<i>On this episode of the&nbsp;<a href="https://postpodcast.podbean.com/">Post Podcast</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.growhays.com/" target="_blank">Grow Hays</a>&nbsp;executive director Doug Williams discusses the role and potential uses of STAR Bonds.</i>

<div><iframe title="Grow Hays exec. dir. discusses STAR Bonds" 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=z2b5j-1457509-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><p><i>On this episode of the&nbsp;<a href="https://postpodcast.podbean.com/">Post Podcast</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.growhays.com/" target="_blank">Grow Hays</a>&nbsp;executive director Doug Williams discusses the role and potential uses of STAR Bonds.</i></p>

🎙 Post Podcast: Grow Hays exec. dir. discusses STAR Bonds

<i>On this episode of Forward Ever: Leading in Challenging Times, host Gary Shorman speaks with Melinda Merrill on&nbsp;</i><i>Wilson's Czech Festival.</i>

For more information about the 2023 Czech Fest, including a full calendar of events, visit&nbsp;<a href="https://wilsonczechfest.com/">wilsonczechfest.com.</a>

-The original version of this identified Melinda Merrill as Director of the Czech Festival.&nbsp; The festival has wonderful volunteer committee that is co-chaired by Susan Kriley and Kate Schiermeyer. 

<div><iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/1JfYJm30qLA" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe></div><p><i>On this episode of Forward Ever: Leading in Challenging Times, host Gary Shorman speaks with Melinda Merrill on&nbsp;</i><i>Wilson's Czech Festival.</i></p><p>For more information about the 2023 Czech Fest, including a full calendar of events, visit&nbsp;<a href="https://wilsonczechfest.com/">wilsonczechfest.com.</a></p><p>-The original version of this identified Melinda Merrill as Director of the Czech Festival.&nbsp; The festival has wonderful volunteer committee that is co-chaired by Susan Kriley and Kate Schiermeyer. </p>

Correction: Forward Ever: Melinda Merrill on Wilson's Czech Fest 

<i>On this episode of the&nbsp;<a href="https://hayspost.com/category/post-podcast" target="_blank">Post Podcast</a>,&nbsp;Roger Leigleiter and Allen Mccoy speak with the KAYS Morning Blend host Jeff Leiker about the&nbsp;McCracken Rodeo.</i>

<div><iframe title="McCracken Rodeo 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=muhff-14561c7-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><p><i>On this episode of the&nbsp;<a href="https://hayspost.com/category/post-podcast" target="_blank">Post Podcast</a>,&nbsp;Roger Leigleiter and Allen Mccoy speak with the KAYS Morning Blend host Jeff Leiker about the&nbsp;McCracken Rodeo.</i></p><figure>
                        <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/7/1689023935974.jpeg" alt="" />
                        <figcaption></figcaption>
                    </figure>

🎙 Post Podcast: McCracken Rodeo underway

Even the extreme heat bearing down on Kansas could not stop
the smiles and laughter as student-athletes, cheerleaders, band members and
staff descended upon Hays in anticipation of the 50th-annual Shrine Bowl.

The football game is set for a 7 p.m. kickoff on Lewis Field
Stadium on the Fort Hays State University campus, but events will begin long
before, with a Hays Chamber and Nex Tech Wireless event planned to open the
weekend at 9 a.m. Friday at the Nex-Tech Wireless office at 1101 E. 43rd

“We really want to bring the locals out and let them know
what we're doing and kind of get everything cranked up a little bit here in
Hays,” said Shrine Bowl of Kansas executive director B.J. Harris.

The Kansas Shrine Bowl Golf Tournament also will begin at 9
a.m. Friday.

“That's one of our big events,” Harris said. 

More than 1,200 people will then attend a sold-out Birthday
Banquetat 5:30 p.m. in the FHSU Memorial Union.

“Our keynote speaker will be Paul Coffman,” Harris said. “He's
a western Kansas guy who went on to have a lot of success in the NFL and is in
the Ring of Honor for the Green Bay Packers. In fact, he can't stay for the
game because he's got to go play golf in the Green Bay Packers Hall of Fame Golf
Tournament on Sunday.”

Along with his notable football career, Coffman participated
in the first Shrine Bowl in 1974.

Saturday morning events will start with a Shriner's Parade on
Main from 17th to Fourth Street.

“The Parade Marshal for that parade will be Barry Sanders,
who was going into the Kansas Shrine Bowl Hall of Fame later that night,” Harris
said. “We're very excited to have Barry in town. He played the 1986 Kansas Shrine
Bowl and then obviously went on to have an NFL Hall of Fame career.”

Outside of the well-known participant, he said a Shrine
Parade is “something to behold.”

“Everything you think about the Shrine, you get to see in
action,” Harris said. “In that parade, the funny cars, the little things they
do. Guys spraying people with water. It's just a completely different parade
than kind of your typical parade.”

Following the parade, a pep rally is planned in Municipal Park.

“We want to encourage people to come down there,” Harris said.
“The boys will be signing autographs for the fans and for their families, and
we'll sell them programs and things.”

That afternoon an alumni kickoff event is planned at the
Fort Tavern and Patio Bar, 109 W. Seventh.

“We’ve got a lot of guys coming back, a couple of NFL
players that have played in our game that are coming back for this game, and an
NFL coach is going to be attending this who played their game as well,” Harris said.

“We're trying to get them to come back and share that with
us. Because when you live it at 18 years old, you kind of forget about it. And
we want those guys to understand we're still doing it 50 years later. We're
still doing what you did in 1973.”

The last event before kickoff is tailgating on the east lawn
outside the stadium and will feature family-friendly activities.

“And then in the pregame festivities, we will induct Barry
Sanders and coach Doug Burkholder in the Kansas Shrine Bowl Hall of Fame right
before kickoff, and then the 50th Kansas Shrine Bowl will be underway,” Harris
said.

While the community events will center around the game, the larger
goal is one of philanthropy.

“We try to say we want to have fun and help kids while
having fun,” Harris said. “That's what Shriners have been doing for a long,
long time. Over 100 years, actually, as in philanthropy.”

“Ultimately, the background and the foundation of everything
we do is for the kids, and you'll hear that if you're out in the game, you'll
hear it from the kids from our band, you'll hear it from the kids, from our
cheerleaders, you'll hear it on breakdowns from our football players.”

And he said the game has a larger mission than just the
events.

“We try to make sure that they understand that it's for
bigger than them,” Harris said. “One of the things I love about our game is
it's one of the few times that you're going to play a football game where the
outcome really doesn't matter. In fact, last year we ended in a tie. And
that was a good example of it really is just for the kids who are out there to
play and put on a show and raise as much money as possible.”

Making it all possible are players, students and staff from
around the state after year-long planning.

“It actually starts during the football season,” Harris
said. “As far as our players are concerned, in about week five, coaches can start
nominating the players they think are worthy for the Kansas Shrine Bowl.”

“We'll do all those nominations, usually at around 400 to
450 nominations from across the state,” Harris said. “We narrow that down to 80
players, 40 on the west and 40 on the east.”

Those selections are made up of choices from 30-50 media outlets
throughout the state before a selection committee narrows the field further.

“It's kind of convoluted, but I think it gives us the best
spread,” Harris said. “We look at it geographically as much as possible to try
to get good representation throughout the state of Kansas as well. But it
really does come down to the media selection and then the coaches making their
picks.”

Alongside the players, students also gather to perform in
band and cheerleading.

We have an 185-strong band and an almost 200-strong
cheerleading squad, Harris said.

“When they perform at halftime, there'll be almost 400 high
school band and cheerleaders on the field performing a joint routine which is
just very special and a nice example of the arts in our state of Kansas,” he
said.

With participants from across Kansas set to participate in
the events, Hays will be well represented.

“We've got a couple of players from Hays High School,”
Harris said, “and we also got the head coach from Hays High School.”

Tony Crough will serve as head coach for the West squad
after serving as an assistant coach last year.

“That was voted on by the guys who are with him all year
last year,” Harris said. “They felt that he would be the best leader, and it
was very serendipitous it was in his hometown here, where he's coaching.”

“And Tony played in our game in 1999, as well, so he's a
former player, and now he's going to be a former head coach.”

Thomas More Prep-Marian Kade Harris also&nbsp;will help as
manager this year after suffering a knee injury that sidelined him from the
game.

While the organization does much of the leg work to bring
the events to their host communities, Harris said city and FHSU officials have
been instrumental in planning and organizing this year’s event.

“We rely a lot on our local host cities,” Harris said.

He said Janet Kuhn, Hays Convention and Visitors Bureau, along
with executive director Melissa Dixon were key to this year’s events.

He also noted FHSU officials were vital to the effort.

“It's an intimate enough campus that everything's fairly
close, and it allows us to put a lot more stuff on campus this year because of
that,” Harris said.

While the weekend exhibition is for a good cause, for the
coaches and players, the game is serious business for those players and coaches
involved.

“You get football coaches around a football field, they're
going to be football coaches,” Harris said. “So that first, and that's fine.
That's what we want them to do.”

But it’s all in good fun, he said, with lots of good-natured
heckling behind the scenes as they prepare for the game.

“When they get here on Saturday, and the ball goes up the
air, it's a football game. They want to win, and they want to put the best
product forward,” Harris said. “It's real football when it comes to Saturday,
for sure.”

Most importantly, everyone involved is part of a long-term
legacy of giving to children in need.

“We're celebrating a big, big moment this year with our 50th,”
Harris said. “Since 1974, they've been playing a football game to raise money
for Shriners Children's (hospital), and since that time, we've raised over $3.7
million for the hospital system, and getting Kansas kids to the hospital to get
treatment.”

“And we'll see some of those patients throughout the week
here and see the impact that we're making on those lives and try to convey that
to our players as well. But ultimately, our goal is to raise and make the
biggest impact possible.”

<a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/1d2adea0-5fc9-44d5-81c0-eb0b59f14a2b">RELATED STORY: Hays High, TMP well represented at Shrine Bowl</a>

<figure>
                        <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/7/1689176149142.jpeg" alt="Photo by James Bell/Hays Post" />
                        <figcaption>Photo by James Bell/Hays Post</figcaption>
                    </figure><div><iframe title="Football and more: Students and staff arrive in Hays for 50th Shrine Bowl" 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=armub-1454ad1-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><p><b>By JAMES BELL</b><br><i>Hays Post</i></p><p>Even the extreme heat bearing down on Kansas could not stop
the smiles and laughter as student-athletes, cheerleaders, band members and
staff descended upon Hays in anticipation of the 50th-annual Shrine Bowl.</p><p>The football game is set for a 7 p.m. kickoff on Lewis Field
Stadium on the Fort Hays State University campus, but events will begin long
before, with a Hays Chamber and Nex Tech Wireless event planned to open the
weekend at 9 a.m. Friday at the Nex-Tech Wireless office at 1101 E. 43rd</p><p>“We really want to bring the locals out and let them know
what we're doing and kind of get everything cranked up a little bit here in
Hays,” said Shrine Bowl of Kansas executive director B.J. Harris.</p><figure>
                        <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/7/1689176280334.jpeg" alt="Photo by James Bell/Hays Post" />
                        <figcaption>Photo by James Bell/Hays Post</figcaption>
                    </figure><p>The Kansas Shrine Bowl Golf Tournament also will begin at 9
a.m. Friday.</p><p>“That's one of our big events,” Harris said. </p><p>More than 1,200 people will then attend a sold-out Birthday
Banquetat 5:30 p.m. in the FHSU Memorial Union.</p><p>“Our keynote speaker will be Paul Coffman,” Harris said. “He's
a western Kansas guy who went on to have a lot of success in the NFL and is in
the Ring of Honor for the Green Bay Packers. In fact, he can't stay for the
game because he's got to go play golf in the Green Bay Packers Hall of Fame Golf
Tournament on Sunday.”</p><p>Along with his notable football career, Coffman participated
in the first Shrine Bowl in 1974.</p><p>Saturday morning events will start with a Shriner's Parade on
Main from 17th to Fourth Street.</p><p>“The Parade Marshal for that parade will be Barry Sanders,
who was going into the Kansas Shrine Bowl Hall of Fame later that night,” Harris
said. “We're very excited to have Barry in town. He played the 1986 Kansas Shrine
Bowl and then obviously went on to have an NFL Hall of Fame career.”</p><p>Outside of the well-known participant, he said a Shrine
Parade is “something to behold.”</p><p>“Everything you think about the Shrine, you get to see in
action,” Harris said. “In that parade, the funny cars, the little things they
do. Guys spraying people with water. It's just a completely different parade
than kind of your typical parade.”</p><p>Following the parade, a pep rally is planned in Municipal Park.</p><p>“We want to encourage people to come down there,” Harris said.
“The boys will be signing autographs for the fans and for their families, and
we'll sell them programs and things.”</p><p>That afternoon an alumni kickoff event is planned at the
Fort Tavern and Patio Bar, 109 W. Seventh.</p><figure>
                        <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/7/1689176288703.jpeg" alt="Photo by James Bell/Hays Post" />
                        <figcaption>Photo by James Bell/Hays Post</figcaption>
                    </figure><p>“We’ve got a lot of guys coming back, a couple of NFL
players that have played in our game that are coming back for this game, and an
NFL coach is going to be attending this who played their game as well,” Harris said.</p><p>“We're trying to get them to come back and share that with
us. Because when you live it at 18 years old, you kind of forget about it. And
we want those guys to understand we're still doing it 50 years later. We're
still doing what you did in 1973.”</p><p>The last event before kickoff is tailgating on the east lawn
outside the stadium and will feature family-friendly activities.</p><p>“And then in the pregame festivities, we will induct Barry
Sanders and coach Doug Burkholder in the Kansas Shrine Bowl Hall of Fame right
before kickoff, and then the 50th Kansas Shrine Bowl will be underway,” Harris
said.</p><p>While the community events will center around the game, the larger
goal is one of philanthropy.</p><p>“We try to say we want to have fun and help kids while
having fun,” Harris said. “That's what Shriners have been doing for a long,
long time. Over 100 years, actually, as in philanthropy.”</p><p>“Ultimately, the background and the foundation of everything
we do is for the kids, and you'll hear that if you're out in the game, you'll
hear it from the kids from our band, you'll hear it from the kids, from our
cheerleaders, you'll hear it on breakdowns from our football players.”</p><p>And he said the game has a larger mission than just the
events.</p><p>“We try to make sure that they understand that it's for
bigger than them,” Harris said. “One of the things I love about our game is
it's one of the few times that you're going to play a football game where the
outcome really doesn't matter. In fact, last year we ended in a tie. And
that was a good example of it really is just for the kids who are out there to
play and put on a show and raise as much money as possible.”</p><p>Making it all possible are players, students and staff from
around the state after year-long planning.</p><p>“It actually starts during the football season,” Harris
said. “As far as our players are concerned, in about week five, coaches can start
nominating the players they think are worthy for the Kansas Shrine Bowl.”</p><p>Players are 2023 high school graduates.</p><p>“We'll do all those nominations, usually at around 400 to
450 nominations from across the state,” Harris said. “We narrow that down to 80
players, 40 on the west and 40 on the east.”</p><p>Those selections are made up of choices from 30-50 media outlets
throughout the state before a selection committee narrows the field further.</p><figure>
                        <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/7/1689176131919.jpeg" alt="Photo by James Bell/Hays Post" />
                        <figcaption>Photo by James Bell/Hays Post</figcaption>
                    </figure><p>“It's kind of convoluted, but I think it gives us the best
spread,” Harris said. “We look at it geographically as much as possible to try
to get good representation throughout the state of Kansas as well. But it
really does come down to the media selection and then the coaches making their
picks.”</p><p>Alongside the players, students also gather to perform in
band and cheerleading.</p><p>We have an 185-strong band and an almost 200-strong
cheerleading squad, Harris said.</p><p>“When they perform at halftime, there'll be almost 400 high
school band and cheerleaders on the field performing a joint routine which is
just very special and a nice example of the arts in our state of Kansas,” he
said.</p><p>With participants from across Kansas set to participate in
the events, Hays will be well represented.</p><p>“We've got a couple of players from Hays High School,”
Harris said, “and we also got the head coach from Hays High School.”</p><p>Tony Crough will serve as head coach for the West squad
after serving as an assistant coach last year.</p><p>“That was voted on by the guys who are with him all year
last year,” Harris said. “They felt that he would be the best leader, and it
was very serendipitous it was in his hometown here, where he's coaching.”</p><p>“And Tony played in our game in 1999, as well, so he's a
former player, and now he's going to be a former head coach.”</p><p>Thomas More Prep-Marian Kade Harris also&nbsp;will help as
manager this year after suffering a knee injury that sidelined him from the
game.</p><p>While the organization does much of the leg work to bring
the events to their host communities, Harris said city and FHSU officials have
been instrumental in planning and organizing this year’s event.</p><p>“We rely a lot on our local host cities,” Harris said.</p><p>He said Janet Kuhn, Hays Convention and Visitors Bureau, along
with executive director Melissa Dixon were key to this year’s events.</p><p>“They got us here,” Harris said.</p><p>He also noted FHSU officials were vital to the effort.</p><p>“It's an intimate enough campus that everything's fairly
close, and it allows us to put a lot more stuff on campus this year because of
that,” Harris said.</p><p>While the weekend exhibition is for a good cause, for the
coaches and players, the game is serious business for those players and coaches
involved.</p><figure>
                        <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/7/1689176259206.jpeg" alt="Photo by James Bell/Hays Post" />
                        <figcaption>Photo by James Bell/Hays Post</figcaption>
                    </figure><p>“You get football coaches around a football field, they're
going to be football coaches,” Harris said. “So that first, and that's fine.
That's what we want them to do.”</p><p>But it’s all in good fun, he said, with lots of good-natured
heckling behind the scenes as they prepare for the game.</p><p>“When they get here on Saturday, and the ball goes up the
air, it's a football game. They want to win, and they want to put the best
product forward,” Harris said. “It's real football when it comes to Saturday,
for sure.”</p><p>Most importantly, everyone involved is part of a long-term
legacy of giving to children in need.</p><p>“We're celebrating a big, big moment this year with our 50th,”
Harris said. “Since 1974, they've been playing a football game to raise money
for Shriners Children's (hospital), and since that time, we've raised over $3.7
million for the hospital system, and getting Kansas kids to the hospital to get
treatment.”</p><p>“And we'll see some of those patients throughout the week
here and see the impact that we're making on those lives and try to convey that
to our players as well. But ultimately, our goal is to raise and make the
biggest impact possible.”</p><p><a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/1d2adea0-5fc9-44d5-81c0-eb0b59f14a2b">RELATED STORY: Hays High, TMP well represented at Shrine Bowl</a></p><figure>
                        <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/7/1689176164049.jpeg" alt="Photo by James Bell/Hays Post" />
                        <figcaption>Photo by James Bell/Hays Post</figcaption>
                    </figure>

🎙 Football and more: Students, staff arrive in Hays for 50th Kansas Shrine Bowl

<i>On this episode of the <a href="https://hayspost.com/category/post-podcast" target="_blank">Post Podcast</a>, <a href="https://hayschamber.com/" target="_blank">Hays Chamber</a> president and CEO Sarah Wasinger discusses recent efforts to address the shortage of childcare providers in Ellis County.&nbsp;</i>&nbsp;

<p><i>On this episode of the <a href="https://hayspost.com/category/post-podcast" target="_blank">Post Podcast</a>, <a href="https://hayschamber.com/" target="_blank">Hays Chamber</a> president and CEO Sarah Wasinger discusses recent efforts to address the shortage of childcare providers in Ellis County.&nbsp;</i>&nbsp;</p><div><iframe title="Hays Chamber continues work to alleviate shortage of Ellis Co. childcare" 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=7e62h-1454a88-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>

🎙 Post Podcast: Hays Chamber continues work to alleviate shortage of Ellis Co. childcare

<i>On this episode of the&nbsp;<a href="https://postpodcast.podbean.com/">Post Podcast</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.growhays.com/" target="_blank">Grow Hays</a>&nbsp;executive director Doug Williams&nbsp;discusses Fort Hays State University President Tisa Mason joining their board of directors while above-ground work begins on the Microfactory project.</i>

Read more about the Microfactory project:&nbsp; <a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/4b0833de-8582-4800-b0ce-7f4ea9baf6d7">Lt. Gov. Toland: Grow Hays Microfactory an 'idea whose time has come'</a>

<div><iframe title="As above ground work on Microfactory begins FHSU President joins board" 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=u9ivu-14537ad-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><p><i>On this episode of the&nbsp;<a href="https://postpodcast.podbean.com/">Post Podcast</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.growhays.com/" target="_blank">Grow Hays</a>&nbsp;executive director Doug Williams&nbsp;discusses Fort Hays State University President Tisa Mason joining their board of directors while above-ground work begins on the Microfactory project.</i></p><figure>
                        <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/10/1665167255581.png" alt="" />
                        <figcaption></figcaption>
                    </figure><p>Read more about the Microfactory project:&nbsp; <a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/4b0833de-8582-4800-b0ce-7f4ea9baf6d7">Lt. Gov. Toland: Grow Hays Microfactory an 'idea whose time has come'</a></p>

🎙 Post Podcast: As above ground work on Microfactory begins FHSU President joins board

<i>On this episode of the&nbsp;<a href="https://postpodcast.podbean.com/">Post Podcast</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://hayslibrary.org/" target="_blank">Hays Public Library</a>&nbsp;communications coordinator Callie Kolacny&nbsp;shares updates from the Hays Public Library.</i>

<div><iframe title="Busy summer continues at Hays Public Library" 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=f37ha-145252c-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><p><i>On this episode of the&nbsp;<a href="https://postpodcast.podbean.com/">Post Podcast</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://hayslibrary.org/" target="_blank">Hays Public Library</a>&nbsp;communications coordinator Callie Kolacny&nbsp;shares updates from the Hays Public Library.</i></p>

🎙 Post Podcast: Busy summer continues at Hays Public Library

<i>On this episode of Forward Ever: Leading in Challenging Times, host Gary Shorman speaks with Seth Kastle, assistant professor of Leadership Studies and Military Program Innovation director at Fort Hays State University, about his background and the ways FHSU works to connect with members of the U.S. Miltary.</i>

<div><iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/Qcrm085RnVc" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe></div><p><i>On this episode of Forward Ever: Leading in Challenging Times, host Gary Shorman speaks with Seth Kastle, assistant professor of Leadership Studies and Military Program Innovation director at Fort Hays State University, about his background and the ways FHSU works to connect with members of the U.S. Miltary.</i></p>

Forward Ever: FHSU Military Program Innovation director Seth Kastle

<i>On this episode of the&nbsp;<a href="https://postpodcast.podbean.com/">Post Podcast</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.ellisco.net/directory.aspx?eid=24" target="_blank">Ellis County Sheriff Scott Braun</a> discusses the Fourth of July and safety tips for the annual<a href="https://tourdiekapellen.com/" target="_blank"> Tour Die Kapellen.&nbsp;</a></i>

<a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/2257965f-a647-47c7-944a-faa63c9843cc"><i>Read more about the event by clicking here.</i></a>

<div><iframe title="Ellis Co. Sheriff shares safety tips as Tour Die Kapellen approaches" 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=er4q8-144d270-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><p><i>On this episode of the&nbsp;<a href="https://postpodcast.podbean.com/">Post Podcast</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.ellisco.net/directory.aspx?eid=24" target="_blank">Ellis County Sheriff Scott Braun</a> discusses the Fourth of July and safety tips for the annual<a href="https://tourdiekapellen.com/" target="_blank"> Tour Die Kapellen.&nbsp;</a></i></p><p><a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/2257965f-a647-47c7-944a-faa63c9843cc"><i>Read more about the event by clicking here.</i></a></p>

🎙 Post Podcast: Ellis Co. Sheriff shares safety tips as Tour Die Kapellen approaches

<i>On this episode of the&nbsp;<a href="https://postpodcast.podbean.com/">Post Podcast</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://tourdiekapellen.com/" target="_blank">Tour Die Kapellen</a> organizer Kathy Rome discusses the upcoming event with the <a href="https://radio.securenetsystems.net/cwa/KAYS" target="_blank">KAYS</a> Morning Blend's Jeff Leiker.</i>

<div><iframe title="Ellis Co. Tour Die Kapellen set for Saturday" 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=niskf-1449fab-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><p><i>On this episode of the&nbsp;<a href="https://postpodcast.podbean.com/">Post Podcast</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://tourdiekapellen.com/" target="_blank">Tour Die Kapellen</a> organizer Kathy Rome discusses the upcoming event with the <a href="https://radio.securenetsystems.net/cwa/KAYS" target="_blank">KAYS</a> Morning Blend's Jeff Leiker.</i></p><p><a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/2257965f-a647-47c7-944a-faa63c9843cc"><i>Read more about the event by clicking here.</i></a></p>

🎙 Post Podcast: Ellis Co. Tour Die Kapellen set for Saturday

<i>On this episode of the Post Podcast, Hays Arts Council executive director Brenda Meder shares updates from the Arts Center.</i>

<div><iframe title="Hays Arts Council offering free exhibitions during summer" allowtransparency="true" height="150" width="100%" style="border: none; min-width: min(100%, 430px);" scrolling="no" data-name="pb-iframe-player" src="https://www.podbean.com/player-v2/?i=wuyfm-14449cf-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"></iframe></div><p><i>On this episode of the Post Podcast, Hays Arts Council executive director Brenda Meder shares updates from the Arts Center.</i></p>

🎙 Post Podcast: Hays Arts Council offering free exhibitions during summer

<i>On this episode of the&nbsp;<a href="https://postpodcast.podbean.com/">Post Podcast</a>,&nbsp;Cottonwood Extension District agents Monique Koerner and Tamara Robertson discuss the 2023 Ellis County Fair.</i>

<div><iframe title="Ellis County Fair preparations underway" allowtransparency="true" height="450" width="100%" style="border: none; min-width: min(100%, 430px);" scrolling="no" data-name="pb-iframe-player" src="https://www.podbean.com/player-v2/?i=2hi39-1441672-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=450" allowfullscreen=""></iframe></div><p><i>On this episode of the&nbsp;<a href="https://postpodcast.podbean.com/">Post Podcast</a>,&nbsp;Cottonwood Extension District agents Monique Koerner and Tamara Robertson discuss the 2023 Ellis County Fair.</i></p>

🎙 Post Podcast: Ellis County Fair preparations underway

<i>On this episode of the&nbsp;<a href="https://postpodcast.podbean.com/">Post Podcast</a>,&nbsp;Hays Post Reporter Jonathan Zweygardt discusses recent actions by the Ellis County Commission with Commissioner Michael Berges.&nbsp;&nbsp;</i>

Read more about the decision to cut townships at <a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/f9d4812c-a10d-4f11-9856-f3673ebe6a7b" target="_blank">hayspost.com/posts/f9d4812c-a10d-4f11-9856-f3673ebe6a7b.</a>

<div><iframe title="Ellis County Commission votes to cut number of townships" allowtransparency="true" height="450" width="100%" style="border: none; min-width: min(100%, 430px);" scrolling="no" data-name="pb-iframe-player" src="https://www.podbean.com/player-v2/?i=j7cr6-143f41b-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=450" allowfullscreen=""></iframe></div><p><i>On this episode of the&nbsp;<a href="https://postpodcast.podbean.com/">Post Podcast</a>,&nbsp;Hays Post Reporter Jonathan Zweygardt discusses recent actions by the Ellis County Commission with Commissioner Michael Berges.&nbsp;&nbsp;</i></p><p>Read more about the decision to cut townships at <a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/f9d4812c-a10d-4f11-9856-f3673ebe6a7b" target="_blank">hayspost.com/posts/f9d4812c-a10d-4f11-9856-f3673ebe6a7b.</a></p>

🎙 Post Podcast:  Ellis County Commission votes to cut number of townships

<i>On this episode of the&nbsp;<a href="https://postpodcast.podbean.com/">Post Podcast</a>,&nbsp;Hays Post reporter Becky Kiser discusses the ongoing fight over the water rights from the R9 ranch with city manager Toby Dougherty and city commissioner Mason Ruder.</i>

<div><iframe title="Fight over water from the R9 ranch continues" allowtransparency="true" height="450" width="100%" style="border: none; min-width: min(100%, 430px);" scrolling="no" data-name="pb-iframe-player" src="https://www.podbean.com/player-v2/?i=auztt-143f452-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=450" allowfullscreen=""></iframe></div><p><i>On this episode of the&nbsp;<a href="https://postpodcast.podbean.com/">Post Podcast</a>,&nbsp;Hays Post reporter Becky Kiser discusses the ongoing fight over the water rights from the R9 ranch with city manager Toby Dougherty and city commissioner Mason Ruder.</i></p>

🎙 Post Podcast: Fight over water from the R9 ranch continues

You may leave northwest
Kansas, but northwest Kansas can’t leave you.

Nashville-based
singer/songwriter and Ellis County native Blaine Younger has recently explored
his time growing up in the area with his latest song <i>Heartland.</i>

“I grew up right there in
Victoria, Kansas, went to school there,” Younger said. 

Being involved with music his
entire life, he explored the region, taking the stage at “every bar and county
fair and festival,” including Wild West Fest and Country Stampede.

But much like the person
longed for in <i>Heartland, </i>Younger felt compelled to follow his dreams and
pursue opportunities elsewhere.

“We are out here. And it is a
big deal to be out here,” Younger said. “And I'm learning and surrounded by the
greatest musicians and songwriters in the world every day. And it's pretty
cool.”

While his focus has been on
songwriting, he took to performing <i>Heartland</i> himself, marking<i> </i>his
first release in 13 years.<i> </i>

“People ask me, ‘Why are you
releasing music now?’” Younger said. “I think deep down every songwriter is
still an artist, and they want to say things and say things their way and the
way they would portray it and emote it. So that still is more exciting to me.”

But while he still performs and
writes music, he continues chasing the goal of one day having a song he wrote rise
to the top of the hit county charts.

“We're getting there and
meeting a lot of people that I would never thought and playing a lot of places
that I've never thought I'd play in my life,” Younger said.

“They're both equally great,
but I just had more success so far on the artist side, and that is fun.”

While there may be more opportunities
in Nashville, he retains a life similar to the one he knew growing up, living
in a quiet city suburb.

“I still
crave small-town livin’ and simple life,” Younger said. “It's different, but
they both have their perks. Being out here, you're so plugged into the industry,
and you really do feel like you're three minutes, or a song away, from maybe a change
in your life. You've got those connections, and you're showing your face and
networking in the clubs.”

“But as
far as personal living, I have a family now. And we're lucky to be out in a
cool suburb of Nashville, and we love it out here. But I still do prefer the
small-town simple living over the city life for sure.”

He reflects
on that small-town life with <i>Heartland. </i>

“I just
thought of the kind of play on words, ‘When are you going to let your heart
land,’ and it started there. And then I just started strumming,” Younger said. “The
first line is ‘When you coming back to the hometown?’ 

“It
comes off as a love song and this guy in the middle of Kansas wondering, you
know his love ran off to chase her dreams and it's like, ‘When are you going to
come back because I do think we belong together.’ And he's very hopeful that
one day she'll come back.”

But the
song also has a deeper message for those like him that have left their hometown
to achieve their goals.

“I think
the inspiration was more like ‘Man, go chase your dream and do all you can,’”
Younger said. “It's tough out here. There are highs and lows. But no matter
what happens, you're inspiring somebody. You're making somebody smile. And if
it doesn't work out, there's always a place back home where people love you,
family and friends. And there's always another place to land.”

Musically
the song is a mix of Mellencamp, Steve Earle and Red Dirt Country.

It “rocks
pretty good, but it's still got a country lyric too, and a good story,” Younger
said.

He hopes his story helps
inspire others to take the leap.

For him,
Nashville connections may help build a songwriting career, but for those
looking to perform, artists now have an avenue to “hit it” anywhere, he said.

“These
days, everybody's doing it on their own,” Younger said. “Especially with social
media, and just about getting out and promoting yourself and playing and getting
in front of people and writing great music and pushing your song. So, I almost
think it can be done no matter where you are these days.”

“If
there's any songwriters or musicians back home, it's all possible. You just got
to go get it,” Younger said.

To hear <i>Heartland</i> visit <a href="https://onerpm.link/934622213335">onerpm.link/934622213335</a>. 

Younger can also be found on social media, including <a href="https://www.facebook.com/blaineyoungermusic/">Facebook</a> and <a href="https://www.instagram.com/blaineyoungermusic/">Instagram.</a>

<figure>
                        <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/8/1660754177628.jpeg" alt="" />
                        <figcaption></figcaption>
                    </figure><figure>
                        <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/6/1687548235682.jpeg" alt="Blaine Younger  (Courtesy photo)" />
                        <figcaption>Blaine Younger  (Courtesy photo)</figcaption>
                    </figure><p><b>By JAMES BELL</b><br>Hays Post</p><p>You may leave northwest
Kansas, but northwest Kansas can’t leave you.</p><p>Nashville-based
singer/songwriter and Ellis County native Blaine Younger has recently explored
his time growing up in the area with his latest song <i>Heartland.</i></p><p>“I grew up right there in
Victoria, Kansas, went to school there,” Younger said. </p><p>Being involved with music his
entire life, he explored the region, taking the stage at “every bar and county
fair and festival,” including Wild West Fest and Country Stampede.</p><div><iframe title="Ellis Co. native brings heartland sound to Nashville" allowtransparency="true" height="450" width="100%" style="border: none; min-width: min(100%, 430px);" scrolling="no" data-name="pb-iframe-player" src="https://www.podbean.com/player-v2/?i=tayb8-143e6e3-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=450" allowfullscreen=""></iframe></div><p>But much like the person
longed for in <i>Heartland, </i>Younger felt compelled to follow his dreams and
pursue opportunities elsewhere.</p><p>“We are out here. And it is a
big deal to be out here,” Younger said. “And I'm learning and surrounded by the
greatest musicians and songwriters in the world every day. And it's pretty
cool.”</p><p>While his focus has been on
songwriting, he took to performing <i>Heartland</i> himself, marking<i> </i>his
first release in 13 years.<i> </i></p><p>“People ask me, ‘Why are you
releasing music now?’” Younger said. “I think deep down every songwriter is
still an artist, and they want to say things and say things their way and the
way they would portray it and emote it. So that still is more exciting to me.”</p><p>But while he still performs and
writes music, he continues chasing the goal of one day having a song he wrote rise
to the top of the hit county charts.</p><p>“We're getting there and
meeting a lot of people that I would never thought and playing a lot of places
that I've never thought I'd play in my life,” Younger said.</p><p>“They're both equally great,
but I just had more success so far on the artist side, and that is fun.”</p><p>While there may be more opportunities
in Nashville, he retains a life similar to the one he knew growing up, living
in a quiet city suburb.</p><p>“I still
crave small-town livin’ and simple life,” Younger said. “It's different, but
they both have their perks. Being out here, you're so plugged into the industry,
and you really do feel like you're three minutes, or a song away, from maybe a change
in your life. You've got those connections, and you're showing your face and
networking in the clubs.”</p><p>“But as
far as personal living, I have a family now. And we're lucky to be out in a
cool suburb of Nashville, and we love it out here. But I still do prefer the
small-town simple living over the city life for sure.”</p><p>He reflects
on that small-town life with <i>Heartland. </i></p><div><iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/Q443XlGVlVM" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe></div><p>“I just
thought of the kind of play on words, ‘When are you going to let your heart
land,’ and it started there. And then I just started strumming,” Younger said. “The
first line is ‘When you coming back to the hometown?’ </p><p>“It
comes off as a love song and this guy in the middle of Kansas wondering, you
know his love ran off to chase her dreams and it's like, ‘When are you going to
come back because I do think we belong together.’ And he's very hopeful that
one day she'll come back.”</p><p>But the
song also has a deeper message for those like him that have left their hometown
to achieve their goals.</p><p>“I think
the inspiration was more like ‘Man, go chase your dream and do all you can,’”
Younger said. “It's tough out here. There are highs and lows. But no matter
what happens, you're inspiring somebody. You're making somebody smile. And if
it doesn't work out, there's always a place back home where people love you,
family and friends. And there's always another place to land.”</p><p>Musically
the song is a mix of Mellencamp, Steve Earle and Red Dirt Country.</p><p>It “rocks
pretty good, but it's still got a country lyric too, and a good story,” Younger
said.</p><p>He hopes his story helps
inspire others to take the leap.</p><p>For him,
Nashville connections may help build a songwriting career, but for those
looking to perform, artists now have an avenue to “hit it” anywhere, he said.</p><p>“These
days, everybody's doing it on their own,” Younger said. “Especially with social
media, and just about getting out and promoting yourself and playing and getting
in front of people and writing great music and pushing your song. So, I almost
think it can be done no matter where you are these days.”</p><p>“If
there's any songwriters or musicians back home, it's all possible. You just got
to go get it,” Younger said.</p><p>To hear <i>Heartland</i> visit <a href="https://onerpm.link/934622213335">onerpm.link/934622213335</a>. </p><p>Younger can also be found on social media, including <a href="https://www.facebook.com/blaineyoungermusic/">Facebook</a> and <a href="https://www.instagram.com/blaineyoungermusic/">Instagram.</a></p><figure>
                        <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/6/1687548221445.jpeg" alt="Blaine Younger&nbsp; (Courtesy photo)" />
                        <figcaption>Blaine Younger&nbsp; (Courtesy photo)</figcaption>
                    </figure>

🎙 NWester: Ellis County native brings 'Heartland' sound to Nashville

<i>On this episode of the&nbsp;<a href="https://postpodcast.podbean.com/">Post Podcast</a>, <a href="https://www.growhays.com/" target="_blank">Grow Hays</a> executive director Doug Williams discusses the ongoing battle over the water rights from the R9 Ranch and the economic impacts.&nbsp;&nbsp;</i>

<div><iframe title="Grow Hays director discusses the economics of water rights in NW Kan." allowtransparency="true" height="450" width="100%" style="border: none; min-width: min(100%, 430px);" scrolling="no" data-name="pb-iframe-player" src="https://www.podbean.com/player-v2/?i=pehcy-143f436-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=450" allowfullscreen=""></iframe></div><p><i>On this episode of the&nbsp;<a href="https://postpodcast.podbean.com/">Post Podcast</a>, <a href="https://www.growhays.com/" target="_blank">Grow Hays</a> executive director Doug Williams discusses the ongoing battle over the water rights from the R9 Ranch and the economic impacts.&nbsp;&nbsp;</i></p>

🎙 Post Podcast: Grow Hays director discusses the economics of water rights in NW Kan.

<i>On this episode of the&nbsp;<a href="https://postpodcast.podbean.com/">Post Podcast</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.haysusa.com/369/Police" target="_blank">Hays Police Department</a> Community Service Officer Ethan Henderson shares tips to keep pets safe during high summer temperatures.&nbsp;&nbsp;</i>

<div><iframe title="As high summer temperatures move in pet safety a concern" allowtransparency="true" height="450" width="100%" style="border: none; min-width: min(100%, 430px);" scrolling="no" data-name="pb-iframe-player" src="https://www.podbean.com/player-v2/?i=65csc-143f398-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=450" allowfullscreen=""></iframe></div><p><i>On this episode of the&nbsp;<a href="https://postpodcast.podbean.com/">Post Podcast</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.haysusa.com/369/Police" target="_blank">Hays Police Department</a> Community Service Officer Ethan Henderson shares tips to keep pets safe during high summer temperatures.&nbsp;&nbsp;</i></p>

🎙 Post Podcast: As high summer temperatures move in pet safety a concern

<i>On this episode of the&nbsp;<a href="https://postpodcast.podbean.com/">Post Podcast</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.ellisco.net/directory.aspx?EID=167" target="_blank">Ellis County Emergency Manager Lyle Pantle</a> discusses fireworks regulations in unincorporated parts of Ellis County and tips to stay safe this Fourth of July holiday.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</i>

<div><iframe title="Ellis Co. Emergency Mgr. discuses fireworks regulations, safety tips" allowtransparency="true" height="600" width="100%" style="border: none; min-width: min(100%, 430px);" scrolling="no" data-name="pb-iframe-player" src="https://www.podbean.com/player-v2/?i=yydmw-143bc75-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" allowfullscreen=""></iframe></div><p><i>On this episode of the&nbsp;<a href="https://postpodcast.podbean.com/">Post Podcast</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.ellisco.net/directory.aspx?EID=167" target="_blank">Ellis County Emergency Manager Lyle Pantle</a> discusses fireworks regulations in unincorporated parts of Ellis County and tips to stay safe this Fourth of July holiday.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</i></p>

🎙 Post Podcast: Ellis Co. Emergency Mgr. discuses fireworks regulations, safety tips

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

The Morning Blend's Jeff Leiker speaks with event coordinator Sandi Maier and board member Kathy Cossaart about the 2023 <a href="https://wildwestfestival.com/" target="_blank">Wild West Festival</a>.&nbsp;&nbsp;</i>

<div><iframe title="Final preparations for Wild West Fest underway" allowtransparency="true" height="600" width="100%" style="border: none; min-width: min(100%, 430px);" scrolling="no" data-name="pb-iframe-player" src="https://www.podbean.com/player-v2/?i=uyx8e-143a41c-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" allowfullscreen=""></iframe></div><p><i>On this episode of the&nbsp;<a href="https://postpodcast.podbean.com/">Post Podcast</a>,&nbsp;

The Morning Blend's Jeff Leiker speaks with event coordinator Sandi Maier and board member Kathy Cossaart about the 2023 <a href="https://wildwestfestival.com/" target="_blank">Wild West Festival</a>.&nbsp;&nbsp;</i></p>

🎙 Post Podcast: Final preparations for Wild West Fest underway

<i>On this episode of the&nbsp;<a href="https://postpodcast.podbean.com/">Post Podcast</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://hayschamber.com/" target="_blank">Hays Chamber</a>&nbsp;president and CEO Sarah Wasinger and vice president of membership Leigh Purdy discuss their upgraded <a href="https://members.hayschamber.com/list" target="_blank">business directory</a> and this week's chamber events.&nbsp;&nbsp;</i>

<div><iframe title="Hays Chamber upgrades online business directory" allowtransparency="true" height="600" width="100%" style="border: none; min-width: min(100%, 430px);" scrolling="no" data-name="pb-iframe-player" src="https://www.podbean.com/player-v2/?i=38m62-1438fb4-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" allowfullscreen=""></iframe></div><p><i>On this episode of the&nbsp;<a href="https://postpodcast.podbean.com/">Post Podcast</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://hayschamber.com/" target="_blank">Hays Chamber</a>&nbsp;president and CEO Sarah Wasinger and vice president of membership Leigh Purdy discuss their upgraded <a href="https://members.hayschamber.com/list" target="_blank">business directory</a> and this week's chamber events.&nbsp;&nbsp;</i></p>

🎙 Post Podcast: Hays Chamber upgrades online business directory

<i>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 annual local government budget request process for Grow Hays and other area agencies.</i>

<div><iframe title="Grow Hays, other area agencies submit budget requests to local governments" allowtransparency="true" height="600" width="100%" style="border: none; min-width: min(100%, 430px);" scrolling="no" data-name="pb-iframe-player" src="https://www.podbean.com/player-v2/?i=8dm3w-1436904-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" allowfullscreen=""></iframe></div><p><i>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 annual local government budget request process for Grow Hays and other area agencies.</i></p>

🎙 Post Podcast: Grow Hays, other area agencies submit budget requests to local governments

<i>On this episode of the&nbsp;<a href="https://postpodcast.podbean.com/">Post Podcast</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.fhsu.edu/hhp/faculty-and-staff/" target="_blank">Fort Hays State University's Jessica Phelan,</a>&nbsp;discusses the importance of staying hydrated.&nbsp;&nbsp;</i>

<div><iframe title="Staying hydrated important during summer heat" allowtransparency="true" height="600" width="100%" style="border: none; min-width: min(100%, 430px);" scrolling="no" data-name="pb-iframe-player" src="https://www.podbean.com/player-v2/?i=t2ddv-1436922-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" allowfullscreen=""></iframe></div><p><i>On this episode of the&nbsp;<a href="https://postpodcast.podbean.com/">Post Podcast</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.fhsu.edu/hhp/faculty-and-staff/" target="_blank">Fort Hays State University's Jessica Phelan,</a>&nbsp;discusses the importance of staying hydrated.&nbsp;&nbsp;</i></p>

🎙 Post Podcast: Staying hydrated important during summer heat

<i>On this episode of Forward Ever: Leading in Challenging Times, host Gary Shorman speaks with&nbsp;NCK Tech President Eric Burks about the FHSU, NW Tech partnership.</i>

Read more at:<a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/23cfebb0-2081-4160-8c8e-13e4f5b58b85"> Governor Kelly to be at FHSU Wed. to sign strategic affiliation bill</a>

<div><iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/-ohljgf9vuk" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe></div><p><i>On this episode of Forward Ever: Leading in Challenging Times, host Gary Shorman speaks with&nbsp;NCK Tech President Eric Burks about the FHSU, NW Tech partnership.</i></p><p>Read more at:<a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/23cfebb0-2081-4160-8c8e-13e4f5b58b85"> Governor Kelly to be at FHSU Wed. to sign strategic affiliation bill</a></p>

🎤 Forward Ever: NCK Tech President Eric Burks discusses FHSU, NW Tech partnership

<i>On this episode of the&nbsp;<a href="https://postpodcast.podbean.com/">Post Podcast</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.theredjumpsuitapparatus.com/" target="_blank">The Red Jumpsuit Apparatus</a> lead singer Ronnie Winter speaks with The Morning Blend's Jeff Liker about their upcoming performance in Hays and more.&nbsp;&nbsp;</i>

<p><i>On this episode of the&nbsp;<a href="https://postpodcast.podbean.com/">Post Podcast</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.theredjumpsuitapparatus.com/" target="_blank">The Red Jumpsuit Apparatus</a> lead singer Ronnie Winter speaks with The Morning Blend's Jeff Liker about their upcoming performance in Hays and more.&nbsp;&nbsp;</i></p><div><iframe title="The Red Jumpsuit Apparatus to play in downtown Hays June 17" allowtransparency="true" height="600" width="100%" style="border: none; min-width: min(100%, 430px);" scrolling="no" data-name="pb-iframe-player" src="https://www.podbean.com/player-v2/?i=nrwfn-1434a31-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" allowfullscreen=""></iframe></div>

🎙 Post Podcast: The Red Jumpsuit Apparatus to play in downtown Hays June 17

The 50th anniversary of Paper Moon, a movie that featured Hays
locations and residents along with other area communities, will be a prominent feature
of the Hays Arts Council Summer Art Walk, set for Friday.

The Hays Arts Center will present the Paper Moon 50th
Anniversary Showcase in the Arts Center Annex at 1010 Main and display articles
and memorabilia from the movie and pieces of history from the area filming, originally
assembled during the 30th-anniversary celebration during the Art Walk hours from
6:30 to 9:30 p.m.

“Paper Moon was an Academy Award-winning film that was based
out of Hays,” said Hays Arts Council executive director Brenda Meder. “A lot of
filming wasn't done in Hays, but Hays was home base. And there were scenes that
were filmed in Hays.”

Hays was also the location of the Midwest premiere, followed
by a reception at the Hays Arts Council.

“A lot of movies aren't shot out here in western Kansas,
especially Academy Award-winning ones,” Meder said. “And so, it was a big deal.”

The display will also feature items from the development of
the subsequent TV series, featuring a young Jodie Foster, also shot on location
around Hays.

“A lot of people don't know about that so much,” Meder said. "It was only one season long, and probably in large part to the fact that it
premiered on ABC opposite the Waltons on CBS in their third year.”

She said the local viewership was also limited at the
time due to no ABC affiliate signal in the area, but many locals and locations
were featured in the series.

“We'll have a lot of things from the television series as
well,” Meder said. “Lots of shots locally including crossing the old swinging bridge,
and there were scenes filmed in the Alpha Gamma Delta house and all really all
over down at Vincent, at the church and in the school in the Grant's Villa. So,
a lot of really cool things.”

And a beer brewed for the event by Defiance Brewing Company
also will be offered.

“Defiance created a new beer called Trixie Delight, which is
the name of Madeline Kahn’s character in the movie,” Meder said. “Samples of
that are going to be getting served in the annex for 21 and over to
commemorate.”

Along with Friday night events in conjunction with the art walk, opportunities are planned to view the film in Hays as well as a movie
memorabilia open house in McCracken.

“We're really excited to share that McCracken is doing some
great things all day on Saturday, they've got a barbecue picnic, kind of a
luncheon, and they've got some very cool artifacts,” Meder said. “They featured so prominently in it.”

The McCracken Historical Society open house is planned from
9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Friday and Saturday.

Free showings of the film are planned at 7 p.m. Saturday and
2 p.m. Sunday in the Beach/Schmidt Performing Arts Center on the Fort Hays
State University campus, 600 Main.

For more about the Paper Moon anniversary events, visit <a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/304180c9-8b92-47f3-b06d-70c5048c8764">Hays,
McCracken to celebrate 50th Anniversary of 'Paper Moon' June 16-18</a>.

Art Walk locations planned throughout Hays

While the film celebration will be a highlight of the Art
Walk, installations across downtown and beyond will offer many opportunities to
see art of all stripes throughout the evening.

New to the Art Walk this year is <a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/494d469c-fd58-4c88-9317-9c5e6071a68f">STEM
Harvest</a> at 507 Main.

“I'm really excited about that,” Meder said. “Dallas Haselhorst and Dacia have been wanting to be part of the art walks, and they're finally at
a place with the STEM Harvest suite finished in there [to do so]. 

Because they're a technological organization, in so many
ways, with the STEM programming, engineering, science and technology, she said they are going to
be doing a showcase on the AI revolution, and having some art images and exploring
how those are generated through different artificial intelligence models, she said.

“I think it'll be a really interesting opportunity for
people to get a better understanding of what is this artificial intelligence
stuff that they talk about,” Meder said.

Due to their location further south on Main, she said they
will open at 5:30 p.m.

“It'll give people a chance to hit that first and work your
way back,” Meder said.

And for those looking to extend the Art Walk experience, Paisley
Pear Wine Bar and Bistro, 1100 Main, will feature the Engle Detherage Trio from
7 to 10 p.m.

Pack the Pavilion brings food, music and fun to downtown

In addition to the Summer Art Walk festivities, the Hays
Young Professionals will again host an event in the Downtown Pavilion at 10th
and Main from 5:30 to 9:30 p.m.

“In previous years, we've had the Community Street Dance. It's the same event, different name this year,” said Meredith Malatin, chairwoman of
the Hays Young Professionals Networking and Engagement Committee. "We'll have a
DJ, a couple of food trucks, and games, we just want to get people out in the
community to come downtown for the Artwalk and then stick around and cool off in the
pavilion.”

“We want people of all ages to come stop by, it's going to
be free to attend,” said Hays Chamber vice president of membership Leigh Purdy.
“And just pop in and out. It doesn't have to be you staying for the whole time,
it's just going to be food, fun and music.”

“Kevin [Bartlett] with Midnight Productions will be playing
for us. There’s a couple of hours he'll have his photo backdrop. He'll interact
with the crowd, and they can suggest songs, so if there's something that you
specifically want to hear, he'll do it for you.”

“I just hope everyone can come to join us to take part
in everything,” Meder said. “It's all free Friday night unless you buy some art
or some food along the way. But otherwise, it's just there for the community
to enjoy and celebrate all the good stuff we have around here. It's gonna be a
good time.”

For more about the 2023 Hays Arts Council’s Summer Art Walk, visit
their website <a href="https://haysartscouncil.org/">haysartscouncil.org.</a>

<figure>
                        <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/6/1686773653192.jpeg" alt="Photo by James Bell" />
                        <figcaption>Photo by James Bell</figcaption>
                    </figure><div><iframe title="Paper Moon anniversary celebration headlines Summer Art Walk Friday" allowtransparency="true" height="150" width="100%" style="border: none; min-width: min(100%, 430px);" scrolling="no" data-name="pb-iframe-player" src="https://www.podbean.com/player-v2/?i=j9faj-14335ca-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"></iframe></div><p><b>By JAMES BELL</b><br><i>Hays Post</i></p><p>The 50th anniversary of Paper Moon, a movie that featured Hays
locations and residents along with other area communities, will be a prominent feature
of the Hays Arts Council Summer Art Walk, set for Friday.</p><p>The Hays Arts Center will present the Paper Moon 50th
Anniversary Showcase in the Arts Center Annex at 1010 Main and display articles
and memorabilia from the movie and pieces of history from the area filming, originally
assembled during the 30th-anniversary celebration during the Art Walk hours from
6:30 to 9:30 p.m.</p><p>“Paper Moon was an Academy Award-winning film that was based
out of Hays,” said Hays Arts Council executive director Brenda Meder. “A lot of
filming wasn't done in Hays, but Hays was home base. And there were scenes that
were filmed in Hays.”</p><figure>
                        <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/6/1686773726157.jpeg" alt="Photo by James Bell" />
                        <figcaption>Photo by James Bell</figcaption>
                    </figure><p>Hays was also the location of the Midwest premiere, followed
by a reception at the Hays Arts Council.</p><p>“A lot of movies aren't shot out here in western Kansas,
especially Academy Award-winning ones,” Meder said. “And so, it was a big deal.”</p><p>The display will also feature items from the development of
the subsequent TV series, featuring a young Jodie Foster, also shot on location
around Hays.</p><p>“A lot of people don't know about that so much,” Meder said. "It was only one season long, and probably in large part to the fact that it
premiered on ABC opposite the Waltons on CBS in their third year.”</p><figure>
                        <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/6/1686773785910.jpeg" alt="Photo by James Bell" />
                        <figcaption>Photo by James Bell</figcaption>
                    </figure><p>She said the local viewership was also limited at the
time due to no ABC affiliate signal in the area, but many locals and locations
were featured in the series.</p><p>“We'll have a lot of things from the television series as
well,” Meder said. “Lots of shots locally including crossing the old swinging bridge,
and there were scenes filmed in the Alpha Gamma Delta house and all really all
over down at Vincent, at the church and in the school in the Grant's Villa. So,
a lot of really cool things.”</p><p>And a beer brewed for the event by Defiance Brewing Company
also will be offered.</p><p>“Defiance created a new beer called Trixie Delight, which is
the name of Madeline Kahn’s character in the movie,” Meder said. “Samples of
that are going to be getting served in the annex for 21 and over to
commemorate.”</p><p>Along with Friday night events in conjunction with the art walk, opportunities are planned to view the film in Hays as well as a movie
memorabilia open house in McCracken.</p><p>“We're really excited to share that McCracken is doing some
great things all day on Saturday, they've got a barbecue picnic, kind of a
luncheon, and they've got some very cool artifacts,” Meder said. “They featured so prominently in it.”</p><p>The McCracken Historical Society open house is planned from
9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Friday and Saturday.</p><p>Free showings of the film are planned at 7 p.m. Saturday and
2 p.m. Sunday in the Beach/Schmidt Performing Arts Center on the Fort Hays
State University campus, 600 Main.</p><p>For more about the Paper Moon anniversary events, visit <a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/304180c9-8b92-47f3-b06d-70c5048c8764">Hays,
McCracken to celebrate 50th Anniversary of 'Paper Moon' June 16-18</a>.</p><h2>Art Walk locations planned throughout Hays</h2><figure>
                        <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/6/1686773682744.jpeg" alt="Photo by James Bell" />
                        <figcaption>Photo by James Bell</figcaption>
                    </figure><p>While the film celebration will be a highlight of the Art
Walk, installations across downtown and beyond will offer many opportunities to
see art of all stripes throughout the evening.</p><p>New to the Art Walk this year is <a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/494d469c-fd58-4c88-9317-9c5e6071a68f">STEM
Harvest</a> at 507 Main.</p><p>“I'm really excited about that,” Meder said. “Dallas Haselhorst and Dacia have been wanting to be part of the art walks, and they're finally at
a place with the STEM Harvest suite finished in there [to do so]. </p><figure>
                        <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/6/1686776622220.jpeg" alt="" />
                        <figcaption></figcaption>
                    </figure><p>Because they're a technological organization, in so many
ways, with the STEM programming, engineering, science and technology, she said they are going to
be doing a showcase on the AI revolution, and having some art images and exploring
how those are generated through different artificial intelligence models, she said.</p><p>“I think it'll be a really interesting opportunity for
people to get a better understanding of what is this artificial intelligence
stuff that they talk about,” Meder said.</p><p>Due to their location further south on Main, she said they
will open at 5:30 p.m.</p><figure>
                        <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/6/1686773696715.jpeg" alt="Photo by James Bell" />
                        <figcaption>Photo by James Bell</figcaption>
                    </figure><p>“It'll give people a chance to hit that first and work your
way back,” Meder said.</p><p>And for those looking to extend the Art Walk experience, Paisley
Pear Wine Bar and Bistro, 1100 Main, will feature the Engle Detherage Trio from
7 to 10 p.m.</p><h2>Pack the Pavilion brings food, music and fun to downtown</h2><figure>
                        <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/7/1594154454880.jpeg" alt="File photo" />
                        <figcaption>File photo</figcaption>
                    </figure><div><iframe title="Hays Young Professionals to host Pack the Pavilion June 16" allowtransparency="true" height="150" width="100%" style="border: none; min-width: min(100%, 430px);" scrolling="no" data-name="pb-iframe-player" src="https://www.podbean.com/player-v2/?i=7cft4-14335ad-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"></iframe></div><p>In addition to the Summer Art Walk festivities, the Hays
Young Professionals will again host an event in the Downtown Pavilion at 10th
and Main from 5:30 to 9:30 p.m.</p><p>“In previous years, we've had the Community Street Dance. It's the same event, different name this year,” said Meredith Malatin, chairwoman of
the Hays Young Professionals Networking and Engagement Committee. "We'll have a
DJ, a couple of food trucks, and games, we just want to get people out in the
community to come downtown for the Artwalk and then stick around and cool off in the
pavilion.”</p><p>“We want people of all ages to come stop by, it's going to
be free to attend,” said Hays Chamber vice president of membership Leigh Purdy.
“And just pop in and out. It doesn't have to be you staying for the whole time,
it's just going to be food, fun and music.”</p><p>“Kevin [Bartlett] with Midnight Productions will be playing
for us. There’s a couple of hours he'll have his photo backdrop. He'll interact
with the crowd, and they can suggest songs, so if there's something that you
specifically want to hear, he'll do it for you.”</p><p>“I just hope everyone can come to join us to take part
in everything,” Meder said. “It's all free Friday night unless you buy some art
or some food along the way. But otherwise, it's just there for the community
to enjoy and celebrate all the good stuff we have around here. It's gonna be a
good time.”</p><p>For more about the 2023 Hays Arts Council’s Summer Art Walk, visit
their website <a href="https://haysartscouncil.org/">haysartscouncil.org.</a></p>