Hays native takes leadership role at&nbsp; Patterson Family Foundation

By TONY GUERRERO Hays Post

The Patterson Family Foundation is looking to fill gaps in philanthropic support for rural communities such as Hays.

The nonprofit based in Kansas City is a family-led organization dedicated to empowering rural communities to thrive through grants and collaborative efforts.

Maria Flynn, president and CEO of the Patterson Family Foundation, said the foundation works with local groups to meet community needs.

"We work with 501(c)(3) organizations that are established and doing the work by helping them to do more," she said.

The foundation provides grants by considering economic development, health care, education and community development.

The foundation has previously collaborated with Hays, recently awarding a $750,000 grant to support the construction of Fort Hays Tech North Central's new building.

<a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/be309707-284b-444c-a545-a868e648bce1">SEE RELATED: Fort Hays Tech North Central breaks ground on new building</a>

The Patterson Family Foundation provides a range of grants, including program, operational, equipment and capital grants.

"Community foundations are an important area for us to help build capacity and matching grants for things that communities are interested in," Flynn said.

Flynn is from Hays and became president and CEO in September.

Flynn said the foundation will implement changes starting next year regarding the specific guidance it seeks in grant applications.

The Patterson Family Foundation partners with 119 counties in Kansas and western Missouri, focusing on those with populations less than 50,000.

"We take a 50-year outlook of how our regions are evolving," Flynn said. "What financial, network, and time investments can we make to help the trajectory of our communities become great places to live?"

Flynn said 7% of all philanthropic funding reaches rural areas, which drops to about 5% when excluding universities.

The Patterson Foundation allocated $3 million in 2023 to support career and technical education in rural communities and $6.1 million to fund child care centers.

$5.4 million was distributed to rural hospitals and telehealth across 45 counties in Kansas and Missouri.

The nonprofit has supported rural communities since 2007, founded by Neal and Jeanne Patterson. After their passing, their children continue their legacy as the foundation's board of directors.

"I would love to connect more with people," Flynn said. "We really want to spotlight great things happening around these communities."

You can visit the Patterson Family Foundation <a href="https://pattersonfamilyfoundation.org/">website </a>for more information.

You can also follow the Patterson Family Foundation on <a href="https://www.facebook.com/pattersonfamilyfoundation/">Facebook </a>and <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/company/pffkc/">Linkedin</a>&nbsp;for updates.

Patterson Family Foundation bridges gaps in rural philanthropy

The 2024 Kansas Rural Preservation grant committee&nbsp;reviewed 24 grant requests totaling over $2.2 million. On August 9, 2024, the committee recommended and the Historic Sites Board of Review approved funding for 8 projects totalling $750,000.The historic Safeway Building located at 121 E 11th Street in Downtown Hays was awarded a grant for the historic preservation and the expansion of Gella's Diner &amp; Lb. Brewing Co. culinary classroom and event space. To comply with the grant requirements, we are publicly posting this notice to contractors to submit bids.

Property Owner: Gella’s Diner &amp; Lb. Brewing Co., LLC

Property Address: 121 East 11th&nbsp;Street, Hays Kansas

Detailed building condition and scope of work detailed below.

1)&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Install new storefront windows and doors.

2)&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Sheetrock and finish interior partition walls and repair perimeter plaster walls and paint walls. Trim and molding per specifications.

3)&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Repair and refinish original hardwood floors. Install flooring in kitchen, bathrooms and storerooms.

Bids will be received by Adam Pray, 116 E 11th&nbsp;Street, Hays, Kansas 67601 until 12:00 PM on November 30, 2024, for the work noted above according to plans approved by the Kansas State Historic Preservation Office. This structure is determined eligible for listing as a contributing property in the Historic Chestnut Street District on the National Register of Historic Places. All work must comply with the Secretary of the Interior’s&nbsp;Standards for the Treatment of Historic Properties.

Sealed bids will be publicly opened at 12:00 PM on Monday, December 2, 2024 at Platinum Group Office, 116 E 11th&nbsp;Street, Hays KS 67601. Two copies of the bid should be provided.

All inquiries about this Invitation to Bid and requests for copies of the full scope of work / plans may be directed to Adam Pray, phone (785) 650-4029. Bids will be received on a total bid price basis and will include a sum to cover the cost of all items of the contract, including insurance, materials, and performance bonds. Proposals received after the date and time indicated above for opening will be considered late, and therefore will not be considered for award.

The Bid will be awarded on the basis of cost and performance; to the Bidder who, in the Owner’s judgment, is the lowest, most qualified, responsible and responsive Bidder. Owner reserves the right to reject any and all Bids and to reject the Bid of any Bidder if the Owner believes it would not be in the best interest of the Owner to make an award to that Bidder. The successful Bidder must deliver to the Owner certificates of insurance, performance and materials payment bonds as security for faithful performance and the payment of all bills and obligations arising from the contract. The successful firm will be required to comply with all applicable laws and statutory regulations. No Bidder will in any way, directly or indirectly, discriminate against any person because of age, race, color, handicap, sex, national origin or religious creed.

This project has been financed in part with federal funds from the National Park Service, a division of the United States Department of the Interior and administered by the Kansas Historical Society. The contents and opinions, however, do not necessarily reflect the view or policies of the United States Department of the Interior or the Kansas Historical Society. Regulations of the US&nbsp;Department of the Interior strictly prohibits unlawful discrimination in departmental Federally Assisted Programs on the basis of race, color, national origin, age or handicap. Any person who believes he or she has been discriminated against in any program, activity, or facility operated by a recipient of Federal assistance should write to: Director, Equal Opportunity Program, U. S. Department of the Interior, National Park Service, 1849 C Street, N.W., Washington, DC 20240.

Historic Safeway Building/Gella’s Expansion

Building Description: The one-story red brick building at 121 E Eleventh was built ca. 1937 as home to the Safeway Grocery Store. The building is the easternmost structure in a string of one-and two-story buildings with a consistent setback on the north side of E. Eleventh Street, one block off Main Street. The building will be occupied as an expansion of Gella’s Diner &amp; Lb. Brewing Co. in the one-story buildings at 111-119 East Eleventh Street. An alley runs along the north/rear façade and the storefront fronts Eleventh Street on the south with a public sidewalk along the south façade and brick street with parallel parking along E. Eleventh Street.

The storefront is currently boarded with the glass windows missing (wood is visible on the interior). An area above the storefront is also boarded corresponding to the large steel I-beam that spans the storefront opening, supported by one central column). An alternating band of concrete and glass black panels is located on the upper façade framed by buff brick. The recessed entry, extant at the east end, is framed by the brick wall on the west and an angled section of the boarded storefront on the east. A pair of single-light wood doors (one replaced with slab door) serve as the original entrance with a narrow sidelight on the west and a transom panel composed of two horizontal lights about each door. On the interior, no glass is present in the display windows but a short plastered bulkhead is extant. Temporary removal of the wood covering revealed damaged brick tile on the narrow bulkhead.

There are four openings on the rear façade – three windows and a single door. All are punched openings with hidden lintels and windows have header-course brick sills. The original windows were multi-light steel windows, two of which are in place. One window has formerly been removed and a ventilation fan installed in the window opening. From the interior, the rear door is a five-horizontal panel wood door, with a metal covering on the exterior that is visible on the rear façade.

The interior of the building is currently an open space with framed partition walls. The metal barrel trusses and interim wood framing is extant and exposed throughout the interior of the building. The perimeter walls have a plaster finish and remnants of wood baseboards are in place in isolated locations. At existing openings, plaster has a curved return. There is significant deterioration of plaster in some of the areas and peeling paint throughout. The front two-thirds of the space has a hardwood floor exposed. There are some areas of damaged or missing wood flooring but generally the floor appears to be in sound condition. The rear of the space has a concrete slab that is in fair to poor condition.

Project Description for KSHS Rural Preservation Grant: &nbsp;

Detailed floor plans and drawings available upon request for bidding purposes.

● Install new storefront system on the existing concrete curb with new black tile installed at the bulkhead. The configuration will be retained with a recessed entrance on the west end. The existing wood doors will be removed and a pair of two-light aluminum doors, with sidelight, will be installed to meet accessibility requirements. The storefront system will be aluminum with a factory silver aluminum finish with 2-1/2” mullions and clear, low e glass. Display windows will be full height in the original opening; the existing glass block band will be retained above the storefront. Aluminum sheet metal to match the storefront will be used as sheathing at center column and horizontal I-beam/lintel above storefront opening. The lintel band will be used for business signage.

● The new floor plan will have limited walls with bathrooms along the west wall and a kitchen at the rear, maintaining a large open dining room at the storefront. The existing front and rear door openings will be maintained with a vestibule at the front entrance and a corridor against the west wall at the rear. Men’s and women’s accessible restrooms will be partitions on the west wall and a storage room between the restroom and entry vestibule. The kitchen will span the north wall west of the west corridor with a bar/service area in the northeast corner of the open dining room. A mezzanine will be created over the rear kitchen and west restrooms to be used for mechanical equipment and supply storage.

● Plaster will be retained and repaired at perimeter walls, maintaining curved return at the storefront. Wall at the rear opening will be furred for kitchen equipment. Sheetrock may be used at large areas of deteriorated plaster and skim-coated to match adjacent plaster surfaces – this is primarily at areas of former water infiltration on the rear wall where plaster is severely damaged and missing. Plaster walls will have exposed conduit for outlets and switches (painted to match adjacent surface). New partition walls will primarily be sheetrocked on wood studs. Kitchen walls will have stainless/FRP paneled walls for ease of cleaning. Bathrooms will receive porcelain wall and floor tile. New 6” wood baseboards with simple squared profile with eased edge, will be installed at perimeter walls in the dining room. Kitchen will have a rubber/tile base and bathrooms will have tile base/transition at wall/floor tile.

● Any remaining tile or adhesive on the wood floor in the dining room will be removed and the original wood floor will be retained, repaired and refinished with satin finish. Damaged wood will be replaced with wood salvaged from bathrooms and store room on the west wall. Kitchen area will receive an epoxy finish on the concrete floor, as will the west storeroom.

Detailed floor plans available upon request by emailing&nbsp;<a href="mailto:chris@tumbleweedks.com">chris@tumbleweedks.com</a>

● Repair work to be in accordance with the Secretary of the Interior’s Standards for Rehabilitation. Viewable at&nbsp;<a href="http://www.nps.gov/history/hps/tps/standards/rehabilitation.htm">http://www.nps.gov/history/hps/tps/standards/rehabilitation.htm</a>

● Certificates of insurance, performance and material payment bonds required as security for faithful performance and the payment of all bills and obligations arising from the contract.

● Storage and handling of all materials must be in a manner which prevents additional loss, deterioration, and damage; storage area to be designated by project administrator.

● Construction schedule to be itemized with headings related to the breakdown in payment requests.

● All work subject to review by the Kansas State Historical Society throughout the duration of the project.

● Compliance with all applicable laws and statutory regulations required.

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&nbsp;Submit events to&nbsp;<a href="mailto:admin@hayspost.com">admin@hayspost.com</a>. Cover photo courtesy Pixabay

Special thanks to <a href="https://www.visithays.com/183/Events">The Hays Convention and Visitors Bureau</a> and<a href="https://www.fhsu.edu/"> Fort Hays State University</a> for their contributions to the community calendar.

Community Calendar

Gambino's, 2102 Vine, Hays, will be donating 10% of all sales today between 4:30 and 8:30 p.m. to the United Way of Ellis County.&nbsp;

No coupons or specifications are necessary.

United Way fundraiser this evening by Gambino's Pizza of Hays 

Submitted The Ellis County Environmental Services office is announcing that the dirt pile at the landfill will be closed today due to muddy conditions. This material will not be accepted in the transfer station.

Municipal Waste will remain open, and the gates will be closed at 4:45 p.m. No dumping will be allowed after that time.

Please direct any questions to the Ellis County Landfill at 785-628-9460.&nbsp;

Ellis County dirt pile closed today

"Surviving the Holidays" will be hosted at North Oak Community Church from 6 to 8 p.m. Nov. 21.

The program is for those who have lost a loved one in death. It reassures people grieving the loss that they are not alone—that help is available.

This two-hour event can offer encouragement and practical advice for navigating the Thanksgiving and Christmas seasons. It gives insight into what to expect and the strength to go on.

For information or to attend, register by calling Rich Matzke at 785)-650-2946 or text&nbsp;<a rel="nofollow" href="mailto:richardmatzke48@gmail.com">richardmatzke48@gmail.com</a>.

North Oak Community Church to host 'Surviving the Holidays'

Imagine Ellis County is a product of Strategic Doing with Heartland Community Foundation and facilitated by Dane G. Hansen Foundation.

Their mission is to create community growth through an engaged group of Ellis County residents who collaborate on strategic vision for the community and the region.

The vision is to create a vibrant hub of innovation and opportunity, that empowers residents, attracts projects and ensures sustainable development for a thriving future.

The Downtown Stage project is open to the community and any resident who wants to learn more or help create a permanent stage structure at Hays Municipal Park.

This space could be utilized for large concerts, community arts, traveling artists and community events.

To find out more or to help out with this project, come to a meeting at 6 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 19, in the basement meeting space of Brief Space.

Meeting set to discuss downtown stage project

There will be a volunteer training for all Cold Weather Shelter interested volunteers from 6 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. Nov. 19 at the First Baptist Church Hays, 1111 Fort St.

If you are interested in volunteering you must attend a training. To sign up please go to&nbsp;<a href="https://www.ourecma.com/hayscoldshelter">Cold Weather Shelter | ECMA</a>

Cold weather Shelter training set for Nov. 19

The Optimist Club of Hays presents its annual live Christmas tree sale. Starts on Nov. 29, black Friday weekend 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.

Then, weekdays starting Monday, Dec. 2, from 3 to 8 p.m. and weekends from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Until trees sold out, find us in the Walmart parking lot in Hays, 4301 Vine.

Since 1965 the Optimist Club of Hays has been supporting the Ellis County youth programs. 

Your purchase directly benefits these projects. 

Optimist Club of Hays' annual Christmas tree sale begins Nov. 29

Veterans Day is a time for us to pay respect to all who have served our country.&nbsp;

Eagle Radio, Hays Post and these sponsors have created a place where our community can honor those who have served and are still serving.&nbsp;

Submit a photo of your military loved one above.

📷 HONOR OUR VETERANS: 2024 Veterans photo gallery

The Hays Police Department responded to 63 incidents Nov. 10-16, 2024, according to the HPD activity log.

Hays Police Department activity log, Nov. 10-16, 2024

Hays Police Department arrest log, Nov. 10-16, 2024

Fort Hays State University and two technical colleges join ranks to address rural workforce shortages and population decline

By&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/author/akaminski/">ANNA KAMINSKI</a> <a href="https://kansasreflector.com/">Kansas Reflector</a>

TOPEKA — Three higher education institutions in central and western Kansas joined forces to address the region’s workforce shortages and education gaps.

Fort Hays State University, Northwest Kansas Technical College and North Central Kansas Technical College created a new affiliation as a way to propel students into the region’s workforce and empower their communities to persist through hard times.

The affiliation is different from a merger or a takeover, said Tisa Mason, president of Fort Hays State, on the Kansas Reflector podcast. The two tech colleges are now under the Fort Hays brand, complete with new logos and fresh merchandise, while remaining independently accredited institutions. They were renamed Fort Hays Tech Northwest and Fort Hays Tech North Central.

The joint venture is in its early stages, but school leaders are optimistic the education-to-profession pipeline they’re creating will have lasting impacts in their communities.

The three schools have a better chance at earning federal funding as a group to reinvest in students and their communities, Mason said.

As higher education has become more unaffordable for students, part of the affiliation initiative is focused on reducing barriers to education. That’s happening through creating new programs and bolstering existing ones to meet students where they are at.

Mason said they want to make registering for classes “as easy as Amazon.com.”

Nursing and the trades have been primary points of interest for students, especially as construction needs and health care worker shortages become more acute, said Jennifer Brown, the dean of instruction at the north-central tech college.

Students can start at either of the technical colleges and work their way toward earning a bachelor’s degree online at the university. The goal is a seamless transition, Brown said.

“They can stay in place, wherever that might be within north-central Kansas or western Kansas, and still earn that bachelor’s degree,” she said.

Brown is on some of the 14 implementation teams focused on making the new programs work. To her, a successful initiative will result in more students furthering credits toward degrees or added credentials and training, she said.

“I think sometimes it’s really hard to envision the future because we don’t even know yet,” Brown said. “One of the greatest things that I think is coming from this, from my perspective, is the relationship building that we have amongst all three institutions.”

Peter Laipson, who oversees the affiliation initiative as its director, said he hopes in the coming years students are able to move through their education and find lucrative work in western and north-central Kansas on the other side.

“I think, ultimately, that would be good for them. That would be good for the communities. That would mean that there’s a kind of robust business atmosphere,” Laipson said. “I think that would be the ultimate sign of success.

Kansas tech colleges team with university to tackle rural economic woes

Hays, Kansas - HaysMed is proud to announce the availability of new educational opportunities for expecting and new families in Western Kansas through its Birth Center. The Birth Center at HaysMed is now offering a series of educational classes aimed at preparing families for childbirth and the early stages of parenthood.

The classes are expertly designed to benefit both first-time parents and those seeking to update their knowledge. They offer essential insights and practical skills necessary for the journey of childbirth and parenting. Topics covered include breastfeeding, newborn care, and a comprehensive overview of the childbirth process.

Recognizing the diverse needs of our community, HaysMed also provides virtual class options, ensuring that all families in Western Kansas have access to these vital resources. The virtual sessions are designed to mirror the in-person experience, offering high-quality, interactive education accessible from the comfort of home.

Understanding Breastfeeding Class - November 20, 2024. Register at https://www.eeds.com/symposium_registration.aspx?ConferenceID=204858

Childbirth Talk and Tour - December 3, 2024. Register at https://www.eeds.com/symposium_registration.aspx?ConferenceID=926827

Understanding Newborn Care - December 16, 2024. Register at https://www.eeds.com/symposium_registration.aspx?ConferenceID=706571

For more information and to register for any of these classes, please visit the HaysMed Birth Center website at https://www.haysmed.com/services/birth-center/.

Don't miss this opportunity to prepare for one of life’s most remarkable experiences with the support of HaysMed’s expert team. We look forward to welcoming you to our community of caring healthcare professionals dedicated to providing exceptional care and education.

Expanded parenting education opportunities offered at HaysMed Birth Center

By KARISSA WINKEL Cottonwood Extension District

The holiday season is around the corner, and this means that the kitchen will likely become a busy place as we prepare meals to gather around. As you prepare tasty dishes to share, be conscious of the possibility of sharing illness too. I found these tips from K-State food scientist, Karen Blakeslee, especially helpful for preventing cross-contamination:

“We use the kitchen sink for food preparation and more,” Blakeslee said. “The possibility exists for foodborne illness-causing bacteria to hang out in the sink too. These bacteria could cross-contaminate your food and make you sick.”

Blakeslee added that a recent USDA study tested surfaces where participants prepared a breakfast meal with raw sausage, shell eggs, and a fruit salad made with cut-up cantaloupe. Test results showed that 34% of the sinks were contaminated after preparing the meal.

Even more scary, 26% of the samples of cut-up cantaloupe from the fruit salad were contaminated after breakfast prep.

“The bacteria in the sink or on your hands can cross-contaminate from the sink to other items, including those you normally eat raw. This means you’ll be eating that bacteria too,” Blakeslee said.

After using your sink to wash or prepare food, clean and sanitize the sink:

1) Use warm, soapy water to wash the sink. Wipe it clean with paper towels.

2) Use a sanitizer and let air dry. Sanitizers can be homemade (1 tablespoon of liquid chlorine bleach per gallon of water) or use a commercial sanitizer or sanitizing wipe.

When the sink is used to clean and sanitize, it’s easy to forget that the sink itself can become contaminated. So, be mindful of your food prep habits to keep you and the entire family healthy this holiday season.

Karissa Winkel is the Family and Community Wellness Agent with K-State Research and Extension – Cottonwood District. You may reach her at: 620-793-1910 or krwinkel@ksu.edu.

WINKEL: Clean the kitchen sink

<a href="https://hayspost.com/pages/state-farm-weather-window">For a full look at the weather forecast, click here.</a>

Three-day weather outlook

&nbsp;Breaks Eatery and Bar has unveiled a new seasonal menu that transports diners from the heart of Kansas to the coastal waters of New England and Florida. The restaurant launched its new seasonal menu last Friday and Saturday, featuring fresh wild-caught seafood flown in from the East Coast.

Highlighting the menu are New England lobsters, wild-caught Red Snapper, and steamer clams, prepared in a variety of ways to showcase their freshness and flavor. Guests can enjoy grilled or poached lobster, pan-seared Red Snapper and New England Clam Chowder. According to Executive Chefs Shaun Wood and Andrew Victoria, these dishes provide a unique opportunity to experience coastal flavors in Hays.

“We’re excited to offer our guests such high-quality, fresh seafood that they typically wouldn’t be able to find this far from the coast,” said Chef Wood. “It’s a treat for the senses, and we’ve loved being able to bring something new to our community.”

In addition to the seafood, the menu also includes a section of hearty non-seafood entrees such as Filet Mignon, brined and grilled double Pork Chops, Chicken Picatta, and Wagyu Chicken Fried Steak. Each dish has been crafted to deliver bold, distinctive flavors.

This week Breaks Eatery and Bar is also launching their “Easy Lunch Break” menu which allows customers to select any two items form a selection of sandwiches, soups and salads. The new menu will be available beginning November 18th, 2024.

Chefs Wood and Victoria expressed their gratitude for the community’s support during the launch of the seasonal menu &amp; their new “Easy Lunch Break” menu. “We want to thank everyone who came out last week to try our new offerings, and we invite everyone to join us again this weekend for even more fresh and exciting dishes,” said Chef Victoria.

Breaks Eatery &amp; Bar’s new seasonal menu is available for a limited time, so seafood enthusiasts and comfort food lovers alike are encouraged to stop by and savor these special dishes before they’re gone. The new “Easy Lunch Break” menu is available Monday thru Friday from 11:00 a.m. to 1:30p.m.

Follow them on&nbsp;<a href="https://nam12.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2Fbreakseatery%2F&amp;data=05%7C02%7Cjames%40hayschamber.com%7Cd1b344a63c9447adf1b208dd08e95847%7C804c0b8922b24247865351530c99b793%7C0%7C0%7C638676520509047290%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJFbXB0eU1hcGkiOnRydWUsIlYiOiIwLjAuMDAwMCIsIlAiOiJXaW4zMiIsIkFOIjoiTWFpbCIsIldUIjoyfQ%3D%3D%7C0%7C%7C%7C&amp;sdata=a8ZCdze8%2FQrYEUHM4fTa7%2FN3dMqk0Ow5ZyWKZkIqdK8%3D&amp;reserved=0">https://www.facebook.com/breakseatery/</a>&nbsp;or Instagram&nbsp;<a href="https://nam12.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.instagram.com%2Fbreakseatery%2F&amp;data=05%7C02%7Cjames%40hayschamber.com%7Cd1b344a63c9447adf1b208dd08e95847%7C804c0b8922b24247865351530c99b793%7C0%7C0%7C638676520509070275%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJFbXB0eU1hcGkiOnRydWUsIlYiOiIwLjAuMDAwMCIsIlAiOiJXaW4zMiIsIkFOIjoiTWFpbCIsIldUIjoyfQ%3D%3D%7C0%7C%7C%7C&amp;sdata=a00XWjGuNWO3Ullms3mDJg97mWA1dsKw6WBIlk4gmGQ%3D&amp;reserved=0">https://www.instagram.com/breakseatery/</a>.

Sunflower Bank announces over $9,500 donation to Hays schools

Click&nbsp;<a href="https://hayspost.com/category/obituaries">HERE</a>&nbsp;to view the most recent obituaries and service times from our funeral home partners.

<a href="https://hayspost.com/pages/corrections-about-us">Click HERE for the Hays Post obituary policy.&nbsp;</a>

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Recent obituaries and service times

We're joined by Fort Hays State cross country coach Jason McCullough, men's soccer coach Alex Nichols and football coach Chris Brown.

Tiger Talk airs Wednesday's at 12:15 p.m. on KAYS (1400/93.5) live from the Robbins Center on the Fort Hays State University campus.

🎧 Defend the Fort Podcast: Tiger Talk (November 20, 2024)

KANSAS CITY, Mo. - The Fort Hays State volleyball team had two student-athletes earn All-MIAA honors for their performance during the 2024 season, with&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/womens-volleyball/roster/gracie-rains/7948">Gracie Rains</a>&nbsp;picking up second-team recognition and&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/womens-volleyball/roster/caiya-stucky/7954">Caiya Stucky</a>&nbsp;receiving honorable mention status.

Rains earned all-conference honors for a second year in a row after picking up an honorable mention nod last year. The junior outside hitter finished the regular season with 340 kills, second-most in the MIAA. She ranked fourth in the league in kills per set (3.43) and was eighth in points per set (3.65). The Maize, Kan. native reached double figures in kills 19 times in 25 matches, including three matches with at least 20 kills and a season-high of 23 kills in a win over Truman State. Playing in all 99 sets for the Tigers this year, Rains also contributed 83 digs, 32 blocks and three service aces.

This is the first All-MIAA award for Stucky. The junior setter ranked fifth in the conference in both total assists and assists per set, distributing 832 assists over 96 sets for an average of 8.67 per set. She ranked third on the team with 50 blocks, ranked fourth with an average of 1.90 digs per set and was sixth on the team with 124 total points. The Wichita, Kan. native accumulated 79 kills, 18 service aces and 182 digs. She reached double figures in assists 24 times, including 17 matches with at least 30 kills, 11 matches with at least 40 assists and a season-high 53 assists in a win over Arkansas-Fort Smith. Stucky notched five double-doubles on the year, including one with a career-high 20 digs in a win over Southwest Baptist.

Rains, Stucky and the rest of the FHSU volleyball team will play in the postseason for the first time since 2021 on Thursday (Nov. 21) when they take on Nebraska-Kearney in the quarterfinal round of the 2024 MIAA Championship Tournament. First serve is set for 5 p.m. from St. Joseph, Mo.

2024 MIAA VOLLEYBALL POSTSEASON AWARDS &amp; ALL-MIAA TEAMS PLAYER OF THE YEAR: Addison Wimmer, Central Oklahoma, OH, Sr. CO-DEFENSIVE PLAYER OF THE YEAR: Lily Kurz, Missouri Western, MB, Sr. CO-DEFENSIVE PLAYER OF THE YEAR: Alli Wiess, Nebraska Kearney, L, Gr. HITTER OF THE YEAR: Mia Berg, Nebraska Kearney, So. SETTER OF THE YEAR: Peyton Neff, Nebraska Kearney, Gr.* LIBERO OF THE YEAR: Alli Wiess, Nebraska Kearney, Gr. FRESHMAN OF THE YEAR: Rayishon Jackman, Emporia State, OH COACH OF THE YEAR: Rick Squiers, Nebraska Kearney*Indicates Unanimous Selection

ALL-MIAA FIRST TEAM OH&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Sydney Huck – Central Oklahoma OH&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Asha Regier – Nebraska Kearney OH&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Jalyn Stevenson – Washburn OH&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Addison Wimmer – Central Oklahoma* OH&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Weronika Wrzesinska – Emporia State* RS&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Taylor Russell – Missouri Western* MB&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Mia Berg – Nebraska Kearney MB&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Abby Brunssen – Northwest Missouri* MB&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Jenna Karp – Central Oklahoma S&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Lindsey Houran – Central Oklahoma S&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Nessa Johnson – Missouri Western S&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Peyton Neff – Nebraska Kearney* L/DS&nbsp; &nbsp;Katie Le – Central Oklahoma L/DS&nbsp;&nbsp; Alli Wiess – Nebraska Kearney* *Indicates Unanimous Selection

ALL-MIAA SECOND TEAM OH&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Maya Fergerson – Central Missouri OH&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Holly Heldt – Missouri Western OH&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Rayishon Jackman – Emporia State OH&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Payton Kirchhoefer – Northwest Missouri OH&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Emilee Lane – Nebraska Kearney OH&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/womens-volleyball/roster/gracie-rains/7948">Gracie Rains</a>&nbsp;– Fort Hays State MB&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Alex Dvorak – Washburn MB&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Elinor Engel – Central Missouri MB&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Emma Salker – Missouri Western MB&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Rachel Ziesman – Central Missouri S&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Corinna McMullen – Washburn L/DS&nbsp;&nbsp; Kyah Luhring – Northwest Missouri L/DS&nbsp;&nbsp; Taylor Rottinghaus – Washburn L/DS&nbsp;&nbsp; Anna Weberg – Missouri Western

ALL-MIAA HONORABLE MENTION Arkansas Fort Smith – Morgan Creer, RS; Caelyn Gunn, OH; Nyia Anderson, OH; Kaelyn McDonald, MB Central Oklahoma – Mikaela Garvin, OH; Lari Migliorino, MB Emporia State – Camilla Ossola, OH/RS; Brailee Bogle, S Fort Hays State –&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/womens-volleyball/roster/caiya-stucky/7954">Caiya Stucky</a>, S Missouri Southern – Kyla Randall, L Missouri Western – Emily Loy, OH/RS Nebraska Kearney – Lauren Taubenheim, OH; Abby Rose, MB Newman – Oziomia Ajekwu, MB Northwest Missouri – Ella Caffery, S Pittsburg State – Josie McCroskey, L/DS Washburn – Austin Broadie, OH; Bella Limback, MB&nbsp;&nbsp;

🏐 FHSU's Rains, Stucky named to All-MIAA team

Wednesday, November 20
 KAYS: Tiger Talk,
12:15pm
 KAYS: Hawk Talk with Lance Leipold, 6:00pm

Friday, November 22
 KKQY: Hoxie FB at
South Central, 5:15pm *
 KFIX: Hays High FB at Goddard Eisenhower, 6:30pm
 KAYS: Victoria FB at Dighton, 6:45pm

Saturday, November 23
 KAYS: Kansas FB vs.
Colorado, 1:00pm

Sunday, November 24
 KFIX: Kansas City
Chiefs at Carolina Panthers, 11:00am

🎧 Eagle Radio, Hull sports broadcast schedule

Fort Hays State women's basketball hosts Adams State in their home opener on Friday, November 15, 2024 in a matchup of NCAA Tournament teams from a year ago.

🎧 Defend the Fort Podcast: WBB vs. Adams State (November 15, 2024)

By GERARD WELLBROCK Hays Post

HAYS, Kan. – Shaun Riley scored a career-high 24 points and Kyle Grill added a career-best 21 along with a career-high 7 rebounds to lead Fort Hays State to a 76-52 win over South Dakota Mines in their home opener Tuesday night at Gross Memorial Coliseum.

The Tigers (1-2) scored the game's first eight points and never trailed. The Hardrockers (0-5) pulled within three at 15-12 but FHSU pushed the lead to double-figures at 24-14 on a 3-point play from Riley. Freshman guard Aiden McDowell scored on a driving layup just before the horn to give FHSU a 34-24 halftime lead.

SDM cut the lead to eight&nbsp; several times early in the second half but a 17-7 FHSU run pushed the lead to 20. Peter Asceric hit a three to finish off the Tigers scoring.

Riley dominated in low for the Tigers, going 10-of-12 from the field. It was his second-straight game setting a new career high in points with FHSU after putting up 18 against Concordia St. Paul back on November 9. He also dished out five assists in the game.

Grill went 7-of-12 from the field and made a pair of 3-point field goals, while adding a 5-of-7 effort at the free-throw line. His seven rebounds led the team.

Kaleb Hammeke&nbsp;also reached double figures in scoring for the Tigers with 10, while adding a team-high seven assists.

Fort Hays State shot 58 percent from the field (29-of-50), while holding South Dakota Mines to just 37.8 percent overall.

Guillem Garcia had 13 points, the only player from South Dakota Mines to reach double figures.

Fort Hays State will have another week off before hosting Central Christian College on Tuesday (Nov. 26) in a contest at noon. For a second-straight year, Hays Elementary Schools will attend the game, which will create a unique atmosphere at the coliseum.&nbsp;&nbsp;

🏀 Career nights from Riley and Grill lead Tigers to win in home opener

LAWRENCE, Kan. (AP) — Hunter Dickinson had 15 points and 15 rebounds, Dajuan Harris Jr. scored 16 points, and No. 1 Kansas shrugged off a sluggish start to beat UNC Wilmington 84-66 on Tuesday night and give Jayhawks coach Bill Self his 800th career win.

David Coit added 13 points and Zeke Mayo had 10 for the Jayhawks (5-0), who led 43-38 at halftime before going on a 12-2 run to start the second half. They stretched the lead to 20 and coasted to their 18th straight nonconference home win.

The Jayhawks next face No. 12 Duke in the Vegas Showdown on Tuesday.

Khamari McGriff had 18 points and Noah Ross had 10 with nine boards for UNC Wilmington (4-1), which was picked to finish third in the Colonial Athletic Association after winning 21 games last season.

The Seahawks weren't intimidated by the 372nd straight sellout at Allen Fieldhouse. They beat Kentucky at Rupp Arena just last season. And while Kansas started the game with energy, UNC Wilmington matched it for the first 20 minutes. It wasn't until Harris led the Jayhawks' early second-half charge that they put the game away.

UNC Wilmington got just seven points from Donovan Newby. He had 20 in a recent win over USC Upstate.

Kansas lost freshman Flory Bidunga to an injury in the first half. He did not put any weight on his right leg as he was helped to the bench. He did not return. Bidunga's loss would be a big blow to the Jayhawks' interior depth.

Kansas roared out of halftime on the run that ultimately decided the game.

The Jayhawks won despite shooting 6 of 25 from 3-point range.

The Seahawks play Colgate on Nov. 27. The Jayhawks play the Blue Devils on Tuesday.

🏀 No. 1 KU beats UNC Wilmington to give Bill Self 800th career win

MANHATTAN, Kan. (AP) — Ugonna Onyenso came off the bench to score 16 points in 12 minutes and Kansas State shook off a poor first half to beat Mississippi Valley State 74-56 on Tuesday night.

On a night the Wildcats (3-1) shot just 36%, Onyenso was 6 of 7 from the floor and made all four of his free throws. C.J. Jones scored 10 of his 12 points in the second half. David N’Guessan added 10 points while Coleman Hawkins, who was just 1-of-11 shooting with two points, grabbed 13 rebounds.

Arthur Tate scored 16 points and Antonio Sisk 15 for the Delta Devils (1-4).

The Wildcats led 25-23 at halftime, having been up by as many as 14, after shooting just 29% and 1 of 13 from 3-point range. They finished 3 of 23 from the arc but hit 25 of 27 free throws.

Brenden Hausen, averaging over 15 points a game for Kansas State, got his first points of the game and the Wildcats' first of the second half with a 3-pointer, and that started a 10-0 run. The lead reached 19 with seven minutes to go.

Mississippi Valley State made a final run to get within 10 but the Wildcats responded with nine straight points, the last four by N'Guessan, to push the lead back to 19.

In the first half, the Delta Devils got a pair of 3-pointers from Tate and five points from Donovan Sanders to outscore the Wildcats 16-4 over the final 4 1/2 minutes to tie before David Castillo's jumper at the end of the half gave the lead back to the Wildcats.

🏀 Onyenso sparks Kansas State in win over Mississippi Valley State

LILBURN, Ga. - After a 4-0 start to the season, the Fort Hays State women's basketball team jumped six spots to No. 17 in the latest WBCA NCAA Division II Coaches Poll, released Tuesday by the coaches association.

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