<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/2024/12/1734114058653.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

By BECKY KISER Hays Post

It's the season for holiday events in Hays.&nbsp;

Janet Kuhn,&nbsp;convention sales manager at the Hays Convention and Visitors Bureau, reviews some of the December activities.

For an up-to-the-minute calendar of events, check the Hays CVB website at <a href="https://www.visithays.com/calendar.aspx">visithays.com</a>.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/12/1733246730247.jpeg" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure>By BECKY KISER Hays PostIt's the season for holiday events in Hays.&nbsp;Janet Kuhn,&nbsp;convention sales manager at the Hays Convention and Visitors Bureau, reviews some of the December activities.<div><iframe width="640" height="360" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/DbEz9LZ7JOY" title="CVB dec" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" referrerpolicy="strict-origin-when-cross-origin" allowfullscreen></iframe></div><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/12/1733246976006.jpeg" alt="Hays Convention and Visitors Bureau" />
 <figcaption>Hays Convention and Visitors Bureau</figcaption>
 </figure>For an up-to-the-minute calendar of events, check the Hays CVB website at <a href="https://www.visithays.com/calendar.aspx">visithays.com</a>.

🎥 CVB: It's holiday time in Hays

What happens to a frog’s car when it breaks down? It gets toad away.

What happens to a frog’s car when it breaks down? It gets toad away.

KZ Country Cheesy Joke of the Day 12/13/24

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/12/1734043227397.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>

The child comes home from his first day at school. His Mother asks, “Well, what did you learn today?” The kid replies, “Not enough. They want me to come back tomorrow.”

The child comes home from his first day at school. His Mother asks, “Well, what did you learn today?” The kid replies, “Not enough. They want me to come back tomorrow.”

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

I can’t imagine living in early times without scientific knowledge regarding the year’s shortest day and longest night, aka winter solstice. Before easy access to candles, kerosene, and electricity, this was a worrisome season. Little besides faith the sun would return comforted the ancients through increasingly long nights.

The word solstice itself comes from the Latin solstitium. Sol meant sun and stitium--stoppage. According to the Family Education Network on the Internet, the winter solstice occurs either December 21 or 22. For several days before the solstices and for several days after, it appears that time stands still. In a world bombarded with more information than it can process, it oddly reassures me to imagine, that for a moment, the sun momentarily stands in place each June and December.

It must have comforted our ancestors also. Anthropologists have found evidence that many early societies developed means to mark equinoxes and solstices. Stonehenge is one well-known example. In North America, some experts theorize Native American medicine wheels peppering our landscape may have served a similar purpose. Though I don’t recommend building a Stonehenge or a medicine wheel in the backyard, much can be said for beginning one’s day before the sun rises and making time to watch those first rays break the horizon.

Kansans have experienced some spectacular sunrises since Thanksgiving. One morning it appeared that fingers of crimson fire tore away the darkness. Other mornings reveal themselves in pastel hues gently probing their way into the eastern sky. Making a point of spending time watching sunrises and taking note of when it happens puts life in perspective. I find myself hating to sleep in. I don’t want to miss what my dad called the crack o’ dawn or the day’s shifting shadows.

In the same vein, I find it soothing to note when the sun sets on this prairie landscape. Painters, photographers, and poets recognize and celebrate the power a fiery sunset or a rosy orb gradually fading into violet darkness holds over viewers. Keeping track of evolving shadows dropping into the West connects humans to forgotten rhythms.

For those who don’t want to or can’t watch the sun rise and set, computers make it easy to track earth’s rhythms. Anyone can note sunrise and sunset times on weather pages or by installing Weather Bug on a computer.

Solstices mark a reminding, a remembering of rhythms hearts know but minds forget. They remind us to believe in rebirth. They develop faith in the unknown. They tell us darkness will descend and lengthen, but, given time and patience, longer daylight will return.

It is not a coincidence we choose to celebrate religious and secular holidays with displays of light during this dark time of year. The beckoning warmth of Christmas lights and electric candles on windowsills reminds humanity that light overcomes darkness. Stop and be still, especially at sunrise and sunset, to mark this year’s winter solstice in Hays, KS, at 3:20 a.m., December 21. Remind yourself you come from a long line of ancestors who’ve shared this experience and been blessed to celebrate nature’s rhythms.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/12/1733956896734.jpeg" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure>By KAREN MADORINI can’t imagine living in early times without scientific knowledge regarding the year’s shortest day and longest night, aka winter solstice. Before easy access to candles, kerosene, and electricity, this was a worrisome season. Little besides faith the sun would return comforted the ancients through increasingly long nights.The word solstice itself comes from the Latin solstitium. Sol meant sun and stitium--stoppage. According to the Family Education Network on the Internet, the winter solstice occurs either December 21 or 22. For several days before the solstices and for several days after, it appears that time stands still. In a world bombarded with more information than it can process, it oddly reassures me to imagine, that for a moment, the sun momentarily stands in place each June and December.It must have comforted our ancestors also. Anthropologists have found evidence that many early societies developed means to mark equinoxes and solstices. Stonehenge is one well-known example. In North America, some experts theorize Native American medicine wheels peppering our landscape may have served a similar purpose. Though I don’t recommend building a Stonehenge or a medicine wheel in the backyard, much can be said for beginning one’s day before the sun rises and making time to watch those first rays break the horizon.Kansans have experienced some spectacular sunrises since Thanksgiving. One morning it appeared that fingers of crimson fire tore away the darkness. Other mornings reveal themselves in pastel hues gently probing their way into the eastern sky. Making a point of spending time watching sunrises and taking note of when it happens puts life in perspective. I find myself hating to sleep in. I don’t want to miss what my dad called the crack o’ dawn or the day’s shifting shadows.In the same vein, I find it soothing to note when the sun sets on this prairie landscape. Painters, photographers, and poets recognize and celebrate the power a fiery sunset or a rosy orb gradually fading into violet darkness holds over viewers. Keeping track of evolving shadows dropping into the West connects humans to forgotten rhythms.For those who don’t want to or can’t watch the sun rise and set, computers make it easy to track earth’s rhythms. Anyone can note sunrise and sunset times on weather pages or by installing Weather Bug on a computer.Solstices mark a reminding, a remembering of rhythms hearts know but minds forget. They remind us to believe in rebirth. They develop faith in the unknown. They tell us darkness will descend and lengthen, but, given time and patience, longer daylight will return.It is not a coincidence we choose to celebrate religious and secular holidays with displays of light during this dark time of year. The beckoning warmth of Christmas lights and electric candles on windowsills reminds humanity that light overcomes darkness. Stop and be still, especially at sunrise and sunset, to mark this year’s winter solstice in Hays, KS, at 3:20 a.m., December 21. Remind yourself you come from a long line of ancestors who’ve shared this experience and been blessed to celebrate nature’s rhythms.

MADORIN: Marking winter solstice

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/12/1733956708303.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 baby corn say to mama corn? Where’s popcorn?

What did baby corn say to mama corn? Where’s popcorn?

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

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/12/1733864469225.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 do you get when you cross a refrigerator with a radio? Cool Music.

What do you get when you cross a refrigerator with a radio? Cool Music.

KZ Country Cheesy Joke of the Day 12/10/24

By CRISTINA JANNEY Hays Post

A Grow Hays Year in Review luncheon last week highlighted the housing growth in Ellis County last year.

Doug Williams, executive director of Grow Hays, discussed some notable housing additions in the works and other economic indicators during the meeting with local leaders at Brief Space.

Williams said his predictions for housing for 2024 were off.

He estimated Ellis would have 20 single-family home starts, but there were 15. He estimated there would be more than 40 starts for multi-family housing units, but Ellis County had none.

In 2023, Ellis County had 29 single-family home starts, so housing development is down over the prior year.

Williams predicted single-family home prices would remain stable in 2024, depending on the price range. They increased.

Williams once thought a house in Ellis County selling for more than $500,000 would be very rare. However, numerous homes have now sold for more than $1 million.&nbsp;

He also predicted rents would remain stable or slightly rise. Rents have continued to rise, and the rental supply remains very tight, Williams said.

Williams highlighted multiple housing projects that are in the works.

All of the homes in phases one and two of Heart of America Tallgrass, 54 homes, are built and sold.

Six homes are under construction on Wheatland Drive and another six will be started soon.

The majority of the homes have been sold to first-time home buyers, and 16 more have been sold to families new to Hays.

"Once a family buys a home and puts down roots, they're more likely to stay," Williams said. "One of the things this housing development is doing is keeping people here."

Williams expected more Tallgrass buyers to be upsizing or downsizing, but few of the buyers fell into that category.

Thirty-six homes in phase one were limited to a $225,000 maximum sale price, and the next 18 to a $235,000 maximum sale price. Developers bought some homes, but the maximum sale price was only subject to the first sale.

Because the lots are larger, the sale prices for the homes on Wheatland Drive will be above the minimum in the first two phases.

Heart of America is working to develop phase four of the Tallgrass Addition, which includes 21 acres north of the existing development.

The city of Hays has agreed to bond the first three phases of the addition so that the developer can proceed to invest in the fourth phase.

<a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/70507513-a0c4-489b-86c5-f7edf0fdf753">The developer is in the process of rezoning and platting 101 lots in the fourth phase.</a>

A new&nbsp;Reinvestment Housing Incentive District (RHID) will be used for the fourth phase.&nbsp;If approved, the district will capture the incremental real property taxes, less the state's 1.5 mills and 20 mill school levy, for up to 25 years.

Williams credited Heart of America as well as the city in making Hays a leader in housing in the state.

Hays developer Michael Graham is planning to build 48 apartments on the site of the former railroad depot parking lot at 10th and Walnut in downtown Hays.

<a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/dc0fb523-b96d-42bb-b65a-55221db96969">The city has also approved an incentive district for that development.&nbsp;</a>

The district is expected to generate about $1.1 million of revenue during its maximum 25-year term. The revenue would reimburse the developer for an estimated $692,000 in RHID-eligible project costs on a pay-as-you-go basis.

Construction of the first 24 units in the development will begin this spring.&nbsp;

<a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/1cf1f167-3d2b-4a78-9fe7-240b64b595ae">The Hays USD 489 school board has also agreed to enter into a contract with Graham&nbsp;</a><a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/1cf1f167-3d2b-4a78-9fe7-240b64b595ae" target="_blank">to purchase Lincoln Elementary School.&nbsp;</a>The school will close as new elementary school space comes online&nbsp;as part of bond-funded projects.&nbsp;

Graham hopes to renovate the building into 26 to 28 one- and two-bedroom apartments. He also plans to build more housing on the land adjacent to the school.

<a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/e533b2e3-4579-4f87-a183-e605e9b45f54">DP Management is seeking a state grant to help finance development of&nbsp;a 136-unit apartment complex in Hays at&nbsp;at Wheatland Avenue and East 22nd Street.</a>

Forty-eight of the one, two and three-bedroom units would be market-rate housing, while 88 units would be low-income housing.

The city has submitted a letter of support for the grant, and the developer is waiting to see if it is approved.

Dan Hess has finished the construction of infrastructure for 12 lots in south Ellis on Maple. Developers have pulled eight permits to construct homes on those lots.

"We are excited to have activity in Ellis, which hasn't had activity in a long time," Williams said. "The school district enrollment shows they haven't had that activity."

Work is being done on the expansion of the Knight's Addition in Victoria.

"We have people who want to be over there, but we just don't have additional lots," Williams said.

<a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/52b97519-b934-46eb-bdf3-8bd246bf2675">Construction of the&nbsp;Bob and Pat Schmidt Community Center at the Grove. is underway and should be completed in 2025.</a>&nbsp;Multiple donors have been given to support the community center, but Williams said Grow Hays is short of the funding needed for the project. It is still seeking donations.

Work just started on the streets. Housing construction could begin as soon as this summer.

Grow Hays had planned 50 patio homes, eight duplexes and six plexes on the corner.

Grow Hays was able to purchase an additional single-family 2-acre lot that faces Canterbury.

Considering the number of multi-family units proposed in Hays, Grow Hays is now proposing a grouping of two-bedroom, two-bathroom, two-car garage villas for the additional property.

The homes would be about 1,100 square feet with a shared courtyard and be offered at a lower price point than the patio homes, Williams said.

<a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/086b27b6-fc06-490d-91ed-833bbf3e82cd">The MicroFactory, which was completed last March, is still empty.</a>

The MicroFactory, 3000 Ninth in Hays, is meant to be a space manufacturers can rent for a lower-than-market rate as they launch new businesses or product lines.

The $4.5 million, 30,000-square-foot facility was constructed with help from the Kansas Department of Commerce and was supposed to bring new jobs into Hays.

"We're disappointed we haven't got anyone in there yet," Williams said. "We've had a few people we have determined who would not be a good fit that had interest."

It is being marketed locally, regionally and nationally.

Williams compared the MicroFactory to the co-working Brief Space. He said it took awhile for people to understand and buy into the concept.

"This is a kind of co-working space for manufacturers," he said.

Williams said Hays is primarily a white-collar community and needs to grow its manufacturing base.

"I don't know when we say we gotta do something else?" he said. "At this point, we are committed to the people who put up the money for it, both the state and the Schmidt Foundation and Patterson Family Foundation, to try to fulfill the vision of what this facility can be."

"I'm still confident we can get it done. It's just been slow. We were hoping we would open the door, and we'd have all these people flocking in, and it hasn't quite worked like that," Williams said.

Williams said Hays has not done a good job of promoting retail over the last 20 to 25 years.

Retail matters in Hays because the city, Ellis County, and Hays USD 489 all use sales tax as a funding source.

"We are a retail trade center," Williams said. "People come here to shop. When they come here to shop, they eat lunch. They may stay here overnight. That contributes."

He said robust retail is also a quality-of-life issue.

<a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/68c83702-3486-4109-b74f-2a7ee851a4fe">The state of Kansas awarded Grow Hays $4.475 million to establish a retail development north of Interstate 70 in Hays.</a>

The proposed development would be on 9.1 acres directly north of Home Depot. Grow Hays intends to develop a 60,000—to 70,000-square-foot shopping center.&nbsp;

Williams said retail development can be challenging because the rents don't match the construction or land costs. This project seeks to remedy some of those issues.

Williams said he hopes Grow Hays can start the retail development in 2025.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/11/1667693163285.jpeg" alt="File photo" />
 <figcaption>File photo</figcaption>
 </figure><div><iframe title="Grow Hays year in review: Housing still key to growth" 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=u2p5x-1766871-pb&from=pb6admin&share=1&download=1&rtl=0&fonts=Arial&skin=3267a3&font-color=auto&logo_link=podcast_page&btn-skin=60a0c8&size=315" loading="lazy"></iframe></div>By CRISTINA JANNEY Hays PostA Grow Hays Year in Review luncheon last week highlighted the housing growth in Ellis County last year.Doug Williams, executive director of Grow Hays, discussed some notable housing additions in the works and other economic indicators during the meeting with local leaders at Brief Space.Williams said his predictions for housing for 2024 were off.He estimated Ellis would have 20 single-family home starts, but there were 15. He estimated there would be more than 40 starts for multi-family housing units, but Ellis County had none.In 2023, Ellis County had 29 single-family home starts, so housing development is down over the prior year.Williams predicted single-family home prices would remain stable in 2024, depending on the price range. They increased.Williams once thought a house in Ellis County selling for more than $500,000 would be very rare. However, numerous homes have now sold for more than $1 million.&nbsp;He also predicted rents would remain stable or slightly rise. Rents have continued to rise, and the rental supply remains very tight, Williams said.Williams highlighted multiple housing projects that are in the works.<h2>Tallgrass Addition</h2>All of the homes in phases one and two of Heart of America Tallgrass, 54 homes, are built and sold.Six homes are under construction on Wheatland Drive and another six will be started soon.The majority of the homes have been sold to first-time home buyers, and 16 more have been sold to families new to Hays."Once a family buys a home and puts down roots, they're more likely to stay," Williams said. "One of the things this housing development is doing is keeping people here."Williams expected more Tallgrass buyers to be upsizing or downsizing, but few of the buyers fell into that category.Thirty-six homes in phase one were limited to a $225,000 maximum sale price, and the next 18 to a $235,000 maximum sale price. Developers bought some homes, but the maximum sale price was only subject to the first sale.Because the lots are larger, the sale prices for the homes on Wheatland Drive will be above the minimum in the first two phases.Heart of America is working to develop phase four of the Tallgrass Addition, which includes 21 acres north of the existing development.The city of Hays has agreed to bond the first three phases of the addition so that the developer can proceed to invest in the fourth phase.<a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/70507513-a0c4-489b-86c5-f7edf0fdf753">The developer is in the process of rezoning and platting 101 lots in the fourth phase.</a><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/12/1733437807491.png" alt="Tallgrass Addition phase four" />
 <figcaption>Tallgrass Addition phase four</figcaption>
 </figure>A new&nbsp;Reinvestment Housing Incentive District (RHID) will be used for the fourth phase.&nbsp;If approved, the district will capture the incremental real property taxes, less the state's 1.5 mills and 20 mill school levy, for up to 25 years.Williams credited Heart of America as well as the city in making Hays a leader in housing in the state.<h2>Michael Graham projects</h2><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/12/1733439021108.png" alt="20th and Walnut apartments site" />
 <figcaption>20th and Walnut apartments site</figcaption>
 </figure>Hays developer Michael Graham is planning to build 48 apartments on the site of the former railroad depot parking lot at 10th and Walnut in downtown Hays.<a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/dc0fb523-b96d-42bb-b65a-55221db96969">The city has also approved an incentive district for that development.&nbsp;</a>The district is expected to generate about $1.1 million of revenue during its maximum 25-year term. The revenue would reimburse the developer for an estimated $692,000 in RHID-eligible project costs on a pay-as-you-go basis.Construction of the first 24 units in the development will begin this spring.&nbsp;<a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/1cf1f167-3d2b-4a78-9fe7-240b64b595ae">The Hays USD 489 school board has also agreed to enter into a contract with Graham&nbsp;</a><a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/1cf1f167-3d2b-4a78-9fe7-240b64b595ae" target="_blank">to purchase Lincoln Elementary School.&nbsp;</a>The school will close as new elementary school space comes online&nbsp;as part of bond-funded projects.&nbsp;Graham hopes to renovate the building into 26 to 28 one- and two-bedroom apartments. He also plans to build more housing on the land adjacent to the school.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/12/1733437701777.png" alt="Proposed DP Management&nbsp; apartment complex" />
 <figcaption>Proposed DP Management&nbsp; apartment complex</figcaption>
 </figure><h2>Victory Village</h2><a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/e533b2e3-4579-4f87-a183-e605e9b45f54">DP Management is seeking a state grant to help finance development of&nbsp;a 136-unit apartment complex in Hays at&nbsp;at Wheatland Avenue and East 22nd Street.</a>Forty-eight of the one, two and three-bedroom units would be market-rate housing, while 88 units would be low-income housing.The city has submitted a letter of support for the grant, and the developer is waiting to see if it is approved.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/12/1733440520698.jpeg" alt="Ellis lots" />
 <figcaption>Ellis lots</figcaption>
 </figure><h2>Ellis development</h2>Dan Hess has finished the construction of infrastructure for 12 lots in south Ellis on Maple. Developers have pulled eight permits to construct homes on those lots."We are excited to have activity in Ellis, which hasn't had activity in a long time," Williams said. "The school district enrollment shows they haven't had that activity."Work is being done on the expansion of the Knight's Addition in Victoria."We have people who want to be over there, but we just don't have additional lots," Williams said.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/12/1733440608165.jpeg" alt="Ongoing work on the Bob and Pat Schmidt Community Center at the Grove. Courtesy photo" />
 <figcaption>Ongoing work on the Bob and Pat Schmidt Community Center at the Grove. Courtesy photo</figcaption>
 </figure><h2>The Grove</h2><a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/52b97519-b934-46eb-bdf3-8bd246bf2675">Construction of the&nbsp;Bob and Pat Schmidt Community Center at the Grove. is underway and should be completed in 2025.</a>&nbsp;Multiple donors have been given to support the community center, but Williams said Grow Hays is short of the funding needed for the project. It is still seeking donations.Work just started on the streets. Housing construction could begin as soon as this summer.Grow Hays had planned 50 patio homes, eight duplexes and six plexes on the corner.Grow Hays was able to purchase an additional single-family 2-acre lot that faces Canterbury.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/12/1733440569777.jpeg" alt="Grove villas" />
 <figcaption>Grove villas</figcaption>
 </figure>Considering the number of multi-family units proposed in Hays, Grow Hays is now proposing a grouping of two-bedroom, two-bathroom, two-car garage villas for the additional property.The homes would be about 1,100 square feet with a shared courtyard and be offered at a lower price point than the patio homes, Williams said.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/12/1733439488106.jpeg" alt="MicroFactory in Hays" />
 <figcaption>MicroFactory in Hays</figcaption>
 </figure><h2>MicroFactory</h2><a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/086b27b6-fc06-490d-91ed-833bbf3e82cd">The MicroFactory, which was completed last March, is still empty.</a>The MicroFactory, 3000 Ninth in Hays, is meant to be a space manufacturers can rent for a lower-than-market rate as they launch new businesses or product lines.The $4.5 million, 30,000-square-foot facility was constructed with help from the Kansas Department of Commerce and was supposed to bring new jobs into Hays.Williams said it is Grow Hays' sore toe."We're disappointed we haven't got anyone in there yet," Williams said. "We've had a few people we have determined who would not be a good fit that had interest."It is being marketed locally, regionally and nationally.Williams compared the MicroFactory to the co-working Brief Space. He said it took awhile for people to understand and buy into the concept."This is a kind of co-working space for manufacturers," he said.Williams said Hays is primarily a white-collar community and needs to grow its manufacturing base."I don't know when we say we gotta do something else?" he said. "At this point, we are committed to the people who put up the money for it, both the state and the Schmidt Foundation and Patterson Family Foundation, to try to fulfill the vision of what this facility can be.""I'm still confident we can get it done. It's just been slow. We were hoping we would open the door, and we'd have all these people flocking in, and it hasn't quite worked like that," Williams said.<h2>Retail</h2>Williams said Hays has not done a good job of promoting retail over the last 20 to 25 years.Retail matters in Hays because the city, Ellis County, and Hays USD 489 all use sales tax as a funding source."We are a retail trade center," Williams said. "People come here to shop. When they come here to shop, they eat lunch. They may stay here overnight. That contributes."He said robust retail is also a quality-of-life issue.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/12/1733504474517.jpeg" alt="Proposed site of the Grow Hays shopping center development." />
 <figcaption>Proposed site of the Grow Hays shopping center development.</figcaption>
 </figure><a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/68c83702-3486-4109-b74f-2a7ee851a4fe">The state of Kansas awarded Grow Hays $4.475 million to establish a retail development north of Interstate 70 in Hays.</a>The proposed development would be on 9.1 acres directly north of Home Depot. Grow Hays intends to develop a 60,000—to 70,000-square-foot shopping center.&nbsp;Williams said retail development can be challenging because the rents don't match the construction or land costs. This project seeks to remedy some of those issues.Williams said he hopes Grow Hays can start the retail development in 2025.

🎙Grow Hays year in review: Housing still key to growth

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/12/1733784212602.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 soccer player bring string to the game? So he could tie the score.

Why did the soccer player bring string to the game? So he could tie the score.

KZ Country Cheesy Joke of the Day 12/09/24

MAYETTA, Kansas – Rock band 38 Special is bringing their arena-shaking sound to Prairie Band Casino &amp; Resort on Thursday, March 6, 2025 at 7PM!

A southern rock staple, 38 Special has released over a dozen albums, several of which have received gold and platinum certification. The band brings their power rock music to over 100 cities a year, entertaining audiences with hits such as “Hold 

On Loosely,” “Caught Up in You,” Second Chance,” and more. While the band’s members have changed since their debut album released in 1976, the energy and dedication of its musicians has never swayed.

“When those lights go down and we all walk up those steps to the stage and hear that crowd roar, it’s a real rush to the head” said guitarist/vocalist Don Barnes. 

“It feels like we're getting ready to strap ourselves in and it just takes off from there."

We welcome audiences to let loose and rock out to 38 Special live in the Great Lakes Ballroom at Prairie Band Casino &amp; Resort on March 6! This rock ‘n roll experience is open to anyone 18+ with a verified ticket. To purchase tickets and find more information, visit Prairie Band Casino &amp; Resort’s website, hover over the shows tab, and click “Epic Entertainment.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/8/1724957567113.jpg" alt="Courtesy Pixabay" />
 <figcaption>Courtesy Pixabay</figcaption>
 </figure>SubmittedMAYETTA, Kansas – Rock band 38 Special is bringing their arena-shaking sound to Prairie Band Casino &amp; Resort on Thursday, March 6, 2025 at 7PM!A southern rock staple, 38 Special has released over a dozen albums, several of which have received gold and platinum certification. The band brings their power rock music to over 100 cities a year, entertaining audiences with hits such as “Hold On Loosely,” “Caught Up in You,” Second Chance,” and more. While the band’s members have changed since their debut album released in 1976, the energy and dedication of its musicians has never swayed.“When those lights go down and we all walk up those steps to the stage and hear that crowd roar, it’s a real rush to the head” said guitarist/vocalist Don Barnes. “It feels like we're getting ready to strap ourselves in and it just takes off from there."We welcome audiences to let loose and rock out to 38 Special live in the Great Lakes Ballroom at Prairie Band Casino &amp; Resort on March 6! This rock ‘n roll experience is open to anyone 18+ with a verified ticket. To purchase tickets and find more information, visit Prairie Band Casino &amp; Resort’s website, hover over the shows tab, and click “Epic Entertainment.”

38 Special to perform live at Prairie Band Casino & Resort

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 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/12/1733610191525.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>

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 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/12/1733685158314.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>

Victoria Holiday Home Tours set for Dec. 14-15

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 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/12/1733507501929.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, "Tales of Christmas: 101 Stories of Holiday Joy, Love and Gratitude."

Listen to 99.5 FM, KHAZ, during A KZ Country Morning with Theresa Trapp December 9 -13, 2024 for chances to win a copy. No age restrictions.



Get your holiday spirit on with these tales of Christmas, plus all the other holiday fun from Thanksgiving to New Year’s!We love sharing the joy of the holiday season with you! These 101 true, personal stories are filled with the cheer of the season—from holiday hijinks to family traditions, from gratitude and giving to the true meaning of Christmas, and from Thanksgiving turkeys to New Year’s Eve toasts.Share the love, fun, and wonder of the holidays with your family and friends. And keep the Christmas spirit alive for months to come as you enjoy these stories.The stories in these pages are “Santa safe,” meaning they keep the magic alive for young readers. And in the same vein, your purchase will support Toys for Tots, creating miracles for children all over the U.S.Chicken Soup for the Soul books are 100% made in the USA and each book includes stories from as diverse a group of writers as possible. Chicken Soup for the Soul solicits and publishes stories from the LGBTQ community and from people of all ethnicities, nationalities, and religions.



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 Brenda, Patty, Diana, Carol &amp; Jackie!

We are giving away the Chicken Soup for the Soul book, "Tales of Christmas: 101 Stories of Holiday Joy, Love and Gratitude."Listen to 99.5 FM, KHAZ, during A KZ Country Morning with Theresa Trapp December 9 -13, 2024 for chances to win a copy. No age restrictions.

Get your holiday spirit on with these tales of Christmas, plus all the other holiday fun from Thanksgiving to New Year’s!We love sharing the joy of the holiday season with you! These 101 true, personal stories are filled with the cheer of the season—from holiday hijinks to family traditions, from gratitude and giving to the true meaning of Christmas, and from Thanksgiving turkeys to New Year’s Eve toasts.Share the love, fun, and wonder of the holidays with your family and friends. And keep the Christmas spirit alive for months to come as you enjoy these stories.The stories in these pages are “Santa safe,” meaning they keep the magic alive for young readers. And in the same vein, your purchase will support Toys for Tots, creating miracles for children all over the U.S.Chicken Soup for the Soul books are 100% made in the USA and each book includes stories from as diverse a group of writers as possible. Chicken Soup for the Soul solicits and publishes stories from the LGBTQ community and from people of all ethnicities, nationalities, and religions.

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 Brenda, Patty, Diana, Carol &amp; Jackie! https://eagleradio.net/contest-rules

Winners: Chicken Soup for the Soul book "Tales of Christmas: 101 Stories of Holiday Joy, Love and Gratitude" with 99.5 KZ Country

On this episode of the Post Podcast, Hays Post reporter Becky Kiser speaks with Downtown Development Corp. executive director Julie Rider about downtown Hays holiday activities.

<div><iframe title="Downtown Hays ready for holiday season" allowtransparency="true" height="600" width="100%" style="border: none; min-width: min(100%, 430px);height:600px;" scrolling="no" data-name="pb-iframe-player" src="https://www.podbean.com/player-v2/?i=9ha8w-1760dcd-pb&from=pb6admin&square=1&share=1&download=1&rtl=0&fonts=Arial&skin=3267a3&font-color=auto&logo_link=podcast_page&btn-skin=60a0c8&size=600" loading="lazy" allowfullscreen=""></iframe></div>On this episode of the Post Podcast, Hays Post reporter Becky Kiser speaks with Downtown Development Corp. executive director Julie Rider about downtown Hays holiday activities.

🎙 Post Podcast: Downtown Hays ready for holiday season

Why did the waiter fall over? He was tipped.

Why did the waiter fall over? He was tipped.

KZ Country Cheesy Joke of the Day 12/06/24

The opening of the 41st-annual 5-State Photography Exhibition at the Hays Arts Center, 112 E. 11th, will anchor the 2024 Hays Art Council Winter Art Walk&nbsp;from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday.

"The show is very popular," said Brenda Meder, executive director of the arts council. "It has 150 amazing photographs chosen by the juror from 588 outstanding pieces submitted by photographers in Kansas, Nebraska, Missouri, Oklahoma and Colorado.

"It's going to be an amazing show," she said.

<a href="https://danwhite.com/">Dan White</a>, Kansas City, was a first-time juror for the competition.

The internationally published photographer has won numerous awards, including a Pulitzer Prize, for his work on the Kansas City Star newspaper team covering the 1981 collapse of the Hyatt Regency Hotel skywalks. White continues his 30-year commercial fine art photographer career and was recently inducted into the Missouri Photojournalism Hall of Fame.

Most of the 18 stops on the art walk are in downtown Hays businesses. Student collections are also exhibited at Fort Hays State University.&nbsp;

&nbsp;"There are features from a senior BFA exhibition as well as an MFA exhibition at the university. Community artists are also featured in showcases," Meder said.

Meder says the day can be topped off with Christmas Past at Old Fort Hays that evening.

"It is another way to show the incredible creative and cultural spirit across the community, truly from morning until night," Meder said.

Meder said the host locations share diverse art, including art made by children.

The Cottonwood Extension District Office will highlight children's artwork from local home, group and child care centers.&nbsp; &nbsp;

Make-and-take LEGO printmaking for all ages with FHSU art education students and instructor Brian Hutchinson will be hosted at eyeSMILE Vision and Dental, 1300 Main.

The literary arts and the FHSU English Department will be represented at the Hays Public Library, 1205 Main, with host Eileen Veatch, the FHSU poet laureate.&nbsp;

Attending the art walk and viewing the exhibitions is free. Below is a complete list of host locations and featured artists.&nbsp;&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/12/1733331435177.jpeg" alt="Hays Arts Council" />
 <figcaption>Hays Arts Council</figcaption>
 </figure>By BECKY KISER Hays PostThe opening of the 41st-annual 5-State Photography Exhibition at the Hays Arts Center, 112 E. 11th, will anchor the 2024 Hays Art Council Winter Art Walk&nbsp;from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday."The show is very popular," said Brenda Meder, executive director of the arts council. "It has 150 amazing photographs chosen by the juror from 588 outstanding pieces submitted by photographers in Kansas, Nebraska, Missouri, Oklahoma and Colorado."It's going to be an amazing show," she said.<a href="https://danwhite.com/">Dan White</a>, Kansas City, was a first-time juror for the competition.The internationally published photographer has won numerous awards, including a Pulitzer Prize, for his work on the Kansas City Star newspaper team covering the 1981 collapse of the Hyatt Regency Hotel skywalks. White continues his 30-year commercial fine art photographer career and was recently inducted into the Missouri Photojournalism Hall of Fame.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/12/1733336124469.jpeg" alt="Brenda Meder, Hays Arts Council executive director, begins installation of the 150 photos selected for the 41st annual 5-State Photography Exhibition, anchor of Saturday's winter art walk. Photo by Becky Kiser/Hays Post" />
 <figcaption>Brenda Meder, Hays Arts Council executive director, begins installation of the 150 photos selected for the 41st annual 5-State Photography Exhibition, anchor of Saturday's winter art walk. Photo by Becky Kiser/Hays Post</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/12/1733336376640.jpeg" alt="Winning photos for the 5-State Photography Exhibition await mounting at the Hays Arts Center. Photo by Becky Kiser/Hays Post" />
 <figcaption>Winning photos for the 5-State Photography Exhibition await mounting at the Hays Arts Center. Photo by Becky Kiser/Hays Post</figcaption>
 </figure>Most of the 18 stops on the art walk are in downtown Hays businesses. Student collections are also exhibited at Fort Hays State University.&nbsp;&nbsp;"There are features from a senior BFA exhibition as well as an MFA exhibition at the university. Community artists are also featured in showcases," Meder said.Meder says the day can be topped off with Christmas Past at Old Fort Hays that evening."It is another way to show the incredible creative and cultural spirit across the community, truly from morning until night," Meder said.Meder said the host locations share diverse art, including art made by children.The Cottonwood Extension District Office will highlight children's artwork from local home, group and child care centers.&nbsp; &nbsp;Make-and-take LEGO printmaking for all ages with FHSU art education students and instructor Brian Hutchinson will be hosted at eyeSMILE Vision and Dental, 1300 Main.The literary arts and the FHSU English Department will be represented at the Hays Public Library, 1205 Main, with host Eileen Veatch, the FHSU poet laureate.&nbsp;<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/12/1733331155455.jpeg" alt="FHSU" />
 <figcaption>FHSU</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/12/1733331649261.jpeg" alt="'Bloom' vases by FHSU ceramics artists will be featured at Regeena's Flowers &amp; Events, 1013 Main. Photo courtesy Linda Ganstrom/FHSU" />
 <figcaption>'Bloom' vases by FHSU ceramics artists will be featured at Regeena's Flowers &amp; Events, 1013 Main. Photo courtesy Linda Ganstrom/FHSU</figcaption>
 </figure>Attending the art walk and viewing the exhibitions is free. Below is a complete list of host locations and featured artists.&nbsp;&nbsp;<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/12/1733339080542.jpeg" alt="" />
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 </figure><figure>
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 </figure>

Annual Hays Arts Council Winter Art Walk Saturday

As the 2024 holiday season commences, Fort Hays State University’s annual toy-building event is approaching quickly.

The 35th Annual Fred Ruda’s Teaming up for Tots event is set to take place on Saturday, Dec. 7, at the Center for Applied Technology at Fort Hays State University. This year, volunteers from the community will build over 180 wooden helicopter toys that will be distributed to children in need in our community.

Students in the Department of Applied Technology have designed the toy and all the processes, jigs, and fixtures needed to produce the toys on a mass scale. Community members are asked to volunteer to run a station. Jobs include but aren’t limited to running machinery, moving pieces from one part of the assembly line to another, gluing and assembling parts, sanding, and applying oil finish to the production toys.

“This is one of the best opportunities for our students to give back to the community,” said Zach Pixler, Assistant Professor of Applied Technology. “Not only do they learn more about the manufacturing process, they get to flex their creative muscles a bit, practice critical thinking skills, and see the positive impact that their hard work has on those around them. This year’s helicopter toy incorporates some different materials, so it’s a challenge for our students. I’m excited to see them all come together on our line!”

Building will commence at 9 a.m. and will be completed by lunchtime. Join us for coffee and donuts before the event and pizza after the build. All ages are welcome. No sign-up is necessary; just bring safety glasses and be ready to build.

For answers to any questions, contact the Department of Applied Technology at 785-628-4211.

<div><iframe title="FHSU’s annual toy building event set for Saturday, Dec. 7" allowtransparency="true" height="600" width="100%" style="border: none; min-width: min(100%, 430px);height:600px;" scrolling="no" data-name="pb-iframe-player" src="https://www.podbean.com/player-v2/?i=f7nu5-175f34c-pb&from=pb6admin&square=1&share=1&download=1&rtl=0&fonts=Arial&skin=3267a3&font-color=auto&logo_link=podcast_page&btn-skin=60a0c8&size=600" loading="lazy" allowfullscreen=""></iframe></div>By FHSU University CommunicationsAs the 2024 holiday season commences, Fort Hays State University’s annual toy-building event is approaching quickly.The 35th Annual Fred Ruda’s Teaming up for Tots event is set to take place on Saturday, Dec. 7, at the Center for Applied Technology at Fort Hays State University. This year, volunteers from the community will build over 180 wooden helicopter toys that will be distributed to children in need in our community.Students in the Department of Applied Technology have designed the toy and all the processes, jigs, and fixtures needed to produce the toys on a mass scale. Community members are asked to volunteer to run a station. Jobs include but aren’t limited to running machinery, moving pieces from one part of the assembly line to another, gluing and assembling parts, sanding, and applying oil finish to the production toys.“This is one of the best opportunities for our students to give back to the community,” said Zach Pixler, Assistant Professor of Applied Technology. “Not only do they learn more about the manufacturing process, they get to flex their creative muscles a bit, practice critical thinking skills, and see the positive impact that their hard work has on those around them. This year’s helicopter toy incorporates some different materials, so it’s a challenge for our students. I’m excited to see them all come together on our line!”Building will commence at 9 a.m. and will be completed by lunchtime. Join us for coffee and donuts before the event and pizza after the build. All ages are welcome. No sign-up is necessary; just bring safety glasses and be ready to build.For answers to any questions, contact the Department of Applied Technology at 785-628-4211.

🎙 Post Podcast: FHSU’s annual toy building event set for Dec. 7

A lifelong-bachelor turned 78 and traveled across the country to visit a dozen or so old girlfriends. “How’d it go?” asked a friend when he returned. “Thank God I never married any of them,” he said. “They’re all widows.”

A lifelong-bachelor turned 78 and traveled across the country to visit a dozen or so old girlfriends. “How’d it go?” asked a friend when he returned. “Thank God I never married any of them,” he said. “They’re all widows.”

KZ Country Cheesy Joke of the Day 12/05/24

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/12/1733340671189.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>