtime fundraiser for cancer research, helping friend Jim Valvano to the stage at the 1993 ESPYs, where Valvano delivered his famous “Don’t give up” speech. Valvano died of adenocarcinoma less than two months later.

🎥Dick Vitale says he's cancer-free after 4th bout with the disease 

TOMS RIVER, N.J. (AP) — A U.S. senator has called for&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/fbi-drones-new-jersey-a978470fa3bb07ed3e98c5b7c18f0abb">mysterious drones</a>&nbsp;spotted flying at night over sensitive areas in New Jersey and other parts of the Mid-Atlantic region to be “shot down, if necessary,” even as it remains unclear who owns the unmanned aircraft.

“We should be doing some very urgent intelligence analysis and take them out of the skies, especially if they’re flying over airports or military bases,” Sen. Richard Blumenthal of Connecticut said Thursday, as concerns about the drones spread across Capitol Hill.

People in the New York region are also concerned that the drones may be sharing airspace with commercial airlines, he said, demanding more transparency from the Biden administration.

The White House said Thursday that a review of the reported sightings shows that many of them are actually manned aircraft being flown lawfully. White House National Security spokesman John Kirby said there were no reported sightings in any restricted airspace. He said the U.S. Coast Guard has not uncovered any foreign involvement from coastal vessels.

“We have no evidence at this time that the reported drone sightings pose a national security or a public safety threat, or have a foreign nexus,” Kirby said, echoing statements from the Pentagon and New Jersey Gov. Phil Murphy.

Pentagon spokesperson Sabrina Singh has said they are not U.S. military drones.

In a joint statement issued Thursday afternoon, the FBI and the Department of Homeland Security said they and their federal partners, in close coordination with the New Jersey State Police, “continue to deploy personnel and technology to investigate this situation and confirm whether the reported drone flights are actually drones or are instead manned aircraft or otherwise inaccurate sightings.”

The agencies said they have not corroborated any of the reported sightings with electronic detection, and that reviews of available images appear to show many of the reported drones are actually manned aircraft.

“There are no reported or confirmed drone sightings in any restricted air space,” according to the statement.

<a href="https://apnews.com/article/fbi-drones-new-jersey-0f4aba00748ac464d42270fbe7457733">The drones</a>&nbsp;appear to avoid detection by traditional methods such as helicopter and radio, according to a state lawmaker briefed Wednesday by the Department of Homeland Security.

The number of sightings has increased in recent days, though officials say many of the objects seen may have been planes rather than drones. It’s also possible that a single drone has been reported more than once.

The worry stems partly from the flying objects&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/fbi-drones-sightings-central-new-jersey-cd8866c9c2568216759007716990decf">initially being spotted</a>&nbsp;near the Picatinny Arsenal, a U.S. military research and manufacturing facility, and over President-elect Donald Trump’s golf course in Bedminster.

In a post on the social media platform X, Assemblywoman Dawn Fantasia described the drones as up to 6 feet (1.8 meters) in diameter and sometimes traveling with their lights switched off.

Drones are legal in New Jersey for recreational and commercial use but are subject to local and Federal Aviation Administration regulations and flight restrictions. Operators must be FAA certified.

Most, but not all, of the drones spotted in New Jersey appeared to be larger than those typically used by hobbyists.

Sen. Cory Booker of New Jersey said he was frustrated by the lack of transparency, saying it could help spread fear and misinformation.

“We should know what’s going on over our skies,” he said Thursday.

John Duesler, president of the Pennsylvania Drone Association, said witnesses may be confused about what they are seeing, especially in the dark, and noted it’s hard to know the size of the drones or how close they might be.

“There are certainly big drones, such as agricultural drones, but typically they are not the type you see flying around in urban or suburban spaces,” Duesler said Thursday.

Duesler said the drones — and those flying them — likely cannot evade detection.

“They will leave a radio frequency footprint, they all leave a signature," he said. "We will find out what kind of drones they were, who was flying them and where they were flying them.”

Fantasia, a Morris County Republican, was among several lawmakers who met with state police and Homeland Security officials to discuss the sightings from the New York City area across New Jersey and westward into parts of Pennsylvania, including over Philadelphia. It is unknown at this time whether the sightings are related.

Duesler said the public wants to know what's going on.

“I hope (the government agencies) will come out with more information about this to ease our fears. But this could just be the acts of rogue drone operators, it’s not an ‘invasion’ as some reports have called it,” Duesler said. “I am concerned about this it but not alarmed by it.”

Associated Press reporters Mark Scolforo in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania; and reporter Darlene Superville and videojournalists Serkan Gurbuz and Nathan Ellgren in Washington, D.C., contributed to this report.

TOMS RIVER, N.J. (AP) — A U.S. senator has called for&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/fbi-drones-new-jersey-a978470fa3bb07ed3e98c5b7c18f0abb">mysterious drones</a>&nbsp;spotted flying at night over sensitive areas in New Jersey and other parts of the Mid-Atlantic region to be “shot down, if necessary,” even as it remains unclear who owns the unmanned aircraft.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-media-max-width="560">Today, the <a href="https://twitter.com/FBI?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@FBI</a> and DHS jointly issued a statement on reported drone sightings in New Jersey ⤵️ <a href="https://t.co/kzbmTzjvkr">pic.twitter.com/kzbmTzjvkr</a>&mdash; Homeland Security (@DHSgov) <a href="https://twitter.com/DHSgov/status/1867317812450246759?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 12, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>“We should be doing some very urgent intelligence analysis and take them out of the skies, especially if they’re flying over airports or military bases,” Sen. Richard Blumenthal of Connecticut said Thursday, as concerns about the drones spread across Capitol Hill.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">John Kirby on drone activity in and around New Jersey: &quot;We have no evidence at this time that the reported drone sightings pose a national security or a public safety threat or have a foreign nexus... We have not been able to...corroborate any of the reported visual sightings.&quot; <a href="https://t.co/xfxFaJQUaN">pic.twitter.com/xfxFaJQUaN</a>&mdash; CSPAN (@cspan) <a href="https://twitter.com/cspan/status/1867283595619930459?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 12, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>People in the New York region are also concerned that the drones may be sharing airspace with commercial airlines, he said, demanding more transparency from the Biden administration.The White House said Thursday that a review of the reported sightings shows that many of them are actually manned aircraft being flown lawfully. White House National Security spokesman John Kirby said there were no reported sightings in any restricted airspace. He said the U.S. Coast Guard has not uncovered any foreign involvement from coastal vessels.“We have no evidence at this time that the reported drone sightings pose a national security or a public safety threat, or have a foreign nexus,” Kirby said, echoing statements from the Pentagon and New Jersey Gov. Phil Murphy.Pentagon spokesperson Sabrina Singh has said they are not U.S. military drones.In a joint statement issued Thursday afternoon, the FBI and the Department of Homeland Security said they and their federal partners, in close coordination with the New Jersey State Police, “continue to deploy personnel and technology to investigate this situation and confirm whether the reported drone flights are actually drones or are instead manned aircraft or otherwise inaccurate sightings.”The agencies said they have not corroborated any of the reported sightings with electronic detection, and that reviews of available images appear to show many of the reported drones are actually manned aircraft.“There are no reported or confirmed drone sightings in any restricted air space,” according to the statement.<a href="https://apnews.com/article/fbi-drones-new-jersey-0f4aba00748ac464d42270fbe7457733">The drones</a>&nbsp;appear to avoid detection by traditional methods such as helicopter and radio, according to a state lawmaker briefed Wednesday by the Department of Homeland Security.The number of sightings has increased in recent days, though officials say many of the objects seen may have been planes rather than drones. It’s also possible that a single drone has been reported more than once.The worry stems partly from the flying objects&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/fbi-drones-sightings-central-new-jersey-cd8866c9c2568216759007716990decf">initially being spotted</a>&nbsp;near the Picatinny Arsenal, a U.S. military research and manufacturing facility, and over President-elect Donald Trump’s golf course in Bedminster.In a post on the social media platform X, Assemblywoman Dawn Fantasia described the drones as up to 6 feet (1.8 meters) in diameter and sometimes traveling with their lights switched off.Drones are legal in New Jersey for recreational and commercial use but are subject to local and Federal Aviation Administration regulations and flight restrictions. Operators must be FAA certified.Most, but not all, of the drones spotted in New Jersey appeared to be larger than those typically used by hobbyists.Sen. Cory Booker of New Jersey said he was frustrated by the lack of transparency, saying it could help spread fear and misinformation.“We should know what’s going on over our skies,” he said Thursday.John Duesler, president of the Pennsylvania Drone Association, said witnesses may be confused about what they are seeing, especially in the dark, and noted it’s hard to know the size of the drones or how close they might be.“There are certainly big drones, such as agricultural drones, but typically they are not the type you see flying around in urban or suburban spaces,” Duesler said Thursday.Duesler said the drones — and those flying them — likely cannot evade detection.“They will leave a radio frequency footprint, they all leave a signature," he said. "We will find out what kind of drones they were, who was flying them and where they were flying them.”Fantasia, a Morris County Republican, was among several lawmakers who met with state police and Homeland Security officials to discuss the sightings from the New York City area across New Jersey and westward into parts of Pennsylvania, including over Philadelphia. It is unknown at this time whether the sightings are related.Duesler said the public wants to know what's going on.“I hope (the government agencies) will come out with more information about this to ease our fears. But this could just be the acts of rogue drone operators, it’s not an ‘invasion’ as some reports have called it,” Duesler said. “I am concerned about this it but not alarmed by it.”___Associated Press reporters Mark Scolforo in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania; and reporter Darlene Superville and videojournalists Serkan Gurbuz and Nathan Ellgren in Washington, D.C., contributed to this report.

🎥FBI and DHS issue statement on reported drone sightings 

The Hays Recreation Commission's routine annual report to city commissioners on Dec. 5 turned into a 30-minute discussion about the long-term future of the two municipal swimming pools and the Bickle-Schmidt Sports Complex.

Roger Bixenman, recreation superintendent, and Jeff Boyle, Hays parks director, presented the 2024 operations and financial review to the city commission at its work session. Recreation commission board members were present in the audience.&nbsp;

The city and the recreation commission will split the operating loss of $50,895 for the Hays Aquatic Park and Wilson Pool. Under a long-standing agreement, the city will reimburse the recreation commission half of the loss, or&nbsp;$25,447.

The year-to-date pool expenses for the city, including the requested reimbursement, are $178,054.&nbsp;

Boyle showed a history of attendance at the aquatic park.&nbsp;

Although the total in 2024 was the highest since 2019, the numbers have slowly decreased since the pool opened in 2000.&nbsp;

The Hays Aquatic Park had the most visitors in 2001, the second year of its operation, with almost 85,000. In 2024, there were 46,000 visitors.

The decline was expected as other similar water parks opened in the region, Boyle said.

Mayor Sandy Jacobs asked Bixenman what the city could do to help turn the numbers around.

"I know it's never going to be a profit maker. ... Is there a way to minimize the loss and move forward?" Jacobs asked.

Bixenman said the city commission's decision earlier this year to increase daily admission to $5 and slightly raise season passes was helpful.

He noted the pool's footprint is landlocked, hindering expansion. There has been some talk of adding a climbing wall and a small slide in the diving well area.&nbsp; &nbsp;

"But that also increases your staff (need)," Bixenman said.

 Many Hays Aquatic Park lifeguards are college students who must leave for school well before Labor Day, shortening the number of days the pool is open for the summer.

Bickle-Schmidt Sports Complex made a profit of $39,883 this year, which is deposited into the recreation commission's operating budget as part of the entities' agreement.&nbsp;The city's year-to-date expenditures for maintaining the complex are $235,243.

Boyle estimated the turf at the sports complex would have to be replaced in about 10 years, a major expense.

2,675 recreation commission league games were played in 2024 with almost 14,000 participants.&nbsp;

Adult softball numbers keep going down, in keeping with a national trend, said&nbsp;Brandon Maska, adult sports and sports complex director.

A shortage of umpires nationally has caused local staffing problems, maxing out the number of games the facility can host.

City commissioner Shaun Musil encouraged the recreation commission employees and board members to look at the big picture.

"I think you guys do a great job, and that's why our hotels are full. But I think all of us need to be looking at what we can do next," Musil said.

"These people are staying two or three days, and shopping. That's what makes our community go."

The city's general fund primarily depends on local sales tax revenue.

Bixenman said the recreation commission conducted a strategic doing in 2022, which included adding a second recreation center as the biggest priority.

"We've got some things in place to maybe look at that," Bixenman said.

Jacobs said it's always her goal to look at least five to 10 years out and where the money will come from.&nbsp;

"If we're going to plan for it and we're going to participate in that, we'd like to have that information shared," she said.

Musil suggested the city commission organize a couple of work sessions with the recreation commission.

"You're out with the community. You may be hearing things we don't," Musil said. "If we put all our heads together, maybe we can come up with something.

&nbsp;"I don't want us to be complacent. I want us to keep growing."

A more in-depth discussion between the two entities will be scheduled soon.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/12/1733853059528.jpeg" alt="Roger Bixenman, Hays Recreation Commission superintendent, presents an annual review to the city commission on Dec. 5. Photo by Becky Kiser/Hays Post" />
 <figcaption>Roger Bixenman, Hays Recreation Commission superintendent, presents an annual review to the city commission on Dec. 5. Photo by Becky Kiser/Hays Post</figcaption>
 </figure>By BECKY KISER Hays PostThe Hays Recreation Commission's routine annual report to city commissioners on Dec. 5 turned into a 30-minute discussion about the long-term future of the two municipal swimming pools and the Bickle-Schmidt Sports Complex.Roger Bixenman, recreation superintendent, and Jeff Boyle, Hays parks director, presented the 2024 operations and financial review to the city commission at its work session. Recreation commission board members were present in the audience.&nbsp;The city and the recreation commission will split the operating loss of $50,895 for the Hays Aquatic Park and Wilson Pool. Under a long-standing agreement, the city will reimburse the recreation commission half of the loss, or&nbsp;$25,447.The year-to-date pool expenses for the city, including the requested reimbursement, are $178,054.&nbsp;<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/12/1733512049296.png" alt="Attendance history at Hays swimming pools. City of Hays" />
 <figcaption>Attendance history at Hays swimming pools. City of Hays</figcaption>
 </figure>Boyle showed a history of attendance at the aquatic park.&nbsp;Although the total in 2024 was the highest since 2019, the numbers have slowly decreased since the pool opened in 2000.&nbsp;The Hays Aquatic Park had the most visitors in 2001, the second year of its operation, with almost 85,000. In 2024, there were 46,000 visitors.The decline was expected as other similar water parks opened in the region, Boyle said.Mayor Sandy Jacobs asked Bixenman what the city could do to help turn the numbers around."I know it's never going to be a profit maker. ... Is there a way to minimize the loss and move forward?" Jacobs asked.Bixenman said the city commission's decision earlier this year to increase daily admission to $5 and slightly raise season passes was helpful.He noted the pool's footprint is landlocked, hindering expansion. There has been some talk of adding a climbing wall and a small slide in the diving well area.&nbsp; &nbsp;"But that also increases your staff (need)," Bixenman said. Many Hays Aquatic Park lifeguards are college students who must leave for school well before Labor Day, shortening the number of days the pool is open for the summer.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/12/1733852924151.png" alt="Hays Recreation Commission" />
 <figcaption>Hays Recreation Commission</figcaption>
 </figure>Bickle-Schmidt Sports Complex made a profit of $39,883 this year, which is deposited into the recreation commission's operating budget as part of the entities' agreement.&nbsp;The city's year-to-date expenditures for maintaining the complex are $235,243.Boyle estimated the turf at the sports complex would have to be replaced in about 10 years, a major expense.2,675 recreation commission league games were played in 2024 with almost 14,000 participants.&nbsp;Adult softball numbers keep going down, in keeping with a national trend, said&nbsp;Brandon Maska, adult sports and sports complex director.A shortage of umpires nationally has caused local staffing problems, maxing out the number of games the facility can host.<div><iframe width="640" height="360" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/CMuBaOjkpZY" title="Musil on HRD" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" referrerpolicy="strict-origin-when-cross-origin" allowfullscreen></iframe></div>City commissioner Shaun Musil encouraged the recreation commission employees and board members to look at the big picture."I think you guys do a great job, and that's why our hotels are full. But I think all of us need to be looking at what we can do next," Musil said."These people are staying two or three days, and shopping. That's what makes our community go."The city's general fund primarily depends on local sales tax revenue.Bixenman said the recreation commission conducted a strategic doing in 2022, which included adding a second recreation center as the biggest priority."We've got some things in place to maybe look at that," Bixenman said.Jacobs said it's always her goal to look at least five to 10 years out and where the money will come from.&nbsp;"If we're going to plan for it and we're going to participate in that, we'd like to have that information shared," she said.Musil suggested the city commission organize a couple of work sessions with the recreation commission."You're out with the community. You may be hearing things we don't," Musil said. "If we put all our heads together, maybe we can come up with something.&nbsp;"I don't want us to be complacent. I want us to keep growing."A more in-depth discussion between the two entities will be scheduled soon.

🎥 Hays Rec Commission, city talk future of swimming pools, sports complex  

DAMASCUS, Syria (AP) — An American who disappeared seven months ago into former&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/syria">Syrian President Bashar Assad’s</a>&nbsp;notorious prison system said early Friday he was released by the “liberators” who arrived in Damascus a day after the longtime ruler fled the capital.

Travis Timmerman called his release a “blessing” when he spoke to The Associated Press from a hotel room in Damascus, where he arrived late Thursday. He was among the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/syria-saydnaya-prison-assad-families-search-9f533d54b4df72f97416f90921dd2a9c">thousands of people released from Syria’s sprawling military prisons</a>&nbsp;this week after rebels reached Damascus,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/syria">overthrowing Assad</a>&nbsp;and ending his family’s 54-year rule.

Timmerman, 29, said he had gone to Syria on a Christian pilgrimage and was not ill-treated while in Palestine Branch, a notorious detention facility operated by Syrian intelligence. He said he was freed by “the liberators who came into the prison and knocked the door down (of his cell) with a hammer.”

The political affairs office of the Islamist group Hayat Tahrir al-Sham, the rebel group that led the lightning offensive to topple Assad’s government, said the group had secured his release.

“We affirm our readiness to cooperate directly with the U.S. administration to complete the search for American citizens disappeared by the former Assad regime,” the group said, adding that a search was underway for&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/tice-journalist-syria-carstens-e20547144d1ad0580e7d64462b8c4135">Austin Tice, an American journalist who went missing</a>&nbsp;in Syria 12 years ago. An official with the group later said it was arranging for Timmerman to leave Syria, but gave no details.

Timmerman said he was released Monday morning alongside a young Syrian man and 70 female prisoners, some of whom had their children with them.

He had been held separately from Syrian and other Arab prisoners and said he didn’t know of any other Americans held in the facility.

“I was there seven months. There were women there up above me,” Timmerman said. He heard the women singing and teaching their children and could hear some of the men being beaten regularly. “I was never beaten,” he said.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/12/1734009338567.png" alt="Missouri State Highway Patrol bulletin identified him as “Pete Travis Timmerman,” 29, and said he had gone missing in Hungary in early June. I" />
 <figcaption>Missouri State Highway Patrol bulletin identified him as “Pete Travis Timmerman,” 29, and said he had gone missing in Hungary in early June. I</figcaption>
 </figure>DAMASCUS, Syria (AP) — An American who disappeared seven months ago into former&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/syria">Syrian President Bashar Assad’s</a>&nbsp;notorious prison system said early Friday he was released by the “liberators” who arrived in Damascus a day after the longtime ruler fled the capital.Travis Timmerman called his release a “blessing” when he spoke to The Associated Press from a hotel room in Damascus, where he arrived late Thursday. He was among the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/syria-saydnaya-prison-assad-families-search-9f533d54b4df72f97416f90921dd2a9c">thousands of people released from Syria’s sprawling military prisons</a>&nbsp;this week after rebels reached Damascus,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/syria">overthrowing Assad</a>&nbsp;and ending his family’s 54-year rule.Timmerman, 29, said he had gone to Syria on a Christian pilgrimage and was not ill-treated while in Palestine Branch, a notorious detention facility operated by Syrian intelligence. He said he was freed by “the liberators who came into the prison and knocked the door down (of his cell) with a hammer.”The political affairs office of the Islamist group Hayat Tahrir al-Sham, the rebel group that led the lightning offensive to topple Assad’s government, said the group had secured his release.“We affirm our readiness to cooperate directly with the U.S. administration to complete the search for American citizens disappeared by the former Assad regime,” the group said, adding that a search was underway for&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/tice-journalist-syria-carstens-e20547144d1ad0580e7d64462b8c4135">Austin Tice, an American journalist who went missing</a>&nbsp;in Syria 12 years ago. An official with the group later said it was arranging for Timmerman to leave Syria, but gave no details.Timmerman said he was released Monday morning alongside a young Syrian man and 70 female prisoners, some of whom had their children with them.He had been held separately from Syrian and other Arab prisoners and said he didn’t know of any other Americans held in the facility.“I was there seven months. There were women there up above me,” Timmerman said. He heard the women singing and teaching their children and could hear some of the men being beaten regularly. “I was never beaten,” he said.He was detained after he crossed into Syria from a mountain along the eastern Lebanese town of Zahle in June. He was questioned for three and half hours by interrogators who thought he must be a spy. In a brief second interview, they searched his mobile phone, and in the last interview, he started discussing his dreams with his captors.He said their threat of using violence against him was “implicit” because he could hear daily beatings next door. But his captors let him use his mobile to call his family three weeks ago. At the time, Timmerman didn’t tell his family he was in Damascus, only that he was fine.He said later in his detention, he could hear explosions — at a time when Israel was intensifying its strikes in Syria. Israel’s war with the Hezbollah militant group had intensified in September, before a ceasefire was reached last month.“I heard some explosives that shook the building,” he said.In his prison cell, Timmerman said he had a mattress, a plastic drinking container and two others for waste. He had three bathroom breaks and had exercise breaks in the first half of his stay.He said the Friday calls to prayers helped keep track of days.He said he gained weight at first because he ate unleavened bread, rice and oats. Sometimes he would get a potato or a tomato — a treatment clearly reserved for non-Syrian prisoners, who often ended up emaciated or sick.“It is a time of solace and you can meditate on your life,” he told AP. “It was good for me.”Timmerman was disheveled, with a scraggly beard and long hair and nails. He said he had a good sleep and a meal on Thursday.He said he planned to return to Damascus.Timmerman is from Urbana, Missouri, about 50 miles (80 kilometers) north of Springfield in the southwestern part of the state. He earned a finance degree from Missouri State University in 2017.Timmerman’s mother, Stacey Gardiner, told the AP that as of Thursday evening, she hadn’t spoken to her son. She said he told her he was visiting Prague and Budapest, Hungary, to “write about different churches.” She said she last heard from him in May, when he said he was going somewhere without internet and that he would call when he had access again. Then he stopped replying to calls and texts and she didn't know whether he was alive or dead.“I couldn’t help him, and that broke my heart more and more each day,” Gardiner said. “I just want my baby (to) come home.”The family reported him missing, and the Missouri State Highway Patrol issued a bulletin saying “Pete Timmerman" had gone missing in Hungary in early June. In late August, Hungarian police put out a missing persons announcement for “Travis Pete Timmerman,” saying he was last seen at a church in Budapest. Timmerman goes by Travis.In describing his release from prison, Timmerman said the action outside his cell woke him up. Those who came to release him spoke to him in Arabic. “It was an excited scene. It was not clear if the guards who were there were still there,” Timmerman said. “I didn’t know if they were taking us out in the midst of a war zone … in hindsight, this shooting was not actual clashes.”He said he was panicked for a moment. But he realized some of the gunfire was celebratory from blanks. One man was shooting from an AK-47. At one point, he went running back into the prison with two other prisoners. A fellow prisoner helped him out, holding his arm, and speaking Arabic to those around. They both accompanied a female prisoner to her home.He spent two nights in Damascus, one in abandoned apartment in the old town and another at a new friend’s house.He then started walking toward Jordan, when a Syrian family found him barefoot on a main road in the countryside of Damascus early Thursday.At first some mistook him for Tice.The Syrian family told AP that Timmerman appeared cold and hungry so they brought him back to their home.“I fed him and called a doctor,” said Mosaed al-Rifai, the 68-year-old waste collector who first found Timmerman.A few hours after al-Rifai discovered him, rebels arrived at the family’s house to pick him up, he said.Mouaz Mostafa, the executive director of the Syrian Emergency Task Force, a U.S.-based nonprofit group, who was in Damascus learned of Timmerman’s location, reached him and contacted US authorities about him.Timmerman is now recovering until the rebels can figure out how to hand him to U.S. authorities, Moustafa said.From Aqaba, Jordan, U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken told reporters that the White House was “working to bring him home, to bring him out of Syria” but declined further comment for privacy reasons.Washington’s top hostage negotiator, Roger Carstens, travelled to Lebanon this week in hopes of collecting information on the whereabouts of Tice.President Joe Biden has said his administration believed Tice was alive and was committed to bringing him home, though he also acknowledged on Sunday that “we have no direct evidence” of his status. The case has frustrated U.S. intelligence officials for years.“This is a priority for the United States,” Blinken said.Tice, who has had his work published by The Washington Post, McClatchy newspapers and others, disappeared at a checkpoint in a contested area west of Damascus in August 2012 as the Syrian civil war intensified.A video released weeks after Tice went missing showed him blindfolded and held by armed men. He hasn’t been heard from since.&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/biden-middle-east-syria-journalists-bashar-assad-f7e100380b1bc75c3c895858db9edbc5">Assad’s government had denied</a>&nbsp;that it was holding him.___Ingram reported from Urbana, Missouri. Associated Press writers Jim Salter in O’Fallon, Missouri; Heather Hollingsworth in Mission, Kansas; and Summer Ballentine in Jefferson City, Missouri, contributed to this report.--------------DAMASCUS, Syria (AP) — An American citizen who disappeared seven months ago into former&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/syria">Syrian President Bashar Assad’s</a>&nbsp;notorious prison system was suddenly discovered Thursday outside Damascus after being released and handed over to rebel forces, Syria’s new authorities said.The political affairs office of the Islamist group Hayat Tahrir al-Sham, the rebel group that led the lightning offensive to topple Assad’s government, said the group had secured the release of U.S. citizen Travis Timmerman. In interviews with media in Syria, Timmerman said he was imprisoned after crossing from Lebanon into Syria on a Christian pilgrimage.He appeared to be among the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/syria-saydnaya-prison-assad-families-search-9f533d54b4df72f97416f90921dd2a9c">thousands of people released from Syria's sprawling military prisons</a>&nbsp;this week after rebels reached Damascus,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/syria">overthrowing Assad</a>&nbsp;and ending his family’s 54-year rule.“We affirm our readiness to cooperate directly with the U.S. administration to complete the search for American citizens disappeared by the former Assad regime,” the group said, adding that a search was underway for&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/tice-journalist-syria-carstens-e20547144d1ad0580e7d64462b8c4135">Austin Tice, an American journalist who went missing</a>&nbsp;in Syria 12 years ago.As footage emerged online Thursday of Timmerman, looking disheveled and disoriented as rebels led him out of a family's home near Damascus, some initially mistook him for Tice.In the video, Timmerman could be seen lying on a mattress under a blanket. A group of men in the video said that he was being treated well and would be safely returned home.A Syrian family told The Associated Press they found Timmerman barefoot on a main road in the countryside of Damascus early on Thursday. He appeared cold and hungry so they brought him back to their home.“I fed him and called a doctor,” said Mosaed al-Rifai, the 68-year-old waste collector who first found Timmerman.Al-Rifai said it was hard to communicate because of the language barrier but it seemed Timmerman had been held by an internal security agency. A few hours after al-Rifai discovered him, rebels arrived at the family’s house to pick him up, he said.Mouaz Mostafa, the executive director of the Syrian Emergency Task Force, a U.S.-based nonprofit group, said he met Timmerman at the house and arranged for a car to take him to Damascus, where the new authorities gave the ex-detainee food and water and brought him clothes and shoes. Timmerman had lice in his long, unkempt hair, Mostafa said, and reported walking for 13 miles barefoot before being discovered.Timmerman — now recovering until the rebels can figure out how to hand him to U.S. authorities — was planning to get to Jordan after his release to obtain a new passport, Mostafa said.Earlier this year, a Missouri State Highway Patrol bulletin identified him as “Pete Travis Timmerman,” 29, and said he had gone missing in Hungary in early June. In late August, Hungarian police put out a missing persons announcement for “Travis Pete Timmerman,” saying he was last seen at a church in Hungary’s capital, Budapest.Authorities in Missouri and Hungary had shared photos of a young man who strongly resembles the ex-prisoner who identified himself as “Travis Timmerman" in interviews with international news outlets on Thursday.Missouri court records indicate Timmerman is from Urbana, Missouri, about 50 miles north of Springfield in the southwestern part of the state. A graduation list from Missouri State University shows he earned his bachelor’s degree in finance in the spring of 2017.Timmerman’s mother, Stacey Collins Gardiner, told National Public Radio that he returned home to Urbana after working in Chicago for a couple of years. He then left for Budapest with the goal of writing about his Christian faith and helping people, she said.Timmerman had warned her, she added, that his travels might make communication difficult. After losing contact with him during his stay in Hungary, Gardiner later learned that her son had gone to Lebanon.On Thursday, she heard that he was found through the media.“I will hug him. ... And then I probably won’t let him go,” she said, laughing. “I’ll say, well, thank God you’re still alive. And I’m so happy. Our prayers came true."U.S. officials said they were working to confirm Timmerman's identity and provide the support. From Aqaba, Jordan, Secretary of State Antony Blinken told reporters that the White House was “working to bring him home, to bring him out of Syria” but declined further comment for privacy reasons.Timmerman, with a scraggly beard and grey sweatshirt, later spoke with the Al-Arabiya TV network, saying he had illegally crossed into Syria on foot from the eastern Lebanese town of Zahle seven months ago before being detained and held in a cell alone.He said that he was treated well in detention, but could hear other young men being tortured.“It was OK. I was fed. I was watered. The one difficulty was that I couldn’t go to the bathroom when I wanted to,” he said. He said he was only allowed to go three times a day.“I was not beaten and the guards treated me decently,” he added.Washington's top hostage negotiator, Roger Carstens, traveled to Lebanon earlier this week in hopes of collecting information on the whereabouts of Tice.President Joe Biden has said his administration believed Tice was alive and was committed to bringing him home, though he also acknowledged on Sunday that “we have no direct evidence” of his status. The case has frustrated U.S. intelligence officials for years.On Thursday, Blinken emphasized the administration’s work on Tice's case.“Every single day we are working to find him and to bring him home” Blinken said. "This is a priority for the United States.”Tice, who has had his work published by The Washington Post, McClatchy newspapers and others, disappeared at a checkpoint in a contested area west of Damascus in August 2012 as the Syrian civil war intensified.A video released weeks after Tice went missing showed him blindfolded and held by armed men. He hasn't been heard from since.&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/biden-middle-east-syria-journalists-bashar-assad-f7e100380b1bc75c3c895858db9edbc5">Assad's government had denied</a>&nbsp;that it was holding him.