On this episode of the Post Podcast, Hays Post Reporter Cristina Janney speaks with Grow Hays Executive Director Doug Williams about retail recruitment in Hays.

<div><iframe title="Grow Hays director discusses retail recruitment in Hays" allowtransparency="true" height="600" width="100%" style="border: none; min-width: min(100%, 430px);height:600px;" scrolling="no" data-name="pb-iframe-player" src="https://www.podbean.com/player-v2/?i=marec-1620237-pb&from=pb6admin&square=1&share=1&download=1&rtl=0&fonts=Arial&skin=3267a3&font-color=auto&logo_link=podcast_page&btn-skin=60a0c8&size=600" loading="lazy" allowfullscreen=""></iframe></div>On this episode of the Post Podcast, Hays Post Reporter Cristina Janney speaks with Grow Hays Executive Director Doug Williams about retail recruitment in Hays.

🎙 Post Podcast: Grow Hays director discusses retail recruitment in Hays

On this episode of Forward Ever: Leading in Challenging Times, host Gary Shorman speaks with&nbsp; Medical Foster Home Program coordinator Amy Adams.

<div><iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/T3lyU_3rNfM?si=oAweCkNXxMo7Iubc" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" referrerpolicy="strict-origin-when-cross-origin" allowfullscreen></iframe></div>On this episode of Forward Ever: Leading in Challenging Times, host Gary Shorman speaks with&nbsp; Medical Foster Home Program coordinator Amy Adams.

🎤Forward Ever: Veterans Administration social worker Amy Adams

By CRISTINA JANNEY Hays Post

VICTORIA—The Ellis County Historical Society broke ground Thursday on a satellite location in the former St. John's Nursing Home in Victoria.

<a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/8ef333ba-9b6f-4f12-88ea-0e385dfb7c94">The building is being developed by the Victoria Community Coalition. Work on senior apartments has begun on the north side of the former nursing home.</a>

The historical society will occupy 10,000 square feet on the south side of the building. The first phase of the project, which will cost about $175,000, will be storage on the second floor of the building.&nbsp;

The south portion of the building used to house the dining room, kitchen and original chapel. The second floor also once housed the living quarters for the nuns and other nursing home staff.

The second phase of the renovation will cost about $500,000 to $750,000 and include gallery space and perhaps a children's discovery center.

The former nursing home is very close to St. Fedlis Basilica, which 15,000 to 18,000 people visit annually. The historical society board members hope to lure some of the visitors to the new museum gallery in St. John's Place.

The storage area will open first. Work is set to start next week on the roof.

The historical society hopes to finish the gallery space by 2026 to coincide with the 150th anniversary of the first farmers settling in Ellis County.

Ellis County will also be hosting a national convention of the Germans from Russia in 2026.

The historical society does not have space in its old stone church or the former brick Presbyterian Church to tell the full story of Ellis County, Amanda Rupp, historical society executive director, said.

The satellite location in Victoria will focus on the histories of the agricultural and oil industries in Ellis County.

The discovery center would offer hands-on learning activities for children centered on farming or the oil industry.

Rupp said the museum also hopes to have a display on the <a href="https://www.travelks.com/listing/walker-air-base-display/40220/">Walker Army Air Base</a>, which was about 2 and 1/2 miles northwest of Walker. The base was constructed during WWII to handle&nbsp;B-29 Bombers.

"It was only in operation for a couple of years, but it has a cult following on Facebook, and people still come in and say, 'Hey, my grandparents were stationed there.' They want to know about it and learn about it," Rupp said.

The historical society hopes to have a naming contest or survey to solicit input from the community on the name of the new museum site.

"We really want to be a resource for the entire county, but that brings visitors through Victoria and celebrates the heritage of the people who started this area and continued to stay here," Rupp said.

The historical society will apply for state grants and is&nbsp;looking for individual donors to support the second phase of the Victoria project.

Don Bickle, John O. Farmer and two anonymous donors have donated significantly to the project.

The new museum site will also have a gallery wall dedicated to the early families of Ellis County. Individuals or families can purchase plaques to honor these early settlers.

"Everybody wants to see their family up there. It's not a national museum. It's a county museum. We have a lot of stories to tell," Rupp said.

You can learn more about donating to the Ellis County Historical Society on its website by selecting the <a href="https://www.echshays.org/support-us-1">"Support Us"</a> tab.

You can also contact the museum at 785-628-2624.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/5/1716497947557.jpeg" alt="From left: Amanda Rupp, executive director of the Ellis County Historical Society; historical society board members Priscilla Hunt, Brad Ricke and Mary Kay Schippers; donor Don Bickle; and Victoria Community Coalition board member Jeff Pfeifer break ground on the Ellis County Historical Society Victoria satellite location on Thursday at St. John's Place. Photo by Cristina Janney/Hays Post" />
 <figcaption>From left: Amanda Rupp, executive director of the Ellis County Historical Society; historical society board members Priscilla Hunt, Brad Ricke and Mary Kay Schippers; donor Don Bickle; and Victoria Community Coalition board member Jeff Pfeifer break ground on the Ellis County Historical Society Victoria satellite location on Thursday at St. John's Place. Photo by Cristina Janney/Hays Post</figcaption>
 </figure><div><iframe title="Ellis County Historical Society breaks ground on Victoria satellite location" allowtransparency="true" height="150" width="100%" style="border: none; min-width: min(100%, 430px);height:150px;" scrolling="no" data-name="pb-iframe-player" src="https://www.podbean.com/player-v2/?i=km5vy-161ee43-pb&from=pb6admin&share=1&download=1&rtl=0&fonts=Arial&skin=3267a3&font-color=auto&logo_link=podcast_page&btn-skin=60a0c8&size=315" loading="lazy"></iframe></div>By CRISTINA JANNEY Hays PostVICTORIA—The Ellis County Historical Society broke ground Thursday on a satellite location in the former St. John's Nursing Home in Victoria.<a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/8ef333ba-9b6f-4f12-88ea-0e385dfb7c94">The building is being developed by the Victoria Community Coalition. Work on senior apartments has begun on the north side of the former nursing home.</a>The historical society will occupy 10,000 square feet on the south side of the building. The first phase of the project, which will cost about $175,000, will be storage on the second floor of the building.&nbsp;The south portion of the building used to house the dining room, kitchen and original chapel. The second floor also once housed the living quarters for the nuns and other nursing home staff.The second phase of the renovation will cost about $500,000 to $750,000 and include gallery space and perhaps a children's discovery center.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/5/1716496652651.jpeg" alt="Development plan for St. John's Place in Victoria. The section in blue is being developed by the Ellis County Historical Society." />
 <figcaption>Development plan for St. John's Place in Victoria. The section in blue is being developed by the Ellis County Historical Society.</figcaption>
 </figure>The former nursing home is very close to St. Fedlis Basilica, which 15,000 to 18,000 people visit annually. The historical society board members hope to lure some of the visitors to the new museum gallery in St. John's Place.The storage area will open first. Work is set to start next week on the roof.The historical society hopes to finish the gallery space by 2026 to coincide with the 150th anniversary of the first farmers settling in Ellis County.Ellis County will also be hosting a national convention of the Germans from Russia in 2026.The historical society does not have space in its old stone church or the former brick Presbyterian Church to tell the full story of Ellis County, Amanda Rupp, historical society executive director, said.The satellite location in Victoria will focus on the histories of the agricultural and oil industries in Ellis County.The discovery center would offer hands-on learning activities for children centered on farming or the oil industry.Rupp said the museum also hopes to have a display on the <a href="https://www.travelks.com/listing/walker-air-base-display/40220/">Walker Army Air Base</a>, which was about 2 and 1/2 miles northwest of Walker. The base was constructed during WWII to handle&nbsp;B-29 Bombers."It was only in operation for a couple of years, but it has a cult following on Facebook, and people still come in and say, 'Hey, my grandparents were stationed there.' They want to know about it and learn about it," Rupp said.The historical society hopes to have a naming contest or survey to solicit input from the community on the name of the new museum site."We really want to be a resource for the entire county, but that brings visitors through Victoria and celebrates the heritage of the people who started this area and continued to stay here," Rupp said.The historical society will apply for state grants and is&nbsp;looking for individual donors to support the second phase of the Victoria project.Don Bickle, John O. Farmer and two anonymous donors have donated significantly to the project.The new museum site will also have a gallery wall dedicated to the early families of Ellis County. Individuals or families can purchase plaques to honor these early settlers."Everybody wants to see their family up there. It's not a national museum. It's a county museum. We have a lot of stories to tell," Rupp said.You can learn more about donating to the Ellis County Historical Society on its website by selecting the <a href="https://www.echshays.org/support-us-1">"Support Us"</a> tab.You can also contact the museum at 785-628-2624.

🎙Ellis County Historical Society breaks ground on Victoria satellite location

Multiple cyberattacks have hit Kansas in recent weeks.&nbsp;

The <a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/6dfb291d-3533-4db7-b901-e54ca761719">City of Wichita</a> and <a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/8f5ab8b5-0dba-404d-95ce-f3b305af707e">Via Christi Hospital in Wichita</a> were affected, and <a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/4688fc8f-5406-4760-b5d0-04d3877a55fc">Trego County Lemke Memorial Hospital</a> announced Tuesday it was the subject of a ransomware attack.

Dallas Haselhorst, owner of TreeTop Security in Hays, discussed cyber threats and prevention on Thursday on Eagle Radio's Morning Blend show.

Haselhorst said everyone is vulnerable to cyberattacks.

"It's definitely one of those things that now that technology has become so ubiquitous to everything we do that if you are connected to the internet, in any way, shape, or form, there's a good chance that you could be attacked in some way, shape or form," Haselhorst said.

Haselhorst said hackers are not just after big companies and government agencies.

"We have done [incident responses] for billion dollar companies that are multinational. The smallest response we did was a local business here that had a total of four computers," he said. "It can absolutely affect anyone."

Haselhorst said prevention is the best action.

"I always tell people if you want to be secure, you should have started six months ago," he said, "because it's not an overnight thing even in small environments and businesses we work with. It can take a few months to get them more secure — there's no such thing as 100 percent."

He suggested working with a company that can offer comprehensive services and is not just a reseller of hardware, firewalls and software.

He said to look for frameworks and best practices developed by the National Institute of Standards in Technology or the Center for Internet Security.

"You have a burglar that could go through a 20-foot brick wall, or they could go to the house that has an unlocked door. Which one are they going to do?" Haselhorst said. "They are going to do the unlocked door every single time, regardless of what's inside."

"You need to get your doors all locked and do some basic security measures so the attacker bangs on the door enough and decides it's not worth it and goes to the next one that's a lot easier," he said.

Some basics of securing medical data or energy systems are the same for small companies with sales data.

Although security measures can be expensive, much of what TreeTop does also brings businesses into compliance with regulations.

If a business that accepts credit cards or digital payments is breached, it is liable for any data that might be compromised, Haselhorst said.

"You are basically out of business because you will fined out of business," he said.

Sometimes, cyber security comes down to people.

"If I'm an attacker, why would I go through all of these hoops if I could simply call up Cristina and act like I'm the IT help desk?" Haslehorst said. "'Hey, Cristina, it looks like you got locked out of your account. I can help with that. What's your old password?'"

Unfortunately, Haselhorst said often those tactics work.

"Your people can be the weakest link," he said. "Your people can also be the strongest link."

TreeTop offers free cybersecurity training.

If a hacker makes it past all of the technical barriers, but an employee is adequately trained to recognize phishing attempts, they can stop the hacker, Haselhorst said.

Haselhorst described a phishing attack in which a hacker posed as someone high in a company. A hacker sent 73 emails within 30 minutes, but several employees alerted cybersecurity of the emails.&nbsp;

Those emails were blocked and labeled as missed attacks, which helped train the AI security program, and the emails were removed from users' accounts.

As a user or consumer, there's not much you can do if an entity you do business with has been attacked, Haslehorst said.

However, if you are a business, he recommends cutting digital ties with the affected business or entity. He said he helped some companies do this when the Kansas court system was a cyberattack victim.

Businesses can also limit access to networks and data without completely cutting ties.

If an affected business or entity offers you free ID protection or credit monitoring, Haselhorst said it can help in some regards, but your information is already out there.

He did not suggest buying ID theft protection/credit monitoring.

"It's a running joke among cybersecurity professions, don't buy credit monitoring because your next free year is right around the corner because there's going to be another breech from someone," he said.

"Unfortunately, that's the world we live in that your data is all over the place. Once that cat's out of the bag, it's really hard to put it back in," Haselhorst said.

He suggested watching credit reports and card transactions and signing up for transaction alerts.

He also recommends having regular discussions with your spouse or anyone else on your bank or credit card about charges so you can better track transactions and spot fraud.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/5/1716318391157.jpg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure><div><iframe title="Hays cyber expert discusses security in light of attacks" allowtransparency="true" height="150" width="100%" style="border: none; min-width: min(100%, 430px);height:150px;" scrolling="no" data-name="pb-iframe-player" src="https://www.podbean.com/player-v2/?i=hjjhf-161d6d3-pb&from=pb6admin&share=1&download=1&rtl=0&fonts=Arial&skin=3267a3&font-color=auto&logo_link=podcast_page&btn-skin=60a0c8&size=315" loading="lazy"></iframe></div>By CRISTINA JANNEY Hays PostMultiple cyberattacks have hit Kansas in recent weeks.&nbsp;The <a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/6dfb291d-3533-4db7-b901-e54ca761719">City of Wichita</a> and <a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/8f5ab8b5-0dba-404d-95ce-f3b305af707e">Via Christi Hospital in Wichita</a> were affected, and <a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/4688fc8f-5406-4760-b5d0-04d3877a55fc">Trego County Lemke Memorial Hospital</a> announced Tuesday it was the subject of a ransomware attack.Dallas Haselhorst, owner of TreeTop Security in Hays, discussed cyber threats and prevention on Thursday on Eagle Radio's Morning Blend show.Haselhorst said everyone is vulnerable to cyberattacks."It's definitely one of those things that now that technology has become so ubiquitous to everything we do that if you are connected to the internet, in any way, shape, or form, there's a good chance that you could be attacked in some way, shape or form," Haselhorst said.Haselhorst said hackers are not just after big companies and government agencies."We have done [incident responses] for billion dollar companies that are multinational. The smallest response we did was a local business here that had a total of four computers," he said. "It can absolutely affect anyone."Haselhorst said prevention is the best action."I always tell people if you want to be secure, you should have started six months ago," he said, "because it's not an overnight thing even in small environments and businesses we work with. It can take a few months to get them more secure — there's no such thing as 100 percent."He suggested working with a company that can offer comprehensive services and is not just a reseller of hardware, firewalls and software.He said to look for frameworks and best practices developed by the National Institute of Standards in Technology or the Center for Internet Security."You have a burglar that could go through a 20-foot brick wall, or they could go to the house that has an unlocked door. Which one are they going to do?" Haselhorst said. "They are going to do the unlocked door every single time, regardless of what's inside.""You need to get your doors all locked and do some basic security measures so the attacker bangs on the door enough and decides it's not worth it and goes to the next one that's a lot easier," he said.Some basics of securing medical data or energy systems are the same for small companies with sales data.Although security measures can be expensive, much of what TreeTop does also brings businesses into compliance with regulations.If a business that accepts credit cards or digital payments is breached, it is liable for any data that might be compromised, Haselhorst said."You are basically out of business because you will fined out of business," he said.Sometimes, cyber security comes down to people."If I'm an attacker, why would I go through all of these hoops if I could simply call up Cristina and act like I'm the IT help desk?" Haslehorst said. "'Hey, Cristina, it looks like you got locked out of your account. I can help with that. What's your old password?'"Unfortunately, Haselhorst said often those tactics work."Your people can be the weakest link," he said. "Your people can also be the strongest link."TreeTop offers free cybersecurity training.If a hacker makes it past all of the technical barriers, but an employee is adequately trained to recognize phishing attempts, they can stop the hacker, Haselhorst said.Haselhorst described a phishing attack in which a hacker posed as someone high in a company. A hacker sent 73 emails within 30 minutes, but several employees alerted cybersecurity of the emails.&nbsp;Those emails were blocked and labeled as missed attacks, which helped train the AI security program, and the emails were removed from users' accounts.As a user or consumer, there's not much you can do if an entity you do business with has been attacked, Haslehorst said.However, if you are a business, he recommends cutting digital ties with the affected business or entity. He said he helped some companies do this when the Kansas court system was a cyberattack victim.Businesses can also limit access to networks and data without completely cutting ties.If an affected business or entity offers you free ID protection or credit monitoring, Haselhorst said it can help in some regards, but your information is already out there.He did not suggest buying ID theft protection/credit monitoring."It's a running joke among cybersecurity professions, don't buy credit monitoring because your next free year is right around the corner because there's going to be another breech from someone," he said."Unfortunately, that's the world we live in that your data is all over the place. Once that cat's out of the bag, it's really hard to put it back in," Haselhorst said.He suggested watching credit reports and card transactions and signing up for transaction alerts.He also recommends having regular discussions with your spouse or anyone else on your bank or credit card about charges so you can better track transactions and spot fraud.

🎙 Hays cyber expert discusses security in light of attacks

On this episode of the Post Podcast, Hays Post reporter Becky Kiser speaks with Downtown Hays Development Corp. executive director Julie Rider about the upcoming Farmer's Market and Brews on the Bricks.

<div><iframe title="Downtown Farmers Market kicks off May 25" allowtransparency="true" height="600" width="100%" style="border: none; min-width: min(100%, 430px);height:600px;" scrolling="no" data-name="pb-iframe-player" src="https://www.podbean.com/player-v2/?i=kt2ef-161d6b0-pb&from=pb6admin&square=1&share=1&download=1&rtl=0&fonts=Arial&skin=3267a3&font-color=auto&logo_link=podcast_page&btn-skin=60a0c8&size=600" loading="lazy" allowfullscreen=""></iframe></div>On this episode of the Post Podcast, Hays Post reporter Becky Kiser speaks with Downtown Hays Development Corp. executive director Julie Rider about the upcoming Farmer's Market and Brews on the Bricks.

🎙 Post Podcast: Downtown Farmers Market kicks off May 25

On this episode of Forward Ever: Leading in Challenging Times, host Gary Shorman speaks with U.S. Senator Roger Marshall.

<div><iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/8_QapUV_xYo?si=MR_64btnWHxJsyzR" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" referrerpolicy="strict-origin-when-cross-origin" allowfullscreen></iframe></div>On this episode of Forward Ever: Leading in Challenging Times, host Gary Shorman speaks with U.S. Senator Roger Marshall.

🎤Forward Ever: U.S. Sen. Roger Marshall

On this episode of the&nbsp;<a href="https://hayspost.com/category/post-podcast" target="_blank">Post Podcast</a>,&nbsp;<a href="http://www.ipifinancialservices.com/" target="_blank">IPI Financial Services</a> account executive Brian Weimer discusses life insurance with <a href="https://hayspost.com/" target="_blank">Hays Post</a> reporter Becky Kiser.&nbsp;&nbsp;

<div><iframe title="Life Insurance: Understanding needs and options with IPI Financial Services" allowtransparency="true" height="600" width="100%" style="border: none; min-width: min(100%, 430px);height:600px;" scrolling="no" data-name="pb-iframe-player" src="https://www.podbean.com/player-v2/?i=yh8ic-1609869-pb&from=pb6admin&square=1&share=1&download=1&rtl=0&fonts=Arial&skin=3267a3&font-color=auto&logo_link=podcast_page&btn-skin=60a0c8&size=600" loading="lazy" allowfullscreen=""></iframe></div>On this episode of the&nbsp;<a href="https://hayspost.com/category/post-podcast" target="_blank">Post Podcast</a>,&nbsp;<a href="http://www.ipifinancialservices.com/" target="_blank">IPI Financial Services</a> account executive Brian Weimer discusses life insurance with <a href="https://hayspost.com/" target="_blank">Hays Post</a> reporter Becky Kiser.&nbsp;&nbsp;

🎙 Post Podcast: IPI Financial Services shares life Insurance advice for 2024

On this episode of Forward Ever: Leading in Challenging Times, host Gary Shorman speaks with Boy Scouts of America Coronado Area Council district field executive Amanda McVey.

<div><iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/a1lRgw72n7M?si=VY1Or0yAPxrbWCQs" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" referrerpolicy="strict-origin-when-cross-origin" allowfullscreen></iframe></div>On this episode of Forward Ever: Leading in Challenging Times, host Gary Shorman speaks with Boy Scouts of America Coronado Area Council district field executive Amanda McVey.

🎤Forward Ever: Boy Scouts district field executive Amanda McVey

On this episode of Forward Ever: Leading in Challenging Times, host Gary Shorman speaks with&nbsp;HaysMed President, CEO Eddie Herrman.

<div><iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/o8KYn5O7ROo?si=I9ZAyP0OjLukO9P5" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" referrerpolicy="strict-origin-when-cross-origin" allowfullscreen></iframe></div>On this episode of Forward Ever: Leading in Challenging Times, host Gary Shorman speaks with&nbsp;HaysMed President, CEO Eddie Herrman.

🎤Forward Ever: HaysMed President, CEO Eddie Herrman

By BECKY KISER Hays Post

Many local historical societies were formed around America's 1976 Bicentennial, but their popularity has waned.

Amanda Rupp, executive director of the Ellis County Historical Society, wants to ensure the organization's viability and relatability for years to come.

"I think there's a lot of reviving this kind of tourist attraction around the state," she told the Hays City Commission recently.

"I've talked with other museum professionals, and they're really impressed by how much Hays takes an interest in and supports [the community's] cultural events, the arts, the entertainment," Rupp said.&nbsp; "It's nice to be a part of it."

The museum<a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/5df916f657544d3fe90e7c9c"> fell into disrepair </a>a few years ago.

Under Executive Director Amanda Rupp's new leadership, <a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/4b82c3c2-8654-43f3-b842-f85a8deace1b">rehab and renovations </a>have been a priority. Projects are undertaken when the necessary capital is secured.&nbsp;

Phase 1 involved mold remediation of the red brick former First Presbyterian Church, which was built in 1921.&nbsp;

Phase 2 of renovating the museum at 100 W. Seventh is also completed.&nbsp; The project cost $850,000 and included an ADA-compliant basement restroom, brick, stone and mortar repair, ramp entrances, new&nbsp;heating, ventilation, and air conditioning, and a new curator lab.

Phase 3, the final step in re-opening the building to the public, was unveiled in January. It will include updating the fire alarm system.

The main-level gallery space will be renovated this year at an estimated cost of $270,000.

"We've been talking with generous donors and grant foundations about that last little bit of money we need," Rupp said. "I know we can do it."

While work is underway, oversized artifacts in the main gallery will be transferred to the museum's sister site in Victoria at the former St. John Rest Home.

"I'd like to say that we'll be open to the public by this time next year," she told commissioners.

Rupp estimates the museum saved $25,000 in wages in 2023 thanks to the many hours worked by volunteers.&nbsp;

"It's great to see the importance of our history, and more people are getting more involved and being proud of what it is," said Mason Ruder, commissioner and a Hays native. "Bringing it back to the glory."

Programming this summer will be available thanks to the Nex-Generation Round Up for Youth and the Dane G. Hansen Foundation/Fort Hays State University internship program.&nbsp;

"We'll be able to be open seven days a week again this summer," Rupp said, "and still be free to visitors."

Another youth-enabled opportunity is an app designed by Thomas More Prep-Marian High School senior Henry Meitner.

"He helped us find an easy platform to design a walking tour of downtown Hays that correlates with the historic building plaques that are downtown," she said.

"You'll be able to see photographs related to the building, the history of the people that were there, and some other information, just not the one story that's on the plaque."&nbsp;

An informational brochure about the new app is forthcoming.

"I'm very excited about the app," said Alaina Cunningham, commissioner.&nbsp;

"It's great we're collaborating with someone local and of a younger generation."

Commissioner and executive director of the Sternberg Museum of Natural History, Reese Barrick, said, "The historical society also collaborated statewide."&nbsp;

"They got grants from the Kansas Museum Association and have gotten awards. They're active in the whole museum profession statewide and have brought attention to us locally."

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/4/1714164805938.jpeg" alt="Ellis County Historical Society Museum at 7th and Main, Hays. File photo by James Bell/Hays Post" />
 <figcaption>Ellis County Historical Society Museum at 7th and Main, Hays. File photo by James Bell/Hays Post</figcaption>
 </figure><div><iframe title="Updates from the Ellis County Historical Society" allowtransparency="true" height="150" width="100%" style="border: none; min-width: min(100%, 430px);height:150px;" scrolling="no" data-name="pb-iframe-player" src="https://www.podbean.com/player-v2/?i=ejb3b-15fa6db-pb&from=pb6admin&share=1&download=1&rtl=0&fonts=Arial&skin=3267a3&font-color=auto&logo_link=podcast_page&btn-skin=60a0c8&size=315" loading="lazy"></iframe></div>By BECKY KISER Hays PostMany local historical societies were formed around America's 1976 Bicentennial, but their popularity has waned.Amanda Rupp, executive director of the Ellis County Historical Society, wants to ensure the organization's viability and relatability for years to come."I think there's a lot of reviving this kind of tourist attraction around the state," she told the Hays City Commission recently."I've talked with other museum professionals, and they're really impressed by how much Hays takes an interest in and supports [the community's] cultural events, the arts, the entertainment," Rupp said.&nbsp; "It's nice to be a part of it."The museum<a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/5df916f657544d3fe90e7c9c"> fell into disrepair </a>a few years ago. Under Executive Director Amanda Rupp's new leadership, <a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/4b82c3c2-8654-43f3-b842-f85a8deace1b">rehab and renovations </a>have been a priority. Projects are undertaken when the necessary capital is secured.&nbsp;Phase 1 involved mold remediation of the red brick former First Presbyterian Church, which was built in 1921.&nbsp;Phase 2 of renovating the museum at 100 W. Seventh is also completed.&nbsp; The project cost $850,000 and included an ADA-compliant basement restroom, brick, stone and mortar repair, ramp entrances, new&nbsp;heating, ventilation, and air conditioning, and a new curator lab.Phase 3, the final step in re-opening the building to the public, was unveiled in January. It will include updating the fire alarm system.The main-level gallery space will be renovated this year at an estimated cost of $270,000."We've been talking with generous donors and grant foundations about that last little bit of money we need," Rupp said. "I know we can do it."While work is underway, oversized artifacts in the main gallery will be transferred to the museum's sister site in Victoria at the former St. John Rest Home."I'd like to say that we'll be open to the public by this time next year," she told commissioners.Rupp estimates the museum saved $25,000 in wages in 2023 thanks to the many hours worked by volunteers.&nbsp;"It's great to see the importance of our history, and more people are getting more involved and being proud of what it is," said Mason Ruder, commissioner and a Hays native. "Bringing it back to the glory."Programming this summer will be available thanks to the Nex-Generation Round Up for Youth and the Dane G. Hansen Foundation/Fort Hays State University internship program.&nbsp;"We'll be able to be open seven days a week again this summer," Rupp said, "and still be free to visitors."Another youth-enabled opportunity is an app designed by Thomas More Prep-Marian High School senior Henry Meitner."He helped us find an easy platform to design a walking tour of downtown Hays that correlates with the historic building plaques that are downtown," she said."You'll be able to see photographs related to the building, the history of the people that were there, and some other information, just not the one story that's on the plaque."&nbsp;An informational brochure about the new app is forthcoming."I'm very excited about the app," said Alaina Cunningham, commissioner.&nbsp;"It's great we're collaborating with someone local and of a younger generation."Commissioner and executive director of the Sternberg Museum of Natural History, Reese Barrick, said, "The historical society also collaborated statewide."&nbsp;"They got grants from the Kansas Museum Association and have gotten awards. They're active in the whole museum profession statewide and have brought attention to us locally."

🎙Bygone days of downtown Hays to be explored in Ellis County Historical Society app

On this episode of the Post Podcast, Hays Post Reporter Cristina Janney speaks with Grow Hays Executive Director Doug Williams about the economic impact of the recently announced plan to relocate the Hays Police Department into the current home of Astra Bank.

Read more at: <a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/c3ba539d-c919-451e-ad16-591c7dd52e76">City to locate new police station, municipal court in downtown Hays</a>

<div><iframe title="Grow Hays director discusses economic impact of new police station" allowtransparency="true" height="150" width="100%" style="border: none; min-width: min(100%, 430px);height:150px;" scrolling="no" data-name="pb-iframe-player" src="https://www.podbean.com/player-v2/?i=bnctp-15fa66d-pb&from=pb6admin&share=1&download=1&rtl=0&fonts=Arial&skin=3267a3&font-color=auto&logo_link=podcast_page&btn-skin=60a0c8&size=315" loading="lazy"></iframe></div>On this episode of the Post Podcast, Hays Post Reporter Cristina Janney speaks with Grow Hays Executive Director Doug Williams about the economic impact of the recently announced plan to relocate the Hays Police Department into the current home of Astra Bank.Read more at: <a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/c3ba539d-c919-451e-ad16-591c7dd52e76">City to locate new police station, municipal court in downtown Hays</a>

🎙 Post Podcast: Grow Hays director discusses economic impact of new police station

The city of Hays will locate its new police station and municipal courts downtown at 1100 Fort, the site of Astra Bank. The building has 23,000 square feet of space with room for expansion.

 An agreement was formalized Thursday by the Hays City Commission with Astra Bank/AIS, which plans to build a new facility on city-owned land at 27th and Main.

The agreement specifies that the city will pay Astra/AIS $1.8 million for its building and transfer a two-acre parcel of land from its five-acre property at 27th and Main to the bank.&nbsp;&nbsp;

In addition to a banking facility, Astra will also construct a headquarters building and potential retail space on the property.

 After reviewing several options, including constructing a new facility, city staff determined the Astra Bank location as the most viable long-term solution for a new police station. It will also cost about $5 million less than the initial plans for a new building.

The estimated cost of new construction was about $13 million, and remodeling the existing Astra Bank facility will cost approximately $8 million.

Astra Bank plans to vacate its downtown location by July 1, 2025.&nbsp;

The city has money budgeted in the capital improvement plan this year for a remodel design of the bank building, which has a full basement and open floor plan. 

Construction of the new police and municipal court facility is budgeted for 2025.&nbsp;

"We feel this is a really good opportunity for the city of Hays," said Toby Dougherty, Hays city manager. "It will keep the Hays Police Department and municipal court next to the Ellis County Courthouse and jail."

Moving the municipal operations out of the Law Enforcement Center will open up more space for the sheriff's department, jail and the district courts.

"I agree the utilization of that central property makes a lot more sense for it to be residential and retail, and then keeping the Law Enforcement Center all next to each other," said Mason Ruder, commissioner. "We work very closely with the sheriff's department and other courts. It makes sense to keep it localized there.

"Astra's investment in that property beyond its initial bank is going to be huge, too," Ruder said. "That property's been vacant a long time and now we can start seeing some vertical growth on it."

The city will also develop stormwater retention, using stormwater funds, for the entire 27th and Main acreage.

"The city commission has had its eye on possible apartment development for the remaining south side of the lot," Dougherty said.&nbsp;

• Approved a $67,000 design contract for engineering services with Driggs Design Group, PA, Hays, related to the reconstruction of 32nd/33rd Streets from Willow to Vine Streets.

• Designated the Hays Area Planning Commission as the Hays Area Board of Zoning Appeals.

• Approved the following mayor appointments:

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/7/1689001138921.png" alt="File photo/Hays Post" />
 <figcaption>File photo/Hays Post</figcaption>
 </figure><div><iframe title="City to locate new police station, municipal court in downtown Hays" allowtransparency="true" height="300" width="100%" style="border: none; min-width: min(100%, 430px);height:300px;" scrolling="no" data-name="pb-iframe-player" src="https://www.podbean.com/player-v2/?i=6fgih-15f8c57-pb&from=pb6admin&square=1&share=1&download=1&rtl=0&fonts=Arial&skin=3267a3&font-color=auto&logo_link=podcast_page&btn-skin=60a0c8&size=300" loading="lazy" allowfullscreen=""></iframe></div>By BECKY KISER Hays PostThe city of Hays will locate its new police station and municipal courts downtown at 1100 Fort, the site of Astra Bank. The building has 23,000 square feet of space with room for expansion. An agreement was formalized Thursday by the Hays City Commission with Astra Bank/AIS, which plans to build a new facility on city-owned land at 27th and Main.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/4/1713956075443.jpeg" alt="New location of Hays Astra Bank to be built at 27th and Main. Courtesy image" />
 <figcaption>New location of Hays Astra Bank to be built at 27th and Main. Courtesy image</figcaption>
 </figure>The agreement specifies that the city will pay Astra/AIS $1.8 million for its building and transfer a two-acre parcel of land from its five-acre property at 27th and Main to the bank.&nbsp;&nbsp;In addition to a banking facility, Astra will also construct a headquarters building and potential retail space on the property. After reviewing several options, including constructing a new facility, city staff determined the Astra Bank location as the most viable long-term solution for a new police station. It will also cost about $5 million less than the initial plans for a new building.The estimated cost of new construction was about $13 million, and remodeling the existing Astra Bank facility will cost approximately $8 million.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/4/1713964499400.jpeg" alt="Courtesy photo" />
 <figcaption>Courtesy photo</figcaption>
 </figure>Astra Bank plans to vacate its downtown location by July 1, 2025.&nbsp;The city has money budgeted in the capital improvement plan this year for a remodel design of the bank building, which has a full basement and open floor plan. Construction of the new police and municipal court facility is budgeted for 2025.&nbsp;"We feel this is a really good opportunity for the city of Hays," said Toby Dougherty, Hays city manager. "It will keep the Hays Police Department and municipal court next to the Ellis County Courthouse and jail."Moving the municipal operations out of the Law Enforcement Center will open up more space for the sheriff's department, jail and the district courts."I agree the utilization of that central property makes a lot more sense for it to be residential and retail, and then keeping the Law Enforcement Center all next to each other," said Mason Ruder, commissioner. "We work very closely with the sheriff's department and other courts. It makes sense to keep it localized there."Astra's investment in that property beyond its initial bank is going to be huge, too," Ruder said. "That property's been vacant a long time and now we can start seeing some vertical growth on it."The city will also develop stormwater retention, using stormwater funds, for the entire 27th and Main acreage."The city commission has had its eye on possible apartment development for the remaining south side of the lot," Dougherty said.&nbsp;In other business, the city commission:• Approved a $67,000 design contract for engineering services with Driggs Design Group, PA, Hays, related to the reconstruction of 32nd/33rd Streets from Willow to Vine Streets.• Updated the future land use map:<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/4/1714144399677.png" alt="Hays future land use map. City of Hays" />
 <figcaption>Hays future land use map. City of Hays</figcaption>
 </figure>• Designated the Hays Area Planning Commission as the Hays Area Board of Zoning Appeals.• Approved the following mayor appointments:<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/4/1714143518174.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>

🎙City to locate new police station, municipal court in downtown Hays    

On this episode of Forward Ever: Leading in Challenging Times, host Gary Shorman speaks with Kansas Insurance Commissioner Vicki Schmidt.

<div><iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/WI1_KldMTjg?si=FNFCltxat4qiGW_d" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" referrerpolicy="strict-origin-when-cross-origin" allowfullscreen></iframe></div>On this episode of Forward Ever: Leading in Challenging Times, host Gary Shorman speaks with Kansas Insurance Commissioner Vicki Schmidt.

🎤Forward Ever: Kan. Insurance Commissioner Vicki Schmidt

A special anniversary calls for a special celebration.

Patrons will be dressed in formal wear, and wine will flow from a sparkling fountain for&nbsp;Thomas More Prep-Marian's 50th annual ACE Auction— Auction for Christian Education—from 5 to 11 p.m. Saturday in the Al Billinger Fieldhouse. 

An open house to see the 100 items in the live auction will be from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Friday, starting with a Chamber Chat hosted by the Chamber in Hays. A preview party will be from 7 to 9 p.m. that night.

"You can find something for every room in your house and more," said Mason Ruder, advancement director.

Other items range from a special dinner party with the bishop to game tickets for favorite area sports teams.&nbsp;

New this year is a live artist working on-site who will create an original painting to auction off.

Patrons will also have the opportunity to bid on a "name the court" sign that will hang above the court entrance at the Al Billinger Fieldhouse.

Cash drawings will be conducted throughout the evening. Another drawing will feature a 2024 Hyundai Elantra SE (valued at $23,000) donated by Kay and Dick Werth at Auto World in Hays.&nbsp;

More than 425 items are available in the online auction. Bidding opens at 3 p.m. Friday.

The popular Item #160, which raises funds for different school projects, will be used in the golden anniversary year to "establish a financial foundation for the continuity of our history, tradition, educational excellence, and taking care of past, present and future students, faculty and staff," said Ruder, who is a TMP alum.

"As a private school, we do not get any tax funding, so every donation that we do get, every dollar we get, goes right back into the school," he said.

"We've been blessed in how long we've been able to do the ACE Auction," he said.&nbsp;

Each donation from $50 and up will get their name listed on the "Golden Legacy" plaque to be placed on campus.

From the first auction in 1975 to 2023, ACE has raised almost $13 million for Thomas More Prep-Marian.

The complete ACE Auction catalog is available <a href="https://www.hayscatholicschools.org/page/ace-2024">online</a>.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/4/1713880499026.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure><div><iframe title="Cheers to the next 50 years: TMP-Marian ACE Auction celebrates golden anniversary" allowtransparency="true" height="300" width="100%" style="border: none; min-width: min(100%, 430px);height:300px;" scrolling="no" data-name="pb-iframe-player" src="https://www.podbean.com/player-v2/?i=4runf-15f7755-pb&from=pb6admin&square=1&share=1&download=1&rtl=0&fonts=Arial&skin=3267a3&font-color=auto&logo_link=podcast_page&btn-skin=60a0c8&size=300" loading="lazy" allowfullscreen=""></iframe></div>By BECKY KISER Hays PostA special anniversary calls for a special celebration.Patrons will be dressed in formal wear, and wine will flow from a sparkling fountain for&nbsp;Thomas More Prep-Marian's 50th annual ACE Auction— Auction for Christian Education—from 5 to 11 p.m. Saturday in the Al Billinger Fieldhouse. The event is sold out.An open house to see the 100 items in the live auction will be from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Friday, starting with a Chamber Chat hosted by the Chamber in Hays. A preview party will be from 7 to 9 p.m. that night."You can find something for every room in your house and more," said Mason Ruder, advancement director.Other items range from a special dinner party with the bishop to game tickets for favorite area sports teams.&nbsp;New this year is a live artist working on-site who will create an original painting to auction off.Patrons will also have the opportunity to bid on a "name the court" sign that will hang above the court entrance at the Al Billinger Fieldhouse.Cash drawings will be conducted throughout the evening. Another drawing will feature a 2024 Hyundai Elantra SE (valued at $23,000) donated by Kay and Dick Werth at Auto World in Hays.&nbsp;More than 425 items are available in the online auction. Bidding opens at 3 p.m. Friday.The popular Item #160, which raises funds for different school projects, will be used in the golden anniversary year to "establish a financial foundation for the continuity of our history, tradition, educational excellence, and taking care of past, present and future students, faculty and staff," said Ruder, who is a TMP alum."As a private school, we do not get any tax funding, so every donation that we do get, every dollar we get, goes right back into the school," he said."We've been blessed in how long we've been able to do the ACE Auction," he said.&nbsp;Each donation from $50 and up will get their name listed on the "Golden Legacy" plaque to be placed on campus.From the first auction in 1975 to 2023, ACE has raised almost $13 million for Thomas More Prep-Marian.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/4/1713997226523.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>The complete ACE Auction catalog is available <a href="https://www.hayscatholicschools.org/page/ace-2024">online</a>.&nbsp;

🎙Cheers to the next 50 years: TMP-Marian ACE Auction celebrates golden anniversary

The 55th-annual Smoky Hill Art Exhibition at the Hays Arts Center, 112 E. 11th St., will anchor the Hays Arts Council Spring Art Walk again.

The Smoky Hill Art Exhibition is the state's oldest juried art exhibition. This year, 298 pieces were submitted by artists from across Kansas.

Sixty-two art pieces were selected for the exhibition. The gamut of the fine art world is represented — ceramics, paintings, glass and assemblages, said Brenda Meder, Hays Arts Council executive director.

"People can come and celebrate, chill and engage with our downtown in ways maybe they don't have other opportunities to do," Meder said.

"We are loaded with art, but of course, we have other great things going on in our downtown as well—great businesses and places to eat and drink."

Prior to Saturday's main event, the Fort Hays State University Jazz Bands will perform a free concert at 6:30 p.m. Friday at the Downtown Pavillion.&nbsp;

On Saturday, the Hays Public Library will host a watercolor demonstration by Margie Hammerschmidt of the Western Plains Painters at 1 p.m. in the Schmidt Gallery. At noon, the library will also host a community acoustic jam session in the first-floor commons.

The Hays Community Theatre will host free performances of Everett Robert's 10-minute play "Sputnik: The True Story of How Professional Wrestling Integrated Memphis, Tennesee" at 10:30 a.m., 11:30 a.m., 12:30 p.m. and 1:30 p.m. at 121 E. Eighth St.

Good Hope 4-H will host a project showcase, face painting and a fundraiser in the Downtown Pavilion at 10th and Main.

"Some of these 4-H students do amazing things," Meder said.

Jeanne Riedel will be in the pavilion singing her mystery book "Soon You Will Be Mine."

Randy Mader will provide live music all day at the pavilion.

Local crafters also have been invited to display and sell their goods in the pavilion during the art walk. See a list in the schedule below.

The Hays Convention and Visitors Bureau will have its Chalk Art Station in Union Pacific Park next to the pavilion.

Fort Hays State University will host two exhibitions from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday on campus.

The Hornak Estate FHSU Art Collection will be exhibited at the Moss Thorns Gallery. "BWCAW Puga," sculpture by Wayne Potratz, will be on display in the Taylor Gallery in the Center for Applied Technology and Sculpture.

The arts council has two youth events coming up in the next week.

The arts council will honor its youth Creative Writing Award winners at 1 p.m. Sunday at the Memorial Union.

The annual Famous Figures finals competition for Ellis County fifth-graders will be on May 3.

You can find more information on the <a href="https://haysartscouncil.org/">Hays Arts Council webpage</a> or follow them on <a href="https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100063746254684">Facebook</a>.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/4/1713993103583.jpeg" alt="Artwork to be featured in the Smoky Hill Art Exhibition on Saturday as part of the Hays Arts Council Art Walk. Photo by Cristina Janney/Hays Post" />
 <figcaption>Artwork to be featured in the Smoky Hill Art Exhibition on Saturday as part of the Hays Arts Council Art Walk. Photo by Cristina Janney/Hays Post</figcaption>
 </figure>By CRISTINA JANNEY Hays PostThe 55th-annual Smoky Hill Art Exhibition at the Hays Arts Center, 112 E. 11th St., will anchor the Hays Arts Council Spring Art Walk again.The Smoky Hill Art Exhibition is the state's oldest juried art exhibition. This year, 298 pieces were submitted by artists from across Kansas.<div><iframe title="Annual Smoky Hill exhibit to anchor Spring Art Walk" allowtransparency="true" height="300" width="100%" style="border: none; min-width: min(100%, 430px);height:300px;" scrolling="no" data-name="pb-iframe-player" src="https://www.podbean.com/player-v2/?i=9kx7p-15f5d4f-pb&from=pb6admin&square=1&share=1&download=1&rtl=0&fonts=Arial&skin=3267a3&font-color=auto&logo_link=podcast_page&btn-skin=60a0c8&size=300" loading="lazy" allowfullscreen=""></iframe></div>Sixty-two art pieces were selected for the exhibition. The gamut of the fine art world is represented — ceramics, paintings, glass and assemblages, said Brenda Meder, Hays Arts Council executive director.That show will run through early June.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/4/1713993187165.jpeg" alt="Artwork to be featured in the Smoky Hill Art Exhibition on Saturday as part of the Hays Arts Council Art Walk. Photo by Cristina Janney/Hays Post" />
 <figcaption>Artwork to be featured in the Smoky Hill Art Exhibition on Saturday as part of the Hays Arts Council Art Walk. Photo by Cristina Janney/Hays Post</figcaption>
 </figure>"People can come and celebrate, chill and engage with our downtown in ways maybe they don't have other opportunities to do," Meder said."We are loaded with art, but of course, we have other great things going on in our downtown as well—great businesses and places to eat and drink."Prior to Saturday's main event, the Fort Hays State University Jazz Bands will perform a free concert at 6:30 p.m. Friday at the Downtown Pavillion.&nbsp;On Saturday, the Hays Public Library will host a watercolor demonstration by Margie Hammerschmidt of the Western Plains Painters at 1 p.m. in the Schmidt Gallery. At noon, the library will also host a community acoustic jam session in the first-floor commons.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/4/1713993229349.jpeg" alt="Artwork to be featured in the Smoky Hill Art Exhibition on Saturday as part of the Hays Arts Council Art Walk. Photo by Cristina Janney/Hays Post" />
 <figcaption>Artwork to be featured in the Smoky Hill Art Exhibition on Saturday as part of the Hays Arts Council Art Walk. Photo by Cristina Janney/Hays Post</figcaption>
 </figure>The Hays Community Theatre will host free performances of Everett Robert's 10-minute play "Sputnik: The True Story of How Professional Wrestling Integrated Memphis, Tennesee" at 10:30 a.m., 11:30 a.m., 12:30 p.m. and 1:30 p.m. at 121 E. Eighth St.Good Hope 4-H will host a project showcase, face painting and a fundraiser in the Downtown Pavilion at 10th and Main."Some of these 4-H students do amazing things," Meder said.Jeanne Riedel will be in the pavilion singing her mystery book "Soon You Will Be Mine."<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/4/1713993263598.jpeg" alt="Artwork to be featured in the Smoky Hill Art Exhibition on Saturday as part of the Hays Arts Council Art Walk. Photo by Cristina Janney/Hays Post" />
 <figcaption>Artwork to be featured in the Smoky Hill Art Exhibition on Saturday as part of the Hays Arts Council Art Walk. Photo by Cristina Janney/Hays Post</figcaption>
 </figure>Randy Mader will provide live music all day at the pavilion.Local crafters also have been invited to display and sell their goods in the pavilion during the art walk. See a list in the schedule below.The Hays Convention and Visitors Bureau will have its Chalk Art Station in Union Pacific Park next to the pavilion.Fort Hays State University will host two exhibitions from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday on campus.The Hornak Estate FHSU Art Collection will be exhibited at the Moss Thorns Gallery. "BWCAW Puga," sculpture by Wayne Potratz, will be on display in the Taylor Gallery in the Center for Applied Technology and Sculpture.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/4/1713989883107.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>The arts council has two youth events coming up in the next week.The arts council will honor its youth Creative Writing Award winners at 1 p.m. Sunday at the Memorial Union.The annual Famous Figures finals competition for Ellis County fifth-graders will be on May 3.You can find more information on the <a href="https://haysartscouncil.org/">Hays Arts Council webpage</a> or follow them on <a href="https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100063746254684">Facebook</a>.

🎙Annual Smoky Hill exhibit to anchor Spring Art Walk

By TONY GUERRERO Hays Post

Residents are urged to stand in unity at Rock Against Rape, a concert raising awareness of sexual violence through a night of electrifying music.

Hays-based Options Domestic and Sexual Violence Services provides help and healing to victims of violence and abuse.

Options Campus Advocate Anniston Weber said the concert's mission is to connect with young adults 18 to 25.

"The goal is to reach college-aged students because they are at higher risk of being sexually assaulted," she said. "Hays is a college town and a lot of our culture involves drinking and partying."

The third-annual Rock Against Rape concert takes the stage at 7 p.m. on May 4 at the Home Event Center, 229 W 10th St.

The lineup includes young local bands and performers such as&nbsp;<a href="https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100084194772242">Adrian Parl</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.facebook.com/Beforethewintermusic">Before the&nbsp;Winter</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.facebook.com/CactusCollateral">Cactus Collateral</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.facebook.com/dangerouslybiased">Dangerously Biased</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61557616988843">Free Minded</a>.

"Free Minded is a group of college students who are heavily involved at the Fort Hays music department," Weber said. "They're a relatively new band, but they've performed for us for three years, and they're fantastic."

Advocates and volunteers will oversee the venue, while bartenders are prepared to recognize signs of sexual harassment or predatory behavior when serving alcohol.

The concert is open to anyone 18 and older, with a $10 admission fee for attendees younger than 21 and a $5 fee for those 21 and older.

Bar or restaurant owners who would like to participate in a training program on how to prevent sexual violence can call Options at 785-625-4202 to sign up.

<a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/50d5b7c5-782d-40d5-93a0-b08f297d2ef1">SEE RELATED STORY: Options seek bars to participate in Safe Bar training</a>.

"The concert is a way to connect with people through music and the tradition of coming together at a local bar to share stories and experiences," Options Executive Director Jennifer Hecker said.

Before their performances, band members will share information and statistics about sexual violence.

"We're trying to find light, easy ways to talk about a difficult topic that as a culture, we have not been comfortable talking about," Hecker said.

Options' resources will be highlighted throughout the venue.

Each performance will last about 50 minutes and will be scheduled to allow attendees to show their support.

"I try to put more mellow bands at the beginning of the night so people can come for the music and chill. As the night progresses, the music gets a little 'harder' so to speak," Weber said.

Rock Against Rape is not a fundraiser, but people can donate through QR codes at the event or the <a href="https://help4abuse.org/donate/">Options donate page</a>.

Upcoming events for sexual assault awareness month include:

Hecker said the key message of Rock Against Rape is that rapists are responsible for sexual assault, not alcohol.

"It's about holding those perpetrators accountable and putting the blame where it belongs. Not on the victim, what they were wearing or how much they had to drink," she said.

You can find information about domestic violence and resources for survivors on the National Domestic Violence Hotline&nbsp;<a href="https://www.thehotline.org/">website</a>&nbsp;and through <a href="https://help4abuse.org/">Options Domestic and Sexual Violence Services</a>.

You can walk into an Options office at 2716 Plaza, Hays, or 1480 W. Fourth, Colby.  You can call Options' 24-hour helpline at 1-800-794-4624 or text HOPE to 847411.

You can also follow Options on <a href="https://www.facebook.com/OptionsHays">Facebook</a>.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/4/1713367175538.jpeg" alt="Photo courtesy of Pixabay" />
 <figcaption>Photo courtesy of Pixabay</figcaption>
 </figure>By TONY GUERRERO Hays PostResidents are urged to stand in unity at Rock Against Rape, a concert raising awareness of sexual violence through a night of electrifying music.Hays-based Options Domestic and Sexual Violence Services provides help and healing to victims of violence and abuse.Options Campus Advocate Anniston Weber said the concert's mission is to connect with young adults 18 to 25.<div><iframe title="Options raises awareness of sexual assult during Sexual Assault Awareness Month" allowtransparency="true" height="150" width="100%" style="border: none; min-width: min(100%, 430px);height:150px;" scrolling="no" data-name="pb-iframe-player" src="https://www.podbean.com/player-v2/?i=4ks93-15ee051-pb&from=pb6admin&share=1&download=1&rtl=0&fonts=Arial&skin=3267a3&font-color=auto&logo_link=podcast_page&btn-skin=60a0c8&size=315" loading="lazy"></iframe></div>"The goal is to reach college-aged students because they are at higher risk of being sexually assaulted," she said. "Hays is a college town and a lot of our culture involves drinking and partying."The third-annual Rock Against Rape concert takes the stage at 7 p.m. on May 4 at the Home Event Center, 229 W 10th St.The lineup includes young local bands and performers such as&nbsp;<a href="https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100084194772242">Adrian Parl</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.facebook.com/Beforethewintermusic">Before the&nbsp;Winter</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.facebook.com/CactusCollateral">Cactus Collateral</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.facebook.com/dangerouslybiased">Dangerously Biased</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61557616988843">Free Minded</a>."Free Minded is a group of college students who are heavily involved at the Fort Hays music department," Weber said. "They're a relatively new band, but they've performed for us for three years, and they're fantastic."Advocates and volunteers will oversee the venue, while bartenders are prepared to recognize signs of sexual harassment or predatory behavior when serving alcohol.The concert is open to anyone 18 and older, with a $10 admission fee for attendees younger than 21 and a $5 fee for those 21 and older.Bar or restaurant owners who would like to participate in a training program on how to prevent sexual violence can call Options at 785-625-4202 to sign up.<a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/50d5b7c5-782d-40d5-93a0-b08f297d2ef1">SEE RELATED STORY: Options seek bars to participate in Safe Bar training</a>."The concert is a way to connect with people through music and the tradition of coming together at a local bar to share stories and experiences," Options Executive Director Jennifer Hecker said.Before their performances, band members will share information and statistics about sexual violence."We're trying to find light, easy ways to talk about a difficult topic that as a culture, we have not been comfortable talking about," Hecker said.Options' resources will be highlighted throughout the venue.Each performance will last about 50 minutes and will be scheduled to allow attendees to show their support."I try to put more mellow bands at the beginning of the night so people can come for the music and chill. As the night progresses, the music gets a little 'harder' so to speak," Weber said.Rock Against Rape is not a fundraiser, but people can donate through QR codes at the event or the <a href="https://help4abuse.org/donate/">Options donate page</a>.Upcoming events for sexual assault awareness month include:<ul>
 <li><a href="https://help4abuse.org/event/audrie-daisy-movie-screening/">Audrie &amp; Daisy Movie Screening</a>, April 24 at FHSU </li><li><a href="https://help4abuse.org/event/interactive-art-exhibit-group-healing/">Interactive Art Exhibit</a>, April 25 at Hays Outdoor Pavilion</li>
 </ul>Hecker said the key message of Rock Against Rape is that rapists are responsible for sexual assault, not alcohol."It's about holding those perpetrators accountable and putting the blame where it belongs. Not on the victim, what they were wearing or how much they had to drink," she said.You can find information about domestic violence and resources for survivors on the National Domestic Violence Hotline&nbsp;<a href="https://www.thehotline.org/">website</a>&nbsp;and through <a href="https://help4abuse.org/">Options Domestic and Sexual Violence Services</a>.You can walk into an Options office at 2716 Plaza, Hays, or 1480 W. Fourth, Colby. You can call Options' 24-hour helpline at 1-800-794-4624 or text HOPE to 847411.You can also follow Options on <a href="https://www.facebook.com/OptionsHays">Facebook</a>.