HMS Girls Basketball Camp set for June

May 30, 2024 is a fifth Thursday; therefore, there won’t be a Hays City Commission work session that day.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/3/1584721067731.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>City of HaysMay 30, 2024 is a fifth Thursday; therefore, there won’t be a Hays City Commission work session that day.

No Hays City Commission work session Thursday

City of Hays offices will be closed on Monday, May 27, 2024, in observance of the Memorial Day holiday.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/3/1584721067731.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>City of HaysCity of Hays offices will be closed on Monday, May 27, 2024, in observance of the Memorial Day holiday.

City of Hays offices closed Monday for Memorial Day

Sternberg Museum of Natural History will host another blockbuster dinosaur exhibit set to open on May 25 and run through Aug. 17.

Exhibition: Dinosaur turns back the clock 165 million years to the Jurassic Period and combines life-sized animatronic dinosaurs with educational interactive experiences.

The exhibit, which is curated by renowned working paleontologist, Thomas Williamson, was created by Stage 9 Exhibits and is distributed by Exhibits Development Group.

“I'm extremely enthusiastic about bringing this exhibit featuring a wide variety of dinosaur species and the features that allowed them to survive,” said museum director Reese Barrick. “In addition to dinosaurs, visitors will discover how early paleontologists unearthed fossils and see examples of today’s cutting-edge technology.”

Occupying a large portion of the second floor and spilling over to the main lobby, the exhibition features displays and interactive stations grouped thematically.

The exhibit comprises two main areas. The first is the “Bone Wars” era of the late 1800s, and the second focuses on the present-day, featuring fossil neutron scanning, 3D modeling, and other technologies.

Visitors will learn about early fieldwork and fossil extraction, including a recreation of a field tent complete with period tools and furnishings. Brief and informative videos tell the stories of how dinosaur fossil hunters conducted their work, how fossils were transported (including by helicopter), and which field work tools and methods have changed and which have remained the same.

The exhibit features 11 animatronic dinosaurs and provides the features of each dinosaur, including size, behavior, diet and when it lived.

Interactive displays and information highlight the structure of dinosaur eggs, jaws, skulls, and tails and how they played an important role in dinosaur behavior and survival. Cases display artifacts, such as a T-rex skull replica, and a Triceratops skull model with cutouts for size reference to a Model T car and an elephant. Through an interactive display, visitors will also learn about the function of the gizzard, an organ shared by modern chickens and some dinosaurs.

Focusing on present-day paleontology, visitors will learn about current technologies and how they are being deployed to help scientists learn more about dinosaurs.

Visitors can create changing landscapes by manipulating the sand to create peaks and valleys and the projector will create geologic features like hills and rivers in real time.

3-Finger Robotic Arm Dinosaur Egg Challenge and Interactive Video

Visitors can attempt to turn dinosaur eggs with a robotic arm. The display also features “eggs” that can be used to activate videos about the clues paleontologists look for on dinosaur eggs and the natural objects that get mistaken for fossilized eggs.

Sternberg Museum is open Monday-Saturday from 9 a.m.-6 p.m. and on Sundays from 1-6 p.m.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/5/1716404516010.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>SubmittedSternberg Museum of Natural History will host another blockbuster dinosaur exhibit set to open on May 25 and run through Aug. 17.Exhibition: Dinosaur turns back the clock 165 million years to the Jurassic Period and combines life-sized animatronic dinosaurs with educational interactive experiences.The exhibit, which is curated by renowned working paleontologist, Thomas Williamson, was created by Stage 9 Exhibits and is distributed by Exhibits Development Group.“I'm extremely enthusiastic about bringing this exhibit featuring a wide variety of dinosaur species and the features that allowed them to survive,” said museum director Reese Barrick. “In addition to dinosaurs, visitors will discover how early paleontologists unearthed fossils and see examples of today’s cutting-edge technology.”Occupying a large portion of the second floor and spilling over to the main lobby, the exhibition features displays and interactive stations grouped thematically.The exhibit comprises two main areas. The first is the “Bone Wars” era of the late 1800s, and the second focuses on the present-day, featuring fossil neutron scanning, 3D modeling, and other technologies.EXHIBIT FEATURESThe Campaign TentVisitors will learn about early fieldwork and fossil extraction, including a recreation of a field tent complete with period tools and furnishings. Brief and informative videos tell the stories of how dinosaur fossil hunters conducted their work, how fossils were transported (including by helicopter), and which field work tools and methods have changed and which have remained the same.Animatronic DinosaursThe exhibit features 11 animatronic dinosaurs and provides the features of each dinosaur, including size, behavior, diet and when it lived.Dinosaur Anatomy and EggsInteractive displays and information highlight the structure of dinosaur eggs, jaws, skulls, and tails and how they played an important role in dinosaur behavior and survival. Cases display artifacts, such as a T-rex skull replica, and a Triceratops skull model with cutouts for size reference to a Model T car and an elephant. Through an interactive display, visitors will also learn about the function of the gizzard, an organ shared by modern chickens and some dinosaurs.The “Modern Era”Focusing on present-day paleontology, visitors will learn about current technologies and how they are being deployed to help scientists learn more about dinosaurs.Interactive Topographic SandboxVisitors can create changing landscapes by manipulating the sand to create peaks and valleys and the projector will create geologic features like hills and rivers in real time.3-Finger Robotic Arm Dinosaur Egg Challenge and Interactive VideoVisitors can attempt to turn dinosaur eggs with a robotic arm. The display also features “eggs” that can be used to activate videos about the clues paleontologists look for on dinosaur eggs and the natural objects that get mistaken for fossilized eggs.Sternberg Museum is open Monday-Saturday from 9 a.m.-6 p.m. and on Sundays from 1-6 p.m.

Expedition: Dinosaur to open May 25 at Sternberg Museum of Natural History

Enter the Symphony in the Flint Hills Sweepstakes

Russell Public Works will begin picking up tree limbs Thursday, May 23, for customers who have called in with their names and addresses. 

The Russell County Highway Department will assist city crews. They will begin picking up limbs on the east side of Fossil Street, as that is where most of the damage and tree limb piles are located following <a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/b0da8166-7a68-4f17-9560-71111de871ec">Sunday's storms</a>. The crews will then move to the west side of Fossil Street.

It is estimated that the pickup will take two to three weeks. 

If residents have not called to get their address on the pick-up list, they are encouraged to do so as soon as possible. 

Once the collection is complete, no more pick-ups will be made. 

The pick-up is limited to tree debris – limbs and broken trees. Other waste will not be collected.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/5/1716410080504.png" alt="Photo courtesy City of Russell" />
 <figcaption>Photo courtesy City of Russell</figcaption>
 </figure>City of RussellRussell Public Works will begin picking up tree limbs Thursday, May 23, for customers who have called in with their names and addresses. The Russell County Highway Department will assist city crews. They will begin picking up limbs on the east side of Fossil Street, as that is where most of the damage and tree limb piles are located following <a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/b0da8166-7a68-4f17-9560-71111de871ec">Sunday's storms</a>. The crews will then move to the west side of Fossil Street. It is estimated that the pickup will take two to three weeks. If residents have not called to get their address on the pick-up list, they are encouraged to do so as soon as possible. Once the collection is complete, no more pick-ups will be made. The pick-up is limited to tree debris – limbs and broken trees. Other waste will not be collected.

Tree limb pick-up begins Thursday in Russell 

RPM Speedway in Hays to host Memorial Weekend races, donate to Wounded Warriors

Utica May Day set for May 25

Due to the observance of the Memorial Day on May 27, Hays' refuse/recycling route collection schedules will be altered as follows: 

Monday, May 27 and Tuesday, May 28 routes will both be picked up on&nbsp; May 28.&nbsp;

 Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday routes will not be altered.

It is anticipated that heavy volumes of refuse/recycling will be encountered around the holidays. Please make sure your refuse and recycling are out by 7:00 a.m., and keep in mind that the trucks have no set time schedule. 

City of Hays customers that may have any questions regarding this notice should contact the Solid Waste Division of the Public Works Department at 785-628-7350.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/11/1605721681274.jpeg" alt="File photo/Hays Post" />
 <figcaption>File photo/Hays Post</figcaption>
 </figure>City of HaysDue to the observance of the Memorial Day on May 27, Hays' refuse/recycling route collection schedules will be altered as follows: Monday, May 27 and Tuesday, May 28 routes will both be picked up on&nbsp; May 28.&nbsp; Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday routes will not be altered.It is anticipated that heavy volumes of refuse/recycling will be encountered around the holidays. Please make sure your refuse and recycling are out by 7:00 a.m., and keep in mind that the trucks have no set time schedule. City of Hays customers that may have any questions regarding this notice should contact the Solid Waste Division of the Public Works Department at 785-628-7350.

Hays' refuse, recycling schedule changes for holiday 

By LAAH TUCKER American Legion Auxiliary Unit 109

Natoma American Legion Post 109 with the American Legion Auxiliary, Unit 109, will be commemorating the 159th Memorial Day Observance on Monday, May 27, 2024. American flags will be posted on veterans' graves by the Post and Unit with volunteers at 7 cemeteries in Osborne and Russell Counties. Natoma's Avenue of Flags will be placed by Post 109 and the Sons of the American Legion. Monday’s cemetery services will be observed at Natoma Catholic, 9:30 AM; North Immanuel Lutheran, 10 AM; Paradise Mount Herman, 10:30 AM; Natoma City Cemetery, 11 AM. The program will include Post 109 Color Guard; welcome and Pledge of Allegiance by Jenjer Murphy, Unit 109 president; Veterans will be remembered by name from the American Revolution, Civil War, War of 1812, Mexican American War, Civil War, Spanish American War, WWI, WWII, Korea, Vietnam, Desert Storm, Afghanistan, Iraq, Conflicts, and through Peace Times by Shawna Dunlap, Unit 109 Chaplain. Camdyn Makings and Andreya Lyle will present poppies for each veteran; Prayer and Message will be given by Pastor Thayne Sparke, Codell Community Church. Everyone will be invited to sing “My Country Tis of Thee” and “God Bless America”. Post Commander William Workman and American Legion Post 109 will present a 21 Gun Salute followed by Lucy Alexander playing “Taps”.

At 11:45 AM, Corporal James W. Castor will be remembered by his sister, Judy Castor, during a dedication of an iron bench located in front of Natoma American Legion Post 109 Hall. Corporal Castor was awarded the Silver Star of Valor, Purple Heart, and many other medals following his death by enemy fire while rescuing fellow soldiers near Quang Nam Province Vietnam, August 8, 1969. After the dedication, a traditional Memorial Day Beef and Noodle Community Dinner will be served by the American Legion Auxiliary, 12 Noon, Post 109 Hall, 520 North First Street, Natoma.

For God and Country, the Natoma American Legion and American Legion Auxiliary continue serving veterans, their families, children, youth, and community with a myriad of projects throughout the year. For information on joining the organizations contact:

Post Commander William Workman, 785-224-7993; Auxiliary President. Jenjer Murphy,

785-885-8079. Poppy is the Remembrance Memorial flower since 1919. After the Second Battle of Ypres, Lieutenant Colonel John McCrae, a physician with the Canadian Expeditionary Force, wrote the poem, "In Flanders Fields", in 1915. The opening lines refer to the fields of poppies that grew among the soldiers' graves in Flanders. In 1918, inspired by the poem, YWCA worker Moina Michael attended a YWCA Overseas War Secretaries' conference wearing a silk poppy pinned to her coat and distributed over two dozen more to others present. In 1920, the National American Legion adopted it as their official memorial symbol. Each red crepe paper poppy is hand crafted by a Kansas Disabled Veteran. 100% of donations help disabled and deserving Kansas Veterans.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/1/1705067071723.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>By LAAH TUCKER American Legion Auxiliary Unit 109Natoma American Legion Post 109 with the American Legion Auxiliary, Unit 109, will be commemorating the 159th Memorial Day Observance on Monday, May 27, 2024. American flags will be posted on veterans' graves by the Post and Unit with volunteers at 7 cemeteries in Osborne and Russell Counties. Natoma's Avenue of Flags will be placed by Post 109 and the Sons of the American Legion. Monday’s cemetery services will be observed at Natoma Catholic, 9:30 AM; North Immanuel Lutheran, 10 AM; Paradise Mount Herman, 10:30 AM; Natoma City Cemetery, 11 AM. The program will include Post 109 Color Guard; welcome and Pledge of Allegiance by Jenjer Murphy, Unit 109 president; Veterans will be remembered by name from the American Revolution, Civil War, War of 1812, Mexican American War, Civil War, Spanish American War, WWI, WWII, Korea, Vietnam, Desert Storm, Afghanistan, Iraq, Conflicts, and through Peace Times by Shawna Dunlap, Unit 109 Chaplain. Camdyn Makings and Andreya Lyle will present poppies for each veteran; Prayer and Message will be given by Pastor Thayne Sparke, Codell Community Church. Everyone will be invited to sing “My Country Tis of Thee” and “God Bless America”. Post Commander William Workman and American Legion Post 109 will present a 21 Gun Salute followed by Lucy Alexander playing “Taps”.At 11:45 AM, Corporal James W. Castor will be remembered by his sister, Judy Castor, during a dedication of an iron bench located in front of Natoma American Legion Post 109 Hall. Corporal Castor was awarded the Silver Star of Valor, Purple Heart, and many other medals following his death by enemy fire while rescuing fellow soldiers near Quang Nam Province Vietnam, August 8, 1969. After the dedication, a traditional Memorial Day Beef and Noodle Community Dinner will be served by the American Legion Auxiliary, 12 Noon, Post 109 Hall, 520 North First Street, Natoma.For God and Country, the Natoma American Legion and American Legion Auxiliary continue serving veterans, their families, children, youth, and community with a myriad of projects throughout the year. For information on joining the organizations contact:Post Commander William Workman, 785-224-7993; Auxiliary President. Jenjer Murphy,785-885-8079. Poppy is the Remembrance Memorial flower since 1919. After the Second Battle of Ypres, Lieutenant Colonel John McCrae, a physician with the Canadian Expeditionary Force, wrote the poem, "In Flanders Fields", in 1915. The opening lines refer to the fields of poppies that grew among the soldiers' graves in Flanders. In 1918, inspired by the poem, YWCA worker Moina Michael attended a YWCA Overseas War Secretaries' conference wearing a silk poppy pinned to her coat and distributed over two dozen more to others present. In 1920, the National American Legion adopted it as their official memorial symbol. Each red crepe paper poppy is hand crafted by a Kansas Disabled Veteran. 100% of donations help disabled and deserving Kansas Veterans.

Natoma American Legion to commemorate 159th Memorial Day

Beginning Tuesday, the intersection of 11th and Ash in Hays will be closed to through traffic until further notice for waterline replacements. 

Any residents affected by this project will be notified by the contractor for any interruption of services. 

Please avoid the area if possible. Traffic control devices will be placed to direct the travelling public.

The City of Hays regrets any inconvenience this may cause to the public. If there are any questions, please call the contractor, J Corp, at 785-650-3995 or the Office of Project Management at 785-628-7350.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/1/1705673726015.png" alt="Image by Pixabay" />
 <figcaption>Image by Pixabay</figcaption>
 </figure>City of HaysBeginning Tuesday, the intersection of 11th and Ash in Hays will be closed to through traffic until further notice for waterline replacements. Any residents affected by this project will be notified by the contractor for any interruption of services. Please avoid the area if possible. Traffic control devices will be placed to direct the travelling public.The City of Hays regrets any inconvenience this may cause to the public. If there are any questions, please call the contractor, J Corp, at 785-650-3995 or the Office of Project Management at 785-628-7350.

11th & Ash intersection in Hays closed for waterline replacement 

First Call for Help seeks businesses for June food drive

Eagle is giving you chances all summer long to win the Coors Light “CHILL RIDE” UTV!

Keep listening to your favorite Eagle Radio Station or watch Hays Post for details and appearances to sign up and win this very cool UTV!

The Coors Light “CHILL RIDE” UTV Giveaway is courtesy of A &amp; A Coors, Briney Motorsports, Commercial Sign Company and Advantage Glass Plus!

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/5/1716322332835.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Eagle is giving you chances all summer long to win the Coors Light “CHILL RIDE” UTV!Keep listening to your favorite Eagle Radio Station or watch Hays Post for details and appearances to sign up and win this very cool UTV!The Coors Light “CHILL RIDE” UTV Giveaway is courtesy of A &amp; A Coors, Briney Motorsports, Commercial Sign Company and Advantage Glass Plus!

Learn how to enter to win the Coors Light Chill Ride UTV

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/5/1716302472377.png" alt="Screenshot 2024-05-13 at 2.00.02 PM.png" />
 <figcaption>Screenshot 2024-05-13 at 2.00.02 PM.png</figcaption>
 </figure>

Meet the candidate event set for tonight at Hays Pavilion

Beginning Tuesday, at approximately 8 a.m., Morgan Brothers Construction will begin work on pavement reconstruction on 28th Street in Hays, between Fort and Oak. 

The area will be closed to through traffic until further notice and traffic control will be set in areas of work being completed. 

If there are any questions, please call Morgan Brother Construction at either 785-394-1777 or 785-432-3104 or the Office of Project Management at 785-628-7350.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/7/1689603343931.jpeg" alt="File photo/Hays Post" />
 <figcaption>File photo/Hays Post</figcaption>
 </figure>City of HaysBeginning Tuesday, at approximately 8 a.m., Morgan Brothers Construction will begin work on pavement reconstruction on 28th Street in Hays, between Fort and Oak. The area will be closed to through traffic until further notice and traffic control will be set in areas of work being completed. If there are any questions, please call Morgan Brother Construction at either 785-394-1777 or 785-432-3104 or the Office of Project Management at 785-628-7350.&nbsp;

Pavement reconstruction on 28th St. between Fort and Oak starts Tuesday in Hays

RPM Speedway Hays 2024 schedule 

RUSSELL - Due to weather-related issues, there will be no school Monday, May 20, for Unified School District 407, Russell.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/5/1716198619760.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure><a href="https://www.facebook.com/RussellUSD407">USD 407</a>RUSSELL - Due to weather-related issues, there will be no school Monday, May 20, for Unified School District 407, Russell.

Severe weather-related issues cancel Monday classes in Russell

Beginning at about 7 a.m. on Tuesday, May 21, Commerce Parkway in Hays will be closed to through traffic in both directions at the Union Pacific Railroad (UPRR) crossing just north of Highway 40. &nbsp;

UPRR will be doing repairs to the crossing and expects repairs to be completed by the end of the day on May 22. &nbsp;The area will remain closed during the overnight hours. &nbsp;

Local traffic should plan an alternate route during this time if traveling in the area. &nbsp;UPRR will be working in coordination with the city to establish traffic control alerting drivers of the closure. &nbsp;

If there are any questions, please call the Public Works Department at 785-628-7350.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/5/1588710714177.jpeg" alt="File photo" />
 <figcaption>File photo</figcaption>
 </figure>City of HaysBeginning at about 7 a.m. on Tuesday, May 21, Commerce Parkway in Hays will be closed to through traffic in both directions at the Union Pacific Railroad (UPRR) crossing just north of Highway 40. &nbsp;UPRR will be doing repairs to the crossing and expects repairs to be completed by the end of the day on May 22. &nbsp;The area will remain closed during the overnight hours. &nbsp;Local traffic should plan an alternate route during this time if traveling in the area. &nbsp;UPRR will be working in coordination with the city to establish traffic control alerting drivers of the closure. &nbsp;If there are any questions, please call the Public Works Department at 785-628-7350.

Railroad repairs to close Commerce Parkway crossing in Hays

Fourth St. between Main St. and Fort St. in Hays will be closed to through traffic for street repairs beginning at approximately 8:00 a.m. on Monday.

The closure is expected to last approximately two weeks, with the street planned to reopen on May 31.

If there are any questions, please contact the City of Hays Public Works Department at 785-628-7350.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/5/1621458704710.jpeg" alt="File photo/Hays Post" />
 <figcaption>File photo/Hays Post</figcaption>
 </figure>City of HaysFourth St. between Main St. and Fort St. in Hays will be closed to through traffic for street repairs beginning at approximately 8:00 a.m. on Monday.The closure is expected to last approximately two weeks, with the street planned to reopen on May 31.If there are any questions, please contact the City of Hays Public Works Department at 785-628-7350.

4th St. between Main and Fort in Hays closed beginning Monday

The Hays Recreation Commission’s 13th Annual Dash 4 Disabilities is right around the corner. The fun run is scheduled for Saturday, June 8th at 8:00 a.m. on the West side of the Hays Aquatic Park (4th and Main). Registration will begin at 7:15 a.m. This run will consist of your choice of a 1 mile run/walk or a 5K run/walk.

There is still time to register for this fun event for an entry fee of only $10 on or before June 5th. Cost after June 5th is $12.

The run is for people of all abilities, will not be timed, and the proceeds will go to help support the programs coordinated by the Hays Recreation Commission that support people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. The run helps make the programs free or inexpensive for participants.

Dash 4 Disabilities is sponsored by Hess Services, Papa Murphys and Developmental Services of Northwest Kansas.

For a registration form, map of the course, or any other information, contact Haley Nixon at 785-623-2650, haley@haysrec.org or go to www.haysrec.org.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/5/1715622805803.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>SubmittedThe Hays Recreation Commission’s 13th Annual Dash 4 Disabilities is right around the corner. The fun run is scheduled for Saturday, June 8th at 8:00 a.m. on the West side of the Hays Aquatic Park (4th and Main). Registration will begin at 7:15 a.m. This run will consist of your choice of a 1 mile run/walk or a 5K run/walk.There is still time to register for this fun event for an entry fee of only $10 on or before June 5th. Cost after June 5th is $12.The run is for people of all abilities, will not be timed, and the proceeds will go to help support the programs coordinated by the Hays Recreation Commission that support people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. The run helps make the programs free or inexpensive for participants.Dash 4 Disabilities is sponsored by Hess Services, Papa Murphys and Developmental Services of Northwest Kansas.For a registration form, map of the course, or any other information, contact Haley Nixon at 785-623-2650, haley@haysrec.org or go to www.haysrec.org.

Dash 4 Disabilities fast approaching

The Riders INC fourth-annual charity Graham Jam will feature musicians with roots in Graham County. This year, it coincides with alumni weekend and is&nbsp;from 4:30 to midnight on Saturday, May 25 at the city park.

This is an open jam, and all singers and musicians are invited and encouraged to participate. All genres are welcome. We have a great lineup again this year, but we can always use more. You can perform with the band or solo.

There will be brats, hamburgers and a beer garden.

Then, on Sunday in Morland, join Riders INC for a fun day of riding with drag racing on Main Street and side-by-side and RC racing thanks to Hays Hobby shop in Hays along with the Morland Fire Department and Lion’s Club.

For more information, follow the Riders INC Facebook Page.

SubmittedThe Riders INC fourth-annual charity Graham Jam will feature musicians with roots in Graham County. This year, it coincides with alumni weekend and is&nbsp;from 4:30 to midnight on Saturday, May 25 at the city park.This is an open jam, and all singers and musicians are invited and encouraged to participate. All genres are welcome. We have a great lineup again this year, but we can always use more. You can perform with the band or solo.There will be brats, hamburgers and a beer garden.Then, on Sunday in Morland, join Riders INC for a fun day of riding with drag racing on Main Street and side-by-side and RC racing thanks to Hays Hobby shop in Hays along with the Morland Fire Department and Lion’s Club.For more information, follow the Riders INC Facebook Page.

Riders INC host fourth annual charity Graham Jam

The avid Hotel of Hays, in conjunction with IHG properties worldwide, is conducting a food drive for World Hunger Day.&nbsp;

They are collecting nonperishable items through May 28. 

These will be given to the Food Bank at Saint Michael’s Episcopal Church in Hays.&nbsp;

For more information, contact the avid Hotel at 785-625-1101.&nbsp; &nbsp;

The avid Hotel of Hays, in conjunction with IHG properties worldwide, is conducting a food drive for World Hunger Day.&nbsp;They are collecting nonperishable items through May 28. These will be given to the Food Bank at Saint Michael’s Episcopal Church in Hays.&nbsp;For more information, contact the avid Hotel at 785-625-1101.&nbsp; &nbsp;

Avid hotel announces food drive

First Responders Appreciation Barbeque planned

Colby Community College alumnus Mark Winger will posthumously be awarded the honorary associate degree during commencement on May 17 at the Colby Event Center. A committee of college employees selects the recipient to highlight an individual's distinguished contributions to Colby Community College and Thomas County.

<a>Raised on a farm in Johnson, Kan., Winger graduated from Stanton County High School before completing a degree at Colby Community College. He continued his education at West Texas State University (now West Texas A&amp;M University) in Canyon, Texas, where he was honored as the Outstanding Senior in the Division of Agriculture. Later, while raising a family and working full time, he completed a master's degree in agribusiness from Kansas State University.</a>

Winger married his high school sweetheart Tonya in 1986, and they moved to Wayne, Neb., where Mark began his banking career.

"He always went home to the family farm to help with harvest," said Tonya. "During one of those trips, he stopped in Colby to visit his former Colby Community College instructor, Virgil Jones. Virgil convinced him to apply for a job at the Federal Land Bank in Colby. Mark got the job, and within a couple of weeks, we moved to Colby and made it our permanent home."

The couple raised their family in Colby. They had three sons: Chaz (Dakota) of Oakley, Zane (Morgan) of Sterling, Colo., and Gage (Kinley) of Colby. They also have five grandchildren: Kobee, Easton, Archer, Mesa, and Canyon.

Mark continued his career with Farm Credit of Western Kansas for 30 years, serving as Chief Credit Officer at the time of his passing on Dec. 16, 2020.

"Mark loved learning and always had stacks of notebooks filled with personal goals and topics he was researching," Tonya said. "He was an avid reader and a big supporter of the Pioneer Memorial Library and its book sales! He was fond of historical and aeronautical museums, exploring the state of Kansas and the world. He enjoyed a sailing trip in the Caribbean, as well as international trips to China, Africa, and India."

Winger served his community in many ways. He assisted with and supported Colby athletics at all levels. His civic work could be seen in the Colby Rotary, where he was named a Paul Harris Fellow. In leadership, he was on the Prairie Museum of Art and History board, was president of the Chamber of Commerce, board chairman and director of the Kansas Agriculture and Rural Leadership (KARL) organization, and a Thomas County Leadership graduate. CCC knew him well through his terms on the Board of Trustees and the Endowment Foundation board.

"Mark was very proud to have graduated from Colby Community College," Tonya added. "He will always be remembered for his smile, his kindness, and his generosity. He loved life, and he loved serving others."

The fifty-ninth Colby Community College commencement ceremony begins at 6 p.m. on May 17. It will be streamed on&nbsp;<a href="https://openspacessports.com/wp/live-broadcasts/">OpenSpacesSports.com</a>.

SubmittedColby Community College alumnus Mark Winger will posthumously be awarded the honorary associate degree during commencement on May 17 at the Colby Event Center. A committee of college employees selects the recipient to highlight an individual's distinguished contributions to Colby Community College and Thomas County.<a>Raised on a farm in Johnson, Kan., Winger graduated from Stanton County High School before completing a degree at Colby Community College. He continued his education at West Texas State University (now West Texas A&amp;M University) in Canyon, Texas, where he was honored as the Outstanding Senior in the Division of Agriculture. Later, while raising a family and working full time, he completed a master's degree in agribusiness from Kansas State University.</a>Winger married his high school sweetheart Tonya in 1986, and they moved to Wayne, Neb., where Mark began his banking career."He always went home to the family farm to help with harvest," said Tonya. "During one of those trips, he stopped in Colby to visit his former Colby Community College instructor, Virgil Jones. Virgil convinced him to apply for a job at the Federal Land Bank in Colby. Mark got the job, and within a couple of weeks, we moved to Colby and made it our permanent home."The couple raised their family in Colby. They had three sons: Chaz (Dakota) of Oakley, Zane (Morgan) of Sterling, Colo., and Gage (Kinley) of Colby. They also have five grandchildren: Kobee, Easton, Archer, Mesa, and Canyon.Mark continued his career with Farm Credit of Western Kansas for 30 years, serving as Chief Credit Officer at the time of his passing on Dec. 16, 2020."Mark loved learning and always had stacks of notebooks filled with personal goals and topics he was researching," Tonya said. "He was an avid reader and a big supporter of the Pioneer Memorial Library and its book sales! He was fond of historical and aeronautical museums, exploring the state of Kansas and the world. He enjoyed a sailing trip in the Caribbean, as well as international trips to China, Africa, and India."Winger served his community in many ways. He assisted with and supported Colby athletics at all levels. His civic work could be seen in the Colby Rotary, where he was named a Paul Harris Fellow. In leadership, he was on the Prairie Museum of Art and History board, was president of the Chamber of Commerce, board chairman and director of the Kansas Agriculture and Rural Leadership (KARL) organization, and a Thomas County Leadership graduate. CCC knew him well through his terms on the Board of Trustees and the Endowment Foundation board."Mark was very proud to have graduated from Colby Community College," Tonya added. "He will always be remembered for his smile, his kindness, and his generosity. He loved life, and he loved serving others."The fifty-ninth Colby Community College commencement ceremony begins at 6 p.m. on May 17. It will be streamed on&nbsp;<a href="https://openspacessports.com/wp/live-broadcasts/">OpenSpacesSports.com</a>.

CCC posthumously awards honorary degree to Mark Winger

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