The Hays
Public Library’s Community Threads program is set to return in 2023, giving
area residents an opportunity to receive gently used clothing and accessories
free of charge.

During
regular library hours Saturday and Sunday, anyone interested in taking advantage of
the program can view items available at the library at 1205 Main.

Donations
will be accepted through today. Donations will be accepted at the library’s
front desk.

The last
Community Threads program was offered in 2021, said Hays Public Library communications
coordinator Callie Kolacny.

“It can
be shoes, clothes, coats, hats, gloves, accessories, some jewelry, things like
that, that you want to donate, we'll take all of that kind of stuff,” she said.


The
program, however, is not for household items.

“We
especially want people to donate children's items, children's clothes, because
those seem to be the things that the people that come in want the most,”
Kolacny said.

Following
the completion of donations, she said library staff would sort the items to be
made available to the public.

“Our
staff will do a great job of getting everything organized,” Kolacny said. “It's really easy to find what you might be looking for, and we're excited to do
this again this year.”

There
are no requirements to participate.

“Just
come fill bags, get whatever you need,” she said. “This is an opportunity to
come and get whatever you want for free. ... We will not be asking about financial
ability, nothing like that. Just come in and get what you want, take it and
enjoy it.”

Donations
will be available to view and pick up in the Schmidt Gallery. 

“Everything
will be all organized and nice,” Kolacny said.

<div><iframe title="Hays Public Library brings back Community Threads program for 2023" allowtransparency="true" height="150" width="100%" style="border: none; min-width: min(100%, 430px);height:150px;" scrolling="no" data-name="pb-iframe-player" src="https://www.podbean.com/player-v2/?i=p94ty-147e3ab-pb&from=pb6admin&share=1&download=1&rtl=0&fonts=Arial&skin=f6f6f6&font-color=auto&logo_link=podcast_page&btn-skin=3267a3&size=315" loading="lazy"></iframe></div>By JAMES BELL Hays PostThe Hays
Public Library’s Community Threads program is set to return in 2023, giving
area residents an opportunity to receive gently used clothing and accessories
free of charge.During
regular library hours Saturday and Sunday, anyone interested in taking advantage of
the program can view items available at the library at 1205 Main.Donations
will be accepted through today. Donations will be accepted at the library’s
front desk.The last
Community Threads program was offered in 2021, said Hays Public Library communications
coordinator Callie Kolacny.“It can
be shoes, clothes, coats, hats, gloves, accessories, some jewelry, things like
that, that you want to donate, we'll take all of that kind of stuff,” she said.
The
program, however, is not for household items.“We
especially want people to donate children's items, children's clothes, because
those seem to be the things that the people that come in want the most,”
Kolacny said.Following
the completion of donations, she said library staff would sort the items to be
made available to the public.“Our
staff will do a great job of getting everything organized,” Kolacny said. “It's really easy to find what you might be looking for, and we're excited to do
this again this year.”There
are no requirements to participate.“Just
come fill bags, get whatever you need,” she said. “This is an opportunity to
come and get whatever you want for free. ... We will not be asking about financial
ability, nothing like that. Just come in and get what you want, take it and
enjoy it.”Donations
will be available to view and pick up in the Schmidt Gallery. “Everything
will be all organized and nice,” Kolacny said.

🎙 Hays Public Library's Community Threads program offers free clothes this weekend

On this episode of the&nbsp;<a href="https://hayspost.com/category/post-podcast" target="_blank">Post Podcast</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.growhays.com/" target="_blank">Grow Hays</a> executive director Doug Williams shares updates on the Tallgrass Addition.&nbsp;&nbsp;

<div><iframe title="Tallgrass Addition phase two construction underway" allowtransparency="true" height="600" width="100%" style="border: none; min-width: min(100%, 430px);height:600px;" scrolling="no" data-name="pb-iframe-player" src="https://www.podbean.com/player-v2/?i=u7rsg-147b134-pb&from=pb6admin&square=1&share=1&download=1&rtl=0&fonts=Arial&skin=f6f6f6&font-color=auto&logo_link=podcast_page&btn-skin=3267a3&size=600" loading="lazy" allowfullscreen=""></iframe></div>On this episode of the&nbsp;<a href="https://hayspost.com/category/post-podcast" target="_blank">Post Podcast</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.growhays.com/" target="_blank">Grow Hays</a> executive director Doug Williams shares updates on the Tallgrass Addition.&nbsp;&nbsp;

🎙 Post Podcast: Tallgrass Addition phase two construction underway

On this episode of the&nbsp;<a href="https://hayspost.com/category/post-podcast" target="_blank">Post Podcast</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://cottonwood.k-state.edu/">Cottonwood Extension District</a> Family and Community Wellness agent Monique Koerner discusses the upcoming Stay Strong, Stay Healthy program.

<a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/3fc32c22-ab00-4770-acef-654ba07cd1cf" target="_blank">Read about Stay Strong, Stay Healthy by clicking here.</a>

<div><iframe title="Stay Strong, Stay Healthy begins Aug. 29 in Hays" allowtransparency="true" height="150" width="100%" style="border: none; min-width: min(100%, 430px);height:150px;" scrolling="no" data-name="pb-iframe-player" src="https://www.podbean.com/player-v2/?i=85ci4-147b16c-pb&from=pb6admin&share=1&download=1&rtl=0&fonts=Arial&skin=f6f6f6&font-color=auto&logo_link=podcast_page&btn-skin=3267a3&size=315" loading="lazy"></iframe></div>On this episode of the&nbsp;<a href="https://hayspost.com/category/post-podcast" target="_blank">Post Podcast</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://cottonwood.k-state.edu/">Cottonwood Extension District</a> Family and Community Wellness agent Monique Koerner discusses the upcoming Stay Strong, Stay Healthy program.<a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/3fc32c22-ab00-4770-acef-654ba07cd1cf" target="_blank">Read about Stay Strong, Stay Healthy by clicking here.</a>

🎙 Post Podcast: Stay Strong, Stay Healthy begins Aug. 29 in Hays

VICTORIA—Area residents are set to gather Friday for the
40th annual Herzogfest.

The two-day event will feature traditional festivities, along
with musical performances, a 5K run/walk, a parade, market and car show.

Food vendors are set to open at 11 a.m., with a keg tapping
at noon, featuring The Zog, a brew made for the event by Defiance Brewing Co.

“It’s a German pilsner beer that he crafted especially for
the Herzogfest, and then we worked with them and came up with the name of the
Zog,” said Jennifer Pfeifer, Herzogfest vice president. “Our nickname is kind
of like Zog, and so, that fit for the beer.”

“And then followed by that at 1 p.m., we'll have some Beer
Olympics throughout the afternoon,” said Brenton Hoffman, Herzogfest president.
“Horseshoes will start at 6. And free live music by Austin Dixon will come on at
7 p.m. The 50/50 raffle winner is between that and our headliner, The Lowdown
Drifters, at 9 p.m.

Saturday’s events begin with the 5K run/walk at 7:30 a.m.

“After that, at 9 a.m. we'll be bringing back our parade,” Pfeifer
said. 

No registration for the parade is required.

“Just show up to be part of it,” Pfeifer said. 

The Heritage Market will also start at 9 a.m. on the
festival grounds, and at 10 a.m., the Herzog Hot Rod Car, Truck and Tractor Show
will begin.

Other events Saturday include a cornhole tournament at 10 a.m.,
along with free activities for children at Kinderfest.

Valve Cover races are set for noon, and bingo at the VFW is
set for 4 p.m.

“We'll start our Polka mass, followed by our Polka dance at
5 p.m.,” Pfeifer said.

Moving into the evening, at 6 p.m., a presentation of the
color guard and national anthem will be performed, with a Stein Hoist to follow
at 6:30 p.m.

“Around seven, our first musical talent of the night will
take the stage, and that will be the Wes Cossman Band,” Pfeifer said. “We will
have another 50/50 raffle between then and at 9 p.m. The Huser Brother Band
will take the stage.

During the last 40 years, Hoffman said changes to the event
have been made, but with the notable anniversary, the Herzogfest committee is
looking to the event’s roots.

“We're trying to get back to that original tradition with
all the German food vendors and just making it as free as possible as an event,”
he said.

And while the committee directs the efforts, Pfiefer said the
community pulls together for the event.

“Lots of different community groups will be vendors for
food or help us with other things like setup and clean up,” she said. “We really
appreciate the community members stepping up to help us put on a great event
because we're just a committee of 10, folks. We really need the support.”

More help is always appreciated, Hoffman said.

Marking the 40th anniversary, special merchandise will be
available.

“We'll have shirts, we have special 40th anniversary Stein's,
buttons, a lot of a lot of various things,” Pfeifer said, “koozies, hats, a lot
of fun things you can pick up to really celebrate the 40th anniversary of the
Herzogfest.”

While the events are sure to be fun for participants young
and old, Pfiefer said the event is about bringing the community together.

“A big goal of Herzogfest is just to keep the German
heritage alive and celebrate that and keep the event free and introduce or
bring lots of people into town with various different activities for people to
participate in and enjoy,” Pfeifer said.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/8/1660536302239.jpeg" alt="File photo" />
 <figcaption>File photo</figcaption>
 </figure>By JAMES BELL Hays PostVICTORIA—Area residents are set to gather Friday for the
40th annual Herzogfest.The two-day event will feature traditional festivities, along
with musical performances, a 5K run/walk, a parade, market and car show.Food vendors are set to open at 11 a.m., with a keg tapping
at noon, featuring The Zog, a brew made for the event by Defiance Brewing Co.“It’s a German pilsner beer that he crafted especially for
the Herzogfest, and then we worked with them and came up with the name of the
Zog,” said Jennifer Pfeifer, Herzogfest vice president. “Our nickname is kind
of like Zog, and so, that fit for the beer.”<div><iframe title="40th annual Herzogfest kicks off Friday" allowtransparency="true" height="150" width="100%" style="border: none; min-width: min(100%, 430px);height:150px;" scrolling="no" data-name="pb-iframe-player" src="https://www.podbean.com/player-v2/?i=eenur-1479906-pb&from=pb6admin&share=1&download=1&rtl=0&fonts=Arial&skin=f6f6f6&font-color=auto&logo_link=podcast_page&btn-skin=3267a3&size=315" loading="lazy"></iframe></div>“And then followed by that at 1 p.m., we'll have some Beer
Olympics throughout the afternoon,” said Brenton Hoffman, Herzogfest president.
“Horseshoes will start at 6. And free live music by Austin Dixon will come on at
7 p.m. The 50/50 raffle winner is between that and our headliner, The Lowdown
Drifters, at 9 p.m.Saturday’s events begin with the 5K run/walk at 7:30 a.m.“After that, at 9 a.m. we'll be bringing back our parade,” Pfeifer
said. No registration for the parade is required.“Just show up to be part of it,” Pfeifer said. The Heritage Market will also start at 9 a.m. on the
festival grounds, and at 10 a.m., the Herzog Hot Rod Car, Truck and Tractor Show
will begin.Other events Saturday include a cornhole tournament at 10 a.m.,
along with free activities for children at Kinderfest.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/8/1691684260916.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Valve Cover races are set for noon, and bingo at the VFW is
set for 4 p.m.“We'll start our Polka mass, followed by our Polka dance at
5 p.m.,” Pfeifer said.Moving into the evening, at 6 p.m., a presentation of the
color guard and national anthem will be performed, with a Stein Hoist to follow
at 6:30 p.m.“Around seven, our first musical talent of the night will
take the stage, and that will be the Wes Cossman Band,” Pfeifer said. “We will
have another 50/50 raffle between then and at 9 p.m. The Huser Brother Band
will take the stage.During the last 40 years, Hoffman said changes to the event
have been made, but with the notable anniversary, the Herzogfest committee is
looking to the event’s roots.“We're trying to get back to that original tradition with
all the German food vendors and just making it as free as possible as an event,”
he said.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/8/1660537026924.jpeg" alt="File photo" />
 <figcaption>File photo</figcaption>
 </figure>And while the committee directs the efforts, Pfiefer said the
community pulls together for the event.“Lots of different community groups will be vendors for
food or help us with other things like setup and clean up,” she said. “We really
appreciate the community members stepping up to help us put on a great event
because we're just a committee of 10, folks. We really need the support.”More help is always appreciated, Hoffman said.Marking the 40th anniversary, special merchandise will be
available.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/8/1660537006583.jpeg" alt="File photo" />
 <figcaption>File photo</figcaption>
 </figure>“We'll have shirts, we have special 40th anniversary Stein's,
buttons, a lot of a lot of various things,” Pfeifer said, “koozies, hats, a lot
of fun things you can pick up to really celebrate the 40th anniversary of the
Herzogfest.”While the events are sure to be fun for participants young
and old, Pfiefer said the event is about bringing the community together.“A big goal of Herzogfest is just to keep the German
heritage alive and celebrate that and keep the event free and introduce or
bring lots of people into town with various different activities for people to
participate in and enjoy,” Pfeifer said.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/8/1660535933653.jpeg" alt="File photo" />
 <figcaption>File photo</figcaption>
 </figure>

🎙 'Es ist wunderbar:' 40th annual Herzogfest kicks off Friday in Victoria

Fort Hays State University will honor six outstanding alumni and friends during its upcoming Homecoming celebration September 28-30. Visit&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuhomecoming.com/">FHSUhomecoming.com</a>&nbsp;to learn more about how these award winners will be celebrated during FHSU's Homecoming.

"Selecting Homecoming candidates from Fort Hays State University's vast pool of deserving candidates challenges us each year," said FHSU Alumni Director Carolyn Tatro.

"This year's award recipients demonstrate an admirable commitment to their local communities and our university. We hope the public will join us in celebrating these amazing Tigers during Homecoming 2023," she adds.

Visit <a href="https://link.mediaoutreach.meltwater.com/ls/click?upn=-2BFJoAhsjp8losQfY8t-2BZtO-2F0MXqVFmcr8VE1BLH-2BIoVHPbNJJSWO5VoUYI9qjzlFN4N1YFdLTWEyZfw-2BsFpnbxN2VeRpab1kCwkiPZj3T61eoKhcTbVHXb3DYWRYB3QPAtTMCEvTtgbVjSYxY0EMLg-3D-3Di_IJ_scuE6QATIAo5tLVPwSgAru2c-2BhK2yoyXg2bmw7NiE0fAh1KPMZMELOQP7nofz6yYQ-2Bqf093MhwFAtRepL8jHlz54IAfPLuFjTL9o8QdaXZuZ89uG8p7HAdjtWBhgDXVbaObyzKjCC4VlLGFVM4d6fw5jZ1ViYrbCfvLpmPz0GC4gFti-2FmZWuC5x47nYLPjrnN-2FNy1ZV7ixuT70-2Bg2kuahjIEZNxuFMBOmX9YIEn6jhmi3mdWtwDo3PHa982z6ARzeN9NMe40-2Bn46NlWzBkbBgbxC9-2BgvzwQ0GBGSWcpYujWVFU3IJxewSmD2iJ9-2Bx8MmReUVCixPE0UtiK3ESielETZTmU0jds1p2v0D-2FwgDKTZIBJHlu32K949rGtblPHepROl-2FUQgbLWlFV4TXzQQ3ug-3D-3D" target="_blank">FHSUhomecoming.com/awards</a>&nbsp;to learn more about the award criteria by which these distinguished individuals were chosen.

Dr. Sandra “Sandy” Billinger&nbsp;’02, Roeland Park, Kansas

Sandra "Sandy" Billinger's journey to becoming a world-renowned, award-winning researcher began in 1993. During an average day working as a dental assistant, Billinger, pregnant with her first son, experienced a life-changing accident that propelled her to shift gears.&nbsp;

Now unable to fulfill her previous role's duties, Billinger came to Fort Hays State University to pursue a new career. As a single mother of two and a non-traditional student beginning her undergraduate studies at age 29, Billinger entered her studies with a full plate. However, she quickly excelled in her research after finding her home as a pre-physical therapy student in the Department of Health and Human Performance.

Dr. Greg Kandt, her advisor at FHSU, recommended that Billinger switch her focus from cardiovascular research interests to stroke research. At the time, many people believed that exercise after a stroke worsened patients' conditions; however, after learning more, Billinger made it her life purpose to dispel that misconception.

Her hard work earned the praise of faculty members, who named Billinger the 2002 Outstanding Student of the Year for the College of Health and Behavioral Sciences. She was also nominated for the Torch Award, given to outstanding seniors in recognition of leadership and academic excellence.

Billinger made her next big move after graduating from FHSU when she relocated her family to Kansas City to pursue a Ph.D. at the University of Kansas Medical Center (KUMC). Billinger earned a master's in physical therapy and a doctorate in rehabilitation science. She then began working as a faculty member in the Department of Physical Therapy. Billinger is currently a professor and vice chair of stroke translational research in the Department of Neurology at KUMC.

As a researcher, Billinger has acquired multi-million-dollar National Institutes of Health (NIH) grants, published more than 100 scientific papers in more than 15 academic publications, and has conducted one of the leading NIH-funded studies in stroke rehabilitation. In addition to her scholarly work, she instructs graduate and postdoctoral laboratory courses to help her students produce high-level medical research.

Currently, Billinger is leading several NIH-funded studies investigating the connections between cardiovascular and brain health relating to stroke recovery and Alzheimer's disease. She maintains several professional affiliations, including the American Stroke Association, American Physical Therapy Association, and the Kansas Physical Therapy Association.

Her strides in neurovascular research, instruction, and determination to help others through her work exemplify how an education from Fort Hays State can provide a lifetime of success and community enrichment.

Billinger lives in Kansas City with her family.

Dr. Judd Choate&nbsp;'93, Denver, Colorado

Hays native, Dr. Judd Choate, was destined to attend Fort Hays State University. Growing up as the son of the late Dr. Jerry Choate, a longtime director of the Sternberg Museum and a biology professor at FHSU, he attended the university from 1988-1992, majoring in political science and minoring in geography, studying with Dr. Larry Gould and Dr. Paul Phillips. Choate's path as a political science major at FHSU led to his eventual position as election director for the state of Colorado.

While at FHSU, Choate regularly contributed to The University Leader and was involved in the American Democracy Project and the Model UN. Some of his pieces for the Leader covered student life, but Choate never shied away from more controversial, national topics. Upon graduating summa cum laude from FHSU, Dr. Choate completed his master's and Ph.D. at Purdue University.

In 1997, Choate became an assistant professor of political science at Baker University and then at the University of Nebraska. In 2001, Choate was hired by the Nebraska Supreme Court to direct the Nebraska minority and justice task force, leading to the nation's first statewide report on discrimination in a state court system. That same year, Choate published a book on congressional behavior entitled "Torn and Frayed: Congressional Norms and Party Switching in an Era of Reform."

Choate then completed his Juris Doctorate at the University of Colorado in 2006, focusing on election law. Upon graduation, he clerked for the 10th Circuit Court of Appeals and the Colorado Supreme Court. After a stint at a private law firm, Choate was hired as Colorado's election director in 2009.&nbsp;

Since 2009, Colorado has become a model for election administration. Prior to his work, the state's percentage-registered-of-eligible-population was 25th in the country, and the state's overall turnout was 20th. In the 2020 presidential election, over 92% of Colorado's eligible population was registered to vote, and Colorado's turnout of 76% was the country's second highest.

Choate has served as the National Association of State Election Directors president and was president of the Electronic Registration Information Center board when it was formed in 2012. He has also earned numerous accolades in his 15 years serving as Colorado election director, most notably the U.S. Attorney's Award for leading U.S. efforts on election security in the 2020 presidential election.

Choate's career exemplifies how political science majors at Fort Hays State University can craft a life of public service and make tangible contributions to their communities by leveraging their education. Judd Choate began at FHSU as his father's son, only to become one of the country's most important election officials.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Dr. Judd Choate resides in Denver with his wife Lyn, their daughter Jacqueline and Leo, the dog. Judd's mom, Fi Choate, lives two blocks away, and his father, Dr. Jerry Choate, passed away in 2009.

Dr. Kendall Krug&nbsp;'83, Hays, Kansas

From a young age, Dr. Kendall Krug strove to serve others. A general science major who graduated cum laude from Fort Hays State University in 1983, Krug set the foundation for his nearly 40-year career as an optometrist.

Hoping to help others as a physician, Krug pursued an optometry degree at the Southern College of Optometry in Memphis. Through his studies, he developed an interest in assisting blind and low-vision patients, which led him to receive additional low-vision rehabilitation training at the New York Lighthouse for the Blind.

Krug returned to Hays after passing his national and state boards, earning his Kansas optometry license, and began spearheading several projects impacting area residents. Krug's expertise was critical in establishing and staffing the first hospital-based low-vision rehabilitation program in Kansas utilizing occupational therapy for visually impaired patients at St. Francis Hospital and Medical Center in Topeka.

Following his passion for helping blind and visually impaired adult patients, Krug began helping students facing similar struggles. He worked on a team that developed KanLOVKids, a low-vision program for the Kansas School of the Blind, to help students receive vision evaluations in their home school districts. The World Health Organization recognized the program as the top vision project in North America for World Sight Day in 2014. &nbsp;

For 30 years, Krug demonstrated his dedication to vision care by providing the same level of commitment to his primary care patients at his Hays practice.

Working in his practice and with low-vision patients earned Krug numerous accolades over his decades-long career from the Kansas Optometric Association, the Kansas Association for the Blind and Visually Impaired, and the American Optometric Association, among others. However, accolades only scratch the surface of Krug's success and community involvement.

Krug often shares the critical pieces of his success as a lecturer for the Fort Hays State Doctorate of Nursing Practice (DNP) students, Envision University, and the KU Area Health Education Center. Throughout the years, Krug devoted additional time to mentoring FHSU's pre-optometry students, with 20 now working as practicing optometrists or furthering their education in optometry school.

Undeniably, Krug touched lives through his advocacy, patient care, and philanthropy. He provided years of experience and betterment to the Hays area by leveraging his education at FHSU in his professional career.

He and his wife, Dr. Katrina Hess, reside in Hays. They have two children, Russell and Laura, who are both FHSU graduates.

<a></a>Chris Dinkel&nbsp;'10, Louisville, Kentucky

Chris Dinkel proves how much one can accomplish in a short amount of time with a degree from Fort Hays State University. In under a decade, Dinkel has earned his place at an esteemed New York law firm and has established himself as a high-achieving legal professional.

Beginning as an undergraduate studying theological and historical studies at Oral Roberts University in Tulsa, Oklahoma, Dinkel proved his dedication to his studies by graduating magna cum laude in 2008. Dinkel, a Hays native and lifelong learner at heart, heard about Fort Hays State and decided it was the perfect place to build upon the knowledge he gained as an undergraduate student.

In pursuit of a master's in history, Dinkel excelled at FHSU, earning the Outstanding Thesis accolade for his piece, "Moon Rocks and Mediations: Cooperation and Competition in Space Race Diplomacy." He held his head high as he graduated in 2010 with honors and an immaculate 4.0 GPA. The relationships he built at Fort Hays State University deepened as an adjunct instructor, a role he held for more than six years.

Although he enjoyed educating students at FHSU, Dinkel was not done learning himself. He returned to school to earn a Juris Doctorate at Columbia Law School in New York City. Dinkel's eight-year break as a student made him eager to immerse himself in all this new school offered. He wasted no time getting involved in fellowships, student organizations, and assistantships. The tenacity Dinkel demonstrated at Columbia landed him a job post-grad at the New York office of the prestigious international law firm Jones Day and two federal judicial clerkships.

Calling his time at Jones Day a success would be an understatement. Among his many accomplishments, Dinkel played an integral role in&nbsp;Glacier Northwest v. Teamsters, which his team argued and won before the United States Supreme Court in January 2023. Dinkel's research and writing contributed to every phase of the process and earned him a place on the briefs and the opportunity to attend the oral argument in Washington, D.C.

In August, Dinkel will leave his position at the firm to clerk for two highly distinguished federal judges. Dinkel will serve as a judicial clerk for Judge Benjamin Beaton in the Western District of Kentucky for a year and then with Judge Raymond Kethledge in the Sixth Circuit Court of Appeals in Michigan the following year.

After only two years as an official legal professional, Dinkel proves that no matter what stage of your career, an education at Fort Hays State helps its graduates shape their futures.

He and his wife, Ervis, live in Kentucky with their two children, William (Liam) and Arabella (Ari).

<a></a>Kelly Nuckolls&nbsp;'13, Fayetteville, Arkansas

The connections that develop between students and faculty at Fort Hays State University are as meaningful as the education gained. Meeting former political science chair and professor Dr. Shala Mills inspired Kelly Nuckolls to pursue a career in food insecurity advocacy.

Sitting in Dr. Mills' first-ever offering of Food &amp; Politics, Nuckolls began considering the political, ecological, and economic facets of food insecurity she had never considered. As a political science major, Nuckolls understood that by starting locally in her community, she could make a difference in the lives of those facing food insecurity.

With Dr. Mills' mentorship, Nuckolls helped establish the Tiger Food Pantry on campus, a resource that continues to supplement FHSU students' nutritional needs more than a decade later. Her efforts didn't stop at creating this valuable on-campus resource, however. Through her work in the Center for Civic Leadership at FHSU, Nuckolls became immersed in tying Fort Hays State to several statewide and national hunger initiatives, including the Kansas Hunger Dialogue and Universities Fighting World Hunger.

An active student at FHSU, Nuckolls was inducted into the Mortar Board national collegiate honor society and Pi Sigma Alpha, the national political science honor society. She became a voice for fellow students through her role in the Student Government Association as an Arts, Humanities, and Social Sciences senator.

After graduating from FHSU in 2013, Nuckolls received her Juris Doctorate from Drake University Law School, where she continued her service commitments and became a staff member and executive editor for the Drake Journal of Agricultural Law.

Wanting to learn more about agricultural law and policy's impacts on food insecurity, Nuckolls attended the University of Arkansas, where she was admitted into their prestigious Master of Law (LL.M.) in Agricultural and food law program.

Her accomplishments have led her back to the University of Arkansas School of Law, where she serves as its assistant director and visiting law professor for the LL.M. in the agricultural and food law program. Prior to that, Nuckolls worked at the National Sustainable Agriculture Coalition, a nonprofit advocacy organization in Washington, D.C.

Less than a decade after graduating from FHSU, Nuckolls has built tremendous food and agricultural law expertise and has impacted federal policy. She uses the knowledge gained at FHSU and beyond to empower others to advocate for positive change in our food system policies nationwide.

She resides in Arkansas with her husband, Luke, and is expecting her first child later this year.

<a></a>Dr. Eugene "Gene" Fleharty, Friend of FHSU, Hays, Kansas

The word "friend" falls short of describing the impact of Dr. Eugene "Gene" Fleharty's contributions to Fort Hays State and its community over his 37 years of service. His sustained involvement demonstrates that one does not have to graduate from Fort Hays State University to provide unwavering support to its community and students.

Growing up in Hastings, Nebraska, some of Fleharty's earliest memories as a nature enthusiast came from observing native birds and wildlife on his family's farm north of town. His father, a chemistry professor at Hastings College and family homestead farmer, firmly believed in marrying one's passion with their education and urged Fleharty to build upon that interest at college.

This advice earned Fleharty more than his undergraduate degree in biology and mathematics. While attending Hastings College, he met and fell in love with his wife, Jo Ann, with whom he recently celebrated 67 years of marriage. The couple moved to Albuquerque after Fleharty graduated from Hastings College, where he earned his master's degree in biology at the University of New Mexico in 1958 and his doctorate in 1962.

A meaningful mentorship with his graduate advisor shaped Fleharty's philosophy in instruction. When he was hired as a biology instructor at Fort Hays State University, he intended to instill the same personal lessons and knowledge his advisor shared with him to his students.

Alongside Dr. Gary Hulett, Fleharty helped create "Can Man Survive?" a course exploring the interactions of humans and the environment. Students enrolled in droves, sometimes more than 150 per section, to learn more about humans' impact on the environment. To this day, many express how the course changed their life.

His work as a department chair for 11 years and as a professor earned him several on-campus awards, including the Pilot Award in 1991 and the President's Distinguished Scholar Award in 1990. However, more meaningful to Fleharty than any award was the opportunity to help his students as a professor and mentor and the ability to sponsor 52 graduate students earning their master's degrees.

Fleharty retired in 1999 but remained committed to helping Fort Hays State University and its students. To connect with past students, he volunteered for the FHSU Foundation to request scholarship donations by phone. Years later, donations still roll in from those touched by Fleharty's genuine conversations as a volunteer.

Following retirement, Fleharty extended his philanthropy beyond volunteer work by establishing several funds assisting FHSU students. Fleharty and his brothers generously provided funding to build new bleachers for the FHSU softball complex. A few years later, he and Jo Ann decided to make another transformational gift for the softball program and donated additional funding for new artificial turf. The field was dedicated as the "Fleharty Family Field" earlier this year in honor of these contributions to the sport's future at FHSU. Fleharty's name also accompanies a biology scholarship and a fellowship benefiting graduate students in an assistantship.

Fleharty lives in Hays with his wife, Jo Ann. They have two children, Debra and Chris, four grandchildren, and five great-grandchildren.

He wished to share a personal message, which is included below.

As I look back on my life at 88 years old, certain people have profoundly impacted me, to whom I want to express my gratitude.

First and foremost, I want to thank my students. It was an absolute privilege to stand by their side during both the successes and failures of their endeavors. Watching them grow and learn was an incredible experience I will always cherish. I am unbelievably proud to have played a small part in that success.

To my colleagues, I want to thank you from the bottom of my heart. Without naming everyone who has touched my life, I'd like to thank Dr. Gary Hulett and Dr. Virgil Howe. Their friendship, partnership, and advice were priceless to me.

To my wife, Jo Ann: You run across people in your life who want to help you through, and she's done more than that. I'm so lucky to have had her by my side through our 67 years of marriage.

Lastly, I want to extend my thanks to those whom I have not mentioned by name. Thank you for being part of my journey.

EDITORS NOTE: The story was updated to reflect biographical errors.

🎙 As FHSU preps for Homecoming alumni award recipients announced

On this episode of the&nbsp;<a href="https://hayspost.com/category/post-podcast" target="_blank">Post Podcast</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.haysusa.com/369/Police" target="_blank">Hays Police Department</a> Lt. Tim Greenwood shares back-to-school safety tips.&nbsp;&nbsp;

<div><iframe title="As area children return to school HPD warns of increased traffic" allowtransparency="true" height="600" width="100%" style="border: none; min-width: min(100%, 430px);height:600px;" scrolling="no" data-name="pb-iframe-player" src="https://www.podbean.com/player-v2/?i=rtj7g-14787a3-pb&from=pb6admin&square=1&share=1&download=1&rtl=0&fonts=Arial&skin=f6f6f6&font-color=auto&logo_link=podcast_page&btn-skin=3267a3&size=600" loading="lazy" allowfullscreen=""></iframe></div>On this episode of the&nbsp;<a href="https://hayspost.com/category/post-podcast" target="_blank">Post Podcast</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.haysusa.com/369/Police" target="_blank">Hays Police Department</a> Lt. Tim Greenwood shares back-to-school safety tips.&nbsp;&nbsp;

🎙 Post Podcast: As area children return to school HPD warns of increased traffic

On this episode of the&nbsp;<a href="https://hayspost.com/category/post-podcast" target="_blank">Post Podcast</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://hayschamber.com/" target="_blank">Hays Chamber</a> president and CEO Sarah Wasinger and group sales advisor with Blue Cross Blue Shield of Kansas Jeremy McGuire discuss the Chamber Blue of Kansas insurance program.&nbsp;&nbsp;

<div><iframe title="Chamber Blue insurance survey deadline approaching" allowtransparency="true" height="600" width="100%" style="border: none; min-width: min(100%, 430px);height:600px;" scrolling="no" data-name="pb-iframe-player" src="https://www.podbean.com/player-v2/?i=pkbcs-1476640-pb&from=pb6admin&square=1&share=1&download=1&rtl=0&fonts=Arial&skin=f6f6f6&font-color=auto&logo_link=podcast_page&btn-skin=3267a3&size=600" loading="lazy" allowfullscreen=""></iframe></div>On this episode of the&nbsp;<a href="https://hayspost.com/category/post-podcast" target="_blank">Post Podcast</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://hayschamber.com/" target="_blank">Hays Chamber</a> president and CEO Sarah Wasinger and group sales advisor with Blue Cross Blue Shield of Kansas Jeremy McGuire discuss the Chamber Blue of Kansas insurance program.&nbsp;&nbsp;

🎙 Post Podcast: Chamber Blue insurance survey deadline approaching

On this episode of the&nbsp;<a href="https://postpodcast.podbean.com/">Post Podcast</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kansasbigs.org/" target="_blank">Kansas Big Brothers Big Sisters</a> area director Jenny Bates discusses the Hays Duck Derby.

<a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/06ee38b2-ee3d-471d-8a76-6bf2e50aca5c" target="_blank">Read more about the event at "Hays Duck Derby Fundraiser is all about the 'Little' Kids."</a>

<div><iframe title="Eighth annual Duck Derby set for Aug. 9" allowtransparency="true" height="600" width="100%" style="border: none; min-width: min(100%, 430px);height:600px;" scrolling="no" data-name="pb-iframe-player" src="https://www.podbean.com/player-v2/?i=mdicq-1474fdb-pb&from=pb6admin&square=1&share=1&download=1&rtl=0&fonts=Arial&skin=f6f6f6&font-color=auto&logo_link=podcast_page&btn-skin=3267a3&size=600" loading="lazy" allowfullscreen=""></iframe></div>On this episode of the&nbsp;<a href="https://postpodcast.podbean.com/">Post Podcast</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kansasbigs.org/" target="_blank">Kansas Big Brothers Big Sisters</a> area director Jenny Bates discusses the Hays Duck Derby.<a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/06ee38b2-ee3d-471d-8a76-6bf2e50aca5c" target="_blank">Read more about the event at "Hays Duck Derby Fundraiser is all about the 'Little' Kids."</a>

🎙 Post Podcast: Eighth annual Duck Derby set for Aug. 9

On this episode of the&nbsp;<a href="https://postpodcast.podbean.com/">Post Podcast</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.growhays.com/">Grow Hays</a>&nbsp;executive director Doug Williams discusses the upcoming five year anniversary of Brief Space.

<div><iframe title="Brief Space to celebrate five year anniversary" allowtransparency="true" height="600" width="100%" style="border: none; min-width: min(100%, 430px);height:600px;" scrolling="no" data-name="pb-iframe-player" src="https://www.podbean.com/player-v2/?i=3y3yx-1471bf9-pb&from=pb6admin&square=1&share=1&download=1&rtl=0&fonts=Arial&skin=f6f6f6&font-color=auto&logo_link=podcast_page&btn-skin=3267a3&size=600" loading="lazy" allowfullscreen=""></iframe></div>On this episode of the&nbsp;<a href="https://postpodcast.podbean.com/">Post Podcast</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.growhays.com/">Grow Hays</a>&nbsp;executive director Doug Williams discusses the upcoming five year anniversary of Brief Space.

🎙 Post Podcast: Brief Space to celebrate five year anniversary

On this episode of Forward Ever: Leading in Challenging Times, host Gary Shorman speaks with Big Brothers Big Sisters of Ellis County area director Jenny Bates about the Hays Duck Derby.&nbsp;

<div><iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/19CDmQhwezc" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe></div>On this episode of Forward Ever: Leading in Challenging Times, host Gary Shorman speaks with Big Brothers Big Sisters of Ellis County area director Jenny Bates about the Hays Duck Derby.&nbsp;

🎤 Forward Ever: BBBS director Jenny Bates discusses Duck Derby

On this episode of the&nbsp;<a href="https://postpodcast.podbean.com/">Post Podcast</a>,&nbsp;

The Morning Blend's Jeff Leiker speaks with <a href="https://www.kansasbiggestrodeo.com/" target="_blank">Kansas' Biggest Rodeo</a> Rodeo clown and barrelman Cody Sosebee.&nbsp;&nbsp;

<div><iframe title="Kansas Biggest Rodeo underway in Phillipsburg" allowtransparency="true" height="600" width="100%" style="border: none; min-width: min(100%, 430px);height:600px;" scrolling="no" data-name="pb-iframe-player" src="https://www.podbean.com/player-v2/?i=g6bat-1470239-pb&from=pb6admin&square=1&share=1&download=1&rtl=0&fonts=Arial&skin=f6f6f6&font-color=auto&logo_link=podcast_page&btn-skin=3267a3&size=600" loading="lazy" allowfullscreen=""></iframe></div>On this episode of the&nbsp;<a href="https://postpodcast.podbean.com/">Post Podcast</a>,&nbsp;

The Morning Blend's Jeff Leiker speaks with <a href="https://www.kansasbiggestrodeo.com/" target="_blank">Kansas' Biggest Rodeo</a> Rodeo clown and barrelman Cody Sosebee.&nbsp;&nbsp;

🎙 Post Podcast: Kansas' Biggest Rodeo underway in Phillipsburg

By JAMES
BELL 
Hays Post

The Hays
Chamber’s Education Appreciation Dinner is set for 5 p.m. Tuesday, Aug. 29 this year,
giving area teachers and administrators a night to sit back, relax and mingle
with their peers from across Ellis County at the Rose Garden Banquet Hall, 2350 E. Eighth St. Hays.

This year’s
event marks its 35th anniversary.

“We're
excited to do it every year because of the fantastic educators that we have
right here in Ellis County,” said Hays Chamber president and CEO Sarah
Wasinger. “The point of this event is always to, of course, show our gratitude
to all of the men and women who roll up their sleeves on a daily basis to
educate our county's youth and also to welcome those who are new to the
profession, perhaps, or those who are relocating to Ellis County to be
educators.”

She said about 200 people attend the free event each year.

Along
with the dinner, prizes will be awarded at the event, and the first 200 guests will
receive a swag bag featuring branded items from dinner sponsors.

“If
you're a business out there and you want to get involved or be a part of
it, there's a whole bunch of different ways to do that,” Wasinger said.

Sponsorship information is available
on the Hays Chamber website, <a href="https://hayschamber.com/">hayschamber.com.</a>
Branded items for the dinner from sponsors are due to the Chamber by Aug. 14.

“It's
always a fun evening. It's great to see all the educators really getting back
together after hopefully doing a little bit of unwinding over this summer,”
Wasinger said.

<div><iframe title="Education Appreciation Dinner set for Aug. 29" allowtransparency="true" height="600" width="100%" style="border: none; min-width: min(100%, 430px);height:600px;" scrolling="no" data-name="pb-iframe-player" src="https://www.podbean.com/player-v2/?i=iwzm3-146f02d-pb&from=pb6admin&square=1&share=1&download=1&rtl=0&fonts=Arial&skin=f6f6f6&font-color=auto&logo_link=podcast_page&btn-skin=3267a3&size=600" loading="lazy" allowfullscreen=""></iframe></div>By JAMES
BELL 
Hays PostThe Hays
Chamber’s Education Appreciation Dinner is set for 5 p.m. Tuesday, Aug. 29 this year,
giving area teachers and administrators a night to sit back, relax and mingle
with their peers from across Ellis County at the Rose Garden Banquet Hall, 2350 E. Eighth St. Hays.This year’s
event marks its 35th anniversary.“We're
excited to do it every year because of the fantastic educators that we have
right here in Ellis County,” said Hays Chamber president and CEO Sarah
Wasinger. “The point of this event is always to, of course, show our gratitude
to all of the men and women who roll up their sleeves on a daily basis to
educate our county's youth and also to welcome those who are new to the
profession, perhaps, or those who are relocating to Ellis County to be
educators.”She said about 200 people attend the free event each year.Along
with the dinner, prizes will be awarded at the event, and the first 200 guests will
receive a swag bag featuring branded items from dinner sponsors.Sponsorships
are still available.“If
you're a business out there and you want to get involved or be a part of
it, there's a whole bunch of different ways to do that,” Wasinger said.Sponsorship information is available
on the Hays Chamber website, <a href="https://hayschamber.com/">hayschamber.com.</a>
Branded items for the dinner from sponsors are due to the Chamber by Aug. 14.“It's
always a fun evening. It's great to see all the educators really getting back
together after hopefully doing a little bit of unwinding over this summer,”
Wasinger said.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/8/1690998839877.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>

🎙 Education Appreciation Dinner set for Aug. 29

Sixth annual event to bring people from around the U.S. to Lake Wilson for a weekend filled with live music, festive atmosphere and scenic views

RUSSELL
COUNTY—Once again, Bluegrass music will fill the air at Wilson Lake during the
sixth-annual Lovegrass Music Festival.

Scheduled
Aug. 10 through 12, the event brings people from across the U.S. together to
celebrate and enjoy traditional music, nature and camaraderie formed around the
truly American art form. 

Located in
the Hill Creek area, near the Lake Wilson Marina, executive director Aimee
Riegel said six headline acts will be featured Friday and Saturday, along with
a band performing on the water Saturday.

The
event kicks off Thursday with a social event, with an open mic at 6 p.m. and a
jam session at 9:30 p.m.

“If you
play an instrument, bring it out,” Riegel said. “We'd like to do some pickin’
and grinnin’.”

Friday
and Saturday morning will then feature educational workshops.

Friday
night’s concert will feature Arkansas-based Arkansauce. Front Porch
and John Depew with Andrew Morris will begin at 5 p.m.

Arkansauce
“came out last year for the first time, and they were a crowd favorite,” Riegel
said.

Saturday
afternoon Old Fangled will perform from a pontoon in a nearby cove below the
festival grounds.

The
night’s concert will feature Emporia-based Fireside Collective with the Whisky
Mash Band and Weda Skirts as openers, starting at 5 p.m. as well.

Together
the bands will represent the spectrum of the Bluegrass style.

“We have
anything from a kind of more of like a progressive type Bluegrass, where they
get a little bit more into the instrumental type jamming to harmony singing,”
Riegel said.

The
event is free to attend, but registration is requested through the Lovegrass
website, <a href="https://www.lovegrassmusicfestival.com/">lovegrassmusicfestival.com.</a> A full schedule of events is also available.

And
support for the non-profit is appreciated, Riegel said.

“If you
feel like you would want to give a certain amount for your ticket, you can do
that online,” she said. “That keeps us sustainable.”

Registration
also helps the organization collect demographic information that assists with
procuring grant funding.

With the
music-filled weekend, Riegel said she hopes to provide further access to live
music in the area.

“That's
why we do this,” she said. “We want to let everyone access live music,
especially in rural areas.”

Strengthening
the northwest Kansas economy is also important to the organization.

While
the weekend is the keynote event, Riegel said planning, fundraisers and other
concerts happen throughout the year.

“Each
year, we have to start fresh,” she said. “Our fundraising efforts start now for
next year's events.”

“And any
money that we make during this festival will go toward next year and future events.”

Funds
are supplemented by a volunteer workforce.

“I think
right now we have around 40 to 50 volunteers to help us out,” Riegel said. “We
give them free breakfast every morning, kind of a fun family-type event there.
And some other free perks like camping for free in our primitive camping areas.”

<a href="https://www.lovegrassmusicfestival.com/">Signup information can also be
found on the Lovegrass website.</a>

“We have
people of all ages, all different cultures,” Riegel said.&nbsp; "It is super fun.
We just have this really great vibe and family feel.”

“We love
people who want to come out and lend a hand and join our Lovegrass crew. It
takes an army to put something on like this, especially for setup and teardown…
but it's all worth it in the long run. It's such fun, and we really appreciate
those that lend a hand to us.”

<h2>Sixth annual event to bring people from around the U.S. to Lake Wilson for a weekend filled with live music, festive atmosphere and scenic views</h2><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/7/1690561948116.jpeg" alt="Courtesy photo" />
 <figcaption>Courtesy photo</figcaption>
 </figure><div><iframe title="Sixth annual Lovegrass Music Festival to bring people from around the U.S. to Lake Wilson for a weekend filled with live music, festive atmosphere and scenic views" allowtransparency="true" height="150" width="100%" style="border: none; min-width: min(100%, 430px);height:150px;" scrolling="no" data-name="pb-iframe-player" src="https://www.podbean.com/player-v2/?i=qtrzb-1468d85-pb&from=pb6admin&share=1&download=1&rtl=0&fonts=Arial&skin=f6f6f6&font-color=auto&logo_link=podcast_page&btn-skin=3267a3&size=315" loading="lazy"></iframe></div>By JAMES BELL Hays PostRUSSELL
COUNTY—Once again, Bluegrass music will fill the air at Wilson Lake during the
sixth-annual Lovegrass Music Festival.Scheduled
Aug. 10 through 12, the event brings people from across the U.S. together to
celebrate and enjoy traditional music, nature and camaraderie formed around the
truly American art form. Located in
the Hill Creek area, near the Lake Wilson Marina, executive director Aimee
Riegel said six headline acts will be featured Friday and Saturday, along with
a band performing on the water Saturday.The
event kicks off Thursday with a social event, with an open mic at 6 p.m. and a
jam session at 9:30 p.m.“If you
play an instrument, bring it out,” Riegel said. “We'd like to do some pickin’
and grinnin’.”Friday
and Saturday morning will then feature educational workshops.<div><iframe src="https://www.facebook.com/plugins/video.php?height=314&href=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2Flovegrassmusicfestival%2Fvideos%2F692507852716298%2F&show_text=false&width=560&t=0" width="560" height="314" style="border:none;overflow:hidden" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="true" allow="autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowFullScreen="true"></iframe></div>Friday
night’s concert will feature Arkansas-based Arkansauce. Front Porch
and John Depew with Andrew Morris will begin at 5 p.m.Arkansauce
“came out last year for the first time, and they were a crowd favorite,” Riegel
said.Saturday
afternoon Old Fangled will perform from a pontoon in a nearby cove below the
festival grounds.The
night’s concert will feature Emporia-based Fireside Collective with the Whisky
Mash Band and Weda Skirts as openers, starting at 5 p.m. as well.Together
the bands will represent the spectrum of the Bluegrass style.“We have
anything from a kind of more of like a progressive type Bluegrass, where they
get a little bit more into the instrumental type jamming to harmony singing,”
Riegel said.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/7/1690562206290.jpeg" alt="Courtesy photo" />
 <figcaption>Courtesy photo</figcaption>
 </figure>The
event is free to attend, but registration is requested through the Lovegrass
website, <a href="https://www.lovegrassmusicfestival.com/">lovegrassmusicfestival.com.</a> A full schedule of events is also available.And
support for the non-profit is appreciated, Riegel said.“If you
feel like you would want to give a certain amount for your ticket, you can do
that online,” she said. “That keeps us sustainable.”Registration
also helps the organization collect demographic information that assists with
procuring grant funding.With the
music-filled weekend, Riegel said she hopes to provide further access to live
music in the area.“That's
why we do this,” she said. “We want to let everyone access live music,
especially in rural areas.”Strengthening
the northwest Kansas economy is also important to the organization.While
the weekend is the keynote event, Riegel said planning, fundraisers and other
concerts happen throughout the year.“Each
year, we have to start fresh,” she said. “Our fundraising efforts start now for
next year's events.”“And any
money that we make during this festival will go toward next year and future events.”<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/7/1690562291420.jpeg" alt="Courtesy photo" />
 <figcaption>Courtesy photo</figcaption>
 </figure>Funds
are supplemented by a volunteer workforce.“I think
right now we have around 40 to 50 volunteers to help us out,” Riegel said. “We
give them free breakfast every morning, kind of a fun family-type event there.
And some other free perks like camping for free in our primitive camping areas.”<a href="https://www.lovegrassmusicfestival.com/">Signup information can also be
found on the Lovegrass website.</a>“We have
people of all ages, all different cultures,” Riegel said.&nbsp; "It is super fun.
We just have this really great vibe and family feel.”“We love
people who want to come out and lend a hand and join our Lovegrass crew. It
takes an army to put something on like this, especially for setup and teardown…
but it's all worth it in the long run. It's such fun, and we really appreciate
those that lend a hand to us.”

🎙 Bluegrass fans to gather for Lovegrass Music Festival Aug. 10-12

Since 1967 the current Forsyth Library building on the Fort
Hays State University campus has been a resource for students and the
community. But as storage and consumption of information changed significantly
with the advent of the internet, the building struggled to keep up.

But now, a major renovation looks to address that concern.

Beginning in the summer of 2024, work will begin on a $25
million overhaul of the facility, with an expected completion in 2026.

“If you think about the way we interact with information and
how that has changed, the building was never designed for that,” said Ginger
Williams, Dean of Library Services at Forsyth Library.

While the construction work is nearly a year away, planning
has been ongoing.

“We are wrapping up the design phase right now. I would say
it's about 98 percent set at this point,” Williams said.

The revamped facility will continue as a book repository,
but other features and services will be added.

“I think when you step inside the renovated building a few
years from now, you're not going to recognize Forsyth Library anymore as it is
today,” Williams said.

While minor renovations have adapted the building to fill
needs over the years, this project will bring together the facility, giving it
a “cohesive look,” she said.

“We are really going to have the main floor transformed into
a very active zone,” Williams said. “We're excited to bring in a cafe. We're
excited to really feature the Writing Center.”

And looking back at the building’s historic purpose, books
will also return to the first floor.

“We actually talked to students, and they said they want to
see books and know that they're in a library,” Williams said.

Feedback from students also indicated a desire for more collaborative
workspaces.

“Students have always had a need to find a place to study,”
Williams said. “And I think we are going to see students just streaming in for
all of the new study rooms.”

Natural lighting and books will be on full display in those
rooms.

“That's what they told us,” Williams said. “Because that
signals to them that this is a place I'm supposed to study, I'm supposed to get
my work done. And it signals it's really time to get down to business.”

Programming is also top of mind as the plans come together.

“We are actually designing a really great event space that
will be appropriate for lectures and other community events,” Williams said. “It's
really hard to fathom if you haven't seen the plans, the scope of change that is
coming to that building.”

The Institute for New Media Studies will also be inserted
into the building alongside a media lab, the Makerspace and an audio booth.

“It'll be kind of a technology corridor,” Williams said.

Those features will be made more prominent through the
redesign.

“Right now, the downstairs is not prime real estate at all,”
Williams said. “It's pretty drab, but we're doing a lot of intentional work to
make it exciting down there.”

A new amphitheater staircase will flow from the main
entrance to the MakerSpace. Another hole will be cut, making the Institute for
New Media Studies visible from the main floor.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/7/1690568744571.jpeg" alt="Photo by James Bell/Hays Post" />
 <figcaption>Photo by James Bell/Hays Post</figcaption>
 </figure>By JAMES BELL Hays PostSince 1967 the current Forsyth Library building on the Fort
Hays State University campus has been a resource for students and the
community. But as storage and consumption of information changed significantly
with the advent of the internet, the building struggled to keep up.But now, a major renovation looks to address that concern.Beginning in the summer of 2024, work will begin on a $25
million overhaul of the facility, with an expected completion in 2026.“If you think about the way we interact with information and
how that has changed, the building was never designed for that,” said Ginger
Williams, Dean of Library Services at Forsyth Library.<div><iframe title="FHSU Forsyth Library remodel to revamp and reimagine campus learning center" allowtransparency="true" height="150" width="100%" style="border: none; min-width: min(100%, 430px);height:150px;" scrolling="no" data-name="pb-iframe-player" src="https://www.podbean.com/player-v2/?i=gr4ze-1465e3b-pb&from=pb6admin&share=1&download=1&rtl=0&fonts=Arial&skin=f6f6f6&font-color=auto&logo_link=podcast_page&btn-skin=3267a3&size=315" loading="lazy"></iframe></div>While the construction work is nearly a year away, planning
has been ongoing.“We are wrapping up the design phase right now. I would say
it's about 98 percent set at this point,” Williams said.The revamped facility will continue as a book repository,
but other features and services will be added.“I think when you step inside the renovated building a few
years from now, you're not going to recognize Forsyth Library anymore as it is
today,” Williams said.While minor renovations have adapted the building to fill
needs over the years, this project will bring together the facility, giving it
a “cohesive look,” she said.“We are really going to have the main floor transformed into
a very active zone,” Williams said. “We're excited to bring in a cafe. We're
excited to really feature the Writing Center.”And looking back at the building’s historic purpose, books
will also return to the first floor.“We actually talked to students, and they said they want to
see books and know that they're in a library,” Williams said.Feedback from students also indicated a desire for more collaborative
workspaces.“Students have always had a need to find a place to study,”
Williams said. “And I think we are going to see students just streaming in for
all of the new study rooms.”Natural lighting and books will be on full display in those
rooms.“That's what they told us,” Williams said. “Because that
signals to them that this is a place I'm supposed to study, I'm supposed to get
my work done. And it signals it's really time to get down to business.”Programming is also top of mind as the plans come together.“We are actually designing a really great event space that
will be appropriate for lectures and other community events,” Williams said. “It's
really hard to fathom if you haven't seen the plans, the scope of change that is
coming to that building.”The Institute for New Media Studies will also be inserted
into the building alongside a media lab, the Makerspace and an audio booth.“It'll be kind of a technology corridor,” Williams said.Those features will be made more prominent through the
redesign.“Right now, the downstairs is not prime real estate at all,”
Williams said. “It's pretty drab, but we're doing a lot of intentional work to
make it exciting down there.”A new amphitheater staircase will flow from the main
entrance to the MakerSpace. Another hole will be cut, making the Institute for
New Media Studies visible from the main floor.Supporting the renovated facility, the project will also
update building systems, like HVAC and electrical infrastructure.<h2>A major renovation with a major cost</h2><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/7/1690568710360.jpeg" alt="Photo by James Bell/Hays Post" />
 <figcaption>Photo by James Bell/Hays Post</figcaption>
 </figure>“This is no small thing,” said Alumni Office alumni director
Carolyn Tatro. “A major renovation of a building is truly something that is
hard to kind of swallow.”But the majority of the project has already been paid for by
a $19 million grant from the National Institute for Standards and Technology.Their contribution will help with the renovation and ongoing
maintenance costs in the future, she said.Support for the remaining $6 million needed for the project
is ongoing.“This is a great opportunity to show passion for the library,
passion for what students are doing,” Tatro said. “We were fortunate to receive
this federal grant. And, you know, we are grateful for Senator Moran for
helping the university secure this money, but it's going to take a little bit
more effort.”Part of the fundraising will include naming opportunities in
the facility.“We're lucky that we have one namespace so far, the Larry
and Lyn Fenwick Reading Room, that'll be a major improvement to our special
collections and university archives,” Williams said. “We've never had a true
reading room before. And so they're giving us our first one.”That space will be appropriately climate controlled and
provide everything that rare materials need, she said.While the work is ongoing, some services may relocate to
other buildings to remain available. Williams said they will provide updates on
the library website, <a href="https://www.fhsu.edu/library/">fhsu.edu/library</a>.Williams said the project will help better serve the
students and the community, even as life transitions more online daily.“Libraries are more necessary now than I think they ever
have been,” she said. “We're swimming in information right now, and we all need
help figuring out how to manage that and how to access it.”“We love being that academic hub and that center of
intellectual discourse, and we want to bring people together to talk about
things that are tough to talk about, but find a way to do that peacefully and
with all the information we can.”