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Month: February 2019

Hays Area Planning Commission meets Monday

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CITY OF HAYS

The Hays Area Planning Commission will meet Mon., Feb. 18, at 6:30 p.m. in Hays City Hall, 1507 Main.

Agenda items include:

  • Discussion of a rezoning application for South 60 feet of Lot 2, Block D, Tallgrass 2nd Addition to be
    rezoned from “NC-3” Neighborhood Conservation District to “C-2” Commercial General
    District and consider setting a public hearing for the March 18, 2019 Planning Commission
    meeting
  • Update of the Hays North Vine Street Corridor Improvement Project
  • Annual Comprehensive Plan Review and consider approving updates
  • Unified Development Code (UDC) discussion and review of parking regulations

The complete agenda is available here.

Kansas Governor’s School Funding Plan Is In Pieces, Literally

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By STEPHEN KORANDA

Gov. Laura Kelly has said she has an easy solution for funding schools. Just renew the finance plan the Kansas Legislature agreed to last year and fold in an adjustment for inflation. But over in the Senate, lawmakers are picking that proposal apart.

After months of wrangling last year, lawmakers approved a $500 million multi-year boost for schools in response to a state Supreme Court ruling in the long-running Gannon case.

The justices said that plan made strides, but still wasn’t enough to fulfill the mandate in the state constitution.

The governor’s new proposal would add another $360 million over four years.

Kelly, a Democrat, branded herself as the “education governor” during the fall campaign. And she hammered on the issue during her first State of the State speech last month.

“We’re going to properly fund our schools this year. And next year. And the year after that,” she said. “Every year, every month, every day that I’m governor.”

A Senate committee held two days of hearings, where a parade of school administrators voiced support for the governor’s proposal.

They said last year’s funding boost, coupled with the inflationary adjustment, would allow them to continue investing in services for struggling students and plan ahead when hiring teachers.

“We can talk all day about teacher quality, but if we can’t plan on how many teachers we’re even going to staff, it hurts,” said Goddard Public Schools Superintendent Justin Henry. “You just don’t find them in July.”

The school districts suing the state said they would sign off on the proposal as a resolution to their lawsuit.

“Keep it simple, fix the problem, as this bill does, and end the litigation,” said Bill Brady, speaking on behalf of a coalition of 40 school districts, including the four plaintiff districts.

The Republican chairwoman of the special senate committee created to study school finance was listening, but isn’t convinced simply passing the governor’s proposal would end the legal fight.

“I don’t think we have the assurance that it will be over,” Sen. Molly Baumgardner said in an interview.

The districts have asked that the court retain the authority to monitor the issue in the coming years to make sure lawmakers follow through on any funding promises.

Republican Sen. Molly Baumgardner is skeptical adding millions more for schools would end the long-running lawsuit over funding.
CREDIT STEPHEN KORANDA / KANSAS NEWS SERVICE

 

Baumgardner also worries that the inflationary factor would cause costs to balloon even if student enrollment does not. After four years, school funding would increase automatically based on the Consumer Price Index.

“We are in unknown territory,” she said.

She doesn’t believe the governor’s proposal will advance in its current form.

The legislation is also missing funding for things that Baumgardner and other lawmakers consider priorities, such as classroom supplies and free ACT tests.

Republican House Speaker Ron Ryckman is also unconvinced that the governor’s numbers are sustainable. The state has a projected ending balance approaching $900 million for the current fiscal year, but the forecasts for coming years aren’t so rosy.

“Right now, if we do what the governor’s asking, we’ll never be able to pay that bill,” Ryckman told reporters earlier this month.

Ryckman’s skepticism partially stems from his objection to refinancing the state’s pension debt, as the governor has suggested, to free up money for schools.

Lawmakers have so far shown little interest in reamortizing KPERS. Without that, Ryckman doesn’t believe the state can fund schools as Kelly has proposed.

“We have to find another way to do this,” Ryckman said.

Proponents have characterized the governor’s proposal as the last small step to reach a resolution on school funding.

To Republican House Speaker Pro Tem Blaine Finch, adding $360 million more is no small step.

“That’s not ‘almost there’ when you’re talking about a $6 billion budget,” Finch told reporters. “It’s a massive spend.”

Senate President Susan Wagle has broken up the governor’s bill so that lawmakers can tackle it in pieces.

The Senate’s budget writing committee will consider the sections that essentially encompass the current school finance formula. A new committee formed by Wagle will take on Kelly’s plan to further boost spending.

Wagle isn’t offering any hints on what those committees could produce.

“I have no idea yet … how the debate will unfold,” she told reporters.

Democrats, meanwhile, are continuing to promote the governor’s proposal as the swiftest way to satisfy the court. Lawmakers are under pressure to arrive at an agreement so the attorney general can file legal briefs by an April deadline.

Senate Minority Leader Anthony Hensley said Kelly’s proposal is a path to ending the Gannon lawsuit, and Democrats will offer it as an amendment to any school funding bill that comes up for a vote.

“This is a critical issue and it ought to be resolved, and we ought to do it in an expeditious manner,” Hensley told reporters.

House Democratic Leader Tom Sawyer said lawmakers don’t have time to craft a new deal from scratch.

“They’ve got to move quickly,” he said.

Stephen Koranda is Statehouse reporter for the Kansas News Service. Follow him on Twitter @kprkoranda.

FHSU receives three No. 1 rankings in December, January

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FHSU University Relations

Programs offered through the Fort Hays State University Virtual College received three No. 1 recognitions in the state of Kansas for December and January from CollegeFactual.com, as well as high national rankings in the same categories.

FHSU topped CollegeFactual.com list of the best colleges in Kansas for non-traditional students.

Close to 200 degrees at the associate, bachelor’s and master’s levels with concentrations are available through the Virtual College. All online degree programs are regionally accredited, affordable, and utilize the latest in learning technology.

“Whether you want a degree, professional certification, or simply the pleasure of exploring a new subject, we’re ready to help you. We offer a comprehensive menu of online student services including tutoring, personal advising and other support services to help ensure your success,” says the FHSU website.

To view this ranking visit https://bit.ly/2JmtkMF.

FHSU was also ranked No. 6 nationwide in this category.

“Our rankings for non-traditional students were developed based on the premise that these students are looking for flexible learning options, as well as high-quality outcomes for graduates,” says CollegeFactual.com.

To view this ranking visit https://bit.ly/2E42vOi.

FHSU also topped CollegeFactual’s list of the best college for their information networking and telecommunications degree for veterans in the state due to their academic superiority and the support they provide to veterans.

“We live in a networked world of information, users, and systems which is why almost every industry relies on professionals trained by the programs offered in the Department of Informatics,” says the FHSU website.

To view this ranking visit https://bit.ly/2WGTb92.

FHSU topped CollegeFactual’s list for the best liberal arts general studies schools for veterans in Kansas.

“It is a degree completion option for students who have well-defined career objectives and do not require a course specific or career specific degree,” says the FHSU website.

To view this ranking visit https://bit.ly/2nJSjAH.

FHSU was also ranked No. 10 nationally in this category.

“Experience a strong focus on liberal arts general studies inside the major at FHSU,” says CollegeFactual.com.

To view this ranking visit https://bit.ly/2Ddtwfc.

CollegeFactual.com’s goal is to help every student discover a college and career they love without debt holding them back. They obtain data from both public and private sources, one being the Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System from the National Center for Education Statistics.

Along with the No. 1 rankings, FHSU also received numerous other rankings from various agencies as being among the best and most affordable online programs offered by U.S. colleges and universities.

AffordableCollegesOnline.org

Best Online Marketing Programs 2018-2019
FHSU was ranked No. 3 by AffordableCollegesOnline.org for its online marketing degrees because of the range of electives and concentrations that complement the degree, as well as affordability and student services offered.

“Marketing is about being an advocate for the customer and providing the customer’s voice to the rest of the company. It is both a science and an art – great marketing is systematic and analytic but is also creative,” says the FHSU website.

To view this ranking visit https://bit.ly/2HTkUA5.

Best Programs for Online Hotel Management Degrees
FHSU’s Bachelor of Science in tourism and hospitality management was ranked No. 9 for their online hotel management degrees.

“The department of applied business studies emphasizes hands-on, real world experiences where students can engage in the day-to-day essentials of hospitality management and tourism through the coursework,” says AffordableCollegesOnline.org.

To view the ranking visit https://bit.ly/2G8gVOl.

BestValueSchools.com

30 Best Online Bachelor’s in Computer Science 2019
FHSU was ranked No. 8 out of 30 for the best online bachelor’s in computer science in 2019 by BestValueSchools.com.

“The B.S. in computer science at FHSU teaches students how to create and analyze software, networks, information security systems, and electronic media,” says BestValueSchools.com.

To view this ranking visit https://bit.ly/2REmF3R.

CollegeChoice.net

Most Affordable Online Master’s in Education
CollegeChoice.net ranked FHSU as No. 2 for the most affordable online master’s in education degrees for 2019.

“Designed with your needs for flexibility, convenience, and educational quality in mind, the department of advanced education programs prepare you with innovative solutions to meet the challenges in your chosen field of study,” says the FHSU website.

To view this ranking visit https://bit.ly/2t2x4wh.
GreatValueColleges.net

30 Top Affordable Bachelor’s Programs Online
GreatValueColleges.net ranked FHSU No. 2 out of 30 colleges for the most affordable bachelor’s programs online.

“FHSU offers 36 different affordable bachelor’s degrees online, including options in agricultural business, technology leadership, and medical diagnostic imaging,” says GreatValueColleges.net.

To view this ranking visit https://bit.ly/2Aroubx.

OnlineMasters.com

Best Online Master’s in History Programs
FHSU was ranked No. 4 for the best online masters in history programs by OnlineMasters.com.

“Considering pursuing a graduate degree in history? At FHSU you can earn a master’s degree from a highly respected program with its roots firmly set in a rich historical landscape,” says the FHSU website.

To view this ranking visit https://bit.ly/2t5CG96.

OnlineSchoolsCenter.com

Most Affordable Online Schools for Bachelor in Accounting Degrees
OnlineSchoolsCenter.com ranked FHSU No. 17 in the nation for the most affordable online bachelor’s in accounting degrees.

“Students learn to handle and utilize all of the most modern and state-of-the-art accounting programs and technologies that will make them highly sought after by employers,” says OnlineSchoolsCenter.com.

To view this ranking visit https://bit.ly/2GaLrav.

Most Affordable Online Schools for Bachelor’s in Computer Science
FHSU received a No. 19 ranking nationally for the most affordable online schools for a bachelor’s in computer science from OnlineSchoolsCenter.com.

“The administration at FHSU has brought together faculty members from a wide range of departments into this one program, to give students access to the most pertinent information available,” says OnlineSchoolsCenter.com.

To view this ranking visit https://bit.ly/2MPuBhJ.

OnlineU.org

Most Affordable Hospitality Management Degrees Online
OnlineU.org ranked FHSU No. 2 nationally for the most affordable tourism and hospitality management degrees online for 2019.

“The primary purpose of this degree program is to blend the traditional outcomes of a liberal education, which provides breadth, and a specific tourism and hospitality management concentration that provides curriculum depth in the tourism industry,” says the FHSU website.

To view this ranking visit https://bit.ly/2RA2PXq.

Most Affordable Online Colleges for Marketing Degrees
FHSU received a No. 7 ranking from OnlineU.org for the most affordable online colleges for marketing degrees for 2019.

“Marketers develop, promote, and price products and decide where to sell those products to create long-term relationships with customers,” says the FHSU website.

To view this ranking visit https://bit.ly/2D5KhsQ.

 

Cloudy, breezy Saturday, chance of light snow

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Today
A chance of snow and freezing drizzle between 11am and 3pm, then a chance of snow after 3pm. Patchy freezing fog before 10am. Cloudy, with a high near 23. Wind chill values as low as -3. East southeast wind 9 to 14 mph. Chance of precipitation is 30%.
Tonight
A 20 percent chance of snow before 9pm. Cloudy, then gradually becoming partly cloudy, with a low around 16. Wind chill values as low as 5. East wind 6 to 10 mph becoming northwest after midnight.
Sunday
Sunny, with a high near 30. Wind chill values as low as 4. Northwest wind 10 to 15 mph.
Sunday Night
Increasing clouds, with a low around 10. Wind chill values as low as -2. North wind 9 to 11 mph.
Washington’s Birthday
A 50 percent chance of snow, mainly before noon. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 20. North wind 8 to 11 mph.
Monday Night
A 40 percent chance of snow after midnight. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 11.
Tuesday
Snow. High near 20. Chance of precipitation is 80%.
Tuesday Night
Snow, mainly before midnight. Low around 10. Chance of precipitation is 80%.
Wednesday
Partly sunny, with a high near 28.

Residents try to repopulate Nicodemus with tiny home project

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Workers put in plumbing for the tiny homes in Nicodemus.

By CRISTINA JANNEY
Hays Post

Residents of Nicodemus are trying to repopulate the historical African American community with the construction of tiny homes.

JohnElla Holmes, a Nicodemus resident and township trustee, is spearheading the effort.

Holmes’ ancestors lived in Nicodemus, and she moved back to the community in 2015 after her retirement.

Nicodemus was founded in 1877 by African Americans moving west during the Reconstruction. It is the only remaining African American settlement west of the Mississippi and is registered as a National Historic Site.

Holmes remembers as a child coming home to Nicodemus during the summer for festivals and seeing aunts, uncles and cousins. She said living in Nicodemus has meant everything to here.

“My whole life I have wanted to come back because there is so much pride in being a descendant of original settlers. I can trace my lineage back to my great-great grandparents who came to Kansas. I know the plantation they came from. Not many people know that and can say that, but I can.”

Workers pour foundations for the tiny homes in Nicodemus.

Holmes wants to share that history and pride with others.

The community received a $120,000 grant from the Dane G. Hansen Foundation and a CY PRES grant toward the project. The project also has been supported through other grants as well as private funds.

The project has 11 families and individuals on a list for the homes.

Three tiny homes are now in process and a family located a single-wide trailer in Nicodemus as a part of the repopulation project. The community hopes for a total of seven tiny homes in its first phase of development.

Foundations for three homes have been poured. Portions of the tiny homes have been preconstructed by the Sturdi-Bilt company in Hutchinson, but workers need a break in the weather to begin installing the homes on their foundations in Nicodemus, Holmes said. Move-in dates for the homes are going to depend on weather, but the homes should only take a couple of months to finish once they are on their foundations.

The tiny homes are only about 500 square feet, but will be move-in ready each with a kitchen, bathroom and sleeping loft.

A worker works on the foundation for a tiny home in Nicodemus.

One of the tiny homes is being built for a person who is disabled. Instead of sleeping loft, that home will have a built-in Murphy bed.

Each home is expected to cost about $38,000 to $40,000.

Holmes said she was surprised at the number of people interested in the project, not only the tiny homes but family homes. Organizers did not anticipate developing two- and three-bedroom homes until the third phase of the project, but there is interest in that housing now, Holmes said.

One family is living in Hill City until they can be accommodated in Nicodemus.

At its height between the late 1870s and 1890s, 700 people lived in the community. However, that number declined when the community failed to attract the railroad.

When Holmes moved to Nicodemus in 2015, the community had only 15 residents. Today, the community has 37 residents and is growing.

Although Holmes said she did not think the community would ever get back to 700 residents, she said she thought 150 to 200 residents was within reach.

“I am totally optimistic,” Holmes said. “There is a huge interest. If we could get in and remodel some of the homes or refurbish them, we could fill them today with people who want to move back to the community. They want a simpler life. They want to get back into agriculture. They want to have their own gardens. They want the security and safety of living in a nice place where they can get a good education and go to school in Hill City.

“Once we can get our infrastructure fixed and our water system fixed and complete roads and the platting of the land there in Nicodemus, I really see us growing.”

Infrastructure is proving a challenge. The water and sewer system has not been upgraded in 40 years. The original community also was not platted correctly, and some homes are sitting in alleys.

Holmes said she would like to give Colonial Williamsburg a run for its money by having residents regularly dress in period costumes and share Nicodemus’ history.

The historical society, which is led by Angela Bates, already has a cooperative agreement with the park system. They have descendants who are community interpreters and share the history of the community.

“Nine out of 10 people or nine and half people, when they hear the history from those young women, it just blows their minds,” Holmes said. “There is not much to speak about, but once they hear the history, they hear the pride and the ground swell of what was going on, they understand why we would be so prideful of this small … almost ghost town.”

Holmes also hopes to entice businesses to move to Nicodemus through the repopulation project. The community’s church, 1st Missionary Baptist, also has a new pastor and 40 regular attendees.

Anyone interested in moving to Nicodemus may contact Holmes at 785-236-9014 or [email protected]. 

Nicodemus has will have its 3rd annual Chautauqua at 1 p.m. May 25. More information on the 142nd Annual Emancipation Celebration July 25-28 can be found at www.nicodemushomecoming.org.

To learn more about Nicodemus or for details on planning a visit to the historic sites, visit the Nicodemus National Historical website.

KHP: 3 hospitalized after train hits an SUV

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GEARY COUNTY — Three people were injured in an accident just after 5:30p.m. Friday in Junction City.

The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a 2003 Chevy Tahoe driven by Ishmail Maurice Thomas, 21, Junction City, was eastbound on Ash Street in Junction City.

The tire tracks show the Tahoe went left of center and was struck by oncoming train.

Thomas and two passengers Travis Ray Allen, 40, Junction City, and Solton, Marcus Dewayne
Solton, 31, Bossier City, LA., were transported to the Geary County Community Hospital.

There were no injuries reported on the train. The occupants of the Tahoe were properly restrained at the time of the accident, according to the KHP.

Monarch basketball teams earn sweep of Stockton

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TMP’s Jillian Lowe goes up for the short shot against Stockton

STOCKTON – The TMP boys and girls basketball teams returned to MCL play Friday night on the road in Stockton and both teams were able to pick up convincing wins.

Girls

TMP 58, Stockton 46

After a tight first quarter the TMP lady Monarchs outscored Stockton 23-5 in the second quarter on their way to the 58-46 win Friday in Stockton.

Rose McFarland postgame interview

TMP opened the game on a 6-2 run but Stockton came back to tie the game at six and a back-and-forth first quarter ended in a 12-12 tie.

In the second quarter the Monarchs really ratcheted up the pressure, forcing Stockton into 12 turnovers as they put together a 23-5 run to go up 35-17 late in the quarter.

After leading 35-22 at the break the Monarchs Emily Schippers scored 11 straight to start the second half helping the Monarchs build a 24-point lead at 46-22.

The Monarchs extended their lead in the fourth quarter to 26 at 53-27 before coach Rose McFarland emptied her bench, allowing the younger girls to play much of the fourth quarter. That also allowed Stockton to close the deficit to just 12 at end of the game as TMP earned the 58-46 win.

Game highlights

Schippers lead three Monarchs in double-figures with 17. Jillian Lowe finished with 12 points and Kyleigh Allen added 11. Olivia Dix led Stockton with 16 off the bench.

TMP improves to 14-4 and 8-0 in the MCL while Stockton drops to 7-12 and 1-8 in the league.

Boys

TMP 52, Stockton 34

After a slow start the TMP boys offense came alive in the second half on their way to a 52-34 win Friday in Stockton.

Bill Meagher postgame interview

TMP’s Jared Mayers shoots for two against Stockton

 

Stockton opened the game on a 7-0 run and led by nine twice in the first quarter before the Monarchs cut the lead to three after one 14-11.

After falling down by six to open the second quarter TMP was able to pull within two at 21-19 with just over a minute and a half to play.

Down two Jared Mayers tied the ball game at 21 with 1:00 to play in the half and then the Monarchs Jackson Schulte poured in two straight field goals to five the Monarchs a 25-21 lead, one they would not relinquish.

One minute into the second half TMP’s Jack Johnson’s tip-in sparked a 13-0 run to give the Monarchs their largest lead up to that point at 19 at 38-21. During the run Lucas Lang connected on back-to-back three’s and Schulte added a third in-a-row.

TMP’s largest build an 18-point lead in the fourth quarter and go on to win by 18 at 52-34.

Game highlights

Nine different players scored for the Monarchs led by the nine each of Ryan Karlin and Jackson Schulte.

Stockton’s Brady Beougher finished with a game-high 19.

TMP improves to 10-9 and 5-3 in the MCL while Stockton falls to 6-13 and 2-6.

The Monarchs host Plainville on Tuesday.

Gov. proclaims official Kansas FFA Week Feb. 16-23

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Members of the Kansas FFA Association joined with Gov. Laura Kelly for the 2019 Kansas FFA Week Proclamation signing. Pictured from left are: Riley Buss, Jefferson West President, Garrett Craig, State Sentinel, Lauren Kastner, Washburn Rural Vice President, Max Harmon, State President; Gov. Laura Kelly; Scuyler Zenger, State Secretary; Miranda Depenbusch, State Reporter, Kassie Adams Jefferson West Sentinel, Josey Metagh, Jefferson West Vice President and Richard Smothers, Washburn Rural President.

 

 

KSFFA

MANHATTAN –The 203 chapters of the Kansas FFA Association will celebrate National FFA Week, Feb. 16-23, 2019.

FFA Week embraces more than 91 years of FFA traditions while looking forward to the organization’s future. In Kansas, more than 9,700 members participate in Kansas FFA Week activities.

Kansas FFA members have a passion for agriculture. Kansas Governor Laura Kelly officially proclaimed the celebration and joined with Kansas State FFA officers and members representing the Jefferson West and Washburn Rural FFA Chapters for the official signing of the proclamation.

Designated a national week in 1947, the week of George Washington’s birthday, National FFA Week runs from Saturday to Saturday and gives FFA members an opportunity to educate the public about agriculture. During the week, chapters conduct a variety of activities to help others in their school and community learn about FFA and agricultural education.

Today’s FFA members are the innovators and leaders of tomorrow. Through agricultural and hands-on learning, they are preparing for more than 250 unique career opportunities in the food, fiber and natural resources industry.

“Kansas FFA members are a dynamic group and because of the educational opportunities and experiences that they’ve gained through agriculture education classes we know that our members will provide leadership in their local communities and in our great state and across this country for decades to come,” said Max Harman, state FFA president from the Inman FFA chapter. “Agriculture is the largest economic driver in our state and we are excited to be a part of this dynamic and diverse industry.”

The Kansas FFA Association is a statewide organization of more than 9,700 agricultural education students in 203 chapters in every corner of Kansas. It is part of the National FFA Organization, a national youth organization of 669,989 student members preparing for leadership and careers in the science, business and technology of agriculture with 8,630 local chapters in all 50 states, Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands. Our mission is to make a positive difference in the lives of students by developing their potential for premier leadership, personal growth and career success through agricultural education. Visit www.ksffa.org for more information.

High school basketball scoreboard Feb. 15

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Girls

Western Athletic Conference
Hays 46 Garden City 35
Dodge City 69 Great Bend 27

Mid-Continent League
TMP 58 Stockton 46
Norton 62 Ellis 28
Hill City 29 Plainville 43
Trego 57 Smith Center 43

Central Prairie League
Victoria 38 Ness City 28
Ellinwood 43 Otis-Bison 49
Kinsley 36 Central Plains 65

Northern Plains League
Osborne , Chase Canceled
Rock Hills 16 Thunder Ridge 73
Ellsworth 47 Lincoln 13

Northwest Kansas League
Decatur Com. 39 Quinter 43
Rawlins Co. 47 Dighton 39

Western Kansas Liberty League
Hoxie 53 Northern Valley 23
Logan 34 Wheatland/Grinnell 43
Cheylin 42 Triplains/Brewster 13

Central Kansas League
Smoky Valley 39 Halstead 59
Haven , Pratt Rescheduled for Sat. 16th
Hillsboro 58 Lyons 38

Great Western Activities Conference
Colby 62 Hugoton 45
Scott City 61 Holcomb 51
Ulysses 49 Goodland 21

Boys

Western Athletic Conference
Hays 49 Garden City 55
Dodge City 53 Great Bend 69

Mid-Continent League
TMP 52 Stockton 34
Norton 27 Ellis 36
Hill City 43 Plainville 57
Trego 41 Smith Center 59

Central Prairie League
Victoria 53 Ness City 71
Ellinwood 39 Otis-Bison 45
Macksville 43 St. John 60
Kinsley 23 Central Plains 68

Northern Plains League
Osborne , Chase  Canceled
Rock Hills 53 Thunder Ridge 47
Ellsworth 58 Lincoln 26

Northwest Kansas League
Decatur Com. 58 Quinter 55
Rawlins Co. 42 Dighton 40

Western Kansas Liberty League
Hoxie 81 Northern Valley 77
Golden Plains 65 Palco 37
Logan 40 Wheatland/Grinnell 47
Cheylin 41 Triplains/Brewster 74

Central Kansas League
Haven , Pratt Rescheduled for Sat. 16th
Hillsboro 62 Lyons 50

Great Western Activities Conference
Colby 45 Hugoton 58
Scott City 46 Holcomb 53
Ulysses 58 Goodland 36

Hays High wrestlers at Regional Tournament

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Eleven of the twelve wrestlers that Hays High took to the 5A Regional Tournament in Arkansas City moved on to day two.  Kreighton Meyers, Chase Voth, Gavin Meyers, Cole Schroeder, Gavin Nutting and Logan Schulte all won their first round matches.  Kreighton Meyers, Gavin Meyers, and Nutting then won their next match to reach the semifinals.

Each of the three wrestlers though suffered their first loss of the tournament in that round.

Six wrestlers lost first round matches but five of them kept their chance of a state appearance alive with victories.  Grant Karlin, Creighton Newell, Hazen Keener, Kyler Casper, and Landon Summer each won consolation bracket matches.

The team continues action in Arkansas City on Saturday.  The 5A state tournament is held in Park City at Hartman Arena next Friday and Saturday.

Hays High girls win, boys lose in Garden City

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It was a flashback Friday in Garden City for Hays High as they played their Western Athletic Conference games with the Buffaloes in “The Garden” at the old high school.  The games had been moved from Garden City High School to Horace Good Middle School because of the Garden City hosting a KSHSAA 6A Regional Wrestling Tournament.

Girls

#10-5A Hays 46 – Garden City 35

Garden City led the entire first quarter as they scored the first three points of the game.  Tied at nine a piece in Hays could not take the lead on two possessions and trailed after one quarter 14-11.  The Indians trailed 16-15 and misfired on the next seven possessions, but the defensive effort remained constant for Hays as they trailed just 18-15 with 2:00 to go in half.  Hays scored the final seven points of the quarter to take a 22-18 lead by halftime on their first lead of the game.

Highlights

 

Both teams struggled to score starting the third quarter.  Tied at 22 points a piece, Hays finished the third quarter on a 9-2 run capped by a Brooke Denning three pointer for a 31-24 lead heading to the fourth quarter.  The Indians’ lead never dropped below two possessions in the fourth quarter.  The Hays defense kept Garden City from scoring back to back field goals the entire quarter on their way to a 46-35 victory.

Hays grabbed a season high 46 rebounds as  Garden City made their first three pointer then missed the next 20 attempts.

Coach Alex Hutchins

 

Brooke Denning lead the team with 16 points to tie a season high.  The Indians are 12-6 on the year and sit alone in second place in the conference standings at 5-2.  Garden City falls to 11-8 and 3-4.

 

Boys

Garden City 55 – Hays 49

Garden City was trying to claim the WAC crown against Hays on Friday night with a victory securing the outright title.  Hays won the 2018 crown as Garden City finished second.  Garden City entered the Friday night contest with a one game lead of the Indians.

Garden City made their first six three pointers and eight of ten first quarter shots to lead 22-13.  Hays trailed by as many as 12 in the first quarter before Tradgon McCrae hit a three pointer to end the first quarter.  That shot was the start to a 9-0 run that brought the Indians back within three at 22-19.  Garden City didn’t score for the first 3:20 of the second quarter but once they did, the Buffaloes went on a 12-3 run to reclaim a 12 point lead.  The Indians scored the final five points of the half with Jason Krannwitter hitting a right corner three closing the halftime deficit down to 34-27.

Highlights

 

Hays scored just one field goal and four free throws in the third quarter as Garden City grabbed a pair of 13 point leads and led 46-33 entering the fourth.  The Indians cut the Garden City advantage down to six midway through the fourth quarter after holding the Buffaloes scoreless for over three minutes.  Garden City went back up by ten with 2:05 left, but left the door open for Hays scoring just a single point for the remainder of the game.  The Indians had made five consecutive field goals but had the next five shots hit the rim but refused to go in.  A three pointer from thirty plus feet at the buzzer by McCrae brought the final score to 55-49 in favor of Garden City.

Coach Rick Keltner

 

Hays falls to 9-9 on the year and 4-3 in the WAC.  McCrae scored 14 points and Cade Swayne adds 12.  Garden City is the Western Athletic Conference champions moving to 6-1 in league play and 15-4 overall.

Hays heads back out on the road Tuesday as they travel to Dodge City to finish conference action.

Kansas teen sentenced for hit and run that killed bicycle rider

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HUTCHINSON, Kan. — A Reno County District Judge kept her word and gave a downward departure to a 19-year-old Hutchinson man convicted of second-degree murder.

Taylor Lukone was placed in handcuffs after sentencing Friday.

Taylor Lukone entered a plea for the fatal 2017 hit-and-run accident that killed 51-year-old Jose Lopez who was riding a bicycle n 1200 Block of East 4th Street in Hutchinson. The vehicle fled the scene.

Lopez died 11 days after the incident at a Wichita hospital.

The state had requested a sentence of more than 13 years for the three charges, which included failing to stop at an accident and interference with law enforcement.

As part of the agreement, Lukone could not seek a departure sentence and both sides had agreed on a recommended sentence.

Judge Rose ruled that Lukone was barely 18 at the time of the crime, doesn’t have a substantial criminal history and accepted responsibility for his actions.

Assistant District Attorney Andrew Davidson argued to the court that there are no substantial and compelling reasons to depart. Davidson said Lukone earned the 13-year sentence.

Defense Attorney Shannon Crane noted that Lukone had been evaluated and it was determined that he suffered from PTSD. She said Lukone was upset because Lopez had beaten his mother and was let out of jail. But, Lopez had entered a plea in the case against him and had yet to be sentenced.

Lukone told the court he takes responsibility for his actions and that he didn’t mean for it to happen.

Davidson says he will appeal the sentence handed down by Judge Rose.

Sheriff: Dog taped and thrown in ditch reunited with owner

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JEFFERSON COUNTY (AP) — A dog found in a ditch with electrical and duct tape around his mouth and legs has been reunited with his owner.

Authorities believe the dog was in a ditch in cold temperatures for about 12 hours before a Jefferson County sheriff’s deputy found him Saturday . He was dubbed “Jimmy” while he recovered.

Garcia -photo Jefferson Co.

The sheriff’s office said the dog — whose name is “Flick” — had “an emotional” reunion with his owner Friday and was headed home. An area funeral home paid for the dog’s care.

Jefferson County Sheriff Missouri Dave Marshak said Thursday 39-year-old Paul Garcia of Barnhart was charged with felony animal abuse and armed criminal action. Marshak says investigators believe Barnhart taped the dog and threw him out of a window. A motive hasn’t been disclosed.

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