The horrors of the
Holocaust will be remembered and victims honored through a series of events in Hays
through April.

The commemoration includes educational
programs and discussions offering opportunities for community members to learn
and reflect on past atrocities and honor the memory of those lost.

The events mark the second year the Hays Holocaust
Remembrance Committee has offered community programming during Hays
Holocaust Remembrance and Education Month.

Committee chair Amber Nickell, FHSU assistant professor of
history, said events like the ones planned are essential to keeping future
atrocities from occurring.

“The
thing that matters, I think the most, is that we understand how humanity has
behaved in the past, not so that we can prevent the exact same thing from
happening, but so that we can prevent something similar from happening,”
Nickell said. “This is the first and foremost reason why we are so passionate
about Holocaust education and remembrance.

The
committee includes students and staff of the university and Hays Public
Library staff, where some of the month’s events will be hosted.

“They
are a very strong equal partner in this relationship,” Nickell said. “It's only
been two years since we've been doing this, but we have conceived the community
and the university to be one and the same.”

The FHSU History and English Department,
Forsyth Library, Hays Public Library, the Greater Lafayette Holocaust
Remembrance Committee, the American Democracy Project, the FHSU History Club,
and the College of Arts, Humanities, and Socials Sciences also supported the
committee to bring the events to the community.

The first
event is scheduled for 6 p.m. April 11. It will feature Jake Newsome, Pink
Triangle Legacies author, in the FHSU Forsyth Library and online via Zoom.

His work
“looks at the legacy of anti-queer policy of the Nazis,” Nickell said. “In the
wake of that, he looks at how they redeveloped their identities in the wake of
the Holocaust.”

She said
he is a remarkable scholar and advocate, and with LGBTQ+ rights under fire from
the Kansas Legislature, his presentation is especially relevant.

“We have
two events the following day on April 12,” Nickell said. “The first one is working
directly with the American Democracy Project, which is very active on campus, will be giving a Times Talk called Encountering the Holocaust in Poland.”

The talk will feature a roundtable with Nickell and four of her students who recently returned from Poland, where they encountered "remnants of the Holocaust," she said.

It is scheduled for noon in the Forsyth Library.

"And then that evening, the History Club is hosting a film showing of JoJo Rabbit, which is kind of a satire in which a young boy has an imaginary friend that is none other than Adolf Hitler," Nickell said. 

The movie showing is scheduled at 4 p.m. in Forsyth Library, with a discussion set for 6 p.m.

At 11
a.m. April 18, an online presentation featuring a presentation and question
and answer session with Holocaust survivor Ilana Blum live from Tel Aviv, Israel,
is planned.

“Her
father actually died on the ship Struma, which was sunk outside of the coast of
Romania,” Nickell said. “They represent a different experience. Most folks
don't know about the Romanian experience during the Holocaust, nor about
Romanian perpetration during the Holocaust. So I think this will be really
thought-provoking.”

On April 19 and 20, two different book clubs will discuss Salt to the Sea by Ruda Sepetys.

"This is a young adult novel, really, but it's really thought-provoking," Nickell said. "And I think it would be easy for either young folks or older folks to consume. There's an in-person option, the Hays Public Library at 6 p.m. on April 19, and a virtual option at 5 p.m. on April 20."

At 6 p.m. April 25, Jessica Rockhold, executive director of the <a href="https://mchekc.org/">Midwest Center for Holocaust Education</a>, will present an exploration of the history and evolution of false narratives that discount the events of the Holocaust in the Schmidt Gallery of the Hays Public Library.

"As
we're moving into the modern period, we're seeing less and less denial where
people are outright saying, the Holocaust didn't happen," Nickell said. "We all know
better. But we are seeing distortion."

"And then
the final event is on April 26," Nickell said. "This is the one that I'm the most excited
about because we are having the director of the <a href="https://fortunoff.library.yale.edu/">Yale Fortunoff Archive</a> come to
campus to speak with us."

His talk will discuss the music that people sang acapella in their oral histories, later set to a musical score.&nbsp;

The event will begin with a reception at 3:30 p.m. in the Forsyth Library. The presentation will begin at 4 p.m.

"I think it's this really beautiful example of how art was so
important during the Holocaust for people to make sense of it, but also how
those stories via music can live on," Nickell said.

While the memory of the Holocaust will likely continue through the ages, she said opportunities to hear directly from those affected directly are growing more rare.

"We are
running into the point where most of our survivors were child survivors," Nickell said. "The
survivor that's coming Ilana Blum, she actually was a child survivor as
well."

"We're almost to the end of the survivor
generation. And we'll be working mostly with second-generation or third-generation folks. So I would not miss this because we are running into once-in-a-lifetime experiences."

RSVPs
are requested for each event and can be submitted via a QR code on their
promotional materials&nbsp;<a href="https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScknPNC2vQkIWzcsF9rIB7OApXz3eDOUeUSSg7NBwF4a40wNA/viewform">or by visiting their signup page.</a>

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/4/1680887901716.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure><div><iframe title="FHSU hosts Holocaust remembrance events through April" allowtransparency="true" height="300" 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=5irnk-13d98ad-pb&from=pb6admin&square=1&share=1&download=1&rtl=0&fonts=Arial&skin=3267a3&font-color=auto&logo_link=podcast_page&btn-skin=3267a3&size=300" allowfullscreen=""></iframe></div>By JAMES BELL Hays PostThe horrors of the
Holocaust will be remembered and victims honored through a series of events in Hays
through April.The commemoration includes educational
programs and discussions offering opportunities for community members to learn
and reflect on past atrocities and honor the memory of those lost.The events mark the second year the Hays Holocaust
Remembrance Committee has offered community programming during Hays
Holocaust Remembrance and Education Month.Committee chair Amber Nickell, FHSU assistant professor of
history, said events like the ones planned are essential to keeping future
atrocities from occurring.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/4/1680888287950.jpg" alt="Berlin Holocaust Memorial (Courtesy Pixabay)" />
 <figcaption>Berlin Holocaust Memorial (Courtesy Pixabay)</figcaption>
 </figure>“The
thing that matters, I think the most, is that we understand how humanity has
behaved in the past, not so that we can prevent the exact same thing from
happening, but so that we can prevent something similar from happening,”
Nickell said. “This is the first and foremost reason why we are so passionate
about Holocaust education and remembrance.The
committee includes students and staff of the university and Hays Public
Library staff, where some of the month’s events will be hosted.“They
are a very strong equal partner in this relationship,” Nickell said. “It's only
been two years since we've been doing this, but we have conceived the community
and the university to be one and the same.”The FHSU History and English Department,
Forsyth Library, Hays Public Library, the Greater Lafayette Holocaust
Remembrance Committee, the American Democracy Project, the FHSU History Club,
and the College of Arts, Humanities, and Socials Sciences also supported the
committee to bring the events to the community.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/4/1680890225275.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>The first
event is scheduled for 6 p.m. April 11. It will feature Jake Newsome, Pink
Triangle Legacies author, in the FHSU Forsyth Library and online via Zoom.His work
“looks at the legacy of anti-queer policy of the Nazis,” Nickell said. “In the
wake of that, he looks at how they redeveloped their identities in the wake of
the Holocaust.”She said
he is a remarkable scholar and advocate, and with LGBTQ+ rights under fire from
the Kansas Legislature, his presentation is especially relevant. <figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/4/1680890244673.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/4/1680890262104.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>“We have
two events the following day on April 12,” Nickell said. “The first one is working
directly with the American Democracy Project, which is very active on campus, will be giving a Times Talk called Encountering the Holocaust in Poland.”The talk will feature a roundtable with Nickell and four of her students who recently returned from Poland, where they encountered "remnants of the Holocaust," she said.It is scheduled for noon in the Forsyth Library."And then that evening, the History Club is hosting a film showing of JoJo Rabbit, which is kind of a satire in which a young boy has an imaginary friend that is none other than Adolf Hitler," Nickell said. The movie showing is scheduled at 4 p.m. in Forsyth Library, with a discussion set for 6 p.m.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/4/1680890280980.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>At 11
a.m. April 18, an online presentation featuring a presentation and question
and answer session with Holocaust survivor Ilana Blum live from Tel Aviv, Israel,
is planned.“Her
father actually died on the ship Struma, which was sunk outside of the coast of
Romania,” Nickell said. “They represent a different experience. Most folks
don't know about the Romanian experience during the Holocaust, nor about
Romanian perpetration during the Holocaust. So I think this will be really
thought-provoking.”<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/4/1680890298372.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/4/1680890316162.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>On April 19 and 20, two different book clubs will discuss Salt to the Sea by Ruda Sepetys."This is a young adult novel, really, but it's really thought-provoking," Nickell said. "And I think it would be easy for either young folks or older folks to consume. There's an in-person option, the Hays Public Library at 6 p.m. on April 19, and a virtual option at 5 p.m. on April 20."<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/4/1680890331869.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>At 6 p.m. April 25, Jessica Rockhold, executive director of the <a href="https://mchekc.org/">Midwest Center for Holocaust Education</a>, will present an exploration of the history and evolution of false narratives that discount the events of the Holocaust in the Schmidt Gallery of the Hays Public Library."As
we're moving into the modern period, we're seeing less and less denial where
people are outright saying, the Holocaust didn't happen," Nickell said. "We all know
better. But we are seeing distortion."<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/4/1680890347518.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>"And then
the final event is on April 26," Nickell said. "This is the one that I'm the most excited
about because we are having the director of the <a href="https://fortunoff.library.yale.edu/">Yale Fortunoff Archive</a> come to
campus to speak with us."His talk will discuss the music that people sang acapella in their oral histories, later set to a musical score.&nbsp;The event will begin with a reception at 3:30 p.m. in the Forsyth Library. The presentation will begin at 4 p.m."I think it's this really beautiful example of how art was so
important during the Holocaust for people to make sense of it, but also how
those stories via music can live on," Nickell said.While the memory of the Holocaust will likely continue through the ages, she said opportunities to hear directly from those affected directly are growing more rare."We are
running into the point where most of our survivors were child survivors," Nickell said. "The
survivor that's coming Ilana Blum, she actually was a child survivor as
well.""We're almost to the end of the survivor
generation. And we'll be working mostly with second-generation or third-generation folks. So I would not miss this because we are running into once-in-a-lifetime experiences."RSVPs
are requested for each event and can be submitted via a QR code on their
promotional materials&nbsp;<a href="https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScknPNC2vQkIWzcsF9rIB7OApXz3eDOUeUSSg7NBwF4a40wNA/viewform">or by visiting their signup page.</a>

🎙 Holocaust remembrance, education events planned in Hays

On this episode of the Post Podcast Hays Chamber president and CEO Sarah Wasinger shares details from their upcoming Plinko Patio Party.

<div><iframe title="Preparations underway for Hays Chamber Plinko Patio Party" 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=rm92g-13dc566-pb&from=pb6admin&square=1&share=1&download=1&rtl=0&fonts=Arial&skin=3267a3&font-color=auto&logo_link=podcast_page&btn-skin=3267a3&size=600" allowfullscreen=""></iframe></div>On this episode of the Post Podcast Hays Chamber president and CEO Sarah Wasinger shares details from their upcoming Plinko Patio Party.

🎙 Post Podcast: Preparations underway for Hays Chamber Plinko Patio Party

On this episode of the Post Podcast Hays Public Libary communications coordinator Callie Kolacny shares details of upcoming events at the library.

<div><iframe title="Fun and educational events fill Hays Public Library’s April calendar" 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=95m5f-13dc54f-pb&from=pb6admin&share=1&download=1&rtl=0&fonts=Arial&skin=3267a3&font-color=auto&logo_link=podcast_page&btn-skin=3267a3&size=315"></iframe></div>On this episode of the Post Podcast Hays Public Libary communications coordinator Callie Kolacny shares details of upcoming events at the library.

🎙 Post Podcast: Fun and educational events fill Hays Public Library's April calendar

Developmental Services of Northwest Kansas recently
announced the successful completion of its Stronger Forever Together capital
campaign.

The five-year effort wrapped up in December
after raising $5 million, thanks to large and small donors, including some of
the biggest philanthropic people and organizations in northwest Kansas.

With the campaign marking the first time an
effort like this has been undertaken by DSNWK, the funds raised will help the
nonprofit organization continue fulfilling its mission to serve the region.

“Developmental
Services of Northwest Kansas serves people with intellectual and developmental
disabilities, and we serve 18 counties of northwest Kansas,” said DSNWK Director of Development Steve Keil. “We
go all the way to the Colorado border all the way up to the Nebraska border.
And we help people in a variety of ways.”

Founded
in 1967, DSNWK has been a long-term asset to area residents with special needs.

“We help
people find employment, we help people and the residential setting where they
might live in a group home, or they might live more independently in their own
apartment,” Keil said. “We have some children's services, in not as many
counties as the 18 counties, but in several counties in Northwest Kansas, and we
provide case management.”

He said
over 500 people are currently using their services. 

DSNWK
President and CEO Jerry Michaud said
the organization's services and reach are made possible by various community partners.

“It goes
back to, really, the fundamentals of how our system has received the support to
do the mission work that we do every day,” Michaud said. “We receive state and
federal funds and local funds. But oftentimes those funds … they've never gone
far enough to meet the need.”

Donations
of all sizes were received during the campaign, but DSNWK hit the $5 million mark
with a check from the Robert E. and Patricia A. Schmidt Foundation.

“We are forever grateful to all of the
supporters of our capital campaign who believe in our mission and who have
shown it by their financial support,” Michaud said in a statement announcing
the gift. “Our special thanks are extended to the Schmidt Foundation for helping
us reach the finish line. It is through all of this support and generosity that
has allowed us to achieve our goal.”

While
fundraising has been a long-time part of DSNWK’s efforts creating a five-year
capital campaign was a new venture for the organization undertaken as other
funding avenues were explored.

“We
started actually our change of direction or an enhancement to what we've been
doing,” Michaud said. “We've been doing fundraising for a long time, but we
entered into the realm of planned giving, and estate planning and those types
of things.”

Ensuring
adequate funding levels is a necessity for the group and is used to keep services
available. 

“Oftentimes, our funding does not cover the physical plant aspects of things,” Michaud
said. “And as we all know, homeowners and alike have stuff that just deteriorates
over time, and you must take care of it. And if you don't, it's just not good.
And so we knew we had many, many needs and, and reached out through this
approach to engage with other people by first educating them about what those
needs are.

“And I'm
convinced that when people understand that there are needs out … there's a
generosity within this community, this region, that's just pretty amazing.”

Among the specific goals outlined
for the campaign was to establish an endowed fund.

“We
established a Jim and Rose Bloom endowment,” Keil said. “Jim Bloom was a
president before Jerry took over. And a lot of people know him here in Hays.”

They
also desired to improve technology and facilities with the campaign.

“The one
thing that happened during these five years was a pandemic,” Keil said. “If there was ever a time where technology became such an integral part of
business, it was during that pandemic — with Google Meet, and with Zoom calls, and
all those kinds of things — and we need really needed to get our technology up
to speed to be able to connect with people.

“And
then we really wanted to update the facilities that we have that … needed
attention. And so we've, over the course of the time, we've put flooring in,
siding, HVAC units, just a lot of things, roofing, things that facilities were
in dire need of, and this campaign helped us to be able to do those things.”

By
upgrading those services, Michaud said DSNWK could see cost savings, further
benefiting the organization’s financial standing.

“When
you've got an old unit that is not very efficient, or you've got old lighting
systems where you update to LEDs, you see the benefit in more than one way,”
he said. “It's better. And it's more economical.”

Increasing
accessibility was also a cornerstone of the campaign.

“Meeting
accessibility needs is another one of those things,” Michaud said. “And we
learned along the way that some of our settings were, we're not where we wanted
them to be.”

With the successful completion of
the campaign, he said the organization is sharing the news across the region as
they celebrate the generosity that made successfully completed the campaign.

“We're
trying to go out to some of the communities throughout the area and talk to
maybe local chambers or just the community in general and just kind of give
them an update on how the campaign went and some of the things that have their
community has benefited from the campaign, what's happened at their local
center or the group homes there in their community and some of the things that
we've been able to do because of the campaign,” Keil said. “And so we're going
to spend the next few months just being able to go out and talk to people about
how this how this turned out.”

<div><iframe title="DSNWK celebrates completion of five-year capital campaign; $5 million raised" allowtransparency="true" height="300" 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=badfj-13d854e-pb&from=pb6admin&square=1&share=1&download=1&rtl=0&fonts=Arial&skin=3267a3&font-color=auto&logo_link=podcast_page&btn-skin=3267a3&size=300" allowfullscreen=""></iframe></div>By JAMES BELL Hays PostDevelopmental Services of Northwest Kansas recently
announced the successful completion of its Stronger Forever Together capital
campaign.The five-year effort wrapped up in December
after raising $5 million, thanks to large and small donors, including some of
the biggest philanthropic people and organizations in northwest Kansas.With the campaign marking the first time an
effort like this has been undertaken by DSNWK, the funds raised will help the
nonprofit organization continue fulfilling its mission to serve the region.“Developmental
Services of Northwest Kansas serves people with intellectual and developmental
disabilities, and we serve 18 counties of northwest Kansas,” said DSNWK Director of Development Steve Keil. “We
go all the way to the Colorado border all the way up to the Nebraska border.
And we help people in a variety of ways.”Founded
in 1967, DSNWK has been a long-term asset to area residents with special needs.“We help
people find employment, we help people and the residential setting where they
might live in a group home, or they might live more independently in their own
apartment,” Keil said. “We have some children's services, in not as many
counties as the 18 counties, but in several counties in Northwest Kansas, and we
provide case management.”He said
over 500 people are currently using their services. DSNWK
President and CEO Jerry Michaud said
the organization's services and reach are made possible by various community partners.“It goes
back to, really, the fundamentals of how our system has received the support to
do the mission work that we do every day,” Michaud said. “We receive state and
federal funds and local funds. But oftentimes those funds … they've never gone
far enough to meet the need.”Donations
of all sizes were received during the campaign, but DSNWK hit the $5 million mark
with a check from the Robert E. and Patricia A. Schmidt Foundation.“We are forever grateful to all of the
supporters of our capital campaign who believe in our mission and who have
shown it by their financial support,” Michaud said in a statement announcing
the gift. “Our special thanks are extended to the Schmidt Foundation for helping
us reach the finish line. It is through all of this support and generosity that
has allowed us to achieve our goal.”While
fundraising has been a long-time part of DSNWK’s efforts creating a five-year
capital campaign was a new venture for the organization undertaken as other
funding avenues were explored.“We
started actually our change of direction or an enhancement to what we've been
doing,” Michaud said. “We've been doing fundraising for a long time, but we
entered into the realm of planned giving, and estate planning and those types
of things.”Ensuring
adequate funding levels is a necessity for the group and is used to keep services
available. “Oftentimes, our funding does not cover the physical plant aspects of things,” Michaud
said. “And as we all know, homeowners and alike have stuff that just deteriorates
over time, and you must take care of it. And if you don't, it's just not good.
And so we knew we had many, many needs and, and reached out through this
approach to engage with other people by first educating them about what those
needs are.“And I'm
convinced that when people understand that there are needs out … there's a
generosity within this community, this region, that's just pretty amazing.”Among the specific goals outlined
for the campaign was to establish an endowed fund.“We
established a Jim and Rose Bloom endowment,” Keil said. “Jim Bloom was a
president before Jerry took over. And a lot of people know him here in Hays.”They
also desired to improve technology and facilities with the campaign.“The one
thing that happened during these five years was a pandemic,” Keil said. “If there was ever a time where technology became such an integral part of
business, it was during that pandemic — with Google Meet, and with Zoom calls, and
all those kinds of things — and we need really needed to get our technology up
to speed to be able to connect with people.“And
then we really wanted to update the facilities that we have that … needed
attention. And so we've, over the course of the time, we've put flooring in,
siding, HVAC units, just a lot of things, roofing, things that facilities were
in dire need of, and this campaign helped us to be able to do those things.”By
upgrading those services, Michaud said DSNWK could see cost savings, further
benefiting the organization’s financial standing.“When
you've got an old unit that is not very efficient, or you've got old lighting
systems where you update to LEDs, you see the benefit in more than one way,”
he said. “It's better. And it's more economical.”Increasing
accessibility was also a cornerstone of the campaign.“Meeting
accessibility needs is another one of those things,” Michaud said. “And we
learned along the way that some of our settings were, we're not where we wanted
them to be.” With the successful completion of
the campaign, he said the organization is sharing the news across the region as
they celebrate the generosity that made successfully completed the campaign.“We're
trying to go out to some of the communities throughout the area and talk to
maybe local chambers or just the community in general and just kind of give
them an update on how the campaign went and some of the things that have their
community has benefited from the campaign, what's happened at their local
center or the group homes there in their community and some of the things that
we've been able to do because of the campaign,” Keil said. “And so we're going
to spend the next few months just being able to go out and talk to people about
how this how this turned out.”

🎙 DSNWK celebrates completion of five-year, $5M capital campaign

On this episode of the Post Podcast Grow Hays executive director Doug Williams share information about entrepreneurship in the area as they prepare for the next Pitch It event.

<div><iframe title="Grow Hays’ ’Pitch It’ event to encourage area entrepreneurship" 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=av942-13d96cc-pb&from=pb6admin&square=1&share=1&download=1&rtl=0&fonts=Arial&skin=3267a3&font-color=auto&logo_link=podcast_page&btn-skin=3267a3&size=600" allowfullscreen=""></iframe></div>On this episode of the Post Podcast Grow Hays executive director Doug Williams share information about entrepreneurship in the area as they prepare for the next Pitch It event.

🎙 Post Podcast: Grow Hays' 'Pitch It' event to encourage area entrepreneurship

For over half a century, the Hays High Plains
Barbershop Chapter has been entertaining area residents with their unique stylings
of barbershop favorites.

At 2 and 7 p.m. April 15, the group will
continue that legacy with "It’s a Grand Night For Singing" at the Beach/Schmidt
Performing Arts Center on the Fort Hays State University campus, 600 Park.

Both concerts will feature&nbsp;barbershop
harmony from Hays High Plains Barbershop Chorus, Tumbleweeds Chorus, FHSU
Singers and Vocal Spectrum.

“This is
a must-see show,” said Don Barber, a member since the group’s
inception. “It
really is if you like music at all. And it's a real family-oriented show. You
never hear any off-color, anything like that. It's just a pure family show and
wonderful, wonderful music.”

And with limited exposure to live barbershop , the annual concert provides a special
opportunity to explore a distinct musical style.

“It’s an
absolutely great thing for young people that love music to come see and enjoy a
different style of music than they normally hear,” said member Vance Chartier.
“Especially the ones that are singing in their
local choirs in schools.”

Barber said the
concert will feature large and small ensembles during the two-hour show.

“We have
two local quartets in our chapter that will perform, and we're going to perform,”
Barber said. “We'll open the show, and we have a couple of quartets that are
going to perform. And we have Dr. Terry Crull’s Fort Hays State choir also
singing in the show in the first half. And then our chorus will open the second
half.

“And
then we bring on the quartet Vocal Spectrum. So, it'll be about, with
everything, right around a two-hour show and Vocal Spectrum, they'll get about
30-35 minutes. So just the most beautiful thing you've ever heard in your life.”

He said
over the years, many of the quartets that have performed at the annual Hays show
have later taken first place in international competition.

“We are their lucky chapter,” Barber said.

The
annual concert marks one of the largest for barbershop music in the area.

“We are
one of the biggest shows for barbershop harmony in the Midwest,” Chartier said.
“And we are well-known across the country as a
very good venue for the quartets to come.”

Some lucky audience members will receive a
special takeaway as well, Chartier said.

“During
the intermission, we do a drawing to give away CDs of the performing quartets
that come in,” he said. “So people have a chance to win that, and that's done by
the ticket stubs that they turn in, so they'll get to take home some music that
they heard.”

Tickets
for the show are unreserved, with doors set to open an hour before the show start.

“So if
you have a favorite seat, if you get there, but pretty early, you'll probably
get the seat where you probably like are in the area,” Barber said. “And if you
get a ticket, you go to either show.”

While
the upcoming annual event will showcase Barbershop music, members of the group
get to experience the style throughout the year — and they are always looking
for new members.

“We always
invite new members at any time we sing,” Chartier said. “We're always looking
for people that sing well and invite them in.”

The group
rehearses at 7:30 p.m. Thursdays in the Trinity Lutheran Church, 2703 Fort.

And he
said there has even been interest in a women’s chapter if a director can be
found.

“We've got
one of the biggest choruses out in his part of the state,” Barber said. “So
we're very proud of it, and we have guys coming from nine counties.”

“We have
a lot of fun,” Chartier said. “Everybody knows there's nothing better than music,
to keep the heart and everything happy. …. And I will say, having been here seven
years, once I got there, it was like another family.”

“We love it,” Barber said. “We love singing.”

The love
of the art form brings the group together, and while members do not receive compensation,
the group is a non-profit organization that uses revenues to support other area
organizations.

“We're a
nonprofit, charitable, educational organization,” Barber said. “We're tax-exempt because we give a lot of our money away to different charities.”

“We've got members that come from two hours away
to practice with us every week, and like nine counties, so we donate to music
programs all through the area, and also scholarships to colleges in the area,” Chartier
said.

<a href="https://www.eventbrite.com/e/its-a-grand-night-for-singing-tickets-443815081857?fbclid=IwAR0znXfvsVMyBaxwx9edG5TD3-677QEhN8z7vTxcSOI-ktbx_Z8zS-PCTZc">Tickets are available now at select locations
throughout the area and can be found online at Event Bright.</a>

Tickets are $15 in advance or $17 at the door.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/4/1680709640494.jpeg" alt="Hays High Plains Barbershop Chapter will present "It’s a Grand Night For Singing" April 15 in the Beach/Schmidt Performing Arts Center on the Fort Hays State University campus." />
 <figcaption>Hays High Plains Barbershop Chapter will present "It’s a Grand Night For Singing" April 15 in the Beach/Schmidt Performing Arts Center on the Fort Hays State University campus.</figcaption>
 </figure><div><iframe title="Hays High Plains Barbershop Chapter to present ’It’s a Grand Night For Singing’ April 15" allowtransparency="true" height="300" 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=ajc8g-13d68bf-pb&from=pb6admin&square=1&share=1&download=1&rtl=0&fonts=Arial&skin=3267a3&font-color=auto&logo_link=podcast_page&btn-skin=3267a3&size=300" allowfullscreen=""></iframe></div>By JAMES BELL Hays PostFor over half a century, the Hays High Plains
Barbershop Chapter has been entertaining area residents with their unique stylings
of barbershop favorites.At 2 and 7 p.m. April 15, the group will
continue that legacy with "It’s a Grand Night For Singing" at the Beach/Schmidt
Performing Arts Center on the Fort Hays State University campus, 600 Park.Both concerts will feature&nbsp;barbershop
harmony from Hays High Plains Barbershop Chorus, Tumbleweeds Chorus, FHSU
Singers and Vocal Spectrum.“This is
a must-see show,” said Don Barber, a member since the group’s
inception. “It
really is if you like music at all. And it's a real family-oriented show. You
never hear any off-color, anything like that. It's just a pure family show and
wonderful, wonderful music.”And with limited exposure to live barbershop , the annual concert provides a special
opportunity to explore a distinct musical style.“It’s an
absolutely great thing for young people that love music to come see and enjoy a
different style of music than they normally hear,” said member Vance Chartier.
“Especially the ones that are singing in their
local choirs in schools.”Barber said the
concert will feature large and small ensembles during the two-hour show.“We have
two local quartets in our chapter that will perform, and we're going to perform,”
Barber said. “We'll open the show, and we have a couple of quartets that are
going to perform. And we have Dr. Terry Crull’s Fort Hays State choir also
singing in the show in the first half. And then our chorus will open the second
half.“And
then we bring on the quartet Vocal Spectrum. So, it'll be about, with
everything, right around a two-hour show and Vocal Spectrum, they'll get about
30-35 minutes. So just the most beautiful thing you've ever heard in your life.”He said
over the years, many of the quartets that have performed at the annual Hays show
have later taken first place in international competition.“We are their lucky chapter,” Barber said.The
annual concert marks one of the largest for barbershop music in the area.“We are
one of the biggest shows for barbershop harmony in the Midwest,” Chartier said.
“And we are well-known across the country as a
very good venue for the quartets to come.”Some lucky audience members will receive a
special takeaway as well, Chartier said.“During
the intermission, we do a drawing to give away CDs of the performing quartets
that come in,” he said. “So people have a chance to win that, and that's done by
the ticket stubs that they turn in, so they'll get to take home some music that
they heard.”Tickets
for the show are unreserved, with doors set to open an hour before the show start.“So if
you have a favorite seat, if you get there, but pretty early, you'll probably
get the seat where you probably like are in the area,” Barber said. “And if you
get a ticket, you go to either show.”While
the upcoming annual event will showcase Barbershop music, members of the group
get to experience the style throughout the year — and they are always looking
for new members.“We always
invite new members at any time we sing,” Chartier said. “We're always looking
for people that sing well and invite them in.”The group
rehearses at 7:30 p.m. Thursdays in the Trinity Lutheran Church, 2703 Fort.And he
said there has even been interest in a women’s chapter if a director can be
found.“We've got
one of the biggest choruses out in his part of the state,” Barber said. “So
we're very proud of it, and we have guys coming from nine counties.”“We have
a lot of fun,” Chartier said. “Everybody knows there's nothing better than music,
to keep the heart and everything happy. …. And I will say, having been here seven
years, once I got there, it was like another family.”“We love it,” Barber said. “We love singing.”The love
of the art form brings the group together, and while members do not receive compensation,
the group is a non-profit organization that uses revenues to support other area
organizations.“We're a
nonprofit, charitable, educational organization,” Barber said. “We're tax-exempt because we give a lot of our money away to different charities.”“We've got members that come from two hours away
to practice with us every week, and like nine counties, so we donate to music
programs all through the area, and also scholarships to colleges in the area,” Chartier
said.<a href="https://www.eventbrite.com/e/its-a-grand-night-for-singing-tickets-443815081857?fbclid=IwAR0znXfvsVMyBaxwx9edG5TD3-677QEhN8z7vTxcSOI-ktbx_Z8zS-PCTZc">Tickets are available now at select locations
throughout the area and can be found online at Event Bright.</a>Tickets are $15 in advance or $17 at the door.

🎙 Hays High Plains Barbershop Chapter set to present ’It’s a Grand Night For Singing’ 

On this episode of Forward Ever: Leading in Challenging Times, host Gary Shorman speaks with Kansas Department of Labor Secretary Amber Schultz.

<div><iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/b3k7JG5uqrk" 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 Kansas Department of Labor Secretary Amber Schultz.

🎤 Forward Ever: Kansas Sec. of Labor Amber Schultz

On this episode of the Post Podcast Fort Hays State Shooting Sports team members Kyler Niblock and Katie Dettmann discuss recent team activities and accomplishments as they reflect on the history and legacy of the team and it's impact on FHSU.

<div><iframe title="FHSU Shotgun Team success continues building legacy" 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=3hepb-13d8535-pb&from=pb6admin&square=1&share=1&download=1&rtl=0&fonts=Arial&skin=3267a3&font-color=auto&logo_link=podcast_page&btn-skin=3267a3&size=600" allowfullscreen=""></iframe></div>On this episode of the Post Podcast Fort Hays State Shooting Sports team members Kyler Niblock and Katie Dettmann discuss recent team activities and accomplishments as they reflect on the history and legacy of the team and it's impact on FHSU.

🎙 Post Podcast: FHSU Shotgun Team success continues building legacy

On this episode of the Post Podcast Hays Post reported Cristina Janney gets updates from United Way of Ellis County executive director Erica Berges.

<div><iframe title="Updates from the United Way of Ellis County" 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=v8nc6-13d0a47-pb&from=pb6admin&square=1&share=1&download=1&rtl=0&fonts=Arial&skin=3267a3&font-color=auto&logo_link=podcast_page&btn-skin=3267a3&size=600" allowfullscreen=""></iframe></div>On this episode of the Post Podcast Hays Post reported Cristina Janney gets updates from United Way of Ellis County executive director Erica Berges.

🎙 Post Podcast: Updates from the United Way of Ellis County

On this episode of the Post Podcast Grow Hays executive director Doug Williams shares updates on major Grow Hays projects.

<div><iframe title="Grow Hays shares housing, microfactory project updates" 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=8b6mx-13d0a10-pb&from=pb6admin&square=1&share=1&download=1&rtl=0&fonts=Arial&skin=3267a3&font-color=auto&logo_link=podcast_page&btn-skin=3267a3&size=600" allowfullscreen=""></iframe></div>On this episode of the Post Podcast Grow Hays executive director Doug Williams shares updates on major Grow Hays projects.

🎙 Post Podcast: Grow Hays shares housing, microfactory project updates

On this episode of the Post Podcast USD 489 assistant superintendent and director of curriculum Shanna Dinkel shares updates from the district.

<div><iframe title="In the home stretch of the year USD 489 begins prep for 2023-2024" 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=3949x-13d09e7-pb&from=pb6admin&square=1&share=1&download=1&rtl=0&fonts=Arial&skin=3267a3&font-color=auto&logo_link=podcast_page&btn-skin=3267a3&size=600" allowfullscreen=""></iframe></div>On this episode of the Post Podcast USD 489 assistant superintendent and director of curriculum Shanna Dinkel shares updates from the district.

🎙 Post Podcast: In the home stretch of the year USD 489 begins prep for 2023-2024

On this episode of Forward Ever: Leading in Challenging Times, host Gary Shorman speaks with USA Today Woman of the Year 2023 honoree Jade Piros de Carvalho.

<div><iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/p4fEi-BuxTE" 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 USA Today Woman of the Year 2023 honoree Jade Piros de Carvalho.

🎤 Forward Ever: USA Today Woman of the Year 2023 honoree Jade Piros de Carvalho

On this episode of the Post Podcast Amy B. chats with Letters from Home performers, prior to their Friday night performance in downtown Hays.

<div><iframe title="Letters from Home comes to Hays Friday" 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=tu3pa-13cfaa5-pb&from=pb6admin&square=1&share=1&download=1&rtl=0&fonts=Arial&skin=3267a3&font-color=auto&logo_link=podcast_page&btn-skin=3267a3&size=600" allowfullscreen=""></iframe></div>On this episode of the Post Podcast Amy B. chats with Letters from Home performers, prior to their Friday night performance in downtown Hays.

🎙 Post Podcast: Letters from Home comes to Hays Friday

Lovegrass
Music Festival brings ‘experience’ to Defiance Brewing Co. Saturday for free event featuring new beer

At 3
p.m. Saturday, The Lovegrass Music Festival Association and Defiance Brewing,
2050 Old Highway 40, are teaming up to bring a “Lovegrass Experience” to Hays.

The day will
feature food, games, a benefit raffle and area bands to raise awareness and
funds for the annual fall bluegrass music festival at the Wilson Lake State
Park.

“We are
a 501(c)3, and so we're a nonprofit, and we like to keep our festival free,” said
organizer Aimee Riegel.

She said that over the last few years maintaining the festival has been challenging, but it
has continued and grown with events like Saturday’s benefit helping spread awareness
and funds.

“Besides
our festival — which is our main culminating event each year — we have in the
last two years broadened our scope to provide music not just at the lake but
also in other areas, such as Hays. We've done some activities over Wilson at
the Midland Hotel. We are also partnering with Great Bend Alive at the end of
April for an event down there as well.”

While The Lovegrass Music festival
may center on music, Saturday’s event will also feature a popular area
activity.

“Branson
Kyle from the Hays Cornhole League is going to be organizing a cornhole tournament,”
Riegel said. “They're very passionate about this project, and you can sign up
ahead of time.”

The tournament
will kick off the day’s festivities at the brewery’s taproom, with signup beginning
at 3 p.m.

“There
are two different leagues, pro and then social league,” Riegel said. “That's
the first event, and then we've got music kicking off at four o'clock with
three bands.”

Bartlett
will open the musical offerings at 4 p.m., followed by 80 Proof Alice and
Haymakers. Each band will perform for about an hour.

“Both of
those bands are going to be playing for absolutely no charge as a donation to
the festival,” Riegel said. “So, if you come on out, bring some money to tip
the bands. That way, they can make it worth their time.”

She said
she is especially excited to bring Haymakers to Hays.

“They're
doing a fundraiser down in Garden City for the Tumbleweed Festival, (which is) run by
Valerie Smith,” Riegel said. “They're doing that on Friday. And then, funny
enough, they're coming here to do our fundraiser the next day.

“They play
more blues, bluegrass, folk-type music and Americana. They're really
wonderful.” 

Haymakers
are set to take the stage at 7 p.m.

Following
their set, Riegel said they would host a jam session open to everyone.

“If you
have an instrument and you want to come play, we're going to keep the taproom
open as long as there are folks out there that want to play and partake,” she
said. “Come out, bring your guitar, bring your banjo, bring your spoons,
whatever it might be, and join us for some jamming.”

Defiance Brewing Brand Master
Brett Straight said hosting an event like the Lovegrass Experience is a part of
their mission.

“Any
time we get an opportunity to support local music, and live music, we're all
about it,” he said.

And with the upcoming event, they
hope to support the organization.

“What we
were focused on was just being able to provide an experience where people can
come out,” Straight said. “There's no obligation that you have to spend any money.
You can just come out and enjoy the festival, but what we hope is going to
happen is that people are going to purchase the custom-made pint glasses that
we had made.”

Custom
stickers were also designed for the event and will be available. 

“There's
been some wonderful people that donated some great prizes,” Straight said. 

“We really
had an outpouring of sponsorships,” Riegel said. “I think it's really
interesting, considering our festival is in Wilson at Wilson Lake in Russell
County, we usually target those areas for sponsorships for our main festival.
But for the smaller events, I believe, getting the word out and collaborating
with Defiance, and having that known name and recognition has been really
helpful for us to be able to procure certain sponsorships.”

“People
have been really wonderful. And helping this event, I was really blown away,
actually. So, we want to thank all of those that have made this possible, and
especially Defiance. They are going to be helping out too, they've just been
wonderful to work with.”

Part of
the support included the brewing of a beer to match the event.

“We
wanted to try something that is oriented around Bluegrass,” Straight said. “So,
we came up with a Blueberry Pie Gose. It's called Tap That Grass, and we will
be showcasing that on Saturday.”

For more information about the
Lovegrass Music Festival, visit <a href="https://www.lovegrassmusicfestival.com/">lovegrassmusicfestival.com.</a>

<div><iframe title="Defiance Brewing, Lovegrass Music Festival team up for weekend event" allowtransparency="true" height="300" 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=v4cwd-13caeae-pb&from=pb6admin&square=1&share=1&download=1&rtl=0&fonts=Arial&skin=3267a3&font-color=auto&logo_link=podcast_page&btn-skin=3267a3&size=300" allowfullscreen=""></iframe></div><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/3/1680007122524.jpeg" alt="Courtesy photo" />
 <figcaption>Courtesy photo</figcaption>
 </figure><h2>Lovegrass
Music Festival brings ‘experience’ to Defiance Brewing Co. Saturday for free event featuring new beer</h2>By JAMES BELL Hays PostAt 3
p.m. Saturday, The Lovegrass Music Festival Association and Defiance Brewing,
2050 Old Highway 40, are teaming up to bring a “Lovegrass Experience” to Hays.The day will
feature food, games, a benefit raffle and area bands to raise awareness and
funds for the annual fall bluegrass music festival at the Wilson Lake State
Park.“We are
a 501(c)3, and so we're a nonprofit, and we like to keep our festival free,” said
organizer Aimee Riegel.She said that over the last few years maintaining the festival has been challenging, but it
has continued and grown with events like Saturday’s benefit helping spread awareness
and funds.“Besides
our festival — which is our main culminating event each year — we have in the
last two years broadened our scope to provide music not just at the lake but
also in other areas, such as Hays. We've done some activities over Wilson at
the Midland Hotel. We are also partnering with Great Bend Alive at the end of
April for an event down there as well.”While The Lovegrass Music festival
may center on music, Saturday’s event will also feature a popular area
activity.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/3/1680007017649.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>“Branson
Kyle from the Hays Cornhole League is going to be organizing a cornhole tournament,”
Riegel said. “They're very passionate about this project, and you can sign up
ahead of time.”The tournament
will kick off the day’s festivities at the brewery’s taproom, with signup beginning
at 3 p.m.“There
are two different leagues, pro and then social league,” Riegel said. “That's
the first event, and then we've got music kicking off at four o'clock with
three bands.”Bartlett
will open the musical offerings at 4 p.m., followed by 80 Proof Alice and
Haymakers. Each band will perform for about an hour.“Both of
those bands are going to be playing for absolutely no charge as a donation to
the festival,” Riegel said. “So, if you come on out, bring some money to tip
the bands. That way, they can make it worth their time.”She said
she is especially excited to bring Haymakers to Hays.“They're
doing a fundraiser down in Garden City for the Tumbleweed Festival, (which is) run by
Valerie Smith,” Riegel said. “They're doing that on Friday. And then, funny
enough, they're coming here to do our fundraiser the next day.“They play
more blues, bluegrass, folk-type music and Americana. They're really
wonderful.” Haymakers
are set to take the stage at 7 p.m.Following
their set, Riegel said they would host a jam session open to everyone.“If you
have an instrument and you want to come play, we're going to keep the taproom
open as long as there are folks out there that want to play and partake,” she
said. “Come out, bring your guitar, bring your banjo, bring your spoons,
whatever it might be, and join us for some jamming.”<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/3/1680200134811.jpeg" alt="Dustin Arbuckle and Matt Woods perform at the Midland Railroad Hotel in Wilson during a Lovegrass Experience event. (Courtesy photo)" />
 <figcaption>Dustin Arbuckle and Matt Woods perform at the Midland Railroad Hotel in Wilson during a Lovegrass Experience event. (Courtesy photo)</figcaption>
 </figure>Defiance Brewing Brand Master
Brett Straight said hosting an event like the Lovegrass Experience is a part of
their mission.“Any
time we get an opportunity to support local music, and live music, we're all
about it,” he said.And with the upcoming event, they
hope to support the organization.“What we
were focused on was just being able to provide an experience where people can
come out,” Straight said. “There's no obligation that you have to spend any money.
You can just come out and enjoy the festival, but what we hope is going to
happen is that people are going to purchase the custom-made pint glasses that
we had made.”Custom
stickers were also designed for the event and will be available. A fundraiser
raffle is also planned.“There's
been some wonderful people that donated some great prizes,” Straight said. “We really
had an outpouring of sponsorships,” Riegel said. “I think it's really
interesting, considering our festival is in Wilson at Wilson Lake in Russell
County, we usually target those areas for sponsorships for our main festival.
But for the smaller events, I believe, getting the word out and collaborating
with Defiance, and having that known name and recognition has been really
helpful for us to be able to procure certain sponsorships.”“People
have been really wonderful. And helping this event, I was really blown away,
actually. So, we want to thank all of those that have made this possible, and
especially Defiance. They are going to be helping out too, they've just been
wonderful to work with.”<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/3/1680200435901.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Part of
the support included the brewing of a beer to match the event.“We
wanted to try something that is oriented around Bluegrass,” Straight said. “So,
we came up with a Blueberry Pie Gose. It's called Tap That Grass, and we will
be showcasing that on Saturday.”For more information about the
Lovegrass Music Festival, visit <a href="https://www.lovegrassmusicfestival.com/">lovegrassmusicfestival.com.</a><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/3/1680200265495.jpeg" alt="Lovegrass Music Festival 2022. (Courtesy photo)" />
 <figcaption>Lovegrass Music Festival 2022. (Courtesy photo)</figcaption>
 </figure>

🎙 Beer and Bluegrass on tap this weekend in Hays

On this episode of the Post Podcast Amy B. speaks with Autumn Ragland, lead singer of Ragland, as she shares information about their upcoming performance in Hays.

<div><iframe title="Ragland to perform in downtown Hays Thursday" 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=hxzqx-13cdddc-pb&from=pb6admin&square=1&share=1&download=1&rtl=0&fonts=Arial&skin=3267a3&font-color=auto&logo_link=podcast_page&btn-skin=3267a3&size=600" allowfullscreen=""></iframe></div>On this episode of the Post Podcast Amy B. speaks with Autumn Ragland, lead singer of Ragland, as she shares information about their upcoming performance in Hays.

🎙 Post Podcast: Ragland to perform in downtown Hays Thursday

On this episode of the Post Podcast, USD 489 Public Relations director Chrisy Crough, shares updates from the district as they continue facility updates that will utilize a bond issue passed by voters in 2022.

<div><iframe title="Facility update planning, work continues in USD 489" allowtransparency="true" height="300" 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=vwbs5-13ccd5b-pb&from=pb6admin&square=1&share=1&download=1&rtl=0&fonts=Arial&skin=3267a3&font-color=auto&logo_link=podcast_page&btn-skin=3267a3&size=300" allowfullscreen=""></iframe></div>On this episode of the Post Podcast, USD 489 Public Relations director Chrisy Crough, shares updates from the district as they continue facility updates that will utilize a bond issue passed by voters in 2022.

🎙 Post Podcast: Facility update planning, work continues in USD 489

On this episode of the Post Podcast Hays Chamber president and CEO Sarah Wasinger and Cottonwood Extension district agent Stacy Campbell, discuss area resources for plants and landscaping in Ellis County.

<div><iframe title="As spring approaches area resources available for plants and landscaping" allowtransparency="true" height="300" 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=ykxrt-13cb44f-pb&from=pb6admin&square=1&share=1&download=1&rtl=0&fonts=Arial&skin=3267a3&font-color=auto&logo_link=podcast_page&btn-skin=3267a3&size=300" allowfullscreen=""></iframe></div>On this episode of the Post Podcast Hays Chamber president and CEO Sarah Wasinger and Cottonwood Extension district agent Stacy Campbell, discuss area resources for plants and landscaping in Ellis County.

🎙 Post Podcast: As spring approaches area resources available for plants and landscaping

Grow Hays, the nonprofit economic development organization serving Ellis County, will soon release its annual report highlighting economic factors in the county. Among insights generated by the report, it highlights a significant increase
in sales tax, valuations and transient guest tax collections.

According to Grow Hays Executive Director Doug Williams, the report shows sales tax for the city of Hays was
up by approximately 7.6 percent compared to the previous year, indicating people are buying more goods and services, and merchants are selling more
products, resulting in a positive economic impact.

The valuations for residential properties were reported up by
12.6 percent compared to the previous year, and the total valuation for the county
increased by 13 percent. Additionally, oil valuations showed a significant increase of
1 percent year over year due to the higher per-barrel price in January 2022, he said.

But Williams pointed out
that a large increase in oil valuation does not necessarily equate to a significant increase in total valuations as oil reflects less than 10 percent of the overall
valuation in the county, which was approximately $458 million.

While the increase in valuations may result in a potential
increase in property taxes, Williams noted that an increase in valuation does
not necessarily equate to a tax hike. He added that a lot of
factors are involved in the calculation of property tax, and it is a
complicated formula.

The transient guest tax collections took a significant jump
as well, increasing by almost 20 percent compared to the previous year. The increase
in the transient guest tax collections indicates that hotels in Hays are doing
well and more people are using them.

Williams also said that the pull factor for Hays
increased from 1.72 to 1.74, which means that more people are coming into the
community from outside and spending money in Hays.

"These 13,000 cars a day that are going by (on Interstate 70)? We want as many of those to stop as we can and spend money here," he said.

Overall, Williams said the annual report showed positive growth in various
sectors, indicating a healthy economic environment in Hays, while other western Kansas economic hubs like Garden City
and Dodge City are experiencing a slight decline.

The region's growth is important to Ellis County's
economy as it affects sales tax revenues, transient guests, tax revenues, and
the overall economy. Williams noted that Hays currently has the second- or third-highest pull factor in the state.

Williams acknowledged that the reason for the growth in Hays
and the decline in Garden City and Dodge City is difficult to pinpoint but
said that having more retail choices and recruiting more retailers will help
maintain the city's high pull factor. The organization is also exploring ways
to get people to stop off the interstate highway, including the implementation
of a Star Bond.

On the housing front, Williams noted that the overall sales
volume of the Hays MLS was down 3.3 percent last year due to a previously overheated
market in 2020 and 2021. However, the MLS average sales price increased by 4 percent,
while the county valuation of residential property increased by about 12 percent.

And while county appraisers often receive criticism, Williams said valuations are determined by a computer algorithm and that evidence-based
appeals are a fair process.

Ellis County saw a slight increase in
housing inventory and days on the market from the previous year with 48
active listings reported at year-end, compared to 40 in 2021. The increase in inventory, however,
did not fully address the supply issues faced by the community. Williams noted
that there is still a shortage of housing, particularly in the $175,000 to $275,000 price
range.

The increase in interest rates also impacted the market,
leading to a slowdown in sales. 

Williams said that it would take time to
resolve the issue, as it requires the development of land, lots and
multifamily units. In addition, challenges related to supply chain and labor
shortages have made the situation even more difficult.

"We still have supply issues," he said. "We don't have enough housing. In our community, we're working diligently to try and fix some of that. But we can use some more, and we're going to continue to try and fix it."

Williams expressed the need for continued diligent planning and
investment in the community to address the housing shortage. 

"I think the next five years in Ellis County are going to be fantastic," Williams said. "If you look at all the large projects are going on and all the things that we've got happening, they're going to be great. But we need to step up to the plate and do some things to do to meet the housing needs and to meet some other needs, the infrastructure needs in not only Hays but in Ellis and Victoria and those places, and use the tools that are available to try and ensure that we take advantage of this."

<a href="https://www.growhays.com/">The report is set to release soon and will be available on the Grow Hays website.</a>

<div><iframe title="Grow Hays annual report highlights Ellis County economic activity in 2022" allowtransparency="true" height="300" 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=f9tsw-13bd083-pb&from=pb6admin&square=1&share=1&download=1&rtl=0&fonts=Arial&skin=3267a3&font-color=auto&logo_link=podcast_page&btn-skin=3267a3&size=300" allowfullscreen=""></iframe></div>By JAMES BELL Hays PostGrow Hays, the nonprofit economic development organization serving Ellis County, will soon release its annual report highlighting economic factors in the county. Among insights generated by the report, it highlights a significant increase
in sales tax, valuations and transient guest tax collections.According to Grow Hays Executive Director Doug Williams, the report shows sales tax for the city of Hays was
up by approximately 7.6 percent compared to the previous year, indicating people are buying more goods and services, and merchants are selling more
products, resulting in a positive economic impact.The valuations for residential properties were reported up by
12.6 percent compared to the previous year, and the total valuation for the county
increased by 13 percent. Additionally, oil valuations showed a significant increase of
1 percent year over year due to the higher per-barrel price in January 2022, he said.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/11/1574881377018.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>But Williams pointed out
that a large increase in oil valuation does not necessarily equate to a significant increase in total valuations as oil reflects less than 10 percent of the overall
valuation in the county, which was approximately $458 million.While the increase in valuations may result in a potential
increase in property taxes, Williams noted that an increase in valuation does
not necessarily equate to a tax hike. He added that a lot of
factors are involved in the calculation of property tax, and it is a
complicated formula.The transient guest tax collections took a significant jump
as well, increasing by almost 20 percent compared to the previous year. The increase
in the transient guest tax collections indicates that hotels in Hays are doing
well and more people are using them.Williams also said that the pull factor for Hays
increased from 1.72 to 1.74, which means that more people are coming into the
community from outside and spending money in Hays."These 13,000 cars a day that are going by (on Interstate 70)? We want as many of those to stop as we can and spend money here," he said.Overall, Williams said the annual report showed positive growth in various
sectors, indicating a healthy economic environment in Hays, while other western Kansas economic hubs like Garden City
and Dodge City are experiencing a slight decline.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/12/1640279693304.jpeg" alt="Doug Williams (File photo)" />
 <figcaption>Doug Williams (File photo)</figcaption>
 </figure>The region's growth is important to Ellis County's
economy as it affects sales tax revenues, transient guests, tax revenues, and
the overall economy. Williams noted that Hays currently has the second- or third-highest pull factor in the state.Williams acknowledged that the reason for the growth in Hays
and the decline in Garden City and Dodge City is difficult to pinpoint but
said that having more retail choices and recruiting more retailers will help
maintain the city's high pull factor. The organization is also exploring ways
to get people to stop off the interstate highway, including the implementation
of a Star Bond.On the housing front, Williams noted that the overall sales
volume of the Hays MLS was down 3.3 percent last year due to a previously overheated
market in 2020 and 2021. However, the MLS average sales price increased by 4 percent,
while the county valuation of residential property increased by about 12 percent.And while county appraisers often receive criticism, Williams said valuations are determined by a computer algorithm and that evidence-based
appeals are a fair process.Ellis County saw a slight increase in
housing inventory and days on the market from the previous year with 48
active listings reported at year-end, compared to 40 in 2021. The increase in inventory, however,
did not fully address the supply issues faced by the community. Williams noted
that there is still a shortage of housing, particularly in the $175,000 to $275,000 price
range.The increase in interest rates also impacted the market,
leading to a slowdown in sales. Williams said that it would take time to
resolve the issue, as it requires the development of land, lots and
multifamily units. In addition, challenges related to supply chain and labor
shortages have made the situation even more difficult."We still have supply issues," he said. "We don't have enough housing. In our community, we're working diligently to try and fix some of that. But we can use some more, and we're going to continue to try and fix it."Williams expressed the need for continued diligent planning and
investment in the community to address the housing shortage. "I think the next five years in Ellis County are going to be fantastic," Williams said. "If you look at all the large projects are going on and all the things that we've got happening, they're going to be great. But we need to step up to the plate and do some things to do to meet the housing needs and to meet some other needs, the infrastructure needs in not only Hays but in Ellis and Victoria and those places, and use the tools that are available to try and ensure that we take advantage of this."<a href="https://www.growhays.com/">The report is set to release soon and will be available on the Grow Hays website.</a>

🎙 Grow Hays annual report highlights positive economic momentum

Tractor farm safety courses will soon be offered by area
K-State Extension district offices. 

The courses, commonly known as HOSTA, or Hazardous Occupation
Safety Training for Agriculture, are a federal requirement
for 14- and 15-year-old kids who plan to work on a farm that is not family owned
and operated, according to Stacy Campbell, Cottonwood Extension District agent.

Area courses include a session on April 22 in Hill City beginning
at 8 a.m., with pre-registration recommended before April 18 by contacting the
local Extension office.

“We do that every year, usually that last weekend in April,”
Campbell said. “I will be going and
helping teach so I can always take kids from here in Ellis County and could
even pick some kids up from Trego County on the way.”

<a href="https://postpodcast.podbean.com/e/area-extension-districts-plans-tractor-safety-courses-for-youth/">Campbell said the course is a full-day, intense course that
includes instruction on machinery maintenance and safety, instruction on how to
stop bleeding and discussion on how to prevent farm accidents. </a>

“We go over some machinery maintenance and how to check
different things. So it's a full day …intense course, but we give them breaks in
and we kind of recap everything, and they take a test at the end of the day,” he
said.

<a href="https://greatbendpost.com/posts/9c4f797a-3c5c-4d92-8456-7879bda28896">Another
course is scheduled in Russell on the same day at 8:15 a.m., with registration
due by April 14. On April 29, a course is scheduled in Beloit and in Salina on
May 25.</a>

Campbell emphasized the importance of safety in agriculture,
as it is one of the most hazardous occupations out there. 

“It can be tragic,” he said. “Oftentimes, if they would just
shut the machinery off when they're doing something, that would probably
alleviate a lot of things. So, you know, we talk about those types of things and
just try to kind of bring it home to those kids to be safe.”

“We even have somebody in there coming in again this year,
talking about losing their son in a farm accident,” he said. “Just kind of
driving that point home to these kids that they they're not bulletproof. Nobody
is, and accidents do happen.”

The course also includes instruction on how to operate farm
machinery safely, with follow-up with employers after the student has practical
time working with the equipment with supervision.

That training highlights an ongoing focus on safety
in the industry.

“People get complacent," Campbell said. "We know,
unfortunately, in agriculture, quite a few have a fair amount of the injuries
or deaths. ... We talk
about those types of things and just try to kind of bring it home to
those kids to be safe because agriculture is, and will unfortunately, probably
remain, one of the most hazardous occupations out there."

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/3/1679689278799.jpg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>By JAMES BELL Hays PostTractor farm safety courses will soon be offered by area
K-State Extension district offices. The courses, commonly known as HOSTA, or Hazardous Occupation
Safety Training for Agriculture, are a federal requirement
for 14- and 15-year-old kids who plan to work on a farm that is not family owned
and operated, according to Stacy Campbell, Cottonwood Extension District agent.Area courses include a session on April 22 in Hill City beginning
at 8 a.m., with pre-registration recommended before April 18 by contacting the
local Extension office.<div><iframe title="Area extension districts plans tractor safety courses for youth" allowtransparency="true" height="300" 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=ymm9n-13c4e01-pb&from=pb6admin&square=1&share=1&download=1&rtl=0&fonts=Arial&skin=3267a3&font-color=auto&logo_link=podcast_page&btn-skin=3267a3&size=300" allowfullscreen=""></iframe></div>The cost of the program is $15.“We do that every year, usually that last weekend in April,”
Campbell said. “I will be going and
helping teach so I can always take kids from here in Ellis County and could
even pick some kids up from Trego County on the way.”<a href="https://postpodcast.podbean.com/e/area-extension-districts-plans-tractor-safety-courses-for-youth/">Campbell said the course is a full-day, intense course that
includes instruction on machinery maintenance and safety, instruction on how to
stop bleeding and discussion on how to prevent farm accidents. </a>“We go over some machinery maintenance and how to check
different things. So it's a full day …intense course, but we give them breaks in
and we kind of recap everything, and they take a test at the end of the day,” he
said.<a href="https://greatbendpost.com/posts/9c4f797a-3c5c-4d92-8456-7879bda28896">Another
course is scheduled in Russell on the same day at 8:15 a.m., with registration
due by April 14. On April 29, a course is scheduled in Beloit and in Salina on
May 25.</a>Campbell emphasized the importance of safety in agriculture,
as it is one of the most hazardous occupations out there. “It can be tragic,” he said. “Oftentimes, if they would just
shut the machinery off when they're doing something, that would probably
alleviate a lot of things. So, you know, we talk about those types of things and
just try to kind of bring it home to those kids to be safe.”“We even have somebody in there coming in again this year,
talking about losing their son in a farm accident,” he said. “Just kind of
driving that point home to these kids that they they're not bulletproof. Nobody
is, and accidents do happen.”The course also includes instruction on how to operate farm
machinery safely, with follow-up with employers after the student has practical
time working with the equipment with supervision.That training highlights an ongoing focus on safety
in the industry.“People get complacent," Campbell said. "We know,
unfortunately, in agriculture, quite a few have a fair amount of the injuries
or deaths. ... We talk
about those types of things and just try to kind of bring it home to
those kids to be safe because agriculture is, and will unfortunately, probably
remain, one of the most hazardous occupations out there."

🎙 Tractor farm safety courses offered by K-State Extension

On this episode of Forward Ever: Leading in Challenging Times, host Gary Shorman speaks with Fort Hays State University President Tisa Mason.&nbsp;&nbsp;

<div><iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/doPcPDLJu2o" 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 Fort Hays State University President Tisa Mason.&nbsp;&nbsp;