The Goodman Energy Center in Hays recently underwent a $30 million, year-long expansion. Three new electrical generating engines were added, indicated by the three taller exhaust stacks.
Elected officials, Midwest Energy employees, contractors and friends gathered Monday for the dedication of the expansion at the Goodman Energy Center in Hays.
The $30 million expansion began in spring 2015, increasing the number of electric generating engines at the plant from nine to twelve, while increasing capacity from 76 Megawatts to 102 Megawatts, enough to power more than 15,000 homes.
The expansion involved removing a wall on the facility’s north end, and adding hundreds of cubic yards of concrete to support the massive 150-ton generating engines. The engines were moved in place in September 2015, followed by months of tuning and testing. The plant expansion entered commercial service on April 1, 2016.
Marc Goodman, left, and Daniel Goodman stand next to a portrait of the late Jack Goodman, former Midwest Energy president and general manager, for whom the Goodman Energy Center in Hays is named. Marc and Daniel are Jack’s son and grandson, respectively.
“The continued development of the regional energy market in the Southwest Power Pool places a premium on owning gas-fired generation that is both flexible and reliable,” said Bill Dowling, Midwest Energy’s vice president for engineering and energy supply.
Dowling noted that if the rest of the electric grid were to experience a major disruption, the Goodman plant could generate enough energy to supply Hays and some of the surrounding area.
When the Goodman facility was built in 2008, it was constructed to allow for future expansion should the need arise. With the rapid growth of wind energy in northwest Kansas, expanding the Goodman facility proved the most economical and practical way to ensure electric reliability in the region.
The Goodman Energy Facility is named in honor of Jack Goodman, who served as President and General Manager of Central Kansas Electric Cooperative, which became Midwest Energy in 1981. After 42 years of service, Goodman retired in 1992 and passed away in June 1998.
Earnie Lehman, president and general manager of Midwest Energy, talks with Ellis County Administrator Phillip Smith-Hanes and Ellis County Commissioner Barbara Wasinger, following the dedication of the Goodman Energy Center.
As if the last day of school for students at Lincoln Elementary School wasn’t exciting enough, a special guest with a big surprise brought a palpable energy to the students as they prepare for summer vacation.
At a morning assembly Tuesday, students found out their school, 1906 Ash, was the recipient of a $100,000 prize that will be used to purchase new playground equipment, with prizes also awarded to a winning student and homeroom teacher.
“When you participate … we put your name in the hat and the student wins, the classroom teacher wins and the school wins,” said Elijah Collard, president of Reading For Education.
The prize was part of a promotion from Reading for Education in conjunction with GameTime, a manufacturer of playground equipment.
The 35-year-old Tennesse-based company works with schools to develop nontraditional fundraisers that work exclusively through electronic communication to raise funds for schools.
“We are a company that works exclusively with schools. Ninety-five percent of our schools are elementary schools,” Collard said.
GameTime is an Alabama-based playground equipment manufacturer.
“Playgrounds are a wonderful opportunity to build healthy bodies, healthy minds, it provides opportunities to meet your friends and also to make new friends. Best of all, it’s a great opportunity to promote family and family values,” said Rodney Born, Cunningham Recreation, who will oversee the installation of the playground equipment as a representative of GameTime.
The pool of potential winners came from students across the country that participated in a school fundraiser through Reading for Education.
“There were 8,557 schools in this drawing — Lincoln Elementary won. This one, there was about 1.7 million home rooms,” Collard said.
As the homeroom teacher for the winning student, Monica Dreiling was presented with $5,000 to be used for classroom materials and supplies.
After announcing the winning room – and letting the excitement build – Collard announced the winning student of $10,000 as Timothy Hals.
The Hals family won out of 8,459,928 entries according to Collard.
The school will now determine the most suitable equipment for the playground, with installation being overseen by Born.
“I always say Lincoln Elementary School is the best-kept secret in town. Well,I think that’s about to end when we get our new playground,” said Principal Elaine Rohleder.
Change is constant in education. Teachers come and go, students move on and technology proliferates the classroom as it becomes more accessible. But this year, the administration at Hays USD 489 is undergoing major changes as the Board of Education and current administration worked to replace key administrators through the district in recent weeks.
The largest of those changes is the replacement of Superintendent Dean Katt, who will end his tenure with the district at the end of June.
“Hays has been very good to me. It’s been the most rewarding job I’ve ever had. It’s the best job I’ve ever had, but also the hardest,” Katt said earlier, announcing his move to Independence, Mo., to work in the district’s human resources department.
In early April, the board announced the search to find his replacement was underway, but as personnel transactions do not fall under open meetings requirements, much of the work went on behind closed doors.
On April 11, the board met with Gary Sechrist, Kansas Association of School Boards leadership specialist. Sechrist has worked with the district since that time to develop a list of candidates.
On Monday, the board heard candidate recommendations from Sechrist selecting four candidates to be brought to Hays for interviews. Interviews are scheduled for Tuesday and Wednesday this week and Monday and Tuesday next week.
Those interviews will include meetings with faculty and a tour of district facilities through the day with a formal interview with the board for each candidate set for 5:30 p.m. on interview days.
Community meet and greets are scheduled on those same days at 3:30 p.m. in the Toepfer Board Room, 323 W. 12th St.
After the completion of interviews, a superintendent a candidate is likely to be offered the position by the board on May 24, according to Lance Bickle, board president.
While the superintendent search is the most visible of positions being re-staffed, the replacement for a number of other administrators has also been announced in recent weeks.
Longtime district staff member Shanna Dinkel was selected to replace outgoing Mark Hauptman as Assistant Superintendent, and Raj Sharma will serve as the new Director of Special Education for Hays-West Central Kansas Coop.
Open principal positions for two schools have also been selected with Anita Scheve, Learning Center director, moving into a principal position at Wilson Elementary School, vacated by the retirement of Tom Meagher. Vicki Gile was selected to replace Shannon Demel as the principal at O’Loughlin Elementary School.
Gile currently serves as the principal of Plymell Elementary School in Garden City.
Jeina Stoumbaugh was one of 3,794 Fort Hays State University graduates in 2016. She couldn’t have done it without the support she received the last four years from the FHSU community.
“They helped me out tremendously,” said Stoumbaugh, who received a degree in organizational leadership. “First person I met on campus was Joey Linn. He’s been one of my biggest supporters all four years.”
Dr. Linn was associate vice president for student affairs and registrar at the time and has since been promoted to vice president of the Division of Student Affairs.
There were 224 more graduates than in 2015 for this year’s commencement. The keynote speaker at commencement ceremonies Friday and Saturday in Gross Memorial Coliseum was political icon and Russell native Robert J. “Bob” Dole, who received the university’s first-ever honorary doctorate.
“In these very contentious times, the life’s work of Sen. Bob Dole reminds us we must find ways to come together, to move forward, to accomplish together what no one of us can do alone,” FHSU President Mirta M. Martin said. “He shares the same western Kansas values that sustain our exploration on the Great American frontier. His life is a life lived large, and his influence is even larger. His life’s journey is distinguished by courage, by sacrifice, by compassion and by public service. He remains one of the nation’s greatest and most visible leaders.”
Michael Beach and his wife, Pat, traveled from South Carolina to attend Friday’s graduation of their nephew, Austin Linden-Lowell. About a dozen family members gathered for the big occasion, and a family picnic was planned afterward. Beach, who is retired from the telecommunications industry, has his own consulting business. Linden-Lowell, from Deer Trail, Colo., graduated with a degree in technology studies.
“I was an engineer,” Beach said. “I’m interested to see what he’s planning to do.”
Linden-Lowell and Stoumbaugh, like the 3,792 other graduates, will take that next step Dole alluded to in his speech, a step Martin emphasized in her remarks.
“Today, we are on the cusp of one of the greatest generational shifts of all time. You, the millennial generation, 81 million strong, are the largest generation in American history. You will not have the luxury of a long apprenticeship. In just four short years, you will comprise 46 percent of the workforce,” Martin said. “Don’t live a life that’s too small for you. Live large, be courageous, be compassionate, be a leader.
“To be a leader, you must be visible,” Martin added. “To make a difference, you must be seen. To be seen; to have the world find you – you must give of yourself.”
Stoumbaugh, who is from Westminster, Colo., gave of herself in her four years at Fort Hays State. She worked with student orientation in the student affairs office and was active in Delta Zeta sorority. She also worked nights as a certified nursing assistant at Cedar View Assisted Living. Now it’s on to the University of Central Missouri to be a graduate assistant while pursuing a master’s degree in college student personnel administration.
“It’s a little scary, but I know I still have those people who supported me all these four years,” said Stoumbaugh, who moves to Warrensburg, Mo., in July. “They’re again going to be my biggest cheerleaders when I make the move.”
HILL CITY — In November 2014, Anissa Pfeifer and Sonia Larcom discussed their shared dream of starting their own business. By the next fall, the sisters met their first goal and opened The Blue Heron Boutique in Hill City. Less than a year later, the sisters are expanding their business with a second store located at 1013 Main Street in downtown Hays’ Chestnut Street District.
The Blue Heron Boutique’s Hays store will continue to offer fashion savvy and affordable women’s clothes and accessories already offered at the Hill City location and online. With the opening of the Hays location, The Blue Heron Boutique will offer locally made merchandise and children’s clothes.
“Our customers are feminine, self-assured and fashion-aware. They explore their own style and expect value for their money. We also see the demand from mothers who’d like their children to have the same fashion options,” said Pfeifer. “We’re eager to share The Blue Heron Boutique’s unique collections with the Hays market.”
The sisters will work quickly to open the Hays store with a grand opening slated for 10 a.m. June 18. Following the grand opening, The Blue Heron Boutique will be open 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Friday and 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday.
Pfeifer and Larcom’s goals for The Blue Heron Boutique don’t end with just a second store in rural Kansas. The sisters plan to introduce a Blue Heron fashion line and open additional locations in urban cities.
“The Chestnut Street District is an area with the culture, character and charm that represents The Blue Heron Boutique well. We just love that we have the opportunity to plant ourselves in an area that has such rich, historic roots,” said Larcom.
After 23 years of serving as a District Judge, Edward Bouker has announced his resignation from the 23rd Judicial District to serve as a Kansas Senior Judge.
Bouker had previously announced his he would not seek re-election for another term for his current seat, but due to the timing required to become a Senior Judge, he will have to resign a bit earlier than expected.
“I had expressed interest in becoming a Senior Judge in the State of Kansas and heard … that I had been asked to do that,” Bouker said. “And because the senior contracts run from June 4 I had to resign the day before that to take that contract.”
While the position will allow Bouker to take on cases from around the state, he said cases he would be assigned would likely be very similar to his current case load.
“I think it would be an extremely broad type of case load as it is with a District Judge. you handle virtually everything from traffic matters up through murder,” he said.
Requests for a senior judge are assigned by the Supreme Court on an as-needed basis.
“There is someone from the office of Judicial Administration – which is the business arm of the Kansas Supreme Court – will call and say ‘we need a judge here for this type of case involving these parties and these attorneys and we would like you to take it,’ ” Bouker said.
Cases are assigned to Senior Judges in areas where sitting judges may have a conflict of interest or a high case load creates a need.
“I think I would be likely to be assigned to almost anywhere in the state where I was needed, so I expect to travel quite a bit,” Bouker said.
But even with travel, Bouker expects a lighter caseload, allowing for more personal time with family, while at the same time allowing him to continue contributing to the judicial system.
Senior Judges have a case load about 40 percent lower than District Court Judges.
With Bouker approaching 65 years old next April, he said he could take judicial retirement, but becoming a Senior Judge will open more options.
“This will allow me to have some more options about not taking social security right away,” he said.
But more importantly, Bouker wants to continue being an active member of the Kansas Judiciary.
“The biggest thing is simply being young enough that I feel like I can contribute, and I’d like to continue to do that,” he said.
The lower case load will also allow him to pursue other activities that a full-time judge would struggle to find time for.
“I would like some more time to do what I like to do. I have two granddaughters I’d like to spend time with them. I’d like to travel to see my children that are spread out across the United States,” Bouker said. “I have some home projects and some hobbies that I would like to spend time with, but I don’t want to be totally disconnected from everything.”
Leaving, however, means losing something special – a close relationship with associates in the district.
“I have been very, very proud and happy to be a district judge in this area. I have enjoyed it very much and it is very much of an honor. I feel like I work with some very amazing people who have done an outstanding job in the face of some very difficult challenges,” Bouker said. “I don’t have a better word for it than remarkable. I’ll miss being with them every day, but it’s time to see what else is out there.”
From left: April Terry, Christie Brungardt and Arianne Fisher
FHSU University Relations
Arianne Fisher, Plainville, was named today as the recipient of the Torch Award as the outstanding graduating senior from the Class of 2016 at Fort Hays State University.
She will receive a Bachelor of Science in psychology with summa cum laude honors from the College of Health and Behavioral Sciences Commencement, which begins at 9 a.m. Saturday, May 14, at Gross Memorial Coliseum.
The announcement of the Torch Award came at the annual Graduate and Faculty Luncheon, sponsored by the FHSU Alumni Association. The Pilot Award for outstanding faculty member and the Navigator Award for outstanding faculty advisor were also announced. All three recipients will be recognized at Commencement.
Dr. Christie Brungardt, assistant professor of leadership studies, was the Pilot Award Recipient, and April Terry, instructor of criminal justice, was the recipient of the Navigator Award.
Dr. Marcy Aycock, a 1984 FHSU graduate and a past president of the Alumni Association, introduced Fisher, a 2012 graduate of Plainville High School. Fisher was selected from 32 nominees.
Aycock quoted one faculty member who said in support of Fisher’s nomination, “The Torch Award was designed to honor outstanding seniors who exemplify the values FHSU wishes to instill in its graduates. These values — leadership, high personal standards, and scholarship — are integral to an informed citizen in the 21st century. Naturally, the Torch winner should possess each of those values at a very high level. Arianne Fisher, however, possesses each of those values at an extraordinary level.”
Another faculty member wrote, “She was far and away the best undergraduate teaching assistant I have had in 18 years, and the one who has handled the most responsibility. Her work exceeds that of most graduate-level teaching assistants.”
Fisher has served as president of three on-campus organizations, including the National Alliance on Mental Illness on Campus, an organization she helped to found at FHSU. She is a member of the National Society of Collegiate Scholars, the Fort Hays Honor Society, Tigers in Service, Women in STEM, and the Women’s Leadership Project. She was also a two-term peer mentor for the Psych Investigators Living Learning Community.
Fisher has worked in various undergraduate teaching and research assistant roles within the Department of Psychology since 2013. Her research has led to eight presentations at academic conferences and a peer-reviewed publication in an undergraduate research journal. She will continue her studies as a master’s student in the psychology program at FHSU.
Aycock also introduced the Pilot Award winner. “Christie isn’t the kind of teacher who just lectures and expects students to fully understand it. She integrates real life with theory making the subject matter much more enjoyable and relatable,” said one student quoted by Aycock.
The student continued, “Christie is always positive, enthusiastic, innovative and committed all while being challenging to the students. There is a mutual respect between student and teacher.”
Molly Morgan, a Wilson senior who serves as vice president of the Student Government Association, announced April Terry as the recipient of the Navigator Award.
The award was created in 1998 to recognize an outstanding academic advisor based on how closely he or she adheres to the university goals for academic advising. Candidates are nominated, interviewed and selected by graduating seniors.
Morgan quoted a student nomination that read, “She has never rushed or said she was too busy to help a student. In fact, she goes above and beyond what is required of an advisor and shows genuine care to her students.”
The Alumni Association instituted the Torch and Pilot awards in 1974 to emphasize the importance of excellence in teaching and learning. They are presented every year at the Graduate and Faculty Luncheon in advance of Commencement.
The Torch Award candidates are nominated by members of the faculty on the basis of classroom excellence, participation in professional organizations, and involvement in student or civic activities.
The Pilot Award is given on the basis of classroom excellence, ongoing research and service activities. Candidates are nominated by graduating seniors. Nominations for the Navigator Award are also made by graduating seniors in a process conducted by the Student Government Association.
The Alumni Association, established in 1916, is dedicated to identifying and serving the needs of more than 65,000 graduates living throughout the United States and over 70 foreign countries. For more information, contact the Alumni Association at 785-628-4430 or [email protected].
By Randy Gonzales FHSU University Relations and Marketing
Even at 92, Bob Dole can still work a room.
Robert J. “Bob” Dole mixed wit with words of wisdom in delivering the keynote address at Fort Hays State University’s Commencement Friday night at Gross Memorial Coliseum.
“I have an old body but my mind is still pretty sharp,” Dole said, drawing a big laugh from those assembled.
Dole, who received the university’s first-ever honorary doctorate, was scheduled to speak again at Saturday’s FHSU commencement ceremony. His 30-minute address Friday covered everything from the World War II Memorial to the accomplishments of another Kansas native son, Dwight D. Eisenhower.
Dole pondered what to say on this occasion.
FHSU University Relations and Marketing
“I’ve been trying to figure out for months what a 92-year-old man can tell a 22-year-old graduate,” Dole said, drawing more laughter.
Later, Dole tuned serious and told the graduates to expect adversity. Maybe not on the level Dole experienced, where he returned home to Russell after being seriously wounded while serving in the Army. The wounds he suffered in Italy in 1945 hindered him physically, but he made up for it mentally.
“Keep an eye on the road,” Dole said. “You’re going to have some bumps.”
Dole said those who came out of World War II were known as “The Greatest Generation.” Now, it’s another generation protecting America.
“Now we pass the torch to another generation, for people trying to protect us from murderers called ISIS,” Dole said.
In this election season, Dole managed to get in a political point or two. Dole praised FHSU and President Mirta M. Martin. He joked he didn’t know whether to call her President Martin or Dr. Martin.
“I like the term, ‘president,’ ” said Dole, who was the Republican nominee for president in 1996. “It’s too late for me now.
“This would be the year to run,” Dole added, drawing laughter and applause.
Dole apologized for being late to the ceremony. He kiddingly blamed it on former president Bill Clinton, who was notorious for running late while in the White House.
“We’re here; I apologize,” Dole said. “We’re on Bill Clinton time.”
FHSU University Relations and Marketing
Dole won a Congressional seat in 1960 then served in the Senate from 1968 to 1996. He became Senate majority leader in 1984 — the longest serving Republican leader. The gridlock in Washington today was not the norm in Dole’s day.
“ ‘Compromise’ is not a bad word,” Dole said, who received loud and long applause.
Dole concluded by congratulated the graduating class of 2016.
“Don’t forget what you have learned here. Some days I wish I were 22 again,” Dole said. “If I could leave you with one word: There’s no place like America.”
Senior Nikki Vuong gets started on her Editing competition at the University of Kansas. Vuong placed in two events at state.
What started out as a great day got even better for students who attended the Kansas Scholastic Press Association State Journalism Competition on May 6 in Lawrence.
After receiving their All-Kansas awards for both the yearbook and newspaper during the competition’s opening session, students competed in individual contests and later found out they had won their second consecutive Class 4A state journalism championship.
Hays won the Sweepstakes Award after compiling a total of 31 points to narrowly defeat Chanute with 29. Andover Central took third with 26 out of a field that included 19 4A schools.
“Winning the state championship last year was one of the highlights of my teaching and professional career,” adviser Bill Gasper said. “Doing it again a year later is simply incredible. I have great students who continue to add to my highlight reel. I am so proud of these kids for their hard work and so thankful to them for putting up with me, which isn’t always the easiest thing to do.”
Individually, Hays placed in 18 events, bringing home one first-place finish, a trio of second places and 14 honorable mentions. Journalism competition awards first, second and third and three honorable mentions in each event. Class 3A/4A compete against each other individually, but the Sweepstakes Award is given in each of the six classifications.
“That means those who placed were in the top six of all the students in Class 3A and 4A, a heck of an accomplishment,” Gasper said. “Kansas scholastic journalism ranks in the top tier nationally, so placing at state is not an easy thing to accomplish.”
To reach state students must first place in regional competition. Overall, approximately 2,400 students competed in regionals with about 1,300 competing at state. Seventy-seven schools were represented at the state competition.
City commissioners adopted changes to the city’s economic development policy Thursday night to make Hays more “business friendly.”
By BECKY KISER Hays Post
The economic development policy of the city of Hays has been updated to reflect changes in its business recruitment techniques.
City commissioners discussed the proposed changes during last week’s work session and voted unanimously Thursday night to adopt the revised document.
There are two notable changes to the policy in seeking economic development incentives from the city, one new inclusion–“Statement of Process” and one removal–“Big Box” requirements for retail applicants.
“Big Box” requirements were removed from the Hays economic development policy.
No longer are there requirements that any retail applicant must meet the criteria of 50,000 square feet, $10 million a year in retail sales, and employ 25 or more employees.
“I think 25 to 30 years ago the economic development goals were to go for some heavy-hitters–big employers–and so I think that’s where that language came from,” said Mayor Eber Phelps, “to set up incentives for somebody to guarantee 100, 200, 300, 400 employees.
“In recent years, I think we’re looking more at quality companies coming here with maybe 10 or 20 employees. Those add a lot of benefit.
“Striking the language at the beginning of this policy on the square footage and $10 million (in annual revenue) opens up the possibilities where incentives are available to those (smaller businesses).”
Hays City Manager Toby Dougherty and Ellis County Coalition for Economic Development (ECCED) Executive Director Aaron White both told commissioners last week that there is a business planning to submit a “Community Improvement District” (CID) application if the “Big Box” requirements were removed.
Commissioner Henry Schwaller, who was absent during last week’s work session, said Thursday “the changes we’re making are the best we’ve made in a long time. They make sense. They give more power to the Coalition to assist us, which is why it was created.”
The newly added “Statement of Process” requires a review by the ECCED and a prepared Term Sheet before the city commission considers a proposal.
The addition of a “Statement of Process” was requested by the commission after rejecting plans for a travel plaza at the west intersection of Interstate 70 in Hays by Colby-based NWK Investments LLC. It requires a review by White and a term sheet to be prepared before the commission will consider a proposal.
Schwaller also praised the added requirements in an applicant’s business plan to include more details as well as a cost/benefit analysis.
An applicant’s Business Plan must include more information as well as a cost/benefit analysis.
“The applicant should know the financial impact on both sides (Hays and the prospective business) and whether financial incentives are actually needed,” said Dougherty.
Vice-Mayor Shaun Musil liked the changes. “I think it makes it more business friendly to be able to work with developers. Hopefully, it makes it easier to come to Hays.”
However, Musil said he still has a different goal–“not to give any benefits, but I don’t think that’s possible any more,” he acknowledged.
“I know we’ve all heard that there’s people wanting to come out there by Walmart and Home Depot where we have infrastructure. It sure would be nice to see somebody breaking ground out there and bring some new business to maybe get our sales tax revenues turned around, ” Musil said.
Eight of the past ten months sales tax collections for Hays have been down as compared to the same time period in 2015, according to Finance Director Kim Rupp.
Sales tax revenues are a major revenue stream for the city’s General Operating Fund, a point that is emphasized more heavily in the new economic development policy.
Commissioners also redefined the TIF–Tax Increment Financing to make only property taxes eligible. Sales taxes are no longer part of a TIF incentive.
Click here to read the final draft changes in the Hays Economic Development Policy.
FHSU track and field complex groundbreaking May 11, 2016
BY DIANE GASPER-O’BRIEN FHSU University Relations and Marketing
John Mason put in a lot of miles on the oval track inside the limestone walls of historic Lewis Field Stadium during his college days at Fort Hays State University. And he loved running for legendary coach Alex Francis.
But that was nearly 50 years ago, Mason noted, and it’s time for a change.
Mason, one of the Tigers’ all-time greats who earned All-American status 14 times in long distance races during his college career, was back home Wednesday afternoon to help celebrate new beginnings for the track and field teams at his beloved university.
The 70-year-old Mason, who might be best remembered for beating eventual 1968 Olympic champion Kip Keino from Kenya in the 1,500 meters in the World Games, drove from his home in Phillipsburg to take part in a record-breaking activity of a different kind.
Mason was one of nine to turn over some dirt at a groundbreaking ceremony for a new $3 million track and field complex just south of the FHSU soccer complex on the far west side of campus.
“This is a big day for our department and for our track and field program,” FHSU Athletic Director Curtis Hammeke said on a pleasant — but of course windy — spring afternoon at the site of FHSU’s newest construction adjacent to the Bickle/Schmidt Sports Complex.
“There will never be any wind problems out here,” Hammeke quipped as a backdrop for photo opportunities blew over.
“Any time you building something new on open land, of course wind will be a challenge,” he added. “But we’ll plant some trees; futuristically, it will be a fantastic sight.”
The need for a new place to run and jump and throw for FHSU athletes spawns from more construction surrounding land-locked Lewis Field Stadium, a Works Progress Administration project from the late 1930s.
Construction of a 31,000 square-foot, three-story Themed Housing residential building, along with additional parking, is underway in the area directly north of the Lewis Field Stadium, the former site of most of the field events for track meets.
Rather than being nostalgic about leaving the site of so many good memories, Mason said he is excited for current and future Tiger athletes.
“Back then, our facilities were very primitive; we ran on a cinder track,” Mason said.
“We had to scoop snow out of the first two lanes to practice in the winter. No indoor facility,” he added, reminiscing. “No weight room. We had one barbell with two sets of weights on it. We changed clothes in the training room. They have some great facilities here now at Fort Hays State.”
FHSU’s track and field facilities are going to get even greater for the 2016-17 school year.
The new 500-seat grandstand will feature a nine-lane rubber track with space for all field events inside the stadium, with the exception of throwing events.
However, Hammeke stressed, even the throwing events will be visible from within the stands. Completion for the facility is slated for fall 2016.
The area also includes locker rooms, restrooms, concession stands, as well as enough expansion space for tennis courts and softball and baseball fields if the need arises for those fields in the future.
“What you’re experiencing here is a historical occasion,” said Dr. Mirta M. Martin, FHSU president. “This marks the beginning of a new era. We’re creating a place where our athletes can showcase their talents. It’s time to give the track and field athletes a home.”
The Tigers will take a piece of their old home with them. Hammeke said that Francis, the long-time coach for whom the track at Lewis Field Stadium was named several years ago, will be honored in some fashion at the complex, as will other former Tiger greats.
Fundraising is ongoing for extra amenities for the facility, and various naming options are available, either on a donor wall or for field events areas. More information about donations can be found by contacting the FHSU Foundation by email at [email protected] or by phone at 785-628-5620.
“It’s a sign of growth,” Hammeke said. “It’s a sign of vision, moving into the future.
“That’s what we’re here to do, to keep a futuristic vision at the forefront of all that we do,” he added. “When you get idle, you’re going backwards.”
There’s no going backwards with Hammeke and Martin in charge.
“This is our commitment to the economic engine of Hays, America,” Martin said. “This will provide tremendous opportunities for our community and for us. It’s an opportunity to continue to create the 21st century destination of choice for the 21st century student-athlete.”
HAYS, Kan. – Growing several inches over the past couple of years made playing college basketball a real possibility for TMP-Marian standout Jared Vitztim. Wednesday afternoon he made it a reality by signing a National Letter of Intent with Fort Hays State.
TMP-Marian’s Jared Vitztum talks about signing with Fort Hays State
The 6’7″ Vitztum was courted by several schools including Nebraska-Kearney, but in the end says Fort Hays State was the best fit for him. “It was definitely hard to pick out a certain school but I think Fort Hays is just the best fit for me. I really liked the coaching staff and the players” Vitztum said.
He becomes the second Hays product to sign with the Tigers this spring and the third in the last two years joining Hays High’s Isaiah Nunnery and Brady Werth.
“It will be fun especially with Isaiah (Nunnery), Brady (Werth) and Trey O’Neil. I’ve played against all of them. It will just be fun to be on their team. They’re really talented players and I just can’t wait to be with them”.
Vitztum averaged 19.8 points per game along with 10.7 rebounds per game during his senior season and was named to the first team of the All-Mid-Continent League team after helping the Monarchs to a 19-4 record and trip to the sub-state championship game. As a junior he was a key player in TMP-Marian’s run to the 4A Division II state tournament.
A quick moving front blew through the region overnight, with storm damage being reported west of Hays.
In Ellis, several trees were reported down after the storm, which saw win gusts in excess of 60 mph.
While Hays received just trace rainfall, areas west received between 0.15 and 0.58 inches of rain.
There was a report of 0.73 inches of rain just north of Russell, and much of Rooks County received just less than a half inch of precipitation.
While the skies are expected to clear Wednesday, the wind is expected to pick through the day, with a steady north wind between 15 and 23 mph and gusts up to 44 mph.
