Recently,&nbsp;<a href="https://imagineelliscounty.org/">Imagine Ellis County&nbsp;</a>hosted representatives of various organizations from Ellis County&nbsp;as well as a Hays town hall meeting,&nbsp;to identify community needs&nbsp;that needed to be met for long-term growth and success of our&nbsp;county and region.&nbsp;

On March 24, the organization will host a Victoria town hall and facilitate small- and large-group discussions&nbsp;to learn more from community members. It is&nbsp;from&nbsp;5:30 to 8 p.m. at the&nbsp;Victoria VFW.&nbsp;Dinner&nbsp;will be provided by Fork That Bakery&nbsp;for those who attend.

While&nbsp;walk-ins are welcome, RSVPs are requested via the group's Facebook page&nbsp;or use a&nbsp;sign-up&nbsp;form&nbsp;at &nbsp;<a href="https://forms.gle/QfJgHZak8dFcrXQeA">https://forms.gle/QfJgHZak8dFcrXQeA</a>.&nbsp;See the&nbsp;<a href="https://fb.me/e/4y9Jp7sxP">Facebook&nbsp;event&nbsp;page</a>&nbsp;for&nbsp;more information.&nbsp;

Imagine Ellis County is a committee comprised of over 30 community members from Ellis County. The committee exists to serve the long-term interests of Ellis County. We have representatives from Catharine, Ellis, Hays, and Victoria on our committee. Committee members include people who serve as local elected officials, local government employees, employees from various community businesses, and those who are involved with non-profits and charitable organizations.If you would like more information, contact&nbsp;Grow Hays Inc.&nbsp;at 785.628.3102 or&nbsp;<a href="mailto:IEC@GrowHays.com">IEC@GrowHays.com</a>. Imagine Ellis County is a&nbsp;collaborative strategic vision for our community and region.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/1/1642178166769.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>News releaseRecently,&nbsp;<a href="https://imagineelliscounty.org/">Imagine Ellis County&nbsp;</a>hosted representatives of various organizations from Ellis County&nbsp;as well as a Hays town hall meeting,&nbsp;to identify community needs&nbsp;that needed to be met for long-term growth and success of our&nbsp;county and region.&nbsp;On March 24, the organization will host a Victoria town hall and facilitate small- and large-group discussions&nbsp;to learn more from community members. It is&nbsp;from&nbsp;5:30 to 8 p.m. at the&nbsp;Victoria VFW.&nbsp;Dinner&nbsp;will be provided by Fork That Bakery&nbsp;for those who attend.While&nbsp;walk-ins are welcome, RSVPs are requested via the group's Facebook page&nbsp;or use a&nbsp;sign-up&nbsp;form&nbsp;at &nbsp;<a href="https://forms.gle/QfJgHZak8dFcrXQeA">https://forms.gle/QfJgHZak8dFcrXQeA</a>.&nbsp;See the&nbsp;<a href="https://fb.me/e/4y9Jp7sxP">Facebook&nbsp;event&nbsp;page</a>&nbsp;for&nbsp;more information.&nbsp;Imagine Ellis County is a committee comprised of over 30 community members from Ellis County. The committee exists to serve the long-term interests of Ellis County. We have representatives from Catharine, Ellis, Hays, and Victoria on our committee. Committee members include people who serve as local elected officials, local government employees, employees from various community businesses, and those who are involved with non-profits and charitable organizations.If you would like more information, contact&nbsp;Grow Hays Inc.&nbsp;at 785.628.3102 or&nbsp;<a href="mailto:IEC@GrowHays.com">IEC@GrowHays.com</a>. Imagine Ellis County is a&nbsp;collaborative strategic vision for our community and region.

Imagine Ellis County town hall scheduled in Victoria

Severe weather training offered in Ellis Co. this week

After&nbsp;enduring&nbsp;two years of no&nbsp;annual&nbsp;shows, barbershop harmony is&nbsp;returning&nbsp;to Northwest Kansas. The Tumbleweed Chorus presents its 40th&nbsp;“mostly” annual show “Sound Celebration” at 2 p.m. CDT Saturday, March 26, at the Cultural Arts Center at Colby Community College.&nbsp;

The Tumbleweed Chorus will sing jointly with the Hays High Plains Barbershop Chorus.&nbsp;Max&nbsp;Befort&nbsp;is director of the Hays chorus and will direct most of the jointly performed songs.

Combined chorus songs featured&nbsp;include: Sound Celebration, True Love, Sentimental Journey, Stand by Me,&nbsp;Lullabye&nbsp;(Goodnight My Angel), Hooked on a Feeling, When I Lift Up My Head, Hallelujah and God Bless the USA.

The Tumbleweed Chorus and the Prairie Rose Harmony women’s group will be led by&nbsp;director Thomas&nbsp;Annis.&nbsp;Northwest Kansasmen’s quartets&nbsp;“Uncalled Four”&nbsp;and&nbsp;“Prairie Timbre”&nbsp;will also&nbsp;entertain.

Kansas State University’s&nbsp;In-A-Chord&nbsp;is a contemporary&nbsp;a&nbsp;capellagroup that&nbsp;will showcase the second half of the Colby show. Among the student members is Eric&nbsp;Annis,&nbsp;collage&nbsp;freshman son of Thomas and Suzy&nbsp;Annis, Oakley, who&nbsp;started singing&nbsp;with the Tumbleweed Chorus&nbsp;in late 2011 as a third grader.

In-A-Chord&nbsp;performs&nbsp;a wide variety of pop&nbsp;and contemporary music throughout&nbsp;Kansas and surrounding states.&nbsp;They were recently selected to perform at the National A Cappella Conference in Memphis and for the Southwest ACDA Conference in Kansas City.In-A-Chord&nbsp;is overseen by&nbsp;<a href="https://www.k-state.edu/mtd/faculty-staff/music/oppenheim/index.html">Dr. Joshua Oppenheim</a>, Co-Director of Choral Studies.&nbsp;

See&nbsp;<a href="https://www.k-state.edu/mtd/music/choirs/ensembles/in-a-chord/index.html">https://www.k-state.edu/mtd/music/choirs/ensembles/in-a-chord/index.html</a>&nbsp;for links to In-A-Chord including video samples.

For&nbsp;Colby&nbsp;tickets call 785-694-3057 or buy from any&nbsp;area&nbsp;member. Tickets are just $10 each and will also be available at the door&nbsp;for the March 26 show in Colby.

The Tumbleweed Chorus&nbsp;made it a priority&nbsp;to&nbsp;harmonize&nbsp;Thursday nights whether via zoom, in a&nbsp;Brewster member’s implement-&nbsp;shop building, and at an alternate Oakley church for much of thepandemic from March 2020 through&nbsp;spring&nbsp;2021. Only in the last several months was the chorus able to meet again at the Colby United Methodist Church from 8-10 p.m. Thursdays.

“Those of us in the Tumbleweed Chorus take a lot of joy in singing together,“ Dan O’ Brien, chorus president said. “We invite everyone to come to our March 26 show and enjoy these Barbershop harmonies together with us.&nbsp;This is a show for the whole family to enjoy. The In-A-Chord group from Kansas State University will provide a vibrant, energetic and entertaining experience for all. We look forward to seeing you all there.”

Colby travels to Hays in April for Hays High Plains&nbsp;Chorus&nbsp;shows

The Tumbleweed Chorus will then join the Hays High Plains Barbershop&nbsp;Chorus&nbsp;for its 54th&nbsp;Anniversary Show “Let’s Celebrate Singing Again.”

Midtown,&nbsp;a recent&nbsp;international&nbsp;contest&nbsp;finalist,&nbsp;will be the finale&nbsp;quartet&nbsp;for both the 2 p.m. and 7 p.m. CDT shows, Saturday, April 2 at the Beach-Schmidt Performing Arts Center, Sheridan Hall, Fort Hays State University Campus.&nbsp;

Based out of Manhattan, New York, Midtown is a dynamic,&nbsp;Barbershop Harmony Society International&nbsp;2019&nbsp;fifth-place award winning vocal quartet that provides an entertainment experience in all genres of American music.

Tickets $15 at the door&nbsp;for the April 2 shows&nbsp;in Hays. For $13 advance tickets call Vance&nbsp;Chartier&nbsp;785-623-6747 or on-line at eventbrite.com.&nbsp;Both&nbsp;Hays&nbsp;shows also feature&nbsp;two&nbsp;chapter quartets&nbsp;and the Fort Hays Singers.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/2/1581542018976.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>WPAAAfter&nbsp;enduring&nbsp;two years of no&nbsp;annual&nbsp;shows, barbershop harmony is&nbsp;returning&nbsp;to Northwest Kansas. The Tumbleweed Chorus presents its 40th&nbsp;“mostly” annual show “Sound Celebration” at 2 p.m. CDT Saturday, March 26, at the Cultural Arts Center at Colby Community College.&nbsp;The Tumbleweed Chorus will sing jointly with the Hays High Plains Barbershop Chorus.&nbsp;Max&nbsp;Befort&nbsp;is director of the Hays chorus and will direct most of the jointly performed songs.Combined chorus songs featured&nbsp;include: Sound Celebration, True Love, Sentimental Journey, Stand by Me,&nbsp;Lullabye&nbsp;(Goodnight My Angel), Hooked on a Feeling, When I Lift Up My Head, Hallelujah and God Bless the USA.The Tumbleweed Chorus and the Prairie Rose Harmony women’s group will be led by&nbsp;director Thomas&nbsp;Annis.&nbsp;Northwest Kansasmen’s quartets&nbsp;“Uncalled Four”&nbsp;and&nbsp;“Prairie Timbre”&nbsp;will also&nbsp;entertain.Kansas State University’s&nbsp;In-A-Chord&nbsp;is a contemporary&nbsp;a&nbsp;capellagroup that&nbsp;will showcase the second half of the Colby show. Among the student members is Eric&nbsp;Annis,&nbsp;collage&nbsp;freshman son of Thomas and Suzy&nbsp;Annis, Oakley, who&nbsp;started singing&nbsp;with the Tumbleweed Chorus&nbsp;in late 2011 as a third grader.In-A-Chord&nbsp;performs&nbsp;a wide variety of pop&nbsp;and contemporary music throughout&nbsp;Kansas and surrounding states.&nbsp;They were recently selected to perform at the National A Cappella Conference in Memphis and for the Southwest ACDA Conference in Kansas City.In-A-Chord&nbsp;is overseen by&nbsp;<a href="https://www.k-state.edu/mtd/faculty-staff/music/oppenheim/index.html">Dr. Joshua Oppenheim</a>, Co-Director of Choral Studies.&nbsp;See&nbsp;<a href="https://www.k-state.edu/mtd/music/choirs/ensembles/in-a-chord/index.html">https://www.k-state.edu/mtd/music/choirs/ensembles/in-a-chord/index.html</a>&nbsp;for links to In-A-Chord including video samples.For&nbsp;Colby&nbsp;tickets call 785-694-3057 or buy from any&nbsp;area&nbsp;member. Tickets are just $10 each and will also be available at the door&nbsp;for the March 26 show in Colby.The Tumbleweed Chorus&nbsp;made it a priority&nbsp;to&nbsp;harmonize&nbsp;Thursday nights whether via zoom, in a&nbsp;Brewster member’s implement-&nbsp;shop building, and at an alternate Oakley church for much of thepandemic from March 2020 through&nbsp;spring&nbsp;2021. Only in the last several months was the chorus able to meet again at the Colby United Methodist Church from 8-10 p.m. Thursdays.“Those of us in the Tumbleweed Chorus take a lot of joy in singing together,“ Dan O’ Brien, chorus president said. “We invite everyone to come to our March 26 show and enjoy these Barbershop harmonies together with us.&nbsp;This is a show for the whole family to enjoy. The In-A-Chord group from Kansas State University will provide a vibrant, energetic and entertaining experience for all. We look forward to seeing you all there.”Colby travels to Hays in April for Hays High Plains&nbsp;Chorus&nbsp;showsThe Tumbleweed Chorus will then join the Hays High Plains Barbershop&nbsp;Chorus&nbsp;for its 54th&nbsp;Anniversary Show “Let’s Celebrate Singing Again.”Midtown,&nbsp;a recent&nbsp;international&nbsp;contest&nbsp;finalist,&nbsp;will be the finale&nbsp;quartet&nbsp;for both the 2 p.m. and 7 p.m. CDT shows, Saturday, April 2 at the Beach-Schmidt Performing Arts Center, Sheridan Hall, Fort Hays State University Campus.&nbsp;Based out of Manhattan, New York, Midtown is a dynamic,&nbsp;Barbershop Harmony Society International&nbsp;2019&nbsp;fifth-place award winning vocal quartet that provides an entertainment experience in all genres of American music.Tickets $15 at the door&nbsp;for the April 2 shows&nbsp;in Hays. For $13 advance tickets call Vance&nbsp;Chartier&nbsp;785-623-6747 or on-line at eventbrite.com.&nbsp;Both&nbsp;Hays&nbsp;shows also feature&nbsp;two&nbsp;chapter quartets&nbsp;and the Fort Hays Singers.&nbsp;

Barbershop harmony returns to the stage in Hays, Colby

By BECKY KISER Hays Post

The Hays Area Board of Zoning Appeals will conduct a public hearing during its meeting March 16.

Blaine and Kimberly Gabel are requesting a two-foot variance to reduce their interior south sideyard setback for construction of an addition to a detached garage at 3103 Tam O'Shanter Drive.&nbsp;

Since the regulations were changed to lessen the setbacks to
five feet for an accessory structure, according to information supplied by Superintendent of Planning and Development Curtis Deines, the request for a lesser setback opposes the general spirit and intent of those regulations.

The complete agenda is available <a href="https://www.haysusa.com/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_03092022-1330">here</a>. The meeting starts at 8:15 a.m. in Hays City Hall, 1507 Main.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/3/1584721067731.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>By BECKY KISER Hays PostThe Hays Area Board of Zoning Appeals will conduct a public hearing during its meeting March 16.Blaine and Kimberly Gabel are requesting a two-foot variance to reduce their interior south sideyard setback for construction of an addition to a detached garage at 3103 Tam O'Shanter Drive.&nbsp;Since the regulations were changed to lessen the setbacks to
five feet for an accessory structure, according to information supplied by Superintendent of Planning and Development Curtis Deines, the request for a lesser setback opposes the general spirit and intent of those regulations. The complete agenda is available <a href="https://www.haysusa.com/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_03092022-1330">here</a>. The meeting starts at 8:15 a.m. in Hays City Hall, 1507 Main.&nbsp;

Public hearing for Hays setback request is next week

Registration open for March 26 pickleball tourney at Hays Rec

Oberlin native Donna Kump Tucker to perform at Gateway, Morgan Theater

City of Hays crews will be
removing snow from the downtown area from Oak to Fort streets and 7th to 13th
streets, Main Street from 6th to 16th streets, and West 9th and 10th streets in
the 100 and 200 blocks, tonight, Thursday, March 10, 2022, starting at
approximately 10 p.m. 

City crews request that
cars be removed from these areas to allow the crews the ability to completely
plow the street and the on-street parking areas. 

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

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/3/1584721067731.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>City of HaysCity of Hays crews will be
removing snow from the downtown area from Oak to Fort streets and 7th to 13th
streets, Main Street from 6th to 16th streets, and West 9th and 10th streets in
the 100 and 200 blocks, tonight, Thursday, March 10, 2022, starting at
approximately 10 p.m. City crews request that
cars be removed from these areas to allow the crews the ability to completely
plow the street and the on-street parking areas. If there are any
questions, please call the Public Works Service Division at 785-628-7350.

Snow to be cleared from downtown Hays tonight; vehicles should be removed

TOPEKA - The free document destruction event scheduled for Haysat the Sternberg Museum of Natural History on Thursday, March 10 has been canceled for today.

Because of winter weather conditions, the event, planned by the Attorney General's Office as part of National Consumer Protection Week, has been canceled.

Document destruction events planned for other locations in the state the remainder of the week are still scheduled to occur. 

More information on those events is available at&nbsp;<a href="http://www.inyourcornerkansas.org/" target="_blank">www.InYourCornerKansas.org</a>.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/3/1646925619089.jpeg" alt="(Photo by Pixabay)" />
 <figcaption>(Photo by Pixabay)</figcaption>
 </figure>SubmittedTOPEKA - The free document destruction event scheduled for Haysat the Sternberg Museum of Natural History on Thursday, March 10 has been canceled for today.Because of winter weather conditions, the event, planned by the Attorney General's Office as part of National Consumer Protection Week, has been canceled.Document destruction events planned for other locations in the state the remainder of the week are still scheduled to occur. More information on those events is available at&nbsp;<a href="http://www.inyourcornerkansas.org/" target="_blank">www.InYourCornerKansas.org</a>.

Free document destruction event canceled in Hays

The Kansas Department of Transportation plans to begin work on a trio of bridge repair projects along Interstate 70 in Ellis County the week of March 14.

Crews will be making repairs to the westbound I-70 overpass at exit 153 and on the westbound and eastbound bridges located approximately 1 mile east of Yocemento. Project work will include milling, patching and overlaying the bridge decks with new concrete driving surfaces.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Traffic will be reduced to one lane through the construction zones with a decreased speed limit of 60 mph. Minor delays not exceeding 5 minutes should be anticipated. KDOT expects work to be completed by mid-July, weather permitting.

PCiRoads of Topeka is the primary contractor for the project with a total contract cost of approximately $655,000.&nbsp;

KDOTThe Kansas Department of Transportation plans to begin work on a trio of bridge repair projects along Interstate 70 in Ellis County the week of March 14.Crews will be making repairs to the westbound I-70 overpass at exit 153 and on the westbound and eastbound bridges located approximately 1 mile east of Yocemento. Project work will include milling, patching and overlaying the bridge decks with new concrete driving surfaces.&nbsp;&nbsp;Traffic will be reduced to one lane through the construction zones with a decreased speed limit of 60 mph. Minor delays not exceeding 5 minutes should be anticipated. KDOT expects work to be completed by mid-July, weather permitting.PCiRoads of Topeka is the primary contractor for the project with a total contract cost of approximately $655,000.&nbsp;

Bridge repairs starting on I-70 in Ellis County

Rush Center's annual St. Pat's Day celebration is Saturday 

GREAT BEND - Barton Community College, Great Bend, will have no classes during its spring break from March 14-18. Barton’s offices will remain open through March 16 but will be closed March 17 and 18. 

The college’s regular class schedule and business hours will resume Monday, March 21.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/2/1644361361884.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>BCCGREAT BEND - Barton Community College, Great Bend, will have no classes during its spring break from March 14-18. Barton’s offices will remain open through March 16 but will be closed March 17 and 18. The college’s regular class schedule and business hours will resume Monday, March 21.

No classes next week during BCC spring break 

The City of Oakley will be enacting snow routes Wednesday at 8:00 pm due to the forecast. Please remove all vehicles from the snow routes tonight so the plows have room to maneuver. Also, if you live on a one-way, please consider moving your vehicles off the street as well so the plows can clear those streets.&nbsp;

The City of Oakley will be enacting snow routes Wednesday at 8:00 pm due to the forecast. Please remove all vehicles from the snow routes tonight so the plows have room to maneuver. Also, if you live on a one-way, please consider moving your vehicles off the street as well so the plows can clear those streets.&nbsp;

Oakley snow routes in effect Wednesday night

GREAT BEND — The Shafer Gallery at Barton Community College will present its new exhibit “Human Nature” through April 1. The exhibit will feature the artwork of three Fort Hays State University graduate students. Shafer Gallery Director Dave Barnes said he is excited to be presenting work by very talented artists Mark Freeman, Jordan Brown and Kathy Robb. “They are all ceramicists with unique and very personal ideas about what you can do with clay,” he said. “Each deal in some way with the connections between the natural and the human world.” While they all have a different approach to ceramics and the tone of their work is noticeably contrasting, Barnes said there are enough elements in their pieces that complement each other to create a cohesive exhibit that hits a lot of different notes in the visual palate and will leave the viewer feeling satisfied like taking a bite of a complex dish of food and getting all the ingredients on one fork or spoonful. “Robb creates dioramas to contain her incredibly anthropomorphic animal sculptures which reflect her own identification with animals and how they reflect the human condition in a direct way. They are sometimes humorous and often poignant,” he said.&nbsp;

“Freeman has taught ceramics at Barton Community College and apprenticed with well-known ceramic artist Carol Long. His work explores the minutiae of the natural world populated with entities that are beyond our normal awareness.

"Brown is the master of the wheel and adorns his monumental feeling pieces with iconic images form the natural world.”

While touching the artwork is obviously not permitted, Barnes said the textures brought to life by the artist are created with such care and detail that they produce an almost tactile sensation in the mind alone. “It is a great privilege to show off the work of such strong emerging artists,” he said. “Their selections will be a delight for us all to see and an inspiration to our own Barton Community College students.”

The Shafer Gallery is open Monday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Admission is always free.&nbsp;For more information, contact Shafer Gallery Director Dave Barnes at&nbsp;<a href="mailto:barnesd@bartonccc.edu" target="_blank">barnesd@bartonccc.edu</a>&nbsp;or (620) 792-9342.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/3/1646237934641.jpeg" alt="TAll That by Kathy Robb (Courtesy photo)" />
 <figcaption>TAll That by Kathy Robb (Courtesy photo)</figcaption>
 </figure>BCCGREAT BEND — The Shafer Gallery at Barton Community College will present its new exhibit “Human Nature” through April 1. The exhibit will feature the artwork of three Fort Hays State University graduate students. Shafer Gallery Director Dave Barnes said he is excited to be presenting work by very talented artists Mark Freeman, Jordan Brown and Kathy Robb. “They are all ceramicists with unique and very personal ideas about what you can do with clay,” he said. “Each deal in some way with the connections between the natural and the human world.” While they all have a different approach to ceramics and the tone of their work is noticeably contrasting, Barnes said there are enough elements in their pieces that complement each other to create a cohesive exhibit that hits a lot of different notes in the visual palate and will leave the viewer feeling satisfied like taking a bite of a complex dish of food and getting all the ingredients on one fork or spoonful. “Robb creates dioramas to contain her incredibly anthropomorphic animal sculptures which reflect her own identification with animals and how they reflect the human condition in a direct way. They are sometimes humorous and often poignant,” he said.&nbsp; <figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/3/1646238143244.png" alt="Ceramic artwork by Mark Freeman (Courtesy photo)" />
 <figcaption>Ceramic artwork by Mark Freeman (Courtesy photo)</figcaption>
 </figure>“Freeman has taught ceramics at Barton Community College and apprenticed with well-known ceramic artist Carol Long. His work explores the minutiae of the natural world populated with entities that are beyond our normal awareness.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/3/1646238280666.jpeg" alt="Ceramic artwork by Jordan Brown (Courtesy photo)" />
 <figcaption>Ceramic artwork by Jordan Brown (Courtesy photo)</figcaption>
 </figure>"Brown is the master of the wheel and adorns his monumental feeling pieces with iconic images form the natural world.”While touching the artwork is obviously not permitted, Barnes said the textures brought to life by the artist are created with such care and detail that they produce an almost tactile sensation in the mind alone. “It is a great privilege to show off the work of such strong emerging artists,” he said. “Their selections will be a delight for us all to see and an inspiration to our own Barton Community College students.”The Shafer Gallery is open Monday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Admission is always free.&nbsp;For more information, contact Shafer Gallery Director Dave Barnes at&nbsp;<a href="mailto:barnesd@bartonccc.edu" target="_blank">barnesd@bartonccc.edu</a>&nbsp;or (620) 792-9342.

FHSU grad student ceramicists exhibit opens at Shafer Art Gallery 

TOPEKA - The Kansas Department of Agriculture (KDA) is asking for participants in the 2022 Kansas Agriculture Workforce Needs Assessment Survey. 

"During&nbsp;conversations with stakeholders, including those at Ag Growth Summits,&nbsp;we continually hear the need to identify the specific jobs available&nbsp;in Kansas&nbsp;and the skills needed to fill open or new positions&nbsp;within agriculture," said Mike Beam, Kansas Secretary of Agriculture.&nbsp;

In an effort to&nbsp;better understand current workforce issues, trends and needs within the Kansas agriculture industry,&nbsp;KDA&nbsp;is calling on industry partners to help identify workforce needs among agricultural employers in the state by conducting the second Kansas Agriculture Workforce Needs Assessment Survey. 

The 2015 survey results helped guide KDA and partners to develop&nbsp;immersion activities connecting secondary school students with local agriculture businesses to learn about career opportunities.  

Kansas farmers, ranchers, agribusinesses, manufacturers&nbsp;and producers of agricultural products are all asked to complete the survey to help KDA identify the number and types of jobs in the state’s agriculture industry, and the specific skills required for those jobs. 

The survey is currently being offered online at <a href="http://www.agriculture.ks.gov/workforce" target="_blank">agriculture.ks.gov/workforce</a>&nbsp;and will be open until April 8, 2022.&nbsp;

The above provides a QR code to take participants directly to the survey.&nbsp;The survey should take no more than 15 minutes to complete,&nbsp;and the information will remain anonymous.&nbsp;

"We anticipate results to be available this summer with discussion of the&nbsp;findings&nbsp;at the 2022 Ag Growth Summit," Beam said. "KDA will utilize the information to&nbsp;steer future discussions and identify solutions for positive changes for our state’s leading economic driver&nbsp;— agriculture."&nbsp;

For specific questions, contact Russell Plaschka, KDA agribusiness development director,&nbsp;at&nbsp;<a href="mailto:Russell.Plaschka@ks.gov" target="_blank">Russell.Plaschka@ks.gov</a>.&nbsp;&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/3/1646693610963.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/3/1646693635274.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>KDATOPEKA - The Kansas Department of Agriculture (KDA) is asking for participants in the 2022 Kansas Agriculture Workforce Needs Assessment Survey. "During&nbsp;conversations with stakeholders, including those at Ag Growth Summits,&nbsp;we continually hear the need to identify the specific jobs available&nbsp;in Kansas&nbsp;and the skills needed to fill open or new positions&nbsp;within agriculture," said Mike Beam, Kansas Secretary of Agriculture.&nbsp;In an effort to&nbsp;better understand current workforce issues, trends and needs within the Kansas agriculture industry,&nbsp;KDA&nbsp;is calling on industry partners to help identify workforce needs among agricultural employers in the state by conducting the second Kansas Agriculture Workforce Needs Assessment Survey. The 2015 survey results helped guide KDA and partners to develop&nbsp;immersion activities connecting secondary school students with local agriculture businesses to learn about career opportunities. Kansas farmers, ranchers, agribusinesses, manufacturers&nbsp;and producers of agricultural products are all asked to complete the survey to help KDA identify the number and types of jobs in the state’s agriculture industry, and the specific skills required for those jobs. The survey is currently being offered online at <a href="http://www.agriculture.ks.gov/workforce" target="_blank">agriculture.ks.gov/workforce</a>&nbsp;and will be open until April 8, 2022.&nbsp;The above provides a QR code to take participants directly to the survey.&nbsp;The survey should take no more than 15 minutes to complete,&nbsp;and the information will remain anonymous.&nbsp;"We anticipate results to be available this summer with discussion of the&nbsp;findings&nbsp;at the 2022 Ag Growth Summit," Beam said. "KDA will utilize the information to&nbsp;steer future discussions and identify solutions for positive changes for our state’s leading economic driver&nbsp;— agriculture."&nbsp;For specific questions, contact Russell Plaschka, KDA agribusiness development director,&nbsp;at&nbsp;<a href="mailto:Russell.Plaschka@ks.gov" target="_blank">Russell.Plaschka@ks.gov</a>.&nbsp;&nbsp;

KDA: Participants needed for agriculture workforce needs online survey

Free sessions available online March 7-11

MANHATTAN – Kansas State University’s Department of Agricultural Economics will host a Risk and Profit mini-conference online March 7 to 11 to discuss the agricultural impacts of the Ukraine-Russia conflict and what it means for U.S. producers.

All sessions will be available via Zoom from 12 noon to 1:30 p.m. (CST) each day, with recordings available afterwards.

There is no fee to participate. Online registration is required in order to get the link sent to you at&nbsp;<a href="https://www.agmanager.info/events">https://www.agmanager.info/events</a><a></a>

Organizers of the mini-conference said faculty in K-State’s Department of Agricultural Economics will address the effects on the macro-economy, agricultural trade, energy and fertilizer markets, as well as grain and livestock markets.

The schedule and topics for each session of the mini-conference includes:

•Monday, Mar. 7:Understanding Macroeconomic Effects by BrianBriggeman; and Production and Trade Effects by Allen Featherstone. •Wednesday, Mar. 9:Implications for Energy Markets (speaker to be determined); and Effects on Fertilizer Inputs by Gregg Ibendahl. •Friday, Mar. 11:Grain Market Impacts by Dan O'Brien; and Livestock Market Impacts by GlynnTonsor.

Rich Llewelyn, an Extension assistant who is helping to organize the series, said there is uncertainty about how the Russian advance into Ukraine will affect markets.

““The impact and implications of the Russian invasion of Ukraine are widespread and potentially long-lasting,” he said. “K-State faculty will help to bring some needed understanding and clarification to the full ramifications of what is happening, could happen, and how it will affect U.S. agriculture.”

Organizers said given the two countries’ importance to export markets, and the relationship between energy and agricultural prices, the conflict will impact agriculture and food supplies across the globe.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/3/1646666489658.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure><h2>Free sessions available online March 7-11</h2>K-State Research and ExtensionMANHATTAN – Kansas State University’s Department of Agricultural Economics will host a Risk and Profit mini-conference online March 7 to 11 to discuss the agricultural impacts of the Ukraine-Russia conflict and what it means for U.S. producers.All sessions will be available via Zoom from 12 noon to 1:30 p.m. (CST) each day, with recordings available afterwards.There is no fee to participate. Online registration is required in order to get the link sent to you at&nbsp;<a href="https://www.agmanager.info/events">https://www.agmanager.info/events</a><a></a>Organizers of the mini-conference said faculty in K-State’s Department of Agricultural Economics will address the effects on the macro-economy, agricultural trade, energy and fertilizer markets, as well as grain and livestock markets.The schedule and topics for each session of the mini-conference includes:•Monday, Mar. 7:Understanding Macroeconomic Effects by BrianBriggeman; and Production and Trade Effects by Allen Featherstone. •Wednesday, Mar. 9:Implications for Energy Markets (speaker to be determined); and Effects on Fertilizer Inputs by Gregg Ibendahl. •Friday, Mar. 11:Grain Market Impacts by Dan O'Brien; and Livestock Market Impacts by GlynnTonsor.Rich Llewelyn, an Extension assistant who is helping to organize the series, said there is uncertainty about how the Russian advance into Ukraine will affect markets.““The impact and implications of the Russian invasion of Ukraine are widespread and potentially long-lasting,” he said. “K-State faculty will help to bring some needed understanding and clarification to the full ramifications of what is happening, could happen, and how it will affect U.S. agriculture.”Organizers said given the two countries’ importance to export markets, and the relationship between energy and agricultural prices, the conflict will impact agriculture and food supplies across the globe.

K-State ‘mini-conference’ on ag ramifications of Ukraine/Russia conflict

Images courtesy Hays Sports Academy

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/3/1646434723384.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Images courtesy Hays Sports Academy

Hays Sports Academy seeking players for 2022 season

A warm-hearted comedy that contrasts&nbsp;greed with the greater good of generosity of spirit&nbsp;will take the stage&nbsp;at 7 p.m.&nbsp;on March 10 to 12&nbsp;at 12th&nbsp;Street&nbsp;Auditorium.

“The Curious Savage,”&nbsp;a community theater and high school staple for more than&nbsp;70&nbsp;years, originally appeared on Broadway in 1950.&nbsp;It was written by John Patrick, who also wrote two very well-known&nbsp;plays,&nbsp;the Pulitzer Prize winning “The Teahouse of the August Moon”&nbsp;as well as&nbsp;“Everybody Loves Opal.”

Director Bill Gasper said&nbsp;“The Curious Savage”&nbsp;is a feel-good play that centers around Ethel Savage, a new widow who has been left with a substantial fortune. Her three grown stepchildren, however,&nbsp;are intent on keeping her from&nbsp;spending&nbsp;it.&nbsp; Thus, they conspire to have her committed to a private sanatorium known&nbsp;as The Cloisters.&nbsp; There, Ethel is left to work out how she will deal with her spiteful stepchildren&nbsp;while getting to know five colorful&nbsp;characters who are long-term patients in the same facility.&nbsp;

As she gets to know the five other residents on her ward, Ethel discovers through their generosity of spirit her own inner conviction to do what she has to do to fend off her loathsome brood.&nbsp; Each of her fellow Cloister inmates is unique and&nbsp;brings to the story special elements of charm and sensitivity.

“It’s a great story with interesting characters,” Gasper said. “That’s probably why it’s been performed&nbsp;by&nbsp;so many times. It’s&nbsp;very humorous but&nbsp;not in an over-the-top&nbsp;farcical sort of way. I particularly like the play because it delivers meaningful messages about family, generosity, greed and kindness. And although it was written in 1950, those messages still ring very true today.”

Gasper said there are 11 students in the cast with three others helping behind the scenes.

“I wanted to do a more serious, Broadway style play this year and those generally have smaller casts,” Gasper said. “The downside to a small cast is that typically means smaller audiences,&nbsp;so I’m encouraging people to come out and watch what will be a very fine performance.”

General admission tickets&nbsp;are $6&nbsp;in advance and $7&nbsp;at the door for adults.&nbsp;All tickets are general admission and can be purchased at the high school office. The production is suitable for all audiences.

“Our admission price is a bargain.&nbsp;I keep ticket prices low because I want people to come out and see how talented our young actors are,” Gasper said. “They are very dedicated and put in a lot of work, and their only reward is to perform in front of an audience.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/3/1646416328740.jpeg" alt="Hays High School will present the comedy classic, “The Curious Savage” at 7 p.m. on March 10-12 at 12th Street Auditorium. Cast members are: Front - Augusta Green, Katelyn Willemsen, Devlyn Jochum, Jordan Aschenbrenner. Back – Skyler Rodriguez, Gracie Wente, Oscar Flores, Caleb King, Calliope Green, Mazzy Sacia, Carson Brooksher, Stanna Flinn." />
 <figcaption>Hays High School will present the comedy classic, “The Curious Savage” at 7 p.m. on March 10-12 at 12th Street Auditorium. Cast members are: Front - Augusta Green, Katelyn Willemsen, Devlyn Jochum, Jordan Aschenbrenner. Back – Skyler Rodriguez, Gracie Wente, Oscar Flores, Caleb King, Calliope Green, Mazzy Sacia, Carson Brooksher, Stanna Flinn.</figcaption>
 </figure>Hays High SchoolA warm-hearted comedy that contrasts&nbsp;greed with the greater good of generosity of spirit&nbsp;will take the stage&nbsp;at 7 p.m.&nbsp;on March 10 to 12&nbsp;at 12th&nbsp;Street&nbsp;Auditorium.“The Curious Savage,”&nbsp;a community theater and high school staple for more than&nbsp;70&nbsp;years, originally appeared on Broadway in 1950.&nbsp;It was written by John Patrick, who also wrote two very well-known&nbsp;plays,&nbsp;the Pulitzer Prize winning “The Teahouse of the August Moon”&nbsp;as well as&nbsp;“Everybody Loves Opal.”<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/3/1646416353391.jpeg" alt="Residents of The Cloisters, a sanatorium for people with various emotional problems, express their irrational fear to Mrs. Savage (Devlyn Jochum) for looking at a newspaper. Caleb King, Oscar Flores, Jordan Aschenbrenner, Calliope King and Kathelyn Willemsen play the patients." />
 <figcaption>Residents of The Cloisters, a sanatorium for people with various emotional problems, express their irrational fear to Mrs. Savage (Devlyn Jochum) for looking at a newspaper. Caleb King, Oscar Flores, Jordan Aschenbrenner, Calliope King and Kathelyn Willemsen play the patients.</figcaption>
 </figure>Director Bill Gasper said&nbsp;“The Curious Savage”&nbsp;is a feel-good play that centers around Ethel Savage, a new widow who has been left with a substantial fortune. Her three grown stepchildren, however,&nbsp;are intent on keeping her from&nbsp;spending&nbsp;it.&nbsp; Thus, they conspire to have her committed to a private sanatorium known&nbsp;as The Cloisters.&nbsp; There, Ethel is left to work out how she will deal with her spiteful stepchildren&nbsp;while getting to know five colorful&nbsp;characters who are long-term patients in the same facility.&nbsp;<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/3/1646416378265.jpeg" alt="An angry Lilly Belle Savage (Mazzy Sacia) looks on as the non-talking Mrs. Paddy (Calliope Green) follows Dr. Emmett’s (Gracie Wente) instructions to “look at me.”" />
 <figcaption>An angry Lilly Belle Savage (Mazzy Sacia) looks on as the non-talking Mrs. Paddy (Calliope Green) follows Dr. Emmett’s (Gracie Wente) instructions to “look at me.”</figcaption>
 </figure>As she gets to know the five other residents on her ward, Ethel discovers through their generosity of spirit her own inner conviction to do what she has to do to fend off her loathsome brood.&nbsp; Each of her fellow Cloister inmates is unique and&nbsp;brings to the story special elements of charm and sensitivity.“It’s a great story with interesting characters,” Gasper said. “That’s probably why it’s been performed&nbsp;by&nbsp;so many times. It’s&nbsp;very humorous but&nbsp;not in an over-the-top&nbsp;farcical sort of way. I particularly like the play because it delivers meaningful messages about family, generosity, greed and kindness. And although it was written in 1950, those messages still ring very true today.”Gasper said there are 11 students in the cast with three others helping behind the scenes.“I wanted to do a more serious, Broadway style play this year and those generally have smaller casts,” Gasper said. “The downside to a small cast is that typically means smaller audiences,&nbsp;so I’m encouraging people to come out and watch what will be a very fine performance.”General admission tickets&nbsp;are $6&nbsp;in advance and $7&nbsp;at the door for adults.&nbsp;All tickets are general admission and can be purchased at the high school office. The production is suitable for all audiences.“Our admission price is a bargain.&nbsp;I keep ticket prices low because I want people to come out and see how talented our young actors are,” Gasper said. “They are very dedicated and put in a lot of work, and their only reward is to perform in front of an audience.”

Hays High to present ‘The Curious Savage’ next week

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the Annual Meeting of
Members/Partners of Downtown Hays Development Corporation (DHDC) will take
place Wednesday, March 9, 2022, 11:00 – 11:30am, at 1200 Main Street, Suite 102
to take action on the following matters: 1.&nbsp;&nbsp; The report of officers.
 2.&nbsp;&nbsp; 2021 Year in Review. 3.&nbsp; &nbsp;Induction of new Emeritus Board Members.
 4.&nbsp;&nbsp; All other business which shall come before the meeting.&nbsp;
 The 2022 Emeritus inductees: Sarah Cearley and Karen Dreiling. The 2022 Board
of Directors: Alaina Cunningham, David Herl, Mike Holliday, Sandy Keller,
Chelsey Ladd, Patrick McGinnis, Kristiana Molina, Brett Ottley, Julie Rider,
Kiley Rupp, Andrew Taylor, Shae Veach, and Bryan Vonfeldt.

The 2022 Slate of
Officers: President: Julie Rider Past President: Mike Holliday Vice President:
Brett Ottley Secretary: Kristiana Molina Treasurer: David Herl

The regularly
scheduled March Board of Directors meeting will immediately follow the
conclusion of the Annual Meeting.&nbsp;

To RSVP or to request a Zoom link to attend
the annual meeting virtually, please send an email to Sara Bloom at
dhdc@downtownhays.com or call 785-621-4171.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/7/1596207699929.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>DHDCNOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the Annual Meeting of
Members/Partners of Downtown Hays Development Corporation (DHDC) will take
place Wednesday, March 9, 2022, 11:00 – 11:30am, at 1200 Main Street, Suite 102
to take action on the following matters: 1.&nbsp;&nbsp; The report of officers.
 2.&nbsp;&nbsp; 2021 Year in Review. 3.&nbsp; &nbsp;Induction of new Emeritus Board Members.
 4.&nbsp;&nbsp; All other business which shall come before the meeting.&nbsp;
 The 2022 Emeritus inductees: Sarah Cearley and Karen Dreiling. The 2022 Board
of Directors: Alaina Cunningham, David Herl, Mike Holliday, Sandy Keller,
Chelsey Ladd, Patrick McGinnis, Kristiana Molina, Brett Ottley, Julie Rider,
Kiley Rupp, Andrew Taylor, Shae Veach, and Bryan Vonfeldt. The 2022 Slate of
Officers: President: Julie Rider Past President: Mike Holliday Vice President:
Brett Ottley Secretary: Kristiana Molina Treasurer: David Herl The regularly
scheduled March Board of Directors meeting will immediately follow the
conclusion of the Annual Meeting.&nbsp; To RSVP or to request a Zoom link to attend
the annual meeting virtually, please send an email to Sara Bloom at
dhdc@downtownhays.com or call 785-621-4171.

DHDC annual meeting set for March 9

By HOLLY DICKMAN City of Hays Water Conservation Specialist

World Water Day is an annual observance focusing on the importance of water. To celebrate,
the City of Hays and the KSU Big Creek Middle Smoky Hill River Watersheds are once again
partnering to host a World Water Day Fun Fest on Thursday, March 17th from 10 a.m. to noon at Big Creek Crossing. 

This free event will feature fun, hands-on, "water-related"
activities for kids of all ages. In addition, educational information regarding water conservation
and water quality will be provided.


<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/3/1646253974919.jpeg" alt="Holly Dickman" />
 <figcaption>Holly Dickman</figcaption>
 </figure>By HOLLY DICKMAN City of Hays Water Conservation Specialist
World Water Day is an annual observance focusing on the importance of water. To celebrate,
the City of Hays and the KSU Big Creek Middle Smoky Hill River Watersheds are once again
partnering to host a World Water Day Fun Fest on Thursday, March 17th from 10 a.m. to noon at Big Creek Crossing. This free event will feature fun, hands-on, "water-related"
activities for kids of all ages. In addition, educational information regarding water conservation
and water quality will be provided.

World Water Day Fun Fest scheduled for March 17 in Hays

Plan now for Hoxie citywide clean-up in April 

USD 489 to host bond issue open house March 22

TOPEKA — The Attorney General’s Office will mark National Consumer Protection Week with free document destruction events throughout the state, Kansas Attorney General Derek Schmidt announced.

“Our office works hard year-round to protect consumers,” Schmidt said. “Next week, we will place a particular focus on helping Kansans protect themselves from identity theft and stay safe from scams.”

The office will sponsor free document destruction at 10 locations throughout the state from March 7 to 12, which is National Consumer Protection Week. Securely shredding personal documents is an important step toward preventing identity theft.

In Hays, free document destruction will be available from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Thursday, March 10, at the Sternberg Museum of Natural History, 3000 Sternberg Drive.&nbsp;

Office of the Attorney GeneralTOPEKA — The Attorney General’s Office will mark National Consumer Protection Week with free document destruction events throughout the state, Kansas Attorney General Derek Schmidt announced.“Our office works hard year-round to protect consumers,” Schmidt said. “Next week, we will place a particular focus on helping Kansans protect themselves from identity theft and stay safe from scams.”The office will sponsor free document destruction at 10 locations throughout the state from March 7 to 12, which is National Consumer Protection Week. Securely shredding personal documents is an important step toward preventing identity theft.In Hays, free document destruction will be available from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Thursday, March 10, at the Sternberg Museum of Natural History, 3000 Sternberg Drive.&nbsp;Cover image courtesy Pixabay

Free document destruction available at Sternberg next week

Get your team ready and register today for the Monarch 3 on 3 Tourney to benefit the ladies basketball program.

Who: &nbsp;Girls and Boys in 3rd through 8th grades When: &nbsp;Saturday, March 19, 2022 Where: &nbsp;TMP-M, Holy Family Elementary, and Kennedy Fee: &nbsp;$10.00 per player Entry Deadline: &nbsp;Monday, March 14th.

To register online, click <a href="https://www.tmp-m.org/o/tmpm/page/monarch-3-on-3-tournament">HERE</a>.

For more information, contact Rose McFarland 365-0850 or e-mail&nbsp;<a href="mailto:mcfarlandr@tmpmarian.org" target="_blank">mcfarlandr@tmpmarian.org</a>

Thomas More Prep-MarianGet your team ready and register today for the Monarch 3 on 3 Tourney to benefit the ladies basketball program.Who: &nbsp;Girls and Boys in 3rd through 8th grades When: &nbsp;Saturday, March 19, 2022 Where: &nbsp;TMP-M, Holy Family Elementary, and Kennedy Fee: &nbsp;$10.00 per player Entry Deadline: &nbsp;Monday, March 14th. To register online, click <a href="https://www.tmp-m.org/o/tmpm/page/monarch-3-on-3-tournament">HERE</a>.For more information, contact Rose McFarland 365-0850 or e-mail&nbsp;<a href="mailto:mcfarlandr@tmpmarian.org" target="_blank">mcfarlandr@tmpmarian.org</a>

Monarch 3 on 3 Tourney scheduled for this month

First Call for Help is sponsoring its second annual Photo Frenzy fundraiser.

Strike a pose on Saturday, March 5. Select your team of up to four people, hop in the car, and get ready to make memories for a good cause. 

•	Call 785-623-2800 to register your team by the end of the day on March 3. Registration fee is $20 for adults and $15 for kids 12 and younger. This is a family friendly event. 	•	On the morning of March 5, receive your scavenger hunt clues and have a blast setting out to find the locations between 10 a.m. and noon. 	•	Snap photos of your answers and submit them for points. 	•	Team scores will be added together, and prizes will be awarded to the winning team members.

This is a fun, interactive event that brings people together to raise money and awareness for First Call For Help. All registration fees and any additional funds raised go directly to support community members in need of basic essential services, such as rent, utilities and diapers.

Last year was a great success and we hope to make this year even bigger and better, a news release said. To sign up or for more information, call Laura Shoaff at 785-623-2800. 

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/1/1643306693231.jpeg" alt="Photo Frenzy Flyer 2022USE1 (1).jpg" />
 <figcaption>Photo Frenzy Flyer 2022USE1 (1).jpg</figcaption>
 </figure>SubmittedFirst Call for Help is sponsoring its second annual Photo Frenzy fundraiser. Strike a pose on Saturday, March 5. Select your team of up to four people, hop in the car, and get ready to make memories for a good cause. Here’s the full picture:	•	Call 785-623-2800 to register your team by the end of the day on March 3. Registration fee is $20 for adults and $15 for kids 12 and younger. This is a family friendly event. 	•	On the morning of March 5, receive your scavenger hunt clues and have a blast setting out to find the locations between 10 a.m. and noon. 	•	Snap photos of your answers and submit them for points. 	•	Team scores will be added together, and prizes will be awarded to the winning team members.This is a fun, interactive event that brings people together to raise money and awareness for First Call For Help. All registration fees and any additional funds raised go directly to support community members in need of basic essential services, such as rent, utilities and diapers. Last year was a great success and we hope to make this year even bigger and better, a news release said. To sign up or for more information, call Laura Shoaff at 785-623-2800.

Deadline extended for First Call For Help Photo Frenzy fundraiser

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