<i>On this episode of the Post Podcast Grow Hays executive director, Doug Williams talks about the economic impact of the availability of daycare locally and beyond.</i><br>

<a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/5dd2f46c897d147ad4bb104b">To find out more about The Post Podcast, or subscribe to mobile&nbsp;</a><a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/5dd2f46c897d147ad4bb104b">notifications click here.</a>

<div><iframe title="Availably of daycare impacts workforce" 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=sjdwg-109b241-pb&from=pb6admin&square=1&share=1&download=1&rtl=0&fonts=Arial&skin=3267a3&font-color=auto&btn-skin=3267a3&size=450" allowfullscreen=""></iframe></div><p><i>On this episode of the Post Podcast Grow Hays executive director, Doug Williams talks about the economic impact of the availability of daycare locally and beyond.</i><br></p><p><a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/5dd2f46c897d147ad4bb104b">To find out more about The Post Podcast, or subscribe to mobile&nbsp;</a><a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/5dd2f46c897d147ad4bb104b">notifications click here.</a></p>

🎙Post Podcast: Availably of daycare impacts workforce

The Delta variant of COVID-19 has been identified in Ellis County, but with an effective vaccine available Health Services Director Jason Kennedy said there is little cause for local concern.

"Yes, it is in Ellis County," Kennedy said. "We do currently have one case as credited by the state."

But the work needed to identify variants in positive COVID-19 tests occurs in only about one in ten tests, so the number could potentially be higher, he said.

"We do believe that the Delta variant is probably the primary COVID-19 that we have in Ellis County," Kennedy said.

But so far, there has been no impact seen due to the variant.

"It doesn't seem to be leading to any increased hospitalizations over and above what the standard COVID-19 did," Kennedy said. "It doesn't seem to be leading to any increased mortality above and beyond what COVID-19 (did.)

"Actually, what we are seeing is maybe reduced hospitalizations or reduced mortality from the Delta variant, likely due to vaccines."

Three vaccines have been developed and are all readily available in Hays and Kennedy said they are all highly effective against the COVID-19, including the Delta variant.

"It really doesn't matter which of the three vaccines you get," he said. "Some of them are shown to be slightly more effective, some of them are shown to be slightly less effective, but they are all effective.

"And what we are finding, even with the Delta variant - as with COVID-19 - is that the vaccinated people do not seem to be getting hospitalized, and they are not dying, even if they get COVID-19. 

"Ninety-nine point five percent - 99.5, that's a big number - percent of COVID deaths, right now are in the unvaccinated population. There is no way around that number."

He said cases of COVID-19 in vaccinated people are also sporadic, and those cases are typically mild or asymptomatic.

"The vaccine does appear to be effective, and it is working," Kennedy said. "We have a tool. The only tool that is highly effective and will limit the overall impact of this pandemic is vaccination."

With the number of vaccines that have been given out across the globe, Kennedy said there is also overwhelming data showing they are safe.

"There are all kinds of statistics, but what we know about this vaccine is that it is overwhelmingly safe," he said. "The negative incidents with this vaccine are generally less than what we find with any other vaccine."

But the hesitancy remains, and ultimately he said the unvaccinated make up the majority of cases today.

"Right now, we are in a pandemic of the unvaccinated population," Kennedy said. "And that is just a simple fact. If you don't want to get COVID-19, or if you are fearful that you might get COVID-19, or you are fearful you might spread it to someone else, be vaccinated. Go get vaccinated."

While he said the vaccines are effective, he does not believe they should be made mandatory.

"It's a personal choice," Kennedy said. "It's your right to do that. It is your right not to do that."

But he hopes those choosing not to receive the vaccine will consider all of the potential impacts.

"The vast majority of COVID-19 impacts have just been social impacts," Kennedy said, including extend quarantines and lockdowns. "That's been the vast majority."

He said limiting those impacts, alongside the medical impacts, requires vaccinations.

"If you are vaccinated, and you are next to someone that is positive, you won't be quarantined," Kennedy said. "You will be able to go to work; you can continue to live your life. If you're vaccinated, even in an area that has mask mandates, almost all of them, if you are vaccinated, you don't need to wear a mask. Right now, it is the way for us to continue forward."

He said that the pandemic would last longer without more vaccinations, and the push for mandates will continue.

And with attention toward the new variant and vaccination rates leveling off, stories of returning mandates and full hospitals may be easy to believe, but are untrue, Kennedy said.

"That, unfortunately, is an overdramatization of the events," he said. "The hospital has plenty of beds. The hospital has a great staff, the hospital has the tools to treat you if you get COVID-19, and you have tools to protect yourself if you don't want to get COVID-19."

And the return of restrictions is unlikely.

"Right now, there is no outlook for shutdowns in Ellis County," Kennedy said. "There is no outlook for any mandates in Ellis County. We will not close businesses. We will not mandate masks. We will not limit gathering sizes.

 "The government will not fight the pandemic for you. It is your turn to fight your pandemic."

<div><iframe title="Kennedy: Delta variant is here, but we have the tool to stop it" 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=rwtaz-109866c-pb&from=pb6admin&square=1&share=1&download=1&rtl=0&fonts=Arial&skin=f6f6f6&font-color=auto&btn-skin=3267a3&size=450" allowfullscreen=""></iframe></div><p><b>By JAMES BELL</b><br><i>Hays Post</i></p><p>The Delta variant of COVID-19 has been identified in Ellis County, but with an effective vaccine available Health Services Director Jason Kennedy said there is little cause for local concern.</p><p>"Yes, it is in Ellis County," Kennedy said. "We do currently have one case as credited by the state."</p><p>But the work needed to identify variants in positive COVID-19 tests occurs in only about one in ten tests, so the number could potentially be higher, he said.</p><p>"We do believe that the Delta variant is probably the primary COVID-19 that we have in Ellis County," Kennedy said.</p><p>But so far, there has been no impact seen due to the variant.</p><p>"It doesn't seem to be leading to any increased hospitalizations over and above what the standard COVID-19 did," Kennedy said. "It doesn't seem to be leading to any increased mortality above and beyond what COVID-19 (did.)</p><p>"Actually, what we are seeing is maybe reduced hospitalizations or reduced mortality from the Delta variant, likely due to vaccines."</p><p>Three vaccines have been developed and are all readily available in Hays and Kennedy said they are all highly effective against the COVID-19, including the Delta variant.</p><p>"It really doesn't matter which of the three vaccines you get," he said. "Some of them are shown to be slightly more effective, some of them are shown to be slightly less effective, but they are all effective.</p><p>"And what we are finding, even with the Delta variant - as with COVID-19 - is that the vaccinated people do not seem to be getting hospitalized, and they are not dying, even if they get COVID-19. </p><p>"Ninety-nine point five percent - 99.5, that's a big number - percent of COVID deaths, right now are in the unvaccinated population. There is no way around that number."</p><p>He said cases of COVID-19 in vaccinated people are also sporadic, and those cases are typically mild or asymptomatic.</p><p>"The vaccine does appear to be effective, and it is working," Kennedy said. "We have a tool. The only tool that is highly effective and will limit the overall impact of this pandemic is vaccination."</p><p>With the number of vaccines that have been given out across the globe, Kennedy said there is also overwhelming data showing they are safe.</p><p>"There are all kinds of statistics, but what we know about this vaccine is that it is overwhelmingly safe," he said. "The negative incidents with this vaccine are generally less than what we find with any other vaccine."</p><p>But the hesitancy remains, and ultimately he said the unvaccinated make up the majority of cases today.</p><p>"Right now, we are in a pandemic of the unvaccinated population," Kennedy said. "And that is just a simple fact. If you don't want to get COVID-19, or if you are fearful that you might get COVID-19, or you are fearful you might spread it to someone else, be vaccinated. Go get vaccinated."</p><p>While he said the vaccines are effective, he does not believe they should be made mandatory.</p><p>"It's a personal choice," Kennedy said. "It's your right to do that. It is your right not to do that."</p><p>But he hopes those choosing not to receive the vaccine will consider all of the potential impacts.</p><p>"The vast majority of COVID-19 impacts have just been social impacts," Kennedy said, including extend quarantines and lockdowns. "That's been the vast majority."</p><p>He said limiting those impacts, alongside the medical impacts, requires vaccinations.</p><p>"If you are vaccinated, and you are next to someone that is positive, you won't be quarantined," Kennedy said. "You will be able to go to work; you can continue to live your life. If you're vaccinated, even in an area that has mask mandates, almost all of them, if you are vaccinated, you don't need to wear a mask. Right now, it is the way for us to continue forward."</p><p>He said that the pandemic would last longer without more vaccinations, and the push for mandates will continue.</p><p>And with attention toward the new variant and vaccination rates leveling off, stories of returning mandates and full hospitals may be easy to believe, but are untrue, Kennedy said.</p><p>"That, unfortunately, is an overdramatization of the events," he said. "The hospital has plenty of beds. The hospital has a great staff, the hospital has the tools to treat you if you get COVID-19, and you have tools to protect yourself if you don't want to get COVID-19."</p><p>And the return of restrictions is unlikely.</p><p>"Right now, there is no outlook for shutdowns in Ellis County," Kennedy said. "There is no outlook for any mandates in Ellis County. We will not close businesses. We will not mandate masks. We will not limit gathering sizes.</p><p> "The government will not fight the pandemic for you. It is your turn to fight your pandemic."</p>

🎙Kennedy: Delta variant in Ellis Co., but we have the tool to stop it

<i>On this episode of the Post Podcast Grow Hays executive director, Doug Williams speaks about how the condition of school buildings can impact economic development.</i>

<div><iframe title="Educational facilities a factor in economic development" 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=rm52n-1095527-pb&from=pb6admin&square=1&share=1&download=1&rtl=0&fonts=Arial&skin=f6f6f6&font-color=auto&btn-skin=3267a3&size=450" allowfullscreen=""></iframe></div><p><i>On this episode of the Post Podcast Grow Hays executive director, Doug Williams speaks about how the condition of school buildings can impact economic development.</i></p><p><a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/5dd2f46c897d147ad4bb104b">To find out more about The Post Podcast, or subscribe to mobile&nbsp;</a><a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/5dd2f46c897d147ad4bb104b">notifications click here.</a></p>

🎙Post Podcast: Educational facilities a factor in economic development

<i>On this episode of the Post Podcast Hays Chamber president and CEO Sarah Wasinger shares the latest from the Hays Chamber.</i>

<div><iframe title="Hays Chamber continues to develop health insurance offering" 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=twyn2-1093ded-pb&from=pb6admin&square=1&share=1&download=1&rtl=0&fonts=Arial&skin=3&font-color=auto&btn-skin=3267a3&size=300" allowfullscreen=""></iframe></div><p><i>On this episode of the Post Podcast Hays Chamber president and CEO Sarah Wasinger shares the latest from the Hays Chamber.</i></p><p><a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/5dd2f46c897d147ad4bb104b">To find out more about The Post Podcast, or subscribe to mobile&nbsp;</a><a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/5dd2f46c897d147ad4bb104b">notifications click here.</a></p>

🎙Post Podcast: Hays Chamber continues to develop health insurance offering

<i>On this episode of Forward Ever: Leading in Challenging Times host Gary Shorman speaks with&nbsp;Salina Supercentenarian Revah Stokes.</i>

<div><iframe title="Forward Ever: Salina Supercentenarian Revah Stokes" 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=qbd5j-109242a-pb&from=pb6admin&square=1&share=1&download=1&rtl=0&fonts=Arial&skin=3&font-color=auto&btn-skin=3267a3&size=300" allowfullscreen=""></iframe></div><p><i>On this episode of Forward Ever: Leading in Challenging Times host Gary Shorman speaks with&nbsp;Salina Supercentenarian Revah Stokes.</i></p>

🎤Forward Ever: Salina Supercentenarian Revah Stokes

<i>On this episode of the Post Podcast Hays Chamber vice president of membership, Rhonda Meyerhoff shares information about the next Business Showcase.</i>

<div><iframe title="Hays Chamber seeking business showcase locations" 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=ats7z-108a5f1-pb&from=pb6admin&square=1&share=1&download=1&rtl=0&fonts=Arial&skin=3&font-color=&btn-skin=3267a3&size=300" allowfullscreen=""></iframe></div><p><i>On this episode of the Post Podcast Hays Chamber vice president of membership, Rhonda Meyerhoff shares information about the next Business Showcase.</i></p><p><a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/5dd2f46c897d147ad4bb104b">To find out more about The Post Podcast, or subscribe to mobile&nbsp;</a><a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/5dd2f46c897d147ad4bb104b">notifications click here.</a></p>

🎙Post Podcast: Hays Chamber seeking business showcase locations

<i>On this episode of the Post Podcast Hays Public Library communications coordinator, Callie Kolacny shares the latest from the library.</i><br>

<div><iframe title="Summer activities continue at the Hays Public Library" 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=v2yp3-1088cb6-pb&from=pb6admin&square=1&share=1&download=1&rtl=0&fonts=Arial&skin=3&font-color=&btn-skin=3&size=300" allowfullscreen=""></iframe></div><p><i>On this episode of the Post Podcast Hays Public Library communications coordinator, Callie Kolacny shares the latest from the library.</i><br></p><p><a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/5dd2f46c897d147ad4bb104b">To find out more about The Post Podcast, or subscribe to mobile&nbsp;</a><a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/5dd2f46c897d147ad4bb104b">notifications click here.</a></p>

🎙Post Podcast: Summer activities continue at the Hays Public Library

<i>On this episode of the Post Podcast Grow Hays executive director Doug Williams shares the latest from the Rural Housing Incentive district project and upcoming programs at BriefSpace.</i>

<div><iframe title="Housing project development continues" 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=w6exm-1085b5c-pb&from=pb6admin&square=1&share=1&download=1&rtl=0&fonts=Arial&skin=3&font-color=&btn-skin=3&size=300" allowfullscreen=""></iframe></div><p><i>On this episode of the Post Podcast Grow Hays executive director Doug Williams shares the latest from the Rural Housing Incentive district project and upcoming programs at BriefSpace.</i></p><p><a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/5dd2f46c897d147ad4bb104b">To find out more about The Post Podcast, or subscribe to mobile&nbsp;</a><a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/5dd2f46c897d147ad4bb104b">notifications click here.</a></p>

🎙Post Podcast: Housing project development continues

<i>On this episode of the Post Podcast Ellis Alliance executive director, Sophia Henrickson shares information about the upcoming 89th annual Ellis Junior Free Fair.</i>

<div><iframe title="Preparations underway for Ellis Junior Free Fair" 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=pmdm3-1085b4e-pb&from=pb6admin&square=1&share=1&download=1&rtl=0&fonts=Arial&skin=3&font-color=&btn-skin=3&size=300" allowfullscreen=""></iframe></div><p><i>On this episode of the Post Podcast Ellis Alliance executive director, Sophia Henrickson shares information about the upcoming 89th annual Ellis Junior Free Fair.</i></p><p><a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/5dd2f46c897d147ad4bb104b">To find out more about The Post Podcast, or subscribe to mobile&nbsp;</a><a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/5dd2f46c897d147ad4bb104b">notifications click here.</a></p>

🎙Post Podcast: Preparations underway for Ellis Junior Free Fair

<i>On this episode of the Post Podcast Hays Chamber president and CEO Sarah Wasinger talks about the chamber's efforts to launch a health insurance program for members.</i>

<div><iframe title="Hays Chamber exploring insurance options for members" 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=s2dfu-108211a-pb&from=pb6admin&square=1&share=1&download=1&rtl=0&fonts=Arial&skin=3&font-color=&btn-skin=3&size=300" allowfullscreen=""></iframe></div><p><i>On this episode of the Post Podcast Hays Chamber president and CEO Sarah Wasinger talks about the chamber's efforts to launch a health insurance program for members.</i></p><p><a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/5dd2f46c897d147ad4bb104b">To find out more about The Post Podcast, or subscribe to mobile&nbsp;</a><a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/5dd2f46c897d147ad4bb104b">notifications click here.</a></p>

🎙Post Podcast: Hays Chamber exploring insurance options for members

On this episode of the Post Podcast Fort Hays State chief communications officer, Scott Cason talks about summer activities on the campus.

<div><iframe title="Events and activities bring energy the FHSU campus" 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=a2uby-107acf6-pb&from=pb6admin&square=1&share=1&download=1&rtl=0&fonts=Arial&skin=3&btn-skin=3&size=300" allowfullscreen=""></iframe></div><p>On this episode of the Post Podcast Fort Hays State chief communications officer, Scott Cason talks about summer activities on the campus.</p><p><a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/5dd2f46c897d147ad4bb104b">To find out more about The Post Podcast, or subscribe to mobile&nbsp;</a><a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/5dd2f46c897d147ad4bb104b">notifications click here.</a></p>

🎙Post Podcast: FHSU buzzing with activity this summer with camps and activities

On this episode of the Post Podcast Cottonwood Extension District agent, Stacy Campbell shares information about the ongoing wheat harvest and  Fusarium Head Blight.

<div><iframe title="Fusarium Head Blight affecting western Kansas crops" 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=sefkq-10791c2-pb&from=pb6admin&square=1&share=1&download=1&rtl=0&fonts=Arial&skin=3&btn-skin=3&size=300" allowfullscreen=""></iframe></div><p>On this episode of the Post Podcast Cottonwood Extension District agent, Stacy Campbell shares information about the ongoing wheat harvest and  Fusarium Head Blight.</p><p><a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/5dd2f46c897d147ad4bb104b">To find out more about The Post Podcast, or subscribe to mobile&nbsp;</a><a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/5dd2f46c897d147ad4bb104b">notifications click here.</a></p>

🎙Post Podcast: Fusarium Head Blight affecting western Kansas crops

On this episode of the Post Podcast, Grow Hays executive director Doug Williams shares information about the Rural Opportunity Zone decision in Ellis County.

<div><iframe title="Ellis County becoming a Rural Opportunity Zone could have positive impact on area economies" allowtransparency="true" height="300" width="100%" style="border: none; overflow: scroll; -webkit-overflow-scrolling: touch; min-width: 100%; *width: 100%; width: 1px;" scrolling="no" data-name="pb-iframe-player" src="https://www.podbean.com/player-v2/?i=8wzwq-1073302-pb&from=pb6admin&square=1&share=1&download=1&rtl=0&fonts=Arial&skin=3&btn-skin=3&size=300" allowfullscreen=""></iframe></div><p>On this episode of the Post Podcast, Grow Hays executive director Doug Williams shares information about the Rural Opportunity Zone decision in Ellis County.</p><p><a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/5dd2f46c897d147ad4bb104b">To find out more about The Post Podcast, or subscribe to mobile&nbsp;</a><a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/5dd2f46c897d147ad4bb104b">notifications click here.</a></p>

🎙Post Podcast: Rural Opportunity Zone could have positive impact on area economies

As Ellis County governments work to finalize next year's budget, Grow Hays is seeking a different way to fund the organization they believe will positively impact economic development in the county.

“It’s that time of year — all of the
local governments are going through their budget process,” said Grow Hays
Executive Director Doug Williams.

“This year, we have a different spin on
it.”

Currently, he said they receive about half of their funding from private the public
sector and the rest from Ellis County, along with the cities of Hays, Ellis and Victoria.

But he argued if Hays wants to fully
benefit from economic development efforts — the way other western Kansas
towns have — more funding is needed.

“Our budget is about half of what comparable
communities are that have done a good job of economic development,” he said. “We
have not had the level of investment to do some of the things that we would
like to do over a long sustained period of time.”

So this year, Williams said the approach to funding requests has changed.

He has proposed each taxing agency implement
a one-half mill levy specifically for economic development.

“We felt that that would get us to a
budget level that would be comparable to other communities our size, but also
more importantly, fund the plans that we have,” Williams said.

But even if the mill is not the chosen
method of funding, the important part of the proposal, Williams said, is
increasing the financial support for economic development.

“We like the idea, we believe it’s a
sustainable way to do it, but we are just asking them for additional investment
that we think will get the taxing entities a good return,” Williams said.

Using Ford and Finney counties as
examples, he said budgets for economic development are around $500,000 and
that investment has led to growing local economies.

Grow Hays’ budget is approximately half
of that amount.

With that money, the group can employ more
staff and overall can accomplish more development, he said.

“They can get a lot more done, and they
have,” Williams said. 

While many in Ellis County may note the
desires of the local population are different than those counties, the return
on investment, dollars could potentially create a strong economy and tax base, which will help Ellis County continue to be a regional economic hub.

Using their natural resources and with
their investment into development, other counties have brought in industry and created jobs.

“It’s a great lesson in using the
resources you have and leveraging those into growth,” Williams said. 

He said local resources are
different, but just as valuable, pointing to the Interstate highway that runs by
Hays carrying 15,000 to 20,000 cars a day, Fort Hays State University, NCK
Technical College and Hays Medical Center.

“These are resources that we can
leverage,” Williams said. “And we need to do that and take the lessons from
these other communities.”

If given an increase by local
governments, he said that money would be used in a variety of ways, but
increasing staff who could be used to identify and source economic development
opportunities would be the most costly.

“We want to add a couple of people,”
Williams said. “We want to add somebody that is completely focused on
recruitment and retention of business to our community — whether it be retail or
otherwise. We want to expand our programming offerings in the area of entrepreneurship
and do more programs and get more people involved.”

He said that would help delve into areas
of development that are currently untapped.

“We are coming out of this pandemic, we
are in a competitive world, we have lots and lots of urban migrators leaving
metropolitan areas, we think we have a great story to tell,” Willams said.

“Hays is a great community, but we need
to get to those people and make sure they understand what we do have to offer.
We just can’t do that if we are short-staffed. We don’t want to miss that opportunity.”

<figure>
                        <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/6/1624648976000.jpeg" alt="Grow Hays Executive Director Doug Williams presents his budget request to the Ellis City Council." />
                        <figcaption>Grow Hays Executive Director Doug Williams presents his budget request to the Ellis City Council.</figcaption>
                    </figure><div><iframe title="Grow Hays seeking additional funding from area governments" allowtransparency="true" height="300" width="100%" style="border: none; overflow: scroll; -webkit-overflow-scrolling: touch; min-width: 100%; *width: 100%; width: 1px;" scrolling="no" data-name="pb-iframe-player" src="https://www.podbean.com/player-v2/?i=aimtf-10732e4-pb&from=pb6admin&square=1&share=1&download=1&rtl=0&fonts=Arial&skin=3&btn-skin=3&size=300" allowfullscreen=""></iframe></div><p><b>By JAMES BELL</b><br><i>Hays Post</i></p><p>As Ellis County governments work to finalize next year's budget, Grow Hays is seeking a different way to fund the organization they believe will positively impact economic development in the county.</p><p>“It’s that time of year — all of the
local governments are going through their budget process,” said Grow Hays
Executive Director Doug Williams.</p><p>“This year, we have a different spin on
it.”</p><p>Currently, he said they receive about half of their funding from private the public
sector and the rest from Ellis County, along with the cities of Hays, Ellis and Victoria.</p><p>But he argued if Hays wants to fully
benefit from economic development efforts — the way other western Kansas
towns have — more funding is needed.</p><p>“Our budget is about half of what comparable
communities are that have done a good job of economic development,” he said. “We
have not had the level of investment to do some of the things that we would
like to do over a long sustained period of time.”</p><p>So this year, Williams said the approach to funding requests has changed.</p><p>He has proposed each taxing agency implement
a one-half mill levy specifically for economic development.</p><p>“We felt that that would get us to a
budget level that would be comparable to other communities our size, but also
more importantly, fund the plans that we have,” Williams said.</p><p>But even if the mill is not the chosen
method of funding, the important part of the proposal, Williams said, is
increasing the financial support for economic development.</p><p>“We like the idea, we believe it’s a
sustainable way to do it, but we are just asking them for additional investment
that we think will get the taxing entities a good return,” Williams said.</p><p>Using Ford and Finney counties as
examples, he said budgets for economic development are around $500,000 and
that investment has led to growing local economies.</p><p>Grow Hays’ budget is approximately half
of that amount.</p><p>With that money, the group can employ more
staff and overall can accomplish more development, he said.</p><p>“They can get a lot more done, and they
have,” Williams said. </p><p>While many in Ellis County may note the
desires of the local population are different than those counties, the return
on investment, dollars could potentially create a strong economy and tax base, which will help Ellis County continue to be a regional economic hub.</p><p>Using their natural resources and with
their investment into development, other counties have brought in industry and created jobs.</p><p>“It’s a great lesson in using the
resources you have and leveraging those into growth,” Williams said. </p><p>He said local resources are
different, but just as valuable, pointing to the Interstate highway that runs by
Hays carrying 15,000 to 20,000 cars a day, Fort Hays State University, NCK
Technical College and Hays Medical Center.</p><p>“These are resources that we can
leverage,” Williams said. “And we need to do that and take the lessons from
these other communities.”</p><p>If given an increase by local
governments, he said that money would be used in a variety of ways, but
increasing staff who could be used to identify and source economic development
opportunities would be the most costly.</p><p>“We want to add a couple of people,”
Williams said. “We want to add somebody that is completely focused on
recruitment and retention of business to our community — whether it be retail or
otherwise. We want to expand our programming offerings in the area of entrepreneurship
and do more programs and get more people involved.”</p><p>He said that would help delve into areas
of development that are currently untapped.</p><p>“We are coming out of this pandemic, we
are in a competitive world, we have lots and lots of urban migrators leaving
metropolitan areas, we think we have a great story to tell,” Willams said.</p><p>“Hays is a great community, but we need
to get to those people and make sure they understand what we do have to offer.
We just can’t do that if we are short-staffed. We don’t want to miss that opportunity.”</p>

🎙 Grow Hays pitching Ellis Co. governments for increased funding

<i>On this episode of the Post Podcast Rick Feltenberger from ForwardFocus and Hays Chamber president and CEO Sarah Wasinger discuss the upcoming Lunch &amp; Learn on June 30th at noon at BriefSpace.&nbsp;</i>

<div><iframe title="Upcoming Lunch and Learn to focus on succession planning" 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=8mitv-106ef0f-pb&from=pb6admin&square=1&share=1&download=1&rtl=0&fonts=Arial&skin=3&btn-skin=3&size=300" allowfullscreen=""></iframe></div><p><i>On this episode of the Post Podcast Rick Feltenberger from ForwardFocus and Hays Chamber president and CEO Sarah Wasinger discuss the upcoming Lunch &amp; Learn on June 30th at noon at BriefSpace.&nbsp;</i></p><p><a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/5dd2f46c897d147ad4bb104b">To find out more about The Post Podcast, or subscribe to mobile&nbsp;</a><a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/5dd2f46c897d147ad4bb104b">notifications click here.</a></p>

🎙Post Podcast: Upcoming Lunch and Learn to focus on succession planning

<i>On this episode of the Post Podcast Grow Hays executive director, Doug Williams shares information about economic development in Ellis County and beyond.</i>

<div><iframe title="Investment into economic development has long term results" 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=fyh6w-106b3e2-pb&from=pb6admin&square=1&share=1&download=1&rtl=0&fonts=Arial&skin=3&btn-skin=3&size=300" allowfullscreen=""></iframe></div><p><i>On this episode of the Post Podcast Grow Hays executive director, Doug Williams shares information about economic development in Ellis County and beyond.</i></p><p><a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/5dd2f46c897d147ad4bb104b">To find out more about The Post Podcast, or subscribe to mobile&nbsp;</a><a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/5dd2f46c897d147ad4bb104b">notifications click here.</a></p>

🎙Post Podcast: Investment into economic development has long term results

<i>On this episode of the Post Podcast, Fort Hays State University's Glen McNeil shares information about vitamins and health.</i>

<a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/dff3c4c2-8bf6-4746-8c16-2c5011dede5f">For the first half of this discussion click here.</a>

<div><iframe title="Vitamins an important part of good health" 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=i4h5s-106b3ca-pb&from=pb6admin&square=1&share=1&download=1&rtl=0&fonts=Arial&skin=3&btn-skin=3&size=300" allowfullscreen=""></iframe></div><p><i>On this episode of the Post Podcast, Fort Hays State University's Glen McNeil shares information about vitamins and health.</i></p><p><a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/dff3c4c2-8bf6-4746-8c16-2c5011dede5f">For the first half of this discussion click here.</a></p><p><a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/5dd2f46c897d147ad4bb104b">To find out more about The Post Podcast, or subscribe to mobile&nbsp;</a><a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/5dd2f46c897d147ad4bb104b">notifications click here.</a></p>

🎙Post Podcast: Vitamins an important part of good health

<i>On this episode of the Post Podcast Downtown Hays Development Corporation executive director, Sara Bloom shares the latest from the DHDC.</i>

<div><iframe title="DHDC works to strengthen downtown Hays with events; collaboration" 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=bsiwk-106a071-pb&from=pb6admin&square=1&share=1&download=1&rtl=0&fonts=Arial&skin=3&btn-skin=3&size=300" allowfullscreen=""></iframe></div><p><i>On this episode of the Post Podcast Downtown Hays Development Corporation executive director, Sara Bloom shares the latest from the DHDC.</i></p><p><a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/5dd2f46c897d147ad4bb104b">To find out more about The Post Podcast, or subscribe to mobile&nbsp;</a><a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/5dd2f46c897d147ad4bb104b">notifications click here.</a></p>

🎙Post Podcast: DHDC works to strengthen downtown Hays with events; collaboration

The Summer Art Walk in Hays will return this Friday night, allowing area residents to see various artistic expressions from painting to music at locations throughout downtown.

The event is scheduled from 6:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m.

"This is a really great lineup for this Summer Art Walk," said&nbsp;Hays Arts Council executive director Brenda Meder.&nbsp;

At the Arts Council, 112 E. 11th, she said three exhibitions will be showcased, anchored by <i>Storm, </i>featuring local and regional artists.

"They are all storm-inspired pieces," Meder said. "Some of them are very literal, with some of the most gorgeous, stormy, and almost turbulent looking skies. Some of them are more metaphorical and address different kinds of storms that happen in our lives. There are even a few pieces in there that are a little bit more socio-political from the storm perspective."

Margie Hammerschmidt will be featured in her first exhibition,&nbsp;<i>Two Years with Brush ‘n Paint</i>, in the center as well.

"We wanted to get her started in a way that fit the amount of work she had, and so our hall gallery is going to be featuring these wonderful paintings," Meder said.&nbsp;

Ellinwood artist Robert Joy will also be featured in the center with <i>Things Imagined.</i>

In conjunction with the Art Walk, the Hays Public Library will celebrate the completion of a significant remodel, with a special celebration beginning at 5 p.m.

"We want to celebrate that and let people know what we did and recognize the people that played a big part in the remodel," said&nbsp; Hays&nbsp;Public Library communications coordinator, Callie Kolacny.

During that celebration the Hays Chamber will host a ceremonial ribbon cutting and the Downtown Hays Development Corporation will host a brick presentation.

Kolacny said the library event will be a good kick-off for the Art Walk.

"We're going to have our presentation, and then we will be all done in time for everybody to just enjoy downtown Hays and walk around and do the Art Walk."

Along with a variety of visual arts presented at the library and other downtown businesses, live music will be featured during the Art Walk as well.

There will be a Community Acoustic Jam session in front of the Fox Theatre, 1202 Main.

"It's a wonderful group of individuals who like making music together, mostly on stringed instruments, and they just play together."

At the Paisley Pear Wine Bar, Bistro and Market, 1100 Main, along with works from <i>Groovy Doodle, </i>Wade Richard is set to perform from 8 p.m. to 10 p.m.

And wrapping up live music for the evening, the Hays Young Professionals will host a street dance featuring Anthony and the Animals in the Downtown Pavilion, 10th and Main from 7:30 to 11 p.m., according to Hays Chamber president and CEO Sarah Wasinger.

"It's free to attend for the public," she said. "All you have to do is bring a lawn chair, maybe some awesome dance moves, a cooler with some cold beverages, and it's just going to be a great time to enjoy a wonderful evening in downtown Hays."

A full calendar of events can be seen below, or a printable version is also available on the <a href="https://img1.wsimg.com/blobby/go/916bb38b-09bf-4c28-bf9f-4da5a0b67707/downloads/sum%20wlk%2021%20for%20web%20(6-15).pdf?ver=1623798416729">Hays Arts Council's website.</a>

<figure>
                        <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/6/1623877479116.jpeg" alt="" />
                        <figcaption></figcaption>
                    </figure><div><iframe title="Summer Art Walk set for Friday in downtown Hays" 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=ik38v-1067411-pb&from=pb6admin&square=1&share=1&download=1&rtl=0&fonts=Arial&skin=3&btn-skin=3&size=300" allowfullscreen=""></iframe></div><p><b>By JAMES BELL</b><br><i>Hays Post</i></p><p>The Summer Art Walk in Hays will return this Friday night, allowing area residents to see various artistic expressions from painting to music at locations throughout downtown.</p><p>The event is scheduled from 6:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m.</p><p>"This is a really great lineup for this Summer Art Walk," said&nbsp;Hays Arts Council executive director Brenda Meder.&nbsp;</p><p>At the Arts Council, 112 E. 11th, she said three exhibitions will be showcased, anchored by <i>Storm, </i>featuring local and regional artists.</p><figure>
                        <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/6/1623877445223.jpeg" alt="" />
                        <figcaption></figcaption>
                    </figure><p>"They are all storm-inspired pieces," Meder said. "Some of them are very literal, with some of the most gorgeous, stormy, and almost turbulent looking skies. Some of them are more metaphorical and address different kinds of storms that happen in our lives. There are even a few pieces in there that are a little bit more socio-political from the storm perspective."</p><figure>
                        <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/6/1623877527594.jpeg" alt="" />
                        <figcaption></figcaption>
                    </figure><p>Margie Hammerschmidt will be featured in her first exhibition,&nbsp;<i>Two Years with Brush ‘n Paint</i>, in the center as well.</p><p>"We wanted to get her started in a way that fit the amount of work she had, and so our hall gallery is going to be featuring these wonderful paintings," Meder said.&nbsp;</p><p>Ellinwood artist Robert Joy will also be featured in the center with <i>Things Imagined.</i></p><p>In conjunction with the Art Walk, the Hays Public Library will celebrate the completion of a significant remodel, with a special celebration beginning at 5 p.m.</p><p>"We want to celebrate that and let people know what we did and recognize the people that played a big part in the remodel," said&nbsp; Hays&nbsp;Public Library communications coordinator, Callie Kolacny.</p><p>During that celebration the Hays Chamber will host a ceremonial ribbon cutting and the Downtown Hays Development Corporation will host a brick presentation.</p><p>Kolacny said the library event will be a good kick-off for the Art Walk.</p><p>"We're going to have our presentation, and then we will be all done in time for everybody to just enjoy downtown Hays and walk around and do the Art Walk."</p><p>Along with a variety of visual arts presented at the library and other downtown businesses, live music will be featured during the Art Walk as well.</p><p>There will be a Community Acoustic Jam session in front of the Fox Theatre, 1202 Main.</p><p>"It's a wonderful group of individuals who like making music together, mostly on stringed instruments, and they just play together."</p><p>At the Paisley Pear Wine Bar, Bistro and Market, 1100 Main, along with works from <i>Groovy Doodle, </i>Wade Richard is set to perform from 8 p.m. to 10 p.m.</p><p>And wrapping up live music for the evening, the Hays Young Professionals will host a street dance featuring Anthony and the Animals in the Downtown Pavilion, 10th and Main from 7:30 to 11 p.m., according to Hays Chamber president and CEO Sarah Wasinger.</p><p>"It's free to attend for the public," she said. "All you have to do is bring a lawn chair, maybe some awesome dance moves, a cooler with some cold beverages, and it's just going to be a great time to enjoy a wonderful evening in downtown Hays."</p><p>A full calendar of events can be seen below, or a printable version is also available on the <a href="https://img1.wsimg.com/blobby/go/916bb38b-09bf-4c28-bf9f-4da5a0b67707/downloads/sum%20wlk%2021%20for%20web%20(6-15).pdf?ver=1623798416729">Hays Arts Council's website.</a></p><figure>
                        <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/6/1623864907534.png" alt="" />
                        <figcaption></figcaption>
                    </figure>

🎙Summer Art Walk and more set to kick off downtown Friday in Hays

<i>On this episode of the Post Podcast, Hays Chamber president and CEO Sarah Wasinger shares the latest from the chamber.</i>

<div><iframe title="Latest Business Showcase Challenge wrapping up this week" 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=yd868-1065da1-pb&from=pb6admin&square=1&share=1&download=1&rtl=0&fonts=Arial&skin=3&btn-skin=3&size=300" allowfullscreen=""></iframe></div><p><i>On this episode of the Post Podcast, Hays Chamber president and CEO Sarah Wasinger shares the latest from the chamber.</i></p><p><a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/5dd2f46c897d147ad4bb104b">To find out more about The Post Podcast, or subscribe to mobile&nbsp;</a><a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/5dd2f46c897d147ad4bb104b">notifications click here.</a></p>

🎙Post Podcast: Latest Business Showcase Challenge wrapping up this week

<i>On this episode of the Post Podcast Hays Public Library communications coordinator, Callie Kolacny shares the latest from the library.&nbsp;</i>

<div><iframe title="Hays Public Library remodel ribbon cutting set for Friday" 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=659du-1064322-pb&from=pb6admin&square=1&share=1&download=1&rtl=0&fonts=Arial&skin=3&btn-skin=3&size=300" allowfullscreen=""></iframe></div><p><i>On this episode of the Post Podcast Hays Public Library communications coordinator, Callie Kolacny shares the latest from the library.&nbsp;</i></p><p><a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/5dd2f46c897d147ad4bb104b">To find out more about The Post Podcast, or subscribe to mobile&nbsp;</a><a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/5dd2f46c897d147ad4bb104b">notifications click here.</a></p>

🎙Post Podcast: Hays Public Library remodel ribbon cutting set for Friday

<i>On this episode of the Post Podcast, Ellis Alliance executive director Sophia Henrickson shares details about the upcoming Ellis Summer Art Walk.</i>

<div><iframe title="Preparations underway for Ellis Art Walk" 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=5ts2w-1062049-pb&from=pb6admin&square=1&share=1&download=1&rtl=0&fonts=Arial&skin=3&btn-skin=3&size=300" allowfullscreen=""></iframe></div><p><i>On this episode of the Post Podcast, Ellis Alliance executive director Sophia Henrickson shares details about the upcoming Ellis Summer Art Walk.</i></p><p><a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/5dd2f46c897d147ad4bb104b">To find out more about The Post Podcast, or subscribe to mobile&nbsp;</a><a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/5dd2f46c897d147ad4bb104b">notifications click here.</a></p>

🎙Post Podcast: Preparations underway for Ellis Art Walk

<i>On this episode of the Post Podcast, Fort Hays State University Alumni Association interim executive director Tammy Wellbrock and communications coordinator Noelle Husmann share information about FHSU tags.</i>

<div><iframe title="Official state FHSU car tags more than just decorative" 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=5mu9w-1062033-pb&from=pb6admin&square=1&share=1&download=1&rtl=0&fonts=Arial&skin=3&btn-skin=3&size=300" allowfullscreen=""></iframe></div><p><i>On this episode of the Post Podcast, Fort Hays State University Alumni Association interim executive director Tammy Wellbrock and communications coordinator Noelle Husmann share information about FHSU tags.</i></p><p><a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/5dd2f46c897d147ad4bb104b">To find out more about The Post Podcast, or subscribe to mobile&nbsp;</a><a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/5dd2f46c897d147ad4bb104b">notifications click here.</a></p>

🎙Post Podcast: Official state FHSU car tags more than just decorative

On this episode of the Post Podcast Hays Chamber president and CEO Sarah Wasinger shares information about the ongoing Business Showcase Challenge.

<div><iframe title="Latest Hays Chamber's Business Showcase Challenge ongoing" 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=ds8hw-105f33b-pb&from=pb6admin&square=1&share=1&download=1&rtl=0&fonts=Arial&skin=3&btn-skin=3&size=300" allowfullscreen=""></iframe></div><p>On this episode of the Post Podcast Hays Chamber president and CEO Sarah Wasinger shares information about the ongoing Business Showcase Challenge.</p><p><a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/5dd2f46c897d147ad4bb104b">To find out more about The Post Podcast, or subscribe to mobile&nbsp;</a><a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/5dd2f46c897d147ad4bb104b">notifications click here.</a></p>

🎙Post Podcast: Latest Hays Chamber's Business Showcase Challenge ongoing

On this episode of the Post Podcast Grow Hays executive director, Doug Williams shares information about business recruitment in Ellis County.

<div><iframe title="Business recruitment is Ellis County offers challenges; opportunities" 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=5h6ej-10564bd-pb&from=pb6admin&download=1&square=1&share=1&download=1&rtl=0&fonts=Arial&skin=3&btn-skin=3&size=300" allowfullscreen=""></iframe></div><p>On this episode of the Post Podcast Grow Hays executive director, Doug Williams shares information about business recruitment in Ellis County.</p><p><a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/5dd2f46c897d147ad4bb104b">To find out more about The Post Podcast, or subscribe to mobile&nbsp;</a><a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/5dd2f46c897d147ad4bb104b">notifications click here.</a></p>