By BECKY KISER Hays Post

The Hays City Commission is expected to award recommended low bids totaling $893,835 on Thursday for the&nbsp;2025 street maintenance program.

Projects include seal coat, polypatch, curb and brick repair, major rehab, asphalt mill and overlay, and pavement markings. 

The biggest project for this year is mill and overlay of East 17th Street.&nbsp;

No bid for the pavement marking project was received. Jesse Rohr, public works director, will advertise it again and bring it back for city commission approval at a later date.&nbsp;

Commissioners will also vote on two proposed joint road improvement projects with Ellis County.

 The first project would create a paved surface on East Vineyard Road and 270th Avenue. The second project is for mill and overlay of 48th Street. The city's cost share of the projects is $377,000.

Holly Dickman, water conservation specialist, will present results of the 2024 water conservation programs and look at an overview for 2025.

Also on the agenda are requests for a cereal malt beverage license for Wild West Festival Saloon and another request by the building owner to remove the marked loading zone at 12th and Vine. It would add two parking spaces to the downtown area.

The complete Feb. 27 agenda is available <a href="https://haysusa.com/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_02272025-1530">here</a>. The meeting starts at 4 p.m. in Hays City Hall, 1507 Main.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/2/1740607149605.jpeg" alt="Photo by Pixabay" />
 <figcaption>Photo by Pixabay</figcaption>
 </figure>By BECKY KISER Hays PostThe Hays City Commission is expected to award recommended low bids totaling $893,835 on Thursday for the&nbsp;2025 street maintenance program.Projects include seal coat, polypatch, curb and brick repair, major rehab, asphalt mill and overlay, and pavement markings. The biggest project for this year is mill and overlay of East 17th Street.&nbsp;No bid for the pavement marking project was received. Jesse Rohr, public works director, will advertise it again and bring it back for city commission approval at a later date.&nbsp;Commissioners will also vote on two proposed joint road improvement projects with Ellis County. The first project would create a paved surface on East Vineyard Road and 270th Avenue. The second project is for mill and overlay of 48th Street. The city's cost share of the projects is $377,000.Holly Dickman, water conservation specialist, will present results of the 2024 water conservation programs and look at an overview for 2025.Also on the agenda are requests for a cereal malt beverage license for Wild West Festival Saloon and another request by the building owner to remove the marked loading zone at 12th and Vine. It would add two parking spaces to the downtown area.The complete Feb. 27 agenda is available <a href="https://haysusa.com/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_02272025-1530">here</a>. The meeting starts at 4 p.m. in Hays City Hall, 1507 Main.

Street, road improvements on the agenda for Hays City Commission Thursday

The 6th-ranked Fort Hays State women play their final regular season home game against Nebraska-Kearney on Wednesday, February 26, 2025 at Gross Memorial Coliseum in Hays, Kan.

The 6th-ranked Fort Hays State women play their final regular season home game against Nebraska-Kearney on Wednesday, February 26, 2025 at Gross Memorial Coliseum in Hays, Kan.<div><iframe title="FHSU Rewind-WBB vs. 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=gtak6-181e987-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-WBB vs. Nebraska-Kearney

On this episode of the&nbsp;<a href="https://hayspost.com/category/post-podcast" target="_blank">Post Podcast</a>,&nbsp;<a href="http://www.ipifinancialservices.com/" target="_blank">Insurance Planning, Inc.</a>&nbsp;account executives Brian Weimer and Mike&nbsp;Niernberger&nbsp;discuss long-term care insurance with Hays Post reporter Cristina Janney.&nbsp; &nbsp;

<div><iframe title="Insurance Planning Incorporated: Long Term Care Insurance" allowtransparency="true" height="300" width="100%" style="border: none; min-width: min(100%, 430px);height:300px;" scrolling="no" data-name="pb-iframe-player" src="https://www.podbean.com/player-v2/?from=embed&i=ixgjr-1816bcf-pb&square=1&share=1&download=1&fonts=Arial&skin=3267a3&font-color=auto&rtl=0&logo_link=podcast_page&btn-skin=60a0c8&size=300" loading="lazy" allowfullscreen=""></iframe></div>On this episode of the&nbsp;<a href="https://hayspost.com/category/post-podcast" target="_blank">Post Podcast</a>,&nbsp;<a href="http://www.ipifinancialservices.com/" target="_blank">Insurance Planning, Inc.</a>&nbsp;account executives Brian Weimer and Mike&nbsp;Niernberger&nbsp;discuss long-term care insurance with Hays Post reporter Cristina Janney.&nbsp; &nbsp;

🎙 Post Podcast: Insurance Planning on planning for long-term care

Thursday, February 27
 KHAZ: TMP-Marian WMBKB
vs. Medicine Lodge, 5:40pm

Friday, February 28
 KFIX: Hays High MWBKB
vs. Great Bend, 5:40pm

Saturday, March 1
 KAYS: Kansas MBKB vs.
Texas Tech, 11:30pm
 KJLS: Fort Hays State WMBKB at Nebraska-Kearney, 1:35pm

Thursday, February 27
 KHAZ: TMP-Marian WMBKB
vs. Medicine Lodge, 5:40pmFriday, February 28
 KFIX: Hays High MWBKB
vs. Great Bend, 5:40pmSaturday, March 1
 KAYS: Kansas MBKB vs.
Texas Tech, 11:30pm
 KJLS: Fort Hays State WMBKB at Nebraska-Kearney, 1:35pmSunday, March 2 none

🎧 Eagle Radio, Hull sports broadcast schedule

Three unique types of art will be highlighted at the newest exhibition opening Friday at the Hays Arts Center, 112 E. 11th.

"These are three Hays professionals who have been retired from what their other careers were but are still the most amazing artists," said Brenda Meder, executive director of the Hays Art Council.&nbsp;&nbsp;

"Layered, Frayed and Appliqued" aptly describes the fiber art by Paulette VonLintel Karlin, that will be displayed in the Front Gallery.&nbsp;

Meder describes Karlin's work as not quilts, but "brilliant fabric collage upcycled from other things. Just stunning with beautiful color and textures and form. ... You can see her strong ties to Florida where she used to live."

The Hall Gallery will feature a mixed-media collage assemblage exhibition, "Time for Collage," by Cal Mahin, a local award-winning artist and former Colby schools art teacher.&nbsp;

Mahin, in his artist's statement said philosophical, symbolism and social statements are the dominant subjects in his current works, with some humor finding its way into the narrative.&nbsp;

A body of work by photographer and former Hays Arts Council board member Leon Staab, "Close to Home," will grace the walls of the Founders Gallery.

Staab lives in a loft in downtown Hays and his exhibit "Close to Home" features many photos from taken from a second story perspective.

"It's not all that but there will be a lot of rooftop photography," Meder said.&nbsp;

The opening reception is from 5:30 to 8 p.m. Feb. 28. The trio of exhibits will remain on display through April 16.&nbsp;

<div><iframe title="POST PODCAST: Hays Arts Council upcoming exhibitions" allowtransparency="true" height="300" width="100%" style="border: none; min-width: min(100%, 430px);height:300px;" scrolling="no" data-name="pb-iframe-player" src="https://www.podbean.com/player-v2/?from=embed&i=jtbg2-180e552-pb&square=1&share=1&download=1&fonts=Arial&skin=3267a3&font-color=auto&rtl=0&logo_link=podcast_page&btn-skin=60a0c8&size=300" loading="lazy" allowfullscreen=""></iframe></div>By BECKY KISER Hays PostThree unique types of art will be highlighted at the newest exhibition opening Friday at the Hays Arts Center, 112 E. 11th."These are three Hays professionals who have been retired from what their other careers were but are still the most amazing artists," said Brenda Meder, executive director of the Hays Art Council.&nbsp;&nbsp;<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/2/1740603592005.jpeg" alt=""Sanibel Dolls" and other fiber art by Paulette VonLintel Karlin. Photo by Becky Kiser/Hays Post" />
 <figcaption>"Sanibel Dolls" and other fiber art by Paulette VonLintel Karlin. Photo by Becky Kiser/Hays Post</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/2/1740604750458.jpeg" alt=""Leopard &amp; Cobra" fiber art by Paulette VonLintel Karlin. Photo by Becky Kiser/Hays Post&nbsp;" />
 <figcaption>"Leopard &amp; Cobra" fiber art by Paulette VonLintel Karlin. Photo by Becky Kiser/Hays Post&nbsp;</figcaption>
 </figure>"Layered, Frayed and Appliqued" aptly describes the fiber art by Paulette VonLintel Karlin, that will be displayed in the Front Gallery.&nbsp;Meder describes Karlin's work as not quilts, but "brilliant fabric collage upcycled from other things. Just stunning with beautiful color and textures and form. ... You can see her strong ties to Florida where she used to live."<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/2/1740603994895.jpeg" alt=""Catch a Falling Star Where the Red Tree Grows" by Cal Mahin. Photo by Becky Kiser" />
 <figcaption>"Catch a Falling Star Where the Red Tree Grows" by Cal Mahin. Photo by Becky Kiser</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/2/1740604442380.jpeg" alt=""The Dance is Over When the Drums Stop" by Cal Mahin. Photo by Becky Kiser/Hays Post" />
 <figcaption>"The Dance is Over When the Drums Stop" by Cal Mahin. Photo by Becky Kiser/Hays Post</figcaption>
 </figure>The Hall Gallery will feature a mixed-media collage assemblage exhibition, "Time for Collage," by Cal Mahin, a local award-winning artist and former Colby schools art teacher.&nbsp;Mahin, in his artist's statement said philosophical, symbolism and social statements are the dominant subjects in his current works, with some humor finding its way into the narrative.&nbsp;<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/2/1740604227674.jpeg" alt="Brenda Meder, Hays Arts Council executive director, and Leon Staab, Hays photographer, discuss the layout design of his photo exhibit which opens Friday evening. Photo by Becky Kiser/Hays Post" />
 <figcaption>Brenda Meder, Hays Arts Council executive director, and Leon Staab, Hays photographer, discuss the layout design of his photo exhibit which opens Friday evening. Photo by Becky Kiser/Hays Post</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/2/1740603221454.jpeg" alt=""Blue Moon" by Leon Staab" />
 <figcaption>"Blue Moon" by Leon Staab</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/2/1740604984672.jpeg" alt="Photo by Leon Staab" />
 <figcaption>Photo by Leon Staab</figcaption>
 </figure>A body of work by photographer and former Hays Arts Council board member Leon Staab, "Close to Home," will grace the walls of the Founders Gallery.Staab lives in a loft in downtown Hays and his exhibit "Close to Home" features many photos from taken from a second story perspective."It's not all that but there will be a lot of rooftop photography," Meder said.&nbsp;The opening reception is from 5:30 to 8 p.m. Feb. 28. The trio of exhibits will remain on display through April 16.&nbsp;

🎙POST PODCAST: Opening reception Friday for Hays Arts Center new exhibitions

 The City of Hays is reminding residents of its annual pet licensing requirements, which apply to dogs, cats, and non-venomous constrictor snakes exceeding six feet in length.&nbsp;

Each pet must be registered with the City Clerk’s Office, located at 1507 Main Street, during regular business hours.

A fee of $5 applies for each neutered or spayed dog or cat, and $25 for animals that are not neutered or spayed.&nbsp;Current rabies vaccination documentation must also be provided for dogs and cats. 

For constrictor snakes, proof of microchipping is required, and the fee is $5 per registration.

Any registration completed after March 1 for a pet already in the owner’s possession will incur a $10 monthly late fee, with a maximum total penalty of $50. Due to March 1, falling on Saturday the final day to complete registration without incurring a late fee is Feb. 28.

Certain breeds—Staffordshire Bull Terrier, American Staffordshire Terrier, American Pit Bull Terrier, and similar dogs commonly referred to as Pit Bulls—are classified as dangerous dogs.&nbsp;Registration for these breeds requires an additional fee of $50, plus the regular licensing fees and fulfillment of additional conditions prior to registration.

More information on licensing requirements can be found at&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="http://haysusa.com/">haysusa.com</a>, under City Code of Ordinances, Chapter 5, Article 2, or by contacting the City Clerk’s Office at 785-628-7300.&nbsp;&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/2/1581374592228.jpeg" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure>City of Hays The City of Hays is reminding residents of its annual pet licensing requirements, which apply to dogs, cats, and non-venomous constrictor snakes exceeding six feet in length.&nbsp;Each pet must be registered with the City Clerk’s Office, located at 1507 Main Street, during regular business hours.A fee of $5 applies for each neutered or spayed dog or cat, and $25 for animals that are not neutered or spayed.&nbsp;Current rabies vaccination documentation must also be provided for dogs and cats. For constrictor snakes, proof of microchipping is required, and the fee is $5 per registration.Any registration completed after March 1 for a pet already in the owner’s possession will incur a $10 monthly late fee, with a maximum total penalty of $50. Due to March 1, falling on Saturday the final day to complete registration without incurring a late fee is Feb. 28.Certain breeds—Staffordshire Bull Terrier, American Staffordshire Terrier, American Pit Bull Terrier, and similar dogs commonly referred to as Pit Bulls—are classified as dangerous dogs.&nbsp;Registration for these breeds requires an additional fee of $50, plus the regular licensing fees and fulfillment of additional conditions prior to registration.More information on licensing requirements can be found at&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="http://haysusa.com/">haysusa.com</a>, under City Code of Ordinances, Chapter 5, Article 2, or by contacting the City Clerk’s Office at 785-628-7300.&nbsp;&nbsp;

City of Hays pet license deadline approaching

<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/boxscore.aspx?path=mbball&amp;id=13225">BOX SCORE</a>

HAYS, Kan. – Kaleb Hammeke scored 27 points in his final home game to lead Fort Hays State to a 79-57 win over Nebraska-Kearney Wednesday at Gross Memorial Coliseum. The win improved the Tigers to 19-8 overall and 12-6 in the MIAA and was their 10th-straight at home. FHSU built a 12-point lead by halftime and never let the Lopers closer than nine in the second half on their way to posting a 15-1 record at home in the regular season. Nebraska-Kearney moved to 11-15 overall on the season and 9-9 in the MIAA.

Nebraska-Kearney held a small lead for about the first five minutes of the game until FHSU moved in front for good with the score at 9-8. That triggered a 10-2 run to push the Tigers to a seven-point lead about midway through the first half. The Tigers saw their lead grow to 15 points twice in the half before leading 40-28 at halftime.

After UNK got the lead down to nine with about 17 minutes to go in the game, FHSU went on a 9-0 run to double the lead up to 18 points. The Tigers cruised from that point, getting the lead out to the final margin of 22 twice.

Kaleb Hammeke made&nbsp; nine of his 12 shots from the field with three 3-point field goals. He was also a perfect 6-of-6 at the free-throw line. He added five assists and tied for the team high in rebounds with five. Hammeke is now just three points shy of the 2,000-point mark for his career.

Kyle Grill&nbsp;(14), Traejon Davis&nbsp;(10), and Dan Makuna&nbsp;(10) also finished in double figures for scoring. Grill was perfect shooting the ball for the night, going 4-of-4 beyond the 3-point line and 2-of-2 at the free-throw line. All five FHSU starters had at least seven points in the game.

Allen Taylor led the Lopers with 19 points, followed by Ja'Bryant Hill with 13 and Clayton Moore with 10.FHSU shot a blistering 56.8 percent from the field, while UNK shot 42.9 percent. The Tigers were a solid 19-of-22 at the free-throw line for the night as well.

With the win, FHSU moved up into a tie for second in the MIAA standings with Rogers State and Pittsburg State.

Fort Hays State gets a couple days of rest before having to take on Nebraska-Kearney again on Saturday, this time in Kearney. Tipoff will be at 4 p.m. at the Health and Sports Center. FHSU will be seeking its 13th&nbsp;20-win season under head coach&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/mens-basketball/roster/coaches/mark-johnson/1330">Mark Johnson</a>.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/2/1740632164234.png" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure>FHSU Athletics<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/boxscore.aspx?path=mbball&amp;id=13225">BOX SCORE</a>HAYS, Kan. – Kaleb Hammeke scored 27 points in his final home game to lead Fort Hays State to a 79-57 win over Nebraska-Kearney Wednesday at Gross Memorial Coliseum. The win improved the Tigers to 19-8 overall and 12-6 in the MIAA and was their 10th-straight at home. FHSU built a 12-point lead by halftime and never let the Lopers closer than nine in the second half on their way to posting a 15-1 record at home in the regular season. Nebraska-Kearney moved to 11-15 overall on the season and 9-9 in the MIAA.<div><iframe width="100%" height="300" scrolling="no" frameborder="no" allow="autoplay" src="https://w.soundcloud.com/player/?url=https%3A//api.soundcloud.com/tracks/2042994260&color=%23ff5500&auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false&show_teaser=true&visual=true"></iframe><div style="font-size: 10px; color: #cccccc;line-break: anywhere;word-break: normal;overflow: hidden;white-space: nowrap;text-overflow: ellipsis; font-family: Interstate,Lucida Grande,Lucida Sans Unicode,Lucida Sans,Garuda,Verdana,Tahoma,sans-serif;font-weight: 100;"><a href="https://soundcloud.com/user-814667509" title="Eagle Radio" target="_blank" style="color: #cccccc; text-decoration: none;">Eagle Radio</a> · <a href="https://soundcloud.com/user-814667509/mark-johnson-postgame-v-unk-feb-26-2025" title="Mark Johnson Postgame vs. Nebraska-Kearney (February 26, 2025)" target="_blank" style="color: #cccccc; text-decoration: none;">Mark Johnson Postgame vs. Nebraska-Kearney (February 26, 2025)</a></div></div>Nebraska-Kearney held a small lead for about the first five minutes of the game until FHSU moved in front for good with the score at 9-8. That triggered a 10-2 run to push the Tigers to a seven-point lead about midway through the first half. The Tigers saw their lead grow to 15 points twice in the half before leading 40-28 at halftime.After UNK got the lead down to nine with about 17 minutes to go in the game, FHSU went on a 9-0 run to double the lead up to 18 points. The Tigers cruised from that point, getting the lead out to the final margin of 22 twice.Kaleb Hammeke made&nbsp; nine of his 12 shots from the field with three 3-point field goals. He was also a perfect 6-of-6 at the free-throw line. He added five assists and tied for the team high in rebounds with five. Hammeke is now just three points shy of the 2,000-point mark for his career.<div><iframe width="100%" height="300" scrolling="no" frameborder="no" allow="autoplay" src="https://w.soundcloud.com/player/?url=https%3A//api.soundcloud.com/tracks/2042994036&color=%23ff5500&auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false&show_teaser=true&visual=true"></iframe><div style="font-size: 10px; color: #cccccc;line-break: anywhere;word-break: normal;overflow: hidden;white-space: nowrap;text-overflow: ellipsis; font-family: Interstate,Lucida Grande,Lucida Sans Unicode,Lucida Sans,Garuda,Verdana,Tahoma,sans-serif;font-weight: 100;"><a href="https://soundcloud.com/user-814667509" title="Eagle Radio" target="_blank" style="color: #cccccc; text-decoration: none;">Eagle Radio</a> · <a href="https://soundcloud.com/user-814667509/kaleb-hammeke-post-v-unk" title="Kaleb Hammeke Postgame vs. Nebraska-Kearney (February 26, 2025)" target="_blank" style="color: #cccccc; text-decoration: none;">Kaleb Hammeke Postgame vs. Nebraska-Kearney (February 26, 2025)</a></div></div>Kyle Grill&nbsp;(14), Traejon Davis&nbsp;(10), and Dan Makuna&nbsp;(10) also finished in double figures for scoring. Grill was perfect shooting the ball for the night, going 4-of-4 beyond the 3-point line and 2-of-2 at the free-throw line. All five FHSU starters had at least seven points in the game.Allen Taylor led the Lopers with 19 points, followed by Ja'Bryant Hill with 13 and Clayton Moore with 10.FHSU shot a blistering 56.8 percent from the field, while UNK shot 42.9 percent. The Tigers were a solid 19-of-22 at the free-throw line for the night as well.<div><iframe width="100%" height="300" scrolling="no" frameborder="no" allow="autoplay" src="https://w.soundcloud.com/player/?url=https%3A//api.soundcloud.com/tracks/2042993889&color=%23ff5500&auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false&show_teaser=true&visual=true"></iframe><div style="font-size: 10px; color: #cccccc;line-break: anywhere;word-break: normal;overflow: hidden;white-space: nowrap;text-overflow: ellipsis; font-family: Interstate,Lucida Grande,Lucida Sans Unicode,Lucida Sans,Garuda,Verdana,Tahoma,sans-serif;font-weight: 100;"><a href="https://soundcloud.com/user-814667509" title="Eagle Radio" target="_blank" style="color: #cccccc; text-decoration: none;">Eagle Radio</a> · <a href="https://soundcloud.com/user-814667509/fhsu-mbkb-highlights-v-unk-feb" title="Fort Hays State MBB Highlights vs. Nebraska-Kearney (February 26, 2025)" target="_blank" style="color: #cccccc; text-decoration: none;">Fort Hays State MBB Highlights vs. Nebraska-Kearney (February 26, 2025)</a></div></div>With the win, FHSU moved up into a tie for second in the MIAA standings with Rogers State and Pittsburg State.UP NEXTFort Hays State gets a couple days of rest before having to take on Nebraska-Kearney again on Saturday, this time in Kearney. Tipoff will be at 4 p.m. at the Health and Sports Center. FHSU will be seeking its 13th&nbsp;20-win season under head coach&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/mens-basketball/roster/coaches/mark-johnson/1330">Mark Johnson</a>.

🏀 Hammeke scores 27 in final game at GMC, Tigers cruise past Lopers

<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/boxscore.aspx?path=wbball&amp;id=13257">BOX SCORE</a>

&nbsp; HAYS, Kan. - The sixth-ranked Fort Hays State women's basketball team made an authoritative statement in its final home game of the regular season, defeating Nebraska-Kearney 92-56 on Wednesday. The Tigers (25-2, 16-2 MIAA) hit 60.7 percent from the floor in the win, surpassing 60 percent for the first time in four years (62.1 percent at Pittsburg State, 1/23/21).

FHSU's 36-point win is the second-largest margin of victory in the 105-game series history between the Tigers and Lopers (18-8, 11-6 MIAA). The Tiger defense was equally as impressive, limiting the Lopers to a season-low shooting percentage of 30.6 percent.

Nebraska-Kearney won the tip and scored on the first possession but led for only 17 seconds as Katie DeGarmo&nbsp;answered on the other end with a layup. The Tigers then forced five-straight UNK misses, giving the home team a chance to race in front 8-2.

Bailey Wilborn&nbsp;later poured in a pair of 3-pointers, helping the Tiger lead reach double figures less than six minutes into the game. DeGarmo finished the quarter with eight points on 4-of-4 shooting, leading FHSU to a blistering 78.6 percent shooting as a team (11-of-14).After leading 29-11 at the end of the first quarter, Talexa Weeter&nbsp;converted a traditional 3-point play to push the lead to 21 points nine seconds into the second frame. Fort Hays State later led by as many as 28 on an Olivia Hollenbeck&nbsp;layup before taking a 25-point lead into the locker room, 48-23.

The Tigers finished the first half shooting 68 percent from the floor (17-of-25) while UNK hit 25 percent before halftime (9-of-36). The graduate student duo of DeGarmo (14 first-half points) and Hollenbeck (10) outscored the Lopers in the first half, 24-23.Fort Hays State continued to pour it on in the second half, growing the lead to 31 points late in the third quarter before going up by as many as 41 in the final frame. Weeter took over in the second half, totaling 18 points and six rebounds while playing just over 10 minutes in the half.

The sophomore led all players with 25 points for the game while playing only 17 minutes. She added seven rebounds and two assists while shooting 9-of-13 from the floor.

DeGarmo totaled 20 points and nine rebounds, while Hollenbeck chipped in 12 points, six steals, five rebounds, two blocks and two assists. Brooke Loewe&nbsp;dished out nine assists while Maddy Powwell&nbsp;added three assists off the bench.

The Tigers combined to hit a season-high 10 3-pointers, knocking down an impressive 10-of-15 from the floor (66.7 percent). Wilborn and Megan Earney&nbsp;both hit a trio of 3-pointers, while Weeter added two.

The win extends FHSU's winning streak to 12 games, matching the longest winning streak of the season and tied for the seventh-longest winning streak in team history.

The Tigers and Lopers will wrap up the regular season by playing again in just three days, with first tip set for 2 p.m. Saturday in Kearney.&nbsp;&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/2/1740631040901.png" alt="Fort Hays State's Talexa Weeter shoots a 3-pointer in the second half of an NCAA college basketball game against Nebraska-Kearney on Wednesday, February 26, 2025 in Hays, Kan. (FHSU Athletics photo/Nicole Heitmann)" />
 <figcaption>Fort Hays State's Talexa Weeter shoots a 3-pointer in the second half of an NCAA college basketball game against Nebraska-Kearney on Wednesday, February 26, 2025 in Hays, Kan. (FHSU Athletics photo/Nicole Heitmann)</figcaption>
 </figure>FHSU Athletics<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/boxscore.aspx?path=wbball&amp;id=13257">BOX SCORE</a>&nbsp; HAYS, Kan. - The sixth-ranked Fort Hays State women's basketball team made an authoritative statement in its final home game of the regular season, defeating Nebraska-Kearney 92-56 on Wednesday. The Tigers (25-2, 16-2 MIAA) hit 60.7 percent from the floor in the win, surpassing 60 percent for the first time in four years (62.1 percent at Pittsburg State, 1/23/21).<div><iframe width="100%" height="300" scrolling="no" frameborder="no" allow="autoplay" src="https://w.soundcloud.com/player/?url=https%3A//api.soundcloud.com/tracks/2042993728&color=%23ff5500&auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false&show_teaser=true&visual=true"></iframe><div style="font-size: 10px; color: #cccccc;line-break: anywhere;word-break: normal;overflow: hidden;white-space: nowrap;text-overflow: ellipsis; font-family: Interstate,Lucida Grande,Lucida Sans Unicode,Lucida Sans,Garuda,Verdana,Tahoma,sans-serif;font-weight: 100;"><a href="https://soundcloud.com/user-814667509" title="Eagle Radio" target="_blank" style="color: #cccccc; text-decoration: none;">Eagle Radio</a> · <a href="https://soundcloud.com/user-814667509/talia-kahrs-postgame-v-unk-feb-26-2025" title="Talia Kahrs Postgame vs. Nebraska-Kearney (February 26, 2025)" target="_blank" style="color: #cccccc; text-decoration: none;">Talia Kahrs Postgame vs. Nebraska-Kearney (February 26, 2025)</a></div></div>FHSU's 36-point win is the second-largest margin of victory in the 105-game series history between the Tigers and Lopers (18-8, 11-6 MIAA). The Tiger defense was equally as impressive, limiting the Lopers to a season-low shooting percentage of 30.6 percent.Nebraska-Kearney won the tip and scored on the first possession but led for only 17 seconds as Katie DeGarmo&nbsp;answered on the other end with a layup. The Tigers then forced five-straight UNK misses, giving the home team a chance to race in front 8-2.Bailey Wilborn&nbsp;later poured in a pair of 3-pointers, helping the Tiger lead reach double figures less than six minutes into the game. DeGarmo finished the quarter with eight points on 4-of-4 shooting, leading FHSU to a blistering 78.6 percent shooting as a team (11-of-14).After leading 29-11 at the end of the first quarter, Talexa Weeter&nbsp;converted a traditional 3-point play to push the lead to 21 points nine seconds into the second frame. Fort Hays State later led by as many as 28 on an Olivia Hollenbeck&nbsp;layup before taking a 25-point lead into the locker room, 48-23.<div><iframe width="100%" height="300" scrolling="no" frameborder="no" allow="autoplay" src="https://w.soundcloud.com/player/?url=https%3A//api.soundcloud.com/tracks/2042993388&color=%23ff5500&auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false&show_teaser=true&visual=true"></iframe><div style="font-size: 10px; color: #cccccc;line-break: anywhere;word-break: normal;overflow: hidden;white-space: nowrap;text-overflow: ellipsis; font-family: Interstate,Lucida Grande,Lucida Sans Unicode,Lucida Sans,Garuda,Verdana,Tahoma,sans-serif;font-weight: 100;"><a href="https://soundcloud.com/user-814667509" title="Eagle Radio" target="_blank" style="color: #cccccc; text-decoration: none;">Eagle Radio</a> · <a href="https://soundcloud.com/user-814667509/telexa-weeter-postgame-v-unk" title="Talexa Weeter Postgame vs. Nebraska-Kearney (February 26, 2025)" target="_blank" style="color: #cccccc; text-decoration: none;">Talexa Weeter Postgame vs. Nebraska-Kearney (February 26, 2025)</a></div></div>The Tigers finished the first half shooting 68 percent from the floor (17-of-25) while UNK hit 25 percent before halftime (9-of-36). The graduate student duo of DeGarmo (14 first-half points) and Hollenbeck (10) outscored the Lopers in the first half, 24-23.Fort Hays State continued to pour it on in the second half, growing the lead to 31 points late in the third quarter before going up by as many as 41 in the final frame. Weeter took over in the second half, totaling 18 points and six rebounds while playing just over 10 minutes in the half.The sophomore led all players with 25 points for the game while playing only 17 minutes. She added seven rebounds and two assists while shooting 9-of-13 from the floor.DeGarmo totaled 20 points and nine rebounds, while Hollenbeck chipped in 12 points, six steals, five rebounds, two blocks and two assists. Brooke Loewe&nbsp;dished out nine assists while Maddy Powwell&nbsp;added three assists off the bench.<div><iframe width="100%" height="300" scrolling="no" frameborder="no" allow="autoplay" src="https://w.soundcloud.com/player/?url=https%3A//api.soundcloud.com/tracks/2042991448&color=%23ff5500&auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false&show_teaser=true&visual=true"></iframe><div style="font-size: 10px; color: #cccccc;line-break: anywhere;word-break: normal;overflow: hidden;white-space: nowrap;text-overflow: ellipsis; font-family: Interstate,Lucida Grande,Lucida Sans Unicode,Lucida Sans,Garuda,Verdana,Tahoma,sans-serif;font-weight: 100;"><a href="https://soundcloud.com/user-814667509" title="Eagle Radio" target="_blank" style="color: #cccccc; text-decoration: none;">Eagle Radio</a> · <a href="https://soundcloud.com/user-814667509/fhsu-wbkb-highlights-v-unk-feb" title="#6 Fort Hays State WBB Highlights vs. Nebraska-Kearney (February 26, 2025)" target="_blank" style="color: #cccccc; text-decoration: none;">#6 Fort Hays State WBB Highlights vs. Nebraska-Kearney (February 26, 2025)</a></div></div>The Tigers combined to hit a season-high 10 3-pointers, knocking down an impressive 10-of-15 from the floor (66.7 percent). Wilborn and Megan Earney&nbsp;both hit a trio of 3-pointers, while Weeter added two.The win extends FHSU's winning streak to 12 games, matching the longest winning streak of the season and tied for the seventh-longest winning streak in team history.UP NEXTThe Tigers and Lopers will wrap up the regular season by playing again in just three days, with first tip set for 2 p.m. Saturday in Kearney.&nbsp;&nbsp;

🏀 No. 6 FHSU women roll past Lopers

Ellis County has been hosting annual Severe Weather/Storm Spotter Preparedness Presentations for&nbsp;staff and the general public to attend and it is that time of year again.

&nbsp;The National Weather Service&nbsp;in Dodge City will be putting on the presentations at the Ellis County Emergency Services Building,&nbsp;located at 1105 E. 22nd St., Hays in the basement training/EOC room.

&nbsp;The presentations&nbsp;will be on Thursday, March 6. 

There will be two times available for personnel and the public to&nbsp;attend. The first presentation will begin at 3:00 p.m. with the next beginning at 6:00 p.m.

There is no registration necessary and those interested need only report to the above location prior&nbsp;to either start time. The presentations will be approximately one hour in length and cover the basics&nbsp;of Kansas weather.

&nbsp;These preparedness talks are great for the seasoned storm chaser and those&nbsp;who are new to Kansas weather.

&nbsp;Please consider attending if the weather has ever interested you!


<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/2/1740611234888.jpeg" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure>Ellis CountyEllis County has been hosting annual Severe Weather/Storm Spotter Preparedness Presentations for&nbsp;staff and the general public to attend and it is that time of year again.&nbsp;The National Weather Service&nbsp;in Dodge City will be putting on the presentations at the Ellis County Emergency Services Building,&nbsp;located at 1105 E. 22nd St., Hays in the basement training/EOC room.&nbsp;The presentations&nbsp;will be on Thursday, March 6. There will be two times available for personnel and the public to&nbsp;attend. The first presentation will begin at 3:00 p.m. with the next beginning at 6:00 p.m.There is no registration necessary and those interested need only report to the above location prior&nbsp;to either start time. The presentations will be approximately one hour in length and cover the basics&nbsp;of Kansas weather.&nbsp;These preparedness talks are great for the seasoned storm chaser and those&nbsp;who are new to Kansas weather.&nbsp;Please consider attending if the weather has ever interested you!

Severe weather/storm spotter meeting offered in Hays 

INDIANAPOLIS - The sixth-ranked Fort Hays State women's basketball team is ranked third in the most recent NCAA Division II Central Region Rankings, released Wednesday by the NCAA office.

Fort Hays State is one of four MIAA teams in the region top 10 this week alongside four schools from the Northern Sun Intercollegiate Conference and two programs from the Great American Conference.

The Tigers are 24-2 overall, however the team has an overall DII record of 23-2 after playing one NAIA opponent and an in-region record of 22-2 after playing one out of region DII team.

Despite losing three games this season, Pittsburg State tops the rankings at 24-3 overall, 23-3 in DII and 23-1 in region. Concordia-St. Paul is second with a record of 26-2.

Two of the metrics used by the regional committee are KPI and RPI, with Fort Hays State leading the region in KPI, and ranking third in the region in RPI.

Fort Hays State has played in eight of the last 10 regional championship tournaments, serving as the top overall seed four times and playing in three regional finals.

Final selections for the field of eight teams will be announced on Sunday, March 9. The regional tournament will run March 14-17 at the top overall seed with the regional champion moving on to Pittsburgh, Pa. March 24-28 for the DII Elite Eight.

The Tigers wrap up the regular season with two games against Nebraska-Kearney, who are 10th in the region this week. The Tigers and Lopers open the week tonight in Hays beginning at 5:30 p.m. before battling three days later (March 1) in Kearney beginning at 2 p.m.

2025 NCAA DII Central Region Rankings - February 26, 2025 School • Overall DII Record • In-Region Record 1 • Pittsburg State • 23-3 • 23-1 2 • Concordia-St. Paul • 26-2 • 26-2 3 • Fort Hays State • 23-2 • 22-2 4 • Missouri Western • 17-8 • 17-6 5 • Minnesota State Mankato • 21-6 • 20-5 6 • Southern Nazarene • 20-6 • 20-6 7 • Southwest Minnesota State • 23-3 • 23-3 8 • Northern State • 18-10 • 18-10 9 • Harding • 19-6 • 18-6 10 • Nebraska-Kearney • 16-7 • 16-7&nbsp;&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/2/1740632526231.png" alt="FHSU Athletic photo/Nicole Heitmann" />
 <figcaption>FHSU Athletic photo/Nicole Heitmann</figcaption>
 </figure>FHSU AthleticsINDIANAPOLIS - The sixth-ranked Fort Hays State women's basketball team is ranked third in the most recent NCAA Division II Central Region Rankings, released Wednesday by the NCAA office.Fort Hays State is one of four MIAA teams in the region top 10 this week alongside four schools from the Northern Sun Intercollegiate Conference and two programs from the Great American Conference.The Tigers are 24-2 overall, however the team has an overall DII record of 23-2 after playing one NAIA opponent and an in-region record of 22-2 after playing one out of region DII team.Despite losing three games this season, Pittsburg State tops the rankings at 24-3 overall, 23-3 in DII and 23-1 in region. Concordia-St. Paul is second with a record of 26-2.Two of the metrics used by the regional committee are KPI and RPI, with Fort Hays State leading the region in KPI, and ranking third in the region in RPI.Fort Hays State has played in eight of the last 10 regional championship tournaments, serving as the top overall seed four times and playing in three regional finals.Final selections for the field of eight teams will be announced on Sunday, March 9. The regional tournament will run March 14-17 at the top overall seed with the regional champion moving on to Pittsburgh, Pa. March 24-28 for the DII Elite Eight.The Tigers wrap up the regular season with two games against Nebraska-Kearney, who are 10th in the region this week. The Tigers and Lopers open the week tonight in Hays beginning at 5:30 p.m. before battling three days later (March 1) in Kearney beginning at 2 p.m.2025 NCAA DII Central Region Rankings - February 26, 2025 School • Overall DII Record • In-Region Record 1 • Pittsburg State • 23-3 • 23-1 2 • Concordia-St. Paul • 26-2 • 26-2 3 • Fort Hays State • 23-2 • 22-2 4 • Missouri Western • 17-8 • 17-6 5 • Minnesota State Mankato • 21-6 • 20-5 6 • Southern Nazarene • 20-6 • 20-6 7 • Southwest Minnesota State • 23-3 • 23-3 8 • Northern State • 18-10 • 18-10 9 • Harding • 19-6 • 18-6 10 • Nebraska-Kearney • 16-7 • 16-7&nbsp;&nbsp;

🏀 Tiger women third in Region Rankings

TMP-Marian vs Medicine Lodge Thursday, Feb. 27 – 6:00 p.m. Hays, Kan. - Al Billinger Fieldhouse

Radio: KHAZ (99.5)&nbsp;<a href="https://99kzcountry.com/">CLICK HERE TO LISTEN </a>Video: TMP-Marian Sports Network&nbsp;<a href="https://vcloud.hudl.com/broadcast/embed/2219218">CLICK HERE TO WATCH
($)</a>

The TMP-Marian Monarchs open up postseason play at home Thursday night against the Medicine Lodge Indians.

Both TMP teams earned the No. 8 seed and the right to host the No. 9 seed in the 2A Sublette sub-state.

The girls game will tipoff at 6 p.m. with the boys to follow at approximately 7:30 p.m. on the&nbsp;Monarchs Sports Network.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/12/1575411582384.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>TMP-Marian vs Medicine Lodge Thursday, Feb. 27 – 6:00 p.m. Hays, Kan. - Al Billinger FieldhouseRadio: KHAZ (99.5)&nbsp;<a href="https://99kzcountry.com/">CLICK HERE TO LISTEN </a>Video: TMP-Marian Sports Network&nbsp;<a href="https://vcloud.hudl.com/broadcast/embed/2219218">CLICK HERE TO WATCH
($)</a>The TMP-Marian Monarchs open up postseason play at home Thursday night against the Medicine Lodge Indians.Both TMP teams earned the No. 8 seed and the right to host the No. 9 seed in the 2A Sublette sub-state.The girls game will tipoff at 6 p.m. with the boys to follow at approximately 7:30 p.m. on the&nbsp;Monarchs Sports Network.

🏀🎥 TMP-Marian opens postseason against Medicine Lodge

By&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/author/tim-carpenter/">TIM CARPENTER</a> <a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2025/02/24/gov-laura-kelly-skeptical-kansas-houses-anti-tenure-legislation-will-reach-her-desk/">Kansas Reflector</a> TOPEKA — Thirty-five opponents and three advocates waded into the Kansas House’s debate on legislation striking the principle that tenure awarded at Kansas public universities and colleges carried with it an employment property interest.

The bill drafted by an Emporia State University attorney, who is a defendant in an ongoing ESU labor dispute and recently renounced his tenure, was the subject of a hearing before the House Judiciary Committee attracting state and national attention. A dozen faculty from Fort Hays State University have objected to the legislation, while a half-dozen from University of Kansas and Washburn University shared displeasure. There was criticism from Kansas State University, Pittsburg State University and Baker University.

The&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2025/02/10/kansas-house-bill-strives-to-strip-property-interest-from-definition-of-university-college-tenure/">bottom line among opponents</a>&nbsp;was that the bill’s broad language would fracture a fundamental safeguard of academic freedom.

“When faculty members can lose their positions because of their speech, publications or research findings, they cannot properly fulfill their core responsibilities to advance and transmit knowledge,” said Todd Wolfson, president of the American Association of University Professors in Washington, D.C. “The common good is not served when business, political or other entities can threaten the livelihood of researchers and instructors and thereby suppress the results of their work or modify their judgments.”

House Bill 2348 hasn’t advanced beyond the Feb. 11 hearing at the Kansas Capitol, despite maneuvering by House Republicans to bounce it to another committee before returning it to House judiciary.

Gov. Laura Kelly, who holds a master’s degree from Indiana University in Bloomington, said she was convinced the tenure bill lacked traction in the Legislature. She predicted it wouldn’t pass the House and Senate in the 2025 session.

“I’d be very surprised if it gets to my desk,” Kelly said in an interview.

ESU attorney Steven Lovett, the university’s general counsel since 2023, developed the tenure bill through some sort of rogue, covert operation leading to its introduction by Rep. Steven Howe, R-Salina. Lovett is a defendant in ESU’s legal battle with former university employees that has been winding through state and federal court. In 2022, ESU fired 30 tenured or tenure-track faculty. A portion of those individuals filed a lawsuit to challenge their ouster.

ESU officials said Lovett worked on the tenure reform legislation as a “private citizen” rather than in his capacity as a top university attorney. The CEO of the Kansas Board of Regents, the state’s higher education governing board, said Lovett appeared to have violated policy by directing a bill to the Legislature without consent of the state Board of Regents.

The office of Kansas&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kslegislature.gov/li/b2025_26/measures/documents/fisc_note_hb2348_00_0000.pdf" target="_blank">Attorney General Kris Kobach anticipated possible legal challenges</a>&nbsp;if the bill became law, and indicated legal costs could be $250,000.

During the House committee hearing on the bill, Lovett outlined reasons the property interest inherent in tenure had to be repealed for thousands working at six state universities, 19 community colleges, six technical colleges and Washburn University.

His initiative was lauded by Christine Curley, who worked at Wichita State University and Southwestern College in Winfield. In testimony, she said faculty tenure hid administrative incompetence and unethical behavior. Tenure reflected “a systematic failure in leadership and accountability within higher education institutions,” she said.

The other proponent was Selayoa Lovett, who holds a master’s degree from ESU and is spouse of the bill’s designer — ESU’s Steven Lovett.

Selayoa Lovett’s testimony asserted Kansas law made it nearly impossible to dismiss underperforming tenured faculty, including professors at ESU.

“Faculty with a sense of entitlement often exhibit attitudes of superiority, dismissing others as less qualified simply because they lack tenure,” Selayoa Lovett said. “In my current position in the private sector, I frequently go above and beyond my job description to contribute to the success of my company. Why should faculty members not be held to the same standards?”

She said “around 30% of faculty fail to contribute at a meaningful level, relying on tenure as a shield from accountability.”

“The unfortunate reality is that many tenured professors choose to do the bare minimum, working only 20 hours a week and neglecting their students and the need for continuous growth and relevance,” Selayoa Lovett said.

Joseph Cohn, director of policy with the conservative Heterodox Academy, said the 2024 Legislature in Kansas took a positive step toward protecting academic freedom by enacting a law aimed at weakening diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives. Last year’s House Bill 2105, he said, prohibited public universities from using political litmus tests in faculty hiring and promotion decisions.

“But enactment of HB 2348 would be a tremendous step backward,” Cohn said. “HB 2348 would end tenure at Kansas’ public institutions of higher education both prospectively and retroactively. Ending tenure — especially in legislation that offers no alternative protections for academic freedom — would compromise the health of Kansas’ public colleges and universities because it would leave faculty without key protections that allow for open inquiry to thrive.”

<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2025/02/11/kansas-university-leaders-condemn-bill-abolishing-property-rights-of-faculty-tenure/">Other opponents of the bill</a>&nbsp;took Cohn’s argument a step further.

Lori Kniffin, an assistant professor up for tenure at Fort Hays State, said academic freedom in the education system and wider freedoms espoused in a democracy were at stake. She earned a doctorate at University of North Carolina at Greensboro after receiving bachelor’s and master’s degrees at Kansas State. She works in the School of Criminal Justice, Leadership and Sociology at FHSU.

“I have provided outstanding teaching, research and service through FHSU for the last five years,” Kniffin said. “The tenure process is developmental and rigorous. Tenure is earned, not given.”

Daniel Hoyt, a Kansas State professor and president of the Kansas state chapter of AAUP, said the KSU faculty handbook defined the purpose of awarding tenure as the quest to hire faculty of the highest caliber and to deliver full academic freedom in pursuit of ideas or inquiries without fear of retribution.

“HB 2348 eviscerates the faculty’s freedom to do their work without censorship,” Hoyt said. “We need more support and funding, not political attacks on faculty.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/2/1740495916145.jpeg" alt="Gov. Laura Kelly said she was skeptical the House and Senate would approve during the 2025 legislative session a bill that retroactively undermined property rights for thousands of tenured faculty at public universities, community colleges and technical colleges across Kansas. Photo by Tim Carpenter/Kansas Reflector" />
 <figcaption>Gov. Laura Kelly said she was skeptical the House and Senate would approve during the 2025 legislative session a bill that retroactively undermined property rights for thousands of tenured faculty at public universities, community colleges and technical colleges across Kansas. Photo by Tim Carpenter/Kansas Reflector</figcaption>
 </figure>By&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/author/tim-carpenter/">TIM CARPENTER</a> <a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2025/02/24/gov-laura-kelly-skeptical-kansas-houses-anti-tenure-legislation-will-reach-her-desk/">Kansas Reflector</a> TOPEKA — Thirty-five opponents and three advocates waded into the Kansas House’s debate on legislation striking the principle that tenure awarded at Kansas public universities and colleges carried with it an employment property interest.The bill drafted by an Emporia State University attorney, who is a defendant in an ongoing ESU labor dispute and recently renounced his tenure, was the subject of a hearing before the House Judiciary Committee attracting state and national attention. A dozen faculty from Fort Hays State University have objected to the legislation, while a half-dozen from University of Kansas and Washburn University shared displeasure. There was criticism from Kansas State University, Pittsburg State University and Baker University.The&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2025/02/10/kansas-house-bill-strives-to-strip-property-interest-from-definition-of-university-college-tenure/">bottom line among opponents</a>&nbsp;was that the bill’s broad language would fracture a fundamental safeguard of academic freedom.“When faculty members can lose their positions because of their speech, publications or research findings, they cannot properly fulfill their core responsibilities to advance and transmit knowledge,” said Todd Wolfson, president of the American Association of University Professors in Washington, D.C. “The common good is not served when business, political or other entities can threaten the livelihood of researchers and instructors and thereby suppress the results of their work or modify their judgments.”House Bill 2348 hasn’t advanced beyond the Feb. 11 hearing at the Kansas Capitol, despite maneuvering by House Republicans to bounce it to another committee before returning it to House judiciary.Gov. Laura Kelly, who holds a master’s degree from Indiana University in Bloomington, said she was convinced the tenure bill lacked traction in the Legislature. She predicted it wouldn’t pass the House and Senate in the 2025 session.“I’d be very surprised if it gets to my desk,” Kelly said in an interview.<h2>Team Lovett</h2>ESU attorney Steven Lovett, the university’s general counsel since 2023, developed the tenure bill through some sort of rogue, covert operation leading to its introduction by Rep. Steven Howe, R-Salina. Lovett is a defendant in ESU’s legal battle with former university employees that has been winding through state and federal court. In 2022, ESU fired 30 tenured or tenure-track faculty. A portion of those individuals filed a lawsuit to challenge their ouster.ESU officials said Lovett worked on the tenure reform legislation as a “private citizen” rather than in his capacity as a top university attorney. The CEO of the Kansas Board of Regents, the state’s higher education governing board, said Lovett appeared to have violated policy by directing a bill to the Legislature without consent of the state Board of Regents.The office of Kansas&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kslegislature.gov/li/b2025_26/measures/documents/fisc_note_hb2348_00_0000.pdf" target="_blank">Attorney General Kris Kobach anticipated possible legal challenges</a>&nbsp;if the bill became law, and indicated legal costs could be $250,000.During the House committee hearing on the bill, Lovett outlined reasons the property interest inherent in tenure had to be repealed for thousands working at six state universities, 19 community colleges, six technical colleges and Washburn University.His initiative was lauded by Christine Curley, who worked at Wichita State University and Southwestern College in Winfield. In testimony, she said faculty tenure hid administrative incompetence and unethical behavior. Tenure reflected “a systematic failure in leadership and accountability within higher education institutions,” she said.The other proponent was Selayoa Lovett, who holds a master’s degree from ESU and is spouse of the bill’s designer — ESU’s Steven Lovett.Selayoa Lovett’s testimony asserted Kansas law made it nearly impossible to dismiss underperforming tenured faculty, including professors at ESU.“Faculty with a sense of entitlement often exhibit attitudes of superiority, dismissing others as less qualified simply because they lack tenure,” Selayoa Lovett said. “In my current position in the private sector, I frequently go above and beyond my job description to contribute to the success of my company. Why should faculty members not be held to the same standards?”She said “around 30% of faculty fail to contribute at a meaningful level, relying on tenure as a shield from accountability.”“The unfortunate reality is that many tenured professors choose to do the bare minimum, working only 20 hours a week and neglecting their students and the need for continuous growth and relevance,” Selayoa Lovett said.<h2>Step backward</h2>Joseph Cohn, director of policy with the conservative Heterodox Academy, said the 2024 Legislature in Kansas took a positive step toward protecting academic freedom by enacting a law aimed at weakening diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives. Last year’s House Bill 2105, he said, prohibited public universities from using political litmus tests in faculty hiring and promotion decisions.“But enactment of HB 2348 would be a tremendous step backward,” Cohn said. “HB 2348 would end tenure at Kansas’ public institutions of higher education both prospectively and retroactively. Ending tenure — especially in legislation that offers no alternative protections for academic freedom — would compromise the health of Kansas’ public colleges and universities because it would leave faculty without key protections that allow for open inquiry to thrive.”<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2025/02/11/kansas-university-leaders-condemn-bill-abolishing-property-rights-of-faculty-tenure/">Other opponents of the bill</a>&nbsp;took Cohn’s argument a step further.Lori Kniffin, an assistant professor up for tenure at Fort Hays State, said academic freedom in the education system and wider freedoms espoused in a democracy were at stake. She earned a doctorate at University of North Carolina at Greensboro after receiving bachelor’s and master’s degrees at Kansas State. She works in the School of Criminal Justice, Leadership and Sociology at FHSU.“I have provided outstanding teaching, research and service through FHSU for the last five years,” Kniffin said. “The tenure process is developmental and rigorous. Tenure is earned, not given.”Daniel Hoyt, a Kansas State professor and president of the Kansas state chapter of AAUP, said the KSU faculty handbook defined the purpose of awarding tenure as the quest to hire faculty of the highest caliber and to deliver full academic freedom in pursuit of ideas or inquiries without fear of retribution.“HB 2348 eviscerates the faculty’s freedom to do their work without censorship,” Hoyt said. “We need more support and funding, not political attacks on faculty.”

Gov. Kelly skeptical Kansas House’s anti-tenure legislation will reach her desk

By TONY GUERRERO Hays Post

Hays hit a new record high Tuesday with a high of 76, according to the K-State Ag Research Center.

Hays is forecast to see a slight decrease in temperature in the coming days, with chances of rain beginning Sunday.

The forecast for today is sunny and breezy, with a high of 60 and winds 17 to 21 mph, with gusts as high as 31 mph.

The warm trend continues on Thursday, with a high of 64. The high for Friday is forecast to be 67, 58 on Saturday and 54 on Sunday, with a 30% chance of rain.

By TONY GUERRERO Hays PostHays hit a new record high Tuesday with a high of 76, according to the K-State Ag Research Center.The low for Tuesday night was 34.Hays is forecast to see a slight decrease in temperature in the coming days, with chances of rain beginning Sunday.The forecast for today is sunny and breezy, with a high of 60 and winds 17 to 21 mph, with gusts as high as 31 mph.The warm trend continues on Thursday, with a high of 64. The high for Friday is forecast to be 67, 58 on Saturday and 54 on Sunday, with a 30% chance of rain.

Hays sets record high on Tuesday; warming trend to continue

Ivan Dee Wasko, 85, Hays, died Tuesday, February 25, 2025 at HaysMed.

He was born April 3, 1939 in Hodgeman County, the son of L.F. and Ada (Hubin) Wasko. Ivan graduated from Jetmore High School in 1957 and attended Fort Hays State University. On April 23, 1960 he was united in marriage to Mary Ann Bieker in Hays, and they celebrated 51 years of marriage before she preceded him in death on July 24, 2011. For over 30 years, Ivan was a machinist at Cross Manufacturing. He was a member of St. Joseph Catholic Church and a loving father, grandfather, and great grandfather. Ivan was an expert woodworker who made bird houses, toy boxes, and bookcases, an avid Royals and Chiefs fan, a collector of over 1,000 frisbees, and liked working on Sudoku puzzles.

Survivors include his three sons, Myron Wasko and wife Stephanie of Rose Hill, Myrle Wasko and wife Dawn of Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia, and Myrlin Wasko and wife Renee of Lee’s Summit, MO, three brothers, Clark Wasko of Jetmore, Howard Wasko of Wichita, and Bert Wasko and wife Betty of Ness City, a sister-in-law, Sonja Wasko of Spearville, seven grandchildren, Jason Wasko, Jessica Walton and husband Steven, Kirk Lawrence, and Logan, Solomon, Brooke, and Grant Wasko, two great grandchildren, Addy Wasko and Hayes Walton, and numerous nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents, his wife Mary Ann, his daughter Myrna Lawrence, two brothers, Harry and Richard Wasko, three sisters-in-law, Ruth Ann, Shirley, and Marsha Wasko, and a grandson, Jeremy Wasko.

Mass of Christian Burial will be at 10:00 am on Saturday, March 1, 2025 at St. Joseph Catholic Church with Fr. Fred Gatschet officiating. Inurnment will follow in St. Joseph Cemetery. The family will receive friends from 9:00 am until service time, and a rosary will be prayed at 9:30, all on Saturday at the church. Memorials are suggested to HaysMed Hospice. Services are in the care of Hays Memorial Chapel Funeral Home, and condolences and memories of Ivan 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/2025/2/1740599173856.jpeg" alt="Ivan Dee Wasko" />
 <figcaption>Ivan Dee Wasko</figcaption>
 </figure>Ivan Dee Wasko, 85, Hays, died Tuesday, February 25, 2025 at HaysMed.He was born April 3, 1939 in Hodgeman County, the son of L.F. and Ada (Hubin) Wasko. Ivan graduated from Jetmore High School in 1957 and attended Fort Hays State University. On April 23, 1960 he was united in marriage to Mary Ann Bieker in Hays, and they celebrated 51 years of marriage before she preceded him in death on July 24, 2011. For over 30 years, Ivan was a machinist at Cross Manufacturing. He was a member of St. Joseph Catholic Church and a loving father, grandfather, and great grandfather. Ivan was an expert woodworker who made bird houses, toy boxes, and bookcases, an avid Royals and Chiefs fan, a collector of over 1,000 frisbees, and liked working on Sudoku puzzles.Survivors include his three sons, Myron Wasko and wife Stephanie of Rose Hill, Myrle Wasko and wife Dawn of Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia, and Myrlin Wasko and wife Renee of Lee’s Summit, MO, three brothers, Clark Wasko of Jetmore, Howard Wasko of Wichita, and Bert Wasko and wife Betty of Ness City, a sister-in-law, Sonja Wasko of Spearville, seven grandchildren, Jason Wasko, Jessica Walton and husband Steven, Kirk Lawrence, and Logan, Solomon, Brooke, and Grant Wasko, two great grandchildren, Addy Wasko and Hayes Walton, and numerous nieces and nephews.He was preceded in death by his parents, his wife Mary Ann, his daughter Myrna Lawrence, two brothers, Harry and Richard Wasko, three sisters-in-law, Ruth Ann, Shirley, and Marsha Wasko, and a grandson, Jeremy Wasko.Mass of Christian Burial will be at 10:00 am on Saturday, March 1, 2025 at St. Joseph Catholic Church with Fr. Fred Gatschet officiating. Inurnment will follow in St. Joseph Cemetery. The family will receive friends from 9:00 am until service time, and a rosary will be prayed at 9:30, all on Saturday at the church. Memorials are suggested to HaysMed Hospice. Services are in the care of Hays Memorial Chapel Funeral Home, and condolences and memories of Ivan may be shared with his family at <a href="http://www.haysmemorial.com">www.haysmemorial.com</a>.

Ivan Dee Wasko

We're joined by women's wrestling coach Alijah Jeffery, women's basketball coach Talia Kahrs and men's basketball coach Mark Johnson.

Tiger Talk airs at 12:15 p.m. on KAYS live from Tiger Club at the Robbins Center on the Fort Hays State University campus.

We're joined by women's wrestling coach Alijah Jeffery, women's basketball coach Talia Kahrs and men's basketball coach Mark Johnson.Tiger Talk airs at 12:15 p.m. on KAYS live from Tiger Club at the Robbins Center on the Fort Hays State University campus.<div><iframe title="Tiger Talk (February 26, 2025)" allowtransparency="true" height="150" width="100%" style="border: none; min-width: min(100%, 430px);height:150px;" scrolling="no" data-name="pb-iframe-player" src="https://www.podbean.com/player-v2/?i=yvvph-181c161-pb&from=pb6admin&share=1&download=1&rtl=0&fonts=Arial&skin=1&font-color=auto&logo_link=episode_page&btn-skin=2" loading="lazy"></iframe></div>

🎧 Defend the Fort Podcast: Tiger Talk (February 26, 2025)

Fort Hays State (18-8, 11-6 MIAA) vs. Nebraska-Kearney (11-14, 9-8 MIAA) Wednesday, February 26 • 7:30 p.m. Hays, Kan. • Gross Memorial Coliseum

Fort Hays State will play its final home game of the season on Wednesday night. The Tigers host Nebraska-Kearney at 7:30 p.m. The Tigers enter the game at 18-8 overall and 11-6 in the MIAA, while the Lopers are 11-14 overall and 9-8 in the MIAA.

With two games to go in the regular season, the Tigers currently sit in third place in the MIAA standings along with Rogers State, both just a game back of Pittsburg State for second place. Washburn has already wrapped up the conference regular season title. In the latest KPI ratings that will be used for MIAA Tournament seeding, FHSU also sits third.

Fort Hays State enters Wednesday on a three-game win streak. After a road victory at Newman, the Tigers defended their home floor last week with a 70-59 win over Missouri Southern and 62-58 win over Pittsburg State.

Nebraska-Kearney is coming off a win in its previous game. The Lopers defeated Missouri Southern 88-78 in Kearney back on Saturday.

Fort Hays State has won the last seven meetings with Nebraska-Kearney going back to the 2020-21 season. FHSU has also won seven-straight meetings in Hays. The Tigers defeated the Lopers in Hays last year by a score of 80-67.

Kaleb Hammeke&nbsp;leads the Tigers at 15.8 points and 4.0 assists per game. He is now just 30 points shy of 2,000 for his career. Hammeke scored over 25 points in two of the last three games and he produced a double-double of 18 points and 10 rebounds in the recent win over Pittsburg State. Shaun Riley&nbsp;leads the Tigers in rebounding at 6.2 per game. Kyle Grill&nbsp;also averages double figures in scoring at 11.7 points per game.

The Lopers have three players averaging double figures in scoring, led by Ja'Bryant Hill at 16.3 per game. Allen Taylor (15.7) and Chase Thompson (15.0) also average at least 15 per game.&nbsp;&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/2/1740574695591.png" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure>FHSU AthleticsFort Hays State (18-8, 11-6 MIAA) vs. Nebraska-Kearney (11-14, 9-8 MIAA) Wednesday, February 26 • 7:30 p.m. Hays, Kan. • Gross Memorial ColiseumFort Hays State will play its final home game of the season on Wednesday night. The Tigers host Nebraska-Kearney at 7:30 p.m. The Tigers enter the game at 18-8 overall and 11-6 in the MIAA, while the Lopers are 11-14 overall and 9-8 in the MIAA.With two games to go in the regular season, the Tigers currently sit in third place in the MIAA standings along with Rogers State, both just a game back of Pittsburg State for second place. Washburn has already wrapped up the conference regular season title. In the latest KPI ratings that will be used for MIAA Tournament seeding, FHSU also sits third.Fort Hays State enters Wednesday on a three-game win streak. After a road victory at Newman, the Tigers defended their home floor last week with a 70-59 win over Missouri Southern and 62-58 win over Pittsburg State.Nebraska-Kearney is coming off a win in its previous game. The Lopers defeated Missouri Southern 88-78 in Kearney back on Saturday.Fort Hays State has won the last seven meetings with Nebraska-Kearney going back to the 2020-21 season. FHSU has also won seven-straight meetings in Hays. The Tigers defeated the Lopers in Hays last year by a score of 80-67.Kaleb Hammeke&nbsp;leads the Tigers at 15.8 points and 4.0 assists per game. He is now just 30 points shy of 2,000 for his career. Hammeke scored over 25 points in two of the last three games and he produced a double-double of 18 points and 10 rebounds in the recent win over Pittsburg State. Shaun Riley&nbsp;leads the Tigers in rebounding at 6.2 per game. Kyle Grill&nbsp;also averages double figures in scoring at 11.7 points per game.The Lopers have three players averaging double figures in scoring, led by Ja'Bryant Hill at 16.3 per game. Allen Taylor (15.7) and Chase Thompson (15.0) also average at least 15 per game.&nbsp;&nbsp;

🏀🎧 LISTEN: Tigers host Lopers in final home game Wednesday

KANSAS CITY, Mo. - Fort Hays State men's wrestling's Connor Padgett&nbsp;was named second team All-MIAA at 174 pounds, announced Wednesday (Feb. 26) by the league office.

The redshirt-freshman is tied for the team lead with 16 wins on the year, posting a 16-13 record. Padgett was 4-1 in conference duals, including one technical fall victory and three decisions.

He is also tied for the team lead with 10 bonus point wins while leading all Tigers with five technical falls on the year.

Padgett and his Tiger teammates will next enter the postseason when they travel to Gunnison, Colo. for the Super Region VI Championships on Saturday. Action is set to begin at 11 a.m. (10 a.m. MT).

2024-25 WRESTLING POSTSEASON AWARDS &amp; ALL-MIAA TEAMS CO-WRESTLER OF THE YEAR:&nbsp;Studd Morris, Central Oklahoma CO-WRESTLER OF THE YEAR:&nbsp;Crew Howard, Nebraska Kearney FRESHMAN OF THE YEAR:&nbsp;Torin Forsyth, Central Missouri COACH OF THE YEAR:&nbsp;Todd Steidley, Central Oklahoma

ALL-MIAA FIRST TEAM 125&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Studd Morris, Central Oklahoma 133&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;James Anderson, Ouachita 141&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Joseph Airola, Nebraska Kearney 149&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Dylan Brown, Central Oklahoma 157&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Gabe Johnson, Central Oklahoma 165&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Hunter Jump, Central Oklahoma 174&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Jacobi Deal, Nebraska Kearney 184&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Garrett Wells, Central Oklahoma 197&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Jackson Kinsella, Nebraska Kearney 285&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Crew Howard, Nebraska Kearney

ALL-MIAA SECOND TEAM 125&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Jakason Burks, Central Missouri 133&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Hector Serratos, Nebraska Kearney 141&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Josh Taylor, Central Oklahoma 149&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Brady Collins, Nebraska Kearney 157&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;John Ridle, Central Missouri 165&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Trenton Munoz, Nebraska Kearney 174&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/wrestling/roster/connor-padgett/8304">Connor Padgett</a>, Fort Hays State 184&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Jacari Deal, Nebraska Kearney 197&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Emmanuel Skillings, Central Oklahoma 285&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Caleb Wunsch, Newman&nbsp;&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/2/1740589646086.png" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure>FHSU AthleticsKANSAS CITY, Mo. - Fort Hays State men's wrestling's Connor Padgett&nbsp;was named second team All-MIAA at 174 pounds, announced Wednesday (Feb. 26) by the league office.The redshirt-freshman is tied for the team lead with 16 wins on the year, posting a 16-13 record. Padgett was 4-1 in conference duals, including one technical fall victory and three decisions.He is also tied for the team lead with 10 bonus point wins while leading all Tigers with five technical falls on the year.Padgett and his Tiger teammates will next enter the postseason when they travel to Gunnison, Colo. for the Super Region VI Championships on Saturday. Action is set to begin at 11 a.m. (10 a.m. MT).2024-25 WRESTLING POSTSEASON AWARDS &amp; ALL-MIAA TEAMS CO-WRESTLER OF THE YEAR:&nbsp;Studd Morris, Central Oklahoma CO-WRESTLER OF THE YEAR:&nbsp;Crew Howard, Nebraska Kearney FRESHMAN OF THE YEAR:&nbsp;Torin Forsyth, Central Missouri COACH OF THE YEAR:&nbsp;Todd Steidley, Central OklahomaALL-MIAA FIRST TEAM 125&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Studd Morris, Central Oklahoma 133&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;James Anderson, Ouachita 141&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Joseph Airola, Nebraska Kearney 149&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Dylan Brown, Central Oklahoma 157&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Gabe Johnson, Central Oklahoma 165&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Hunter Jump, Central Oklahoma 174&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Jacobi Deal, Nebraska Kearney 184&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Garrett Wells, Central Oklahoma 197&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Jackson Kinsella, Nebraska Kearney 285&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Crew Howard, Nebraska KearneyALL-MIAA SECOND TEAM 125&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Jakason Burks, Central Missouri 133&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Hector Serratos, Nebraska Kearney 141&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Josh Taylor, Central Oklahoma 149&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Brady Collins, Nebraska Kearney 157&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;John Ridle, Central Missouri 165&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Trenton Munoz, Nebraska Kearney 174&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/wrestling/roster/connor-padgett/8304">Connor Padgett</a>, Fort Hays State 184&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Jacari Deal, Nebraska Kearney 197&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Emmanuel Skillings, Central Oklahoma 285&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Caleb Wunsch, Newman&nbsp;&nbsp;

🤼‍♂️ FHSU's Padgett earns All-MIAA recognition

#6/#10 Fort Hays State (24-2, 15-2 MIAA) vs. Nebraska-Kearney (19-7, 12-5 MIAA) Wednesday, February 26, 2025 • 5:30 p.m. Hays, Kan. • Gross Memorial Coliseum

Radio:&nbsp;KJLS (103.3)&nbsp;<a href="https://mix103fm.com/">CLICK HERE TO LISTEN</a> Video:&nbsp;MIAA Network:&nbsp;<a href="https://themiaanetwork.com/fhsutigers/">CLICK HERE TO WATCH ($)</a>

The sixth-ranked Fort Hays State women's basketball team plays at home for the final time during the regular season on Wednesday when the Tigers host long-time rival Nebraska-Kearney. Tipoff is slated for 5:30 p.m. inside Gross Memorial Coliseum.

It is the first of two meetings this week between the Tigers (24-2, 15-2 MIAA) and Lopers (19-7, 12-5 MIAA), with the teams also wrapping up the regular season with another game in Kearney in just three days. Wednesday's game was originally scheduled to be played on January 7 but was postponed due to winter weather.

This is not the first time the Lopers and Tigers have played twice in one week. Just four years ago the teams played twice in three days during the COVID-altered 2020-21 season. The unranked Tigers handed No. 4 Nebraska-Kearney its first and second losses of the season, winning 61-49 in Hays on a Thursday (1/28/21) and coming away victorious 68-60 two days later in Kearney (1/30/21).

Both the Tigers and Lopers were listed as under consideration for selection into the 2025 NCAA Division II Central Region Championships in the first release of the Central Region rankings last Wednesday. Since that date the Tigers have won twice, including a double-digit win against then-No. 5 Pittsburg State. The Lopers, meanwhile, lost to both Missouri Southern and PSU last week.

The Tigers still trail Pittsburg State in the latest update of the&nbsp;<a href="https://themiaa.com/images/2025/2/24/2025_wbb_kpi_3.png">MIAA KPI Standings</a>, which will be used for seeding for the 2025 MIAA Basketball Championship presented by Southern Bank. FHSU now holds a rating of .183 (up from .152 a week ago), while the Gorillas' rating is .191. Missouri Western is third with a rating of .151, while UNK is fourth at .093. This rating system assigns point values to wins and losses based on opponent and location, etc.

Fort Hays State continues to rank among the nation's best in numerous categories, including assist/turnover ratio (second, 1.39), assists per game (fourth, 18.6), scoring margin (fifth, plus-19.0), field goal percentage (sixth, 46.1 percent), winning percentage (seventh, 92.3 percent) and field goal percentage defense (11th, 34.7 percent).

After opening the year with 12-straight wins and winning 11 in a row since January 18, the Tigers now have multiple 10-game winning streaks in a season for the third time in team history (1990-91, 2018-19). This is the 16th double-digit winning streak in school history.

Fort Hays State has surpassed the 20-win plateau for a 14th-consecutive season, the longest active streak in DII (Drury second with 11) and the fifth-longest streak in all NCAA women's basketball. The next-best stretch in the MIAA is just three seasons (MWSU, MSSU, PSU).Fort Hays State leads Division II in attendance this season, averaging 2,105 fans per home contest. That total would rank 84th in Division I and is more than 282 DI programs.

Brooke Loewe is now the school's single-season assists leader with 177 this season, breaking a 34-year old record (1990-91). She has dished out 10 or more assists five times this season, a feat only one other MIAA player has accomplished more than once.

Fort Hays State has had a Tiger student-athlete earn MIAA Athlete of the Week honors four times this season, more than any other school in the league (UCM, PSU three each). Both Katie DeGarmo&nbsp;and Olivia Hollenbeck&nbsp;have earned the recognition two times.

DeGarmo has been named MIAA Athlete of the week each of the last two weeks, averaging 18.3 points and 11.0 rebounds over the last four games. She earned the award on February 17 after posting a pair of double-doubles in road wins at Emporia State (13p, 14r) and Newman (16p, 10r), averaging 14.5 ppg and 12.0 rpg for the week. She then put up season-highs with 27 points and 15 rebounds against Missouri Southern before tallying 17 points and five rebounds against No. 5 Pittsburg State to earn the award on February 24, averaging 22.0 points and 10.0 rebounds for the week. She has now earned the conference's weekly award seven times in her career and has done so multiple times in each of the last three seasons.

Olivia Hollenbeck&nbsp;has also been named MIAA Athlete of the Week twice this season. The graduate student picked up the first honor of the season in November after averaging 24.0 points, 6.5 rebounds, 2.5 blocks and 2.5 steals per game in a pair of wins in St. Joseph, Mo. The graduate student opened the year with 29 points against Augustana, including 25 after halftime. She then averaged 24.5 points on 76 percent shooting (19-of-25) in a pair of home wins in February, including 22 points against NSU and 27 and four blocks against UAFS.

The Tigers have both played and beaten UNK more than any other school in program history. Fort Hays State is 62-42 all-time against Nebraska-Kearney, including a 36-15 record at home and wins in the last two meetings. The Tigers are 2-0 against the Lopers under head coach talia Kahrs, including a 1-0 record at home. The Tigers are 18-6 against UNK in regular season MIAA meetings and 5-3 in games that reach overtime, including wins in the last five overtime meetings.

The Lopers enter the week 19-7 overall and 12-5 in conference action, including a 7-4 record on the road. Nebraska-Kearney averages 72.5 points per night, sixth-best in the MIAA. Their scoring margin of plus-14.9 is third-best in the league. The Lopers average 26.8 points off the bench per game, best in the league and 25th-best in Division II. Jillian Aschoff leads a balanced offense with just 11.0 points per game, however five players average at least nine points per game with two more scoring more than six points per outing. Bailee Sobczak leads the conference with 3.2 offensive rebounds per game.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/2/1740574011686.png" alt="2025-02-26.png" />
 <figcaption>2025-02-26.png</figcaption>
 </figure>FHSU Athletics#6/#10 Fort Hays State (24-2, 15-2 MIAA) vs. Nebraska-Kearney (19-7, 12-5 MIAA) Wednesday, February 26, 2025 • 5:30 p.m. Hays, Kan. • Gross Memorial ColiseumRadio:&nbsp;KJLS (103.3)&nbsp;<a href="https://mix103fm.com/">CLICK HERE TO LISTEN</a> Video:&nbsp;MIAA Network:&nbsp;<a href="https://themiaanetwork.com/fhsutigers/">CLICK HERE TO WATCH ($)</a>The sixth-ranked Fort Hays State women's basketball team plays at home for the final time during the regular season on Wednesday when the Tigers host long-time rival Nebraska-Kearney. Tipoff is slated for 5:30 p.m. inside Gross Memorial Coliseum.It is the first of two meetings this week between the Tigers (24-2, 15-2 MIAA) and Lopers (19-7, 12-5 MIAA), with the teams also wrapping up the regular season with another game in Kearney in just three days. Wednesday's game was originally scheduled to be played on January 7 but was postponed due to winter weather.This is not the first time the Lopers and Tigers have played twice in one week. Just four years ago the teams played twice in three days during the COVID-altered 2020-21 season. The unranked Tigers handed No. 4 Nebraska-Kearney its first and second losses of the season, winning 61-49 in Hays on a Thursday (1/28/21) and coming away victorious 68-60 two days later in Kearney (1/30/21).Both the Tigers and Lopers were listed as under consideration for selection into the 2025 NCAA Division II Central Region Championships in the first release of the Central Region rankings last Wednesday. Since that date the Tigers have won twice, including a double-digit win against then-No. 5 Pittsburg State. The Lopers, meanwhile, lost to both Missouri Southern and PSU last week.The Tigers still trail Pittsburg State in the latest update of the&nbsp;<a href="https://themiaa.com/images/2025/2/24/2025_wbb_kpi_3.png">MIAA KPI Standings</a>, which will be used for seeding for the 2025 MIAA Basketball Championship presented by Southern Bank. FHSU now holds a rating of .183 (up from .152 a week ago), while the Gorillas' rating is .191. Missouri Western is third with a rating of .151, while UNK is fourth at .093. This rating system assigns point values to wins and losses based on opponent and location, etc.Fort Hays State continues to rank among the nation's best in numerous categories, including assist/turnover ratio (second, 1.39), assists per game (fourth, 18.6), scoring margin (fifth, plus-19.0), field goal percentage (sixth, 46.1 percent), winning percentage (seventh, 92.3 percent) and field goal percentage defense (11th, 34.7 percent).After opening the year with 12-straight wins and winning 11 in a row since January 18, the Tigers now have multiple 10-game winning streaks in a season for the third time in team history (1990-91, 2018-19). This is the 16th double-digit winning streak in school history.Fort Hays State has surpassed the 20-win plateau for a 14th-consecutive season, the longest active streak in DII (Drury second with 11) and the fifth-longest streak in all NCAA women's basketball. The next-best stretch in the MIAA is just three seasons (MWSU, MSSU, PSU).Fort Hays State leads Division II in attendance this season, averaging 2,105 fans per home contest. That total would rank 84th in Division I and is more than 282 DI programs.Brooke Loewe is now the school's single-season assists leader with 177 this season, breaking a 34-year old record (1990-91). She has dished out 10 or more assists five times this season, a feat only one other MIAA player has accomplished more than once.Fort Hays State has had a Tiger student-athlete earn MIAA Athlete of the Week honors four times this season, more than any other school in the league (UCM, PSU three each). Both Katie DeGarmo&nbsp;and Olivia Hollenbeck&nbsp;have earned the recognition two times.DeGarmo has been named MIAA Athlete of the week each of the last two weeks, averaging 18.3 points and 11.0 rebounds over the last four games. She earned the award on February 17 after posting a pair of double-doubles in road wins at Emporia State (13p, 14r) and Newman (16p, 10r), averaging 14.5 ppg and 12.0 rpg for the week. She then put up season-highs with 27 points and 15 rebounds against Missouri Southern before tallying 17 points and five rebounds against No. 5 Pittsburg State to earn the award on February 24, averaging 22.0 points and 10.0 rebounds for the week. She has now earned the conference's weekly award seven times in her career and has done so multiple times in each of the last three seasons.Olivia Hollenbeck&nbsp;has also been named MIAA Athlete of the Week twice this season. The graduate student picked up the first honor of the season in November after averaging 24.0 points, 6.5 rebounds, 2.5 blocks and 2.5 steals per game in a pair of wins in St. Joseph, Mo. The graduate student opened the year with 29 points against Augustana, including 25 after halftime. She then averaged 24.5 points on 76 percent shooting (19-of-25) in a pair of home wins in February, including 22 points against NSU and 27 and four blocks against UAFS.The Tigers have both played and beaten UNK more than any other school in program history. Fort Hays State is 62-42 all-time against Nebraska-Kearney, including a 36-15 record at home and wins in the last two meetings. The Tigers are 2-0 against the Lopers under head coach talia Kahrs, including a 1-0 record at home. The Tigers are 18-6 against UNK in regular season MIAA meetings and 5-3 in games that reach overtime, including wins in the last five overtime meetings.The Lopers enter the week 19-7 overall and 12-5 in conference action, including a 7-4 record on the road. Nebraska-Kearney averages 72.5 points per night, sixth-best in the MIAA. Their scoring margin of plus-14.9 is third-best in the league. The Lopers average 26.8 points off the bench per game, best in the league and 25th-best in Division II. Jillian Aschoff leads a balanced offense with just 11.0 points per game, however five players average at least nine points per game with two more scoring more than six points per outing. Bailee Sobczak leads the conference with 3.2 offensive rebounds per game.

🏀🎧 LISTEN: #6 Tiger women conclude home schedule Wednesday vs. Lopers

Reporter Cristina Janney talks with Women Who Lead board member Nancy Jeter about their annual Power of the Purse fundraiser and their past and present projects on this episode of the Hays Post Podcast.

Tickets can be purchased at&nbsp;<a href="http://womenwholead.org/">womenwholead.org</a>. The deadline to purchase tickets is Friday.

<div><iframe title="Post Podcast: Women Who Lead - Power of the Purse" allowtransparency="true" height="300" width="100%" style="border: none; min-width: min(100%, 430px);height:300px;" scrolling="no" data-name="pb-iframe-player" src="https://www.podbean.com/player-v2/?from=embed&i=qy9du-1816c09-pb&square=1&share=1&download=1&fonts=Arial&skin=3267a3&font-color=auto&rtl=0&logo_link=podcast_page&btn-skin=60a0c8&size=300" loading="lazy" allowfullscreen=""></iframe></div>Reporter Cristina Janney talks with Women Who Lead board member Nancy Jeter about their annual Power of the Purse fundraiser and their past and present projects on this episode of the Hays Post Podcast.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/2/1740507392723.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Tickets can be purchased at&nbsp;<a href="http://womenwholead.org/">womenwholead.org</a>. The deadline to purchase tickets is Friday.

🎙 Post Podcast: Women Who Lead prepares for Power of Purse fundraiser

Wednesday, February 26
 KAYS: Tiger Talk,
12:15pm
 KJLS: Fort Hays State WMBKB vs. Nebraska-Kearney, 5:05pm
 KAYS: Hawk Talk with Bill Self, 6pm

Wednesday, February 26
 KAYS: Tiger Talk,
12:15pm
 KJLS: Fort Hays State WMBKB vs. Nebraska-Kearney, 5:05pm
 KAYS: Hawk Talk with Bill Self, 6pmThursday, February 27
 KHAZ: TMP-Marian WMBKB
vs. Medicine Lodge, 5:40pmFriday, February 28
 KFIX: Hays High MWBKB
vs. Great Bend, 5:40pmSaturday, March 1
 KAYS: Kansas MBKB vs.
Texas Tech, 11:30pm
 KJLS: Fort Hays State WMBKB at Nebraska-Kearney, 1:35pmSunday, March 2 none

The Fort Hays State men try for a 10th-straight win at home when they host Pittsburg State on Saturday, February 22, 2025 at Gross Memorial Coliseum in Hays, Kan.

The Fort Hays State men try for a 10th-straight win at home when they host Pittsburg State on Saturday, February 22, 2025 at Gross Memorial Coliseum in Hays, Kan.<div><iframe title="FHSU Rewind-MBB vs. Pittsburg State" 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=y7uut-181b6f8-pb&from=pb6admin&share=1&download=1&rtl=0&fonts=Arial&skin=1&font-color=auto&logo_link=episode_page&btn-skin=2" loading="lazy"></iframe></div>

🎧 Defend the Fort Podcast: FHSU Rewind-MBB vs. Pittsburg State

Ellis County EMS is mapping the locations of Automated External Defibrillators across the county using an app.

The PulsePoint AED app, available for download on <a href="https://apps.apple.com/us/app/pulsepoint-aed/id867150971">iOS</a>&nbsp;and <a href="https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=org.pulsepoint.aeds.android&amp;hl=en_US">Android</a>, maps community AED locations and alerts trained responders to nearby emergencies.

Ellis County EMS Director Danita Schroeder said the Kansas Board of EMS adopted the app in January 2024, emphasizing its potential to save lives.

“If you have CPR done early, then somebody arrives with an AED, and they’re able to give that shock and restart the heart, your chances of survival are so much greater with that,” Schroeder said.

The app monitors users' locations and sends alerts when a nearby AED is needed, assisting first responders in quickly accessing the devices.

Schroeder said the map does not show all AEDs in the area, as private units designated for staff use may not be publicly accessible.

"For instance, the Kansas Highway Patrol has one in their office, but they're a police entity, and it's not really open to the public," she said.

Businesses and public spaces can obtain AEDs without special permission. Schroeder said many organizations secure them through grants, while others purchase them for home use.

Each county appoints an administrator to oversee AED tracking, with Schroeder managing the process in Ellis County.

Businesses and organizations can list their AEDs on the PulsePoint <a href="https://www.pulsepoint.org/">website</a>.

The app includes features like CPR and AED instructions. Ellis County EMS also provides AED training and offers CPR classes throughout February for&nbsp;American Heart Month.

<a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/28be10df-aaaf-4c16-abb8-1dcd22d94570">SEE RELATED STORY:&nbsp;Ellis County EMS to host CPR classes this month in Hays</a>

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/1/1735914191342.jpg" alt="Courtesy of Pixabay" />
 <figcaption>Courtesy of Pixabay</figcaption>
 </figure>By TONY GUERRERO Hays PostEllis County EMS is mapping the locations of Automated External Defibrillators across the county using an app.The PulsePoint AED app, available for download on <a href="https://apps.apple.com/us/app/pulsepoint-aed/id867150971">iOS</a>&nbsp;and <a href="https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=org.pulsepoint.aeds.android&amp;hl=en_US">Android</a>, maps community AED locations and alerts trained responders to nearby emergencies.Ellis County EMS Director Danita Schroeder said the Kansas Board of EMS adopted the app in January 2024, emphasizing its potential to save lives.“If you have CPR done early, then somebody arrives with an AED, and they’re able to give that shock and restart the heart, your chances of survival are so much greater with that,” Schroeder said.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/2/1739995962242.jpeg" alt="The map of the PulsePoint AED app over Fort Hays State University" />
 <figcaption>The map of the PulsePoint AED app over Fort Hays State University</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/2/1739995984258.jpeg" alt="The map of the PulsePoint AED app over the Sternberg Museum of Natural History in Hays" />
 <figcaption>The map of the PulsePoint AED app over the Sternberg Museum of Natural History in Hays</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/2/1739996011793.jpeg" alt="A description of the AED located at the Sternberg Museum of Natural History in Hays" />
 <figcaption>A description of the AED located at the Sternberg Museum of Natural History in Hays</figcaption>
 </figure>The app monitors users' locations and sends alerts when a nearby AED is needed, assisting first responders in quickly accessing the devices.Schroeder said the map does not show all AEDs in the area, as private units designated for staff use may not be publicly accessible."For instance, the Kansas Highway Patrol has one in their office, but they're a police entity, and it's not really open to the public," she said.Businesses and public spaces can obtain AEDs without special permission. Schroeder said many organizations secure them through grants, while others purchase them for home use.Each county appoints an administrator to oversee AED tracking, with Schroeder managing the process in Ellis County.Businesses and organizations can list their AEDs on the PulsePoint <a href="https://www.pulsepoint.org/">website</a>.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/2/1739996218002.jpeg" alt="Guides on how to conduct CPR and use an AED in the PulsePoint AED app" />
 <figcaption>Guides on how to conduct CPR and use an AED in the PulsePoint AED app</figcaption>
 </figure>The app includes features like CPR and AED instructions. Ellis County EMS also provides AED training and offers CPR classes throughout February for&nbsp;American Heart Month.<a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/28be10df-aaaf-4c16-abb8-1dcd22d94570">SEE RELATED STORY:&nbsp;Ellis County EMS to host CPR classes this month in Hays</a>

Ellis County EMS maps AED locations with app to improve emergency response

Ellis County Conservation District

The Trego, Ellis, and Russell County Conservation Districts will be hosting a Local Working Group (LWG) meeting on Thursday, February 27, 2025, at 1:00 p.m. at Hays Public Library, 1205 Main Street, Hays, KS 67601. 

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/2/1739899008209.jpeg" alt="Ellis County Conservation District" />
 <figcaption>Ellis County Conservation District</figcaption>
 </figure>Ellis County Conservation DistrictThe Trego, Ellis, and Russell County Conservation Districts will be hosting a Local Working Group (LWG) meeting on Thursday, February 27, 2025, at 1:00 p.m. at Hays Public Library, 1205 Main Street, Hays, KS 67601. This event is open to the public at no cost.The purpose of this meeting is to make recommendations to the Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) State Conservationist related to addressing natural resource concerns at local level.“LWGs are important because they provide recommendations on local and state natural resource priorities and criteria for U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) conservation activities and programs. It is critical that the ‘boots on the ground’ have a voice in the process,” said Dan Meyerhoff, executive director for the Kansas Association of Conservation Districts.According to Meyerhoff, the LWG should be diverse and focus on agricultural interests and natural resource issues existing in the community. Membership should include agricultural producers representing the variety of crops, livestock, and poultry raised within the local area; owners of nonindustrial private forest land, representatives of agricultural and environmental organizations; and governmental agencies carrying out agricultural and natural resource conservation and activities. LWGs also take into account concerns of particular historically underserved groups and individuals including but not limited to women, persons with disabilities, socially disadvantaged, and limited resource groups.To request more information about LWGs, contact the Trego Conservation District or NRCS staff by calling 785-743-2191 Extension 3. Individuals can also request information to participate virtually in the meeting.