TOPEKA - The Kansas Chamber and Kansas Chamber Education Foundation announced the 40 Kansans chosen for 2025 Leadership Kansas class.

Area residents selected include Darin Myers, Ellis County administrator and fire chief, Hays, and&nbsp;Teryn Carmichael,&nbsp;Bird City Century II Development Foundation, Bird City.

As one of the oldest and most prestigious statewide leadership programs in the country, Leadership Kansas, or LK, is focused on developing and motivating Kansas leaders from across the state.

"Since 1979, LK has fostered greater awareness and understanding of statewide economic, business, and political issues among the leaders of our state. LK alumni have gone on to key leadership roles at the local, state, and national levels," said Kansas Chamber President &amp; CEO Alan Cobb (LK '21). "The Chamber and Foundation are excited to welcome the newest class and wish them the best during their eight-month journey learning more about our great state."&nbsp;

Leadership Kansas received more than 500 nominations for the 2025 program. After a thorough and thoughtful application and selection process, the selection committee made of LK alumni chose 40 individuals for the 2025 class. The committee makes every effort to ensure the class reflects the state in regard to geographic, ethnic, occupational, and gender diversity.

The 2025 program runs from April to November and includes visits to Dodge City, Garden City, Hays, Hutchinson, Kansas City, Leavenworth, Manhattan, Pittsburg, Salina, Topeka, and Wichita.&nbsp;

The class will interact with a variety of experts and community leaders through three-day educational training sessions. The diverse discussion topics include business, education, agriculture, public policy, societal health, economic development, and government.

"Leadership Kansas is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity," said LK Executive Director Aaron Miller (LK '16). "Participants meet many of Kansas’ distinguished business and government leaders and become stronger leaders, better prepared to contribute to their communities and our state."

Leadership Kansas has more than 1,600 alumni.&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://9slwjycab.cc.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001CfXQwAE-f-VPuRx1PSkNy8i6AYQdX3Wa087okU9hfkVUQ_xDoka-_5zutYT1Al6zEaVKxQtTZ_EUSQerjNQOFyu5Qwmp_IkBSLJ1Fb_JeowXQiYaUUm-i9peg1zqTScl6C_p5Anc50QhNH3-3eaKFt2ogdRjrN7qPuT_UnyvhuCcrA6DvNydVEGQ9qJEHu6HgJ5PAC3ptWzZVhQIAcRaAdNsRL_JZLu4RwUiEfLeNVEjTAA_v0d2JIHo9IV7jZ3o&amp;c=rv2AG0SjT8oLqQKB5YoUtEsoXAT5ypLzSuwjS_fiKax8cP1-iY72IA==&amp;ch=-Qr0Q9XyVxNdUJM-Y7SDAtIn13rSFcNK_N6KjB-za2SC7xEXRzM8zQ==">Click here</a>&nbsp;to see a complete list of the 2025 Leadership Kansas class.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/3/1583264003733.png" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure>Kansas ChamberTOPEKA - The Kansas Chamber and Kansas Chamber Education Foundation announced the 40 Kansans chosen for 2025 Leadership Kansas class.Area residents selected include Darin Myers, Ellis County administrator and fire chief, Hays, and&nbsp;Teryn Carmichael,&nbsp;Bird City Century II Development Foundation, Bird City.As one of the oldest and most prestigious statewide leadership programs in the country, Leadership Kansas, or LK, is focused on developing and motivating Kansas leaders from across the state."Since 1979, LK has fostered greater awareness and understanding of statewide economic, business, and political issues among the leaders of our state. LK alumni have gone on to key leadership roles at the local, state, and national levels," said Kansas Chamber President &amp; CEO Alan Cobb (LK '21). "The Chamber and Foundation are excited to welcome the newest class and wish them the best during their eight-month journey learning more about our great state."&nbsp;Leadership Kansas received more than 500 nominations for the 2025 program. After a thorough and thoughtful application and selection process, the selection committee made of LK alumni chose 40 individuals for the 2025 class. The committee makes every effort to ensure the class reflects the state in regard to geographic, ethnic, occupational, and gender diversity.The 2025 program runs from April to November and includes visits to Dodge City, Garden City, Hays, Hutchinson, Kansas City, Leavenworth, Manhattan, Pittsburg, Salina, Topeka, and Wichita.&nbsp;The class will interact with a variety of experts and community leaders through three-day educational training sessions. The diverse discussion topics include business, education, agriculture, public policy, societal health, economic development, and government."Leadership Kansas is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity," said LK Executive Director Aaron Miller (LK '16). "Participants meet many of Kansas’ distinguished business and government leaders and become stronger leaders, better prepared to contribute to their communities and our state."Leadership Kansas has more than 1,600 alumni.&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://9slwjycab.cc.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001CfXQwAE-f-VPuRx1PSkNy8i6AYQdX3Wa087okU9hfkVUQ_xDoka-_5zutYT1Al6zEaVKxQtTZ_EUSQerjNQOFyu5Qwmp_IkBSLJ1Fb_JeowXQiYaUUm-i9peg1zqTScl6C_p5Anc50QhNH3-3eaKFt2ogdRjrN7qPuT_UnyvhuCcrA6DvNydVEGQ9qJEHu6HgJ5PAC3ptWzZVhQIAcRaAdNsRL_JZLu4RwUiEfLeNVEjTAA_v0d2JIHo9IV7jZ3o&amp;c=rv2AG0SjT8oLqQKB5YoUtEsoXAT5ypLzSuwjS_fiKax8cP1-iY72IA==&amp;ch=-Qr0Q9XyVxNdUJM-Y7SDAtIn13rSFcNK_N6KjB-za2SC7xEXRzM8zQ==">Click here</a>&nbsp;to see a complete list of the 2025 Leadership Kansas class.

Hays, Bird City residents selected to 2025 Leadership Kansas class

Class 3A Sub-State Semifinals Columbus Sub-State 1 Burlington 50, Caney Valley 44 Girard 49, Riverton 23 Columbus Sub-State 2 Frontenac 49, Cherryvale 40 Neodesha 46, Prairie View 30

Halstead Sub-State 1 Hesston 51, Minneapolis 39 Riley County 39, Southeast of Saline 18 Halstead Sub-State 2 Halstead 36, Nemaha Central 28 Marysville 37, Cheney 32

Hiawatha Sub-State 1 Osage City 75, Jefferson West 45 Royal Valley 58, Heritage Christian 43 Hiawatha Sub-State 2 Silver Lake 51, St Marys 31 Wellsville 39, Hiawatha 33

Scott City Sub-State 1 Colby vs. Russell, postponed to Thursday Ellsworth vs. Goodland, postponed to Thursday Scott City Sub-State 2 Southwestern Heights vs. Beloit, postponed to Thursday Holcomb vs. Scott City, postponed to Thursday

Class 5A Sub-State Semifinals East Sub-State 1 BV Southwest 65, KC Sumner 24 Spring Hill 74, Lansing 39 East Sub-State 2 KC Piper 80, KC Harmon 11 Shawnee Heights 39, Basehor-Linwood 32 East Sub-State 3 Highland Park 59, KC Washington 13 St. Thomas Aquinas 63, Pittsburg 9 East Sub-State 4 De Soto 44, Leavenworth 12 St. James Academy 78, Bonner Springs 49

West Sub-State 1 Hays vs. Great Bend, postponed to Thursday Hutchinson 60, Andover Central 37 Sub-State 2 Kapaun Mt. Carmel 62, Valley Center 38 Topeka Seaman 59, Topeka West 42 Sub-State 3 Andover 56, Goddard-Eisenhower 18 Wichita Bishop Carroll 49, Salina South 23 Sub-State 4 Arkansas City 44, Goddard 30 Maize South 64, Salina Central 29

Class 2A Sub-State Semifinals Moundridge Sub-State 1 Berean Academy 44, Hillsboro 43 Moundridge 55, Wichita Classical 25 Moundridge Sub-State 2 Bennington 67, Salina Sacred Heart 56 Ell-Saline 70, Hutchinson Trinity 42

Sublette Sub-State 1 Sterling vs. Medicine Lodge, postponed to Thursday Sylvan-Lucas vs. Stanton County, postponed to Thursday Sublette Sub-State 2 Syracuse vs. Ellinwood, postponed to Thursday Plainville vs. Hoxie, postponed to Thursday

Valley Heights&nbsp;Sub-State 1 Maur Hill - Mount Academy 49, Topeka Cair Paravel 43 Rossville 69, Horton 51 Valley Heights Sub-State 2 Mission Valley 45, Wabaunsee 42 Valley Falls 77, Kansas City Christian 63

Yates Center Sub-State 1 Pittsburg St Mary's-Colgan 61, Oswego 41 Pleasanton 39, Douglass 35 Yates Center Sub-State 2 Chase County 45, Cedar Vale-Dexter 41 Southeast 63, Howard West Elk 62, OT

Class 4A Sub-State Semifinals West Sub-State 1 Andale 57, El Dorado 33} Circle 86, Winfield 66 West Sub-State 2 McPherson vs. Ulysses, ppd. to Thursday Concordia 67, Augusta 39 West Sub-State 3 Pratt 76, Rose Hill 48 Sub-State 4 Abilene 69, Mulvane 54 Wellington 60, Buhler 45

Class 6A Sub-State Semifinals East Sub-State 1 BV North 48, Olathe South 40 SM South 59, SM North 50 East Sub-State 2 BV Northwest 53, BV West 46 SM Northwest 100, Lawrence 57 East Sub-State 3 Blue Valley 59, Gardner-Edgerton 51 Olathe North 62, Olathe East 36 East Sub-State 4 Mill Valley 62, SM East 61, OT Olathe West 43, Olathe Northwest 40

West Sub-State 1 Derby 73, Wichita Campus 43 Lawrence Free State 69, Wichita East 62 West Sub-State 2 Wichita Heights 72, Liberal 25 Wichita Southeast 69, Dodge City 47 West Sub-State 3 Junction City 59, Manhattan 45 Washburn Rural 78, Wichita West 50 West Sub-State 4 Maize 64, Garden City 62, OT Wichita Northwest 77, Wichita South 46

<figure>
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 </figure>GIRLSClass 3A Sub-State Semifinals Columbus Sub-State 1 Burlington 50, Caney Valley 44 Girard 49, Riverton 23 Columbus Sub-State 2 Frontenac 49, Cherryvale 40 Neodesha 46, Prairie View 30Halstead Sub-State 1 Hesston 51, Minneapolis 39 Riley County 39, Southeast of Saline 18 Halstead Sub-State 2 Halstead 36, Nemaha Central 28 Marysville 37, Cheney 32Hiawatha Sub-State 1 Osage City 75, Jefferson West 45 Royal Valley 58, Heritage Christian 43 Hiawatha Sub-State 2 Silver Lake 51, St Marys 31 Wellsville 39, Hiawatha 33Scott City Sub-State 1 Colby vs. Russell, postponed to Thursday Ellsworth vs. Goodland, postponed to Thursday Scott City Sub-State 2 Southwestern Heights vs. Beloit, postponed to Thursday Holcomb vs. Scott City, postponed to ThursdayClass 5A Sub-State Semifinals East Sub-State 1 BV Southwest 65, KC Sumner 24 Spring Hill 74, Lansing 39 East Sub-State 2 KC Piper 80, KC Harmon 11 Shawnee Heights 39, Basehor-Linwood 32 East Sub-State 3 Highland Park 59, KC Washington 13 St. Thomas Aquinas 63, Pittsburg 9 East Sub-State 4 De Soto 44, Leavenworth 12 St. James Academy 78, Bonner Springs 49West Sub-State 1 Hays vs. Great Bend, postponed to Thursday Hutchinson 60, Andover Central 37 Sub-State 2 Kapaun Mt. Carmel 62, Valley Center 38 Topeka Seaman 59, Topeka West 42 Sub-State 3 Andover 56, Goddard-Eisenhower 18 Wichita Bishop Carroll 49, Salina South 23 Sub-State 4 Arkansas City 44, Goddard 30 Maize South 64, Salina Central 29BOYSClass 2A Sub-State Semifinals Moundridge Sub-State 1 Berean Academy 44, Hillsboro 43 Moundridge 55, Wichita Classical 25 Moundridge Sub-State 2 Bennington 67, Salina Sacred Heart 56 Ell-Saline 70, Hutchinson Trinity 42Sublette Sub-State 1 Sterling vs. Medicine Lodge, postponed to Thursday Sylvan-Lucas vs. Stanton County, postponed to Thursday Sublette Sub-State 2 Syracuse vs. Ellinwood, postponed to Thursday Plainville vs. Hoxie, postponed to ThursdayValley Heights&nbsp;Sub-State 1 Maur Hill - Mount Academy 49, Topeka Cair Paravel 43 Rossville 69, Horton 51 Valley Heights Sub-State 2 Mission Valley 45, Wabaunsee 42 Valley Falls 77, Kansas City Christian 63Yates Center Sub-State 1 Pittsburg St Mary's-Colgan 61, Oswego 41 Pleasanton 39, Douglass 35 Yates Center Sub-State 2 Chase County 45, Cedar Vale-Dexter 41 Southeast 63, Howard West Elk 62, OTClass 4A Sub-State Semifinals West Sub-State 1 Andale 57, El Dorado 33} Circle 86, Winfield 66 West Sub-State 2 McPherson vs. Ulysses, ppd. to Thursday Concordia 67, Augusta 39 West Sub-State 3 Pratt 76, Rose Hill 48 Sub-State 4 Abilene 69, Mulvane 54 Wellington 60, Buhler 45Class 6A Sub-State Semifinals East Sub-State 1 BV North 48, Olathe South 40 SM South 59, SM North 50 East Sub-State 2 BV Northwest 53, BV West 46 SM Northwest 100, Lawrence 57 East Sub-State 3 Blue Valley 59, Gardner-Edgerton 51 Olathe North 62, Olathe East 36 East Sub-State 4 Mill Valley 62, SM East 61, OT Olathe West 43, Olathe Northwest 40 West Sub-State 1 Derby 73, Wichita Campus 43 Lawrence Free State 69, Wichita East 62 West Sub-State 2 Wichita Heights 72, Liberal 25 Wichita Southeast 69, Dodge City 47 West Sub-State 3 Junction City 59, Manhattan 45 Washburn Rural 78, Wichita West 50 West Sub-State 4 Maize 64, Garden City 62, OT Wichita Northwest 77, Wichita South 46

🏀 Tuesday's high school sub-state results

Tuesday, March 4
 KFIX: Hays High WBKB
vs. Great Bend, 6:40pm

Wednesday, March 5
 KAYS: Tiger Talk,
12:15pm KFIX: Hays High MBKB vs. Hutchinson, 5:40pm KHAZ: TMP-Marian WBKB vs. Wichita County, 5:40pm KAYS: Hawk Talk with Bill Self, 6pm

Thursday, March 6
 KJLS: Fort Hays State MBKB vs. Central Missouri/Northeastern, approx. 1:45pm
 KJLS: Fort Hays State WBKB vs. Central Missouri/Emporia State, approx. 7:50pm

Friday, March 7
 KFIX: Hays High WBKB
vs. (if win 3/4) vs. Hutchinson/Andover Central, 6:40pm KKQY: Quinter WBKB vs. Osborne, approx. 7:15pm

Saturday, March 8&nbsp; KJLS: Fort Hays State
MBKB (if win 3/6) vs. TBD, approx. 1:45pm &nbsp;KAYS: Kansas MBKB vs. Arizona, 2:00pm
 KFIX: Hays High MBKB (if win 3/5) vs. Andover/Salina Central, 6:40pm
 KJLS: Fort Hays State WBKB (if win 3/6) vs. TBD, approx. 7:50pm
 KHAZ: TMP-Marian WBKB (if win 3/5) vs. Hoxie/Oakley, TBD

Sunday, March 9
 KJLS: Fort Hays State
MBKB at MIAA Tournament (Finals), 12:30pm
 KJLS: Fort Hays State WBKB at MIAA Tournament (Finals), 3:05pm

Tuesday, March 4
 KFIX: Hays High WBKB
vs. Great Bend, 6:40pm Wednesday, March 5
 KAYS: Tiger Talk,
12:15pm KFIX: Hays High MBKB vs. Hutchinson, 5:40pm KHAZ: TMP-Marian WBKB vs. Wichita County, 5:40pm KAYS: Hawk Talk with Bill Self, 6pm Thursday, March 6
 KJLS: Fort Hays State MBKB vs. Central Missouri/Northeastern, approx. 1:45pm
 KJLS: Fort Hays State WBKB vs. Central Missouri/Emporia State, approx. 7:50pmFriday, March 7
 KFIX: Hays High WBKB
vs. (if win 3/4) vs. Hutchinson/Andover Central, 6:40pm KKQY: Quinter WBKB vs. Osborne, approx. 7:15pmSaturday, March 8&nbsp; KJLS: Fort Hays State
MBKB (if win 3/6) vs. TBD, approx. 1:45pm &nbsp;KAYS: Kansas MBKB vs. Arizona, 2:00pm
 KFIX: Hays High MBKB (if win 3/5) vs. Andover/Salina Central, 6:40pm
 KJLS: Fort Hays State WBKB (if win 3/6) vs. TBD, approx. 7:50pm
 KHAZ: TMP-Marian WBKB (if win 3/5) vs. Hoxie/Oakley, TBDSunday, March 9
 KJLS: Fort Hays State
MBKB at MIAA Tournament (Finals), 12:30pm
 KJLS: Fort Hays State WBKB at MIAA Tournament (Finals), 3:05pm

🎧 Eagle Radio, Hull sports broadcast schedule

The Fort Hays State women's basketball team slid back in both national polls this week (March 4), moving to No. 9 in the WBCA Division II Coaches Poll and 15th in the D2CSC Media Poll.

The Tigers accumulated 370 points in the voting process of the coaches poll, 15 behind eighth-ranked Pittsburg State.

Fort Hays State finished the regular season 25-3 overall and 16-3 in MIAA play, reaching the 25-win plateau for the eighth time in team history.

This is the fifth time the Tigers have been ranked ninth in the program's DII history, and the first since February 15, 2022. FHSU is 7-1 when ranked ninth in the coaches poll.

Fort Hays State has now been listed in the top 25 119 times. This is the Tigers' 79th appearance inside the top 10. FHSU is 182-46 when ranked and 129-27 when ranked inside the top 10. The Tigers are 11-3 in the MIAA Championship while ranked.

The Tigers will open the postseason on Thursday (March 6, 8:15 p.m.) when they play either Central Missouri or Emporia State in the quarterfinal round of the MIAA Basketball Championship presented by Southern Bank.

Rk. - School (1st) - W-L - Pts. - Last| 1 - Texas Woman's (21) - 28-1 - 573 - 1 2 - Grand Valley State (2) - 29-2 - 549 - 2 3 - Bentley - 28-1 - 523 - 3 4 - Cal State Dominguez Hills - 29-1 - 500 - 5 5t - Ashland - 27-3 - 453 - 7 5t - Texas Tyler - 25-3 - 453 - 4 7 - North Georgia - 26-2 - 438 - 8 8 - Pittsburg State - 26-3 - 385 - 10 9 - Fort Hays State - 25-3 - 370 - 6 10 - Concordia-St. Paul - 27-2 - 367 - 11 11 - Lubbock Christian - 27-3 - 350 - 12 12 - Union (Tenn.) - 26-3 - 316 - 14 13 - Cal Poly Pomona - 24-4 - 277 - 16 14 - Lewis - 25-2 - 249 - 17 15 - Embry-Riddle - 23-4 - 208 - 9 16 - Gannon - 24-5 - 204 - 18 17 - Southwest Minnesota State - 26-3 - 194 - 19 18 - Tampa - 25-5 - 149 - 23 19 - Fairmont State - 24-4 - 143 - 22 20 - Alaska Anchorage - 25-4 - 130 - 15 21 - Colorado Mesa - 23-4 - 129 - 25 22 - Coker - 24-4 - 121 - 13 23 - Seton Hill - 22-5 - 75 - 20 24 - Azusa Pacific - 22-5 - 69 - RV 25 - Montana State Billings - 25-6 - 52 - 21

Receiving Votes: Nova Southeastern (23-5) 37; Chowan (18-5) 29; Minnesota State Mankato (23-6) 28; Southern Nazarene (22-6) 16; Point Loma Nazarene (23-5) 15.

Rk. - School (1st) - W-L - Pts. - Last 1 - Texas Woman's (10) - 28-1 - 368 - 1 2 - Grand Valley State (2) - 29-2 - 352 - 2 3 - Cal State-Dominguez Hills (2) - 29-1 - 342 - 4 4 - Bentley (1) - 28-1 - 340 - 3 5 - Concordia-St. Paul - 27-2 - 306 - 7 6 - North Georgia - 26-2 - 292 - 9 7 - Ashland - 27-3 - 290 - 8 8 - Lubbock Christian - 27-3 - 267 - 11 9 - Pittsburg State - 26-3 - 226 - 14 10 - Texas Tyler - 25-2 - 219 - 6 T11 - Union - 26-3 - 216 - 12 T11 - Embry-Riddle - 23-4 - 216 - 5 13 - Fairmont State - 24-4 - 197 - 16 14 - Lewis - 25-2 - 189 - 17 15 - Fort Hays State - 25-3 - 166 - 10 16 - Cal Poly- Pomona - 24-4 - 161 - 18 17 - Gannon - 24-5 - 120 - 24 18 - Tampa - 25-5 - 116 - 20 19 - Southwest Minnesota St. - 26-3 - 92 - 21 20 - Alaska-Anchorage - 25-4 - 81 - 15 21 - Francis Marion - 22-6 - 72 - RV 22 - Colorado Mesa - 23-4 - 71 - 23 23 - Seton Hill - 22-5 - 45 - 19 24 - Coker - 24-4 - 44 - 13 25 - Holy Family - 21-6 - 35 - 22

Receiving Votes: Nova Southeastern (33); Jefferson (10); Point Loma (6); Minnesota State-Mankato (2)

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/3/1741130639828.png" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure>FHSU AthleticsThe Fort Hays State women's basketball team slid back in both national polls this week (March 4), moving to No. 9 in the WBCA Division II Coaches Poll and 15th in the D2CSC Media Poll.The Tigers accumulated 370 points in the voting process of the coaches poll, 15 behind eighth-ranked Pittsburg State.Fort Hays State finished the regular season 25-3 overall and 16-3 in MIAA play, reaching the 25-win plateau for the eighth time in team history.This is the fifth time the Tigers have been ranked ninth in the program's DII history, and the first since February 15, 2022. FHSU is 7-1 when ranked ninth in the coaches poll.Fort Hays State has now been listed in the top 25 119 times. This is the Tigers' 79th appearance inside the top 10. FHSU is 182-46 when ranked and 129-27 when ranked inside the top 10. The Tigers are 11-3 in the MIAA Championship while ranked.The Tigers will open the postseason on Thursday (March 6, 8:15 p.m.) when they play either Central Missouri or Emporia State in the quarterfinal round of the MIAA Basketball Championship presented by Southern Bank.WBCA DII Coaches Poll - March 4, 2025Rk. - School (1st) - W-L - Pts. - Last| 1 - Texas Woman's (21) - 28-1 - 573 - 1 2 - Grand Valley State (2) - 29-2 - 549 - 2 3 - Bentley - 28-1 - 523 - 3 4 - Cal State Dominguez Hills - 29-1 - 500 - 5 5t - Ashland - 27-3 - 453 - 7 5t - Texas Tyler - 25-3 - 453 - 4 7 - North Georgia - 26-2 - 438 - 8 8 - Pittsburg State - 26-3 - 385 - 10 9 - Fort Hays State - 25-3 - 370 - 6 10 - Concordia-St. Paul - 27-2 - 367 - 11 11 - Lubbock Christian - 27-3 - 350 - 12 12 - Union (Tenn.) - 26-3 - 316 - 14 13 - Cal Poly Pomona - 24-4 - 277 - 16 14 - Lewis - 25-2 - 249 - 17 15 - Embry-Riddle - 23-4 - 208 - 9 16 - Gannon - 24-5 - 204 - 18 17 - Southwest Minnesota State - 26-3 - 194 - 19 18 - Tampa - 25-5 - 149 - 23 19 - Fairmont State - 24-4 - 143 - 22 20 - Alaska Anchorage - 25-4 - 130 - 15 21 - Colorado Mesa - 23-4 - 129 - 25 22 - Coker - 24-4 - 121 - 13 23 - Seton Hill - 22-5 - 75 - 20 24 - Azusa Pacific - 22-5 - 69 - RV 25 - Montana State Billings - 25-6 - 52 - 21Dropped Out: No. 24 Chowan (18-5).Receiving Votes: Nova Southeastern (23-5) 37; Chowan (18-5) 29; Minnesota State Mankato (23-6) 28; Southern Nazarene (22-6) 16; Point Loma Nazarene (23-5) 15.D2CSC Media Poll - March 4, 2025Rk. - School (1st) - W-L - Pts. - Last 1 - Texas Woman's (10) - 28-1 - 368 - 1 2 - Grand Valley State (2) - 29-2 - 352 - 2 3 - Cal State-Dominguez Hills (2) - 29-1 - 342 - 4 4 - Bentley (1) - 28-1 - 340 - 3 5 - Concordia-St. Paul - 27-2 - 306 - 7 6 - North Georgia - 26-2 - 292 - 9 7 - Ashland - 27-3 - 290 - 8 8 - Lubbock Christian - 27-3 - 267 - 11 9 - Pittsburg State - 26-3 - 226 - 14 10 - Texas Tyler - 25-2 - 219 - 6 T11 - Union - 26-3 - 216 - 12 T11 - Embry-Riddle - 23-4 - 216 - 5 13 - Fairmont State - 24-4 - 197 - 16 14 - Lewis - 25-2 - 189 - 17 15 - Fort Hays State - 25-3 - 166 - 10 16 - Cal Poly- Pomona - 24-4 - 161 - 18 17 - Gannon - 24-5 - 120 - 24 18 - Tampa - 25-5 - 116 - 20 19 - Southwest Minnesota St. - 26-3 - 92 - 21 20 - Alaska-Anchorage - 25-4 - 81 - 15 21 - Francis Marion - 22-6 - 72 - RV 22 - Colorado Mesa - 23-4 - 71 - 23 23 - Seton Hill - 22-5 - 45 - 19 24 - Coker - 24-4 - 44 - 13 25 - Holy Family - 21-6 - 35 - 22Receiving Votes: Nova Southeastern (33); Jefferson (10); Point Loma (6); Minnesota State-Mankato (2)Dropped Out: (25) Montana State Billings

🏀 FHSU women's enter postseason ranked ninth in coaches poll

INDIANAPOLIS - The Fort Hays State track and field teams will send three student-athletes to compete in four events at the 2025 NCAA Division II Indoor Championships, announced Tuesday by the NCAA office. This year's indoor meet is being held March 13-15 in Indianapolis, Ind. at the Indiana Farm Bureau Fall Creek Pavilion. A total of 540 participants, 270 men and 270 women, will compete in the championships with 16 events.

Two members of the men's team will take on the pole vault, long jump and heptathlon, while one member of the women's team will aim for national success in the pole vault.

Senior&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/mens-track-and-field/roster/jacob-clark/8482">Jacob Clark</a>&nbsp;is no stranger to the national stage, making his return to the NCAA Championships in the pole vault. Clark enters the competition with a season-best clearance of 17-2.75, ranking sixth nationally. Clark is a five-time All-American, including three trophies indoors and will look to add another All-American performance to his impressive resume.

<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/womens-track-and-field/roster/annabeth-baalmann/8389">Annabeth Baalmann</a>, a junior pole vaulter, will look for her second All-American honor after finishing eighth indoors last season. She broke her own school record multiple times this year, with a top clearance of 14-0.5, the fourth-best mark in the country. Baalmann also became the first woman in school history to surpass the four-meter mark, indoors or outdoors, further cementing her place in program history.

<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/mens-track-and-field/roster/nolan-churchman/8479">Nolan Churchman</a>&nbsp;will compete in both the heptathlon and the long jump. Churchman is a six-time All-American, including three-straight All-American finishes in the indoor heptathlon. The senior ranks fifth in the country this season in the heptathlon with a season-best total of 5,324 points. Churchman also tallied a school record this past weekend in the long jump, clearing 24-4.25 to rank 17th in the country.

The Tigers have delivered an impressive indoor season, highlighted by six school records and 48 NCAA provisional marks. The Tiger men rank 32nd in the latest USTFCCCA MIAA rankings posted today while the women rank seventh in the MIAA. Both squads placed seventh at the MIAA Championships this past weekend.

2025 NCAA Division II Indoor Track and Field Championships Thursday-Saturday, March 13-15 • Indianapolis, Ind. Schedule of Events - FHSU Competitors Thursday, March 13 Heptathlon Day 1 - 10 a.m. (11 a.m. ET) - Nolan Churchman <a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/mens-track-and-field/roster/nolan-churchman/8479"></a>Women's Pole Vault - 2 p.m. (3 p.m. ET) - Annabeth Baalmann

<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/womens-track-and-field/roster/annabeth-baalmann/8389"></a>Friday, March 14 Heptathlon Day Two - 10:20 a.m. (11:20 a.m. ET) - Nolan Churchman Men's Long Jump - 11 a.m. (Noon ET) - Nolan Churchman Saturday, March 15 Men's Pole Vault - 1:35 p.m. (2:35 p.m. ET) - Jacob Clark

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 </figure>FHSU AthleticsINDIANAPOLIS - The Fort Hays State track and field teams will send three student-athletes to compete in four events at the 2025 NCAA Division II Indoor Championships, announced Tuesday by the NCAA office. This year's indoor meet is being held March 13-15 in Indianapolis, Ind. at the Indiana Farm Bureau Fall Creek Pavilion. A total of 540 participants, 270 men and 270 women, will compete in the championships with 16 events.Two members of the men's team will take on the pole vault, long jump and heptathlon, while one member of the women's team will aim for national success in the pole vault.Senior&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/mens-track-and-field/roster/jacob-clark/8482">Jacob Clark</a>&nbsp;is no stranger to the national stage, making his return to the NCAA Championships in the pole vault. Clark enters the competition with a season-best clearance of 17-2.75, ranking sixth nationally. Clark is a five-time All-American, including three trophies indoors and will look to add another All-American performance to his impressive resume.<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/womens-track-and-field/roster/annabeth-baalmann/8389">Annabeth Baalmann</a>, a junior pole vaulter, will look for her second All-American honor after finishing eighth indoors last season. She broke her own school record multiple times this year, with a top clearance of 14-0.5, the fourth-best mark in the country. Baalmann also became the first woman in school history to surpass the four-meter mark, indoors or outdoors, further cementing her place in program history.<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/mens-track-and-field/roster/nolan-churchman/8479">Nolan Churchman</a>&nbsp;will compete in both the heptathlon and the long jump. Churchman is a six-time All-American, including three-straight All-American finishes in the indoor heptathlon. The senior ranks fifth in the country this season in the heptathlon with a season-best total of 5,324 points. Churchman also tallied a school record this past weekend in the long jump, clearing 24-4.25 to rank 17th in the country.The Tigers have delivered an impressive indoor season, highlighted by six school records and 48 NCAA provisional marks. The Tiger men rank 32nd in the latest USTFCCCA MIAA rankings posted today while the women rank seventh in the MIAA. Both squads placed seventh at the MIAA Championships this past weekend.2025 NCAA Division II Indoor Track and Field Championships Thursday-Saturday, March 13-15 • Indianapolis, Ind. Schedule of Events - FHSU Competitors Thursday, March 13 Heptathlon Day 1 - 10 a.m. (11 a.m. ET) - Nolan Churchman <a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/mens-track-and-field/roster/nolan-churchman/8479"></a>Women's Pole Vault - 2 p.m. (3 p.m. ET) - Annabeth Baalmann<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/womens-track-and-field/roster/annabeth-baalmann/8389"></a>Friday, March 14 Heptathlon Day Two - 10:20 a.m. (11:20 a.m. ET) - Nolan Churchman Men's Long Jump - 11 a.m. (Noon ET) - Nolan Churchman Saturday, March 15 Men's Pole Vault - 1:35 p.m. (2:35 p.m. ET) - Jacob Clark

🏃‍♂️ Tigers qualify three for NCAA Indoor Championships

The Hays High girls sub-state game with the Great Bend Panthers, scheduled for Tuesday, has been postponed.

The makeup date is set for Thursday at 7 p.m.

Check with Hays Post and Eagle Radio for a new date and time.

The Hays High girls sub-state game with the Great Bend Panthers, scheduled for Tuesday, has been postponed.The makeup date is set for Thursday at 7 p.m.Check with Hays Post and Eagle Radio for a new date and time.

🏀HHS girls matchup with Great Bend postponed

Midwest Energy had as many as 500 customers out of power earlier today, but all but 30 have been restored in the area between Quinter and Park.&nbsp;

Other scattered indvidual outages were reported by Midwest between Goodland and Hays.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/3/1741127699033.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Midwest Energy had as many as 500 customers out of power earlier today, but all but 30 have been restored in the area between Quinter and Park.&nbsp;Other scattered indvidual outages were reported by Midwest between Goodland and Hays.

Power outages reported west of Hays

Garden City is reporting winds over 70 mph with blowing dust.

Mad Dog Metals, a business west of Garden City, lost its roof, and debris is in the roadway blocking the road to Holcomb.

Garden City is also reporting power outages.

Hays reported no power outages as of 1:30 p.m., but a handful of outages were reported as of that time across the Midwest Energy Service area.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/3/1741117137172.jpg" alt="Photo courtesy of Pixabay" />
 <figcaption>Photo courtesy of Pixabay</figcaption>
 </figure>Garden City is reporting winds over 70 mph with blowing dust.Mad Dog Metals, a business west of Garden City, lost its roof, and debris is in the roadway blocking the road to Holcomb.Garden City is also reporting power outages.Hays reported no power outages as of 1:30 p.m., but a handful of outages were reported as of that time across the Midwest Energy Service area.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/3/1741117343620.jpeg" alt="National Weather Service, Goodland" />
 <figcaption>National Weather Service, Goodland</figcaption>
 </figure>

Weather: Garden City hit by storm; blizzard conditions possible NW

HAYS, Kan. - The Fort Hays State baseball team will push back its home series against No. 25 Missouri Southern one day due to this weekend's weather forecast. The Tigers (11-4, 6-0 MIAA) and Lions (10-5, 3-3 MIAA) will now play in a three-game set beginning Saturday (March 8) and concluding Monday (March 10) at Larks Park.

First pitch is set for 3 p.m. on Saturday, 2 p.m. on Sunday and 1 p.m. on Monday.

The Tigers have won seven in a row, the longest active winning streak in the MIAA. Fort Hays State is 20-49 all-time against Missouri Southern, including a win in the most recent meeting. This is the third-straight year the Lions have traveled to Larks Park for a three-game series, with MSSU leading 4-2 during the Justin Wichert&nbsp;era.

Fort Hays State vs. #25 Missouri Southern Hays, Kan. • Larks Park Game 1 -&nbsp;Saturday, March 8 - 3 p.m. Game 2 - Sunday, March 9 - 2 p.m. Game 3 -&nbsp;Monday, March 10 - 1 p.m.&nbsp;&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/3/1741115802349.png" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure>FHSU AthleticsHAYS, Kan. - The Fort Hays State baseball team will push back its home series against No. 25 Missouri Southern one day due to this weekend's weather forecast. The Tigers (11-4, 6-0 MIAA) and Lions (10-5, 3-3 MIAA) will now play in a three-game set beginning Saturday (March 8) and concluding Monday (March 10) at Larks Park.First pitch is set for 3 p.m. on Saturday, 2 p.m. on Sunday and 1 p.m. on Monday.The Tigers have won seven in a row, the longest active winning streak in the MIAA. Fort Hays State is 20-49 all-time against Missouri Southern, including a win in the most recent meeting. This is the third-straight year the Lions have traveled to Larks Park for a three-game series, with MSSU leading 4-2 during the Justin Wichert&nbsp;era.Fort Hays State vs. #25 Missouri Southern Hays, Kan. • Larks Park Game 1 -&nbsp;Saturday, March 8 - 3 p.m. Game 2 - Sunday, March 9 - 2 p.m. Game 3 -&nbsp;Monday, March 10 - 1 p.m.&nbsp;&nbsp;

⚾ FHSU pushes back weekend slate with Lions

KANSAS CITY, Mo. – Fort Hays State Men's Basketball had three players recognized with MIAA postseason honors on Tuesday. Kaleb Hammeke&nbsp;became the only five-time All-MIAA selection in FHSU men's basketball program history, earning a first-team selection for the third-straight year. He was also named to the MIAA All-Defensive Team. Kyle Grill&nbsp;was an All-MIAA Honorable Mention pick, while Shaun Riley&nbsp;joined Hammeke as one of five players on the All-Defensive Team.

Hammeke continued to add to his storied career at FHSU. He became the fourth player in the program's history to receive all-conference first team honors for a third time in their careers, joining Elmer Johnson (1938, 1939, 1940), Mark Wilson (1978, 1979, 1981), and Raymond Lee (1984, 1985, 1986). He is the first three-time all-conference first team selection in the program's NCAA Division II history. Hammeke is the all-time leading scorer at FHSU, now with 2,008 points in his career. This season, he is averaging 16.0 points, 4.8 rebounds, and 4.1 assists per game. He has scored in double figures in all but one game this year. Hammeke is one of only four active players at all NCAA levels to have 2,000 points, 500 rebounds, and 500 assists in their careers, joining Mark Sears of Alabama, Caleb Love of Arizona, and RJ Davis of North Carolina. Hammeke also received a selection to the All-Defensive Team for the first time in his career at FHSU.

Grill is enjoying a strong sophomore season for the Tigers. He ranks second on the team in scoring at 11.8 points per game, while adding 4.6 rebounds per game. He has scored in double figures 20 times this season with a season high of 25 points. He scored at least 20 in a game four times this season. Entering the MIAA Tournament, he leads the team in 3-point field goals made with 47.

Riley received a nod on the MIAA All-Defensive Team alongside Hammeke. He averaged a team-best 6.4 rebounds per game in the regular season, while leading the Tigers in blocked shots with 26. Not seen on a stat sheet, Riley consistently showed a suffocating display of defense throughout the season, especially in key moments when outcome of games were on the line.

This was the first time FHSU had multiple players named to the MIAA All-Defensive Team in a season. It is the fourth-straight season the Tigers had representation on the All-Defensive Team. The Tigers are the top defensive team in NCAA Division II, allowing just 59.8 points per game.

2024-25 MIAA MEN'S BASKETBALL POSTSEASON AWARDS &amp; ALL-MIAA TEAMS PLAYER OF THE YEAR:&nbsp;Jordan Frison, Pittsburg State DEFENSIVE PLAYER OF THE YEAR:&nbsp;Jacob Hanna, Washburn NEWCOMER OF THE YEAR:&nbsp;Jacob Hanna, Washburn FRESHMAN OF THE YEAR:&nbsp;Kyran Tilley, Central Missouri COACH OF THE YEAR:&nbsp;Brett Ballard, Washburn&nbsp;

MIAA ALL-DEFENSIVE TEAM RJ Forney – Pittsburg State, Sr.&nbsp; Kaleb Hammeke&nbsp;– Fort Hays State, Gr. Jacob Hanna – Washburn, Sr.&nbsp; Michael Keegan – Washburn,&nbsp; Sr. Shaun Riley&nbsp;– Fort Hays State, Sr.

ALL-MIAA FIRST TEAM Jack Bachelor – Washburn, So. Jordan Frison – Pittsburg State, So. Kaleb Hammeke&nbsp;– Fort Hays State, Gr. Jacob Hanna – Washburn, Sr.&nbsp; Anthony Marshall – Rogers State, Sr.

ALL-MIAA SECOND TEAM Zane Nelson – Missouri Western, Sr. Trey Phipps – Northeastern State, Gr. Jacobi Sebock – Central Oklahoma, Jr. Brayden Shorter – Washburn, So.&nbsp; Avery Taggart – Pittsburg State, Sr.

ALL-MIAA THIRD TEAM Ethan Blackmon – Northeastern State, So. Karyiek Dixon – Emporia State, Jr. Ja'Bryant Hill – Nebraska Kearney, Jr. Andrew Orr – Washburn, Sr. Allen Taylor – Nebraska Kearney, Sr.&nbsp;

ALL-MIAA HONORABLE MENTION DeAirius Barker – Central Missouri, Sr. RJ Forney – Pittsburg State, Sr. Caden Fry – Rogers State, Jr. Kyle Grill&nbsp;– Fort Hays State, So. Israel Hart – Central Oklahoma, Jr. Martin Macenis – Missouri Southern, Sr. Andrew Mason – Rogers State, Jr. Sam Somerhalder – Newman, Jr. Boston Stanton – Newman, Sr. Zion Swader – Missouri Western, Sr. Chase Thompson – Nebraska Kearney, Sr.&nbsp;&nbsp; Terrell Williams – Arkansas-Fort Smith, Sr.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/3/1741108935609.png" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure>FHSU AthleticsKANSAS CITY, Mo. – Fort Hays State Men's Basketball had three players recognized with MIAA postseason honors on Tuesday. Kaleb Hammeke&nbsp;became the only five-time All-MIAA selection in FHSU men's basketball program history, earning a first-team selection for the third-straight year. He was also named to the MIAA All-Defensive Team. Kyle Grill&nbsp;was an All-MIAA Honorable Mention pick, while Shaun Riley&nbsp;joined Hammeke as one of five players on the All-Defensive Team.Hammeke continued to add to his storied career at FHSU. He became the fourth player in the program's history to receive all-conference first team honors for a third time in their careers, joining Elmer Johnson (1938, 1939, 1940), Mark Wilson (1978, 1979, 1981), and Raymond Lee (1984, 1985, 1986). He is the first three-time all-conference first team selection in the program's NCAA Division II history. Hammeke is the all-time leading scorer at FHSU, now with 2,008 points in his career. This season, he is averaging 16.0 points, 4.8 rebounds, and 4.1 assists per game. He has scored in double figures in all but one game this year. Hammeke is one of only four active players at all NCAA levels to have 2,000 points, 500 rebounds, and 500 assists in their careers, joining Mark Sears of Alabama, Caleb Love of Arizona, and RJ Davis of North Carolina. Hammeke also received a selection to the All-Defensive Team for the first time in his career at FHSU.Grill is enjoying a strong sophomore season for the Tigers. He ranks second on the team in scoring at 11.8 points per game, while adding 4.6 rebounds per game. He has scored in double figures 20 times this season with a season high of 25 points. He scored at least 20 in a game four times this season. Entering the MIAA Tournament, he leads the team in 3-point field goals made with 47.Riley received a nod on the MIAA All-Defensive Team alongside Hammeke. He averaged a team-best 6.4 rebounds per game in the regular season, while leading the Tigers in blocked shots with 26. Not seen on a stat sheet, Riley consistently showed a suffocating display of defense throughout the season, especially in key moments when outcome of games were on the line.This was the first time FHSU had multiple players named to the MIAA All-Defensive Team in a season. It is the fourth-straight season the Tigers had representation on the All-Defensive Team. The Tigers are the top defensive team in NCAA Division II, allowing just 59.8 points per game.2024-25 MIAA MEN'S BASKETBALL POSTSEASON AWARDS &amp; ALL-MIAA TEAMS PLAYER OF THE YEAR:&nbsp;Jordan Frison, Pittsburg State DEFENSIVE PLAYER OF THE YEAR:&nbsp;Jacob Hanna, Washburn NEWCOMER OF THE YEAR:&nbsp;Jacob Hanna, Washburn FRESHMAN OF THE YEAR:&nbsp;Kyran Tilley, Central Missouri COACH OF THE YEAR:&nbsp;Brett Ballard, Washburn&nbsp;MIAA ALL-DEFENSIVE TEAM RJ Forney – Pittsburg State, Sr.&nbsp; Kaleb Hammeke&nbsp;– Fort Hays State, Gr. Jacob Hanna – Washburn, Sr.&nbsp; Michael Keegan – Washburn,&nbsp; Sr. Shaun Riley&nbsp;– Fort Hays State, Sr.ALL-MIAA FIRST TEAM Jack Bachelor – Washburn, So. Jordan Frison – Pittsburg State, So. Kaleb Hammeke&nbsp;– Fort Hays State, Gr. Jacob Hanna – Washburn, Sr.&nbsp; Anthony Marshall – Rogers State, Sr.ALL-MIAA SECOND TEAM Zane Nelson – Missouri Western, Sr. Trey Phipps – Northeastern State, Gr. Jacobi Sebock – Central Oklahoma, Jr. Brayden Shorter – Washburn, So.&nbsp; Avery Taggart – Pittsburg State, Sr.ALL-MIAA THIRD TEAM Ethan Blackmon – Northeastern State, So. Karyiek Dixon – Emporia State, Jr. Ja'Bryant Hill – Nebraska Kearney, Jr. Andrew Orr – Washburn, Sr. Allen Taylor – Nebraska Kearney, Sr.&nbsp;ALL-MIAA HONORABLE MENTION DeAirius Barker – Central Missouri, Sr. RJ Forney – Pittsburg State, Sr. Caden Fry – Rogers State, Jr. Kyle Grill&nbsp;– Fort Hays State, So. Israel Hart – Central Oklahoma, Jr. Martin Macenis – Missouri Southern, Sr. Andrew Mason – Rogers State, Jr. Sam Somerhalder – Newman, Jr. Boston Stanton – Newman, Sr. Zion Swader – Missouri Western, Sr. Chase Thompson – Nebraska Kearney, Sr.&nbsp;&nbsp; Terrell Williams – Arkansas-Fort Smith, Sr.

🏀 Hammeke, Grill, and Riley earn MIAA postseason honors

By TONY GUERRERO Hays Post

A new Ellis County Health Director was formally appointed during Tuesday's Ellis County Commission meeting.

Ellis County Health Director Melissa Miller was selected after a search process that involved reviewing multiple applicants. She began working with the health department on Feb. 24.

Miller is a Tribune native who launched her public health career as the office manager at the Greeley County Health Department.&nbsp;

“It’s been an easy transition, and I look forward to working with you in the future,” she said.

Kerry McCue has been serving as the part-time health director and assisting Miller. He will continue to provide support until March 13.

<a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/8ac8d4d8-13de-4a17-bef9-88ee88a9f076">SEE RELATED STORY: Ellis County Health Department welcomes new director</a>

The county commission approved road repairs and improvements for 48th Street, Vineyard Road and Commerce Parkway.

The 48th Street repairs include milling down existing asphalt and applying new asphalt lifts. Vineyard Road and Commerce Parkway will also receive asphalt lifts.

The total cost of both projects is $907,532. The city of Hays will contribute $377,000, approved at the <a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/edce592b-596e-4a0f-9d48-22bb7b6130cc">Feb. 27 City Commission meeting</a>.

Additional enhancements include installing culverts, reshaping ditches and applying a prime seal.

Northwest Homeland Security project update

Ellis County is receiving funding from the Northwest Home Security Council for multiple emergency response improvements.

Lyle Pantle, Ellis County emergency manager, discussed with commissioners the purchase of a pickup truck for a mobile water supply trailer and the replacement of an aging UTV for EMS operations.

In 2020, Ellis County acquired a mobile water supply trailer for wildfire response. Homeland Security funding was recently secured for a pickup truck to transport the trailer.

The pickup will have a radio, lights, siren, PA system, pull-out bed tray and a topper. The vehicle is expected to be delivered in 2026.

The Ellis County Road and Bridge Division requested approval to purchase a used 2021 Caterpillar, which is expected to be more effective than the county's current 2005 CAT excavator.

Commissioner Nathan Leiker said local contractors use older equipment, and the Road and Bridge Division should be able to do the same.

“If they can make that equipment run, we should be able to make it run as well,” Leiker said.

The commissioners agreed to monitor their budget and explore alternatives, as the cost of the used 2021 Caterpillar amounts to $218,000.

The commission approved a bid from APAC Kansas Inc. to produce cold mix asphalt for the 2025 asphalt maintenance plan. The material will be used for road overlays and patching to maintain county roadways.

The commission also approved a 3.7-acre lot split request for land in Hays from Platinum Group owner Adam Pray.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/5/1684183971486.png" alt="Ellis County" />
 <figcaption>Ellis County</figcaption>
 </figure>By TONY GUERRERO Hays PostA new Ellis County Health Director was formally appointed during Tuesday's Ellis County Commission meeting.Ellis County Health Director Melissa Miller was selected after a search process that involved reviewing multiple applicants. She began working with the health department on Feb. 24.Miller is a Tribune native who launched her public health career as the office manager at the Greeley County Health Department.&nbsp;“It’s been an easy transition, and I look forward to working with you in the future,” she said.Kerry McCue has been serving as the part-time health director and assisting Miller. He will continue to provide support until March 13.<a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/8ac8d4d8-13de-4a17-bef9-88ee88a9f076">SEE RELATED STORY: Ellis County Health Department welcomes new director</a><h2>Road repairs</h2>The county commission approved road repairs and improvements for 48th Street, Vineyard Road and Commerce Parkway.The 48th Street repairs include milling down existing asphalt and applying new asphalt lifts. Vineyard Road and Commerce Parkway will also receive asphalt lifts.The total cost of both projects is $907,532. The city of Hays will contribute $377,000, approved at the <a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/edce592b-596e-4a0f-9d48-22bb7b6130cc">Feb. 27 City Commission meeting</a>.Additional enhancements include installing culverts, reshaping ditches and applying a prime seal.<h2>Northwest Homeland Security project update</h2>Ellis County is receiving funding from the Northwest Home Security Council for multiple emergency response improvements.Lyle Pantle, Ellis County emergency manager, discussed with commissioners the purchase of a pickup truck for a mobile water supply trailer and the replacement of an aging UTV for EMS operations.In 2020, Ellis County acquired a mobile water supply trailer for wildfire response. Homeland Security funding was recently secured for a pickup truck to transport the trailer.The pickup will have a radio, lights, siren, PA system, pull-out bed tray and a topper. The vehicle is expected to be delivered in 2026.<h2>Used excavator request</h2>The Ellis County Road and Bridge Division requested approval to purchase a used 2021 Caterpillar, which is expected to be more effective than the county's current 2005 CAT excavator.Commissioner Nathan Leiker said local contractors use older equipment, and the Road and Bridge Division should be able to do the same.“If they can make that equipment run, we should be able to make it run as well,” Leiker said.The commissioners agreed to monitor their budget and explore alternatives, as the cost of the used 2021 Caterpillar amounts to $218,000.<h2>Other business</h2>The commission approved a bid from APAC Kansas Inc. to produce cold mix asphalt for the 2025 asphalt maintenance plan. The material will be used for road overlays and patching to maintain county roadways.The commission also approved a 3.7-acre lot split request for land in Hays from Platinum Group owner Adam Pray.

Ellis County Commission appoints new health director

Robert Eugene May of Hays, Kansas, passed away peacefully at the age of 90 on Sunday, March 2, 2025, at his home surrounded by family.

Known as Bob to everyone, he was born to Harry C. and Maude (Fink) May in Broughton (Clay County), Kansas on July 6, 1934. In high school he was “Bobby” to his classmates in Luray, Kansas. He was an accomplished high school athlete, playing tailback behind his fullback brother Charles. He graduated from Luray High School in 1952 and shortly thereafter married the love of his life Nina Faye Kirkendall on December 4, 1953. Nina preceded Bob in death on December 14, 1997.

Father to three sons, Tony, Terry “TR”, and Tim, he was a role model to each of his sons in many facets of life, from being a father and husband, to supporting his family in all avenues of life interests, and one to instill his love of sports and the outdoors in his family. Bob and Nina were always present in their sons’ church, cultural, and athletic events. After his retirement, he continued his avid support of everything in which his grandchildren were involved. He would travel to theater performances in Texas, countless sporting events around western Kansas, and be seen wearing a Kansas University Softball sweatshirt only in support of his granddaughter’s play. Called “grandpa” by his granddaughter’s high school softball teammates for being at every game, he was awarded Fan of the Year at the Hays High Athletic Banquet in 2002. He was supportive of his great-grandchildren’s events as well, often being a cheering fixture in the stands and along the sidelines. Bob was always a Fort Hays State fan first and then a Kansas State fan, letting the common FHSU fandom bring together a house sometimes competitively divided.

Bob’s employment included short stints at newspapers in Natoma and Manhattan Kansas, and then the remainder of his career was spent as a printer at Fort Hays State University. The University honored him at his retirement on June 13, 1998, after 38 years of service.

As an FHSU season ticket holder, he bought two tickets every year for football and basketball and would generously share the second ticket with his sons, grandchildren, and friends. He was a member of the Fort Hays Tiger Club and will be dearly missed by his close friends at the Daylight Donut Coffee Club and his golf partners at Fort Hays Municipal Golf Course.

Bob was a long-time member of and Deacon and Elder at First Presbyterian Church in Hays.

His hobbies included hunting, fishing, and camping. His hunting included deer, turkey, pheasant, quail, duck, and goose, and he loved to trout fish a Colorado stream or mountain lake. He spent several weeks each year camping in the mountains with his family. He truly enjoyed twice a fishing trip with his sons in Manitoba Canada, fishing for walleye, small mouth bass and northern pike. The remote access to the fishing was via a 40-minute flight and a lake-landing in a vintage World War II era float plane. He enjoyed occupying the co-pilot seat for the flight. Trophy fishing, snapping turtles, black bear were part of the Canada experience. It was an adventure shared with his sons he cherished. Bob loved camping his entire life. With his sons he enjoyed many a Boy Scout camping trips not shying away from a sleeping bag on the ground, under the stars, and cooking meals on an open fire. His love for camping evolved over the decades with yearly Colorado vacations that started first in tents and then later in RVs.

Bob became active in the local chapter of the American Cancer Society following the death of Nina. Bob contributed his time and effort to the founding committee of the annual Hays Relay For Life Golf Tournament held in June with unwavering dedication. In his activism, Bob was joined by his three sons as they all teamed together to play in the tournament. Tournaments that followed shortly thereafter saw his grandchildren come and join in the golf play. A ritual with spouses and great-grandchildren then began as they attended the post-round festivities. A backyard picnic barbecue he hosted for family and friends ended the tournament day, making the annual event truly a time spent in reunion with family and reason to celebrate the life of Nina.

Bob was the youngest of a family of nine siblings, and is preceded in death by his parents and all brothers and sisters: Baby Girl May, Elizabeth May, Carl Wait, Mildred “Millie” May (Sjolander), Walter Wait, Dorothy May (Languein), Harry C. May Jr. (“Harry D”), Jean May (Lamar, Piland), Leroy “Roy” May, Dean May, and Charles May.

He is survived by his sons Tony (Kris), Terry “TR” (Sue) and Tim (Debi); his grandchildren Tiffany May (Jeremy) of Brooklyn New York, Hamilton Tyler May (Tammy) of Richardson,Texas, Danielle May (Lisa) of Kansas City, Kansas, Trevor May (Kristie) of Hays Kansas, and Tara May of Hays Kansas; his great-grandchildren Toby May and Eli May (Trevor/Kristie), Lincoln May and Eleanor May (Tyler/Tammy), and Dez May (Trevor/Kristie).

Funeral services will be at 10:00 am on Saturday, March 8, 2025, at First Presbyterian Church with Rev. Christine Wagner officiating. Burial alongside his wife Nina will follow in Mt. Allen Cemetery. Visitation will be from 6:00 pm until 8:00 on Friday at Hays Memorial Chapel Funeral Home and from 9:00 am until service time on Saturday at the church. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made in Bob’s name to the HaysMed Hospice or to the First Presbyterian Church. Condolences and memories of Bob may be shared with his family at <a href="http://www.haysmemorial.com">www.haysmemorial.com</a>.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/3/1741106300829.jpeg" alt="Robert Eugene May" />
 <figcaption>Robert Eugene May</figcaption>
 </figure>Robert Eugene May of Hays, Kansas, passed away peacefully at the age of 90 on Sunday, March 2, 2025, at his home surrounded by family.Known as Bob to everyone, he was born to Harry C. and Maude (Fink) May in Broughton (Clay County), Kansas on July 6, 1934. In high school he was “Bobby” to his classmates in Luray, Kansas. He was an accomplished high school athlete, playing tailback behind his fullback brother Charles. He graduated from Luray High School in 1952 and shortly thereafter married the love of his life Nina Faye Kirkendall on December 4, 1953. Nina preceded Bob in death on December 14, 1997.Father to three sons, Tony, Terry “TR”, and Tim, he was a role model to each of his sons in many facets of life, from being a father and husband, to supporting his family in all avenues of life interests, and one to instill his love of sports and the outdoors in his family. Bob and Nina were always present in their sons’ church, cultural, and athletic events. After his retirement, he continued his avid support of everything in which his grandchildren were involved. He would travel to theater performances in Texas, countless sporting events around western Kansas, and be seen wearing a Kansas University Softball sweatshirt only in support of his granddaughter’s play. Called “grandpa” by his granddaughter’s high school softball teammates for being at every game, he was awarded Fan of the Year at the Hays High Athletic Banquet in 2002. He was supportive of his great-grandchildren’s events as well, often being a cheering fixture in the stands and along the sidelines. Bob was always a Fort Hays State fan first and then a Kansas State fan, letting the common FHSU fandom bring together a house sometimes competitively divided.Bob’s employment included short stints at newspapers in Natoma and Manhattan Kansas, and then the remainder of his career was spent as a printer at Fort Hays State University. The University honored him at his retirement on June 13, 1998, after 38 years of service.As an FHSU season ticket holder, he bought two tickets every year for football and basketball and would generously share the second ticket with his sons, grandchildren, and friends. He was a member of the Fort Hays Tiger Club and will be dearly missed by his close friends at the Daylight Donut Coffee Club and his golf partners at Fort Hays Municipal Golf Course.Bob was a long-time member of and Deacon and Elder at First Presbyterian Church in Hays.His hobbies included hunting, fishing, and camping. His hunting included deer, turkey, pheasant, quail, duck, and goose, and he loved to trout fish a Colorado stream or mountain lake. He spent several weeks each year camping in the mountains with his family. He truly enjoyed twice a fishing trip with his sons in Manitoba Canada, fishing for walleye, small mouth bass and northern pike. The remote access to the fishing was via a 40-minute flight and a lake-landing in a vintage World War II era float plane. He enjoyed occupying the co-pilot seat for the flight. Trophy fishing, snapping turtles, black bear were part of the Canada experience. It was an adventure shared with his sons he cherished. Bob loved camping his entire life. With his sons he enjoyed many a Boy Scout camping trips not shying away from a sleeping bag on the ground, under the stars, and cooking meals on an open fire. His love for camping evolved over the decades with yearly Colorado vacations that started first in tents and then later in RVs.Bob became active in the local chapter of the American Cancer Society following the death of Nina. Bob contributed his time and effort to the founding committee of the annual Hays Relay For Life Golf Tournament held in June with unwavering dedication. In his activism, Bob was joined by his three sons as they all teamed together to play in the tournament. Tournaments that followed shortly thereafter saw his grandchildren come and join in the golf play. A ritual with spouses and great-grandchildren then began as they attended the post-round festivities. A backyard picnic barbecue he hosted for family and friends ended the tournament day, making the annual event truly a time spent in reunion with family and reason to celebrate the life of Nina.Bob was the youngest of a family of nine siblings, and is preceded in death by his parents and all brothers and sisters: Baby Girl May, Elizabeth May, Carl Wait, Mildred “Millie” May (Sjolander), Walter Wait, Dorothy May (Languein), Harry C. May Jr. (“Harry D”), Jean May (Lamar, Piland), Leroy “Roy” May, Dean May, and Charles May.He is survived by his sons Tony (Kris), Terry “TR” (Sue) and Tim (Debi); his grandchildren Tiffany May (Jeremy) of Brooklyn New York, Hamilton Tyler May (Tammy) of Richardson,Texas, Danielle May (Lisa) of Kansas City, Kansas, Trevor May (Kristie) of Hays Kansas, and Tara May of Hays Kansas; his great-grandchildren Toby May and Eli May (Trevor/Kristie), Lincoln May and Eleanor May (Tyler/Tammy), and Dez May (Trevor/Kristie).Funeral services will be at 10:00 am on Saturday, March 8, 2025, at First Presbyterian Church with Rev. Christine Wagner officiating. Burial alongside his wife Nina will follow in Mt. Allen Cemetery. Visitation will be from 6:00 pm until 8:00 on Friday at Hays Memorial Chapel Funeral Home and from 9:00 am until service time on Saturday at the church. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made in Bob’s name to the HaysMed Hospice or to the First Presbyterian Church. Condolences and memories of Bob may be shared with his family at <a href="http://www.haysmemorial.com">www.haysmemorial.com</a>.

Robert Eugene May

KANSAS CITY, Mo. - Katie DeGarmo&nbsp;has been named MIAA Women's Basketball Player of the Year for a second-consecutive season while fellow Tiger Olivia Hollenbeck&nbsp;has earned Defensive Player of the Year honors in 2024-25, headlining Fort Hays State's haul in Tuesday's release of the MIAA postseason awards and All-MIAA teams.

Fort Hays State led the league with five All-MIAA performers, tied for the most in a single season in team history. DeGarmo and Hollenbeck were both first team selections, giving the Tigers a pair of first teamers for the sixth time in team history and the first time since 2020-21.

Kate Dilsaver, Brooke Loewe&nbsp;and Talexa Weeter&nbsp;all received honorable mention recognition, while Dilsaver and Hollenbeck were both on the All-Defensive Team. It is the second time FHSU has had multiple representatives on the All-Defensive Team and the first since 2014-15.

DeGarmo is the fifth player since 1980 to earn the conference's top honor in consecutive seasons and the first to do so since Washburn's Crystal Walker in 2001-02 and 2002-03. She is the third player in school history to earn first team honors three times, joining Annette Wiles and Kate Lehman. It is her fourth All-MIAA honor overall after also picking up second team status in 2021-22.

The Maize, Kan. native led the team with 16.6 points and 8.4 rebounds per game, ranking third in the league in each category. She was also third in assist/turnover ratio in the league (1.9) and ranked 12th in the conference with 1.6 steals per game. She is the program record holder with 1,199 career rebounds while ranking second with 2,198 points. DeGarmo is also fourth all-time in assists, fifth in steals and second in field goals at FHSU.

Hollenbeck is the first five-time all-conference performer in school history. This is her initial first team honor after garnering third team recognition each of the last two years and honorable mention status in her first two seasons at FHSU. She is the first Tiger to earn Defensive Player of the Year honors since Kate Lehman did it in three-straight seasons between 2013 and 2015.The Lincoln, Neb. native ranked second in the conference with 2.3 steals per night while ranking third with 1.7 steals per game. She also ranked fifth in the league in scoring with 16.5 points per contest while posting the second-best field goal percentage in the league at 62.1 percent. Hollenbeck ranks fourth in school history with 1,864 points, second with 217 blocks and eighth with 200 steals in her career. She also ranks third in field goals and needs 30 rebounds to crack the top 10 list in that category at FHSU.

Dilsaver earned her first All-MIAA recognition after averaging 2.0 steals per game, third-most in the league. She ranked fourth on the team with an average of 9.1 points per game while pouring in 24 3-pointers, second-most on the squad. The senior rounded out her stat line with 4.6 rebounds and 2.5 assists per game, making her the only player on the team to average two or more in four of the five major stat categories (points, rebounds, assists, steals, blocks).

Loewe collected her first All-MIAA honor after leading the league with 192 assists this season, averaging 7.1 assists per game. The junior point guard ranks second in Division II in total assists while slotting third in average. She also ranked ninth in the league and third on the team with 1.7 steals per game while ranking fifth on the team with 7.2 points per contest. She broke the single season school record with her 192 assists and already ranks ninth in program history with 347 assists in just three seasons.

Weeter picked up her first All-MIAA award after averaging 13.1 points per game off the bench. She ranked 17th in the league in scoring, making her the only player to rank in the top 25 in the league in scoring that is not a starter for their team. She scored in double figures 20 times this year, including five games with 20 or more points. The sophomore also ranks second on the team with 5.8 rebounds and 0.9 blocks per night.

2024-25 MIAA WOMEN'S BASKETBALL POSTSEASON AWARDS &amp; ALL-MIAA TEAMS PLAYER OF THE YEAR:&nbsp;Katie DeGarmo, Fort Hays State DEFENSIVE PLAYER OF THE YEAR: Olivia Hollenbeck, Fort Hays State CO-NEWCOMER OF THE YEAR:&nbsp;Reese Schaaf, Central Missouri CO-NEWCOMER OF THE YEAR:&nbsp;Payton Sterk, Washburn FRESHMAN OF THE YEAR:&nbsp;Anna Trusty, Arkansas-Fort Smith COACH OF THE YEAR:&nbsp;Amanda Davied, Pittsburg State&nbsp;

MIAA ALL-DEFENSIVE TEAM Alyssa Bonilla – Missouri Western, Sr. Kate Dilsaver&nbsp;– Fort Hays State, Sr. Karenna Gerber – Pittsburg State, Sr. Olivia Hollenbeck&nbsp;– Fort Hays State, Gr. Yiibari Nwidadah – Washburn, Jr.

ALL-MIAA FIRST TEAM Alyssa Bonilla – Missouri Western, Sr. Katie DeGarmo – Fort Hays State, Gr. Karenna Gerber – Pittsburg State, Sr. Olivia Hollenbeck&nbsp;– Fort Hays State, Gr. Grace Pyle – Pittsburg State, Sr.

ALL-MIAA SECOND TEAM Jillian Aschoff – Nebraska Kearney, R-Jr. Caely Kesten – Northwest Missouri, Sr. Yiibari Nwidadah – Washburn, Jr. Reese Schaaf – Central Missouri, Jr. Payton Sterk – Washburn, Jr.

ALL-MIAA THIRD TEAM Ryan Franklin – Missouri Southern, So.&nbsp; Molly Hartnett – Northwest Missouri, Sr. Macie Mays – Pittsburg State, So. Anna Trusty – Arkansas-Fort Smith, Fr. Kia Wilson – Nebraska Kearney, R-Jr.

ALL-MIAA HONORABLE MENTION Arkansas-Fort Smith - Morgan Browning Central Missouri - Taylor Weishaar Emporia State - Gracie Gilpin, Katie Horyna Fort Hays State - Kate Dilsaver, Brooke Loewe, Talexa Weeter Missouri Southern - Kaitlin Hunnicutt Missouri Western - Marie Sepp Nebraska Kearney - Samantha Moore Pittsburg State - Harper Schreiner&nbsp;&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/3/1741106050098.png" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure>FHSU AthleticsKANSAS CITY, Mo. - Katie DeGarmo&nbsp;has been named MIAA Women's Basketball Player of the Year for a second-consecutive season while fellow Tiger Olivia Hollenbeck&nbsp;has earned Defensive Player of the Year honors in 2024-25, headlining Fort Hays State's haul in Tuesday's release of the MIAA postseason awards and All-MIAA teams.Fort Hays State led the league with five All-MIAA performers, tied for the most in a single season in team history. DeGarmo and Hollenbeck were both first team selections, giving the Tigers a pair of first teamers for the sixth time in team history and the first time since 2020-21.Kate Dilsaver, Brooke Loewe&nbsp;and Talexa Weeter&nbsp;all received honorable mention recognition, while Dilsaver and Hollenbeck were both on the All-Defensive Team. It is the second time FHSU has had multiple representatives on the All-Defensive Team and the first since 2014-15.DeGarmo is the fifth player since 1980 to earn the conference's top honor in consecutive seasons and the first to do so since Washburn's Crystal Walker in 2001-02 and 2002-03. She is the third player in school history to earn first team honors three times, joining Annette Wiles and Kate Lehman. It is her fourth All-MIAA honor overall after also picking up second team status in 2021-22.The Maize, Kan. native led the team with 16.6 points and 8.4 rebounds per game, ranking third in the league in each category. She was also third in assist/turnover ratio in the league (1.9) and ranked 12th in the conference with 1.6 steals per game. She is the program record holder with 1,199 career rebounds while ranking second with 2,198 points. DeGarmo is also fourth all-time in assists, fifth in steals and second in field goals at FHSU.Hollenbeck is the first five-time all-conference performer in school history. This is her initial first team honor after garnering third team recognition each of the last two years and honorable mention status in her first two seasons at FHSU. She is the first Tiger to earn Defensive Player of the Year honors since Kate Lehman did it in three-straight seasons between 2013 and 2015.The Lincoln, Neb. native ranked second in the conference with 2.3 steals per night while ranking third with 1.7 steals per game. She also ranked fifth in the league in scoring with 16.5 points per contest while posting the second-best field goal percentage in the league at 62.1 percent. Hollenbeck ranks fourth in school history with 1,864 points, second with 217 blocks and eighth with 200 steals in her career. She also ranks third in field goals and needs 30 rebounds to crack the top 10 list in that category at FHSU.Dilsaver earned her first All-MIAA recognition after averaging 2.0 steals per game, third-most in the league. She ranked fourth on the team with an average of 9.1 points per game while pouring in 24 3-pointers, second-most on the squad. The senior rounded out her stat line with 4.6 rebounds and 2.5 assists per game, making her the only player on the team to average two or more in four of the five major stat categories (points, rebounds, assists, steals, blocks).Loewe collected her first All-MIAA honor after leading the league with 192 assists this season, averaging 7.1 assists per game. The junior point guard ranks second in Division II in total assists while slotting third in average. She also ranked ninth in the league and third on the team with 1.7 steals per game while ranking fifth on the team with 7.2 points per contest. She broke the single season school record with her 192 assists and already ranks ninth in program history with 347 assists in just three seasons.Weeter picked up her first All-MIAA award after averaging 13.1 points per game off the bench. She ranked 17th in the league in scoring, making her the only player to rank in the top 25 in the league in scoring that is not a starter for their team. She scored in double figures 20 times this year, including five games with 20 or more points. The sophomore also ranks second on the team with 5.8 rebounds and 0.9 blocks per night.The Tigers will open the postseason on Thursday (March 6, 8:15 p.m.) when they play either Central Missouri or Emporia State in the quarterfinal round of the MIAA Basketball Championship presented by Southern Bank.2024-25 MIAA WOMEN'S BASKETBALL POSTSEASON AWARDS &amp; ALL-MIAA TEAMS PLAYER OF THE YEAR:&nbsp;Katie DeGarmo, Fort Hays State DEFENSIVE PLAYER OF THE YEAR: Olivia Hollenbeck, Fort Hays State CO-NEWCOMER OF THE YEAR:&nbsp;Reese Schaaf, Central Missouri CO-NEWCOMER OF THE YEAR:&nbsp;Payton Sterk, Washburn FRESHMAN OF THE YEAR:&nbsp;Anna Trusty, Arkansas-Fort Smith COACH OF THE YEAR:&nbsp;Amanda Davied, Pittsburg State&nbsp;MIAA ALL-DEFENSIVE TEAM Alyssa Bonilla – Missouri Western, Sr. Kate Dilsaver&nbsp;– Fort Hays State, Sr. Karenna Gerber – Pittsburg State, Sr. Olivia Hollenbeck&nbsp;– Fort Hays State, Gr. Yiibari Nwidadah – Washburn, Jr.ALL-MIAA FIRST TEAM Alyssa Bonilla – Missouri Western, Sr. Katie DeGarmo – Fort Hays State, Gr. Karenna Gerber – Pittsburg State, Sr. Olivia Hollenbeck&nbsp;– Fort Hays State, Gr. Grace Pyle – Pittsburg State, Sr.ALL-MIAA SECOND TEAM Jillian Aschoff – Nebraska Kearney, R-Jr. Caely Kesten – Northwest Missouri, Sr. Yiibari Nwidadah – Washburn, Jr. Reese Schaaf – Central Missouri, Jr. Payton Sterk – Washburn, Jr.ALL-MIAA THIRD TEAM Ryan Franklin – Missouri Southern, So.&nbsp; Molly Hartnett – Northwest Missouri, Sr. Macie Mays – Pittsburg State, So. Anna Trusty – Arkansas-Fort Smith, Fr. Kia Wilson – Nebraska Kearney, R-Jr.ALL-MIAA HONORABLE MENTION Arkansas-Fort Smith - Morgan Browning Central Missouri - Taylor Weishaar Emporia State - Gracie Gilpin, Katie Horyna Fort Hays State - Kate Dilsaver, Brooke Loewe, Talexa Weeter Missouri Southern - Kaitlin Hunnicutt Missouri Western - Marie Sepp Nebraska Kearney - Samantha Moore Pittsburg State - Harper Schreiner&nbsp;&nbsp;

🏀 DeGarmo POY, Hollenbeck DPOY headline FHSU All-MIAA haul

Edna Louise Schiltz, age 97, of Selden, Kansas, passed away very peacefully on February 25, 2025, at Legend Senior Living in Hutchinson, Kansas.

Edna was born on July 17, 1927 in Logan, Kansas, the daughter of Charles and Rose (Zink) Becker. Edna grew up in Logan and graduated from Logan High School. She went on to attend beauty school in Denver. Edna married Harold J. Schiltz on January 7, 1947 in Logan, Kansas at St. John Catholic Church. In their 56 years of marriage, they were blessed with seven children, Barbara, Evelyn, Elaine, DeeAnn, Jerry, Don and Rob. Edna was very dedicated to her family as a wife, mother, and grandmother. She was the picture of a professional “homemaker.” She was an excellent cook and enjoyed baking, which was demonstrated by the meals she made daily, and especially those she took to the field during harvest for Harold and his crew which usually included some of her delicious homemade pies. She was a lifelong parishioner of Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Selden, Kansas. Edna had many hobbies over her lifetime, from gardening, crocheting, and sewing in younger years to reading, adult coloring talent, and game shows more recently. She was the most kind and gentle person and had a life filled with faith, love and friendships.

She is survived and very much loved by all seven of her children: Barbara Corder (Joe) of Colorado Springs, CO, Evelyn Dohm (Bill) of Hutchinson, KS, Elaine Koerperich (Nick) of Selden, KS, DeeAnn Koster (Dan) of Hays, KS, Jerry Schiltz (Paula) of Selden, KS, Don Schiltz (Teresa) of Liberal, KS, and Rob Schiltz (Carla) of St, Franics, KS. She is the grandmother of 19, great grandmother of 45 &amp; great great grandmother of 13 as well as her sister-in-law, Deloris Becker of Logan, KS.

She was preceded in death by her parents, brother Charles Becker and wife Laveta, sister Florence Schlageck and husband Bert, brother Lloyd Becker, sister-in-law Loretta Seeberger and husband Ed, sister-in-law MaryAnn Seeberger and husband Gilbert, sister-in-law Catherine Neal and husbands Varlan and Delbert Shields, Florine Pritchard and husbands Harry and Leo Slaven.

Mass of Christian Burial will be at 10:00 AM on Saturday, March 1, 2025 at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Selden. Burial will follow at the Selden Cemetery. Visitation on Friday will start at 2:00 PM with the family being available from 5:00-7:00 PM. A rosary and vigil service will follow at 7:00 PM, also at the church. The family would appreciate having masses said for Edna at the Catholic parish of your choice. Condolences can be left at <a href="http://www.plumergobber.com">www.plumergobber.com</a>.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/3/1741105631719.jpeg" alt="Edna Louise Schiltz" />
 <figcaption>Edna Louise Schiltz</figcaption>
 </figure>Edna Louise Schiltz, age 97, of Selden, Kansas, passed away very peacefully on February 25, 2025, at Legend Senior Living in Hutchinson, Kansas.Edna was born on July 17, 1927 in Logan, Kansas, the daughter of Charles and Rose (Zink) Becker. Edna grew up in Logan and graduated from Logan High School. She went on to attend beauty school in Denver. Edna married Harold J. Schiltz on January 7, 1947 in Logan, Kansas at St. John Catholic Church. In their 56 years of marriage, they were blessed with seven children, Barbara, Evelyn, Elaine, DeeAnn, Jerry, Don and Rob. Edna was very dedicated to her family as a wife, mother, and grandmother. She was the picture of a professional “homemaker.” She was an excellent cook and enjoyed baking, which was demonstrated by the meals she made daily, and especially those she took to the field during harvest for Harold and his crew which usually included some of her delicious homemade pies. She was a lifelong parishioner of Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Selden, Kansas. Edna had many hobbies over her lifetime, from gardening, crocheting, and sewing in younger years to reading, adult coloring talent, and game shows more recently. She was the most kind and gentle person and had a life filled with faith, love and friendships.She is survived and very much loved by all seven of her children: Barbara Corder (Joe) of Colorado Springs, CO, Evelyn Dohm (Bill) of Hutchinson, KS, Elaine Koerperich (Nick) of Selden, KS, DeeAnn Koster (Dan) of Hays, KS, Jerry Schiltz (Paula) of Selden, KS, Don Schiltz (Teresa) of Liberal, KS, and Rob Schiltz (Carla) of St, Franics, KS. She is the grandmother of 19, great grandmother of 45 &amp; great great grandmother of 13 as well as her sister-in-law, Deloris Becker of Logan, KS.She was preceded in death by her parents, brother Charles Becker and wife Laveta, sister Florence Schlageck and husband Bert, brother Lloyd Becker, sister-in-law Loretta Seeberger and husband Ed, sister-in-law MaryAnn Seeberger and husband Gilbert, sister-in-law Catherine Neal and husbands Varlan and Delbert Shields, Florine Pritchard and husbands Harry and Leo Slaven.Mass of Christian Burial will be at 10:00 AM on Saturday, March 1, 2025 at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Selden. Burial will follow at the Selden Cemetery. Visitation on Friday will start at 2:00 PM with the family being available from 5:00-7:00 PM. A rosary and vigil service will follow at 7:00 PM, also at the church. The family would appreciate having masses said for Edna at the Catholic parish of your choice. Condolences can be left at <a href="http://www.plumergobber.com">www.plumergobber.com</a>.

Edna Louise Schiltz

Two weeks ago, my wife was fired from her job with the federal government. We were playing a board game and having a beer when her phone rang. A colleague asked if she had “got the email.”

Having left her work phone at the office, she had no way of knowing. We bundled into the car and raced across town. After a few minutes inside, she emerged from her office and gave me a thumbs-down as she walked toward the car.

“Fired,” she said, clicking her seatbelt into place.

Unbeknownst to us, tens of thousands of probationary federal employees — those within their first one to two years of service — had received the same email that evening.

The message itself was blank, just a Word document attached with five short paragraphs. The fourth read:

“The Agency finds, based on your performance, that you have not demonstrated that your further employment at the Agency would be in the public interest.”

If the suddenness of the firing and its financial impact weren’t enough, the baseless claim of poor performance added insult to injury.

My wife was an archaeologist working out of Hays under the National Resource and Conservation Services wing of the U.S. Department of Agriculture. It was a dream job and one she had worked and studied for years to achieve. She engaged with Native American tribal groups, local communities, and farmers to ensure the preservation of cultural resources across the plains.

I suspect a lot of people might think that the federal government has no business employing archaeologists, but their work is vital. They document and protect irreplaceable cultural heritage — not just Indigenous histories but also the lives of the settlers and pioneers who shaped the landscape we live on today. They ensure that historical sites and artifacts, from ancient campsites to century-old homesteads, are not lost to development or neglect.

But it wasn’t just archaeologists who were fired. Biologists, soil scientists, water conservation specialists, public health workers and forest service employees were all swept away in the same mass termination. One commenter on a subreddit dedicated to the recently fired employees voiced his frustration with the new administration’s priorities :

“I know I’ll bounce back and land another job. I am grateful that I’m young and that I have support, and I’ll be OK. The thing I can’t get over is that the richest man in the world directed my firing. I make $50k a year and work to keep drinking water safe. The richest man in the world decided that was an expense too great for the American taxpayer.”

Compensation for the entire federal workforce made up just 4.3% of the federal budget in 2024. If the entire federal workforce was eliminated today it would barely put a dent in our national debt, which sits at $36 trillion. This comes alongside plans for further tax cuts from the Trump administration. Some analysts suggest these cuts could add as much as $4.8 trillion to the national debt in the next decade.

Given the relatively minor impact that these job cuts will have on U.S. spending, it is frustrating and vexing to see jubilant celebrations at the elimination of jobs that protect and preserve history, national parks, drinking water, soil health, forests, and environmental and public safety.

The fact that Elon Musk and DOGE chose to begin their scrutinization of government expenditures here rather than starting with the Defense Department and programs like the F-35 fighter jet — a decade behind schedule and $183 billion over budget — speaks volumes.

There is a naive belief that the private sector will absorb responsibility for these services. It is dubious. Many federal agencies exist to preserve and protect history, health, and nature. The private sector lacks sufficient incentive to care for these areas or, worse, has incentives to disregard them.

My wife’s (former) agency, the Natural Resources Conservation Service, was established in 1935 as the Soil Conservation Service in response to the Dust Bowl. Its primary goal was to help farmers and landowners implement practices that prevent soil erosion, improve land productivity, and promote sustainable agriculture. Over the years, the agency expanded its focus to include water conservation, wildlife habitat preservation, and more recently the preservation of cultural resources through archeology.

Small farms and ranches across the state of Kansas appear to be struggling to adapt to new changes in federal funding, while large corporate farms stand poised to absorb them. As the NRCS hemorrhages employees and funding, I wonder which private firm plans to step in to mitigate the effects of soil erosion, nutrient runoff and water contamination? Which start-up company will emerge to look after waterfowl and other wildlife?

My wife and three close friends are among those who were fired without notice and without severance. My wife and I will be OK. We have a strong support network, and while we may have to sell our house, we will find a way through this. Other friends of ours are single or have children and are far more reliant on this one job for their financial security. They will feel the impact of this shock for years to come.

As close friends tighten their belts, prepare to move back in with their families or sell their homes, Elon Musk appeared at the CPAC conference in Washington with a chrome-plated chainsaw, a celebratory talisman of the evisceration of the federal workforce.

The callous indifference to the struggles of fired civil servants and the history, nature, wildlife and people that they work to protect should be an affront to every reasonable American.

Sam Foglesong is a scholar of African Studies and a writer who lives in Hays.&nbsp;Through its opinion section, Kansas Reflector works to amplify the voices of people who are affected by public policies or excluded from public debate. Find information, including how to submit your own commentary,&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/submit-opinion/">here</a>.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/3/1741102365726.png" alt="Elon Musk arrives on Jan. 20, 2025, in the U.S. Capitol rotunda in Washington, D.C., for the inauguration of President Donald Trump. (Pool photo by Kenny Holston/Getty Images)" />
 <figcaption>Elon Musk arrives on Jan. 20, 2025, in the U.S. Capitol rotunda in Washington, D.C., for the inauguration of President Donald Trump. (Pool photo by Kenny Holston/Getty Images)</figcaption>
 </figure>Kansas ReflectorTwo weeks ago, my wife was fired from her job with the federal government. We were playing a board game and having a beer when her phone rang. A colleague asked if she had “got the email.”Having left her work phone at the office, she had no way of knowing. We bundled into the car and raced across town. After a few minutes inside, she emerged from her office and gave me a thumbs-down as she walked toward the car.“Fired,” she said, clicking her seatbelt into place.Unbeknownst to us, tens of thousands of probationary federal employees — those within their first one to two years of service — had received the same email that evening.The message itself was blank, just a Word document attached with five short paragraphs. The fourth read:“The Agency finds, based on your performance, that you have not demonstrated that your further employment at the Agency would be in the public interest.”If the suddenness of the firing and its financial impact weren’t enough, the baseless claim of poor performance added insult to injury.My wife was an archaeologist working out of Hays under the National Resource and Conservation Services wing of the U.S. Department of Agriculture. It was a dream job and one she had worked and studied for years to achieve. She engaged with Native American tribal groups, local communities, and farmers to ensure the preservation of cultural resources across the plains.I suspect a lot of people might think that the federal government has no business employing archaeologists, but their work is vital. They document and protect irreplaceable cultural heritage — not just Indigenous histories but also the lives of the settlers and pioneers who shaped the landscape we live on today. They ensure that historical sites and artifacts, from ancient campsites to century-old homesteads, are not lost to development or neglect.But it wasn’t just archaeologists who were fired. Biologists, soil scientists, water conservation specialists, public health workers and forest service employees were all swept away in the same mass termination. One commenter on a subreddit dedicated to the recently fired employees voiced his frustration with the new administration’s priorities :“I know I’ll bounce back and land another job. I am grateful that I’m young and that I have support, and I’ll be OK. The thing I can’t get over is that the richest man in the world directed my firing. I make $50k a year and work to keep drinking water safe. The richest man in the world decided that was an expense too great for the American taxpayer.”Compensation for the entire federal workforce made up just 4.3% of the federal budget in 2024. If the entire federal workforce was eliminated today it would barely put a dent in our national debt, which sits at $36 trillion. This comes alongside plans for further tax cuts from the Trump administration. Some analysts suggest these cuts could add as much as $4.8 trillion to the national debt in the next decade.Given the relatively minor impact that these job cuts will have on U.S. spending, it is frustrating and vexing to see jubilant celebrations at the elimination of jobs that protect and preserve history, national parks, drinking water, soil health, forests, and environmental and public safety.The fact that Elon Musk and DOGE chose to begin their scrutinization of government expenditures here rather than starting with the Defense Department and programs like the F-35 fighter jet — a decade behind schedule and $183 billion over budget — speaks volumes.There is a naive belief that the private sector will absorb responsibility for these services. It is dubious. Many federal agencies exist to preserve and protect history, health, and nature. The private sector lacks sufficient incentive to care for these areas or, worse, has incentives to disregard them.My wife’s (former) agency, the Natural Resources Conservation Service, was established in 1935 as the Soil Conservation Service in response to the Dust Bowl. Its primary goal was to help farmers and landowners implement practices that prevent soil erosion, improve land productivity, and promote sustainable agriculture. Over the years, the agency expanded its focus to include water conservation, wildlife habitat preservation, and more recently the preservation of cultural resources through archeology.Small farms and ranches across the state of Kansas appear to be struggling to adapt to new changes in federal funding, while large corporate farms stand poised to absorb them. As the NRCS hemorrhages employees and funding, I wonder which private firm plans to step in to mitigate the effects of soil erosion, nutrient runoff and water contamination? Which start-up company will emerge to look after waterfowl and other wildlife?My wife and three close friends are among those who were fired without notice and without severance. My wife and I will be OK. We have a strong support network, and while we may have to sell our house, we will find a way through this. Other friends of ours are single or have children and are far more reliant on this one job for their financial security. They will feel the impact of this shock for years to come.As close friends tighten their belts, prepare to move back in with their families or sell their homes, Elon Musk appeared at the CPAC conference in Washington with a chrome-plated chainsaw, a celebratory talisman of the evisceration of the federal workforce.The callous indifference to the struggles of fired civil servants and the history, nature, wildlife and people that they work to protect should be an affront to every reasonable American.Sam Foglesong is a scholar of African Studies and a writer who lives in Hays.&nbsp;Through its opinion section, Kansas Reflector works to amplify the voices of people who are affected by public policies or excluded from public debate. Find information, including how to submit your own commentary,&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/submit-opinion/">here</a>.

Opinion: Here’s the latest from Hays: Elon Musk fired my wife

By BECKY KISER Hays Post

Ellis County, along with all of western Kansas is under a high wind warning today from noon until midnight. 

The National Weather Service in Dodge City is forecasting northwest wind of 35 to 45 mph with gusts up to 65 mph and patchy blowing dust. Dangerous and rapid visibility changes can occur around open agricultural fields.

Travel will be difficult, especially for high profile vehicles. Damaging winds may blow down trees and power lines.

The chance of rain mixed with snow is 70 percent into tonight with snow accumulation of less than one-half inch.&nbsp;

Monday's high temperature should reach into the upper 40s by 11 a.m. and then begin to fall into the 30s.

The <a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/10c7c223-39a2-4a5b-9558-61150448c1fb">three-day weather forecast</a> calls for warming daytime highs.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/3/1741102276026.png" alt="Image by Pixabay" />
 <figcaption>Image by Pixabay</figcaption>
 </figure>By BECKY KISER Hays PostEllis County, along with all of western Kansas is under a high wind warning today from noon until midnight. The National Weather Service in Dodge City is forecasting northwest wind of 35 to 45 mph with gusts up to 65 mph and patchy blowing dust. Dangerous and rapid visibility changes can occur around open agricultural fields.Travel will be difficult, especially for high profile vehicles. Damaging winds may blow down trees and power lines.The chance of rain mixed with snow is 70 percent into tonight with snow accumulation of less than one-half inch.&nbsp;Monday's high temperature should reach into the upper 40s by 11 a.m. and then begin to fall into the 30s.The <a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/10c7c223-39a2-4a5b-9558-61150448c1fb">three-day weather forecast</a> calls for warming daytime highs.

Wind, rain, snow will make for a wild weather day in Hays

The Fort Hays State men close out the regular season against Nebraska-Kearney on Saturday, March 1, 2025 at the Health and Sports Center in Kearney, Neb.

The Fort Hays State men close out the regular season against Nebraska-Kearney on Saturday, March 1, 2025 at the Health and Sports Center in Kearney, Neb.<div><iframe title="FHSU Rewind-MBB at Nebraska-Kearney" allowtransparency="true" height="150" width="100%" style="border: none; min-width: min(100%, 430px);height:150px;" scrolling="no" data-name="pb-iframe-player" src="https://www.podbean.com/player-v2/?i=p6yp6-182a87f-pb&from=pb6admin&share=1&download=1&rtl=0&fonts=Arial&skin=1&font-color=&logo_link=episode_page&btn-skin=2" loading="lazy"></iframe></div>

🎧 Defend the Fort Podcast: FHSU Rewind-MBB at Nebraska-Kearney

By DIANE GASPER-O’BRIEN Special to Hays Post

Every good sports story has a beginning and an ending.

This year’s Hays High School girls’ basketball team is currently in the middle of its story.

At 20-0, the Indians are the top seed in the Class 5A West Sub-State heading into tonight’s postseason action.

The Indians host Great Bend in first-round action at 6:00 for the chance to play in Friday night’s sub-state championship.

Two victories on their home floor this week will thrust the Indians them into the pinnacle of Kansas high school basketball – the state tournament.

That’s an ending for which Coach Len Melvin and his team are aiming.

But how did the Indians get here – at the high point of a high school athlete’s career?

The real beginning of this story was more than 20 years ago across town on the hardwood of Hays Middle School, then known as Felten Middle School, where Melvin coached the boys’ eighth-grade&nbsp; basketball team.

But for now, let’s look at the beginning of the Indians’ current successful run.

Melvin is the father of three daughters, and his oldest, Aspen, was a sophomore when he took over the head job of the HHS girls’ program five years ago.

He was the Indians’ third coach in four years, and they had gone 6-15 the year before he started.

He came in knowing the first year or two could be tough. But he knew he had to start somewhere to establish some consistency.

The Indians went 6-15 again in Melvin’s first year, then welcomed freshman standout Molly Martin to the program the next year when they went 13-9.

Martin made the starting five her freshman year and had four fellow classmates join her on varsity over the next three years and enjoyed winning seasons every year.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/3/1741038834337.jpeg" alt="One of the Hays High girls’ basketball team’s many celebrations this season occurred in February when senior Molly Martin, bottom left, scored her 1,000 career point. Photo by Gina Johnson" />
 <figcaption>One of the Hays High girls’ basketball team’s many celebrations this season occurred in February when senior Molly Martin, bottom left, scored her 1,000 career point. Photo by Gina Johnson</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/3/1741100894243.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>By DIANE GASPER-O’BRIEN Special to Hays PostEvery good sports story has a beginning and an ending.This year’s Hays High School girls’ basketball team is currently in the middle of its story.At 20-0, the Indians are the top seed in the Class 5A West Sub-State heading into tonight’s postseason action.The Indians host Great Bend in first-round action at 6:00 for the chance to play in Friday night’s sub-state championship.Two victories on their home floor this week will thrust the Indians them into the pinnacle of Kansas high school basketball – the state tournament.That’s an ending for which Coach Len Melvin and his team are aiming.But how did the Indians get here – at the high point of a high school athlete’s career?The real beginning of this story was more than 20 years ago across town on the hardwood of Hays Middle School, then known as Felten Middle School, where Melvin coached the boys’ eighth-grade&nbsp; basketball team.But for now, let’s look at the beginning of the Indians’ current successful run.Melvin is the father of three daughters, and his oldest, Aspen, was a sophomore when he took over the head job of the HHS girls’ program five years ago.He was the Indians’ third coach in four years, and they had gone 6-15 the year before he started.He came in knowing the first year or two could be tough. But he knew he had to start somewhere to establish some consistency.The Indians went 6-15 again in Melvin’s first year, then welcomed freshman standout Molly Martin to the program the next year when they went 13-9.Martin made the starting five her freshman year and had four fellow classmates join her on varsity over the next three years and enjoyed winning seasons every year.This is a special group that had been playing basketball together since they were in second grade.Under Melvin’s guidance, that quintet helped the Indians win the Western Athletic Conference last year and finished 16-6 overall while advancing to their third consecutive sub-state championship game.This season, another freshman phenom joined the team. Jenna Schmeidler, a 5-6 point guard, leads the team in scoring with an average of 16 points a game. &nbsp;Led by those five seniors, and a solid core in the other three classes, the Indians have given fans plenty to cheer about this season.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/3/1741038894919.jpeg" alt="This year’s seniors for the Hays High girls’ basketball team, who have been playing together since second grade, are from left: Kenlee Winter, Molly Martin, Katie Linenberger, Jaysa Roa and Riley Dreher. Photo by Gina Johnson" />
 <figcaption>This year’s seniors for the Hays High girls’ basketball team, who have been playing together since second grade, are from left: Kenlee Winter, Molly Martin, Katie Linenberger, Jaysa Roa and Riley Dreher. Photo by Gina Johnson</figcaption>
 </figure><h2>A magical season</h2>Hays High opened the season on a high note by winning the Hays City Shoot-Out.Then there was the thrilling, 74-72 overtime victory over Wellington in the semifinals of the Orange and Black Shootout in Colby, their coach’s hometown. Both state-ranked teams entered the game with perfect 10-0 records, and the win made believers out of a lot of people, including Melvin’s players.“That’s when the girls really started thinking maybe we are pretty decent,” Melvin said.Indeed.They continued rolling through their conference undefeated.&nbsp;As the victories piled up for Hays High, so too did attendance at home games.Fans packed the gym on Feb. 21 to witness Martin score her 1,000th career point – the first player to do so under Melvin and only the third one in the history of the HHS girls’ program. She said she feels prepared for college after playing under Melvin for four years.“He just really cares about us not only as players but as people and wants us to do the best we are capable of,” said Martin, who has signed to play for Ottawa University next year.Buoyed by a loud student section last Friday, the Indians celebrated their undefeated regular season in style with a convincing 67-23 victory over rival Great Bend.It was the final regular-season game in that gym for the Indians, who will play their 2025-26 season next door at the new Hays High building, and it was standing-room only.“That was amazing,” Melvin said of the crowd. “I don’t think I’ve ever seen that many fans in there.”Well, he has helped bring them there, according to Mark Watts, one of his assistant coaches.To help spark interest in the girls’ program, Melvin started an activity where the Indians host a youth girls’ team before home games.“We bring them in for pizza, and they get to watch us warm up and sit behind our bench,” Melvin said. “I think it’s gone over well.”Watts, the grandfather of the Hays High staff who has coached basketball and golf (boys and girls) for more than four decades at his alma mater, agreed.“The interest in girls’ basketball at Hays High has grown tremendously,” Watts said. “Coach Melvin has done it right.”Watts and another long-time coach, Matt Brooks, are Melvin’s top assistants on varsity. Brandon Maska, one of Melvin’s assistants on that 2003 undefeated Felten Middle School team, coaches the B-team. Haley Wolf, a former college player at Fort Hays State, gets them started as the C-team coach.“It was important for me to go find a great coaching staff,” Melvin said. “I don’t know if the girls understand what a great staff we have. We are super blessed.”The Indians’ B- and C-team each only lost one game this season, finishing with a combined 26-2 record.Along the way, Melvin got to coach daughter Aspen for three years. His middle daughter, Willow, didn’t play basketball, but his youngest, Lynden, is a basketball player. She is an eighth-grader who will don the Indian uniform next year.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/3/1741038929331.jpeg" alt="Hays High Coach Len Melvin gives senior Molly Martin a hug after she scored her 1,000 career point earlier this season while pointing out all her supporters to her. Photo by Gina Johnson" />
 <figcaption>Hays High Coach Len Melvin gives senior Molly Martin a hug after she scored her 1,000 career point earlier this season while pointing out all her supporters to her. Photo by Gina Johnson</figcaption>
 </figure><h2>In the beginning</h2>Now, back to where this all began, when a young Coach Melvin was just beginning his third year as head coach for the Felten Middle School boys’ program.Back then, Felten only offered interscholastic basketball to students for one year, so many athletes played on travel teams until they reached their eighth-grade year.Believing that every kid should get a chance at trying school ball, Melvin didn’t make cuts, and 45 players showed up for practice that fall.So he formed an A- and B-team along with two C-teams, with the C-teams alternating each game on their schedule. And every player got to suit up and represent his school.All four teams went undefeated and finished the season with an impressive cumulative record of 45-0.&nbsp;Players from that team and even some parents of some of those players still keep in touch with Melvin today.“He related to the players as individuals and took a group of individuals and formed a good team,” said Jason Ball, one of the A-team starters during that special season for Felten.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/3/1741038969500.jpeg" alt="Len Melvin, far right, head coach for the Hays High girls’ basketball program, and his staff, from left: Mark Watts, Matt Brooks, Brandon Maska and Haley Wolf. Photo by Gina Johnson" />
 <figcaption>Len Melvin, far right, head coach for the Hays High girls’ basketball program, and his staff, from left: Mark Watts, Matt Brooks, Brandon Maska and Haley Wolf. Photo by Gina Johnson</figcaption>
 </figure>“He instilled a work ethic in practice that carried through to games,” Ball continued. “We never thought about going 45-0. We just took one game at a time, and when we strung it all together, that’s what we got.”Melvin, a popular teacher and coach at Felten, got out of teaching not long after that season. He is now marketing director for the nationally acclaimed Hays Academy of Hair Design, where his wife, Summer, is co-owner.He coached a variety of sports off and on at Hays High over the years before coming back full time in 2020, when this year’s seniors were eighth-graders.“Our girls could go watch games as eighth-graders and knew what to expect the next year when they got to high school,” said Jamie Dreher, mother of senior Riley Dreher. “Hats off to Coach Melvin. He took over at a difficult time in the program. With all the coaching changes, this year probably wouldn’t have looked like this if he hadn’t come on board.”And Dreher should know. She came to Hays to play basketball for the Fort Hays State University women’s team, fresh off a standout multi-sport career at tradition-rich Baileyville-B&amp;B High School in northeast Kansas. After finishing second at the Class 1A state basketball tourney her junior year, Baileyville won it all her senior year.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/3/1741039135733.jpeg" alt="A local newspaper story on one of Melvin’s first teams back in 2003, when the four teams in his Felten Middle School program went a combined 45-0. Courtesy photo" />
 <figcaption>A local newspaper story on one of Melvin’s first teams back in 2003, when the four teams in his Felten Middle School program went a combined 45-0. Courtesy photo</figcaption>
 </figure><h2>A sign of things to come</h2>Dreher met her future husband, local Tiger baseball standout Dustin Dreher, while at FHSU. They married and stayed in Hays to raise their family of four athletes.Dad coached their three boys, and Mom got the privilege of coaching their only daughter – at a young age. And she knew exactly what kind of players she was looking for.“I’m really competitive, and I’d sit in the stands and scope out players,” Jamie Dreher said with a laugh. “I had Molly on a (Hays Recreation) softball team. I saw that she was an aggressive kid, and I thought that would translate to basketball. Then in third grade, Kenlee (Winter) showed up to one of our tryouts in a boot because she had hurt her foot. She did the drills in a boot. I was impressed.”She also recruited current seniors Katie Linenberger and Jaysa Roa as youngsters, and those five have been together ever since.Dreher coached that team through sixth grade before handing them over to their coach at Hays Middle School, who coincidentally by then was her husband.Dreher said that besides athletic ability, this class possesses something maybe even more valuable.“You always hope as an athlete you can put aside any differences you might have with teammates and form a solid team,” she said. “But these girls don’t have any differences. They genuinely enjoy being around each other and care about each other.”That type of team unity can go a long way – oftentimes deep into March.“We accomplished our goals so far, to win the regular-season tournaments,” Melvin said.&nbsp; “Now we’re all 0-0. After this week, we want to be 2-0, and you’re playing with house money at state.”The last time the HHS girls’ program advanced to state was in 1996, the year right after the Indians’ best-ever finish at state (second) and the year Melvin was a senior in high school at Colby.Ball, for one, will tell this group of youngsters that they will remember this special season for the rest of their lives – for many reasons.Maybe they will look back 20-some years down the road and remember what their high school coach’s influence has had on their lives.Ball said he has called on some of the lessons he learned from Melvin, ones that stretch way beyond the basketball gym.He went on to start for three years for Hays High basketball, then played for the FHSU Tigers while earning a bachelor’s degree in accounting and a master’s in business administration. He is now chief financial officer for the FHSU Foundation.“Coach Melvin is a great mentor for our young players and prepares them for life outside of basketball,” Ball said.And how could one ask for a better ending to a good sports story than that?