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🎥 City to purchase land at 27th and Commerce Parkway

By BECKY KISER
Hays Post

In a 3-2 vote Thursday night, Hays city commissioners agreed the city will move ahead with the purchase of 91 acres in the northeast corner of the 27th Street and Commerce Parkway intersection at the east Interstate 70 Exit 161.

In April 2018, the city purchased an 18-month irrevocable option to buy the land. The option expires this year on Sept. 19.

Although Vice-Mayor Shaun Musil and Commissioner James Meier previously said they would be voting against the purchase, Thursday they both said they understand why the majority of the commission supports it.

“At this time, I think we could get better use out of this money somewhere else,” Meier said.

“In my opinion, from what I’ve heard from Retail Strategies (the city’s retail consultant) and all the information you read, is that retail is just not expanding anywhere in the United States,” said Musil. “I don’t think it’s a bad deal for Hays, but I don’t think we’re desperate. … I want to help Hays grow, and I think it will. We need to grow faster, but I don’t think this is the answer.”

Commissioner Ron Mellick read a statement focusing on the high cost of land in Hays hampering development.

“A few years ago, we extended 22nd Street from Canterbury east to Commerce Parkway for better traffic flow … and we hoped that we could get retail businesses and affordable housing developed along that street. Taxpayers paid for the land, right of way, and utilities along that stretch,” Mellick said. “Overnight, this $4,000-an-acre farm ground is suddenly $80,000 to $130,000 price per acre. … I don’t have a problem with the private sector making a profit, but it is starting to hinder the city of Hays’ growth.”

Meier agreed with Mellick but said “it’s developing into a kind of chicken or egg situation.”

“I don’t think it’s a bad model to wait for the development and then put in the infrastructure,” Meier said. “On the one hand, we say that we want to put in a bunch of infrastructure. But then the land costs goes up and we feel like that’s hindering development and so then we have to buy the land. I’m just not really sure where that stops.”

Mellick noted the land would have to be sold by the city for development before the city would put in the infrastructure.

Hays will purchase 91 acres just north of I-70 and east of Commerce Parkway for future development.

“We can buy this land for $8,800 per acre,” Mellick figured. “We can purchase this 91 acres for the same price that you can only buy one-and-a-quarter acres on north Vine Street.

“We could then offer this land for retail, manufacturing, business and even affordable housing development. … Now is the time and place for us to invest in the future of Hays.”

Sales tax is the primary driver of the city’s budget.

The city will pay the remaining $782,608 to the landowner, the Cathy A. Braun Revocable Trust of Hays, along with shared closing costs and title insurance. The money will come out of the Commission Capital Reserve fund.

HPD Activity Log March 11-13

The Hays Police Department responded to 9 animal calls and conducted 13 traffic stops Mon., March 11, 2019, according to the HPD Activity Log.

Unwanted Person–200 block W 10th St, Hays; 12:40 AM
Burglary/vehicle–2200 block Gen Custer Rd, Hays; 3/10 11 PM; 3/11 6:45 PM
Parking Complaint–1900 block Main St, Hays; 9:13 AM
Civil Dispute–400 block E 21st St, Hays; 9:20 AM
Drug Offenses–200 block W 5th St, Hays; 3/8 2:25 PM; 2:30 PM
Criminal Trespass–2700 block Vine St, Hays; 10 AM
Welfare Check–200 block W 12th St, Hays; 10:32 AM
Animal At Large–22nd St and Felten Dr, Hays; 11:18 AM
Mental Health Call–1400 block E 29th St, Hays; 11:29 AM
Phone/Mail Scam–1000 block E 41st St, Hays; 11:37 AM
Forgery–4300 block Vine St, Hays; 12:26:05 PM
Forgery–4300 block Vine St, Hays; 12:26:45 PM
Forgery–4300 block Vine St, Hays; 12:27:05 PM
Forgery–4300 block Vine St, Hays; 12:27:21 PM
Forgery–2600 block Vine St, Hays; 1/15 12 AM; 11:59 PM
Battery – simple–500 block E 8th St, Hays; 12:52 PM; 12:57 PM
Phone/Mail Scam–2200 block Marjorie Dr, Hays; 1:54 PM
Suspicious Activity–1500 block Ash St, Hays; 6:17 PM
MV Accident-Private Property–1300 block E 33rd St, Hays; 7:02 PM; 7:30 PM
Criminal Damage to Property–400 block E 21st St, Hays; 9:20 AM; 5 PM
Assist – Other (not MV)–100 block W 12th St, Hays; 8:45 PM; 9 PM
Theft (general)–2200 block Canterbury Dr, Hays; 3/10 5:30 AM; 5:45 AM
Animal Call–200 block E 8th St, Hays; 9:10 PM

The Hays Police Department responded to 5 animal calls and conducted 13 traffic stops Tue., March 12, 2019, according to the HPD Activity Log.

Warrant Service (Fail to Appear)–7th and Riley St, Hays; 12:52 AM
Disturbance – General–2700 block Epworth St, Hays; 12:50 AM; 1 AM
Burglary/vehicle–1100 block Ash St, Hays; 1:25 AM; 1:32 AM
Assist – Other (not MV)–3200 block Vine St, Hays; 3:30 AM
Theft (general)–1200 block Vine St, Hays; 6:57 AM
Found/Lost Property–Hays; 8:11 AM
Animal At Large–2900 block Walnut St, Hays; 8:21 AM
Warrant Service (Fail to Appear)–1300 block E 33rd St, Hays; 9:01 AM
Phone/Mail Scam–1800 block E 26th St, Hays; 9:59 AM
Welfare Check–100 block W 4th St, Hays; 10:45 AM
Suspicious Person–29th and Vine Frontage, Hays; 11:12 AM
Unwanted Person–4000 block Gen Hays Rd, Hays; 11:27 AM
Welfare Check–200 block Circle Dr, Hays; 3/1; 3/4
Suspicious Activity–45th and Smoky Hill, Hays; 1:20 PM
Phone/Mail Scam–1000 block Country Club Dr, Hays; 1:52 PM
Shoplifting–2900 block Vine St, Hays; 2:31 PM
Shoplifting–2900 block Vine St, Hays; 3/5 3:30 PM; 7 PM
Phone/Mail Scam–500 block E 19th St, Hays; 3:24 PM
MV Accident-City Street/Alley–4300 block Vine St, Hays; 4:15 PM
Criminal Damage to Property–600 block Walnut St, Hays; 5:12 PM
Burglary/vehicle–5200 block Vine St, Hays; 2 PM; 4:30 PM
Credit Card Violations–2600 block Vine St, Hays; 4:40 PM; 4:45 PM
Credit Card Violations–1900 block Vine St, Hays; 4:30 PM; 4:35 PM
MV Accident-City Street/Alley–2100 block Wheatland Ave, Hays; 7:35 PM
Suicidal Subject–2100 block Wheatland, Hays; 8:55 PM
Rape–3200 block Vine St, Hays; 11:33 PM

The Hays Police Department responded to 4 animal calls and conducted 24 traffic stops Wed., March 13, 2019, according to the HPD Activity Log.

Theft (general)–300 block E 5th St, Hays; 2/18 12 PM; 3/11 12 AM
Warrant Service (Fail to Appear)–300 block E 5th St, Hays; 3:04 AM
Phone/Mail Scam–500 block E 7th St, Hays; 8:54 AM
Abandoned Vehicle–1700 block Holmes Rd, Hays; 9:08 AM
Animal Call–1700 block Felten Dr, Hays; 10:02 AM
Welfare Check–400 block W 37th St, Hays; 12:10 PM
MV Accident-Hit and Run–4300 block Vine St, Hays; 12:43 PM
Unwanted Person–4000 block Gen Hays Rd, Hays; 1 PM
Animal At Large–27th and Hall St, Hays; 2:20 PM
MV Accident-City Street/Alley–22nd and Vine St, Hays; 2:22 PM
Juvenile Complaint–2100 block Commerce Pkwy, Hays; 2:40 PM
Found/Lost Property–100 block W 12th St, Hays; 3:47 PM
Intoxicated Subject–3300 block Vine St, Hays; 6:10 PM
Suspicious Person–1000 block E 41st St, Hays; 6:40 PM
Intoxicated Subject–2200 block Canterbury Dr, Hays; 6:45 PM

Freshman making a difference from the Tiger sideline

Kinly Grubb

By DIANE GASPER-O’BRIEN
FHSU University Relations and Marketing

The Fort Hays State University cheer squad doesn’t travel to most Tiger road games.

But the FHSU women’s basketball team has a spirited cheerleader of its own, and she is a welcome sight at the end of the Tiger bench.

Freshman Kinly Grubb can be seen clapping and yelling at Fort Hays State games, cheering on her teammates from start to finish.

It’s a stark contrast to the role Grubb has played for sports teams since she was 5 years old. But the 5-foot-10 guard from Odessa, Mo., is patient enough to wait her turn. After all, she is still a major part of one of the best women’s teams in the nation.

The Tigers, ranked third in NCAA Division II, are the top seed for this weekend’s Central Region Championships at Gross Memorial Coliseum. They open play at 5 p.m. today vs. No. 8 seed Pittsburg State University. A complete schedule and other tournament information can be found at fhsuathletics.com.

Fort Hays State is 30-1 this season, and teammates and coaches credit Grubb’s enthusiasm as a boost to their morale when the going gets tough.

Grubb

It’s a job that Grubb has come to thoroughly enjoy, but one she had to get used to after starting all four years for her high school team.

Following a preseason practice last fall, Tiger assistant coach Talia Kahrs had a talk with newcomers to the team.

“We freshmen didn’t get in a preseason game, and in the locker room afterwards, Coach told us we could make the choice to be a really good teammate and support everyone or be unhappy,” Grubb said. “I think I really took that to heart.”

Grubb, of course, was disappointed when she called home to Odessa, Mo., and talked to her parents.

“They told me to accept my role and to give it my all, no matter what I was doing,” she said. “My mom told me I could change the whole energy of the building, that I could make a difference. Not being on the court has been an adjustment for sure, but I want to make a difference in whatever I do.”

Grubb has seen limited action in 13 games this season but embraces her new role.

She can be seen raising her arms high in the air when a 3-pointer goes through the net or jumping around on the sideline after a good play by a teammate.

“I even get up on the chairs to cheer sometimes,” she said with a big smile. “I usually lose my voice during games.”

The strawberry blonde bundle of energy was a common sight for those watching Grubb play just about every sport imaginable while growing up. Throughout high school, she competed in cross country, basketball, tennis, soccer and track and field.

But her favorite sport was basketball. By her junior year, Grubb was getting some looks from Division I schools, and she had some experience with that level of competition.

Her older sister played soccer for Creighton University in Omaha, and her younger sister has committed to the University of Missouri soccer program next year.

But middle sister was intrigued by the stories her parents told of playing ball in a strong D-II conference.

Joe and Tami Grubb could attest to the strong competition at the D-II level as both played in the MIAA (her dad played football at the University of Central Missouri, and her mom, volleyball at Pittsburg State.)

“My parents told me all about the MIAA. I didn’t want to just be a number at a D-I school,” Grubb said. “I wanted to go somewhere where I could make a difference.”

Coaches and fellow players say Grubb has definitely made a difference this year.

“I think it holds everyone else accountable to have a good attitude, even the people next to her on the bench,” Tiger Assistant Coach Talia Kahrs said. “If they see that someone who isn’t even playing is having that positive of an attitude, it carries over to everyone else.”

Senior starting point guard Carly Heim was aware of Grubb’s presence at the end of the bench this season. But after suffering a season-ending knee injury during a road game at the University of Nebraska-Kearney, Heim now has a whole new appreciation for Grubb, saying her enthusiasm is contagious.

“Now that I’m on the bench by her, I see that she says a whole lot of things like ‘nice screen, work hard, nice shot,’ that I’m thinking but not saying,” Heim said. “Her energy helps keep our energy up, and it flows down the bench.”

The Tigers came back from a 20-point deficit in that Kearney game to beat the Lopers by 10 points in overtime. Kahrs attributed part of that successful run to Grubb’s enthusiasm.

“When we were down at Kearney, we looked down the bench and saw her energy,” Kahrs said. “It made us realize we were capable of coming back. It carries over to everyone else.”

Head Coach Tony Hobson said he might have to recruit “another ball of energy” as Grubb works her way up the bench and into more playing time.

“We’ve had kids who are real enthusiastic before, but Kinly has taken to it to a different level,” Hobson said. “That’s just who she is, and we hope she can use that energy to eventually get into the rotation.”

Grubb is not afraid of hard work.

“I know I have my work cut out for me,” she said, “but I’m not shy about putting in the work. My parents told me the MIAA is the toughest conference out there, so to be ready for a fight.”

Each of the players’ photos are posted on a bulletin board outside the Tiger women’s locker room in GMC, with answers to a few questions about their experience at FHSU.

Asked to list her favorite part of being a Tiger, Grubb answered: “I haven’t been here long, but so far my favorite part has been the impromptu dance battles we have in the weight room.”

That was early in the season. That answer continues to change as Grubb cheers her team on to victory after victory.

Grainfield American Legion Stag is March 27

Grainfield American Legion Stag will be held March 27 from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. serving Lamb Fries, chicken fried steak, chicken strips, mashed potatoes, gravy, green beans, port & beans, cole slaw, fruit jello salad, chocolate pudding and a variety of desserts made by the volunteer ladies. All this for $12.50. Come join friends for a night out to eat with us. Everyone Welcome.

— Submitted

Kan. attorney general executed search warrant at hospital that closed

PITTSBURG, Kan. (AP) — The Kansas Attorney General’s office says it executed a search warrant at a southeast Kansas hospital that closed last month.

Oswego Community Hospital’s board said revenues were insufficient to cover expenses and closed the facility in February.
Google image

The search warrant was executed in February at Oswego Community Hospital, about a week after the hospital and two other medical facilities in Labette County closed.

C.J. Grover, spokesman attorney general Derek Schmidt, confirmed the search warrant but declined to comment further.

On Tuesday, the Horton Community Hospital in Brown County also closed. Grover said the attorney general’s office also is investigating that hospital.

The hospitals were once run by EmpowerHMS, which has had several hospitals close across the country.

TMP, area schools among winners of KSHSAA sportsmanship honors

KSHSAA

The Kansas State High School Activities Association, through its member schools, defines sportsmanship as those qualities of behavior which are characterized by generosity and genuine concern for others.  Further, an awareness is expected of the impact of an individual’s influence on the behavior of others.

The excitement of a basketball game can create concerns for fans, students and officials.  Citizenship/Sportsmanship Rule 52 addresses this by stating: “Win with character and lose with dignity.”

Outstanding sportsmanship is acknowledged each year by presenting sportsmanship certificates, plaques and medals.  All 96 high school teams participating in KSHSAA State Basketball Tournaments may qualify for an award.  A “rating” system is used allowing schools to compete against a “standard of excellence”, rather than competing against one another.

Schools whose teams did not advance to the semifinal rounds were eligible to receive a certificate if they met the qualifying standards of sportsmanship.  Schools participating all three days of the tournament were eligible to receive a plaque for their school and medals for cheerleaders.

A special sportsmanship committee appointed by the KSHSAA evaluated and rated the cheerleaders, school cheering section, adult and non-high school followers, team and coach of each school.  The following schools qualified for sportsmanship awards at the KSHSAA State Basketball Tournaments: 

Class 1A Girls

Certificate:

Coldwater-South Central: Ty Theurer, Principal

Montezuma-South Gray: Kim Batman, Principal

Plaque & Medals:

Claflin-Central Plains: Toby Holmes, Principal

Kensington-Thunder Ridge: Jeff Yoxall, Principal

Waverly: Susan Wildeman, Principal

 

Class 1A Boys –

Certificate:

Macksville: Carey Fose, Principal

Plaque & Medals:

Caldwell: Aaron Roop, Principal

Osborne: Tom Conway, Principal

St. John-Hudson: Blain White, Principal

  

Class 2A Girls –

Certificate:

Holton-Jackson Heights: Darren Shupe, Principal

Howard-West Elk: Martin Burke, Principal

Johnson-Stanton County: Trevor Siebert, Principal

Olathe-Heritage Christian: Rick Jarvis, Principal

Plaque & Medals:        

Alma-Wabaunsee: Jan Hutley, Principal

Sterling: Dr. Bill Anderson, Principal

 

Class 2A Boys –

Certificate:

Eskridge-Mission Valley: David Cromer, Principal

McLouth: Janna Davis, Principal

Plainville: Jeremy Krob, Principal

 

Plaque & Medals:        

Inman: Tyler Weinbrenner, Principal

Ness City: Tom Flax, Principal

 

Class 3A Girls –

Certificate:

Clay Center Community: Bud Young, Principal

Columbus: Tim Davied, Principal

Eureka: Sean Spoonts, Principal

Scott Community: Brad McCormick, Principal

Plaque & Medals:

Cheney: Greg Rosenhagen, Principal

Hoyt-Royal Valley: Jim Holloman, Principal

Norton Community: Rudy Perez, Principal

Seneca-Nemaha Central: Ben Scism, Principal

 

Class 3A Boys –

Certificate:

Atchison-Maur Hill-Mount Academy: Monika King, Principal

Eureka: Sean Spoonts, Principal

Kingman: Andy Albright, Principal

Larned: Troy Langdon, Principal

Plaque & Medals:

Beloit: Casey Seyfert, Principal

Hays-Thomas More Prep-Marian: Chad Meitner, Principal

Perry-Lecompton: Mike Maloun, Principal

 

Class 4A Girls –

Certificate:

Abilene: Dr. Ben Smith, Principal

Eudora: Ron Abel, Principal

Towanda-Circle: Matthew Carroll, Principal

Ulysses: Mark Paul, Principal

Plaque & Medals:        

Baldwin: Frank Perbeck, Principal

Kansas City-Piper:  John Nguyen, Principal

Nickerson: Rick Blosser, Principal

 

Class 4A Boys –

Certificate:

Chanute: Brian Campbell, Principal

Garnett-Anderson County: Matt Self, Principal

Plaque & Medals:

Wichita-Trinity Academy: Jaime Hutchinson, Principal

 

Class 5A Girls –

Certificate:

NONE

Plaque & Medals:           

McPherson: Bryce McFarland, Principal

Overland Park-St. Thomas Aquinas: Craig Moss, Principal

 

Class 5A Boys –

Certificate:

Bonner Springs: Rick Moulin, Principal

Plaque & Medals:           

NONE

 

Class 6A Girls –

Certificate:

Liberal: Ashley Kappelmann, Principal

Plaque & Medals:

NONE

 

Class 6A Boys –

Certificate:

Lawrence-Free State: Myron Graber, Principal

Plaque & Medals:

NONE

GAME DAY! No. 3 Tiger women take on Pitt State in quarterfinal

FHSU Athletics / Ryan Prickett photo

FHSU Athletics

After winning its first MIAA Tournament Championship last weekend, the third-ranked Fort Hays State women’s basketball team returns home to host the 2019 NCAA Division II Women’s Basketball Central Regional starting Friday (March 15). The top-seeded Tigers (30-1) open the national tournament against No. 8 seed and conference rival Pittsburg State (21-8) at 5 p.m. inside Gross Memorial Coliseum.

Important Fan Information
Tickets: All seats are general admission for the regional tournament. Tickets cost $10 for adults and $5 for youth/students, with FHSU students admitted for FREE with a valid Tiger card.
Session Format: Friday’s quarterfinals will be split into two sessions, with the FHSU/PSU clash opening the second session. Fans attending the opening session (noon & 2:30 p.m. games) would need a separate ticket to attend the night session. The Coliseum will be cleared out at the conclusion of the 2:30 p.m. game before the doors open for the Fort Hays State contest.
Parking: Due to the continued soggy conditions, the grass lot adjacent to Gross Memorial Coliseum will be closed. Auxiliary parking will be available at Lewis Field Stadium, on the south edge of the FHSU campus. Shuttles will run from Lewis Field to the Coliseum every 10 minutes beginning at 4 p.m. and continuing until the end of the final game of the night.
Tiger Pregame Parties: The FHSU Alumni Office will host Tiger Spirit Parties before each Fort Hays State game this weekend inside the Eagle Communications Hall at the Robbins Center. Friday’s festivities are scheduled from 2 p.m to 4 p.m. More information can be found here.

The Tigers have won the last four games against Pittsburg State, including a 67-62 win on Senior Day less than two weeks ago, to take a 29-27 lead in the all-time series. Fort Hays State is 17-9 at home against the Gorillas, including four straight home wins dating back to 2014-15. FHSU is 8-13 overall and 5-4 at home against PSU under Hobson. The Tigers have never defeated Pittsburg State three times in a single season.

This is the second time that the Tigers have hosted the regional tournament, as they were the No. 1 seed in the Central region at the conclusion of the 2014-15 season. Fort Hays State reached the NCAA regional title game for the only time in program history that year before falling to Emporia State. This is Fort Hays State’s fifth trip to the NCAA Championship tournament.

The friendly confines of Gross Memorial Coliseum have stood up to their reputation of one of the best home court advantages in the country this year, with the Tigers winning all 16 home games to date. Fort Hays State has won 23-straight home games going back to last season, two shy of the program record. That streak is tied for fifth-longest in Division II The Tigers are an incredible 107-5 at home since the start of the 2012-13 season, losing no more than one game at home in each of the last seven years.

Pittsburg State heads back to Hays for the second time in two weeks after dropping the regular season finale inside Gross Memorial Coliseum. After losing their first game in Kansas City, the Gorillas enter the tournament on a two-game losing streak. The Gorillas rank fifth in the MIAA in scoring (72.2 ppg) and sixth in scoring defense (63.6 points allowed per game). They shoot the ball well, ranking second in both field goal percentage (44.9 percent) and three-point field goal percentage (34.9 percent). PSU leads the league and ranks 37th nationally with 29 defensive rebounds per game. Senior Shelby Lopez was named second team All-MIAA after averaging 11.1 points, 3.9 rebounds and 1.5 assists per game. Third team All-MIAA selection Maya Williams leads the team in scoring with 11.7 points each night. Assists leader Kaylee DaMitz (4.5 apg) leads the MIAA and ranks 31st in the country with a 2.03 assist/turnover ratio.

Tatyana Legette averages 9.9 points and 6.0 rebounds in eight career games against PSU. Kacey Kennett has scored 9.6 points per contest (5 games) and Lanie Page is averaging 10.3 points against the Gorillas (3 games).

The winner of Friday’s quarterfinal will turn around and take on the winner of No. 4 Minnesota Duluth and No. 5 MSU Moorhead in the regional semifinals at 7:30 p.m. Saturday.

Leona Mae Conaway

Leona Mae Conaway, 92, passed away Tuesday, March 12, 2019 at her home in Smith Center.

A celebration of Leona’s life will be at 10:30 a.m., Monday, March 18, 2019 at All Faiths Funeral Chapel, Smith Center, with Pastor Lance McDowell officiating.

There will not be a public visitation as cremation was chosen.

Memorials may be given to the Athol Congregational Church or Hospice Services of northwest Kansas or Smith Center Library and can be sent in care of the funeral chapel.

Thomas Edward “Tom” Bigge,

He was born May 20, 1946 in Hays to Edward Kirk and Bethyl Maxine (Fry) Bigge.

Tom graduated from Stockton High School in 1964.

On February 18, 1968 he married the love of his life Ruth Ann Wilhite in Basehor, Kansas.

Tom was a hard-working farmer. He loved the farm but especially his livestock. He wore many hats throughout his life. He was a farmer, stockman, rancher, house mover, hunter and a demolition man.

Known as a man of integrity, Tom’s word was his bond. He was a great believer in the Christian Work Ethic, “there is very little that hard work cannot overcome.” He enjoyed life. He was a good man that enjoyed a good joke and a good laugh.

Tom was very involved in community activities. He served as president of the Unified School District 271; president of Rooks County Farm Bureau Board of Directors; president of Farmers Union Cooperative; trustee of the Congregational Church; and a member of the Board of Directors of Friends of Historic Fort Hays.

He was preceded in death by his parents, an infant brother, an infant daughter, two grandsons and a granddaughter.

Tom is survived by the love of his life Ruth Ann of the home in Stockton; sons: Curt Thomas (Rebecca) Bigge, Douglas Edward (Kori) Bigge, Stephen Louis (Melissa) Bigge all of Stockton; daughters: Beth Ann (Jason) Pfeifer, Russell, Kansas, Holly Marie (Aaron) Beaton, Scott City, Kansas; sisters: Robyn Harris, Kansas City, Missouri, Cynthia J. Kinall, Norton, Kansas; Christine M. (Thomas) Patree was a special person to Tom and Ruth Ann that they think of as a special daughter; and 13 grandchildren.

A good man is gone from out midst but never will never be forgotten.

Visitation will be 2 to 8 p.m. Thursday, March 14 at Plumer-Overlease Funeral Home Plainville, 320 SW Second,
Plainville, KS 67663. Family will be present from 6 to 8 p.m.
The funeral service will be 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Friday, March 15, 2019 at the United Methodist Church-Stockton, 204 N. Elm, Stockton, KS 67669.
Burial will be at the Bigge Family Cemetery in Rural Stockton, Kansas.
Memorial contributions can be made to Rooks County Health Center Physical Therapy Department in care of Stinemetz Funeral Home, 522 N. Pomeroy, Hill City, KS 67642, 785-421-2177; Stockton, KS FFA, 522 N. Pomeroy, Stockton, Kansas 67669, 785-421-2177; and  Friends of Historical Fort Hays, in care of Stinemetz Funeral Home, 522 N. Pomeroy, Hill City, Kansas 67642, 785-421-2177.

Hays Wrestling Club sends 22 to state this weekend

The Hays Wrestling Club 22 wrestlers headed to the Kansas State Folkstyle Championships this weekend in Topeka.

Last weekend at the District 4 championships in Pratt 18 of the club’s 27 wrestlers placed in the top four and one wrestlers qualified as an alternate. Of the qualifiers 19 are in the boys division and three are in the girls division.

You can find a list of state qualifiers and how they finished in Pratt below:

8 & Under
52 pounds – Jack Schumacher – 4th.
55 pounds – Kade Simon – 1st
80 pounds – Trevon Dickinson – 3rd
88 pounds – Myles Archer – 6th
95 pounds – Brian Prough – 1st
110 pounds – Kenneth Walker – 2nd

10 and under
52 pounds – Gaven Deneault – 1st
61 pounds – Grady Lind – 3rd
73 pounds – Holden Lind – 3rd
82 pounds – Brant Pfannenstiel – 4th
150 pounds – Jaxson Chartier – 2nd

12 and under
92 pounds – Dalton Meyers – 4th
100 pounds – Harley Zimmerman – 1st
190 pounds – Kendall Walker – 2nd

14 & under
95 pounds – Ben Schumacher – 3rd
105 pounds – Cyrus Vajnar – 4th
120 pounds – Trevor Carroll – 4th
205 pounds – Gavin Meyers – 1st

High School
250 pounds – Connor Staab – 3rd

Girls Division
Lily Balandran
Avryn Bieker
Sara Zimmerman

LETTER: In-depth local coverage is essential

Everyone likes getting something for free. However, the cost of the free Hays Post may come at the cost of more expensive government. Studies have shown that towns without a good local newspaper have more expensive government (tinyurl.com/y2hncz9w).

Many of you would say that the Hays Daily News is no longer worth subscribing to, especially after GateHouse Media purchased the Hays Daily News in November 2016. As a Hays Daily News subscriber, I wonder why I keep paying for a newspaper that no longer has a local editor/publisher, only comes five days a week instead of six, and is shrinking in other ways.

It’s no surprise that advertisers have abandoned the Hays Daily News too. However, I think the Hays Daily News and Hays Post are in a race to the bottom, where the losers are the citizens of Ellis County and northwest Kansas. We’re left with two local news outlets doing superficial local reporting and relying on news releases and stories picked up from other newspapers.

What we really need is in-depth coverage of local issues and editorials to keep local officials accountable for their actions. Otherwise, Hays will be left like over 1,400 other cities in the U.S. who no longer have a local newspaper. Many will blame GateHouse Media for not investing in quality journalism, but to some degree the fault is ours for not demanding and financially supporting a high-quality local newspaper. It’s not too late.

Helen Hands, Hays

CITY: Curbside-only trash pickup starts Monday

City of Hays

Alley conditions in the City of Hays have continued to worsen as a result of the ongoing wet weather.

Due to damaged and impassable alleys, City crews will temporarily be performing curbside trash pickup for all residents effective Monday, until further notice. No alley collection of municipal trash or recyclables will be performed during this time.

The city asks that all residents, except those with paved alleys, move their polycart to the street side of their property, so crews can collect the refuse curbside. Recycling materials should also be placed curbside. Note that this change might alter the timing of normal scheduled collections, but the day of collection should remain the same. If at all possible, attempt to place the polycart where it is not blocked by parked cars or other fixed objects.

If you have any questions or wish to report an issue, contact the Public Works Department at (785) 628-7350.

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