Ernest “Ernie”
Adair Kroeger, age 91 of Hays, Kansas passed away Thursday, May 29, 2025, at
Via Christi Village. He was born on October 4, 1933, in Ellis, Kansas to Katie
(Gashler) and Charles Kroeger. Ernest graduated from Ellis High School and on
August 21, 1954, he married Darlene Kroeger in St. Mary’s Church in Ellis.

Ernie’s career
included Ogallah and Penokee Co-op, owner of Ernie’s Pro Hardware, Enterprise,
American Electric and St. John’s Rest Home. He was a Veteran of the U.S. Army,
an honorary Life Member of the 3rd Degree Knights of Columbus and a
4th Degree member of the Bishop Cunningham Assembly and did
missionary work at Saint Paul's church in Crown Point, New Mexico. Ernie
enjoyed watching Fort Hays basketball as a season ticket holder. He was an avid
puzzler, auction goer, and volunteered when needed.

Ernie is
survived by three daughters, Lynette Wasinger and husband Jerry of Hays,
LouWayne Davidson and husband Rick of Hays and Lori Newell and husband Galen of
Wichita. Grandchildren, Joel Wasinger and Blake Wasinger and wife Teresa, Ben,
Brett and Bryce Davidson, Chris Newell and wife Kara and Nicole Mannion and
husband Alex as well as his great grandchildren, Maddison and Matthew Wasinger,
Owen, Sadie, Kennedy and Hayden Newell, Brayden, Hadley and Avery Mannion.

He was preceded
in death by his parents, wife, five brothers and one sister.

Mass of
Christian burial will be Wednesday, June 4, 2025, at 10:30 AM at St. Nicholas
of Myra Catholic Church, 2901 East 13th Street Hays, Kansas 67601. Recitation
of the Rosary will be at 10:00 AM prior to services at the church.&nbsp;
Inurnment, inclusive of Military Honors, will follow the mass at 2:00 PM in the
State of Kansas Veterans Cemetery - WaKeeney, Kansas.

Memories and
words of comfort may be shared on Ernie's tribute page via:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.keithleyfuneralchapels.com/">www.keithleyfuneralchapels.com</a>&nbsp;

In lieu of
flowers, memorials are suggested to St. Nicholas of Myra Catholic Church and/or
St. Paul's Church - Crown Point, New Mexico in care of the funeral chapel.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/5/1748701627262.jpeg" alt="Ernest 'Ernie' Kroeger" />
 <figcaption>Ernest 'Ernie' Kroeger</figcaption>
 </figure>Ernest “Ernie”
Adair Kroeger, age 91 of Hays, Kansas passed away Thursday, May 29, 2025, at
Via Christi Village. He was born on October 4, 1933, in Ellis, Kansas to Katie
(Gashler) and Charles Kroeger. Ernest graduated from Ellis High School and on
August 21, 1954, he married Darlene Kroeger in St. Mary’s Church in Ellis.Ernie’s career
included Ogallah and Penokee Co-op, owner of Ernie’s Pro Hardware, Enterprise,
American Electric and St. John’s Rest Home. He was a Veteran of the U.S. Army,
an honorary Life Member of the 3rd Degree Knights of Columbus and a
4th Degree member of the Bishop Cunningham Assembly and did
missionary work at Saint Paul's church in Crown Point, New Mexico. Ernie
enjoyed watching Fort Hays basketball as a season ticket holder. He was an avid
puzzler, auction goer, and volunteered when needed.Ernie is
survived by three daughters, Lynette Wasinger and husband Jerry of Hays,
LouWayne Davidson and husband Rick of Hays and Lori Newell and husband Galen of
Wichita. Grandchildren, Joel Wasinger and Blake Wasinger and wife Teresa, Ben,
Brett and Bryce Davidson, Chris Newell and wife Kara and Nicole Mannion and
husband Alex as well as his great grandchildren, Maddison and Matthew Wasinger,
Owen, Sadie, Kennedy and Hayden Newell, Brayden, Hadley and Avery Mannion.He was preceded
in death by his parents, wife, five brothers and one sister.Mass of
Christian burial will be Wednesday, June 4, 2025, at 10:30 AM at St. Nicholas
of Myra Catholic Church, 2901 East 13th Street Hays, Kansas 67601. Recitation
of the Rosary will be at 10:00 AM prior to services at the church.&nbsp;
Inurnment, inclusive of Military Honors, will follow the mass at 2:00 PM in the
State of Kansas Veterans Cemetery - WaKeeney, Kansas.Memories and
words of comfort may be shared on Ernie's tribute page via:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.keithleyfuneralchapels.com/">www.keithleyfuneralchapels.com</a>&nbsp;In lieu of
flowers, memorials are suggested to St. Nicholas of Myra Catholic Church and/or
St. Paul's Church - Crown Point, New Mexico in care of the funeral chapel.

Ernest 'Ernie' Kroeger

On any given morning, a friendly voice welcomes incoming phone callers to FHSU. Morgan Fischer is one of those friendly voices, giving directions to campus, helping with student schedules, and making sure each caller has their specific needs met.

Morgan will graduate from FHSU on Saturday with a bachelor’s degree in biology and a concentration in health professions. A former FHSU soccer player, Morgan’s legacy at the university stretches back to her grandpa, who took classes at FHSU. Her mother and numerous aunts, uncles, and cousins have also attended the university.

Ever enthusiastic and cheerful, Morgan is the sort of person who lights up a room when she enters. She transferred from Butler Community College to FHSU as a junior and has worked as a TigerTech Tier 1 student employee since. In addition, Morgan is a substitute teacher at USD 489 on days that she doesn’t have classes. This summer, she will apply to medical schools with the hope of one day becoming a primary care physician in a rural area.

As a TigerTech student employee, Morgan has had many opportunities to assist others, finding her on-campus work highly rewarding.

“A lot of my job involves helping people get their FHSU accounts set up, which can be exciting because we can help them start off on the right foot,” Morgan said. “We have to ask a lot of questions and troubleshoot to figure out what people specifically need. It’s kind of like putting pieces together to get the caller to the right place.”

Morgan and her TigerTech team members, a group of twelve students from varied majors and hometowns, interact with students, FHSU faculty, and staff, as well as retired FHSU faculty.

“Working at TigerTech has definitely opened my eyes to the number of people it takes for the university to run smoothly,” Morgan said. “It has been cool to see behind the scenes of every little detail that goes into just one person having a successful time at Fort Hays.”

When hiring, Michelle Schlyer, TigerTech Tier 1 Help Desk Coordinator, said she looks for student employees who can contribute diverse knowledge to the team. Her team includes students from a variety of majors, co-curricular activities, urban, rural, and local backgrounds.

“I feel like all those different ways of life bring character to the job and that makes us diverse, so we can get to know our customers better,” Michelle said. “It’s important that the students come from different backgrounds because that makes our knowledge base wider.”

When the TigerTech phone rings, Michelle said, her team never knows what sort of question might come from the other end of the line.

“They could call and ask the time of graduation, or they could ask the first day of the fall semester,” she said. “They could ask for a password reset or help after being locked out of their account. Maybe they need help building a schedule on Workday, or they got a phishing email.”

TigerTech is made up of Tier 1 and Tier 2 assistants. Tier 2 employees install computer hardware, software, classroom support, and other technology assistance. Tier 1 employees are the first point of contact, triaging the assistance a customer needs.

TigerTech serves as campus directory assistance. By dialing zero from any campus phone, a caller can be connected to any phone on campus. In addition, TigerTech Tier 1 student employees help navigate FHSU systems.

Morgan is a model student employee, according to Michelle.

“She never seems to have a bad day,” Michelle said. “She is very patient, and she is a leader. Her co-workers look up to her, and I like that she is always positive with her ideas and solutions.”

Off-campus jobs often pay more than on-campus jobs, but Michelle pointed out that the flexibility of scheduling is a big plus when it comes to on-campus positions.

“Here you are a student first,” she said. “We will work around that.”

Letting go of her student employees when they graduate from FHSU is a bittersweet moment for Michelle, who once was an FHSU student employee herself. Her consolation is that her student employees often maintain connections with her, informing her of significant life events such as marriages and births.

“Student workers become such a big part of our university,” she said. “And I don’t think we always give them the credit that we should. They keep us going. They are the heartbeat of everything we do here.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/5/1747229372697.jpeg" alt="Morgan Fischer. Courtesy photo" />
 <figcaption>Morgan Fischer. Courtesy photo</figcaption>
 </figure>FHSU University CommunicationsOn any given morning, a friendly voice welcomes incoming phone callers to FHSU. Morgan Fischer is one of those friendly voices, giving directions to campus, helping with student schedules, and making sure each caller has their specific needs met.Morgan will graduate from FHSU on Saturday with a bachelor’s degree in biology and a concentration in health professions. A former FHSU soccer player, Morgan’s legacy at the university stretches back to her grandpa, who took classes at FHSU. Her mother and numerous aunts, uncles, and cousins have also attended the university.Ever enthusiastic and cheerful, Morgan is the sort of person who lights up a room when she enters. She transferred from Butler Community College to FHSU as a junior and has worked as a TigerTech Tier 1 student employee since. In addition, Morgan is a substitute teacher at USD 489 on days that she doesn’t have classes. This summer, she will apply to medical schools with the hope of one day becoming a primary care physician in a rural area.As a TigerTech student employee, Morgan has had many opportunities to assist others, finding her on-campus work highly rewarding.“A lot of my job involves helping people get their FHSU accounts set up, which can be exciting because we can help them start off on the right foot,” Morgan said. “We have to ask a lot of questions and troubleshoot to figure out what people specifically need. It’s kind of like putting pieces together to get the caller to the right place.”Morgan and her TigerTech team members, a group of twelve students from varied majors and hometowns, interact with students, FHSU faculty, and staff, as well as retired FHSU faculty.“Working at TigerTech has definitely opened my eyes to the number of people it takes for the university to run smoothly,” Morgan said. “It has been cool to see behind the scenes of every little detail that goes into just one person having a successful time at Fort Hays.”When hiring, Michelle Schlyer, TigerTech Tier 1 Help Desk Coordinator, said she looks for student employees who can contribute diverse knowledge to the team. Her team includes students from a variety of majors, co-curricular activities, urban, rural, and local backgrounds.“I feel like all those different ways of life bring character to the job and that makes us diverse, so we can get to know our customers better,” Michelle said. “It’s important that the students come from different backgrounds because that makes our knowledge base wider.”When the TigerTech phone rings, Michelle said, her team never knows what sort of question might come from the other end of the line.“They could call and ask the time of graduation, or they could ask the first day of the fall semester,” she said. “They could ask for a password reset or help after being locked out of their account. Maybe they need help building a schedule on Workday, or they got a phishing email.”“It’s a little bit of everything.”TigerTech is made up of Tier 1 and Tier 2 assistants. Tier 2 employees install computer hardware, software, classroom support, and other technology assistance. Tier 1 employees are the first point of contact, triaging the assistance a customer needs.TigerTech serves as campus directory assistance. By dialing zero from any campus phone, a caller can be connected to any phone on campus. In addition, TigerTech Tier 1 student employees help navigate FHSU systems.Morgan is a model student employee, according to Michelle.“She never seems to have a bad day,” Michelle said. “She is very patient, and she is a leader. Her co-workers look up to her, and I like that she is always positive with her ideas and solutions.”Off-campus jobs often pay more than on-campus jobs, but Michelle pointed out that the flexibility of scheduling is a big plus when it comes to on-campus positions.“Here you are a student first,” she said. “We will work around that.”Letting go of her student employees when they graduate from FHSU is a bittersweet moment for Michelle, who once was an FHSU student employee herself. Her consolation is that her student employees often maintain connections with her, informing her of significant life events such as marriages and births.“Student workers become such a big part of our university,” she said. “And I don’t think we always give them the credit that we should. They keep us going. They are the heartbeat of everything we do here.”

From TigerTech to med school: Morgan Fischer’s FHSU journey

Darlene
Jean Kroeger, age 91, of Hays, Kansas passed away Friday, May 2, 2025, at Hays
Medical Center. She was born January 6, 1934, in Ellis, Kansas to John J. and
Katie (Lang) Augustine. Darlene graduated from Ellis High School and on August
21, 1954, she married Ernest “Ernie” Kroeger at St. Mary’s Church in Ellis.



Darlene was a co-owner of Ernie’s Pro Hardware in Hill City and while living in
Hill City she also worked for the USD 281 Board office. After moving to Hays,
she was an office manager at Alco and volunteered at the Community Assistance
Center. She enjoyed embroidery work, and volunteering as needed. Darlene and
Ernie especially enjoyed spending time together antiquing, attending Fort Hays
State University Basketball games which they were long time season ticket
holders as well as their trips to do mission work every year at St. Paul’s
Church in Crown Point, New Mexico. She was a member of St. Nicholas of Myra
Catholic Church in Hays, Daughters of Isabella and the Ladies Guild.



Darlene is survived by her husband, Ernie of Hays; three daughters, Lynette
Wasinger and husband Jerry of Hays, LouWayne Davidson and husband Rick of Hays
and Lori Newell and husband Galen of Wichita; two sisters, Sheila Fabrick of
Minnesota and Joyce Schmidt of Manhattan, Kansas; grandchildren, Joel Wasinger
and Blake Wasinger and wife Teresa, Ben, Brett and Bryce Davidson, Chris Newell
and wife Kara and Nicole Mannion and husband Alex as well as her great
grandchildren, Maddison and Matthew Wasinger, Owen, Sadie, Kennedy and Hayden
Newell, Brayden, Hadley and Avery Mannion.



She was preceded in death by her parents.



Funeral services will be May 19th at 10:30 AM at St. Nicholas of Myra Catholic
Church in Hays. Inurnment will follow at 2:00 PM in the Kansas State Veterans'
Cemetery in WaKeeney, Kansas.



Memorial visitation will be Monday, May 19th 9:30 AM - 10:00 AM with a D of I
rosary service at 10:00 AM all at the church.



Memorial contributions are suggested to St. Nicholas of Myra Church, St. Paul's
Church in Crown Point, New Mexico or The American Diabetes Association


Please share memories on Darlene's tribute page at <a href="http://www.keithleyfuneralchapels.com">www.keithleyfuneralchapels.com</a>.



Arrangements in care of Keithley Funeral Homes and Crematory-Brock’s Chapel
2509 Vine Hays, KS 67601.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/5/1747141036613.jpeg" alt="Darlene Jean Kroeger" />
 <figcaption>Darlene Jean Kroeger</figcaption>
 </figure>Darlene
Jean Kroeger, age 91, of Hays, Kansas passed away Friday, May 2, 2025, at Hays
Medical Center. She was born January 6, 1934, in Ellis, Kansas to John J. and
Katie (Lang) Augustine. Darlene graduated from Ellis High School and on August
21, 1954, she married Ernest “Ernie” Kroeger at St. Mary’s Church in Ellis.

Darlene was a co-owner of Ernie’s Pro Hardware in Hill City and while living in
Hill City she also worked for the USD 281 Board office. After moving to Hays,
she was an office manager at Alco and volunteered at the Community Assistance
Center. She enjoyed embroidery work, and volunteering as needed. Darlene and
Ernie especially enjoyed spending time together antiquing, attending Fort Hays
State University Basketball games which they were long time season ticket
holders as well as their trips to do mission work every year at St. Paul’s
Church in Crown Point, New Mexico. She was a member of St. Nicholas of Myra
Catholic Church in Hays, Daughters of Isabella and the Ladies Guild.

Darlene is survived by her husband, Ernie of Hays; three daughters, Lynette
Wasinger and husband Jerry of Hays, LouWayne Davidson and husband Rick of Hays
and Lori Newell and husband Galen of Wichita; two sisters, Sheila Fabrick of
Minnesota and Joyce Schmidt of Manhattan, Kansas; grandchildren, Joel Wasinger
and Blake Wasinger and wife Teresa, Ben, Brett and Bryce Davidson, Chris Newell
and wife Kara and Nicole Mannion and husband Alex as well as her great
grandchildren, Maddison and Matthew Wasinger, Owen, Sadie, Kennedy and Hayden
Newell, Brayden, Hadley and Avery Mannion.

She was preceded in death by her parents.

Funeral services will be May 19th at 10:30 AM at St. Nicholas of Myra Catholic
Church in Hays. Inurnment will follow at 2:00 PM in the Kansas State Veterans'
Cemetery in WaKeeney, Kansas.

Memorial visitation will be Monday, May 19th 9:30 AM - 10:00 AM with a D of I
rosary service at 10:00 AM all at the church.

Memorial contributions are suggested to St. Nicholas of Myra Church, St. Paul's
Church in Crown Point, New Mexico or The American Diabetes Association

Please share memories on Darlene's tribute page at <a href="http://www.keithleyfuneralchapels.com">www.keithleyfuneralchapels.com</a>.

Arrangements in care of Keithley Funeral Homes and Crematory-Brock’s Chapel
2509 Vine Hays, KS 67601.

Darlene Jean Kroeger

By CRISTINA JANNEY Hays Post

The Hays USD 489 school board approved a&nbsp;$59,449 change order for the new Hays High School at its meeting Monday night.

This brings the total for the project to $114,963,731 and leaves $422,141 of the original $1 million in the project's contingency fund.

The change order included the following items: 1. Relocated wall cabinets and countertops in the journalism lab 2. Relocated markerboards in the journalism classroom 3. Gymnasium athletic court alignments 4. Deletion of gymnasium wrestling mat hoists 5. Revisions to the Performing Arts Center return air HVAC system 6. Addition of wood-finish grilles in the Performing Arts Center for the return air HVAC system 7. Design clarifications to Dressing Room power and lighting plans. 8. Revised Specification Section 087100 – Door Hardware 9. Addition of a wall for the school resource officer's office 10. Relocation of mechanical HVAC and electrical systems in the SRO office 11. Addition of a fire alarm device in SRO office 12. Addition of a new door frame and door for SRO office 13. Design clarifications to the vault finish plan 14. Lowering of the ceiling grid system in Area E commons to accommodate MEP elevations 15. Clarifications to motorized shade control switches in the commons area

The change orders included two deletions: two wrestling mat hoists and one volleyball court for the main gym.

Superintendent Ron Wilson said they thought they could fit three volleyball courts in the main gym, but they could only fit two. The new high school will have two volleyball courts in the main gym and two in gym B.

This is the fourth change order approved on the project.

Nabholz Construction estimates the first sections of the high school will reach substantial completion by July 7. This will include the classroom wings.

The athletic wings, concession stand, and fields and stadium will reach substantial completion by Aug. 13, a Nabholz representative said.

The bond total now stands at $162.8 million.

<a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/6ad3de3f-ac12-4721-b09f-f8c2367b44a3">Dirt work is ongoing at the $15.8 million O'Loughlin Elementary School project. </a>That will include street and parking improvements that will ease congestion during pick-up and drop-off.&nbsp;

The 12,000-square-foot addition will include a new cafeteria, commercial kitchen, art room and secure entrance.&nbsp;The Nabholz representative said the work at O'Loughlin is on schedule.

Work will begin this summer on renovations of the current high school into a middle school. That project is estimated to cost $6.47 million. Students and staff are set to move into the renovated space in January.

Once the current middle school is vacated, it will be renovated into an elementary school. That project is estimated to cost $3.8 million.

A renovation and addition at Roosevelt Elementary School is already complete.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/5/1747102332641.jpeg" alt="Progress on the Hays High softball field and football field. Courtesy photo" />
 <figcaption>Progress on the Hays High softball field and football field. Courtesy photo</figcaption>
 </figure>By CRISTINA JANNEY Hays PostThe Hays USD 489 school board approved a&nbsp;$59,449 change order for the new Hays High School at its meeting Monday night.This brings the total for the project to $114,963,731 and leaves $422,141 of the original $1 million in the project's contingency fund.The change order included the following items: 1. Relocated wall cabinets and countertops in the journalism lab 2. Relocated markerboards in the journalism classroom 3. Gymnasium athletic court alignments 4. Deletion of gymnasium wrestling mat hoists 5. Revisions to the Performing Arts Center return air HVAC system 6. Addition of wood-finish grilles in the Performing Arts Center for the return air HVAC system 7. Design clarifications to Dressing Room power and lighting plans. 8. Revised Specification Section 087100 – Door Hardware 9. Addition of a wall for the school resource officer's office 10. Relocation of mechanical HVAC and electrical systems in the SRO office 11. Addition of a fire alarm device in SRO office 12. Addition of a new door frame and door for SRO office 13. Design clarifications to the vault finish plan 14. Lowering of the ceiling grid system in Area E commons to accommodate MEP elevations 15. Clarifications to motorized shade control switches in the commons areaThe change orders included two deletions: two wrestling mat hoists and one volleyball court for the main gym.Superintendent Ron Wilson said they thought they could fit three volleyball courts in the main gym, but they could only fit two. The new high school will have two volleyball courts in the main gym and two in gym B.This is the fourth change order approved on the project.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/5/1747102812535.jpeg" alt="Hays High Performing Arts Center, Courtesy photos" />
 <figcaption>Hays High Performing Arts Center, Courtesy photos</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/5/1747103377280.jpeg" alt="(Left) Hays High Commercial kitchen and classroom corridor, middle. Courtesy photo" />
 <figcaption>(Left) Hays High Commercial kitchen and classroom corridor, middle. Courtesy photo</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/5/1747103407431.jpeg" alt="Hays High School main gym (left), Hall of Fame trophy area (middle) and gym B (right) Courtesy photos" />
 <figcaption>Hays High School main gym (left), Hall of Fame trophy area (middle) and gym B (right) Courtesy photos</figcaption>
 </figure>Nabholz Construction estimates the first sections of the high school will reach substantial completion by July 7. This will include the classroom wings.The athletic wings, concession stand, and fields and stadium will reach substantial completion by Aug. 13, a Nabholz representative said.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/5/1747103454732.jpeg" alt="Hays High School budget" />
 <figcaption>Hays High School budget</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/5/1747102661334.jpeg" alt="Bond projects budget as of May 2" />
 <figcaption>Bond projects budget as of May 2</figcaption>
 </figure>The bond total now stands at $162.8 million.<a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/6ad3de3f-ac12-4721-b09f-f8c2367b44a3">Dirt work is ongoing at the $15.8 million O'Loughlin Elementary School project. </a>That will include street and parking improvements that will ease congestion during pick-up and drop-off.&nbsp;The 12,000-square-foot addition will include a new cafeteria, commercial kitchen, art room and secure entrance.&nbsp;The Nabholz representative said the work at O'Loughlin is on schedule.Work will begin this summer on renovations of the current high school into a middle school. That project is estimated to cost $6.47 million. Students and staff are set to move into the renovated space in January.Once the current middle school is vacated, it will be renovated into an elementary school. That project is estimated to cost $3.8 million.A renovation and addition at Roosevelt Elementary School is already complete.

Hays USD 489 school board approves HHS change order, hears bond update

By BECKY KISER Hays Post

Hays has one of the highest participation rates among Kansas's 40 or so municipal recycling programs.

About 80% of Hays residential customers are putting out their blue bags to be picked up at their homes by the recycling crew from the Solid Waste division of the Public Works Department.&nbsp;

There's no collection fee charged for the recycling program.

Blue bags are available for purchase at several locations in Hays, including Walmart, Dillons, and Westlake Ace Hardware.

Paper and cardboard go in one blue or clear plastic bag and a second co-mingled bag is filled with plastic containers No. 1-No. 7, glass jars, and aluminum and tin cans.

There's also the option of dropping recyclables off at the recycling center,&nbsp;1780 W. 55th St., in the metal collection bins just outside the building.

Any area resident is allowed to utilize the drop-off bins at the processing center north of Hays.&nbsp;

"We get a lot of people from Rooks County coming in. We also had a woman from Hill City call and say they were coming to Hays to shop and wanted to know if they could drop off their recyclables," said Steve Dreiling, foreman, "and they did. We allow that."&nbsp;

"The city of Hays has one of the finest recycling programs in the state of Kansas," said Marvin Honas,&nbsp;Solid Waste Division superintendent. 

The local program has been recognized several times by the Kansas Department of Health and Environment.

"That's all due to our citizens. They're the ones that make this program work," Honas said.&nbsp;&nbsp;

It started 24 years ago with an intensive public education program focusing on school children.

"They'd get the information and then take it home to educate their parents," Honas said. "Our hat goes off to our customers for their devotion to our program."

It's easy to utilize, and the city knows its residents want to feel good about keeping trash out of the waste stream.

Jesse Rohr, public works director, said although the city is paid for some of its recyclables, the popular program is not a money-maker.

Currently, <a href="https://www.internationalpaper.com/recycling/locations/wichita-recycling">International Paper of Wichita</a> pays $85 a ton for Hays'&nbsp; cardboard/paper bales, which weigh almost 1,500 pounds each. A semi-trailer is filled with 31 bales every 10 days and then is picked up by International Paper and taken to Wichita. An empty trailer is left in its place.

The plastics are driven in a roll-off to <a href="https://www.stutzmanrefuse.com/">Stutzman Refuse Disposal in Hutchinson</a> by Hays employees every four days.

The city pays Stutzman to accept the co-mingled loads.&nbsp;

"Right now, we pay to get rid of it, about $25,000 a year currently," said Rohr.

The recyclables market fluctuates widely.

It has plummeted at times to as low as $5 a ton for paper. Recycled plastics have often been less desirable than paper, although the industry is on the upswing, according to numerous financial market analyses.

Several years ago, city commissioners discussed whether is was financially feasible to continue the recycling program. They decided to keep it going.

"We get some revenue that helps us sustain the program," Rohr said.&nbsp;"We just try to recoup our costs."&nbsp;

Every weekday, the recycling crew hits the streets at 7 a.m. to pick up the recycling.

Workers tear open the blue bags and dump the contents into the paper/cardboard or the co-mingles compartment. The blue bags are kept separate and will wind up as trash.

The weekday route is completed by about noon. In the afternoon, employees process the loads at the recycling center.

The city just purchased a new paper baler for $124,000, replacing the original machine, which ran 24 years.

"This program is a well-oiled machine," Rohr said.

Dreiling said there are some things the city cannot recycle and won't accept.

"We do not accept bubble wrap, Styrofoam, any kind of plastic wrapping or plastic shopping bags. Some things may say they're recyclable but they're not recyclable in our program."

If you're unsure whether something is accepted in Hays, Dreiling advises calling the Public Works office at 785-628-7350 or checking the city's <a href="https://www.haysusa.com/DocumentCenter/View/376/Recycling-Pamphlet-PDF">website</a>.

The eight-man crew is used to working in less-than-perfect weather conditions.

"If it's windy, you can put a rock on the blue bags to keep them from blowing away. If it's raining, we'll still pick it up," Dreiling said. "The cardboard will dry out."

Even though the city offers a recycling program, Honas said the best way to make a difference in the amount of trash produced is to "reduce your consumption, reuse or repurposes what you can, and then recycle."

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/11/1732211407967.png" alt="The blue bag recycling program in Hays has an 80% participation rate among residential customers. Courtesy photo" />
 <figcaption>The blue bag recycling program in Hays has an 80% participation rate among residential customers. Courtesy photo</figcaption>
 </figure>By BECKY KISER Hays PostHays has one of the highest participation rates among Kansas's 40 or so municipal recycling programs.About 80% of Hays residential customers are putting out their blue bags to be picked up at their homes by the recycling crew from the Solid Waste division of the Public Works Department.&nbsp;There's no collection fee charged for the recycling program.<div><iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/-VRO_tdhTFM?si=o7Cv4usHNmug9Dnv" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" referrerpolicy="strict-origin-when-cross-origin" allowfullscreen></iframe></div>Blue bags are available for purchase at several locations in Hays, including Walmart, Dillons, and Westlake Ace Hardware.Paper and cardboard go in one blue or clear plastic bag and a second co-mingled bag is filled with plastic containers No. 1-No. 7, glass jars, and aluminum and tin cans.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/11/1732211805743.jpeg" alt="Exterior recycling bins for cardboard and co-mingled plastics, glass and metals are available for the public outside the Hays Recycling Center,&nbsp;1780 W. 55th St. Photo by Becky Kiser/Hays Post" />
 <figcaption>Exterior recycling bins for cardboard and co-mingled plastics, glass and metals are available for the public outside the Hays Recycling Center,&nbsp;1780 W. 55th St. Photo by Becky Kiser/Hays Post</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/11/1732211964420.jpeg" alt="Photo by Becky Kiser/Hays Post" />
 <figcaption>Photo by Becky Kiser/Hays Post</figcaption>
 </figure>There's also the option of dropping recyclables off at the recycling center,&nbsp;1780 W. 55th St., in the metal collection bins just outside the building.Any area resident is allowed to utilize the drop-off bins at the processing center north of Hays.&nbsp;"We get a lot of people from Rooks County coming in. We also had a woman from Hill City call and say they were coming to Hays to shop and wanted to know if they could drop off their recyclables," said Steve Dreiling, foreman, "and they did. We allow that."&nbsp;"The city of Hays has one of the finest recycling programs in the state of Kansas," said Marvin Honas,&nbsp;Solid Waste Division superintendent. The local program has been recognized several times by the Kansas Department of Health and Environment."That's all due to our citizens. They're the ones that make this program work," Honas said.&nbsp;&nbsp;It started 24 years ago with an intensive public education program focusing on school children."They'd get the information and then take it home to educate their parents," Honas said. "Our hat goes off to our customers for their devotion to our program."It's easy to utilize, and the city knows its residents want to feel good about keeping trash out of the waste stream.Jesse Rohr, public works director, said although the city is paid for some of its recyclables, the popular program is not a money-maker.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/11/1732210848048.jpeg" alt="Recyclable paper bales loaded into a semi-trailer at the Hays Recycling Center to be processed by International Paper in Wichita. Photo by Becky Kiser/Hays Post" />
 <figcaption>Recyclable paper bales loaded into a semi-trailer at the Hays Recycling Center to be processed by International Paper in Wichita. Photo by Becky Kiser/Hays Post</figcaption>
 </figure>Currently, <a href="https://www.internationalpaper.com/recycling/locations/wichita-recycling">International Paper of Wichita</a> pays $85 a ton for Hays'&nbsp; cardboard/paper bales, which weigh almost 1,500 pounds each. A semi-trailer is filled with 31 bales every 10 days and then is picked up by International Paper and taken to Wichita. An empty trailer is left in its place.The plastics are driven in a roll-off to <a href="https://www.stutzmanrefuse.com/">Stutzman Refuse Disposal in Hutchinson</a> by Hays employees every four days.The city pays Stutzman to accept the co-mingled loads.&nbsp;"Right now, we pay to get rid of it, about $25,000 a year currently," said Rohr.The recyclables market fluctuates widely.It has plummeted at times to as low as $5 a ton for paper. Recycled plastics have often been less desirable than paper, although the industry is on the upswing, according to numerous financial market analyses.Several years ago, city commissioners discussed whether is was financially feasible to continue the recycling program. They decided to keep it going."We get some revenue that helps us sustain the program," Rohr said.&nbsp;"We just try to recoup our costs."&nbsp;<div><iframe width="640" height="360" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/YsAx8vD3ixQ" title="Hays Recycling Program" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" referrerpolicy="strict-origin-when-cross-origin" allowfullscreen></iframe></div>Every weekday, the recycling crew hits the streets at 7 a.m. to pick up the recycling.Workers tear open the blue bags and dump the contents into the paper/cardboard or the co-mingles compartment. The blue bags are kept separate and will wind up as trash.The weekday route is completed by about noon. In the afternoon, employees process the loads at the recycling center.The city just purchased a new paper baler for $124,000, replacing the original machine, which ran 24 years."This program is a well-oiled machine," Rohr said.Dreiling said there are some things the city cannot recycle and won't accept."We do not accept bubble wrap, Styrofoam, any kind of plastic wrapping or plastic shopping bags. Some things may say they're recyclable but they're not recyclable in our program."If you're unsure whether something is accepted in Hays, Dreiling advises calling the Public Works office at 785-628-7350 or checking the city's <a href="https://www.haysusa.com/DocumentCenter/View/376/Recycling-Pamphlet-PDF">website</a>.The eight-man crew is used to working in less-than-perfect weather conditions."If it's windy, you can put a rock on the blue bags to keep them from blowing away. If it's raining, we'll still pick it up," Dreiling said. "The cardboard will dry out."<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/11/1732294100107.jpeg" alt="Workers at the Hays recycling plant. Photo by Becky Kiser/Hays Post" />
 <figcaption>Workers at the Hays recycling plant. Photo by Becky Kiser/Hays Post</figcaption>
 </figure>Even though the city offers a recycling program, Honas said the best way to make a difference in the amount of trash produced is to "reduce your consumption, reuse or repurposes what you can, and then recycle."

🎥 Hays recycling program among most popular in Kansas

Gordon Scott Philip, 64, passed away suddenly on Sunday, October 20, 2024. He was born in Hays, Kansas on August 6, 1960, the youngest son of George “Scotty” Philip IV and Jacqulyn Clowers Philip. He is preceded in death by his parents and his brother, Ian. Survivors include his sons, Alec (Kristen) of Wamego, and Hudson of Topeka, brother George of Hays, sister Sheilah (Robert) of Overland Park, and nephew George VI (Camille) of Manhattan.

Gordon earned a Bachelor’s degree in Sociology from Fort Hays State University, and did graduate work in Public Administration and City Planning at Southern Illinois University. He worked in HR positions at the Franklin-Williamson Social Services in Marion, Illinois, and briefly at the KSU Student Union. Other work over the years included hardware, flooring, and as a driver for Uber.

As a student at Hays High School (Class of ’78), he was on the football team and participated in Track and Field. As a junior, he won the javelin throw in the high school division at the KU Relays. His love of sports showed in his dedication to his sons as they participated in high school athletics, often driving them to meets or acting as a chaperone on the school bus. He and his former wife, Audrey Schremmer, helped found the Crossroads Soccer Club in Wamego, and he coached youth teams in soccer and in track and field events.

He will be remembered by family and friends as a boisterous and outgoing fellow, who never met a stranger. He enjoyed socializing, music, and sports. He was generous to a fault, and his siblings often noted that he would give someone the shirt off his back if they needed it. His kindness and generosity are his legacy, and we urge you to adopt those virtues yourself.

Funeral Services will be at 11:00 am on Saturday, November 23, 2024 at Hays Memorial Chapel Funeral Home with Pastor Brenda Rodger officiating. Private burial will be in Mount Allen Cemetery at a later date. In lieu of flowers, donations to the Ellis County Historical Society are appreciated. Condolences and memories of Gordon may be left for his family at www.haysmemorial.com

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/10/1729603241026.jpeg" alt="Gordon Scott Philip" />
 <figcaption>Gordon Scott Philip</figcaption>
 </figure>Gordon Scott Philip, 64, passed away suddenly on Sunday, October 20, 2024. He was born in Hays, Kansas on August 6, 1960, the youngest son of George “Scotty” Philip IV and Jacqulyn Clowers Philip. He is preceded in death by his parents and his brother, Ian. Survivors include his sons, Alec (Kristen) of Wamego, and Hudson of Topeka, brother George of Hays, sister Sheilah (Robert) of Overland Park, and nephew George VI (Camille) of Manhattan.Gordon earned a Bachelor’s degree in Sociology from Fort Hays State University, and did graduate work in Public Administration and City Planning at Southern Illinois University. He worked in HR positions at the Franklin-Williamson Social Services in Marion, Illinois, and briefly at the KSU Student Union. Other work over the years included hardware, flooring, and as a driver for Uber.As a student at Hays High School (Class of ’78), he was on the football team and participated in Track and Field. As a junior, he won the javelin throw in the high school division at the KU Relays. His love of sports showed in his dedication to his sons as they participated in high school athletics, often driving them to meets or acting as a chaperone on the school bus. He and his former wife, Audrey Schremmer, helped found the Crossroads Soccer Club in Wamego, and he coached youth teams in soccer and in track and field events.He will be remembered by family and friends as a boisterous and outgoing fellow, who never met a stranger. He enjoyed socializing, music, and sports. He was generous to a fault, and his siblings often noted that he would give someone the shirt off his back if they needed it. His kindness and generosity are his legacy, and we urge you to adopt those virtues yourself.Funeral Services will be at 11:00 am on Saturday, November 23, 2024 at Hays Memorial Chapel Funeral Home with Pastor Brenda Rodger officiating. Private burial will be in Mount Allen Cemetery at a later date. In lieu of flowers, donations to the Ellis County Historical Society are appreciated. Condolences and memories of Gordon may be left for his family at www.haysmemorial.com

Gordon Scott Philip

Virgil
Joseph Pfannenstiel, age 89 of Hays, Kansas passed away November 10, 2024 at
his home in rural Hays. He was born on January 23, 1935, in Antonino, Kansas,
to Joseph N. and Alvina (Leiker) Pfannenstiel. Virgil graduated from Hays High
in 1953. He married Dolores (Fisher) on June 4, 1957 at St. Joseph’s Church in
Hays.&nbsp; Shortly after being married, Virgil went on to serve his country
honorably in the U.S. Army.



Virgil was the owner and operator of A&amp;V Hardware and Appliance, a business
he purchased from his uncle, Al Leiker, with whom he had worked with for
several years. Virgil was not only a businessman and service repair man, but
also a devoted farmer and stockman. His love of the farm was something he
enjoyed sharing with others, often setting up petting zoos for area schools to
visit. Virgil particularly enjoyed his pigs and the pleasures that come with
caring for the animals.



On Sundays, (while in season), Virgil could be found engaging in his passion
for coyote hunting with his pack of Greyhounds and his friends. An active
member of the Sunflower Chapter of AHSGR, Virgil celebrated his German
heritage, a source of pride for him. He took great pride in living on his
family’s original homestead with his own family. Virgil was a member of St.
Francis of Assisi Catholic Church in Munjor.



Virgil is survived by his wife, Dolores Pfannenstiel of the home; his son, Leon
Pfannenstiel and wife Melinda of Hays; daughter, Jane Younger and Curtis
Brungardt of Hays; brothers, Vernon Pfannenstiel and wife Mary Jane of Hays,
Gerald Pfannenstiel and wife Janice of Munjor, and Lee Allen Pfannenstiel of
Missouri; sisters, Mary Ellen Zimmer of Hays and JoAnn VonFeldt and husband
Darrel of Hays; sister-in-law, Darlene Pfannenstiel of Shawnee Mission;
grandchildren, Tara Graham and husband Cody, Chris Younger and wife Danae, Luke
Pfannenstiel and wife Kim, Joel Younger and wife Amber, Hanna McGann and
husband Cory, Kirk Pfannenstiel, and Jarett Pfannenstiel; as well as numerous
great-grandchildren, including Carter, Cady, Bentley, Laney, Trevor and wife
Brooke, Taylan, Jadyn, Katlyn, Kimber, Emery, Jayce, Klay, with a new addition,
baby McGann on the way; great-great grandchildren Tinley and Parker and many
nieces and nephews.



He was preceded in death by his brothers Arlen Pfannenstiel, Dennis
Pfannenstiel and wife Noveline, and brother-in-law Eugene Zimmer.



Funeral services will be 11:00 AM Thursday, November 14, 2024 at St. Francis of
Assisi Catholic Church in Munjor, Kansas. Burial will follow in the parish
cemetery.



A rosary service will be at 6:30 PM Wednesday followed by a parish vigil
service all at Brock's Chapel.



Visitation will be Wednesday 5:00 PM - 8:00 PM at Brock's Chapel 2509 Vine.
Thursday visitation will be 9:30 AM until service time at St. Francis of Assisi
Catholic Church in Munjor.


Memorial contributions are suggested to St. Francis Church.

Virgil leaves behind a legacy of hard work, deep family ties, and a passion for
the farm that defined much of his life. Please share memories and words of
comfort on Virgil's tribute page at <a href="http://www.keithleyfuneralchapels.com">www.keithleyfuneralchapels.com</a>


Arrangements in care of Keithley Funeral Homes and Crematory-Brock's Chapel
2509 Vine Hays, KS 67601

Virgil
Joseph Pfannenstiel, age 89 of Hays, Kansas passed away November 10, 2024 at
his home in rural Hays. He was born on January 23, 1935, in Antonino, Kansas,
to Joseph N. and Alvina (Leiker) Pfannenstiel. Virgil graduated from Hays High
in 1953. He married Dolores (Fisher) on June 4, 1957 at St. Joseph’s Church in
Hays.&nbsp; Shortly after being married, Virgil went on to serve his country
honorably in the U.S. Army.

Virgil was the owner and operator of A&amp;V Hardware and Appliance, a business
he purchased from his uncle, Al Leiker, with whom he had worked with for
several years. Virgil was not only a businessman and service repair man, but
also a devoted farmer and stockman. His love of the farm was something he
enjoyed sharing with others, often setting up petting zoos for area schools to
visit. Virgil particularly enjoyed his pigs and the pleasures that come with
caring for the animals.

On Sundays, (while in season), Virgil could be found engaging in his passion
for coyote hunting with his pack of Greyhounds and his friends. An active
member of the Sunflower Chapter of AHSGR, Virgil celebrated his German
heritage, a source of pride for him. He took great pride in living on his
family’s original homestead with his own family. Virgil was a member of St.
Francis of Assisi Catholic Church in Munjor.

Virgil is survived by his wife, Dolores Pfannenstiel of the home; his son, Leon
Pfannenstiel and wife Melinda of Hays; daughter, Jane Younger and Curtis
Brungardt of Hays; brothers, Vernon Pfannenstiel and wife Mary Jane of Hays,
Gerald Pfannenstiel and wife Janice of Munjor, and Lee Allen Pfannenstiel of
Missouri; sisters, Mary Ellen Zimmer of Hays and JoAnn VonFeldt and husband
Darrel of Hays; sister-in-law, Darlene Pfannenstiel of Shawnee Mission;
grandchildren, Tara Graham and husband Cody, Chris Younger and wife Danae, Luke
Pfannenstiel and wife Kim, Joel Younger and wife Amber, Hanna McGann and
husband Cory, Kirk Pfannenstiel, and Jarett Pfannenstiel; as well as numerous
great-grandchildren, including Carter, Cady, Bentley, Laney, Trevor and wife
Brooke, Taylan, Jadyn, Katlyn, Kimber, Emery, Jayce, Klay, with a new addition,
baby McGann on the way; great-great grandchildren Tinley and Parker and many
nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his brothers Arlen Pfannenstiel, Dennis
Pfannenstiel and wife Noveline, and brother-in-law Eugene Zimmer.

Funeral services will be 11:00 AM Thursday, November 14, 2024 at St. Francis of
Assisi Catholic Church in Munjor, Kansas. Burial will follow in the parish
cemetery.

A rosary service will be at 6:30 PM Wednesday followed by a parish vigil
service all at Brock's Chapel.

Visitation will be Wednesday 5:00 PM - 8:00 PM at Brock's Chapel 2509 Vine.
Thursday visitation will be 9:30 AM until service time at St. Francis of Assisi
Catholic Church in Munjor.

Memorial contributions are suggested to St. Francis Church.

Virgil leaves behind a legacy of hard work, deep family ties, and a passion for
the farm that defined much of his life. Please share memories and words of
comfort on Virgil's tribute page at <a href="http://www.keithleyfuneralchapels.com">www.keithleyfuneralchapels.com</a>

Arrangements in care of Keithley Funeral Homes and Crematory-Brock's Chapel
2509 Vine Hays, KS 67601<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/11/1731351967922.jpeg" alt="Virgil Pfannenstiel.JPG" />
 <figcaption>Virgil Pfannenstiel.JPG</figcaption>
 </figure>

Virgil J. Pfannenstiel

The Hays school district's five-year capital outlay plan was reviewed by USD 489 board members during their meeting Monday.

"This is a working document," said Ron Wilson, superintendent, who presented the plan.

Large expenses for this academic year include adding four more tennis courts to the new high school and the addition of bathrooms and concessions on the field of what will be come the new middle school.&nbsp;

"It shows we're taking care of our property now and being good stewards of our buildings," said Meagan Zampieri-Lillpopp, board member.

The board also approved a recommended bid from Network Computer Solutions, Manhattan, for $67,629 for additional computer equipment for the Roosevelt Elementary School addition and the new Hays High School.

An E-rate funding commitment from Universal Service Administration Company to assist with network and hardware infrastructure needed for the project will cover 70% of the cost.&nbsp;

Personnel transactions were approved, following an update on custodial staffing restructuring.

The school district is contracting with Clean-Rite of Hays for its evening housekeeping positions.

"We've had an extremely difficult time keeping night staff," said Chris Hipp,&nbsp;assistant superintendent of business services.

Once the two bond projects are completed for the new high school and renovation of Roosevelt Elementary, there will be fewer managerial positions and more contracted people working housekeeping, primarily in classrooms.

Wilson said construction of the two projects is on schedule.&nbsp;

The 2024-25 student handbooks were unanimously adopted as presented.

Board member appointments to 2024-25 standing committees were also announced.&nbsp;Ken Brooks, Allen Park and Zampieri-Lillpopp will serve on the negotiations team.

An initial discussion about <a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/a8daf6b6-7bf6-4ce8-b9a8-f367aeb9494c">cell phone usage by students</a> and the district's policies was held. Board member Ruth Ruder asked for input from students and staff. The discussion will resume late this fall after the district receives recommended guidelines from the Kansas Association of School Boards task force.&nbsp;

The public hearing for the 2024-25 draft budget is Sept. 9.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/8/1724188737253.png" alt="Hays USD 489 Aug. 19 board meeting. Image courtesy Hays High School Tribe Broadcasting&nbsp;" />
 <figcaption>Hays USD 489 Aug. 19 board meeting. Image courtesy Hays High School Tribe Broadcasting&nbsp;</figcaption>
 </figure>By BECKY KISER Hays PostThe Hays school district's five-year capital outlay plan was reviewed by USD 489 board members during their meeting Monday.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/8/1724183898816.png" alt="Hays USD 489 capital outlay plan for 2024-2025. USD 489" />
 <figcaption>Hays USD 489 capital outlay plan for 2024-2025. USD 489</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/8/1724183441006.png" alt="Hays USD 489 capital outlay planned projects for 2024-25 through 2028-29. USD 489" />
 <figcaption>Hays USD 489 capital outlay planned projects for 2024-25 through 2028-29. USD 489</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/8/1724184233264.png" alt="USD 489 projected cash balances. USD 489" />
 <figcaption>USD 489 projected cash balances. USD 489</figcaption>
 </figure>"This is a working document," said Ron Wilson, superintendent, who presented the plan.Large expenses for this academic year include adding four more tennis courts to the new high school and the addition of bathrooms and concessions on the field of what will be come the new middle school.&nbsp;"It shows we're taking care of our property now and being good stewards of our buildings," said Meagan Zampieri-Lillpopp, board member.The board also approved a recommended bid from Network Computer Solutions, Manhattan, for $67,629 for additional computer equipment for the Roosevelt Elementary School addition and the new Hays High School.An E-rate funding commitment from Universal Service Administration Company to assist with network and hardware infrastructure needed for the project will cover 70% of the cost.&nbsp;Personnel transactions were approved, following an update on custodial staffing restructuring.The school district is contracting with Clean-Rite of Hays for its evening housekeeping positions."We've had an extremely difficult time keeping night staff," said Chris Hipp,&nbsp;assistant superintendent of business services.Once the two bond projects are completed for the new high school and renovation of Roosevelt Elementary, there will be fewer managerial positions and more contracted people working housekeeping, primarily in classrooms.Wilson said construction of the two projects is on schedule.&nbsp;The 2024-25 student handbooks were unanimously adopted as presented.Board member appointments to 2024-25 standing committees were also announced.&nbsp;Ken Brooks, Allen Park and Zampieri-Lillpopp will serve on the negotiations team.An initial discussion about <a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/a8daf6b6-7bf6-4ce8-b9a8-f367aeb9494c">cell phone usage by students</a> and the district's policies was held. Board member Ruth Ruder asked for input from students and staff. The discussion will resume late this fall after the district receives recommended guidelines from the Kansas Association of School Boards task force.&nbsp;The public hearing for the 2024-25 draft budget is Sept. 9.

Hays USD 489 reviews five-year capital outlay plan

Joseph “Joe” Wayne Mudloff, age 84, of Grand Island, passed away Friday, June 21, 2024 at his home.

A memorial mass will be held on Friday, June 28th&nbsp;at 10:30am at St. Leo’s Catholic Church with Father Don Buhrman celebrant.&nbsp; A visitation will be held on Thursday, June 27th&nbsp;from 5 to 7pm with a rosary at 7pm at All Faiths Funeral Home.&nbsp; A burial will take place at St. Joseph Catholic Cemetery in Hays, KS.&nbsp; Memorials are suggested to St. Leo’s Catholic Church.&nbsp; Condolences can be left at&nbsp;<a href="http://www.giallfaiths.com/">www.giallfaiths.com</a>.&nbsp;

Joseph Wayne Mudloff was born in Loup City, NE on May 22, 1940 to Peter Paul, Sr. and Bernadine (Lukasiewicz) Mudloff.&nbsp; He began his education in Wolbach, NE, finishing his elementary schooling at St. Anthony’s Parochial School and graduating from Farwell High in 1957.&nbsp; He worked on farms in the Farwell area and then around Loup city until moving to Grand Island and began working for Hested’s 5 &amp; 10.&nbsp; He was united in marriage to Helen Nealon in Grand Island on May 24, 1961.&nbsp; To this union three daughters were born, Valarie, Victoria and Cindy.&nbsp; In 1962, the family moved back to Grand Island from Buffalo, WY and Joe went to work for Allen’s Self Service Drug.&nbsp; In 1970, they moved to Hays, KS and he managed a discount store for Giant Value, which changed to Gibson’s the following year.&nbsp; In 1972, they moved to Fulton, MO and he worked for Carp’s Super Store.&nbsp; When the store closed, he managed a Ben Franklin store in Leawood, KS until 1976 when they moved back to Hays.&nbsp; He then worked for Heartland Building Center, managing the hardware department.&nbsp; Helen died in 1989.&nbsp; He married Shirlee Mader Bjorkman on December 29, 1990. They moved back to Grand Island to care for his mother and began working for Wanek Pharmacy.&nbsp; In 2000, he started working for Sears and retired in 2002.&nbsp; In 2003, he went to work for Ben’s Pharmacy and Midwest LTC Pharmacy when it was sold.&nbsp; He worked there until 2013.

Joe enjoyed woodworking, especially building furniture and cabinets.&nbsp; He also enjoyed golf, fishing and cooking, especially gourmet food.

He is survived by his wife, Shirlee; daughters, Valarie Jane (Keith) Goetz of Hays, KS and Victoria (David) Purvis of Shawnee, KS; five grandchildren; ten great grandchildren; four step-children; seven step-grandchildren and one great step-grandchild.&nbsp; Also surviving him are sisters, Sandra Laskowski of Coon Rapids, MN and Rojeanne Hoes of Grand Island; brothers, Paul Mudloff of Johnstown, CO and Tim (Tricia) Mudloff of Andover, KS and brother-in-law, Gary Meyer of Deshler, NE.

He was preceded in death by his parents; his first wife, Helen; daughter, Cindy; sisters, Judy Meyer and Patricia Walck and brother-in-law, Bob Laskowski.&nbsp;

A graveside service will be held on Saturday, June 29th at 9am at St Joseph Catholic Cemetery in Hays, KS.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/6/1719260237074.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Joseph “Joe” Wayne Mudloff, age 84, of Grand Island, passed away Friday, June 21, 2024 at his home.A memorial mass will be held on Friday, June 28th&nbsp;at 10:30am at St. Leo’s Catholic Church with Father Don Buhrman celebrant.&nbsp; A visitation will be held on Thursday, June 27th&nbsp;from 5 to 7pm with a rosary at 7pm at All Faiths Funeral Home.&nbsp; A burial will take place at St. Joseph Catholic Cemetery in Hays, KS.&nbsp; Memorials are suggested to St. Leo’s Catholic Church.&nbsp; Condolences can be left at&nbsp;<a href="http://www.giallfaiths.com/">www.giallfaiths.com</a>.&nbsp;Joseph Wayne Mudloff was born in Loup City, NE on May 22, 1940 to Peter Paul, Sr. and Bernadine (Lukasiewicz) Mudloff.&nbsp; He began his education in Wolbach, NE, finishing his elementary schooling at St. Anthony’s Parochial School and graduating from Farwell High in 1957.&nbsp; He worked on farms in the Farwell area and then around Loup city until moving to Grand Island and began working for Hested’s 5 &amp; 10.&nbsp; He was united in marriage to Helen Nealon in Grand Island on May 24, 1961.&nbsp; To this union three daughters were born, Valarie, Victoria and Cindy.&nbsp; In 1962, the family moved back to Grand Island from Buffalo, WY and Joe went to work for Allen’s Self Service Drug.&nbsp; In 1970, they moved to Hays, KS and he managed a discount store for Giant Value, which changed to Gibson’s the following year.&nbsp; In 1972, they moved to Fulton, MO and he worked for Carp’s Super Store.&nbsp; When the store closed, he managed a Ben Franklin store in Leawood, KS until 1976 when they moved back to Hays.&nbsp; He then worked for Heartland Building Center, managing the hardware department.&nbsp; Helen died in 1989.&nbsp; He married Shirlee Mader Bjorkman on December 29, 1990. They moved back to Grand Island to care for his mother and began working for Wanek Pharmacy.&nbsp; In 2000, he started working for Sears and retired in 2002.&nbsp; In 2003, he went to work for Ben’s Pharmacy and Midwest LTC Pharmacy when it was sold.&nbsp; He worked there until 2013.Joe enjoyed woodworking, especially building furniture and cabinets.&nbsp; He also enjoyed golf, fishing and cooking, especially gourmet food.He is survived by his wife, Shirlee; daughters, Valarie Jane (Keith) Goetz of Hays, KS and Victoria (David) Purvis of Shawnee, KS; five grandchildren; ten great grandchildren; four step-children; seven step-grandchildren and one great step-grandchild.&nbsp; Also surviving him are sisters, Sandra Laskowski of Coon Rapids, MN and Rojeanne Hoes of Grand Island; brothers, Paul Mudloff of Johnstown, CO and Tim (Tricia) Mudloff of Andover, KS and brother-in-law, Gary Meyer of Deshler, NE.He was preceded in death by his parents; his first wife, Helen; daughter, Cindy; sisters, Judy Meyer and Patricia Walck and brother-in-law, Bob Laskowski.&nbsp;A graveside service will be held on Saturday, June 29th at 9am at St Joseph Catholic Cemetery in Hays, KS.&nbsp;

Joseph “Joe” Wayne Mudloff

Multiple cyberattacks have hit Kansas in recent weeks.&nbsp;

The <a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/6dfb291d-3533-4db7-b901-e54ca761719">City of Wichita</a> and <a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/8f5ab8b5-0dba-404d-95ce-f3b305af707e">Via Christi Hospital in Wichita</a> were affected, and <a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/4688fc8f-5406-4760-b5d0-04d3877a55fc">Trego County Lemke Memorial Hospital</a> announced Tuesday it was the subject of a ransomware attack.

Dallas Haselhorst, owner of TreeTop Security in Hays, discussed cyber threats and prevention on Thursday on Eagle Radio's Morning Blend show.

Haselhorst said everyone is vulnerable to cyberattacks.

"It's definitely one of those things that now that technology has become so ubiquitous to everything we do that if you are connected to the internet, in any way, shape, or form, there's a good chance that you could be attacked in some way, shape or form," Haselhorst said.

Haselhorst said hackers are not just after big companies and government agencies.

"We have done [incident responses] for billion dollar companies that are multinational. The smallest response we did was a local business here that had a total of four computers," he said. "It can absolutely affect anyone."

Haselhorst said prevention is the best action.

"I always tell people if you want to be secure, you should have started six months ago," he said, "because it's not an overnight thing even in small environments and businesses we work with. It can take a few months to get them more secure — there's no such thing as 100 percent."

He suggested working with a company that can offer comprehensive services and is not just a reseller of hardware, firewalls and software.

He said to look for frameworks and best practices developed by the National Institute of Standards in Technology or the Center for Internet Security.

"You have a burglar that could go through a 20-foot brick wall, or they could go to the house that has an unlocked door. Which one are they going to do?" Haselhorst said. "They are going to do the unlocked door every single time, regardless of what's inside."

"You need to get your doors all locked and do some basic security measures so the attacker bangs on the door enough and decides it's not worth it and goes to the next one that's a lot easier," he said.

Some basics of securing medical data or energy systems are the same for small companies with sales data.

Although security measures can be expensive, much of what TreeTop does also brings businesses into compliance with regulations.

If a business that accepts credit cards or digital payments is breached, it is liable for any data that might be compromised, Haselhorst said.

"You are basically out of business because you will fined out of business," he said.

Sometimes, cyber security comes down to people.

"If I'm an attacker, why would I go through all of these hoops if I could simply call up Cristina and act like I'm the IT help desk?" Haslehorst said. "'Hey, Cristina, it looks like you got locked out of your account. I can help with that. What's your old password?'"

Unfortunately, Haselhorst said often those tactics work.

"Your people can be the weakest link," he said. "Your people can also be the strongest link."

TreeTop offers free cybersecurity training.

If a hacker makes it past all of the technical barriers, but an employee is adequately trained to recognize phishing attempts, they can stop the hacker, Haselhorst said.

Haselhorst described a phishing attack in which a hacker posed as someone high in a company. A hacker sent 73 emails within 30 minutes, but several employees alerted cybersecurity of the emails.&nbsp;

Those emails were blocked and labeled as missed attacks, which helped train the AI security program, and the emails were removed from users' accounts.

As a user or consumer, there's not much you can do if an entity you do business with has been attacked, Haslehorst said.

However, if you are a business, he recommends cutting digital ties with the affected business or entity. He said he helped some companies do this when the Kansas court system was a cyberattack victim.

Businesses can also limit access to networks and data without completely cutting ties.

If an affected business or entity offers you free ID protection or credit monitoring, Haselhorst said it can help in some regards, but your information is already out there.

He did not suggest buying ID theft protection/credit monitoring.

"It's a running joke among cybersecurity professions, don't buy credit monitoring because your next free year is right around the corner because there's going to be another breech from someone," he said.

"Unfortunately, that's the world we live in that your data is all over the place. Once that cat's out of the bag, it's really hard to put it back in," Haselhorst said.

He suggested watching credit reports and card transactions and signing up for transaction alerts.

He also recommends having regular discussions with your spouse or anyone else on your bank or credit card about charges so you can better track transactions and spot fraud.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/5/1716318391157.jpg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure><div><iframe title="Hays cyber expert discusses security in light of attacks" 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=hjjhf-161d6d3-pb&from=pb6admin&share=1&download=1&rtl=0&fonts=Arial&skin=3267a3&font-color=auto&logo_link=podcast_page&btn-skin=60a0c8&size=315" loading="lazy"></iframe></div>By CRISTINA JANNEY Hays PostMultiple cyberattacks have hit Kansas in recent weeks.&nbsp;The <a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/6dfb291d-3533-4db7-b901-e54ca761719">City of Wichita</a> and <a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/8f5ab8b5-0dba-404d-95ce-f3b305af707e">Via Christi Hospital in Wichita</a> were affected, and <a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/4688fc8f-5406-4760-b5d0-04d3877a55fc">Trego County Lemke Memorial Hospital</a> announced Tuesday it was the subject of a ransomware attack.Dallas Haselhorst, owner of TreeTop Security in Hays, discussed cyber threats and prevention on Thursday on Eagle Radio's Morning Blend show.Haselhorst said everyone is vulnerable to cyberattacks."It's definitely one of those things that now that technology has become so ubiquitous to everything we do that if you are connected to the internet, in any way, shape, or form, there's a good chance that you could be attacked in some way, shape or form," Haselhorst said.Haselhorst said hackers are not just after big companies and government agencies."We have done [incident responses] for billion dollar companies that are multinational. The smallest response we did was a local business here that had a total of four computers," he said. "It can absolutely affect anyone."Haselhorst said prevention is the best action."I always tell people if you want to be secure, you should have started six months ago," he said, "because it's not an overnight thing even in small environments and businesses we work with. It can take a few months to get them more secure — there's no such thing as 100 percent."He suggested working with a company that can offer comprehensive services and is not just a reseller of hardware, firewalls and software.He said to look for frameworks and best practices developed by the National Institute of Standards in Technology or the Center for Internet Security."You have a burglar that could go through a 20-foot brick wall, or they could go to the house that has an unlocked door. Which one are they going to do?" Haselhorst said. "They are going to do the unlocked door every single time, regardless of what's inside.""You need to get your doors all locked and do some basic security measures so the attacker bangs on the door enough and decides it's not worth it and goes to the next one that's a lot easier," he said.Some basics of securing medical data or energy systems are the same for small companies with sales data.Although security measures can be expensive, much of what TreeTop does also brings businesses into compliance with regulations.If a business that accepts credit cards or digital payments is breached, it is liable for any data that might be compromised, Haselhorst said."You are basically out of business because you will fined out of business," he said.Sometimes, cyber security comes down to people."If I'm an attacker, why would I go through all of these hoops if I could simply call up Cristina and act like I'm the IT help desk?" Haslehorst said. "'Hey, Cristina, it looks like you got locked out of your account. I can help with that. What's your old password?'"Unfortunately, Haselhorst said often those tactics work."Your people can be the weakest link," he said. "Your people can also be the strongest link."TreeTop offers free cybersecurity training.If a hacker makes it past all of the technical barriers, but an employee is adequately trained to recognize phishing attempts, they can stop the hacker, Haselhorst said.Haselhorst described a phishing attack in which a hacker posed as someone high in a company. A hacker sent 73 emails within 30 minutes, but several employees alerted cybersecurity of the emails.&nbsp;Those emails were blocked and labeled as missed attacks, which helped train the AI security program, and the emails were removed from users' accounts.As a user or consumer, there's not much you can do if an entity you do business with has been attacked, Haslehorst said.However, if you are a business, he recommends cutting digital ties with the affected business or entity. He said he helped some companies do this when the Kansas court system was a cyberattack victim.Businesses can also limit access to networks and data without completely cutting ties.If an affected business or entity offers you free ID protection or credit monitoring, Haselhorst said it can help in some regards, but your information is already out there.He did not suggest buying ID theft protection/credit monitoring."It's a running joke among cybersecurity professions, don't buy credit monitoring because your next free year is right around the corner because there's going to be another breech from someone," he said."Unfortunately, that's the world we live in that your data is all over the place. Once that cat's out of the bag, it's really hard to put it back in," Haselhorst said.He suggested watching credit reports and card transactions and signing up for transaction alerts.He also recommends having regular discussions with your spouse or anyone else on your bank or credit card about charges so you can better track transactions and spot fraud.

🎙 Hays cyber expert discusses security in light of attacks

More than 50 years ago, artists Robbie (Hoff) Lamoreux, Randy Schlitter, and Margie (Denning) Hammerschmidt studied art together in classes at Hays High School under the instructions of Mr. Crawford Russell and Mr. Robert Channel. After graduating in 1972, Robbie, Randy, and Margie went their various ways and pursued different paths, but creating visual art remained important to each of them. At their recent 50-year Class Reunion in October 2022, the three classmates reconnected and began to explore the possibility of continuing their art journeys together.

In a current exhibit in the Schmidt Gallery of the Hays Public Library, 1205 Main, entitled “Three Point Perspective” they have brought together a sampling of their artwork, representing their unique perspectives, tied together with their shared beginnings. The exhibit will be on display until the last week of April.

Their painting styles, techniques, and mediums are diverse and are influenced by their own experiences and growth as individual artists.

Robbie lives with her husband Gary outside Baldwin City, KS where they raised their two children and owned and operated Arrowhead Hardware in Baldwin for over 30 years. Robbie now works part-time at an antique store in the nearby town of Ottawa. She is widely recognized for her watercolors that reflect fresh and clear colors of local subject matter including sunflowers.

Randy lives with his wife Michele “Shelly” in Hays. He owns and operates RANS Aircraft. His drawing and design talents have been instrumental in his success as an aircraft designer. His art style spans the range of realistic pencil drawings, abstract and fantasy acrylics, and organic and geometric paintings.

Margie lives in Hays with her husband Elden where they raised their two children. Margie retired after a 40-year career in healthcare, after which her interest in horticulture led her to study and become a Master Gardener. Examining botany drawings reignited her interest in art and she has since created a wide portfolio of watercolor paintings of the natural environment and personal connections as well as commissioned work.

In addition to combing their work into the current art exhibition at the library, these three artists have recently spent time together creating art. Perhaps more importantly, they are committed to continue to inspire and encourage each other in their art progression, just as they did back in the Hays High School Art Room Annex in the 1970’s. If you stop by the Hays Public

Library to view their art, feel free to jot a note in the Guest Book to let them know you were there.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/3/1709755203132.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>SubmittedMore than 50 years ago, artists Robbie (Hoff) Lamoreux, Randy Schlitter, and Margie (Denning) Hammerschmidt studied art together in classes at Hays High School under the instructions of Mr. Crawford Russell and Mr. Robert Channel. After graduating in 1972, Robbie, Randy, and Margie went their various ways and pursued different paths, but creating visual art remained important to each of them. At their recent 50-year Class Reunion in October 2022, the three classmates reconnected and began to explore the possibility of continuing their art journeys together.In a current exhibit in the Schmidt Gallery of the Hays Public Library, 1205 Main, entitled “Three Point Perspective” they have brought together a sampling of their artwork, representing their unique perspectives, tied together with their shared beginnings. The exhibit will be on display until the last week of April.Their painting styles, techniques, and mediums are diverse and are influenced by their own experiences and growth as individual artists.Robbie lives with her husband Gary outside Baldwin City, KS where they raised their two children and owned and operated Arrowhead Hardware in Baldwin for over 30 years. Robbie now works part-time at an antique store in the nearby town of Ottawa. She is widely recognized for her watercolors that reflect fresh and clear colors of local subject matter including sunflowers.Randy lives with his wife Michele “Shelly” in Hays. He owns and operates RANS Aircraft. His drawing and design talents have been instrumental in his success as an aircraft designer. His art style spans the range of realistic pencil drawings, abstract and fantasy acrylics, and organic and geometric paintings.Margie lives in Hays with her husband Elden where they raised their two children. Margie retired after a 40-year career in healthcare, after which her interest in horticulture led her to study and become a Master Gardener. Examining botany drawings reignited her interest in art and she has since created a wide portfolio of watercolor paintings of the natural environment and personal connections as well as commissioned work.In addition to combing their work into the current art exhibition at the library, these three artists have recently spent time together creating art. Perhaps more importantly, they are committed to continue to inspire and encourage each other in their art progression, just as they did back in the Hays High School Art Room Annex in the 1970’s. If you stop by the Hays PublicLibrary to view their art, feel free to jot a note in the Guest Book to let them know you were there.

Three-Point Perspective, Collection of artwork by 3 artists at Hays Public Library

By DIANE GASPER-O’BRIEN Special to Hays Post

Winning medals at swim meets is old hat for Kendra Clary, who began swimming competitively as a youngster.

These days, Clary – coach of the Hays High School swim teams – is enjoying watching her student-athletes collect the hardware.

But she does admit the most recent medal she was awarded has special meaning.

Clary, who doubles as a Fort Hays State University student, was named coach of the year at the Western Athletic Conference Swimming Championships in Garden City earlier this month.

“I hadn’t even realized they gave out that award,” Clary said. “I was so busy with the meet that when I heard it, I couldn’t believe it.”

Clary’s concentration on her team has paid off in a big way.

The Indians scored in all 12 events at the WAC meet to grab runner-up team honors, the highest conference finish for Hays High in recent years.

“That was really exciting,” Clary said. “The thing I was proudest of was how ever single one of our swimmers contributed to the team score.”

That’s because Clary got her team to buy in to the idea of trying different events this season.

“I can definitely tell a difference with our team this year,” junior Marshall Sook said. “I’m not saying one way of coaching is better than the other. But Kendra coaches in a way to break down our each individual skills and see what we are really good at. This year, we have people doing a different spread of events.”

Even while trying new races, the Indians kept bettering their times this season. That improvement led to a state-qualifying relay team, the first time an HHS relay has qualified for the season finale since 2018.

Sook is the anchor leg on that 200-yard freestyle relay team, whose best time this season was 1 minute, 41 seconds. Leo Hernandez is the only senior on that foursome, so Sook is excited for the future. Other relay members are sophomores Chase Zadina and Karsen Flaska.

Sook said he has personally benefitted from Clary’s philosophy.

For instance, this year, he decided to give the 100-meter butterfly a try and won the first meet he swam it. By the time the WAC meet rolled around, he was convinced that race was one of his new favorite events and placed second at that meet.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/2/1708100384195.jpeg" alt="HHS swim coach Kendra Clary. Courtesy photo" />
 <figcaption>HHS swim coach Kendra Clary. Courtesy photo</figcaption>
 </figure>By DIANE GASPER-O’BRIEN Special to Hays PostWinning medals at swim meets is old hat for Kendra Clary, who began swimming competitively as a youngster.These days, Clary – coach of the Hays High School swim teams – is enjoying watching her student-athletes collect the hardware.But she does admit the most recent medal she was awarded has special meaning.Clary, who doubles as a Fort Hays State University student, was named coach of the year at the Western Athletic Conference Swimming Championships in Garden City earlier this month.“I hadn’t even realized they gave out that award,” Clary said. “I was so busy with the meet that when I heard it, I couldn’t believe it.”Clary’s concentration on her team has paid off in a big way.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/2/1708100522148.jpeg" alt="Representing Hays High at the Class 5-1A boys' state swim meet this weekend is the 200-meters freestyle relay team of Marshall Sook, Chase Zadina, Leo Hernandez and Karsen Flaska. Courtesy photo" />
 <figcaption>Representing Hays High at the Class 5-1A boys' state swim meet this weekend is the 200-meters freestyle relay team of Marshall Sook, Chase Zadina, Leo Hernandez and Karsen Flaska. Courtesy photo</figcaption>
 </figure>The Indians scored in all 12 events at the WAC meet to grab runner-up team honors, the highest conference finish for Hays High in recent years.“That was really exciting,” Clary said. “The thing I was proudest of was how ever single one of our swimmers contributed to the team score.”That’s because Clary got her team to buy in to the idea of trying different events this season.“I can definitely tell a difference with our team this year,” junior Marshall Sook said. “I’m not saying one way of coaching is better than the other. But Kendra coaches in a way to break down our each individual skills and see what we are really good at. This year, we have people doing a different spread of events.”Even while trying new races, the Indians kept bettering their times this season. That improvement led to a state-qualifying relay team, the first time an HHS relay has qualified for the season finale since 2018.Sook is the anchor leg on that 200-yard freestyle relay team, whose best time this season was 1 minute, 41 seconds. Leo Hernandez is the only senior on that foursome, so Sook is excited for the future. Other relay members are sophomores Chase Zadina and Karsen Flaska.Sook said he has personally benefitted from Clary’s philosophy.For instance, this year, he decided to give the 100-meter butterfly a try and won the first meet he swam it. By the time the WAC meet rolled around, he was convinced that race was one of his new favorite events and placed second at that meet.“The ’fly is the hardest stroke to do,” Sook said, “but I really like it.”Clary wasn’t afraid to present her philosophy to the team because she takes this coaching gig seriously – just like she did competing in swimming and track and field in high school.Clary was born in Wichita and spent her younger years there before moving to the Denver area.While enjoying success as a freshman and sophomore at George Washington High School in Commerce City, Colo., she started experiencing shoulder problems from overuse.So she took a break from swimming. Wanting to stay in shape, she decided to go out for track.Primarily a sprinter in swimming, Clary decided to train for those same kind of events on the track. She had similar success there as she did in the pool.After graduating from George Washington, she chose to further her education at Fort Hays State. She ran track for two years for the Tigers, helping break the school’s indoor and outdoor 4x400-meter relay records while also winning numerous academic awards.But she kept being drawn back to the water, so she started coaching the Hays Hurricanes, the local youth swim club.When Hays High coach Jane Rostrom decided to step aside for this coming season, Clary took over.“I always stress that the work you do everyday matters,” said Clary, who will also coach the Indian girls’ team this spring.She will graduate in May with a health and human performance degree, then take a “gap” year from school while applying for occupational therapy programs.Clary is unsure if she will remain in Hays after graduation.“If there is an opportunity where I could stay in Hays,” she said, “I’d definitely think about it.”Until then, Clary is looking forward to a successful girls’ season at Hays High this spring and thinks the Indian boys’ team also has a bright future.“I think we will have a lot of girls come out this spring,” she said, “and in the future, these guys will bring more with them to the team.”