Start the advent/holiday season on a glorious note with the FHSU choirs: Fort Hays Singers, Concert Choir, and Smoky Hill Chorale at the annual Cathedral Christmas Concert in Victoria.

Hays HS Chamber Singers and the St. Fidelis Church choir are the guest choirs. Also appearing: Tom Meagher, organ; FHSU Horn Ensemble; FHSU Flute Ensemble; several FHSU Music Faculty will perform, plus other members of the Music &amp; Theatre Dept.

This concert is free and open to the public.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/12/1670010791180.jpeg" alt="File photo" />
 <figcaption>File photo</figcaption>
 </figure>SubmittedCathedral Christmas ConcertSunday, December 8, 2024, 3:30pmBasilica of St. Fidelis, Victoria, KSStart the advent/holiday season on a glorious note with the FHSU choirs: Fort Hays Singers, Concert Choir, and Smoky Hill Chorale at the annual Cathedral Christmas Concert in Victoria.Hays HS Chamber Singers and the St. Fidelis Church choir are the guest choirs. Also appearing: Tom Meagher, organ; FHSU Horn Ensemble; FHSU Flute Ensemble; several FHSU Music Faculty will perform, plus other members of the Music &amp; Theatre Dept.This concert is free and open to the public.

Cathedral Christmas Concert set for Dec. 8

Kansas State University is continuing community visits across the state and invites residents of Ellis County for a special afternoon focused on water education and conservation.

The “Know Your Water” event will take place on November 18, starting at 2 p.m. at the Agricultural Research Center in Hays. Organizers say that participants will have the chance to learn about water systems, efficient irrigation techniques, and non-point source pollution.

“We want our residents to see these demonstrations first-hand and to hear about science-based water management strategies. K-State will use this visit to help everyone dive deeper into the important topic of water,” said Stacie Minson, an extension watershed specialist with K-State Research and Extension.

This community visit will feature experts from the university and Extension who will lead the hands-on showcases and demonstrations. Participants will also have a tour of Pleasant View Farms, where water quality improvements have been put into action.

The continuation of K-State’s community visits shows the university’s commitment to prioritizing engagement and driving partnerships that address real-world challenges — whether through educational outreach, innovative research or service programs that benefit the people and industries of Kansas.

Community visit events are free and open to all Kansans, including community members, leaders and industry partners. Those interested can go to bit.ly/KWY-visit to register.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/7/1719872287576.jpg" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure>SubmittedKansas State University is continuing community visits across the state and invites residents of Ellis County for a special afternoon focused on water education and conservation.The “Know Your Water” event will take place on November 18, starting at 2 p.m. at the Agricultural Research Center in Hays. Organizers say that participants will have the chance to learn about water systems, efficient irrigation techniques, and non-point source pollution.“We want our residents to see these demonstrations first-hand and to hear about science-based water management strategies. K-State will use this visit to help everyone dive deeper into the important topic of water,” said Stacie Minson, an extension watershed specialist with K-State Research and Extension.This community visit will feature experts from the university and Extension who will lead the hands-on showcases and demonstrations. Participants will also have a tour of Pleasant View Farms, where water quality improvements have been put into action.The continuation of K-State’s community visits shows the university’s commitment to prioritizing engagement and driving partnerships that address real-world challenges — whether through educational outreach, innovative research or service programs that benefit the people and industries of Kansas.Community visit events are free and open to all Kansans, including community members, leaders and industry partners. Those interested can go to bit.ly/KWY-visit to register.

K-State comes to Ellis Co. for community visit about water

<a href="https://hayspost.com/pages/state-farm-weather-window">For a full look at the weather forecast, click here.</a>

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/11/1731791779462.jpeg" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure><a href="https://hayspost.com/pages/state-farm-weather-window">For a full look at the weather forecast, click here.</a>

Three-day weather outlook

Editor's note: There was an issue with the raffle link. This has been corrected.

By CRISTINA JANNEY Hays Post

The Feeding Hays program started as a small free meal program that provided about 10 meals once a week. It now feeds 250 to 300 people each Thursday night.

The program is wholly funded through monetary or in-kind donations.

With the significant increase in people fed, the program needs donations on a weekly basis, Ben Houchen, Feeding Hays director, said.

“We have a pretty regular stream of in-kind donations, but even with that, moving from the number of meals we were serving even a year ago at about 120 meals getting up to the point where we’re doing 250 to 300 meals means week to week we need donations every week to cover that. We don’t have a reserve of food or money to cover anything.”

The program cooks 125 pounds of spaghetti and 15 pounds of hamburger each night it serves meals.

“Because we want it to be a really solid, genuinely healthy, hearty meal, it does cost money,” Houchen said.

Feeding Hays provides a drive-through meal from 6:30 to 7 p.m. every Thursday at the St. Michael's Episcopal Church.

Free-will donations are accepted but not required. Participants don't need to show proof of income or make a reservation to receive a meal.

The free-will donations go to pay off lunch debt at the Hays USD 489 school district. The program hopes to donate $5,000 this year.

The meal is usually spaghetti with meat sauce, carrots with ranch dressing, bread and a cookie. However, outside groups have offered meals, including hamburgers, chicken and noodles, and loaded baked potatoes.

"The demographics are not what a lot of people would expect," Houchen said. "We do have a lot of people who are on that poverty line or below, but there are also a lot of older folks who want to be able to contribute to the efforts that we're doing."

"We have a lot of single moms or working parents who have done all they want to be able to do for the week, so they get a good meal on Thursday," Houchen said. "We've also seen a large growth recently in veterans ...

"A couple of weeks ago, I talked to a vet who was there that said this is the first time in about a month that he's had a hot meal and the first time in well over a month he's just had someone to stop and talk to him."

Feeding Hays volunteers are trying to secure the program its own nonprofit status so it can apply for more grants.&nbsp;

Program volunteers would like to add one to two more nights of meals to the program within the next six months to a year.

The program is fundraising so it can provide more variety in the meals it offers.

The program is selling raffle tickets between now and Nov. 29. The winners will be selected on Nov. 30. Prizes include a staycation package from Avid Hotels, a Fort Hays State University sports fan package, and a HALO griddle. <a href="https://www.zeffy.com/en-US/ticketing/6802c783-1db9-48e8-af26-ac5234aff8bb?fbclid=IwY2xjawGkz5RleHRuA2FlbQIxMQABHZ87ELcJhn94HdgVfZx7AosN59pElAeKEnwV7eQRw_HkQSAgMN-04Yl9GQ_aem_7MjbXC7p5jEls6LYENT_aw">CLICK HERE</a> for more information on the raffle.

The program accepts donations of spaghetti, sauce and hamburger. See the image below. It also accepts cleaning items such as paper towels, Swiffer&nbsp;Wet Pads, Clorox Cleaning Wipes and Dawn Powerwash dish soap.

The church, 2900 Canal Blvd., has a drop box for these items.

“We do have some people who make cash donations, and we’re looking to expand that so we can ensure sustainability for the future, expand our menu and grow some of the things that we’re doing,” Houchen said.

Businesses or organizations can also adopt an entire evening of meals to provide food and volunteers.

“We’ve had a lot of really great involvement with the community,” Houchen said. “Moving from that 10 a night to that 250 a night has taken huge community involvement.”

Groups including Rotary, Optimists and Women Who Lead have supported the program. McIntyre Plumbing, Heating &amp; Air, T-Mobile and Aaron Heating Air are a few of the businesses that have been supporters.&nbsp;

Houchen said the program is looking for consistent volunteers who can train to lead meals.

He said volunteers can go to the program's Facebook page or St. Michael’s website and contact Houchen directly.

You can follow <a href="https://www.facebook.com/groups/2047485065448690">Feeding Hays on Facebook</a> or find more information under the<a href="https://www.stmichaelshays.org/feeding-hays"> Feeding Hays tab on the St. Michael’s Episcopal Church website</a>.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/11/1731450357639.jpeg" alt="Courtesy photo" />
 <figcaption>Courtesy photo</figcaption>
 </figure><div><iframe title="Donations needed for Feeding Hays as meal count surges" 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=2e96n-173b474-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>Editor's note: There was an issue with the raffle link. This has been corrected.By CRISTINA JANNEY Hays PostThe Feeding Hays program started as a small free meal program that provided about 10 meals once a week. It now feeds 250 to 300 people each Thursday night.The program is wholly funded through monetary or in-kind donations.With the significant increase in people fed, the program needs donations on a weekly basis, Ben Houchen, Feeding Hays director, said.“We have a pretty regular stream of in-kind donations, but even with that, moving from the number of meals we were serving even a year ago at about 120 meals getting up to the point where we’re doing 250 to 300 meals means week to week we need donations every week to cover that. We don’t have a reserve of food or money to cover anything.”The program cooks 125 pounds of spaghetti and 15 pounds of hamburger each night it serves meals.“Because we want it to be a really solid, genuinely healthy, hearty meal, it does cost money,” Houchen said.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/11/1731450424592.jpeg" alt="Courtesy photo" />
 <figcaption>Courtesy photo</figcaption>
 </figure>Feeding Hays provides a drive-through meal from 6:30 to 7 p.m. every Thursday at the St. Michael's Episcopal Church.Free-will donations are accepted but not required. Participants don't need to show proof of income or make a reservation to receive a meal.The free-will donations go to pay off lunch debt at the Hays USD 489 school district. The program hopes to donate $5,000 this year.The meal is usually spaghetti with meat sauce, carrots with ranch dressing, bread and a cookie. However, outside groups have offered meals, including hamburgers, chicken and noodles, and loaded baked potatoes.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/11/1731450456904.jpeg" alt="Courtesy photo" />
 <figcaption>Courtesy photo</figcaption>
 </figure>"The demographics are not what a lot of people would expect," Houchen said. "We do have a lot of people who are on that poverty line or below, but there are also a lot of older folks who want to be able to contribute to the efforts that we're doing.""We have a lot of single moms or working parents who have done all they want to be able to do for the week, so they get a good meal on Thursday," Houchen said. "We've also seen a large growth recently in veterans ..."A couple of weeks ago, I talked to a vet who was there that said this is the first time in about a month that he's had a hot meal and the first time in well over a month he's just had someone to stop and talk to him."Feeding Hays volunteers are trying to secure the program its own nonprofit status so it can apply for more grants.&nbsp;Program volunteers would like to add one to two more nights of meals to the program within the next six months to a year.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/11/1731450499088.jpeg" alt="Courtesy image" />
 <figcaption>Courtesy image</figcaption>
 </figure>The program is fundraising so it can provide more variety in the meals it offers.The program is selling raffle tickets between now and Nov. 29. The winners will be selected on Nov. 30. Prizes include a staycation package from Avid Hotels, a Fort Hays State University sports fan package, and a HALO griddle. <a href="https://www.zeffy.com/en-US/ticketing/6802c783-1db9-48e8-af26-ac5234aff8bb?fbclid=IwY2xjawGkz5RleHRuA2FlbQIxMQABHZ87ELcJhn94HdgVfZx7AosN59pElAeKEnwV7eQRw_HkQSAgMN-04Yl9GQ_aem_7MjbXC7p5jEls6LYENT_aw">CLICK HERE</a> for more information on the raffle.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/11/1731514474912.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>The program accepts donations of spaghetti, sauce and hamburger. See the image below. It also accepts cleaning items such as paper towels, Swiffer&nbsp;Wet Pads, Clorox Cleaning Wipes and Dawn Powerwash dish soap.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/11/1731515497362.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/11/1731515518986.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>The church, 2900 Canal Blvd., has a drop box for these items.“We do have some people who make cash donations, and we’re looking to expand that so we can ensure sustainability for the future, expand our menu and grow some of the things that we’re doing,” Houchen said.Businesses or organizations can also adopt an entire evening of meals to provide food and volunteers.“We’ve had a lot of really great involvement with the community,” Houchen said. “Moving from that 10 a night to that 250 a night has taken huge community involvement.”Groups including Rotary, Optimists and Women Who Lead have supported the program. McIntyre Plumbing, Heating &amp; Air, T-Mobile and Aaron Heating Air are a few of the businesses that have been supporters.&nbsp;Houchen said the program is looking for consistent volunteers who can train to lead meals.He said volunteers can go to the program's Facebook page or St. Michael’s website and contact Houchen directly.You can follow <a href="https://www.facebook.com/groups/2047485065448690">Feeding Hays on Facebook</a> or find more information under the<a href="https://www.stmichaelshays.org/feeding-hays"> Feeding Hays tab on the St. Michael’s Episcopal Church website</a>.

🎙 UPDATE: Donations needed for Feeding Hays as meal count surges

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/11/1731701082877.jpeg" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure><a href="https://hayspost.com/pages/state-farm-weather-window">For a full look at the weather forecast, click here.</a>

We are giving away the Chicken Soup for the Soul book, "Miracles, Angels &amp; Messages from Heaven."

Listen to 99.5 FM, KHAZ, during A KZ Country Morning with Theresa Trapp Monday, November 18 - 22, 2024 for chances to win a copy. No age restrictions.



This collection of 101 true, awe-inspiring stories will renew your faith, reignite your sense of wonder, and remind you that, indeed, there is more to this world than meets the eye.Each of the 101 true stories in this entertaining, inspiring book is a testament to the miraculous moments that grace our lives, inviting us to believe in the extraordinary and find solace in the unbelievable. As you immerse yourself in these captivating narratives, you'll witness the transformative power of divine intervention, the comforting presence of angels, and the subtle yet powerful messages that connect us to the realm beyond.Whether you've personally experienced the inexplicable or are simply drawn to the mysteries that lie beyond our understanding, this book is a must read. Prepare to be uplifted, inspired, and reassured that, even in the midst of life's challenges, there are miracles, angels, and messages from heaven guiding our journey.Chicken Soup for the Soul books are 100% made in the USA.





Winners will need to pick up the books at the KHAZ Studio, 2300 Hall, Hays, KS. Someone is available to assist with prize pickup Mondays - Fridays, 8 am - 5 pm.

Congrats Donna, Joe, Terry, Alexia &amp; Marla!

We are giving away the Chicken Soup for the Soul book, "Miracles, Angels &amp; Messages from Heaven."Listen to 99.5 FM, KHAZ, during A KZ Country Morning with Theresa Trapp Monday, November 18 - 22, 2024 for chances to win a copy. No age restrictions.

This collection of 101 true, awe-inspiring stories will renew your faith, reignite your sense of wonder, and remind you that, indeed, there is more to this world than meets the eye.Each of the 101 true stories in this entertaining, inspiring book is a testament to the miraculous moments that grace our lives, inviting us to believe in the extraordinary and find solace in the unbelievable. As you immerse yourself in these captivating narratives, you'll witness the transformative power of divine intervention, the comforting presence of angels, and the subtle yet powerful messages that connect us to the realm beyond.Whether you've personally experienced the inexplicable or are simply drawn to the mysteries that lie beyond our understanding, this book is a must read. Prepare to be uplifted, inspired, and reassured that, even in the midst of life's challenges, there are miracles, angels, and messages from heaven guiding our journey.Chicken Soup for the Soul books are 100% made in the USA.



Winners will need to pick up the books at the KHAZ Studio, 2300 Hall, Hays, KS. Someone is available to assist with prize pickup Mondays - Fridays, 8 am - 5 pm.Congrats Donna, Joe, Terry, Alexia &amp; Marla! https://eagleradio.net/contest-rules

Winners: Chicken Soup for the Soul book "Miracles, Angels & Messages from Heaven" with 99.5 KZ Country

What do cows do for entertainment? They go to the moooo-vies.

What do cows do for entertainment? They go to the moooo-vies.

KZ Country Cheesy Joke of the Day 11/15/24

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 </figure><a href="https://hayspost.com/pages/state-farm-weather-window">For a full look at the weather forecast, click here.</a>

A man walked into a sandwich shop and said, "I'd like to buy a ham sandwich with pickles." The shop owner replied, "Sir, we only take cash and credit cards for payment."

A man walked into a sandwich shop and said, "I'd like to buy a ham sandwich with pickles." The shop owner replied, "Sir, we only take cash and credit cards for payment."

KZ Country Cheesy Joke of the Day 11/14/24

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/11/1731522858630.jpeg" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure><a href="https://hayspost.com/pages/state-farm-weather-window">For a full look at the weather forecast, click here.</a>

Why did the man tiptoe past the medicine cabinet? He didn’t want to wake up the sleeping pills.

Why did the man tiptoe past the medicine cabinet? He didn’t want to wake up the sleeping pills.

KZ Country Cheesy Joke of the Day 11/13/24

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/11/1731437715194.jpeg" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure><a href="https://hayspost.com/pages/state-farm-weather-window">For a full look at the weather forecast, click here.</a>

United Wireless Arena, managed by VenuWorks, is excited to announce that country music legend, CLINT BLACK will be coming to Dodge City on Saturday, February 8th with his 35th Anniversary of Killin’ Time tour. Doors will open at 6:30 PM on February 8th and Clint Black will take the stage at 7:30 PM.

Country icon Clint Black, one of the truest traditionalists in music over the last three decades, will celebrate the 35th anniversary of his debut album, Killin’ Time, on tour in 2024. A true triple threat singer/guitarist/songwriter, Black has sold more than twenty million records, written and recorded twenty-two #1 singles, and has been awarded nearly two dozen gold and platinum awards, a GRAMMY, and numerous CMA, ACM, and American Music Awards. He’s a member of the Grand Ole Opry and has been honored with stars on the Hollywood Walk of Fame and the Nashville Walk of Fame. His musical style encompasses traditional country, honky-tonk, and Western swing. From the beginning, Black’s biggest influences were Waylon Jennings, Willie Nelson, and especially Merle Haggard, to whom his smooth baritone voice was initially compared. One-fourth of country music’s storied Class of 1989, Clint Black's meteoric rise began with Killin’ Time, which produced five consecutive number-one singles on the Billboard Hot Country charts. His break-out success put Black on a fast track to super-stardom.

Eventually, Black’s wide-spread appeal and his own creative curiosity led him into the world of acting where he earned roles in dozens of TV shows and feature films including Maverick, Anger Management, The Larry Sanders Show, and many others. The fifth season of his own talk show, Talking in Circles is currently airing on Circle TV and was awarded “Best Talk Show” in Cynopsis Media’s Best of the Best and Rising Star Awards. This year Clint received the Poet’s Award at the ACM Honors, an award given to the most remarkable and enduring talents in country music songwriting. Now, Black revisits the album that started it all, Killin’ Time, with a special world tour that kicked off with three sold-out dates at the renowned Ryman Auditorium in Nashville, TN, and continues through 2025.

Tickets for Clint Black’s 35th Anniversary of Killin Time will go on sale Friday, October 25th at 10:00 AM CST. Tickets can be purchased at the United Wireless Arena box office or online through Ticketmaster.com. Ticket prices are $45, $55, or $69 for reserved seating depending on location, plus applicable fees and taxes. United Wireless Arena is an exclusive Ticketmaster facility and cannot guarantee tickets purchased as resale or through a third-party vendor. Doors will open one hour before showtime. Handicapped accessible seating must be arranged directly through the United Wireless Arena Ticket Office. United Wireless Arena has a clear bag policy in place. Please check our website for more details

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/11/1731361110846.jpeg" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure>SubmittedUnited Wireless Arena, managed by VenuWorks, is excited to announce that country music legend, CLINT BLACK will be coming to Dodge City on Saturday, February 8th with his 35th Anniversary of Killin’ Time tour. Doors will open at 6:30 PM on February 8th and Clint Black will take the stage at 7:30 PM.Country icon Clint Black, one of the truest traditionalists in music over the last three decades, will celebrate the 35th anniversary of his debut album, Killin’ Time, on tour in 2024. A true triple threat singer/guitarist/songwriter, Black has sold more than twenty million records, written and recorded twenty-two #1 singles, and has been awarded nearly two dozen gold and platinum awards, a GRAMMY, and numerous CMA, ACM, and American Music Awards. He’s a member of the Grand Ole Opry and has been honored with stars on the Hollywood Walk of Fame and the Nashville Walk of Fame. His musical style encompasses traditional country, honky-tonk, and Western swing. From the beginning, Black’s biggest influences were Waylon Jennings, Willie Nelson, and especially Merle Haggard, to whom his smooth baritone voice was initially compared. One-fourth of country music’s storied Class of 1989, Clint Black's meteoric rise began with Killin’ Time, which produced five consecutive number-one singles on the Billboard Hot Country charts. His break-out success put Black on a fast track to super-stardom.Eventually, Black’s wide-spread appeal and his own creative curiosity led him into the world of acting where he earned roles in dozens of TV shows and feature films including Maverick, Anger Management, The Larry Sanders Show, and many others. The fifth season of his own talk show, Talking in Circles is currently airing on Circle TV and was awarded “Best Talk Show” in Cynopsis Media’s Best of the Best and Rising Star Awards. This year Clint received the Poet’s Award at the ACM Honors, an award given to the most remarkable and enduring talents in country music songwriting. Now, Black revisits the album that started it all, Killin’ Time, with a special world tour that kicked off with three sold-out dates at the renowned Ryman Auditorium in Nashville, TN, and continues through 2025.Tickets for Clint Black’s 35th Anniversary of Killin Time will go on sale Friday, October 25th at 10:00 AM CST. Tickets can be purchased at the United Wireless Arena box office or online through Ticketmaster.com. Ticket prices are $45, $55, or $69 for reserved seating depending on location, plus applicable fees and taxes. United Wireless Arena is an exclusive Ticketmaster facility and cannot guarantee tickets purchased as resale or through a third-party vendor. Doors will open one hour before showtime. Handicapped accessible seating must be arranged directly through the United Wireless Arena Ticket Office. United Wireless Arena has a clear bag policy in place. Please check our website for more details

Clint Black’s 35th anniversary tour includes Dodge City in 2025

A woman tells her priest, “Father, I have a problem. My two female parrots only say, ‘Hi, cutie. Wanna have some fun?'” “Don’t worry,” says the priest. “I have two male parrots who only pray and read the Bible. We’ll put them in the same cage. Your parrots are sure to stop saying that phrase.” The next day, the woman takes her parrots to the priest’s home. The male parrots are inside their cage holding rosary beads and praying. When the woman places the female parrots in the cage, they both cry out, “Hi, cutie. Wanna have some fun?” One male parrot says to the other male parrot, “Put the beads away, Frank. Our prayers have been answered!”

A woman tells her priest, “Father, I have a problem. My two female parrots only say, ‘Hi, cutie. Wanna have some fun?'” “Don’t worry,” says the priest. “I have two male parrots who only pray and read the Bible. We’ll put them in the same cage. Your parrots are sure to stop saying that phrase.” The next day, the woman takes her parrots to the priest’s home. The male parrots are inside their cage holding rosary beads and praying. When the woman places the female parrots in the cage, they both cry out, “Hi, cutie. Wanna have some fun?” One male parrot says to the other male parrot, “Put the beads away, Frank. Our prayers have been answered!”

KZ Country Cheesy Joke of the Day 11/12/24

§ Hays Area Children’s Center (HACC) is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) childcare facility that offers care for more than 100 children that range in age from zero to school age in our community.

§ HACC provides a high-quality educational setting with a proven curriculum beginning at age zero! We offer highly trained and certified staff to provide structured learning in a caring environment that sets children up for a successful transition to kindergarten.

§ Currently our services provide consistent care that include a large focus on learning-enriched activities. Our staff is incredibly talented and highly-trained providing fun, consistent learning in a relaxing and comfortable environment!

§ Infant care is a top need in our community and the HACC is one of the few facilities in Hays providing infant care, proudly serving up to 12 infants at a time (the largest infant capacity for centers in Ellis County).

Currently, HACC provides vital, superior childcare to numerous families in our community, and we look forward to being a trusted and high-quality provider in the future. To continue providing these needed services, we need your help!

§ As everyday expenses rise, HACC strives to maintain an affordable cost structure for our families. In the past year we have raised tuition rates twice to further cover the operating costs per child. The higher the monthly tuition rates, the less funds families have to spend in our community.

§ With the goal of the future to provide raises to sustain livable wages to our amazing staff, our current cost structure is not sustainable without outside funding and donations from community organizations who recognize the benefits of the services we provide.

§ Grant funding historically has only supported major long-needed updates to our facility and educational resources for our organization. Most of the time, grants do not cover employee payroll for administrative staff (kitchen, maintenance, etc) and other operating expenses, such as insurance, maintenance for business and computer systems/software, or costs related to regulatory and auditing requirements. HACC works hard to apply for all available grants, but not all requests are granted to us. To cover our operating costs and keep our doors open, we truly depend on our fundraising efforts to bring in donations from organizations like yours!

§ Our fundraising goal for Bright Lights for Little Tykes 2024 is $10,000.00. We are hopeful community support will assist us in reaching this goal! This event provides fundraising opportunities that can be done prior to the event or even from home for individuals that are unable to attend in person. The outreach of this event continues to grow each year!

Our main fundraiser is Bright Lights for Little Tykes. This year our event on November 23rd, 2024 will be held at The Rose Garden Banquet Hall. This year’s theme is “Bright Lights Christmas Luau”. Each ticket for the benefit will include a gourmet meal, two drink tickets, a short program, auction (along with other fundraising opportunities) and an evening of music entertainment from Complete Music.

Please consider one of the sponsorship levels for

o Kindergarten Ready- $3,000.00 donation (including in kind). This includes:

8 tickets for the Bright Lights Fundraiser ($600 value)

Full logo with a spotlight feature on flyers advertising the event

o Preschool- $1,000.00 donation (including in kind). This includes:

Recognition of business name at the event

Full logo featured on flyers advertising the event

o Toddler- $500.00 donation (including in kind). This includes:

4 tickets for the Bright Lights Fundraiser ($300 value)

Business name featured on flyers advertising the event

o Infant- $250.00 donation (including in kind). This includes:

2 tickets for the Bright Lights Fundraiser ($150 value)

Please email events@hacc.info or call 785-625-3257 with any questions. You gift can be mailed to:

Hays Area Children’s Center- Attn: Bright Lights gift

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 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/2/1580941810958.jpeg" alt=" " />
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 </figure>SubmittedDid you know?§ Hays Area Children’s Center (HACC) is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) childcare facility that offers care for more than 100 children that range in age from zero to school age in our community.§ HACC provides a high-quality educational setting with a proven curriculum beginning at age zero! We offer highly trained and certified staff to provide structured learning in a caring environment that sets children up for a successful transition to kindergarten.§ Currently our services provide consistent care that include a large focus on learning-enriched activities. Our staff is incredibly talented and highly-trained providing fun, consistent learning in a relaxing and comfortable environment!§ Infant care is a top need in our community and the HACC is one of the few facilities in Hays providing infant care, proudly serving up to 12 infants at a time (the largest infant capacity for centers in Ellis County).Currently, HACC provides vital, superior childcare to numerous families in our community, and we look forward to being a trusted and high-quality provider in the future. To continue providing these needed services, we need your help!§ As everyday expenses rise, HACC strives to maintain an affordable cost structure for our families. In the past year we have raised tuition rates twice to further cover the operating costs per child. The higher the monthly tuition rates, the less funds families have to spend in our community.§ With the goal of the future to provide raises to sustain livable wages to our amazing staff, our current cost structure is not sustainable without outside funding and donations from community organizations who recognize the benefits of the services we provide.§ Grant funding historically has only supported major long-needed updates to our facility and educational resources for our organization. Most of the time, grants do not cover employee payroll for administrative staff (kitchen, maintenance, etc) and other operating expenses, such as insurance, maintenance for business and computer systems/software, or costs related to regulatory and auditing requirements. HACC works hard to apply for all available grants, but not all requests are granted to us. To cover our operating costs and keep our doors open, we truly depend on our fundraising efforts to bring in donations from organizations like yours!§ Our fundraising goal for Bright Lights for Little Tykes 2024 is $10,000.00. We are hopeful community support will assist us in reaching this goal! This event provides fundraising opportunities that can be done prior to the event or even from home for individuals that are unable to attend in person. The outreach of this event continues to grow each year!Our main fundraiser is Bright Lights for Little Tykes. This year our event on November 23rd, 2024 will be held at The Rose Garden Banquet Hall. This year’s theme is “Bright Lights Christmas Luau”. Each ticket for the benefit will include a gourmet meal, two drink tickets, a short program, auction (along with other fundraising opportunities) and an evening of music entertainment from Complete Music.Please consider one of the sponsorship levels forBright Lights for Little Tykes 2024:o Kindergarten Ready- $3,000.00 donation (including in kind). This includes:8 tickets for the Bright Lights Fundraiser ($600 value)Spotlight Recognition at the EventFull logo with a spotlight feature on flyers advertising the eventTags on our Facebook page if desiredo Preschool- $1,000.00 donation (including in kind). This includes:8 tickets for the Bright Lights Fundraiser ($600 value)Recognition of business name at the eventFull logo featured on flyers advertising the evento Toddler- $500.00 donation (including in kind). This includes:4 tickets for the Bright Lights Fundraiser ($300 value)Business name featured on flyers advertising the evento Infant- $250.00 donation (including in kind). This includes:2 tickets for the Bright Lights Fundraiser ($150 value)Business name featured on flyers advertising the eventPlease email events@hacc.info or call 785-625-3257 with any questions. You gift can be mailed to:Hays Area Children’s Center- Attn: Bright Lights gift94 Lewis DriveHays, KS 67601

Hays Area Children's Center to host Bright Lights Christmas Luau

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 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/11/1731360781010.jpeg" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure><a href="https://hayspost.com/pages/state-farm-weather-window">For a full look at the weather forecast, click here.</a>

What did one volcano say to the other? I lava you!

What did one volcano say to the other? I lava you!

KZ Country Cheesy Joke of the Day 11/11/24

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 </figure><a href="https://hayspost.com/pages/state-farm-weather-window">For a full look at the weather forecast, click here.</a>

By STEVE GILLILAND Exploring Kansas Outdoors

Our raised deer blind sits on family land just a stone’s throw away from the property line, and each year as I sit and stare over into the neighboring property, I’m reminded of this deer harvest several years back.

The glowing full moon that had bathed the land in orange for two nights in a row was quickly fading and the pink light of morning was struggling to emerge from behind a bank of clouds when the deer began to appear. Like tawny ghosts they silently slipped, one at a time from the tall grass and weeds of the neighbor’s overgrown pasture that concealed them so well. The first two deer to show themselves were mature does, then tagging along were 3 little does we had seen often and figured to be this year’s fawns and maybe even siblings. They were all a little nervous that morning and headed quickly away from our blind toward a nearby open wheat field. Out of the corner of my eye I saw antlers appear from the same spot at the edge of the grassy pasture and a young 6-point buck stepped into view. I should have let him come out a bit farther into the open, but I was afraid he too would be spooky and run, so I put the scope crosshairs just behind his shoulder and shot. He spun and disappeared across the corner of the pasture.

I’ve never put much stock in hunting deer according to moon phases, but I remember that both that day and the day before were rated by the moon phase hunting calendar as “Best” and the previous morning Joyce and I had seen more deer in 5 minutes than in the last 7 days combined; one young buck had even found his way into our freezer via my wife’s invitation, so my interest in the subject was piqued. I still had my tag to fill, so that morning, there I was in the blind, bright and early, awaiting to see what a second day in a row rated as “Best” by the moon sign hunting calendar would offer.

It took only a short while to find my buck, the problem was that the dead deer was completely landlocked because of a deep creek that snaked its way like a tangled garden hose all through the pasture. He had managed to cross the steep-sided creek bed and wound up on the other side. It would be impossible to drag him back across the creek, and going the other direction would mean dragging his carcass a couple hundred yards to a fence I couldn’t get him across when I got there. The landowner has been clearing the trees from the pasture, so stacks of brush and piles of thorny trees and limbs were everywhere. No vehicle of any sort

with rubber tires would stand a chance among all the thorny brush. I cleaned the deer, walked out to my truck and drove around the corner to the landowner’s house in search of options.

Turns out, to help clear the brush, the landowner used a Bobcat skid loader on hard rubber tracks, the perfect tool for “packing-out” my deer. Deer had been playing havoc with his electric fences, so he was glad to help me remove one of his “trouble-makers.” Because of a steep hill and downed tree limbs and brush, it took the farmer awhile to figure a way back to where the deer lay. Once we were past those obstacles, I walked ahead and guided him as he maneuvered the skid loader around stacks of cut trees and limbs, occasionally having to stop long enough to push brush and overhanging limbs from his path. Finally, with the deer laid across the pallet he’d carried in on the forks, we retraced our winding path back and deposited the deer in the back of my truck.

If not for the help of the landowner and his skid loader on tracks, I might still be wondering that overgrown pasture dragging that deer carcass and looking for a way out. A Bobcat skid loader, forks and a pallet; that’s what I call packin’ out a deer Kansas style! Continue to Explore Kansas Outdoors.

Steve can be contacted by email at stevenrgilliland@gmail.com.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/11/1574696211722.png" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure>By STEVE GILLILAND Exploring Kansas OutdoorsOur raised deer blind sits on family land just a stone’s throw away from the property line, and each year as I sit and stare over into the neighboring property, I’m reminded of this deer harvest several years back.The glowing full moon that had bathed the land in orange for two nights in a row was quickly fading and the pink light of morning was struggling to emerge from behind a bank of clouds when the deer began to appear. Like tawny ghosts they silently slipped, one at a time from the tall grass and weeds of the neighbor’s overgrown pasture that concealed them so well. The first two deer to show themselves were mature does, then tagging along were 3 little does we had seen often and figured to be this year’s fawns and maybe even siblings. They were all a little nervous that morning and headed quickly away from our blind toward a nearby open wheat field. Out of the corner of my eye I saw antlers appear from the same spot at the edge of the grassy pasture and a young 6-point buck stepped into view. I should have let him come out a bit farther into the open, but I was afraid he too would be spooky and run, so I put the scope crosshairs just behind his shoulder and shot. He spun and disappeared across the corner of the pasture.I’ve never put much stock in hunting deer according to moon phases, but I remember that both that day and the day before were rated by the moon phase hunting calendar as “Best” and the previous morning Joyce and I had seen more deer in 5 minutes than in the last 7 days combined; one young buck had even found his way into our freezer via my wife’s invitation, so my interest in the subject was piqued. I still had my tag to fill, so that morning, there I was in the blind, bright and early, awaiting to see what a second day in a row rated as “Best” by the moon sign hunting calendar would offer.It took only a short while to find my buck, the problem was that the dead deer was completely landlocked because of a deep creek that snaked its way like a tangled garden hose all through the pasture. He had managed to cross the steep-sided creek bed and wound up on the other side. It would be impossible to drag him back across the creek, and going the other direction would mean dragging his carcass a couple hundred yards to a fence I couldn’t get him across when I got there. The landowner has been clearing the trees from the pasture, so stacks of brush and piles of thorny trees and limbs were everywhere. No vehicle of any sortwith rubber tires would stand a chance among all the thorny brush. I cleaned the deer, walked out to my truck and drove around the corner to the landowner’s house in search of options.Turns out, to help clear the brush, the landowner used a Bobcat skid loader on hard rubber tracks, the perfect tool for “packing-out” my deer. Deer had been playing havoc with his electric fences, so he was glad to help me remove one of his “trouble-makers.” Because of a steep hill and downed tree limbs and brush, it took the farmer awhile to figure a way back to where the deer lay. Once we were past those obstacles, I walked ahead and guided him as he maneuvered the skid loader around stacks of cut trees and limbs, occasionally having to stop long enough to push brush and overhanging limbs from his path. Finally, with the deer laid across the pallet he’d carried in on the forks, we retraced our winding path back and deposited the deer in the back of my truck.If not for the help of the landowner and his skid loader on tracks, I might still be wondering that overgrown pasture dragging that deer carcass and looking for a way out. A Bobcat skid loader, forks and a pallet; that’s what I call packin’ out a deer Kansas style! Continue to Explore Kansas Outdoors.Steve can be contacted by email at stevenrgilliland@gmail.com.

Exploring Kansas Outdoors: Packin’ out a deer Kansas style

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/11/1731167223101.jpeg" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure><a href="https://hayspost.com/pages/state-farm-weather-window">For a full look at the weather forecast, click here.</a>

OSBORNE- Today, the Todd Becker Foundation, a nationally recognized high school outreach group, announced that they are bringing their presentation, “Hear the Story. Be Moved.” to Osborne High School on Nov. 20.

The event, which is free and open to the public, will take place in the gymnasium. Doors open at 6:40 p.m., with the event starting at 7:00 p.m. 

The night will feature a live concert from the band “All the Noise”, followed by an impactful and life-changing message from Keith Becker.

About the Todd Becker Foundation:

Started in Kearney, NE, the Todd Becker Foundation was created in the spring of 2005 following the tragic death of 18-year-old high school student, Todd Becker, in an alcohol-related car accident. Keith, who was the older brother of Todd Becker, unfolds the true, and life-changing story of his younger brother’s untimely death and the events shortly thereafter that changed his own life. 

Since 2005, the Todd Becker Foundation’s outreach program has reached close to 100,000 students in over 500 high schools across the nation.

SubmittedOSBORNE- Today, the Todd Becker Foundation, a nationally recognized high school outreach group, announced that they are bringing their presentation, “Hear the Story. Be Moved.” to Osborne High School on Nov. 20.The event, which is free and open to the public, will take place in the gymnasium. Doors open at 6:40 p.m., with the event starting at 7:00 p.m. The night will feature a live concert from the band “All the Noise”, followed by an impactful and life-changing message from Keith Becker.About the Todd Becker Foundation: Started in Kearney, NE, the Todd Becker Foundation was created in the spring of 2005 following the tragic death of 18-year-old high school student, Todd Becker, in an alcohol-related car accident. Keith, who was the older brother of Todd Becker, unfolds the true, and life-changing story of his younger brother’s untimely death and the events shortly thereafter that changed his own life. Since 2005, the Todd Becker Foundation’s outreach program has reached close to 100,000 students in over 500 high schools across the nation.

'Hear the Story. Be Moved' presentation set for Nov. 20 in Osborne

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/11/1731085197701.jpeg" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure><a href="https://hayspost.com/pages/state-farm-weather-window">For a full look at the weather forecast, click here.</a>

On this episode of Forward Ever: Leading in Challenging Times, host Gary Shorman speaks with entrepreneur Kris Munsch.

<div><iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/L_j7J8c_66g?si=kAHfEv8jxgGZL6_b" 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 entrepreneur Kris Munsch.

🎤Forward Ever: Entrepreneur Kris Munsch

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/11/1731011362164.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure><a href="https://hayspost.com/pages/state-farm-weather-window">For a full look at the weather forecast, click here.</a>

From the first time I visited a relative who owned hens and gathered eggs, I wanted to live in the country and raise chickens. That dream came true when I fell in love with a man who also liked rural living and fresh eggs. My mother-in-law gifted us a flock of leghorns, and poof--I was a chicken lady!

Over decades, we’ve raised Easter eggers, Plymouth Rocks, Buff Orpingtons, and now ISO browns, learning that white-eared chickens lay white eggs, red-eared hens brown, and funny-eared ones pink, blue, and green. Years raising chickens has provided info nuggets about this creature scientists identify as the closest living relative to a T Rex.

Chicken keepers aka tenders know their birds are smart. It’s time others learned too. As a kid, I marveled at a hen at Knott’s Berry Farm playing tunes on a tiny piano. While I never had the patience to teach our girls this trick, they know their daily snack schedule and line up at 8 a.m. for fresh veggies and again at noon for mealy worms. If delivery runs late, they tattle to the neighborhood. They even know when I hunt grasshoppers and wait impatiently to gobble crunchy treats.

I always suspected my chickens had their own language. Research confirms this. They make at least 30 different sounds and combine those for scores of purposes. Though we no longer have broody hens, I loved listening to mommas talking to eggs incubating beneath them and later to their fluffball chicks. Once those peeps matured enough mom could take them on a walkabout, I’d hear her instructing them about where to forage and what to eat. While studying chickens, I learned hens teach their young to drink. Now, I have to figure out what chicken noise means “Salud.”

Not only can chickens talk to one another and their developing chicks, they have better vision than humans. They see more clearly, in more colors, and according to one source, each eye has its own job—the right sees food and near objects while the left focuses on distances and danger. No wonder I can’t sneak up on the wily boogers. Another site stated that they see ultra violet light as well, which aids them in determining chick and egg health. That might explain how hens know to roll bad eggs out of nests. Why waste energy on a defective egg? Several sites state that chickens recognize at least 100 faces. For sure, our girls know who’s who at our house.

They confirmed this recently when the hubs left town on a long hunting trip. They laid their normal number of eggs on day 1 and 2. Production then dwindled from 4 to 3 to 2 and finally to 1 before he returned. Once he delivered their morning greens, we gathered the normal 4 eggs a day. Although I delivered treats on schedule, they missed seeing him!

After spending decades with chickens, I’ve decided a T-Rex for a pet might be okay. If they act anything like their miniature descendants, they’d make us laugh every day. However, those eggs would be doozers. Not sure I own a big enough skillet. As for cleaning the pen—yech!

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/11/1730912870720.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>By KAREN MADORINFrom the first time I visited a relative who owned hens and gathered eggs, I wanted to live in the country and raise chickens. That dream came true when I fell in love with a man who also liked rural living and fresh eggs. My mother-in-law gifted us a flock of leghorns, and poof--I was a chicken lady!Over decades, we’ve raised Easter eggers, Plymouth Rocks, Buff Orpingtons, and now ISO browns, learning that white-eared chickens lay white eggs, red-eared hens brown, and funny-eared ones pink, blue, and green. Years raising chickens has provided info nuggets about this creature scientists identify as the closest living relative to a T Rex.Chicken keepers aka tenders know their birds are smart. It’s time others learned too. As a kid, I marveled at a hen at Knott’s Berry Farm playing tunes on a tiny piano. While I never had the patience to teach our girls this trick, they know their daily snack schedule and line up at 8 a.m. for fresh veggies and again at noon for mealy worms. If delivery runs late, they tattle to the neighborhood. They even know when I hunt grasshoppers and wait impatiently to gobble crunchy treats.I always suspected my chickens had their own language. Research confirms this. They make at least 30 different sounds and combine those for scores of purposes. Though we no longer have broody hens, I loved listening to mommas talking to eggs incubating beneath them and later to their fluffball chicks. Once those peeps matured enough mom could take them on a walkabout, I’d hear her instructing them about where to forage and what to eat. While studying chickens, I learned hens teach their young to drink. Now, I have to figure out what chicken noise means “Salud.”Not only can chickens talk to one another and their developing chicks, they have better vision than humans. They see more clearly, in more colors, and according to one source, each eye has its own job—the right sees food and near objects while the left focuses on distances and danger. No wonder I can’t sneak up on the wily boogers. Another site stated that they see ultra violet light as well, which aids them in determining chick and egg health. That might explain how hens know to roll bad eggs out of nests. Why waste energy on a defective egg? Several sites state that chickens recognize at least 100 faces. For sure, our girls know who’s who at our house.They confirmed this recently when the hubs left town on a long hunting trip. They laid their normal number of eggs on day 1 and 2. Production then dwindled from 4 to 3 to 2 and finally to 1 before he returned. Once he delivered their morning greens, we gathered the normal 4 eggs a day. Although I delivered treats on schedule, they missed seeing him!After spending decades with chickens, I’ve decided a T-Rex for a pet might be okay. If they act anything like their miniature descendants, they’d make us laugh every day. However, those eggs would be doozers. Not sure I own a big enough skillet. As for cleaning the pen—yech!

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