Hays Daily News, 507 B Main Street, Hays, KS (2025)

01/25/2025

The No. 6 Monarch girls struck first and maintained their momentum against a scrappy No. 10 Norton defense, winning the Mid-Continent League consolation semifinals 38-29 Thursday night at Al Billinger Fieldhouse.

Shalee Gottschalk put up the first basket of the game, followed by Brooke Koenigsman to put TMP in front 4-0. They would reach a 6-2 lead before the Blue Jays were able to find traction, pinning the final score after one quarter at 10-8, advantage Monarchs.

The Herd fought for the halftime lead, holding their opponents to just three points in the second half, while putting up nine of their own, four from Hannah Rose. After two quarters of play, TMP led 19-11.

The No. 6 Monarch girls struck first and maintained their momentum against a scrappy No. 10 Norton defense, winning the Mid-Continent League consolation semifinals 38-29 Thursday night at Al Billinger Fieldhouse.

01/25/2025

Before embarking on the Tigers’ current four-game road trip, Fort Hays State University men’s basketball coach Mark Johnson was under no illusions on just how important those games would be for his team.

FHSU started the trip with its first-ever win in Claremore, Okla., defeating Rogers State 74-63 on Thursday. The Tigers (13-4 overall, 6-2 MIAA) next play on Saturday in Edmond, Okla., against Central Oklahoma. The Tigers came off a pair of home wins last week before hitting the road, beating Missouri Western 61-50 and Northwest Missouri State 72-65.

“They were important wins,” Johnson said on Tiger Talk. “Probably the most difficult part of our schedule is upon us.”

Before embarking on the Tigers’ current four-game road trip, Fort Hays State University men’s basketball coach Mark Johnson was under no illusions on just how important those games would be for his team.

01/25/2025

Thursday night, the Hays High Indians opened the Orange and Black Classic with a 54-31 win over Goodland, maintaining their perfect season through one round of the annual Colby hosted tournament.

The Cowgirls seemed to have an edge over the Indians after opening with a three pointer, gaining an 8-2 lead with 5:00 on the clock in the first quarter. Jenna Schmeidler, however, had other plans for the evening. The standout freshman went on a 12 point run to help her team reach a 16-9 lead after one quarter of the contest.

Thursday night, the Hays High Indians opened the Orange and Black Classic with a 54-31 win over Goodland, maintaining their perfect season through one round of the annual Colby hosted tournament.

01/25/2025

In a Jan. 20, 2025, Special Recognition Presentation, the USD489 Board of Education (BOE) congratulated recent District award-winners veteran Assistant Special Education Director Lindy McDaniel and new-comer Strings Instructor Brayden Smith.

Assistant Special Education Director McDaniel was recently named the 2025 Kansas Association of Educational Service Agencies (KAESA) Special Education Administrator of the Year. Strings Instructor Smith recently received a Kansas Horizon Award, which recognizes teachers whose performances during their first year distinguishes them as outstanding teachers.

“She [McDaniel] is a phenomenal person who works with specifically with our students at Westside. We are very blessed to have Lindy in that role, as she has really transitioned the Westside program into a very strong program that really takes care of kids. I call her the kid whisper, because she is able to really reach kids in a very unique way,” Wilson said.

In a Jan. 20, 2025, Special Recognition Presentation, the USD489 Board of Education (BOE) congratulated recent District award-winners veteran Assistant Special Education Director Lindy McDaniel and new-comer Strings Instructor Brayden Smith.

01/25/2025

As a little girl growing up in a farming community in Henan Province, China, Connie Chen remembers sharing one egg at breakfast with her older brother. She remembers wearing his hand-me-down clothes because she got new clothes only once a year.

Today Chen lives in Shanghai, works as a buyer in the fashion industry, and travels the globe. Her whole world changed, she said, when she was able to attend and graduate from college—a change made possible by the partnership in 2000 between Fort Hays State University and Sias University in China.

Last week Chen and a friend visited Hays. It was Chen’s first time to visit FHSU, and she admitted that seeing the “beautiful campus” was an emotional experience for her.

As a little girl growing up in a farming community in Henan Province, China, Connie Chen remembers sharing one egg at breakfast with her older brother. She remembers wearing his hand-me-down clothes because she got new clothes only once a year.

01/25/2025

Superintendent Ron Wilson updated Board Members during the Jan. 20, 2025, USD489 Board of Education (BOE) Regular Meeting on the Hays High School (HHS) Bond Construction project. He shared that despite winter weather, the project is progressing along very nicely, the building being 70% closed in. He stated that windows are begin being put in place along the front and the and the back of the building.

“We’ll also start work on the stadium this week. According to the plans, that will all be coming together fairly fast,” Wilson said. He explained that stadium construction would begin with dirt work and work to build the grandstand.

“O’Loughlin just finalized this week that a Groundbreaking Ceremony will be held on March 6, 2025,” Wilson said. He stated that it would be a quick ceremony expected to be held towards the end of the March 6th school day. “We will be doing some things before the groundbreaking ceremony but there won’t be a lot of dirt moved prior to that time,” Wilson added.

Superintendent Ron Wilson updated Board Members during the Jan. 20, 2025, USD489 Board of Education (BOE) Regular Meeting on the Hays High School (HHS) Bond Construction project.

01/25/2025

City Manager Toby Dougherty announced James Bell’s appointment as the Hays Public Relations Manager on Jan. 22, 2025. He will assume the position on Feb. 3, 2025.

“Creating this position is part of the City of Hays’ effort to foster comprehensive and effective communication. James will bring valuable expertise to ensure the community is well-informed about city initiatives, activities, and services.,” City Manager Dougherty said.

From Macksville, Kansas, Public Relations Manager Bell obtained both his bachelor’s and master’s degrees. According to the Jan. 22, 2025 Hays City News Flash, his background spans both the private and nonprofit sectors, where he has managed marking campaigns, developed public relations strategies, and overseen media outreach.

City Manager Toby Dougherty announced James Bell’s appointment as the Hays Public Relations Manager on Jan. 22, 2025. He will assume the position on Feb. 3, 2025.

01/25/2025

Ellis County Commissioners announced the hiring of Melissa Miller as the new director of the Ellis County Health Department on Jan. 22, 2025. According to the Jan. 22nd Press Release, Director Miller will assume her duties on Feb. 24, 2024, working with the current interim director, Kerry McCue during a short transition period, learning the ins and outs of the local health department.

“The Ellis County Commissioners are excited to announce Mrs. Miller as the new Ellis County Health Director. She has a proven track record in public health and county government. She is bringing many years of experience to Ellis County, and we look forward to her leadership in enhancing the health and well-being of our community. Melissa is ready to help address our community’s health challenges and work on advancing our public health goals,” Chair Michael Berges said.

Ellis County Commissioners announced the hiring of Melissa Miller as the new director of the Ellis County Health Department on Jan. 22, 2025.

01/25/2025

During the Jan. 20, 2025, USD489 Board of Education (BOE) Regular Meeting, Superintendent Ron Wilson announced that a community 100th Anniversary celebration of Lincoln Elementary School will be held on Saturday, Apr. 26, from 1-4 p.m.

“It’s a come and go event, but I wanted to mention it to get the 100th Centennial celebration of Lincoln on everyone’s calendar,” Wilson said.

Also, during the Jan. 20, 2025, BOE meeting, following discussion, the USD489 BOE approved (5-2) an $800,000 Real Estate Purchase Agreement for the sale of Lincoln to developer Michael Graham. President Curt Vajnar, Vice Present Jayme Goetz and Board Members Ken Brooks, Ruth Ruder and Meagan Zampieri-Lillpopp voted in favor of accepting the bid. Board Members Allen Park and Derek Yarmer voted against the measure.

During the Jan. 20, 2025, USD489 Board of Education (BOE) Regular Meeting, Superintendent Ron Wilson announced that a community 100th Anniversary celebration of Lincoln Elementary School will be held on Saturday, Apr. 26, from 1-4 p.m.

01/18/2025

According to the Jan 20, 2024, USD489 Board of Education (BOE) Meeting Agenda released Friday afternoon (1/17/2025) the BOE will consider accepting a real east purchase agreement for the sale of Lincoln Elementary for $850,000 to Michael D. Graham Investments, LLC.

According to the four-page Purchase Agreement attached to the agenda, closing for the sale would take place on or after Oct 1, 2025, with financial terms of a $20,000 down payment (to be applied to the purchase price at closing) and $830,000 to be paid at the time of closing. The Purchase Agreement is available as an attachment to the Jan. 20, 2025, USD489BOE Agenda Item 6.3.

By Gaille Pike Special to the Hays Daily News According to the Jan 20, 2024 USD489 Board of Education (BOE) Meeting Agenda released Friday afternoon… Login to continue reading Login Sign up for complimentary access Sign Up Now Close

01/18/2025

It was the Buffs all the way in a pair of wins at Al Billinger Fieldhouse Thursday night, first with the girls 66-33 win, then with the finale by the boys, 56-45 over the Ellis Railers.

TMP 66, Ellis 33

Shyanne Yost kicked off the Monarchs 11-2 run to open the first quarter, Shalee Gottschalk and Brooke Koenigsman taking control and scoring the next nine points of the contest. Ellis’ Isabella Eck would prove the only threat to TMP, putting up six of the Railers’ seven first quarter points.

From the jump, the Monarchs maintained control, Gracyn Schippers scoring first in the second quarter. As the game reached halftime, TMP would hang onto their lead, outscoring the Railers 16-10 for the 36-17 lead at halftime.

The Railers found some traction in the third quarter, their best outing of the night, scoring 12 points. It wouldn’t be enough to stifle TMP, however, who put up 21 points. Koenigsman seemingly used the Railer rally as fuel, putting up 10 points for her best quarter of the night.

It was the Buffs all the way in a pair of wins at Al Billinger Fieldhouse Thursday night, first with the girls 66-33 win, then with the finale by the boys, 56-45 over the Ellis Railers.

01/18/2025

After losing key players off last year’s team which had one of the best defenses in the nation, Tiger coach Mark Johnson expected a drop-off this season.

That hasn’t been the case so far this year. The Fort Hays State University men’s basketball team put the clamps on another opponent on Thursday with a 61-50 home win over Missouri Western.

“Very surprising,” Johnson said on Tiger Talk. “I definitely thought you would see a dip.

“Statistically, we’ve been really good,” he added. “Because we’ve been very good doesn’t mean we’ll continue.”

The Tigers have needed to be good defensively because the offense has had trouble scoring. FHSU was third in the nation in 3-point shooting in non-conference play but the Tigers are last in the MIAA from beyond the arc.

“We’re having a really hard time shooting the ball,” Johnson said.

After losing key players off last year’s team which had one of the best defenses in the nation, Tiger coach Mark Johnson expected a drop-off this season.

01/18/2025

With a week between playing, the Fort Hays State University women’s basketball team utilized the time off with no game last Saturday by having some quality practice time.

“I think we got better over the weekend,” FHSU coach Talia Kahrs said on Tiger Talk. “We were able to rest a little bit, which I think is huge this time of year.

“Kids that are older, have done it for four or five years, their bodies need a break,” she added. “We also had good, hard practices, able to do some mental work, different offensive things, different defensive things.”

The seventh-ranked Tigers were unable to take advantage of that extra practice on Thursday, losing at home 70-69 to Missouri Western. The Tigers have two losses this season, both by one point to the Griffons.

FHSU will look to bounce back Saturday against another MIAA opponent, playing host to Northwest Missouri State in a 2 p.m. tipoff at Gross Memorial Coliseum. FHSU won by 10 at Northwest Missouri State earlier this season.

With a week between playing, the Fort Hays State University women’s basketball team utilized the time off with no game last Saturday by having some quality practice time.

01/18/2025

According to Melissa Dixon, the Hays Conventions and Visitors Bureau exists to market the city to potential visitors while informing and assisting guests of Hays. Dixon, Executive Director of Hays CVB, the Department, which operates the Hays Welcome Center, also works to support special events and attractions within the community. The CVB is equally as committed to growth within the community as it is with bringing visitors that could one day become a part of the Hays community.

“Visitors to Hays are a very, very important economic arm of the city. They eat here, shop here, and stay overnight,” said Director of Finance Kim Rupp.

He stated that not only is the CVB funded by the Hotel Guest Tax, but visitors also generate sales tax revenue for the City. Sales tax collection, according to Director Rupp, is one of the City’s primary revenue sources for the General Fund, supplying two-thirds to three-fourths of General Fund each year.

According to Melissa Dixon, the Hays Conventions and Visitors Bureau exists to market the city to potential visitors while informing and assisting guests of Hays. Dixon, Executive Director of Hays CVB, the Department, which operates the Hays Welcome Center, also works to support special events and a...

01/18/2025

Who is running through my fields and cutting down the weeds? Or maybe I should ask, what is running through my fields and cutting down the weeds?

Today we’ll meet a rural entrepreneur who has founded a business producing autonomous robots that use mechanical means to cut down weeds close to the ground on broadacre crops across the Midwest.

It sounds like science fiction, but it’s happening in rural Kansas.

Clint Brauer is founder of Greenfield Robotics, which produces these AI-powered farming robots. Brauer is a third-generation farmer who grew up farming with his dad on their place near Cheney.

Who is running through my fields and cutting down the weeds? Or maybe I should ask, what is running through my fields and cutting down the weeds? Today we’ll meet a rural entrepreneur who has founded a business producing autonomous robots that use mechanical means to cut down weeds close to the gr...

01/18/2025

The Innovation Center is proud to announce the first new construction home to benefit from its Kansas Housing Cooperative Program, a transformative initiative designed to expand rural housing opportunities in Northwest Kansas. Brenden and Alexis Ibarra, lifelong residents of Ellis County, became the inaugural participants in this program, achieving their dream of building their first home.

Alexis, a nurse, and Brenden, an employee at Fort Hays State University, are not only building a home for their growing family but also expanding their family farm. Their journey exemplifies the spirit of the Kansas Housing Cooperative Program—helping Northwest Kansas families achieve their housing and economic goals while strengthening rural communities.

The Innovation Center is proud to announce the first new construction home to benefit from its Kansas Housing Cooperative Program, a transformative initiative designed to expand rural housing opportunities in Northwest Kansas. Brenden and Alexis Ibarra, lifelong residents of Ellis County, became the...

01/18/2025

According to Convention and Visitors Bureau (CVB) Executive Director Melissa Dixon, although the new year is barely two weeks old, the CVB has added community events are already scheduled throughout 2025.

“We update our Event Calendar with more every day,” said CVB Executive Director Dixon.

For the latest updates on Hays Happenings, Dixon encourages residents to visit the CVB website ( https://www.visithays.com/ ) or follow the CVB on social media (Facebook, Instagram, X, YouTube and Pinterest for up-to-date information on all Hays Happenings.

To request an event be added to the CVB calendar, contact Annette Barber by phone: 785-628-8202 or email: [email protected] .

“As you’re planning out the year ahead, make sure you get these 20 popular events on your calendar for 2025,” said CVB Executive Director Dixon.

According to Convention and Visitors Bureau (CVB) Executive Director Melissa Dixon, although the new year is barely two weeks old, the CVB has added community events are already scheduled throughout 2025.

01/18/2025

The Chamber in Hays, Kansas, is pleased to announce the upcoming Child Care Provider Quarterly Professional Development Series, a free event designed to support the growth and education of local childcare providers.

All area childcare professionals are encouraged to attend and take advantage of the opportunity to receive credit toward annual recertification requirements.

The event will be hosted at The Rose Garden Banquet Hall & Catering, 2350 E. 8th St.

The professional development session will feature Josh Tanguay, a licensed clinical psychotherapist and owner of Western Kansas Therapy Associates, as the keynote speaker.

The Chamber in Hays, Kansas, is pleased to announce the upcoming Child Care Provider Quarterly Professional Development Series, a free event designed to support the growth and education of local childcare providers.

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