New stores, mall renovations and a new president headlined the news in Hays throughout 2014. Here is a look at the top stories on Hays Post from last year.

5. Qdoba and Hobby Lobby come to Hays: 2014 brought several new business ventures to Hays, including Qdoba and Hobby Lobby. Qdoba’s opening took more than a year after it was announced in November 2013. But on Dec. 6, a line of people waiting out the door invited Estes Enterprises newest venture into town when doors were officially opened for business.

Hobby Lobby announced in Early February that they would renovate the old Wal-Mart building into the 13th Hobby Lobby franchise. Doors officially opened in late-June at the new craft store. The 55,000 square foot facility employs between 30-50 people.

4. July plane crash in Ellis County: In late-July, a sprayer plane crashed in a farmers field in northern Ellis County. The accident killed 23 year old Garrett Moore of Oakley, who was piloting the plane at the time of the accident.

3. Arson-related fires in Ellis County: In March, 20 fires were set in Ellis County and after an investigation, the Kansas State Fire Marshal’s office found that the fires were caused by an act of arson. A group of citizens put together a reward of more than $3,500 for information leading to an arrest, but a suspect has not been found. Anyone with information can contact the Ellis County Sheriff’s Department at (785)625-1030.

2. City commissioners vote in favor of Mall CID: After months of discussion and debate, city commissioners approved a one-cent sales tax increase at the Hays Mall in November by a vote of 3-2. Funds will be used for various renovations at the Mall that are expected to begin soon. Commissioners are expected to revisit the CID policy in January.

1. Hammond retires, Martin takes reins at FHSU: After months of interviews, press conferences, and meet and greets, the Kansas Board of Regents voted unanimously to hire Dr. Mirta Martin as the ninth president of Fort Hays State in May. Longtime president Dr. Edward Hammond officially retired from the university’s top job in June, which opened the door for Fort Hays State’s first female president. Martin is also the first Hispanic to serve as president at a KBOR institution. After five months in the job, Martin was officially inaugurated in November.

RELATED: A look at some of the other most-read stories of 2014.

What were some of the stories in 2014 that had the most impact on you? Share in the Comments section below!