Hays Daily News

08/31/2024

Before adjourning the Aug. 19, 2024 Ellis City Council meeting, Mayor David McDaniel requested a discussion of questions asked by Ellis resident Ms. Sylvia Deutscher regarding the City’s approach to repair and preservation of Ellis’ brick streets.

As Ms. Deutscher addressed the Council during the meeting’s Public Comments, she asserted that many Ellis in the community are concerned about the City’s approach to repair of brick streets, which she described as “asphalt thrown on top.”

Before adjourning the Aug. 19, 2024 Ellis City Council meeting, Mayor David McDaniel requested a discussion of questions asked by Ellis resident Ms. Sylvia Deutscher regarding the City’s approach to repair and preservation of Ellis’ brick streets.

08/31/2024

There’s a caterpillar in the garden, and it’s 18 feet long. But don’t worry: This is not an alien invasion, and your tomatoes are not at risk.

The garden is a sculpture garden. It is part of an effort to use folk art – in this case, bug sculptures – to attract visitors to a rural Kansas community.

Don Atha is the Kansan who spearheads this effort to use public folk art to benefit the community. Atha grew up in Mission Hills where his family was active in supporting the arts.

“Thanks to my family, I feel like I was raised at the Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art in Kansas City,” Atha said. His family donated several pieces to the museum.

There’s a caterpillar in the garden, and it’s 18 feet long. But don’t worry: This is not an alien invasion, and your tomatoes are not at risk. The garden is a sculpture garden. It is part of an effort to use folk art – in this case, bug sculptures - to attract visitors to a rural Kansas comm...

08/31/2024

In 2008, Jana Lynne Mackey lost her life as a result of violence at the hands of her ex-boyfriend. In her life, she was an advocate for women’s rights and spent years volunteering to aid victims of sexual assault and domestic violence. In her honor, Jana’s Campaign has ensured that her memory will live on, her namesake campaign as a beacon of hope for individuals who have or are experiencing gender and relationship violence.

Through Jana’s Campaign, mother Christie and stepfather Curt Brungardt have built an organization that provides quality educational programming that prevents gender and relationship violence. Alongside work from Executive Director Kaiti Blackburn, various volunteers and team members, the Brungardt’s have dedicated their lives to ensuring safety within relationships.

Through events like their upcoming Empty Place at the Table Gala, Jana’s Campaign is able to raise money to further their impact on communities who may not know that domestic violence can happen to anyone at any time; communities whose members may need resources and support.

In 2008, Jana Lynne Mackey lost her life as a result of violence at the hands of her ex-boyfriend. In her life, she was an advocate for women’s rights and spent years volunteering to aid victims of sexual assault and domestic violence. In her honor, Jana’s Campaign has ensured that her memory wi...

08/31/2024

When watching the Russell Broncos this fall, avoid blinking when possible. Especially when junior receiver Walker Middleton has the football.

“It seems like once you blink,” junior lineman Ian Strobel said, “he is already down the field.

“He is an electrifying player who keeps his head down and works hard on and off the field,” he added. “He lets his playing do all of the talking.”

“I am a quiet leader and leads by example and let my playing do the talking,” said Middleton, who as a sophomore last year caught six touchdown passes and totaled 541 yards receiving on 50 catches – all best on the team.

“When someone tries to tackle him, he always finds a way out of the tackle,” junior receiver Dominick Hernandez said. “Whether it’s a juke move or he simply just out-runs him.”

“His explosiveness, he’s a very elusive playmaker,” sophomore defensive end Brody Pfannenstiel said. “Even if there isn’t a great block, he can still make a play.”

When watching the Russell Broncos this fall, avoid blinking when possible. Especially when junior receiver Walker Middleton has the football.

08/28/2024

Something new this year for the Fort Hays State University football team is a pair of non-conference games on the Tigers’ schedule. It starts with Thursday’s season opener, a 7 p.m. kickoff against Angelo (Texas) State University at Lewis Field Stadium.

FHSU coach Chris Brown likes playing a team outside the rugged MIAA. The last non-conference game in the regular season against a non-MIAA affiliated school was with South Dakota School of Mines in 2013.

“Very excited to have the opportunity to play someone else other than somebody in your conference,” Brown said. “That’s a very good football team, going to be a great challenge for us.”

Angelo State, ranked 24th in the nation in NCAA Division II, is picked to finish second in the Lone Star Conference after a 7-3 season last year. While the Rams have a new defensive coordinator, the Tigers have a new offensive coordinator in Tom Ross, who joined the FHSU staff this season.

Something new this year for the Fort Hays State University football team is a pair of non-conference games on the Tigers’ schedule. It starts with Thursday’s season opener, a 7 p.m. kickoff against Angelo (Texas) State University at Lewis Field Stadium.

08/28/2024

Fort Hays State University (FHSU) is pleased to announce The Paisley Pear as the recipient of the 2024 Tiger Nation Partner of the Year Award. Tiger Nation Partners is a partnership involving several on-campus organizations, businesses, and organizations in the Hays community, and this year, we honor one of those participating businesses.

“Our community has a tremendous amount of Tiger spirit. When students come to FHSU, they see it every day throughout our community,” said Janette Meis, communication specialist in the Office of the President and co-chair of the Tiger Nation Partners committee. “The Paisley Pear is a strong supporter of FHSU. Their friendly staff frequently interacts with our students and their families, making them feel at home.”

Fort Hays State University (FHSU) is pleased to announce The Paisley Pear as the recipient of the 2024 Tiger Nation Partner of the Year Award. Tiger Nation Partners is a partnership involving several on-campus organizations, businesses, and organizations in the Hays community, and this year, we hono...

08/28/2024

On August 7, 2024, the Fort Hays State University Foster Grandparent and Senior Companion Programs held their monthly in-service meeting at the Sternberg Museum in Hays. The event featured guest speaker Jaylea Black, an Oncology Social Worker, who provided valuable information on legal documents essential for advanced care planning.

During her presentation, Black discussed the importance of having a Durable Power of Attorney for health care decisions, Living Wills, and Do Not Resuscitate (DNR) orders. She emphasized the need for individuals to ensure that their doctors as well as loved ones are aware of these documents and have copies, so that their wishes can be carried out in critical moments.

On August 7, 2024, the Fort Hays State University Foster Grandparent and Senior Companion Programs held their monthly in-service meeting at the Sternberg Museum in Hays. The event featured guest speaker Jaylea Black, an Oncology Social Worker, who provided valuable information on legal documents ess...

08/28/2024

Capital Improvements, specifically repairing 48th Street and Vineyard Rd/270th Ave, were the sole topic of discussion on Aug. 20, 2024 as the Ellis County Commissioners reviewed the final draft version of the 2025 County Budget before approving the document for publication.

The County’s 2025 Budget, expected to be approved following a Public Hearing scheduled for Sept. 10, 2024, allocates $600,000 for repair of 48th Street. Commissioner Michael Berges said he wanted to talk about the 48th Street project because, though constituents had appreciated the Aug. 13, 2024 Joint Meeting with the City Commission yielded good discussions on the topic, concerns had been voiced that the 48th Street Project might get pushed to 2026 or 2027.

Capital Improvements, specifically repairing 48th Street and Vineyard Rd/270th Ave, were the sole topic of discussion on Aug. 20, 2024 as the Ellis County Commissioners reviewed the final draft version of the 2025 County Budget before approving the document for publication.

08/28/2024

Fort Hays State junior forward Montserrat Diaz was selected to the 2024 Costa Rica national team assembled for the FIFA U-20 World Cup, set to begin in late August in Columbia. Diaz has played 39 matches over two seasons at FHSU, helping the Tigers to back-to-back NCAA Tournament appearances.

08/28/2024

County Administrator Darin Myers informed Commissioners during their Aug. 20, 2024 meeting that he learned when he met with State Librarian Ray C. Walling, that Mr. Walling is working to make changes to the withdrawal request process. He said Mr. Walling hopes those changes [KAR54-117] will be done by the end of year which allow a newly appointed County Library Board to petition for withdrawal from the Central Kansas Library System [CKLS] early in 2025.

County Administrator Darin Myers informed Commissioners during their Aug. 20, 2024 meeting that he learned when he met with State Librarian Ray C. Walling, that Mr. Walling is working to make changes to the withdrawal request process. He said Mr. Walling hopes those changes [KAR54-117] will be done....

08/28/2024

The USD489 Board of Education (BOE) Aug. 5, 2024 Retreat Minutes [approved on Aug. 19, 2024] state the Board’s Retreat, which included lunch at the new Hays High School (HHS) job site and tours of both the HHS & Roosevelt Elementary bond construction, ran from 9 a.m. to 3:45 p.m.

According to the Retreat Minutes, discussion items included District Schools’ Needs/Assessment/State Assessment Review, Strategic Planning, a Kansas Association of School Board presentation on the Superintendent Evaluation Process, Budget Review and the Resolution to close Lincoln Elementary. Discussion of Capital Outlay Projects was deferred to the BOE’s Aug. 19, 2024 Meeting.

The USD489 Board of Education (BOE) Aug. 5, 2024 Retreat Minutes [approved on Aug. 19, 2024] state the Board’s Retreat, which included lunch at the new Hays High School (HHS) job site and tours of both the HHS & Roosevelt Elementary bond construction, ran from 9 a.m. to 3:45 p.m.

08/28/2024

County Appraiser Eugene Rupp shared with results of the State’s annual compliance with Commissioners at the Aug. 20, 2024 meeting, noting that while that a score of 75 points or greater is considered by the state to indicate “substantial compliance,” Ellis County scored a 96.0 for residential property valuations and 96.6 for commercial property valuations, based on 2023 data.

County Appraiser Rupp explained the scores were based on reviews of County Appraisals for 313 residential and 15 commercial sales in 2023. He noted that the low number of commercial sales did skew the data statistically but that when setting values, the County includes 3-5 years of data in the analysis, compared to the State’s one year review.

County Appraiser Eugene Rupp shared with results of the State’s annual compliance with Commissioners at the Aug. 20, 2024 meeting, noting that while that a score of 75 points or greater is considered by the state to indicate “substantial compliance,” Ellis County scored a 96.0 for residential ...

08/28/2024

County Commissioners approved on Aug. 20, 2024, as they have in past years, the waiving of transfer station fees related to Oktoberfest trash removal, donated again this year by CARDS Holdings.

CARDS Holdings offers residential trash, recycling, commercial waste, and portable restroom facilities locally in Hays and Weir, Kansas as well as to communities in Oklahoma, Missouri, Arkansas and Texas.

Jason Fitzgerald with CARDS addressed Commissioners during Aug. 20, 2024 meeting’s Public Forum and stated that CARDS was excited to providing two, thirty-yard containers for Oktoberfest, each capable of carrying two tons. He also thank the Commission, on behalf of the five member CARDS team who accompanied him, for all the County’s partnerships with CARDS.

County Commissioners approved on Aug. 20, 2024, as they have in past years, the waiving of transfer station fees related to Oktoberfest trash removal, donated again this year by CARDS Holdings.

08/28/2024

08/26/2024

7 days left to vote! Show your support for your favorite people, places and businesses by recognizing them as Best Of Hays. Help us celebrate what makes our community so special! Who do you want to see named Best Of Hays? It's easy! Simply click on the link below. You may vote once per day, per email address.
https://www.hdnews.net/cr-dep-best-of/?event_token=867900d904379086

08/24/2024

Hays Sister Cities board members were pleased to award Hays High School senior Caleb King a $2,500 scholarship to attend the Youth Leadership Summit in Washington D.C. hosted by Sister Cities International August 4 - 10.

The Youth Leadership Summit engages future leaders and exposes them to global challenges in hopes to inspire a new generation of citizen diplomats and volunteers to promote peace, mutual respect, and prosperity.

King was nominated to Hays Sister Cities by Jerry Braun, Gifted Education teacher at Hays High. King was one of only 49 applicants chosen by Sister Cities International to attend YLS.

Hays Sister Cities board members were pleased to award Hays High School senior Caleb King a $2,500 scholarship to attend the Youth Leadership Summit in Washington D.C. hosted by Sister Cities International August 4 - 10.

08/24/2024

The congregation is in place as the pastor says a prayer. But there are no pews or stained glass windows in sight. In fact, this service doesn’t take place inside a church building - it takes place in a cornfield.

This congregation is saying a blessing over a plot of farm ground from which the proceeds will be used to support a global initiative helping farmers in developing nations fight hunger.

Kaylyn Morse is regional director for Growing Hope Globally, a Christian nonprofit organization working to support agricultural development in developing nations around the world. Kaylyn is a Colorado native. She and her husband Tobin came to Manhattan when Tobin took a position as an engineer with the Natural Resources Conservation Service in Riley County. “We love it here,” Morse said.

The congregation is in place as the pastor says a prayer. But there are no pews or stained glass windows in sight. In fact, this service doesn’t take place inside a church building - it takes place in a cornfield. This congregation is saying a blessing over a plot of farm ground from which the pro...

08/24/2024

During the Aug. 19, 2024 USD489 BOE President Curt Vajnar, following the drawing of names from a cup to determine the outcome, announced appointment changes for two 2024-2025 BOE Standing Committees. Prior to the drawing, he confirmed Board Members interest in serving on the BOE’s Standing Committees of the Negotiation Team and USD489 Foundation for 2024-2025.

During the Aug. 19, 2024 USD489 BOE President Curt Vajnar, following the drawing of names from a cup to determine the outcome, announced appointment changes for two 2024-2025 BOE Standing Committees. Prior to the drawing, he confirmed Board Members interest in serving on the BOE’s Standing Committ...

08/24/2024

The Fort Hays State volleyball team was picked 11th in the 2024 MIAA Preseason Coaches Poll, released Friday (Aug. 28) by the league office.

The Tigers accumulated 28 points in the voting process, seven behind 10th place Pittsburg State and 11 behind ninth-ranked Emporia State. Four teams received first-place votes, with Central Missouri topping the poll with five first-place votes and 113 points.

Fort Hays State returns seven players from last year's team that turned in a record of 11-18. Returners include honorable mention All-MIAA selection Gracie Rains, 2021 honorable mention All-MIAA pick Claire Olson, Kirsten Evans, Taytum Lovesee, Ashlyn Reeves, Tallon Rentschler and Caiya Stucky.

The Fort Hays State volleyball team was picked 11th in the 2024 MIAA Preseason Coaches Poll, released Friday (Aug. 28) by the league office.

08/24/2024

The Ellis County Board of Commissioners are requesting citizen interest in being apart of the new Ellis County Library Board. To be eligible for the appointment, the person must live within the new taxing district of the Ellis County Library, which is anyone who lives in Ellis County, but not within the city limits of Hays or Ellis. Initial appointment terms will vary, but appointments will have four-year terms after the initial appointment.

The Ellis County Board of Commissioners are requesting citizen interest in being apart of the new Ellis County Library Board. To be eligible for the appointment, the person must live within the new taxing district of the Ellis County Library, which is anyone who lives in Ellis County, but not within...

08/24/2024

At 11:21 pm, Thursday August 22nd, the Ellis County Fire Department was dispatched to a structure fire at 2300 East 7th Street Lot 31. Upon arrival at 11:28pm, the structure was found fully engulfed and reported as an abandoned structure.

Fire crews fought the fire defensively by keeping firefighters out of the structure while extinguishing the fire and protecting other nearby homes. Fire crews used two attack lines to extinguish the fire and reported the fire under control at 12:10 am.

At 11:21 pm, Thursday August 22nd, the Ellis County Fire Department was dispatched to a structure fire at 2300 East 7th Street Lot 31. Upon arrival at 11:28pm, the structure was found fully engulfed and reported as an abandoned structure.

08/24/2024

The USD489 Board of Education (BOE) discussed the District’s 5 Year Outlook for Capital Outlay Projects, as presented by Superintendent Ron Wilson during their Aug. 19, 2024 meeting. Superintendent Wilson described the Outlook as a “working document” of projects which may be presented to the B...

08/24/2024

According to the USD489 Board of Education (BOE) Aug. 5, 2024 BOE Retreat Minutes approved on Aug. 19, 2024 a Public Hearing on the Resolution to close Lincoln Elementary School will be held during the Sept. 9, 2024. Public comment will occur prior to the Board’s vote on the resolution.

08/24/2024

Grow Hays, Inc., a nonprofit organization aimed at advancing the economic health and vitality of Ellis County, announces the completion of street and infrastructure improvements to Wheatland Drive to the north of 22nd Street.

08/24/2024

Fort Hays State University has been awarded a $74,446 CIVIC Innovation Planning Grant from the National Science Foundation (NSF). The grant, titled “Advancing Health Equity in Western Kansas Rural Communities Affected by Gender-Based Violence: A Survivor-Centered Advocacy Approach,” will fund a six-month research development project beginning October 2024. This project is a critical first step in preparing for a subsequent one-year implementation grant to address service gaps for underrepresented communities.

Fort Hays State University has been awarded a $74,446 CIVIC Innovation Planning Grant from the National Science Foundation (NSF). The grant, titled “Advancing Health Equity in Western Kansas Rural Communities Affected by Gender-Based Violence: A Survivor-Centered Advocacy Approach,” will fund a ...

08/24/2024

Following discussion during the Aug. 19, 2024 USD489 Board of Education [BOE] Regular Meeting, by consensus, decided to form a committee to discuss cell phone policies after the Kansas Association of School Board [KASB] Task Force on the subject releases its recommendations, expected in November, 2024.

The Board and District Administration agreed that all “stakeholders” (including parents, students staff and the community) should be included future conversations addressing concerns about cell phone use at in school.

Additionally, the Board requested that Administration survey teachers now for input on classroom cell phone policies and encourage them to share their opinions on how cellphones impact the classroom.

Following discussion during the Aug. 19, 2024 USD489 Board of Education [BOE] Regular Meeting, by consensus, decided to form a committee to discuss cell phone policies after the Kansas Association of School Board [KASB] Task Force on the subject releases its recommendations, expected in November, 20...

08/21/2024

Hays High football coach Tony Crough welcomed about 95 players for Monday’s first practice. He said it could be the most players he has had out in his seven seasons as the Indians’ coach.
With so many players on the field, Crough said it’s important that everybody feels a part of the team.

“The key is making sure kids feel involved,” Crough said. “Our platooning style helps.

“I think that’s why our numbers have jumped since we got here,” he added. “Kids see more opportunities to see the field instead of kids playing both sides of the ball.”

With so many players on the field, Crough said it’s important that everybody feels a part of the team.

08/21/2024

The start of fall practice is smoother this time around for second-year Monarch coach Grant Stephenson.
Stephenson welcomed about 30 players for Monday’s first practice for the Thomas More Prep-Marian football team.

“Anywhere you go, the first year’s the hardest, everybody getting used to each other,” said Stephenson, who guided the Monarchs to a 5-5 record and a playoff berth in his first season after a successful stint at Plainville. “That takes time.

“Summer was good, what we’ve got going in the weight room,” he added. “They understand how we teach things.”

The Monarchs will be looking for clarity on the running back situation in preseason drills but also welcome back junior Carson Liles at quarterback. Liles broke his foot in the first game last fall and missed the rest of the season. Liles will have as a target senior wide receiver Adler Brown, a second-team all-MCL choice last season.

Stephenson welcomed about 30 players for Monday’s first practice for the Thomas More Prep-Marian football team.

08/21/2024

The City of Hays and Ellis County Commissions met, with all members present, at the Smoky Hill County Club for a 90 minute Joint Meeting on Aug. 13, 2024. More than half the discussion time was devoted to possible joint road projects for 48th Street repairs and Vineyard Road/270th Avenue reconstruction.

Additionally, Commissioners re-affirmed a commitment to explore economic growth collaborations of benefit to both the City & County.

By consensus, the City expressed support and interest in proportionate cost sharing on a 48th Street Road Project, as the County prepares to submit another application this Fall for a Kansas Department of Transportation (KDOT) grant.

The City of Hays and Ellis County Commissions met, with all members present, at the Smoky Hill County Club for a 90 minute Joint Meeting on Aug. 13, 2024. More than half the discussion time was devoted to possible joint road projects for 48th Street repairs and Vineyard Road/270th Avenue reconstruct...

08/21/2024

Kansas’ Division of Emergency Management’s Training Program Manager and State Training Officer Mark Willis was on hand at the Aug. 13, 2024 Ellis County Commission meeting to present County Emergency Management / Assistant Fire Chief Lyle Pantle with the FEMA National Emergency Management Basic Academy’s (NEMBA’s) Certificate of Completion.

Mr. Willis stated he was appearing before the Commission for Chief Pantle’s Certificate Presentation because NEMBA completion is a very significant accomplishment.

He explained NEMBA consists of three weeks of training, 120 clock hours covering five courses, including Foundations of Emergency Management, The Science of Disasters, Planning and Operations, Public Information and the Homeland Security Exercise and Evaluation Program.

Kansas’ Division of Emergency Management’s Training Program Manager and State Training Officer Mark Willis was on hand at the Aug. 13, 2024 Ellis County Commission meeting to present County Emergency Management / Assistant Fire Chief Lyle Pantle with the FEMA National Emergency Management Basic ...