LOS ANGELES (AP) — Steve Harwell, the longtime frontman of the Grammy-nominated&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/28dcd9f7453f48388318514f52c6281a" target="_blank">pop rock band Smash Mouth</a>&nbsp;has died. He was 56.

The band’s manager, Robert Hayes, said Harwell “passed peacefully and comfortably” Monday morning surrounded by family and friends at his home in Boise, Idaho. The cause of death was acute liver failure, Hayes said in a statement.

Smash Mouth was known for hits including “All star” and “Then the morning comes.”

"Steve Harwell was a true American Original. A larger than life character who shot up into the sky like a Roman candle,” Hayes said. “Steve should be remembered for his unwavering focus and impassioned determination to reach the heights of pop stardom.”

Born in California in 1967, Harwell performed in a rap group called F.O.S. (Freedom of Speech) before forming Smash Mouth in 1994. The band released&nbsp;<a href="https://www.riaa.com/gold-platinum/?tab_active=default-award&amp;se=smash+mouth#search_section" target="_blank">two platinum albums</a>&nbsp;on Interscope Records, the ska-fueled 1997’s “Fush Yu Mang” and 1999’s “Astro Lounge.” The second album featured some of the band’s biggest hits, including the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.grammy.com/artists/smash-mouth/15922" target="_blank">Grammy-nominated</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.riaa.com/gold-platinum/?tab_active=default-award&amp;se=smash+mouth#search_section" target="_blank">platinum single “All Star,”</a>&nbsp;which appeared in the movie “Shrek” alongside their cover of the Monkees’ “I’m a Believer.”

Humor was a driving force behind Smash Mouth’s success, and at the forefront was Harwell’s playful alt-rock voice and persona. He made a cameo in 2001 comedy film “Rat Race,” and had a&nbsp;<a href="https://www.eater.com/2019/4/1/18290400/guy-fieri-smash-mouth" target="_blank">well-documented friendship</a>&nbsp;with the Food Network chef and host Guy Fieri.

“His only tools were his irrepressible charm and charisma, his fearlessly reckless ambition, and his king-size cajones,” Hayes said. “Steve lived a 100% full-throttle life. Burning brightly across the universe before burning out.”

“He will be greatly missed by those who knew and loved him,” he said.

Harwell left Smash Mouth in 2021 and the band continued to tour with Zach Goode as the singer. The band&nbsp;<a href="https://www.billboard.com/music/rock/smash-mouth-singer-steve-harwell-retires-health-issues-9644066/" target="_blank">released a statement</a>&nbsp;at the time saying Harwell had been diagnosed with cardiomyopathy eight years earlier and had suffered “nonstop serious medical setbacks including heart failure as well as acute Wernicke Encephalopathy.”

Hayes had released a statement on Sunday saying Harwell was in hospice care.

Harwell will be cremated in Boise and buried in San Jose, California, alongside his mother, Hayes said.

LOS ANGELES (AP) — Steve Harwell, the longtime frontman of the Grammy-nominated&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/28dcd9f7453f48388318514f52c6281a" target="_blank">pop rock band Smash Mouth</a>&nbsp;has died. He was 56.The band’s manager, Robert Hayes, said Harwell “passed peacefully and comfortably” Monday morning surrounded by family and friends at his home in Boise, Idaho. The cause of death was acute liver failure, Hayes said in a statement.Smash Mouth was known for hits including “All star” and “Then the morning comes.”"Steve Harwell was a true American Original. A larger than life character who shot up into the sky like a Roman candle,” Hayes said. “Steve should be remembered for his unwavering focus and impassioned determination to reach the heights of pop stardom.”Born in California in 1967, Harwell performed in a rap group called F.O.S. (Freedom of Speech) before forming Smash Mouth in 1994. The band released&nbsp;<a href="https://www.riaa.com/gold-platinum/?tab_active=default-award&amp;se=smash+mouth#search_section" target="_blank">two platinum albums</a>&nbsp;on Interscope Records, the ska-fueled 1997’s “Fush Yu Mang” and 1999’s “Astro Lounge.” The second album featured some of the band’s biggest hits, including the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.grammy.com/artists/smash-mouth/15922" target="_blank">Grammy-nominated</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.riaa.com/gold-platinum/?tab_active=default-award&amp;se=smash+mouth#search_section" target="_blank">platinum single “All Star,”</a>&nbsp;which appeared in the movie “Shrek” alongside their cover of the Monkees’ “I’m a Believer.”Humor was a driving force behind Smash Mouth’s success, and at the forefront was Harwell’s playful alt-rock voice and persona. He made a cameo in 2001 comedy film “Rat Race,” and had a&nbsp;<a href="https://www.eater.com/2019/4/1/18290400/guy-fieri-smash-mouth" target="_blank">well-documented friendship</a>&nbsp;with the Food Network chef and host Guy Fieri.“His only tools were his irrepressible charm and charisma, his fearlessly reckless ambition, and his king-size cajones,” Hayes said. “Steve lived a 100% full-throttle life. Burning brightly across the universe before burning out.”“He will be greatly missed by those who knew and loved him,” he said.Harwell left Smash Mouth in 2021 and the band continued to tour with Zach Goode as the singer. The band&nbsp;<a href="https://www.billboard.com/music/rock/smash-mouth-singer-steve-harwell-retires-health-issues-9644066/" target="_blank">released a statement</a>&nbsp;at the time saying Harwell had been diagnosed with cardiomyopathy eight years earlier and had suffered “nonstop serious medical setbacks including heart failure as well as acute Wernicke Encephalopathy.”Hayes had released a statement on Sunday saying Harwell was in hospice care.Harwell will be cremated in Boise and buried in San Jose, California, alongside his mother, Hayes said.

Smash Mouth frontman Steve Harwell dies at 56

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Back 2 School photo sweeps underway

By CRISTINA JANNEY Hays Post

A Fort Hays State University graduate student in graphic design has drawn inspiration from her family to create her master of fine arts exhibit, which is now on display at the Moss-Thorns Gallery of Art on the FHSU campus.

Hays native Chelsey Augustine's&nbsp;MFA thesis exhibition in graphic design, which is titled "Mettle," will be on display through Sept. 8.

Augustine, 25, who comes from a Volga German family, said her family collectively are hard-working people.

"That's something that has really shaped me as a person and had a lot to do with my life," she said. "I drew inspiration from specific people in my family, mostly my grandparents and my great-grandparents. "

Mettle refers to a person's innate ability to make it through difficult times, Augustine said.

"I picked that name because I felt that it encompassed the people that I was basing the brands off of. My grandparents and my great-grandparents went through a lot of very difficult situations. I think that mentality rubbed off on me," she said.

She said she thought it all matched her experience in grad school.

"... just making it through and doing what I enjoy doing, which is design," she said.

Her branding for Lewsids, a fictitious waterproof leather brand, was based on her great-grandfather Lewis Steinert, her grandfather Sid Steinert and her father Terry Augustine.

"They really know what it's like to get their hands dirty to get the job done," she said in her artist statement on the work. "I knew I wanted to create a masculine brand that encompassed this 'Do-It-Yourself' attitude with a splash of western swag and my dad's love of fishing."

Her distillery brand, Stiks, is based on her grandfather, Joe Dinkel. It is an umbrella brand with other labels under it like a family, she said.

Augustine completed her undergraduate degree in art at FHSU but never had the opportunity to study sculpture. She took the time during her graduate studies to experiment with metal casting. This took the form of cast llamas.&nbsp;

Augustine said she took inspiration from sculpture professor Toby Flores. She made a mold for the llamas out of a toy from a dollar store.

"It's just a piece of me," she said. "I just made them into these little beings. I made a lot of them because I couldn't stop. ... They were just kind of fun."

In the show, there are llamas with Care Bears, a punk rock llama and a three-headed Jesus llama.&nbsp;

Augustine finished her coursework in the spring but will officially receive her degree at the end of the fall semester.

She has taken a job as an assistant professor of design at Doane University in Nebraska.&nbsp;

Gallery hours are 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Mondays through Fridays.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/8/1693498671436.jpeg" alt="Visitors to&nbsp;Chelsey Augustine's MFA thesis exhibition, "Mettle," view a branding display at the Hays Art Walk Aug. 25. Photo by Cristina Janney/Hays Post" />
 <figcaption>Visitors to&nbsp;Chelsey Augustine's MFA thesis exhibition, "Mettle," view a branding display at the Hays Art Walk Aug. 25. Photo by Cristina Janney/Hays Post</figcaption>
 </figure>By CRISTINA JANNEY Hays PostA Fort Hays State University graduate student in graphic design has drawn inspiration from her family to create her master of fine arts exhibit, which is now on display at the Moss-Thorns Gallery of Art on the FHSU campus.Hays native Chelsey Augustine's&nbsp;MFA thesis exhibition in graphic design, which is titled "Mettle," will be on display through Sept. 8.Augustine, 25, who comes from a Volga German family, said her family collectively are hard-working people."That's something that has really shaped me as a person and had a lot to do with my life," she said. "I drew inspiration from specific people in my family, mostly my grandparents and my great-grandparents. "Mettle refers to a person's innate ability to make it through difficult times, Augustine said."I picked that name because I felt that it encompassed the people that I was basing the brands off of. My grandparents and my great-grandparents went through a lot of very difficult situations. I think that mentality rubbed off on me," she said.She said she thought it all matched her experience in grad school."... just making it through and doing what I enjoy doing, which is design," she said.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/8/1693500174050.jpeg" alt="Photos of Augustine's ancestors from whom she said she drew inspiration for her graphic design work. Photo by Cristina Janney/Hays Post" />
 <figcaption>Photos of Augustine's ancestors from whom she said she drew inspiration for her graphic design work. Photo by Cristina Janney/Hays Post</figcaption>
 </figure>Her branding for Lewsids, a fictitious waterproof leather brand, was based on her great-grandfather Lewis Steinert, her grandfather Sid Steinert and her father Terry Augustine."They really know what it's like to get their hands dirty to get the job done," she said in her artist statement on the work. "I knew I wanted to create a masculine brand that encompassed this 'Do-It-Yourself' attitude with a splash of western swag and my dad's love of fishing."Her distillery brand, Stiks, is based on her grandfather, Joe Dinkel. It is an umbrella brand with other labels under it like a family, she said.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/8/1693500631559.jpeg" alt="A llama bronze casting with Care Bears by FHSU art student Chelsey Augustine. Photo by Cristina Janney/Hays Post" />
 <figcaption>A llama bronze casting with Care Bears by FHSU art student Chelsey Augustine. Photo by Cristina Janney/Hays Post</figcaption>
 </figure>Augustine completed her undergraduate degree in art at FHSU but never had the opportunity to study sculpture. She took the time during her graduate studies to experiment with metal casting. This took the form of cast llamas.&nbsp;Augustine said she took inspiration from sculpture professor Toby Flores. She made a mold for the llamas out of a toy from a dollar store."It's just a piece of me," she said. "I just made them into these little beings. I made a lot of them because I couldn't stop. ... They were just kind of fun."In the show, there are llamas with Care Bears, a punk rock llama and a three-headed Jesus llama.&nbsp;Augustine finished her coursework in the spring but will officially receive her degree at the end of the fall semester.She has taken a job as an assistant professor of design at Doane University in Nebraska.&nbsp;Gallery hours are 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Mondays through Fridays.

Volga German FHSU art student inspired by family history

A lady asked her three-year old grand daughter what she liked to eat. “Nuts,” the grand daughter replied. “Great,” said the lady.  “What Kind?  Pecans?  Walnuts?  Peanuts?” “Donuts.”  replied her granddaughter.

Join fans of 99 KZ Country on Facebook:<a href="http://www.facebook.com/99KZCountry">http://www.facebook.com/99KZCountry</a>

A lady asked her three-year old grand daughter what she liked to eat. “Nuts,” the grand daughter replied. “Great,” said the lady. “What Kind? Pecans? Walnuts? Peanuts?” “Donuts.” replied her granddaughter.Join fans of 99 KZ Country on Facebook:<a href="http://www.facebook.com/99KZCountry">http://www.facebook.com/99KZCountry</a>

KZ Country Cheesy Joke of the Day 09/01/23

When the Jones family moved into their new house, a visiting relative asked five-year-old Sammy how he liked the new place. “It’s terrific,” he said. “I have my own room, Mike has his own room, and Jamie has her own room. But poor Mom is still in with Dad.”

When the Jones family moved into their new house, a visiting relative asked five-year-old Sammy how he liked the new place. “It’s terrific,” he said. “I have my own room, Mike has his own room, and Jamie has her own room. But poor Mom is still in with Dad.”Join fans of 99 KZ Country on Facebook:<a href="http://www.facebook.com/99KZCountry">http://www.facebook.com/99KZCountry</a>

KZ Country Cheesy Joke of the Day 08/31/23

Q: Why was the broom late? A: It over swept!

Join fans of KZ Country on Facebook:&nbsp;<a href="http://www.facebook.com/99KZCountry" target="_blank">http://www.facebook.com/99KZCountry</a>

Q: Why was the broom late? A: It over swept!Join fans of KZ Country on Facebook:&nbsp;<a href="http://www.facebook.com/99KZCountry" target="_blank">http://www.facebook.com/99KZCountry</a>

KZ Country Cheesy Joke of the Day 08/30/21

Two regulars are sitting at a bar when one of them casually points to a couple of drunks across from them. "That's us in ten years," he says. His friend takes a sip from his beer, sets it down on the bar, turns to his friend and slurs, "That's a mirror."

&nbsp;Join fans of KZ Country on Facebook:&nbsp;<a href="http://www.facebook.com/99KZCountry" target="_blank">http://www.facebook.com/99KZCountry</a>

Two regulars are sitting at a bar when one of them casually points to a couple of drunks across from them. "That's us in ten years," he says. His friend takes a sip from his beer, sets it down on the bar, turns to his friend and slurs, "That's a mirror."&nbsp;Join fans of KZ Country on Facebook:&nbsp;<a href="http://www.facebook.com/99KZCountry" target="_blank">http://www.facebook.com/99KZCountry</a>

KZ Country Cheesy Joke of the Day 08/29/23

A weasel walks into a bar. The bartender says, “Wow, I’ve never served a weasel before. What can I get you?” “Pop,” goes the weasel.

A weasel walks into a bar. The bartender says, “Wow, I’ve never served a weasel before. What can I get you?” “Pop,” goes the weasel.Join fans of KZ Country on Facebook:&nbsp;<a href="http://www.facebook.com/99KZCountry" target="_blank">http://www.facebook.com/99KZCountry</a>

KZ Country Cheesy Joke of the Day 08/28/23

On this episode of Forward Ever: Leading in Challenging Times, host Gary Shorman speaks with&nbsp;Jason Sims, Motorcycle Cannonball organizer, about the upcoming event

<div><iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/cm_Q9p6k63E?si=uFztXVOfOP5pEXoH" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe></div>On this episode of Forward Ever: Leading in Challenging Times, host Gary Shorman speaks with&nbsp;Jason Sims, Motorcycle Cannonball organizer, about the upcoming event

🎤 Forward Ever: Mr. Motorcycle Cannonball, Jason Sims

Q: What did the stamp say to the envelope? A: Stick with me and we’ll go places together.

Join fans of 99 KZ Country on Facebook: <a href="http://www.facebook.com/99KZCountry">http://www.facebook.com/99KZCountry</a>

Q: What did the stamp say to the envelope? A: Stick with me and we’ll go places together. Join fans of 99 KZ Country on Facebook: <a href="http://www.facebook.com/99KZCountry">http://www.facebook.com/99KZCountry</a>

KZ Country Cheesy Joke of the Day 08/25/23

What game do ants play with elephants?Squash!&nbsp;Join fans of KZ Country on Facebook:&nbsp;<a href="http://www.facebook.com/99KZCountry" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">http://www.facebook.com/99KZCountry</a>

KZ Country Cheesy Joke of the Day 08/24/23

Female imagery will fill the Hays Arts Center for the 38th
annual Fall Art Walk in Hays from 6:30 to 9:30 p.m. Aug. 25.

The opening of the invitational exhibition "She Is…" will
anchor the evening that will see businesses and organizations downtown
and beyond open their doors to the community to partake in artistic expressions
of all types.

“I’ve just seen so many of the
wonderful artists, not only in our area, but other artists I was aware of that
I'd never even worked with before, but admired their work and had the idea for
the show called 'She Is…,'” said Hays Arts Council executive director Brenda
Meder.

“And so, the idea of, she is old, she is young, she is somber, she is
joyful, she is contemplative, she is bold, just all those different aspects of female imagery in art.”

The exhibition includes paintings,
photography, etchings, silkscreens, caustic ceramic sculpture and stone
sculpture. It features both local artists and others from across the
state whose work will be exhibited at the center for the first time, she said

“It's a whole variety of
different styles, expressions, and just wonderful images, painting styles out of female imagery through a variety of ages and creative media,” Meder
said.

The arts center is only
one stop of many scheduled for the evening.

“We've got a lot of wonderful
features and opportunities for people to just enjoy in our community,” Meder said.

In conjunction with the Art
Walk, the Hays Symphony Pops concert is scheduled at 7:30 p.m. in Union Pacific
Park, 10th and Main. 

The K-State Research and
Extension Cottonwood District Master Gardeners will be showcasing their four gardens at the extension district office 601 Main; Historic Fort Hays, 1472 U.S. Highway 183 Alt.; and at the K-Stae Ag Research Center, 1232 240th Ave.

The evening also will mark the
opening of Toby Ironworks, 708 Main, the new workspace of local artist Toby
Flores.

“Everybody will want to get
to Toby’s,” Meder said. “He bought the building, and it's going to be a studio/gallery
workspace. It's just another cool, exciting space in downtown Hays.”

Fort Hays State
University’s Moss-Thorns and Taylor galleries will be open from 6 to
8:30 p.m.

“Come
out and enjoy your visit whatever places you want, staying for however long you
want, in whatever order you want,” Meder said.

“It's your evening to design however you want, but we're providing it and a whole lot of other great people
in this community. [We are] making sure it happens to the highest level of fun,
entertainment and artistic expression.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/8/1692823735458.jpeg" alt="Photo by James Bell/Hays Post" />
 <figcaption>Photo by James Bell/Hays Post</figcaption>
 </figure><div><iframe title="’She Is...’ to anchor Fall Art Walk in downtown Hays Friday" 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=9s3w2-148a2a5-pb&from=pb6admin&share=1&download=1&rtl=0&fonts=Arial&skin=f6f6f6&font-color=auto&logo_link=podcast_page&btn-skin=3267a3&size=315" loading="lazy"></iframe></div>By JAMES BELL Hays PostFemale imagery will fill the Hays Arts Center for the 38th
annual Fall Art Walk in Hays from 6:30 to 9:30 p.m. Aug. 25.The opening of the invitational exhibition "She Is…" will
anchor the evening that will see businesses and organizations downtown
and beyond open their doors to the community to partake in artistic expressions
of all types.“I’ve just seen so many of the
wonderful artists, not only in our area, but other artists I was aware of that
I'd never even worked with before, but admired their work and had the idea for
the show called 'She Is…,'” said Hays Arts Council executive director Brenda
Meder.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/8/1692823769710.jpeg" alt="Photo by James Bell/Hays Post" />
 <figcaption>Photo by James Bell/Hays Post</figcaption>
 </figure>“And so, the idea of, she is old, she is young, she is somber, she is
joyful, she is contemplative, she is bold, just all those different aspects of female imagery in art.”The exhibition includes paintings,
photography, etchings, silkscreens, caustic ceramic sculpture and stone
sculpture. It features both local artists and others from across the
state whose work will be exhibited at the center for the first time, she said“It's a whole variety of
different styles, expressions, and just wonderful images, painting styles out of female imagery through a variety of ages and creative media,” Meder
said.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/8/1692823794033.jpeg" alt="Photo by James Bell/Hays Post" />
 <figcaption>Photo by James Bell/Hays Post</figcaption>
 </figure>The arts center is only
one stop of many scheduled for the evening.“We've got a lot of wonderful
features and opportunities for people to just enjoy in our community,” Meder said.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/8/1692814298595.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>In conjunction with the Art
Walk, the Hays Symphony Pops concert is scheduled at 7:30 p.m. in Union Pacific
Park, 10th and Main. The K-State Research and
Extension Cottonwood District Master Gardeners will be showcasing their four gardens at the extension district office 601 Main; Historic Fort Hays, 1472 U.S. Highway 183 Alt.; and at the K-Stae Ag Research Center, 1232 240th Ave.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/8/1692823819008.jpeg" alt="Photo by James Bell/Hays Post" />
 <figcaption>Photo by James Bell/Hays Post</figcaption>
 </figure>The evening also will mark the
opening of Toby Ironworks, 708 Main, the new workspace of local artist Toby
Flores.“Everybody will want to get
to Toby’s,” Meder said. “He bought the building, and it's going to be a studio/gallery
workspace. It's just another cool, exciting space in downtown Hays.”Fort Hays State
University’s Moss-Thorns and Taylor galleries will be open from 6 to
8:30 p.m.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/8/1692823849761.jpeg" alt="Photo by James Bell/Hays Post" />
 <figcaption>Photo by James Bell/Hays Post</figcaption>
 </figure>“Come
out and enjoy your visit whatever places you want, staying for however long you
want, in whatever order you want,” Meder said.“It's your evening to design however you want, but we're providing it and a whole lot of other great people
in this community. [We are] making sure it happens to the highest level of fun,
entertainment and artistic expression.”<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/8/1692823866274.jpeg" alt="Photo by James Bell/Hays Post" />
 <figcaption>Photo by James Bell/Hays Post</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/8/1692823878357.jpeg" alt="Photo by James Bell/Hays Post" />
 <figcaption>Photo by James Bell/Hays Post</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/8/1692823906694.jpeg" alt="Photo by James Bell/Hays Post" />
 <figcaption>Photo by James Bell/Hays Post</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/8/1692823892545.jpeg" alt="Photo by James Bell/Hays Post" />
 <figcaption>Photo by James Bell/Hays Post</figcaption>
 </figure>

🎙 'She Is...' to anchor Fall Art Walk Friday in downtown Hays 

Knock Knock Who’s There? Rufus Rufus Who? Rufus the most important part of your house.

Knock Knock Who’s There? Rufus Rufus Who? Rufus the most important part of your house.Join fans of KZ Country on Facebook:&nbsp;<a href="http://www.facebook.com/99KZCountry" target="_blank">http://www.facebook.com/99KZCountry</a>

KZ Country Cheesy Joke of the Day 08/23/23

Did you know the first French fries were not actually cooked in France? They were cooked in grease!

Did you know the first French fries were not actually cooked in France? They were cooked in grease!Join fans of 99 KZ Country on Facebook:<a href="http://www.facebook.com/99KZCountry">http://www.facebook.com/99KZCountry</a>

KZ Country Cheesy Joke of the Day 08/22/23

A woman is sitting at her husband's funeral. A man leans toward her and asks, "Do you mind if I say a word?"

The man stands, clears his throat, says "Plethora," and sits back down.

"Thanks," the woman says. "That means a lot."

A woman is sitting at her husband's funeral. A man leans toward her and asks, "Do you mind if I say a word?""No, go right ahead," the woman replies.The man stands, clears his throat, says "Plethora," and sits back down."Thanks," the woman says. "That means a lot."Join fans of KZ Country on Facebook:&nbsp;<a href="http://www.facebook.com/99KZCountry" target="_blank">http://www.facebook.com/99KZCountry</a>

KZ Country Cheesy Joke of the Day 08/21/23

A retired man who volunteers to entertain patients in nursing homes and hospitals went to a hospital and took his portable keyboard along. He told some jokes and sang some funny songs at patients’ bedsides. When he finished he said, in farewell, “I hope you get better.” One elderly gentleman replied, “I hope you get better, too.”

A retired man who volunteers to entertain patients in nursing homes and hospitals went to a hospital and took his portable keyboard along. He told some jokes and sang some funny songs at patients’ bedsides. When he finished he said, in farewell, “I hope you get better.” One elderly gentleman replied, “I hope you get better, too.”Join fans of 99 KZ Country on Facebook:<a href="http://www.facebook.com/99KZCountry">http://www.facebook.com/99KZCountry</a>

KZ Country Cheesy Joke of the Day 08/18/23

A farmer was driving along the road with a load of fertilizer. A little boy, playing in front of his house, saw him and called, “What’ve you got in your truck?” “Fertilizer,” the farmer replied. “What are you going to do with it?” asked the little boy. “Put it on strawberries,” answered the farmer. “You ought to live here,” the little boy advised him. “We put sugar and cream on ours.”

A farmer was driving along the road with a load of fertilizer. A little boy, playing in front of his house, saw him and called, “What’ve you got in your truck?” “Fertilizer,” the farmer replied. “What are you going to do with it?” asked the little boy. “Put it on strawberries,” answered the farmer. “You ought to live here,” the little boy advised him. “We put sugar and cream on ours.”Join fans of 99 KZ Country on Facebook:<a href="http://www.facebook.com/99KZCountry">http://www.facebook.com/99KZCountry</a>

KZ Country Cheesy Joke of the Day 08/17/23

From kindergarten to high school, students in Hays have
returned to their classrooms.

To celebrate the beginning of the year, Holy Family Elementary and Thomas More Prep-Marian have
planned the Back 2 School Bash from 6 to 9 p.m. Friday at Holy Family, 1800 Milner.

While the annual event typically brings hundreds of students
and families together on the TMP-M campus, in celebration of the 25th anniversary
of Holy Family, the elementary school will host the event, said Tracy Perrett,
Holy Family Elementary administrative assistant.

“It's a free event,” she said. And “anybody from the
community is welcome to join.”

The event allows parents and students to get reacquainted
for the year as they enjoy the festivities, Perrett said.

“It's going to be a fun-filled night again,” said Joe
Roth, TMP Advancement Office assistant.

“Astra Bank is
providing hot dogs and chips for us. Knights of Columbus is providing
watermelon, and the TMP-M students in the Key Club will be helping us with cotton
candy,"&nbsp;Perrett said. 

The TMP Booster Club also will offer popcorn, and snow cones
will be available.

“We will have a band, DOC, playing for us,” Perrett said. “We're
super excited about that. That's another new change.”

Activities for children will include bouncy houses, laser
tag and access to the playground and basketball court. 

“They can just run wild,” Perrett said.

“And then, along with everything else…I think the next
biggest thing that we've got is old TMP Marion football uniforms,” Roth said.

TMP-M head football coach “Grant
Stevenson, this year, was going through all the storage stuff and decided that ‘Hey,
we're going to sell these at The Back 2 School Bash.’ So if you played or knew
somebody who played in the last, I think, 30 years' worth of jerseys, and you'd
like memorabilia from that, please come on out and check those out and swipe
up your jersey.”

Funds from those jersey sales will be given to the football
team for future equipment purchases, he said.

“We also have raffles,” Perrett said. “A lot of the teachers
have decided to donate things…So when the students get there, they can register
for the raffles, and then we will pick a student for each prize.”

While the event is hosted by the schools, community sponsors
make it possible, Roth said.

“It's always great that we have the businesses and
individuals out there in the community that give their monetary donations, but
also just a big shout out and thank you to all of our volunteers that help out
with this,” he said.

“Whether it's the football and volleyball teams that are
going to be manning the bouncy houses and the laser tag, or the parents that
are going to bring different balls and games and help us set up and set up, and teardown is a big one, just a big, big thank you to anybody who's donated
anything, any items, monetary or just their time to help us out with this.”

Perrett said everyone is welcome to attend, even if they
have no affiliation with the schools.

“We encourage you to bring friends, family. Anyone is
welcome,” she said. “We want you to come and visit our school and see what
we're all about.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/8/1692214339391.jpeg" alt="Courtesy photo" />
 <figcaption>Courtesy photo</figcaption>
 </figure>By JAMES BELL Hays PostFrom kindergarten to high school, students in Hays have
returned to their classrooms.To celebrate the beginning of the year, Holy Family Elementary and Thomas More Prep-Marian have
planned the Back 2 School Bash from 6 to 9 p.m. Friday at Holy Family, 1800 Milner.While the annual event typically brings hundreds of students
and families together on the TMP-M campus, in celebration of the 25th anniversary
of Holy Family, the elementary school will host the event, said Tracy Perrett,
Holy Family Elementary administrative assistant.“It's a free event,” she said. And “anybody from the
community is welcome to join.”The event allows parents and students to get reacquainted
for the year as they enjoy the festivities, Perrett said.<div><iframe title="Hays Catholic schools celebrate new year with annual Back 2 School Bash" 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=6infh-1481633-pb&from=pb6admin&share=1&download=1&rtl=0&fonts=Arial&skin=f6f6f6&font-color=auto&logo_link=podcast_page&btn-skin=3267a3&size=315" loading="lazy"></iframe></div>“It's going to be a fun-filled night again,” said Joe
Roth, TMP Advancement Office assistant.The event will offer free food.“Astra Bank is
providing hot dogs and chips for us. Knights of Columbus is providing
watermelon, and the TMP-M students in the Key Club will be helping us with cotton
candy,"&nbsp;Perrett said. The TMP Booster Club also will offer popcorn, and snow cones
will be available.“We will have a band, DOC, playing for us,” Perrett said. “We're
super excited about that. That's another new change.”Activities for children will include bouncy houses, laser
tag and access to the playground and basketball court. “They can just run wild,” Perrett said.“And then, along with everything else…I think the next
biggest thing that we've got is old TMP Marion football uniforms,” Roth said.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/8/1692214371245.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>TMP-M head football coach “Grant
Stevenson, this year, was going through all the storage stuff and decided that ‘Hey,
we're going to sell these at The Back 2 School Bash.’ So if you played or knew
somebody who played in the last, I think, 30 years' worth of jerseys, and you'd
like memorabilia from that, please come on out and check those out and swipe
up your jersey.”Funds from those jersey sales will be given to the football
team for future equipment purchases, he said.“We also have raffles,” Perrett said. “A lot of the teachers
have decided to donate things…So when the students get there, they can register
for the raffles, and then we will pick a student for each prize.”While the event is hosted by the schools, community sponsors
make it possible, Roth said.“It's always great that we have the businesses and
individuals out there in the community that give their monetary donations, but
also just a big shout out and thank you to all of our volunteers that help out
with this,” he said.“Whether it's the football and volleyball teams that are
going to be manning the bouncy houses and the laser tag, or the parents that
are going to bring different balls and games and help us set up and set up, and teardown is a big one, just a big, big thank you to anybody who's donated
anything, any items, monetary or just their time to help us out with this.”Perrett said everyone is welcome to attend, even if they
have no affiliation with the schools.“We encourage you to bring friends, family. Anyone is
welcome,” she said. “We want you to come and visit our school and see what
we're all about.”<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/8/1692214390313.jpeg" alt="Courtesy photo" />
 <figcaption>Courtesy photo</figcaption>
 </figure>

🎙 Hays Catholic schools celebrate new year with annual Back 2 School Bash 

Have you heard the rumor going around about butter? Never mind, I shouldn’t spread it.

Have you heard the rumor going around about butter? Never mind, I shouldn’t spread it.&nbsp;Join fans of KZ Country on Facebook:&nbsp;<a href="http://www.facebook.com/99KZCountry" target="_blank">http://www.facebook.com/99KZCountry</a>

KZ Country Cheesy Joke of the Day 08/16/23

Thanks for the harmonica you gave me for my birthday,” Little Johnny said to his Grandfather. “It’s the best present I ever got.” “That’s great,” said his Grandfather, “do you know how to play it?” “Oh, I don’t play it,” Little Johnny said. “My mom gives me a dollar a day not to play it during the day and my dad gives me five dollars a week not to play it at night.”

Thanks for the harmonica you gave me for my birthday,” Little Johnny said to his Grandfather. “It’s the best present I ever got.” “That’s great,” said his Grandfather, “do you know how to play it?” “Oh, I don’t play it,” Little Johnny said. “My mom gives me a dollar a day not to play it during the day and my dad gives me five dollars a week not to play it at night.”Join fans of 99 KZ Country on Facebook:<a href="http://www.facebook.com/99KZCountry">http://www.facebook.com/99KZCountry</a>

KZ Country Cheesy Joke of the Day 08/15/23

The Hays
Public Library’s Community Threads program is set to return in 2023, giving
area residents an opportunity to receive gently used clothing and accessories
free of charge.

During
regular library hours Saturday and Sunday, anyone interested in taking advantage of
the program can view items available at the library at 1205 Main.

Donations
will be accepted through today. Donations will be accepted at the library’s
front desk.

The last
Community Threads program was offered in 2021, said Hays Public Library communications
coordinator Callie Kolacny.

“It can
be shoes, clothes, coats, hats, gloves, accessories, some jewelry, things like
that, that you want to donate, we'll take all of that kind of stuff,” she said.


The
program, however, is not for household items.

“We
especially want people to donate children's items, children's clothes, because
those seem to be the things that the people that come in want the most,”
Kolacny said.

Following
the completion of donations, she said library staff would sort the items to be
made available to the public.

“Our
staff will do a great job of getting everything organized,” Kolacny said. “It's really easy to find what you might be looking for, and we're excited to do
this again this year.”

There
are no requirements to participate.

“Just
come fill bags, get whatever you need,” she said. “This is an opportunity to
come and get whatever you want for free. ... We will not be asking about financial
ability, nothing like that. Just come in and get what you want, take it and
enjoy it.”

Donations
will be available to view and pick up in the Schmidt Gallery. 

“Everything
will be all organized and nice,” Kolacny said.

<div><iframe title="Hays Public Library brings back Community Threads program for 2023" 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=p94ty-147e3ab-pb&from=pb6admin&share=1&download=1&rtl=0&fonts=Arial&skin=f6f6f6&font-color=auto&logo_link=podcast_page&btn-skin=3267a3&size=315" loading="lazy"></iframe></div>By JAMES BELL Hays PostThe Hays
Public Library’s Community Threads program is set to return in 2023, giving
area residents an opportunity to receive gently used clothing and accessories
free of charge.During
regular library hours Saturday and Sunday, anyone interested in taking advantage of
the program can view items available at the library at 1205 Main.Donations
will be accepted through today. Donations will be accepted at the library’s
front desk.The last
Community Threads program was offered in 2021, said Hays Public Library communications
coordinator Callie Kolacny.“It can
be shoes, clothes, coats, hats, gloves, accessories, some jewelry, things like
that, that you want to donate, we'll take all of that kind of stuff,” she said.
The
program, however, is not for household items.“We
especially want people to donate children's items, children's clothes, because
those seem to be the things that the people that come in want the most,”
Kolacny said.Following
the completion of donations, she said library staff would sort the items to be
made available to the public.“Our
staff will do a great job of getting everything organized,” Kolacny said. “It's really easy to find what you might be looking for, and we're excited to do
this again this year.”There
are no requirements to participate.“Just
come fill bags, get whatever you need,” she said. “This is an opportunity to
come and get whatever you want for free. ... We will not be asking about financial
ability, nothing like that. Just come in and get what you want, take it and
enjoy it.”Donations
will be available to view and pick up in the Schmidt Gallery. “Everything
will be all organized and nice,” Kolacny said.

🎙 Hays Public Library's Community Threads program offers free clothes this weekend

What do French fries do when they meet after a long time? They Ketchup!

Join fans of KZ Country on Facebook:&nbsp;<a href="http://www.facebook.com/99KZCountry" target="_blank">http://www.facebook.com/99KZCountry</a>

What do French fries do when they meet after a long time? They Ketchup! 
Join fans of KZ Country on Facebook:&nbsp;<a href="http://www.facebook.com/99KZCountry" target="_blank">http://www.facebook.com/99KZCountry</a>

KZ Country Cheesy Joke of the Day 08/14/23

While the masses are swooning over the "Barbie" movie, a master's of art student at Fort Hays State University has a different take on women in society and Barbie as an icon.

One of the most popular pieces in Kailin Nielsen's master's of fine arts exhibition, "Forbidden Female," on display now through Aug. 18 at the Moss Thorns Gallery of Art on the FHSU campus, is titled "Ideal Cannibalism."

It depicts a young woman biting the head off of a Barbie doll.

Nielsen said she has always been interested in women and women's culture as a subject for her artwork. The Barbie piece was painted in 2021, long before the movie hype.

"Barbie, when I was young, was this figure that we all aspired to be...having these beautiful body types and perfect proportions. That was stereotypical of what a woman should aspire to be," she said.

"As I have aged, my body doesn't look like that, and a lot of other females' bodies don't look like that. A lot of times, there's a lot of negativity around the female body. That creates a lot of body dysmorphia. I thought of Barbie as an example of how that shouldn't be the social standard."

She said the painting exhibits anger against society's female standards.

"I'm very interested in how the social media climate reacts to things and how our society reacts to things," she said," whether it's women's bodies, women's sexuality, what we are consuming as in food or what we are buying and marketing tactics."

Nielsen was in the middle of her master's work when Roe v. Wade was overturned in 2022.

"I saw people reacting positively and negatively to women's bodies," she said. "I wouldn't say I was with one or the other, but it was very interesting to see how society reacts to women's bodies and to see how society reacts to women as a whole."

Nielsen repeatedly uses images of fruit and food in her artwork, perhaps most prominently in her piece, "Debauchery."

"I wanted to talk about women indulging in their sexuality, what they are buying, and everything else and not feel gluttonous about it," she said. "But at the same time, I wanted to talk about social media and how they are so obsessive."

She said she believes women's indulgence and sexuality are often perceived as taboo.

"People are very turned off by seeing female breasts or female anatomy at all," Nielsen said. "I view that compared to men wearing a swimsuit without a shirt. I wonder how society could be so corrupted to think that a woman's body is something that has to be covered."

In addition to paintings and mixed media, Nielsen's exhibit also includes a video of a performance art piece.

She smeared chocolate over a large mirror and incorporated into the chocolate symbols of feminity, including makeup, beauty products, extensions and jewelry.

She slowly dug the chocolate and items away to show her reflection.

"Although we buy into all of these things that we think or society tells us are going to make us prettier and more attractive to the male gaze or the female gaze," she said, "I wanted to show that no matter what, under all that sickening facade, it's just us still."

Nielsen graduated in May. She will be the lead drawing and painting professor at Doane University in Nebraska.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/8/1691433483940.jpeg" alt="Fort Hays State University student Kailin Nielsen's "Ideal Cannablism" is part of her MFA exhibit on display now at the Moss-Thorns Gallery of Art. Photo by Cristina Janney/Hays Post" />
 <figcaption>Fort Hays State University student Kailin Nielsen's "Ideal Cannablism" is part of her MFA exhibit on display now at the Moss-Thorns Gallery of Art. Photo by Cristina Janney/Hays Post</figcaption>
 </figure>By CRISTINA JANNEY Hays PostWhile the masses are swooning over the "Barbie" movie, a master's of art student at Fort Hays State University has a different take on women in society and Barbie as an icon.One of the most popular pieces in Kailin Nielsen's master's of fine arts exhibition, "Forbidden Female," on display now through Aug. 18 at the Moss Thorns Gallery of Art on the FHSU campus, is titled "Ideal Cannibalism."It depicts a young woman biting the head off of a Barbie doll.Nielsen said she has always been interested in women and women's culture as a subject for her artwork. The Barbie piece was painted in 2021, long before the movie hype."Barbie, when I was young, was this figure that we all aspired to be...having these beautiful body types and perfect proportions. That was stereotypical of what a woman should aspire to be," she said."As I have aged, my body doesn't look like that, and a lot of other females' bodies don't look like that. A lot of times, there's a lot of negativity around the female body. That creates a lot of body dysmorphia. I thought of Barbie as an example of how that shouldn't be the social standard."<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/8/1691433801940.jpeg" alt="Kailin Nielsen with her painting "Cream" during the opening reception for her MFA exhibition, "Forbidden Female." Photo by Cristina Janney/Hays Post" />
 <figcaption>Kailin Nielsen with her painting "Cream" during the opening reception for her MFA exhibition, "Forbidden Female." Photo by Cristina Janney/Hays Post</figcaption>
 </figure>She said the painting exhibits anger against society's female standards."I'm very interested in how the social media climate reacts to things and how our society reacts to things," she said," whether it's women's bodies, women's sexuality, what we are consuming as in food or what we are buying and marketing tactics."Nielsen was in the middle of her master's work when Roe v. Wade was overturned in 2022."I saw people reacting positively and negatively to women's bodies," she said. "I wouldn't say I was with one or the other, but it was very interesting to see how society reacts to women's bodies and to see how society reacts to women as a whole."Nielsen repeatedly uses images of fruit and food in her artwork, perhaps most prominently in her piece, "Debauchery."<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/8/1691434087247.jpeg" alt="Nielsen explores female indulgence with images of food in several of her pieces including this painting titled "Debauchery." Photo by Cristina Janney/Hays Post" />
 <figcaption>Nielsen explores female indulgence with images of food in several of her pieces including this painting titled "Debauchery." Photo by Cristina Janney/Hays Post</figcaption>
 </figure>"I wanted to talk about women indulging in their sexuality, what they are buying, and everything else and not feel gluttonous about it," she said. "But at the same time, I wanted to talk about social media and how they are so obsessive."She said she believes women's indulgence and sexuality are often perceived as taboo."People are very turned off by seeing female breasts or female anatomy at all," Nielsen said. "I view that compared to men wearing a swimsuit without a shirt. I wonder how society could be so corrupted to think that a woman's body is something that has to be covered."In addition to paintings and mixed media, Nielsen's exhibit also includes a video of a performance art piece.She smeared chocolate over a large mirror and incorporated into the chocolate symbols of feminity, including makeup, beauty products, extensions and jewelry.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/8/1691434262933.jpeg" alt="Nielsen also explores the taboo of the female body in her exhibit "Forbidden Female," which will be on display at the Moss-Thorns through Aug. 18. Photo by Cristina Janney/Hays Post" />
 <figcaption>Nielsen also explores the taboo of the female body in her exhibit "Forbidden Female," which will be on display at the Moss-Thorns through Aug. 18. Photo by Cristina Janney/Hays Post</figcaption>
 </figure>She slowly dug the chocolate and items away to show her reflection."Although we buy into all of these things that we think or society tells us are going to make us prettier and more attractive to the male gaze or the female gaze," she said, "I wanted to show that no matter what, under all that sickening facade, it's just us still."Nielsen graduated in May. She will be the lead drawing and painting professor at Doane University in Nebraska.

FHSU art student presents alternative view on Barbie, women in American culture

During a lengthy sermon, a large plant fell over right behind the pulpit crashing to the ground.  Acknowledging his reputation for long windedness, the minister smiled and said, “Well, that’s the first time I actually put a plant to sleep.

During a lengthy sermon, a large plant fell over right behind the pulpit crashing to the ground. Acknowledging his reputation for long windedness, the minister smiled and said, “Well, that’s the first time I actually put a plant to sleep.Join fans of KZ Country on Facebook:&nbsp;<a href="http://www.facebook.com/99KZCountry" target="_blank">http://www.facebook.com/99KZCountry</a>

KZ Country Cheesy Joke of the Day 08/11/23

Two lawyers, Jon and Chuck, head out for their usual 9 holes of golf. Jon offers Chuck a bet. “Let’s say we bet $50.” Chuck agrees and they’re off. After the 8th hole, Chuck is ahead by one stroke, but cuts his ball into the rough on the 9th. “Help me find my ball. Look over there,” he said to Jon. After a few minutes, neither have any luck and a lost ball carries a two stroke penalty, so Chuck pulls a ball from his pocket and tosses it to the ground. “I’ve found my ball!” he announces. Jon looks at him. “After all of the years we’ve been partners and playing together, you’d cheat me out of a lousy 50 dollars?” “What do you mean, cheat? I found my ball sitting right there!” “And you’re a liar, too!” Jon said. “I’ll have you know I’ve been STANDING on your ball for the last five minutes!”

Two lawyers, Jon and Chuck, head out for their usual 9 holes of golf. Jon offers Chuck a bet. “Let’s say we bet $50.” Chuck agrees and they’re off. After the 8th hole, Chuck is ahead by one stroke, but cuts his ball into the rough on the 9th. “Help me find my ball. Look over there,” he said to Jon. After a few minutes, neither have any luck and a lost ball carries a two stroke penalty, so Chuck pulls a ball from his pocket and tosses it to the ground. “I’ve found my ball!” he announces. Jon looks at him. “After all of the years we’ve been partners and playing together, you’d cheat me out of a lousy 50 dollars?” “What do you mean, cheat? I found my ball sitting right there!” “And you’re a liar, too!” Jon said. “I’ll have you know I’ve been STANDING on your ball for the last five minutes!”&nbsp;Join fans of KZ Country on Facebook:&nbsp;<a href="http://www.facebook.com/99KZCountry" target="_blank">http://www.facebook.com/99KZCountry</a>

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