<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

Why couldn't the flower ride its bike? It had lost its petals.

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Why couldn't the flower ride its bike? It had lost its petals.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 05/09/24

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

The Hays Arts Council is excited to be back with more fun this summer. "Sizzlin' Summer 2024" classes for young people are being offered in the visual and performing arts, including classes such as painting, acting and theatre, guitar lessons, and lots of other mixed-media arts and craft workshops and classes.

Get your special kiddos registered for some of the fun and exciting things planned for this summer.

The Midwest Energy Community Fund provided grant support benefiting the 2024 "Sizzlin' Summer" youth program.

Learn more at <a href="https://haysartscouncil.org/summer-classes">haysartscouncil.org/summer-classes</a>.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/5/1715196095129.png" alt="Photo courtesy of the Hays Arts Council" />
 <figcaption>Photo courtesy of the Hays Arts Council</figcaption>
 </figure>Hays Arts CouncilThe Hays Arts Council is excited to be back with more fun this summer. "Sizzlin' Summer 2024" classes for young people are being offered in the visual and performing arts, including classes such as painting, acting and theatre, guitar lessons, and lots of other mixed-media arts and craft workshops and classes.Get your special kiddos registered for some of the fun and exciting things planned for this summer.The Midwest Energy Community Fund provided grant support benefiting the 2024 "Sizzlin' Summer" youth program.Learn more at <a href="https://haysartscouncil.org/summer-classes">haysartscouncil.org/summer-classes</a>.<figure>
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Hays Arts Council announces youth summer art classes

Why did the baby strawberry cry? Because his parents were in a jam

Why did the baby strawberry cry? Because his parents were in a jamJoin 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 05/08/24

The Lovegrass Music Festival Association (LMFA) is thrilled to announce that it has once again received a generous grant of over $2,000 from the Russell County Area Community Foundation (RCACF), an affiliate of the Greater Northwest Kansas Community Foundation (GNWKCF). 

The RCACF has a strong mission to invest in meaningful ways that directly irmpact the local community, and LMFA is honored to be among such recipients.

This year, the contribution will be utilized towards the purchase of a much-needed festival tent. In partnership with the Switchgrass Arts Cooperative, this tent will host events such as youth arts and crafts, as well as festival workshops including yoga and felted patch-making.

The LMFA is so excited to be able to offer such fun and unique events to our annual festival, which would simply not be possible without such kind philanthropy.

The LMFA began as a simple idea between friends who frequent Wilson State Park. Each year the festival has grown in stature and reputation, boasting a lineup including some of the nation's most sought-after roots musical acts.

This year, the festival runs from August 8th-10th and is held at the Lovegrass campground in beautiful Wilson, KS. Thanks to support from generous donors, such as the RCACF, music lovers flock to rural Kansas each August to enjoy the festival for free-will donations, which would cost them hundreds of dollars to attend elsewhere.

As the festival has grown and flourished, attendees and bluegrass musicians from widening geographic areas have made the pilgrimage to scenic Russell County, Kansas, to enjoy music, community, and a reprieve from urban life.

You can find more information about the festival at <a href="http://www.lovegrassmusicfestival.com">www.lovegrassmusicfestival.com</a> and on Facebook, and more about RCACF and all the wonderful work they do for local communities, visit <a href="https://rcacf.org/about-us/">https://rcacf.org/about-us/ </a>

SubmittedThe Lovegrass Music Festival Association (LMFA) is thrilled to announce that it has once again received a generous grant of over $2,000 from the Russell County Area Community Foundation (RCACF), an affiliate of the Greater Northwest Kansas Community Foundation (GNWKCF). The RCACF has a strong mission to invest in meaningful ways that directly irmpact the local community, and LMFA is honored to be among such recipients.This year, the contribution will be utilized towards the purchase of a much-needed festival tent. In partnership with the Switchgrass Arts Cooperative, this tent will host events such as youth arts and crafts, as well as festival workshops including yoga and felted patch-making.The LMFA is so excited to be able to offer such fun and unique events to our annual festival, which would simply not be possible without such kind philanthropy.The LMFA began as a simple idea between friends who frequent Wilson State Park. Each year the festival has grown in stature and reputation, boasting a lineup including some of the nation's most sought-after roots musical acts.This year, the festival runs from August 8th-10th and is held at the Lovegrass campground in beautiful Wilson, KS. Thanks to support from generous donors, such as the RCACF, music lovers flock to rural Kansas each August to enjoy the festival for free-will donations, which would cost them hundreds of dollars to attend elsewhere.As the festival has grown and flourished, attendees and bluegrass musicians from widening geographic areas have made the pilgrimage to scenic Russell County, Kansas, to enjoy music, community, and a reprieve from urban life.You can find more information about the festival at <a href="http://www.lovegrassmusicfestival.com">www.lovegrassmusicfestival.com</a> and on Facebook, and more about RCACF and all the wonderful work they do for local communities, visit <a href="https://rcacf.org/about-us/">https://rcacf.org/about-us/ </a>

Lovegrass Music Festival receives grant

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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>

On this episode of Forward Ever: Leading in Challenging Times, host Gary Shorman speaks with&nbsp;HaysMed President, CEO Eddie Herrman.

<div><iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/o8KYn5O7ROo?si=I9ZAyP0OjLukO9P5" 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&nbsp;HaysMed President, CEO Eddie Herrman.

🎤Forward Ever: HaysMed President, CEO Eddie Herrman

Prairie Garden Club plant giveaway set for May 9

Stay Strong, Stay Healthy begins May 14

What is a cow’s favorite water sport? Ca-moo-ing!&nbsp;

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

What is a cow’s favorite water sport? Ca-moo-ing!&nbsp;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 05/07/24

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

2024 FAMOUS FIGURES award-winning performances –

1st&nbsp;Place – Jaden Brull as Hedy Lamarr (Holy Family)

2nd&nbsp;Place – Byron Burns as Moe Howard (O’Loughlin)

3rd&nbsp;Place (tie) – Katie Hines as Betsy Ross (Washington)

3rd&nbsp;Place (tie) – Ava Ryan as Clara Barton (Roosevelt)

4th&nbsp;Place – Olivia Eck as Mamie Till (St. Mary’s)

5th&nbsp;Place – Elliott Howden as Napoleon Bonaparte (Wilson)

Click the link below to watch the 2024 Famous Figures finals.

<a href="https://youtube.com/live/Hac5BpFIq4c?feature=share" target="_blank">2024 Famous Figures hosted by Hays Arts Council</a>

2024 Hays Arts Council FAMOUS FIGURES finalists by school

The Hays Arts Council Famous Figures is a living history and performance project open to fifth-grade students in Ellis County public and private schools.

It involves a short performance as a favorite person (living or deceased) from the present through the distant past.

The project promotes the use of research skills, awareness and appreciation of the qualities of a positive role model, thinking and writing in a creative manner, and developing acting and public speaking skills.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/5/1683314104970.jpeg" alt="File photo" />
 <figcaption>File photo</figcaption>
 </figure>Hays Arts Council2024 FAMOUS FIGURES award-winning performances –1st&nbsp;Place – Jaden Brull as Hedy Lamarr (Holy Family)2nd&nbsp;Place – Byron Burns as Moe Howard (O’Loughlin)3rd&nbsp;Place (tie) – Katie Hines as Betsy Ross (Washington)3rd&nbsp;Place (tie) – Ava Ryan as Clara Barton (Roosevelt)4th&nbsp;Place – Olivia Eck as Mamie Till (St. Mary’s)5th&nbsp;Place – Elliott Howden as Napoleon Bonaparte (Wilson)Click the link below to watch the 2024 Famous Figures finals.<a href="https://youtube.com/live/Hac5BpFIq4c?feature=share" target="_blank">2024 Famous Figures hosted by Hays Arts Council</a>2024 Hays Arts Council FAMOUS FIGURES finalists by school<h2>HOLY FAMILY ELEMENTARY</h2>Jaden Brull as Hedy LamarrSperry Mall as Dorothy KamenshekKelsey Robben as Eliza HamiltonNora Stoecklein as Anne Frank<h2>WILSON ELEMENTARY</h2>Lily Atkinson as Betty WhitePresley Connally as Anne FrankCollins Harris as Jackie StilesElliott Howden as Napoleon BonaparteMason Huwa as Robert RipleyHarper Nichol as Paige Bueckers<h2>ROOSEVELT ELEMENTARY</h2>Kate Pope as John WayneMiley Vanek as Dolly PartonGentry Jenkins as Jennie FinchAva Ryan as Clara Barton<h2>LINCOLN ELEMENTARY</h2>Mila Womack as Ruth Bader GinsburgGeorgia Olson as Deborah SampsonCoyle Detherage as Nick OffermanBrian Sheeley as King Henry the 8th<h2>O’LOUGHLIN ELEMENTARY</h2>Byron Burns as Moe HowardAlaina Yarmer as Aly RaismanAliyah Kinderknecht as Anne FrankBlair Paul as Billie Jean KingKash Wendland as Babe RuthLiam Wise as Roberto Clemente<h2>VICTORIA ELEMENTARY</h2>Knox Potter as Michael JordanDax Leikam as Musashi MiyamotoSage Schwien as Davy Crockett<h2>ST. MARY’S GRADE SCHOOL</h2>Olivia Eck as Mamie TillBreckyn Honas as Elizabeth Blackwell<h2>WASHINGTON GRADE SCHOOL</h2>Katie Hines as Betsy RossPhoebe Davis as Queen Elizabeth IThe Hays Arts Council Famous Figures is a living history and performance project open to fifth-grade students in Ellis County public and private schools.It involves a short performance as a favorite person (living or deceased) from the present through the distant past.The project promotes the use of research skills, awareness and appreciation of the qualities of a positive role model, thinking and writing in a creative manner, and developing acting and public speaking skills.

Hays Arts Council's Famous Figures winners announced; watch recording

Why was there thunder and lightning in the lab? The scientists were brainstorming

Why was there thunder and lightning in the lab? The scientists were brainstormingJoin 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 05/06/24

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

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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>

🎥 Green & Growing Drip Irrigation

What do lawyers wear to court? Lawsuits!

What do lawyers wear to court? Lawsuits!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 05/03/24

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

How does thread get to school? On a spool bus.

How does thread get to school? On a spool bus.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 05/02/24

By BECKY KISER Hays Post

Most of the "old-time" sights and sounds were new to the third-graders who participated in Wednesday's Pioneer Days at the Ellis County Historical Society grounds, Seventh and Main in Hays.

"They're finding out what it was like in the 'olden days' on the prairie with no electricity," said Amanda Rupp, Ellis County Historical Society executive director.

"What did you do for fun at recess when there were no basketball courts? How did dinner get prepared?

"Maybe this will inspire the kids to think out of the box and how to make something work when something else won't," Rupp said.

The modern-day children learned that instead of playing video games, pioneer children played marbles and ran three-legged races and egg-spoon races for their entertainment.

Some of the youngsters come from a rural background and immediately recognized the stalk of ripe wheat passed around at the homemade bread and butter demonstration by Donna Maskus, volunteer and society board member.

Many of the 170 students from&nbsp;Holy Family, Wilson, and Lincoln elementary schools, along with Washington Grade School in Ellis, had seen horses before but not up close and personal.

They learned that horses were the primary source of transportation for their forebearers on the prairie.&nbsp;

Members of the Fort Hays State University Rodeo Club also brought their lariats to show off their calf-roping skills, which each child got to try.

Nine stations were set up for the children to learn about life in the past from about 20 volunteers.&nbsp;

The information shared was geared toward the third-grade curriculum.

"It's within their realm of understanding," Rupp said. "They're so inquisitive and filled with questions."

The third-graders found it hard to imagine their entire family living in a one-room house, which they discovered in the Volga Haus exhibit.

They found out at the laundry station there were no extensive wardrobes. Clothes were made by hand and washed with lye soap only occasionally.&nbsp;

Sing-alongs were popular entertainment, and the students sang historic songs, including the Kansas state song "Home on the Range."

There were no supermarkets to shop at. Frontier families raised and butchered their own beef and pork during the winter to take advantage of cold temperatures. There was no refrigeration, either.

The groups learned that corn was for more than just eating. During a tour of the Harness Shop, they also learned about the need for barbed wire fences.

Looking ahead to the next ten years of Pioneer Days, Rupp expects it to evolve to include things like using rotary dial phones, "something their grandparents may have done, not the first pioneers.

"They might hear their grandparents talking about it a little bit, how they made things work. It's good to remember how things were when they didn't have everything," Rupp said.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/5/1714594801990.jpeg" alt="Laundry day outside the Volga Haus during Ellis County Historical Society Pioneer Days. Photos and video by Becky Kiser/Hays Post&nbsp;" />
 <figcaption>Laundry day outside the Volga Haus during Ellis County Historical Society Pioneer Days. Photos and video by Becky Kiser/Hays Post&nbsp;</figcaption>
 </figure>By BECKY KISER Hays PostMost of the "old-time" sights and sounds were new to the third-graders who participated in Wednesday's Pioneer Days at the Ellis County Historical Society grounds, Seventh and Main in Hays."They're finding out what it was like in the 'olden days' on the prairie with no electricity," said Amanda Rupp, Ellis County Historical Society executive director."What did you do for fun at recess when there were no basketball courts? How did dinner get prepared?"Maybe this will inspire the kids to think out of the box and how to make something work when something else won't," Rupp said.The modern-day children learned that instead of playing video games, pioneer children played marbles and ran three-legged races and egg-spoon races for their entertainment.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/5/1714595231429.jpeg" alt="Volunteer and historical society board member Donna Maskus shows area third-graders a stalk of ripe wheat at the bread and butter demonstration booth. Photo by Becky Kiser/Hays Post" />
 <figcaption>Volunteer and historical society board member Donna Maskus shows area third-graders a stalk of ripe wheat at the bread and butter demonstration booth. Photo by Becky Kiser/Hays Post</figcaption>
 </figure>Some of the youngsters come from a rural background and immediately recognized the stalk of ripe wheat passed around at the homemade bread and butter demonstration by Donna Maskus, volunteer and society board member.Many of the 170 students from&nbsp;Holy Family, Wilson, and Lincoln elementary schools, along with Washington Grade School in Ellis, had seen horses before but not up close and personal.They learned that horses were the primary source of transportation for their forebearers on the prairie.&nbsp;Members of the Fort Hays State University Rodeo Club also brought their lariats to show off their calf-roping skills, which each child got to try.<div><iframe width="640" height="360" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/8PkAD59_sJ0" title="ECHS Pioneer Days" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" referrerpolicy="strict-origin-when-cross-origin" allowfullscreen></iframe></div>Nine stations were set up for the children to learn about life in the past from about 20 volunteers.&nbsp;The information shared was geared toward the third-grade curriculum."It's within their realm of understanding," Rupp said. "They're so inquisitive and filled with questions."<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/5/1714595070583.jpeg" alt="One room Vola Hays at Ellis County Historical Society. Photo by Becky Kiser/Hays Post" />
 <figcaption>One room Vola Hays at Ellis County Historical Society. Photo by Becky Kiser/Hays Post</figcaption>
 </figure>The third-graders found it hard to imagine their entire family living in a one-room house, which they discovered in the Volga Haus exhibit.They found out at the laundry station there were no extensive wardrobes. Clothes were made by hand and washed with lye soap only occasionally.&nbsp;Sing-alongs were popular entertainment, and the students sang historic songs, including the Kansas state song "Home on the Range."<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/5/1714595146042.jpeg" alt="Pioneer families raised and butchered their own meat. Photo by Becky Kiser/Hays Post" />
 <figcaption>Pioneer families raised and butchered their own meat. Photo by Becky Kiser/Hays Post</figcaption>
 </figure>There were no supermarkets to shop at. Frontier families raised and butchered their own beef and pork during the winter to take advantage of cold temperatures. There was no refrigeration, either.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/5/1714597323670.jpeg" alt="Corn was, and is, for more than just eating. Photo by Becky Kiser/Hays Post" />
 <figcaption>Corn was, and is, for more than just eating. Photo by Becky Kiser/Hays Post</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/5/1714597491926.jpeg" alt="Volunteer Brad Penka with the Barbed Wire Museum in La Crosse, shows how the "devil's rope" was twisted using a stone wheel. Photo by Becky Kiser/Hays Post" />
 <figcaption>Volunteer Brad Penka with the Barbed Wire Museum in La Crosse, shows how the "devil's rope" was twisted using a stone wheel. Photo by Becky Kiser/Hays Post</figcaption>
 </figure>The groups learned that corn was for more than just eating. During a tour of the Harness Shop, they also learned about the need for barbed wire fences.Looking ahead to the next ten years of Pioneer Days, Rupp expects it to evolve to include things like using rotary dial phones, "something their grandparents may have done, not the first pioneers."They might hear their grandparents talking about it a little bit, how they made things work. It's good to remember how things were when they didn't have everything," Rupp said.

🎥 Pioneer Days returns to Ellis County Historical Society after 7 years

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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>

What do you call an Eskimo cow? An Eskimoo!

What do you call an Eskimo cow? An Eskimoo!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 05/01/24

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

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