Hays Daily News

11/02/2024

The Hays High Indians are Regional Champions after taking down Topeka West Thursday afternoon, improving to 10-8 on the season. A pair of goals from Preston Parr and Ivan Maldonado alongside a stellar Indian defense was enough to extend their season into the quarterfinals Monday afternoon against Maize South (16-2). Goalkeeper Kenneth Fisher logged two saves in the contest to help his team to a victory. On the other side of the West bracket, No. 2 Salina South (16-2) will take on Valley Center (13-3-1).

The Hays High Indians are Regional Champions after taking down Topeka West Thursday afternoon, improving to 10-8 on the season. A pair of goals from Preston Parr and Ivan Maldonado alongside a stellar Indian defense was enough to extend their season into the quarterfinals Monday afternoon against Ma...

11/02/2024

Coming off a last-minute loss to a nationally-ranked team, the Tigers bounced back last week with a convincing 53-9 win over Missouri Southern.

FHSU now hits the road for its final two games, starting Saturday at 11th-ranked Emporia State. Kickoff is 1 p.m. at Welch Stadium.

“We just need to continue to get better this week,” FHSU coach Chris Brown said.

The Tigers face a Hornet offense which averages 31.1 points per game featuring a fast-paced air attack that averages 358.4 yards per game.

“This week’s going to be a big challenge for us, with what Emporia State does offensively with a high tempo, different formations,” Brown said. “They always do a couple extra formations each game.”

Coming off a last-minute loss to a nationally-ranked team, the Tigers bounced back last week with a convincing 53-9 win over Missouri Southern.

11/02/2024

After getting injured and missing most of last season, Tiger defensive end Gaven Haselhorst is just happy to suit up this fall.

“It feels amazing to be back on the field with my boys,” Haselhorst said.

Haselhorst, a 6-foot, 245-pound sophomore, started the first three games last year before missing the rest of the season. This year for the Fort Hays State University football team, Haselhorst has played in all nine games, recording 21 tackles with two sacks. Getting playing time has produced results for Haselhorst, who was a standout linebacker for Hays High.

“I’m playing more confident, trusting my speed and athletic ability,” Haselhorst said. “I’m having a lot of fun.”

Two years ago as a redshirt-freshman, Haselhorst played in eight games, starting seven, and finished with 31 tackles, ninth-best for the Tigers. Not the biggest player on the defensive line, Haselhorst has to make the most of his strengths.

After getting injured and missing most of last season, Tiger defensive end Gaven Haselhorst is just happy to suit up this fall.

11/02/2024

The No. 17 ranked Fort Hays State Men’s Soccer team maintained its position on top of the GAC standings with a crucial win at Northeastern State on Thursday night (Oct. 31). The Tigers scored twice inside the final 10 minutes of the contest to grab a 4-2 win. FHSU improved to 10-3-2 overall and 7-2-1 in the GAC, running its unbeaten streak to eight-straight matches. Northeastern State fell to 2-7-6 overall and 2-4-3 in the GAC.

The Tigers struck early when Tadhg Walsh found the back of the net in the 2nd minute off a well-threaded crossing pass from Felix Tellez Ramirez. The Tigers doubled their lead just before halftime when Anders Sandsto scored his third goal of the season in the 40th minute on an opportunity inside the box.

The No. 17 ranked Fort Hays State Men's Soccer team maintained its position on top of the GAC standings with a crucial win at Northeastern State on Thursday night (Oct.

11/02/2024

Tiger center Brandon Kerr relishes the opportunity to block a player when he has the size advantage. A 6-foot-1, 310-pound junior for the Fort Hays State University football team, Kerr most often battles other linemen in the trenches.

But when Kerr gets the chance to get out on the edge …

“It’s always nice to get your hands on the little (defensive backs) or safeties,” Kerr said, “other than blocking a 300-pound dude the whole game.”

Tiger center Brandon Kerr relishes the opportunity to block a player when he has the size advantage. A 6-foot-1, 310-pound junior for the Fort Hays State University football team, Kerr most often battles other linemen in the trenches.

11/02/2024

In an exciting development for aspiring nurses across rural Kansas, the Fort Hays State University (FHSU) Department of Nursing has announced the launch of its new hybrid pre-licensure Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) program. This innovative program is designed to meet the needs of students who seek a flexible educational path, making it particularly beneficial for those living in rural areas who may not have local access to a nursing program.

Dr. Tanya Smith, Coordinator of the BSN program, states that the hybrid program is a great option for students who are juggling work commitments and cannot attend a traditional 8-5 nursing program.

“This program is an excellent option for students who are unable to move to Hays or another community with a nursing program, students who enjoy and have experience with online learning, or those who already hold a previous bachelor’s or associates degree, or another credential—such as a paramedic or Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN)—and are seeking to earn a BSN in nursing,” Smith said.

In an exciting development for aspiring nurses across rural Kansas, the Fort Hays State University (FHSU) Department of Nursing has announced the launch of its new hybrid pre-licensure Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) program. This innovative program is designed to meet the needs of students who...

11/02/2024

“Bloom where you are planted” goes a common saying.

Today we’ll meet an entrepreneur who is using floral blooms to create a beautiful life for herself and others – even as far away as the White House.

Sara Larson is the entrepreneur who is providing these beautiful decorations. She is founder and owner of the business known as Wild & Blooming Floral and Events.

She grew up on a place between Junction City and Chapman. As a young Geary County 4-Her, she discovered a passion for floriculture. “Our 4-H leader taught me a lot about floral design,” Larson said.

In college, she became the go-to person to provide flower arrangements for friends and family members who were getting married. Meanwhile, she earned a degree from the Washburn School of Business and then worked at Walt Disney World in Florida.

“Bloom where you are planted” goes a common saying. Today we’ll meet an entrepreneur who is using floral blooms to create a beautiful life for herself and others – even as far away as the White House.

11/02/2024

Members of FHSU’s Criminal Justice Club traveled to Garden City Community College in October to compete in the Region 3 Conference. The group won several awards.

Academic poster presentations, Ryan Deitering, Hays, first place upper division and Dominic Graves, Tescott, second place lower division

Members of FHSU’s Criminal Justice Club traveled to Garden City Community College in October to compete in the Region 3 Conference. The group won several awards.

11/02/2024

Each Hays City Commissioner is provided with the opportunity during meetings to speak to fellow Commissioners and constituents. On Oct. 24, 2024 Commissioner Reese Barrick used a portion of his time to call attention to the quality of life of 41% of Hays households living either below the state’s established poverty level (18%) or within the range considered “at risk” (23%) due to limited assets and income constraints as low wage earners.

He also challenged successful business owners, both small and large, who wish to be considered community leaders to pay wages of at least $20 an hour, which he reported would allow their employees to participate fully in Hays’ economy and in the quality of life the Hays community has worked so hard to build and maintain.

The Hays Daily News sought comments on Commissioner Barrick’s remarks from City and County Commissioners, Fort Hays State University (FHSU, Hays Medical Center, The Chamber and Grow Hays. Commissioner Barrick also provided insight in a follow-up interview on Oct. 30, 2024.

“Hays is a great place to live. People here are amazing, very friendly and very helpful to their neighbors. We’ve been working hard to keep the quality of life high with the parks, with water and with our schools, including building a new high school,” Barrick said.

“But the thing that I want everybody to focus on is we want that quality of life to extend to everybody. We don’t want to leave 41%, 8000 people, out. We don’t want to leave anybody behind. We want to make it, make this great quality of life available for everyone.”

Each Hays City Commissioner is provided with the opportunity during meetings to speak to fellow Commissioners and constituents. On Oct.

11/01/2024

Trick or Treat On the Bricks 2024- Seeing all of the creativity in this year's costumes was such a blast. We hope that everyone had a safe and sweet Halloween!

PHOTOS BY HAILEY CHAPMAN / HAYS DAILY NEWS

10/31/2024

Tiger coach Chris Brown is focusing on winning the team’s last two games and then see what happens as far as postseason.

The Fort Hays State University football team improved to 6-3 overall and 4-3 in the MIAA after Saturday’s 53-9 win over Missouri Southern. The Tigers finished the home portion of their schedule at 6-0 and now play at No. 11 Emporia State this week and after a bye week close out the regular season at Nebraska-Kearney.

“I feel like we win these next two ball games, let the committee decide,” Brown said Tuesday in his weekly news conference. “Hopefully, we win these two, we get to a bowl game or something.”

By Randy Gonzales Special to Hays Daily News Tiger coach Chris Brown is focusing on winning the team’s last two games and then see what… Login to continue reading Login Sign up for complimentary access Sign Up Now Close

10/30/2024

Jaycee Oakley, Western Athletic Conference Player of the Year, Regional runner-up and state medalist. The senior saved her best performances of the year for her final three outings, earning accolades as she reached the biggest stage in 5A Girls Golf.

Following unfavorable weather conditions day one, the Hays High girls golf team competed after a three hour delay in the 5A Girls State Golf Tournament. The first day concluded with Oakley, Liz Dreiling and Kinley Pfannenstiel’s rounds incomplete, finished Wednesday morning with KSHSAA then able to determine the top six teams, top 18 medalists.

Oakley was the sole representative for Hays High School, the Indians finishing ninth, unable to advance to day two as a team. The top six teams were Kapaun Mt. Carmel (318), St. James Academy (324), Bishop Carroll (349), St. Thomas Aquinas (350), Blue Valley Southwest (354) and Topeka Seaman (356).

Day one for the Indians concluded with Oakley leading at 77, WAC 1st team selection Dreiling, Ava Erbert and Lily Butler ending their day with a 106. As a team, the Indians ended day one with a 395.

Day two commenced with a shotgun start at noon, Oakley competing with the top schools for a ninth place finish, shooting an 82 for a 159 total. The 5A Girls State Champion hailed from Kapaun Mt. Carmel, Ximena Sarinana, who shot a 142 over the two day stretch.

Andover’s Regan Dusenbery finished second, her team narrowly missing the final day by seven strokes. Third place Naomi Koontz represented as the sole competitor for Newton, finishing with a 148.

Jaycee Oakley, Western Athletic Conference Player of the Year, Regional runner-up and state medalist. The senior saved her best performances of the year for her final three outings, earning accolades as she reached the biggest stage in 5A Girls Golf.

10/30/2024

The Fort Hays State University football team finished a perfect home season with a 53-9 thrashing of Missouri Southern on Saturday. The Tigers, who were 6-0 at Lewis Field Stadium this year, will play their final two regular-season games on the road.

FHSU rolled up a season-high 520 yards of total offense, including a season-best 301 yards on the ground. Running back Shane Watts rushed for a career-high 201 yards and two touchdowns and quarterback Caleb Heavner threw for 173 yards and three TDs.

In other MIAA games: No. 6 Pittsburg State won 35-21 at ninth-ranked Central Missouri, handing the Bronchos their first loss of the season; No. 14 Emporia State won 42-35 at Nebraska-Kearney; and host Central Missouri slipped past Washburn, 31-28. Missouri Western and Northwest Missouri State both did not play.

The Fort Hays State University football team finished a perfect home season with a 53-9 thrashing of Missouri Southern on Saturday. The Tigers, who were 6-0 at Lewis Field Stadium this year, will play their final two regular-season games on the road.

10/30/2024

Both Hays and Thomas More Prep-Marian ended their volleyball seasons this week, falling in sub-state competition and saying goodbye to nine influential players between the two programs.

The seven seniors departing the Monarch program include Koenigsman, Yost, Gottschalk, Shalee Gottschalk, Haley Stecklein, Macara Rohr and Tessa Wentling.

Koenigsman ends the season with 293 kills, 854 in her career for a 30.1 kill percentage. Earlier this season, she surpassed the 1000 mark in digs, totaling 1045 in her career. Yost concludes her time as a Monarch with 417 kills, 614 digs and 924 assists. T. Gottschalk finished with 279 kills, 45 aces and 153 blocks.

Wentling ends her career with 70 kills and 19 blocks in two varsity seasons. Stecklein ends the season with a career total of 168 digs and 20 aces. S. Gottschalk notched a career high season with 144 kills in a career total of 220. Rohr ends with 33 kills, six blocks and 19 digs.

The Indians loss led the Indians to a premature goodbye to two influential seniors, Molly Martin and Katie Linenberger. In her senior season, Martin knocked down 303 balls for a 37.6 kill percentage. She recorded 29 aces, 27 blocks and 159 digs. Linenberger held a 39.3 kill percentage with 132 on the season. She matched her junior season with 40 blocks in her farewell tour.

Both Hays and Thomas More Prep-Marian ended their volleyball seasons this week, falling in sub-state competition and saying goodbye to nine influential players between the two programs.

10/30/2024

The Thomas More Prep-Marian Monarchs dropped their final contest of the regular season to the Plainville Cardinals Friday night, 24-14, now 5-3 on the season. The loss greatly affected their week nine standing, placing the Monarchs at No. 11, to take on No. 6 Sterling (5-3). A win Friday night for Plainville moved their record to 6-2, earning the Cardinals a No. 4 spot against the Inman Teutons (4-4).

The Monarchs have relied heavily on Carson Liles, junior quarterback, kicker and defender. This fact was proven in the first drive of the contest when he was able to stifle the Cardinal offense and get his team the ball on an interception. Despite the early momentum shift, the Monarchs were stopped on downs twice.

The Thomas More Prep-Marian Monarchs dropped their final contest of the regular season to the Plainville Cardinals Friday night, 24-14, now 5-3 on the season. The loss greatly affected their week nine standing, placing the Monarchs at No.

10/30/2024

The Hays High Indians secured a No. 9 seed in week nine match ups following a tough loss to the Liberal Redskins Friday night. A 4-4 record this season will put the Indians up against Andover in the opening round of post season, the winner to take on No. 1 Great Bend or No. 16 Newton.

Hays was able to strike first against the Redskins, Carter Graham connecting with Jonathan Cano with a minute remaining in the first quarter. With a 6-0 lead, Liberal found their way to a tie ball game with less than two minutes in the first half remaining. On just one play, the Redskins freshman quarterback Tevin Cotter found Jame Fieser from 74 yards out. With both defenses denying the extra point attempt, Friday night’s contest was knotted at 6-6 through two quarters.

Cotter and Fieser continued to rack up yards in the third quarter, connecting on a 90-yard pass for the lead. A successful two-point attempt would put Liberal in front 14-6.

The Hays High Indians secured a No. 9 seed in week nine match ups following a tough loss to the Liberal Redskins Friday night.

10/30/2024

On Thursday, Oct. 24, 2024, following discussion, Hays City Commissioners unanimously adopted Charter Ordinance No. 33, which modifies previous Charter Ordinances, to increasing the transient guest tax (TGT) levied by the city by 1.25% to 8.75%.

Deputy City Manager Collin Bielser, who presented the Ordinance for adoption stated that the Charter Notice would be published on Oct. 25 and Nov. 1, 2024, on the City’s website haysusa.com, which is the official news outlet for City legal notices.

According to Deputy City Manager Bielser, following the Nov. 1, 2024, final publication, there is a 60-day period during which a charter ordinance may be challenged by a petition of not less than 10% of voters who voted in the last City election.

The protest period will end on January 1, 2025. If a valid petition is presented, the charter ordinance will be put to a vote of the Hays residents. If a valid petition is not presented, the Kansas Department of Revenue would be notified and the new TGT would be implemented on April 1, 2025.

On Thursday, Oct. 24, 2024, following discussion, Hays City Commissioners unanimously adopted Charter Ordinance No. 33, which modifies previous Charter Ordinances, to increasing the transient guest tax (TGT) levied by the city by 1.25% to 8.75%.

10/23/2024

The Robert E. and Patricia Schmidt Foundation has continued its generous support of the Hays Public Library by donating $50,000 to the Kansas Room Remodel. This donation has allowed the Hays Public Library Foundation to reach the campaign’s fundraising goal of $150,000.

The remodel of the Kansas Room will include new flooring, lighting, and furniture. The space also will be rearranged to better accommodate presentations and research while still maintaining the extensive collection of local and regional history, geography, and genealogy.

The Robert E. and Patricia Schmidt Foundation has continued its generous support of the Hays Public Library by donating $50,000 to the Kansas Room Remodel.

10/23/2024

Grow Hays Executive Director Doug Williams told Hays City Commissioners at last Thursday’s Work Session (Oct. 17, 2024) that preparations to sell lots in The Grove development are nearly complete and that he expects the organization to be ready open discussions with potential buyers within the next month.

“Now that we know what the costs are, we’re in the process of figuring out what we’re going to charge for the lots, and I would guess that’ll take place in the next two or three weeks. We have about 40 on a list of who have expressed interest, so we’ll start getting with them to explain the deal,” said Executive Director Williams.

He explained that the sale of approximately 60 lots will not be “normal situations” where individuals buy a lot and go build whatever house they want when they are ready.

“There’s going to be a limited number of floor plans that are going to be available. The exteriors are going to be of common materials,” Executive Director Williams said. Executive Director Williams noted that buyers will be required to start building within 12 months of the purchase contract date.

Grow Hays Executive Director Doug Williams told Hays City Commissioners at last Thursday’s Work Session (Oct. 17, 2024) that preparations to sell lots in The Grove development are nearly complete and that he expects the organization to be ready open discussions with potential buyers within the nex...

10/23/2024

On Oct. 7, 2024, Ellis City Council approved a citizen’s request, presented by Police Chief Avery Smith, that stop signs be added at the intersection of West 5th and Dorrance Streets for the eastbound and westbound lanes.

“She’s requesting stop signs be added because during REC baseball and softball season, cars come in and out and don’t pay attention, they just go because there’s no stop sign or any traffic control there,” said Chief Smith.

He noted that the request was made by a resident who lives in the area of intersection who expressed concern because of the number of neighborhood children also on the streets riding bikes.

On Oct. 7, 2024, Ellis City Council approved a citizen’s request, presented by Police Chief Avery Smith, that stop signs be added at the intersection of West 5th and Dorrance Streets for the eastbound and westbound lanes.

10/23/2024

At 27-8, the Hays High Indians have earned a No. 7 seed and a placement in the Great Bend Regional where they will face No. 10 Valley Center, the winner continuing on against the winner of the No. 2 Panthers and No. 15 Goddard.

Last week, the Indians suffered a tough loss to Great Bend during the Western Athletic Conference tournament, 25-20 and 25-21. Throughout the season, the Panthers have accumulated a 33-2 record, losing only to Clay Center and Manhattan in September.

At sub-state, Hays has the opportunity to even the playing field and advance to the state tournament.

Molly Martin will need to go kill-for-kill with the Hornets Mcdonald in their opening match, the pair closely aligned in hitting percentage. Martin’s 0.293 leads the team, the senior putting down 268 kills in her final season. Zoe Winter has had a strong junior campaign with 173 kills, followed by senior Katie Linenberger with 120.

New additions to this year’s varsity squad have diversified their options for setter Brooke Bieker. Alongside Winter, Martin and Linenberger, junior Molly Buckles has been a strong middle option with 109 kills this season, a 38.1 kill percentage. Though sophomore Lynsi Kanak may not see opportunities as often as the upperclassman before her, she has made the most of those given to her notching a 38.3 kill percentage, matching the efforts of senior Martin.

From the service line, Winter leads the Indians with 44 aces, good for 172 points this season. Libero Annie Humphrey has proven the most efficient, second in aces with 34, giving Hays 201 points from the serving position. Freshman Sylvia Johnson has made the most of her serving role, notching a team high 96.5 serving percentage.

Buckle’s front row defense has been a pivotal element in the Indian lineup, the junior denying kill attempts from opponents 52 times. Her efforts have been complimented by Kanak and Linenberger, both with more than 30 blocks on the season.

Earlier this season, Humphrey celebrated her 1000th career dig, rolling to 348 in her junior season, ranking fourth in class 5A. She leads the team with 10.9 digs per match, followed by Winter with 156 and Parker Unruh with 147.

In Class 5A, Martin ranks 13th in hitting percentage and 9th in kills. Bieker’s sophomore debut to the varsity roster has proven successful, ranked 8th in assists with 670 this season. Winter’s 44 aces place her 14th in 5A.

In WAC competition, Martin is second in both kills and hitting percentage, Bieker second in assists. Winter ranks third in aces, Buckles second in blocks and Humphrey second in digs.

At 27-8, the Hays High Indians have earned a No. 7 seed and a placement in the Great Bend Regional where they will face No. 10 Valley Center, the winner continuing on against the winner of the No. 2 Panthers and No. 15 Goddard.

10/23/2024

The Monarchs will live to fight another day after a 3-0 performance at their own Regional tournament. At 28-11 this season, their next appearance will be in Ellinwood where they open against No. 6 Phillipsburg (24-15). The hosting Eagles (34-3) will open against No. 8 Sterling (14-20).

The Monarchs have won nine of their last 11 matches, both losses to 3A front runner Norton. In their final outing in front of their home crowd, the Monarchs opened against the Smith Center Redmen, taking down their opponent in two sets 25-16, 25-13.

The Leoti-Wichita County Indians overcame the Plainville Cardinals in three sets, dominating set one 25-12, falling set two 22-25 but coming out on top with a match win 25-15 in the deciding set.

In the second matchup of the night, the Monarchs were tested by the Cardinals, overcoming rallies from Plainville in the first set. TMP moved to 2-0 on the day with wins by 25-22 and 25-17.

The Indians also moved to 2-0 following a pair of 26-24 wins over Smith Center, setting up a final contest between both unbeaten teams. The Monarchs maintained the momentum they had built up within the first two matches, taking down the Indians 25-17 and 25-14.

In the evening’s final contest, Smith Center found their first win over Plainville, 25-18, 25-22. The Redmen finished in third, Indians in second and the Monarchs victorious in their home Regional. At 28-11 this season, their 3-0 performance was enough to move them to fourth in class 2A standings behind Ellinwood, Sylvan-Lucas (28-7) and Oakley (26-9).

The Monarchs will live to fight another day after a 3-0 performance at their own Regional tournament. At 28-11 this season, their next appearance will be in Ellinwood where they open against No.

10/23/2024

If a bowl comes calling, the Tigers will answer.

Fort Hays State University football coach Chris Brown said there was still a chance to make the playoffs and if that’s not the case a bowl game would be a possibility.

FHSU is 5-3 overall and 3-3 in the MIAA after Saturday’s last-minute, 18-17 loss at seventh-ranked Pittsburg State. But win their last three games, and who knows?

“There’s still a lot we’re playing for in this conference,” Brown said Tuesday in his weekly news conference. “There’s still a contention to possibly be in the playoffs, if we can win out.

“If not, a great opportunity to be in a bowl game, which we will take, to get our guys better,” he added. “I think we’re at that point where we take one if we get one.”

By Randy Gonzales Special to Hays Daily News If a bowl comes calling, the Tigers will answer. Fort Hays State University football coach Chris Brown… Login to continue reading Login Sign up for complimentary access Sign Up Now Close

10/19/2024

R9 Project Manager John Braun and R9 Property Manager Chris Smith appeared before the Hays City Commission on Oct. 10, 2024, to provide updates on the R9 Pipeline Project and Ranch, including ongoing efforts to keep the public informed via a dedicated page on the City’s website where residents can comment and ask questions.

R9 Project Manager Braun opened his remarks by reporting that since his last update to the Commission in March 2024, work has progressed in five areas: funding sources, survey, easement acquisition, wellfield design and pipeline design.

He reminded Commissioners that in July 2024, Hays and Russell were awarded a Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) Building Resilient Infrastructure and Communities Direct Technical Assistance (BRIC DTA) grant which is aimed to help the R9 Pipeline Project resubmit a more competitive federal BRIC grant in early 2025.

R9 Project Manager John Braun and R9 Property Manager Chris Smith appeared before the Hays City Commission on Oct. 10, 2024, to provide updates on the R9 Pipeline Project and Ranch, including ongoing efforts to keep the public informed via a dedicated page on the City’s website where residents can...

10/19/2024

“Homemade.” Homemade meals and products always seem to be the best. Today we’ll meet two young women who are creating and marketing healthy, all-natural products across the country.

And the best part? These products are literally made in their homes.

Ashley Bean and Bailey Tucker are the founders and owners of Humble Homestead, a business built on holistic health and natural healing. Both women are nurses who grew up in rural northeast Kansas.

Ashley Bean hails from the rural community of Havensville, population 119 people. Now, that’s rural. She attended nursing school at Washburn University and currently works as a critical access nurse at Onaga’s hospital, which is part of the Community HealthCare System. She lives near Blaine with her husband and young children.

“Homemade.” Homemade meals and products always seem to be the best. Today we’ll meet two young women who are creating and marketing healthy, all-natural products across the country.