The Society of Friends of Historic Fort
Hays invites the public to a free historical presentation titled “Swords into Plowshares: A History of
Frontier Army Gardens” on Saturday, September 7th at 2:00 PM at the Fort
Hays State Historic Site, 1472 US Highway 183 Alt.

Presented by board member and Extension
Master Gardener Jeremy Gill, the talk will explore the unique role that
gardening played at the 19th-century post. Attendees will learn
about why soldiers grew gardens and the many challenges they faced on the
Kansas prairie to provide their own food supply.

Following the presentation, guests are
welcome to tour and ask questions about the Fort Hays Heirloom Garden, which is
maintained by the hard work and dedication of the Ellis County Extension Master
Gardeners.

For more information, please contact
Historic Fort Hays staff at (785) 625-6812 or Jeremy Gill at
jgill@hayslibrary.org

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/8/1725050591980.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>SubmittedThe Society of Friends of Historic Fort
Hays invites the public to a free historical presentation titled “Swords into Plowshares: A History of
Frontier Army Gardens” on Saturday, September 7th at 2:00 PM at the Fort
Hays State Historic Site, 1472 US Highway 183 Alt.Presented by board member and Extension
Master Gardener Jeremy Gill, the talk will explore the unique role that
gardening played at the 19th-century post. Attendees will learn
about why soldiers grew gardens and the many challenges they faced on the
Kansas prairie to provide their own food supply.Following the presentation, guests are
welcome to tour and ask questions about the Fort Hays Heirloom Garden, which is
maintained by the hard work and dedication of the Ellis County Extension Master
Gardeners.For more information, please contact
Historic Fort Hays staff at (785) 625-6812 or Jeremy Gill at
jgill@hayslibrary.org

Society of Friends of Historic Fort Hays to a host presentation on frontier gardens

Ellis Art Walk set for Sept. 7

<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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 </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

Submitted<figure>
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'Swords into Plowshares' scheduled Saturday in Hays

Two more finalists were chosen Friday from entries at&nbsp;Doghouse Liquor&nbsp;for the Coors Light Chill Ride UTV Giveaway.&nbsp;

The finalists are Bart Lunsford and Brian Lacy from Hays.

Watch the Hays Post and listen to Eagle Radio for your next chance to enter to win.

The Coors Light Chill Ride UTV Giveaway is courtesy of A &amp; A Coors, Briney Motorsports, Advantage Glass Plus, and Commercial Sign Company all of Hays.

The winner of the Coors Light Chill Ride UTV will be announced at the Fort Hays State University football game on Sept. 7.

1.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Brianne Sultzer from Hays – Briney Motorsports – 6/14

2.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Greg Beougher from Quinter – Briney Motorsports – 6/14

3.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Doug Pfannenstiel from Hays – Ellis Co Community Fair – 6/21

4.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Tawnya Rohr from Hays – Ellis Co Community Fair – 6/21

5.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Rene Meyers from Hays – WWF / High Plains Roofing – 7/3

6.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Doug Kutina from Ellis – WWF / High Plains Roofing – 7/3

7.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Amy Schoenberger from Hays – Auto Collision Specialists 7/12

8.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Steve Dreiling from Hays – Auto Collision Specialists 7/12

9.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Dan Wynn from WaKeeney – Trego Co Fair 7/12

10.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Derek Walt from Collyer – Trego Co Fair 7/12

11.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Jeff Ridgway from Hays – Larks Game/A &amp; A Coors 7-13

12.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Kevin Koerner from Hays – Larks Game/A &amp; A Coors 7-13

13.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Tom Fross from Hays – Ellis Co Fair 7/20

14.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Dean Haselhorst from Gorham – Ellis Co Fair 7/20

15.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Brenda Linenberger from Russell – Bottlenecks Liquor 7/26

16.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Richard Kerr from Russell – Bottlenecks Liquor 7/26

17.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Kevin Bobek from Plainville – Mr. K’s Foodtown 8/1

18.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Jay Hrabe from Plainville – Mr. K’s Foodtown 8/1

19.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Mark Coomes from Phillipsburg – Phillipsburg Rodeo 8/2

20.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Becky Dougherty from Phillipsburg – Phillipsburg Rodeo 8/2

21.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Lori Schmidt from Hays – Ole 40 Express 8/3

22.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Gary Hammersmith from Hays – Ole 40 Express 8/3

23.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Duane Lang from Hays – Kaiser Liquor 8/9

24.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Chris Chrisler from Hays – Kaiser Liquor 8/9

25.&nbsp; &nbsp; Alan Wahrman from Hays – Hays Chevrolet 8/16

26.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Michael Schmeidler from Hays – Hays Chevrolet 8/16

27.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Chuck White from Hays – Discount Smokes 8/23

28.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Yvonne Mattheyer from Ellis – Discount Smokes 8/23

29.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Bart Lunsford from Hays – Doghouse Liquor 8/30

30.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Brian Lacy from Hays – Doghouse Liquor 8/30

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/5/1716322467979.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Two more finalists were chosen Friday from entries at&nbsp;Doghouse Liquor&nbsp;for the Coors Light Chill Ride UTV Giveaway.&nbsp;The finalists are Bart Lunsford and Brian Lacy from Hays.Watch the Hays Post and listen to Eagle Radio for your next chance to enter to win.The Coors Light Chill Ride UTV Giveaway is courtesy of A &amp; A Coors, Briney Motorsports, Advantage Glass Plus, and Commercial Sign Company all of Hays.The winner of the Coors Light Chill Ride UTV will be announced at the Fort Hays State University football game on Sept. 7.All finalists to date:1.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Brianne Sultzer from Hays – Briney Motorsports – 6/142.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Greg Beougher from Quinter – Briney Motorsports – 6/143.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Doug Pfannenstiel from Hays – Ellis Co Community Fair – 6/214.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Tawnya Rohr from Hays – Ellis Co Community Fair – 6/215.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Rene Meyers from Hays – WWF / High Plains Roofing – 7/36.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Doug Kutina from Ellis – WWF / High Plains Roofing – 7/37.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Amy Schoenberger from Hays – Auto Collision Specialists 7/128.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Steve Dreiling from Hays – Auto Collision Specialists 7/129.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Dan Wynn from WaKeeney – Trego Co Fair 7/1210.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Derek Walt from Collyer – Trego Co Fair 7/1211.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Jeff Ridgway from Hays – Larks Game/A &amp; A Coors 7-1312.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Kevin Koerner from Hays – Larks Game/A &amp; A Coors 7-1313.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Tom Fross from Hays – Ellis Co Fair 7/2014.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Dean Haselhorst from Gorham – Ellis Co Fair 7/2015.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Brenda Linenberger from Russell – Bottlenecks Liquor 7/2616.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Richard Kerr from Russell – Bottlenecks Liquor 7/2617.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Kevin Bobek from Plainville – Mr. K’s Foodtown 8/118.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Jay Hrabe from Plainville – Mr. K’s Foodtown 8/119.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Mark Coomes from Phillipsburg – Phillipsburg Rodeo 8/220.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Becky Dougherty from Phillipsburg – Phillipsburg Rodeo 8/221.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Lori Schmidt from Hays – Ole 40 Express 8/322.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Gary Hammersmith from Hays – Ole 40 Express 8/323.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Duane Lang from Hays – Kaiser Liquor 8/924.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Chris Chrisler from Hays – Kaiser Liquor 8/925.&nbsp; &nbsp; Alan Wahrman from Hays – Hays Chevrolet 8/1626.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Michael Schmeidler from Hays – Hays Chevrolet 8/1627.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Chuck White from Hays – Discount Smokes 8/2328.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Yvonne Mattheyer from Ellis – Discount Smokes 8/2329.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Bart Lunsford from Hays – Doghouse Liquor 8/3030.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Brian Lacy from Hays – Doghouse Liquor 8/30

Latest Coors Light Chill Ride UTV finalists announced

A shy priest greets the wedding guests to the Chapel. He’s very nervous and doesn’t say much. As the couple approach the altar the priest steps up and gives the best speech anyone has ever heard. He’s full of confidence, incredibly expressive and has everyone in fits of laughter! After the vows, the priest is extremely shy and barely says a word to anyone. The groom approaches the him and asks, “Why are you so shy? You seemed like a different person when you were giving that speech!” “I know…” Says the priest, “but that was just my altar ego”.

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

A shy priest greets the wedding guests to the Chapel. He’s very nervous and doesn’t say much. As the couple approach the altar the priest steps up and gives the best speech anyone has ever heard. He’s full of confidence, incredibly expressive and has everyone in fits of laughter! After the vows, the priest is extremely shy and barely says a word to anyone. The groom approaches the him and asks, “Why are you so shy? You seemed like a different person when you were giving that speech!” “I know…” Says the priest, “but that was just my altar ego”.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 09/03/24

What’s in a name? We want you to tell us! The Ellis County Historical Society (ECHS) is excited to announce a naming contest for our new center at St. John’s Place in Victoria. We’ve been calling it our sister-site and our heritage center, but we’re looking for a name that truly captures the imagination—and we need your help!

This center will be a vibrant tribute to our rich history, highlighting our Volga German Heritage, all immigrants to Ellis County, area churches and villages, Walker Army Airfield, Angus cattle ranching in the U.S., the oil industry in Ellis County, and Western Kansas agriculture. As we continue the redevelopment of this site, we want a name that grabs the attention of both locals and tourists, conveying the importance of our history and culture.

Think you’ve got the perfect name? We’d love to hear it! Join us in making history by contributing a name that will represent the heart and soul of our community.

Submit your ideas and let’s create something memorable together!

<a href="https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/ECHSvictoriaSITEname">https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/ECHSvictoriaSITEname</a>

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/8/1660869675268.jpeg" alt="File photo" />
 <figcaption>File photo</figcaption>
 </figure><div><iframe title="Ellis Co. Historical Society asks public to help name new heritage center" 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=9h9t4-16bfc22-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>SubmittedWhat’s in a name? We want you to tell us! The Ellis County Historical Society (ECHS) is excited to announce a naming contest for our new center at St. John’s Place in Victoria. We’ve been calling it our sister-site and our heritage center, but we’re looking for a name that truly captures the imagination—and we need your help!This center will be a vibrant tribute to our rich history, highlighting our Volga German Heritage, all immigrants to Ellis County, area churches and villages, Walker Army Airfield, Angus cattle ranching in the U.S., the oil industry in Ellis County, and Western Kansas agriculture. As we continue the redevelopment of this site, we want a name that grabs the attention of both locals and tourists, conveying the importance of our history and culture.Think you’ve got the perfect name? We’d love to hear it! Join us in making history by contributing a name that will represent the heart and soul of our community.Submit your ideas and let’s create something memorable together!<a href="https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/ECHSvictoriaSITEname">https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/ECHSvictoriaSITEname</a>

🎙 Ellis Co. Historical Society asks public to help name new heritage center

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/9/1725298182443.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure><a href="https://hayspost.com/pages/state-farm-weather-window">For a full look at the weather forecast, click here.</a>

On this episode of the Post Podcast, Hays Post Reporter Cristina Janney speaks with Grow Hays Executive Director Doug Williams about the mission of Grow Hays in Ellis County.

<div><iframe title="Grow Hays director discusses organization's mission" 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=i6ecz-16bfc5d-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 Cristina Janney speaks with Grow Hays Executive Director Doug Williams about the mission of Grow Hays in Ellis County.

🎙 Post Podcast: Grow Hays director discusses organization's mission

&nbsp;The WPAA (Western Plains Arts Association) will be starting our ’24-’25 season off at the Oakley High School Auditorium on Sunday, September 15 at 3:00 p.m.

The first program,&nbsp; “Blackwater Draw”, a new cutting edge group of young musicians/singers from Texas will open our season with a bang!

Admission is by season ticket or at the door. Special discount for groups of ten or more students:&nbsp; $5 per student.

This season’s programs are made possible through the generosity of area businesses, individual donors and a season grant from the Dane G. Hansen Foundation of Logan.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Submitted&nbsp;The WPAA (Western Plains Arts Association) will be starting our ’24-’25 season off at the Oakley High School Auditorium on Sunday, September 15 at 3:00 p.m.The first program,&nbsp; “Blackwater Draw”, a new cutting edge group of young musicians/singers from Texas will open our season with a bang!Admission is by season ticket or at the door. Special discount for groups of ten or more students:&nbsp; $5 per student.This season’s programs are made possible through the generosity of area businesses, individual donors and a season grant from the Dane G. Hansen Foundation of Logan.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Western Plains Arts Association kicks off season Sept. 15

Go Truck Go set for Sept. 5

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/9/1725219686952.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>

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/8/1725145179293.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>

Smoky Hills PBS is pleased to announce the airing of a special documentary produced by Fort Hays State University, focusing on the important and often overlooked world of custom harvesting. The documentary, set to air on September 3rd at 7:30 PM, will offer viewers an in-depth look at the lives and work of those who help bring in the harvest across the Midwest and beyond.

The new Tiger Media Network documentary, “Life On The Harvest Run,” explores the lives of two custom harvesting families from Kansas and what their summers on the harvest run are like. Tiger Media Network’s summer interns — Ryan Schuckman, Raegan Neufeld and John Billinger — interviewed the Befort family from Hays and the Froese family from Inman.

The Fort Hays State University students interviewed active and retired custom harvesters to get a mix of present and past perspectives. Interviewees ranged from 20 to 91 years old.

To watch this documentary, tune into Smoky Hills PBS, which can be found through antenna, on many cable systems, Smoky Hills PBS LLS Channel, DirecTV, Dish Network, LocalNow app, YouTube TV, HULU+LIVE TV. You can also access Smoky Hills PBS via the FREE mobile app for Android and iPhone devices. For more information, visit SmokyHillsPBS.org or call 1-800-337-4788.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/8/1724778673040.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>SubmittedSmoky Hills PBS is pleased to announce the airing of a special documentary produced by Fort Hays State University, focusing on the important and often overlooked world of custom harvesting. The documentary, set to air on September 3rd at 7:30 PM, will offer viewers an in-depth look at the lives and work of those who help bring in the harvest across the Midwest and beyond.The new Tiger Media Network documentary, “Life On The Harvest Run,” explores the lives of two custom harvesting families from Kansas and what their summers on the harvest run are like. Tiger Media Network’s summer interns — Ryan Schuckman, Raegan Neufeld and John Billinger — interviewed the Befort family from Hays and the Froese family from Inman.The Fort Hays State University students interviewed active and retired custom harvesters to get a mix of present and past perspectives. Interviewees ranged from 20 to 91 years old.Air Times:Tuesday, Sept. 3 at 7:30 PMWednesday, Sept. 4 at 2:30 PMThursday, Sept. 26 at 2 PMWays to Watch:To watch this documentary, tune into Smoky Hills PBS, which can be found through antenna, on many cable systems, Smoky Hills PBS LLS Channel, DirecTV, Dish Network, LocalNow app, YouTube TV, HULU+LIVE TV. You can also access Smoky Hills PBS via the FREE mobile app for Android and iPhone devices. For more information, visit SmokyHillsPBS.org or call 1-800-337-4788.

Smoky Hills PBS to air FHSU documentary on custom harvesting

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/8/1725052356496.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure><a href="https://hayspost.com/pages/state-farm-weather-window">For a full look at the weather forecast, click here.</a>

On this episode of Forward Ever: Leading in Challenging Times, host Gary Shorman speaks with Judge Tommy Webb.

<div><iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/toeed9oN0ik?si=Pq2NXG8GGlbXhy_3" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" referrerpolicy="strict-origin-when-cross-origin" allowfullscreen></iframe></div>On this episode of Forward Ever: Leading in Challenging Times, host Gary Shorman speaks with Judge Tommy Webb.

🎤Forward Ever: Judge Tommy Webb

A horse walks into a bar. The bartender says, “Hey!” The horse replies, “Sure.”

A horse walks into a bar. The bartender says, “Hey!” The horse replies, “Sure.”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 08/30/24

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/8/1724971372498.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 happened to the wooden car with wooden wheels and a wooden engine? It wooden go!

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

What happened to the wooden car with wooden wheels and a wooden engine? It wooden go!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 08/29/24

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

Why did the french fry finish last in the potato race? He couldn’t ketchup.

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

Why did the french fry finish last in the potato race? He couldn’t 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 08/28/24

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/8/1724779128389.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>

A hiker stumbles upon a golden lamp in the forest. He rubs it and out pops a real-life genie.“In return for freeing me, ” says the genie, “I will grant you three wishes.”“I want a million more wishes,” the hiker says immediately.“Rule number one: No asking for more wishes.”The hiker considers his options before replying, “In that case, I want a million more genies.”&nbsp;Join fans of KZ Country on Facebook:&nbsp;<a href="http://www.facebook.com/99KZCountry" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 255);">http://www.facebook.com/99KZCountry</a>

KZ Country Cheesy Joke of the Day 08/27/24

By BECKY KISER Hays Post

The Employment Connections program is a service at Hays-based Developmental Services of Northwest Kansas dedicated to creating meaningful job opportunities for individuals ages 18 and older across the 18 counties of northwest Kansas.

The popular program has been in place for more than 50 years, said LaVonne Giess, DSNWK employment services manager.

"We help individuals with all types of disabilities with the opportunity to work," she said.&nbsp; "If they want to work, and that is their goal, then we are going to make that happen."

Work services is a group of individuals with a working supervisor who goes to the job site, where they complete a set amount of work.

"We have a lawn crew. We have a snow removal crew. We clean the [Hays Regional] airport Monday through Friday. We've been doing that for over 20 years," Giess said.&nbsp;

"We clean the respirators at Enersys and put them back in their lockers. We've been there for more than 20 years."

DSNWK crews also perform janitorial work and help move households.&nbsp;

Giess is proud that her crews never call in sick.

"A lot of the workforce struggles with that. We don't have that problem with work services. We always have people that are subs that can go in and cover for someone else, or staff steps in and covers."

Employment Connections also offers community employment for individuals.

From job assessment and development to training and long-term support, Employment Connections' mission is to help individuals gain the necessary skills and secure competitive employment.

"We look at what kind of job they want to do, what are their skill sets, and what they need help with," Giess said.

Employment Connections staff members work closely with local businesses to match clients with roles that fit their skills and goals and meet the hiring needs of northwest Kansas communities.

"We go with our clients to help them fill out applications and go through the job interview,"&nbsp;Giess said.

Once a client is hired, staff provide job coaching and training on-site.&nbsp;

"We'll do a task analysis," Giess said. "Maybe one of our clients needs a picture board if they struggle with reading, things like that, whatever adaptations might be needed."

DSNWK individuals have worked for many Hays businesses, including Xibit Customs, Bright Minds Academy, Walmart, Good Samaritan Society, Cross Manufacturing, Master Cleaners and McDonalds, for a long time.

The jobs, mostly part-time, include dishwashing, food preparation, child care, car detailing, shelf stocking, assembly, cashier and laundry.

"Just a wide, wide range of opportunity. We're all over this community, " she said.

DSNWK participants in Employee Connections have bills to pay just like we all do, Giess said.

"Many of them live in their own apartments," Giess said. "They've got to pay that rent. They like to go out to eat. They like to go to activities.&nbsp;&nbsp;

"They're a very, very important part of our community."

Businesses interested in hiring people in northwest Kansas through Employment Connections can get more information on the DSNWK website at&nbsp;<a href="https://www.mydsnwk.org/what-we-do/employment-connections?fbclid=IwZXh0bgNhZW0CMTAAAR2oWW_ovrkXFLDU2j59t7DrDf8mzH98FTchDGkwF1PGiDxgc-4IddzwnB8_aem_zWB2hP8UQX-_ivzJIYEWqQ" target="_blank">https://www.mydsnwk.org/what-we-do/employment-connections</a>.

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 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/8/1724341420571.jpeg" alt="A DSNWK work services client cleans the Hays Regional Airport. Courtesy photo&nbsp;" />
 <figcaption>A DSNWK work services client cleans the Hays Regional Airport. Courtesy photo&nbsp;</figcaption>
 </figure><div><iframe title="Hays Chamber, DSNWK discuss workforce development" 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=h64s3-16b2d09-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 BECKY KISER Hays PostThe Employment Connections program is a service at Hays-based Developmental Services of Northwest Kansas dedicated to creating meaningful job opportunities for individuals ages 18 and older across the 18 counties of northwest Kansas.The popular program has been in place for more than 50 years, said LaVonne Giess, DSNWK employment services manager."We help individuals with all types of disabilities with the opportunity to work," she said.&nbsp; "If they want to work, and that is their goal, then we are going to make that happen."There are two types of services offered.Work services is a group of individuals with a working supervisor who goes to the job site, where they complete a set amount of work."We have a lawn crew. We have a snow removal crew. We clean the [Hays Regional] airport Monday through Friday. We've been doing that for over 20 years," Giess said.&nbsp;"We clean the respirators at Enersys and put them back in their lockers. We've been there for more than 20 years."DSNWK crews also perform janitorial work and help move households.&nbsp;Giess is proud that her crews never call in sick."A lot of the workforce struggles with that. We don't have that problem with work services. We always have people that are subs that can go in and cover for someone else, or staff steps in and covers."Employment Connections also offers community employment for individuals.From job assessment and development to training and long-term support, Employment Connections' mission is to help individuals gain the necessary skills and secure competitive employment."We look at what kind of job they want to do, what are their skill sets, and what they need help with," Giess said.Employment Connections staff members work closely with local businesses to match clients with roles that fit their skills and goals and meet the hiring needs of northwest Kansas communities."We go with our clients to help them fill out applications and go through the job interview,"&nbsp;Giess said.Once a client is hired, staff provide job coaching and training on-site.&nbsp;"We'll do a task analysis," Giess said. "Maybe one of our clients needs a picture board if they struggle with reading, things like that, whatever adaptations might be needed."DSNWK individuals have worked for many Hays businesses, including Xibit Customs, Bright Minds Academy, Walmart, Good Samaritan Society, Cross Manufacturing, Master Cleaners and McDonalds, for a long time.The jobs, mostly part-time, include dishwashing, food preparation, child care, car detailing, shelf stocking, assembly, cashier and laundry."Just a wide, wide range of opportunity. We're all over this community, " she said.DSNWK participants in Employee Connections have bills to pay just like we all do, Giess said."Many of them live in their own apartments," Giess said. "They've got to pay that rent. They like to go out to eat. They like to go to activities.&nbsp;&nbsp;"They're a very, very important part of our community."Businesses interested in hiring people in northwest Kansas through Employment Connections can get more information on the DSNWK website at&nbsp;<a href="https://www.mydsnwk.org/what-we-do/employment-connections?fbclid=IwZXh0bgNhZW0CMTAAAR2oWW_ovrkXFLDU2j59t7DrDf8mzH98FTchDGkwF1PGiDxgc-4IddzwnB8_aem_zWB2hP8UQX-_ivzJIYEWqQ" target="_blank">https://www.mydsnwk.org/what-we-do/employment-connections</a>.

🎙DSNWK Employment Connections offers all individuals opportunity to work

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