BUNKER HILL –&nbsp;Doctors on Call, a local production of Smoky Hills PBS, will feature&nbsp;Dr. Brandon Wiedenhaft from Big Creek Veterinary Service in Hays.&nbsp;&nbsp;This episode will air&nbsp;Tuesday, March 5 at 7 PM&nbsp;and will focus on PET HEALTH.

Doctors on Call&nbsp;is a program that provides medical information on a variety of different topics. Medical professionals from throughout the state travel to Bunker Hill to provide information and answer questions from the viewing audience. The doctors presenting each week have expertise in the topic chosen for that program.&nbsp; Questions can be called in during the show or emailed prior to the broadcast.&nbsp;

The program airs LIVE on Smoky Hills PBS at 7 PM on Tuesdays.&nbsp; You can also stream each episode LIVE on the Smoky Hills PBS YouTube channel:&nbsp;<a href="http://bit.ly/StreamSmokyHillsPBS">http://bit.ly/StreamSmokyHillsPBS</a>

A schedule of programs and past episodes are available at&nbsp;<a href="http://www.smokyhillspbs.org/">www.SmokyHillsPBS.org</a>.&nbsp;

To submit questions electronically on a specific topic, viewers can send an email to&nbsp;<a href="mailto:doctors@shptv.org">doctors@shptv.org</a>. Questions submitted through email must be received by noon on the day of the show. During the program, viewers can call I-800-337-4788.

Doctors on Call&nbsp;is made possible in part by these current sponsors:&nbsp;&nbsp;<a href="https://www.russellhospital.org/">Russell Regional Hospital</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://www.scmhks.org/">Smith County Memorial Hospital</a>.

Smoky Hills PBS serves 71 counties in Central and Western Kansas.&nbsp; Smoky Hills PBS is available over the air, on many cable systems, DirecTV, DirecTV Stream, Dish Network, LocalNow, and HULU + LIVE TV.&nbsp; You can also access Smoky Hills PBS via the&nbsp;FREE mobile app for Android and iPhone devices and is also available to stream by clicking here:&nbsp;<a href="https://video.smokyhillstv.org/livestream/">&nbsp;video.smokyhillstv.org/livestream</a>.&nbsp;&nbsp;More information on Smoky Hills PBS&nbsp;and its programs and projects are available at<a href="http://www.smokyhillspbs.org/">&nbsp;www.SmokyHillsPBS.org</a>&nbsp;or by calling 1-800-337-4788.

SubmittedBUNKER HILL –&nbsp;Doctors on Call, a local production of Smoky Hills PBS, will feature&nbsp;Dr. Brandon Wiedenhaft from Big Creek Veterinary Service in Hays.&nbsp;&nbsp;This episode will air&nbsp;Tuesday, March 5 at 7 PM&nbsp;and will focus on PET HEALTH.Doctors on Call&nbsp;is a program that provides medical information on a variety of different topics. Medical professionals from throughout the state travel to Bunker Hill to provide information and answer questions from the viewing audience. The doctors presenting each week have expertise in the topic chosen for that program.&nbsp; Questions can be called in during the show or emailed prior to the broadcast.&nbsp;The program airs LIVE on Smoky Hills PBS at 7 PM on Tuesdays.&nbsp; You can also stream each episode LIVE on the Smoky Hills PBS YouTube channel:&nbsp;<a href="http://bit.ly/StreamSmokyHillsPBS">http://bit.ly/StreamSmokyHillsPBS</a>A schedule of programs and past episodes are available at&nbsp;<a href="http://www.smokyhillspbs.org/">www.SmokyHillsPBS.org</a>.&nbsp;To submit questions electronically on a specific topic, viewers can send an email to&nbsp;<a href="mailto:doctors@shptv.org">doctors@shptv.org</a>. Questions submitted through email must be received by noon on the day of the show. During the program, viewers can call I-800-337-4788.Doctors on Call&nbsp;is made possible in part by these current sponsors:&nbsp;&nbsp;<a href="https://www.russellhospital.org/">Russell Regional Hospital</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://www.scmhks.org/">Smith County Memorial Hospital</a>.###Smoky Hills PBS serves 71 counties in Central and Western Kansas.&nbsp; Smoky Hills PBS is available over the air, on many cable systems, DirecTV, DirecTV Stream, Dish Network, LocalNow, and HULU + LIVE TV.&nbsp; You can also access Smoky Hills PBS via the&nbsp;FREE mobile app for Android and iPhone devices and is also available to stream by clicking here:&nbsp;<a href="https://video.smokyhillstv.org/livestream/">&nbsp;video.smokyhillstv.org/livestream</a>.&nbsp;&nbsp;More information on Smoky Hills PBS&nbsp;and its programs and projects are available at<a href="http://www.smokyhillspbs.org/">&nbsp;www.SmokyHillsPBS.org</a>&nbsp;or by calling 1-800-337-4788.

 This week’s 'Doctors on Call' features Big Creek Veterinary Service

<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/2024/3/1709583023698.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure><a href="https://hayspost.com/pages/state-farm-weather-window">For a full look at the weather forecast, click here.</a>

Three-day weather outlook

A dog wears more clothing in summer than in winter. In winter he wears a coat. In summer he wears a coat and pants.

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

A dog wears more clothing in summer than in winter. In winter he wears a coat. In summer he wears a coat and pants.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 03/04/24

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/3/1709497092656.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&nbsp;<a href="https://postpodcast.podbean.com/">Post Podcast,</a>&nbsp;Hays Post reporter Cristina Janney speaks with Options Domestic and Sexual Violence Services executive director Jennifer Hecker about their Teen Book Club.&nbsp;&nbsp;

<div><iframe title="Options Teen Book Club helps teens discuss difficult subjects" 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=ip57e-159c1ca-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&nbsp;<a href="https://postpodcast.podbean.com/">Post Podcast,</a>&nbsp;Hays Post reporter Cristina Janney speaks with Options Domestic and Sexual Violence Services executive director Jennifer Hecker about their Teen Book Club.&nbsp;&nbsp;

🎙 Post Podcast: Options Teen Book Club helps teens discuss difficult subjects

By CRISTINA JANNEY Hays Post

The Fort Hays State University Makerspace is having an open house with free activities and demonstrations from 3 to 6 p.m. March 5.&nbsp;

The renovation of Forsyth Library has resulted in the Makerspace moving to Picken Hall 102. The open house is to introduce people to the new space.

No registration is required. Door prizes and refreshments also will be offered.

Demonstrations include the 3D printer, 3D scanner, desktop mill, laser cutter, vinyl cutter, robots, ozobots, and a thermal camera. Activities will include stickers, buttons, stomp rockets, and origami.

"What I'm finding out now is how much origami is used now to deploy satellites and do a lot of packing, " Paul Adams, dean of the College of Education, said. "Although it's an ancient art form, it's now a modern technology."

The Makerspace has makers cards, which are challenges. You might be challenged to make a marionette from paper, straws and string.

"It's technology from the lowest of what we would consider crafts. We have sewing machines down there. ... Up to soldering to make your own electronics," Adams said.

Children are welcome and encouraged to attend the open house.

The Makerspace will have a series of activities through April where visitors of all ages can make items. See the flyer below for times, dates and activities or visit <a href="http://www.fhsu.edu/smei">www.fhsu.edu/smei</a>.

The Makerspace only charges the cost of materials, which aren't very expensive, Adams said.

FHSU also sponsors a monthly Science Cafe´ lecture. The next lecture will be "Snakes in Jars: Using Museum Specimens to Discover News Species and Test Evolution" at 7 p.m. March 18 at The Venue at Thirsty's. The presenter will be Jackson Roberts, zoology collections manager of the Sternberg Museum of Natural History.

Snakes that have been collected over decades are still being used in research today, Adams said.

The Western Kansas Lego Robotics Competition will be on March 25 in the Memorial Union. The competition is open to students in grades five through eight.

It's partially funded through a NASA space grant, Adams said.

Twenty-five schools are coming with 315 students and more than 100 robots, with each team competing in at least one of five events.

"One of the events that gets everyone cheering is the sumo bot competition that starts at 1 o'clock," Adams said. "It's something to see — a whole ballroom of people cheering and 100 plus robots going at it with the sumo bots."

The students also have a line sorter competition, and the robots must follow a line of M&amp;Ms ... if the kids don't eat them first.

The students will compete with catapults for the first time this year.

Enrollment for science and math summer camps opened on Monday. You can find more at <a href="http://www.fhsu.edu/smei">www.fhsu.edu/smei</a>.

During a math camp, students desgin a business and use their math skills to run their businesses.

New this yeat is a Folklore and Fairytale Camp. Students will create their own short story through 2D illustration, 3D image scanning and designing their own 3D model.

Adams encouraged adults with science degrees who might be interested in teaching to apply for more than $22,500 in scholarships through the Post-Baccalaureate STEM Teacher Program.

The curriculum is delivered all online. Graduates must complete two years of teaching in a rural school.

"We really do encourage anyone with a science degree who's thinking about a career change to talk to us because we have the money from the National Science Foundation to help them to make that life transition and make a difference."

For more information, contact Imelda Koenke at 785-628-4144 or i_koenke@fhsu.edu.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/6/1591739251264.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>By CRISTINA JANNEY Hays PostThe Fort Hays State University Makerspace is having an open house with free activities and demonstrations from 3 to 6 p.m. March 5.&nbsp;The renovation of Forsyth Library has resulted in the Makerspace moving to Picken Hall 102. The open house is to introduce people to the new space.No registration is required. Door prizes and refreshments also will be offered.Demonstrations include the 3D printer, 3D scanner, desktop mill, laser cutter, vinyl cutter, robots, ozobots, and a thermal camera. Activities will include stickers, buttons, stomp rockets, and origami."What I'm finding out now is how much origami is used now to deploy satellites and do a lot of packing, " Paul Adams, dean of the College of Education, said. "Although it's an ancient art form, it's now a modern technology."<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/3/1709592970326.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>The Makerspace has makers cards, which are challenges. You might be challenged to make a marionette from paper, straws and string."It's technology from the lowest of what we would consider crafts. We have sewing machines down there. ... Up to soldering to make your own electronics," Adams said.Children are welcome and encouraged to attend the open house.The Makerspace will have a series of activities through April where visitors of all ages can make items. See the flyer below for times, dates and activities or visit <a href="http://www.fhsu.edu/smei">www.fhsu.edu/smei</a>.The Makerspace only charges the cost of materials, which aren't very expensive, Adams said.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/3/1709592997576.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>FHSU also sponsors a monthly Science Cafe´ lecture. The next lecture will be "Snakes in Jars: Using Museum Specimens to Discover News Species and Test Evolution" at 7 p.m. March 18 at The Venue at Thirsty's. The presenter will be Jackson Roberts, zoology collections manager of the Sternberg Museum of Natural History.Snakes that have been collected over decades are still being used in research today, Adams said.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/3/1709593022677.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>The Western Kansas Lego Robotics Competition will be on March 25 in the Memorial Union. The competition is open to students in grades five through eight.It's partially funded through a NASA space grant, Adams said.Twenty-five schools are coming with 315 students and more than 100 robots, with each team competing in at least one of five events."One of the events that gets everyone cheering is the sumo bot competition that starts at 1 o'clock," Adams said. "It's something to see — a whole ballroom of people cheering and 100 plus robots going at it with the sumo bots."The students also have a line sorter competition, and the robots must follow a line of M&amp;Ms ... if the kids don't eat them first.The students will compete with catapults for the first time this year.Enrollment for science and math summer camps opened on Monday. You can find more at <a href="http://www.fhsu.edu/smei">www.fhsu.edu/smei</a>.During a math camp, students desgin a business and use their math skills to run their businesses.New this yeat is a Folklore and Fairytale Camp. Students will create their own short story through 2D illustration, 3D image scanning and designing their own 3D model.Adams encouraged adults with science degrees who might be interested in teaching to apply for more than $22,500 in scholarships through the Post-Baccalaureate STEM Teacher Program.The curriculum is delivered all online. Graduates must complete two years of teaching in a rural school."We really do encourage anyone with a science degree who's thinking about a career change to talk to us because we have the money from the National Science Foundation to help them to make that life transition and make a difference."For more information, contact Imelda Koenke at 785-628-4144 or i_koenke@fhsu.edu.

Free FHSU Makerspace open house; more events on snakes, robots, math

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/3/1709443061445.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/2024/3/1709334360991.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 U.S. Army Garrison Commander of Fort Riley, Col Michael J. Foote.

<div><iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/pDvY7Nmvjns?si=7A7-z3wmGqrybvW4" 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 U.S. Army Garrison Commander of Fort Riley, Col Michael J. Foote.

🎤Forward Ever: Fort Riley Garrison Commander, Col. Michael Foote 

What do you call an alligator in a vest? An Investigator

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

What do you call an alligator in a vest? An InvestigatorJoin 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 03/01/24

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/2/1709257718768.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure><a href="https://hayspost.com/pages/state-farm-weather-window">For a full look at the weather forecast, click here.</a>

What do athletes wear on Leap Day? Jumpsuits.

What kind of music do you listen to on Leap Day? Hip Hop.

What do you tell a hitchhiker on Leap Day? Hop In.

What do athletes wear on Leap Day? Jumpsuits.What kind of music do you listen to on Leap Day? Hip Hop.What do you tell a hitchhiker on Leap Day? Hop In.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 02/29/24

By JONATHAN ZWEYGARDT Hays Post Rain and snow last month, after weeks of dry conditions, had a serious effect on Ellis County roads, and now officials are looking into ways to improve the maintenance process going forward.

Following the winter storm early in January, Ellis County
officials say they received several phone calls concerning the condition of
roads in the county's rural area and, even more so, the residential subdivisions
outside the city of Hays.

Commissioner Nathan Leiker said the subdivisions have sprung
up since zoning regulations were altered in the mid-2000’s and updated in 2021.

The regulations aimed to conserve agricultural land in the
county. However, Leiker said subdivisions created more roads maintained by county
public works crews, and the commission has not increased the department’s
budget. 

“While we've changed the way the county has looked at it and promoted growth in these areas,” Leiker said. “We haven't promoted growth
on our public works to handle the influx of residents in these small areas.”

Leiker and the rest of the county commission tasked Public
Works Director Brendan Mackay to come up with ideas for ways to improve conditions.

Mackay said during the storm, the county paid 450 hours of overtime, and that did not include the time he spent working during those days. 

“We have almost 1,400 miles of roadway in this county, and
the guys are traveling seven miles an hour. We can't be everywhere,” Mackay
said. “Expectations exceeded what the county has funded for years past and what
we can do realistically with employees and equipment level.”

Mackey said they have seen staff and equipment
shrink due to budget cuts.

“You always want to do more with less, but we're at the point where there's no more we can do with the less that we have,” Mackey said. “We
have to expand if we want to improve our end product basically and improve our
services because we're stretched the limit right now.”

Leiker said he did not want to be critical of the past commissions who have cut funding for public works and said in recent years, they started to put money aside for bridge replacements and have started a fund to help with road maintenance.

Mackey said over the last three-plus decades, they have lost four graders to maintain the roads, all while adding additional roads that need to be maintained because of the subdivisions.

The commission was presented information on 14 subdivisions along with the unincorporated community of Munjor, where the public works department is tasked with road maintenance.

Mackey said while the subdivisions have not had a dramatic increase
in the number of miles maintained by crews, it does make it more difficult
because roads in the subdivisions have to be maintained differently.

“If there's one of those developments, that's four miles. It'll take us four hours easily to do those four miles because of the amount of
time you have to spend to reopen things and clear off in front of entrances and
driveways,” Mackey said. “So it may be only 20 miles that we maintain out of
all those developments, but it's like maintaining over 100 miles of county
roadways with the time requirement to do it.”

Some subdivisions maintain their roads, and
there is a possibility that future developments may also be required to do that.

But Mackey said part of the problem is that they currently
maintain those roads as they were built and will need to be upgraded. 

As part of the regulations, all roads built in rural Ellis
County must be built to standards set by the public works department.

But Mackey said he thinks some roads are going
to be improved, and that is going to take time and manpower.

He said some roads will need to be reworked with
the materials there, while some will need additional materials brought
in to fix the road.

Mackey will present the commission with his plans at the commission’s
retreat and a future meeting in March.

He said he plans to give them options for the beginning of the
process and then steps along the way.

“I don't want us to overshoot, and then we end up having to
overcorrect,” he added, “and then we want to make it fair and equal for
everyone.”

Among the ideas floated by Mackey and the commission was to hire another person to be in charge of the subdivision maintenance and add another piece of equipment responsible for those areas.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/2/1709158801428.jpg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>By JONATHAN ZWEYGARDT Hays Post Rain and snow last month, after weeks of dry conditions, had a serious effect on Ellis County roads, and now officials are looking into ways to improve the maintenance process going forward.Following the winter storm early in January, Ellis County
officials say they received several phone calls concerning the condition of
roads in the county's rural area and, even more so, the residential subdivisions
outside the city of Hays.<div><iframe title="Ellis County searching for ways to improve rural road maintenance" 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=fv9yx-15975af-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>Commissioner Nathan Leiker said the subdivisions have sprung
up since zoning regulations were altered in the mid-2000’s and updated in 2021.The regulations aimed to conserve agricultural land in the
county. However, Leiker said subdivisions created more roads maintained by county
public works crews, and the commission has not increased the department’s
budget. “While we've changed the way the county has looked at it and promoted growth in these areas,” Leiker said. “We haven't promoted growth
on our public works to handle the influx of residents in these small areas.”Leiker and the rest of the county commission tasked Public
Works Director Brendan Mackay to come up with ideas for ways to improve conditions.Mackay said during the storm, the county paid 450 hours of overtime, and that did not include the time he spent working during those days. “We have almost 1,400 miles of roadway in this county, and
the guys are traveling seven miles an hour. We can't be everywhere,” Mackay
said. “Expectations exceeded what the county has funded for years past and what
we can do realistically with employees and equipment level.”Mackey said they have seen staff and equipment
shrink due to budget cuts.“You always want to do more with less, but we're at the point where there's no more we can do with the less that we have,” Mackey said. “We
have to expand if we want to improve our end product basically and improve our
services because we're stretched the limit right now.”Leiker said he did not want to be critical of the past commissions who have cut funding for public works and said in recent years, they started to put money aside for bridge replacements and have started a fund to help with road maintenance.Mackey said over the last three-plus decades, they have lost four graders to maintain the roads, all while adding additional roads that need to be maintained because of the subdivisions.The commission was presented information on 14 subdivisions along with the unincorporated community of Munjor, where the public works department is tasked with road maintenance.Mackey said while the subdivisions have not had a dramatic increase
in the number of miles maintained by crews, it does make it more difficult
because roads in the subdivisions have to be maintained differently.“If there's one of those developments, that's four miles. It'll take us four hours easily to do those four miles because of the amount of
time you have to spend to reopen things and clear off in front of entrances and
driveways,” Mackey said. “So it may be only 20 miles that we maintain out of
all those developments, but it's like maintaining over 100 miles of county
roadways with the time requirement to do it.”Some subdivisions maintain their roads, and
there is a possibility that future developments may also be required to do that.But Mackey said part of the problem is that they currently
maintain those roads as they were built and will need to be upgraded. As part of the regulations, all roads built in rural Ellis
County must be built to standards set by the public works department.But Mackey said he thinks some roads are going
to be improved, and that is going to take time and manpower.He said some roads will need to be reworked with
the materials there, while some will need additional materials brought
in to fix the road.Mackey will present the commission with his plans at the commission’s
retreat and a future meeting in March.He said he plans to give them options for the beginning of the
process and then steps along the way.“I don't want us to overshoot, and then we end up having to
overcorrect,” he added, “and then we want to make it fair and equal for
everyone.”Among the ideas floated by Mackey and the commission was to hire another person to be in charge of the subdivision maintenance and add another piece of equipment responsible for those areas.

🎙  Ellis County searching for ways to improve rural road maintenance 

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/2/1709145015564.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>

One day, after many questions from her daughter, a mom said, "you mustn't ask so many questions. Don't you know that curiosity once killed a cat?" To which the daughter asked, "what did the cat want to know?"

One day, after many questions from her daughter, a mom said, "you mustn't ask so many questions. Don't you know that curiosity once killed a cat?" To which the daughter asked, "what did the cat want to know?"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 02/28/24

<a href="https://hayschamber.com/">The Chamber in Hays,
Kansas</a>, is pleased to announce Stepping
Out Day 2024 is scheduled for March 7 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

This event holds significance as
it not only marks a day of member engagement but also showcases the Chamber's
commitment to fostering strong relationships within the community, said President
and CEO Sarah Wasinger.

“During Stepping Out Day, The
Chamber Ambassadors will embark on a mission to distribute 2024 membership
decals to all members who are up-to-date on their dues,” Wasinger said. “This
initiative not only emphasizes the importance of membership but also serves as
a tangible symbol of unity and support within the Hays business community.”

"Stepping Out Day is a
cornerstone of our annual calendar, offering a unique opportunity for our
Ambassadors to personally connect with our valued members. It's not just about
delivering decals; it's about reinforcing the sense of belonging and
camaraderie that defines our Chamber."

In addition to decal
distribution, Stepping Out Day provides a platform for members to engage with
The Chamber Ambassadors, share feedback, and explore the array of benefits that
come with Chamber membership. 

“The interactive nature of the
event fosters open dialogue, allowing members to voice their ideas, concerns,
and suggestions directly to Chamber representatives,” Wasinger said.

"The Chamber is dedicated to
serving as a catalyst for growth and prosperity in our community. Stepping Out
Day exemplifies our commitment to actively engage with our members, listen to
their needs, and work together to advance our shared goals."

With its strategic timing,
Stepping Out Day also serves as a reminder of the importance of maintaining
membership status, Wasinger said. 

“The Chamber encourages all
members to ensure their dues are current to take full advantage of the
resources, networking opportunities, and advocacy efforts offered throughout
the year,” she said.

“Stepping Out Day 2024 promises
to be a dynamic event, filled with meaningful connections, valuable insights,
and a renewed sense of community spirit. Members are encouraged to mark their
calendars and participate in this pivotal day for the Hays business community.”

For more information about
Stepping Out Day 2024 or Chamber membership, please contact The Chamber at (785)
628-8201 or visit <a href="http://www.hayschamber.com/">hayschamber.com</a>.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/2/1708976947971.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Submitted<a href="https://hayschamber.com/">The Chamber in Hays,
Kansas</a>, is pleased to announce Stepping
Out Day 2024 is scheduled for March 7 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. This event holds significance as
it not only marks a day of member engagement but also showcases the Chamber's
commitment to fostering strong relationships within the community, said President
and CEO Sarah Wasinger.<div><iframe title="The Chamber in Hays, Kansas plans Stepping Out event" 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=p6phu-1593172-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>“During Stepping Out Day, The
Chamber Ambassadors will embark on a mission to distribute 2024 membership
decals to all members who are up-to-date on their dues,” Wasinger said. “This
initiative not only emphasizes the importance of membership but also serves as
a tangible symbol of unity and support within the Hays business community.”"Stepping Out Day is a
cornerstone of our annual calendar, offering a unique opportunity for our
Ambassadors to personally connect with our valued members. It's not just about
delivering decals; it's about reinforcing the sense of belonging and
camaraderie that defines our Chamber."In addition to decal
distribution, Stepping Out Day provides a platform for members to engage with
The Chamber Ambassadors, share feedback, and explore the array of benefits that
come with Chamber membership. “The interactive nature of the
event fosters open dialogue, allowing members to voice their ideas, concerns,
and suggestions directly to Chamber representatives,” Wasinger said."The Chamber is dedicated to
serving as a catalyst for growth and prosperity in our community. Stepping Out
Day exemplifies our commitment to actively engage with our members, listen to
their needs, and work together to advance our shared goals."With its strategic timing,
Stepping Out Day also serves as a reminder of the importance of maintaining
membership status, Wasinger said. “The Chamber encourages all
members to ensure their dues are current to take full advantage of the
resources, networking opportunities, and advocacy efforts offered throughout
the year,” she said.“Stepping Out Day 2024 promises
to be a dynamic event, filled with meaningful connections, valuable insights,
and a renewed sense of community spirit. Members are encouraged to mark their
calendars and participate in this pivotal day for the Hays business community.”For more information about
Stepping Out Day 2024 or Chamber membership, please contact The Chamber at (785)
628-8201 or visit <a href="http://www.hayschamber.com/">hayschamber.com</a>.

Stepping Out Day 2024: The Chamber Ambassadors to distribute membership decals and connect with members

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/2/1709063831664.jpeg" alt="" />
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What is the tallest building in the world?&nbsp; The library! It has the most stories!

What is the tallest building in the world?&nbsp; The library! It has the most stories!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 02/27/24

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 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/2/1708972834954.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>

Q: What did the pencil say to the other pencil? A: You’re looking sharp.

Q: What did the pencil say to the other pencil? A: You’re looking sharp.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 02/26/24

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/2/1708800339045.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/2024/2/1708800191502.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/2024/2/1708725486214.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure><a href="https://hayspost.com/pages/state-farm-weather-window">For a full look at the weather forecast, click here.</a>

What do you get when you cross a fish and an elephant? Swimming trunks.

What do you get when you cross a fish and an elephant? Swimming trunks.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 02/23/24

The Hays Arts Council will open two exhibits of artists with ties to Fort Hays State University — one a former professor and the other his student.

An opening reception will be from 5:30 to 8 p.m. Friday for "John C. Thorns Jr.: A Creative Legacy" and "Doloris Pederson: First Chapters in Visual Biography." Admission to the exhibits and reception is free.

Thorns was the chairman of the FHSU art department. The art that will be featured in this exhibit are collage and acrylic works from 2003 to 2013, which was about the last decade of his life.

The Moss-Thorns Gallery of Art on the FHSU campus is named in part for him. He also designed the stained-glass windows in the First Presbyterian Church on Hall Street in Hays.

"Over the many decades of his creative, his collage elements were more understated, and there were big flows of acrylic used as a water media sort of around it," Brenda Meder, Hays Arts Council director, said.&nbsp;

"Later on, he really loved filling the space with the collage elements, but then they were joined together by his creative hand."

You might think of young children doing collage, but Meder said Thorns had incredible precision and craftsmanship in his work.

He would bring together dozens and dozens of pieces of collage to make one large piece of work, Meder said. He would then use acrylics or pastels to meld the components together.

Because of the layering in Thorns' work, it should be viewed in person, so you can look at the whole and then look at it up close and see the nature of the layering in the collage.

Almost three dozen of Thorns' pieces will be displayed, with another 20 in the art center's gift gallery. Thorns willed these art pieces to the FHSU Foundation upon his death and are on loan to the art center.

Select pieces of Thorns' work will be for sale. His work has sold for as much as $1,900, but works associated with this show are selling for $950.

Doloris Pederson is a Hays native and was one of Thorns' students. After studying at FHSU, she moved with her family to California. She has been a professional artist her whole adult life and earned many accolades in her own right, Meder said.

The art in Pederson's exhibit dates back to her early years of art exploration in the 1960s through 2003.

She depicts California imagery, but she has also traveled extensively, including to visit with her daughter, who lives in the Netherlands.

That was all inspiration for her work, Meder said. She has also created many florals, and her artwork is in the Hadley Foundation collection, which is displayed at the hospital.

Pederson is living back in Hays and will be attending the opening reception.

Although not affiliated with the Hays Arts Council, the Moss-Thorns Gallery will have a closing exhibit from 6 to 8 p.m. Friday for"Kansas Clay MFA," which are ceramics created by the master of fine arts students and faculty from the University of Kansas, Kansas State University, Wichita State University and FHSU. Admission is also free.

The Hays Arts Council is taking submissions for its youth creative writing contest.&nbsp;Ellis County students in kindergarten through 12th grade, through their teachers or independently, are invited to submit prose and poetry works  to this annual competition.

Members of the FHSU English Department serve as the judging panel, and an award ceremony is in late spring. Find more information on the arts council website at&nbsp;<a href="https://haysartscouncil.org/">https://haysartscouncil.org/</a>. The deadline for entries is March 6.

The arts council is also accepting submissions for the 55-annual Smoky Hill Art Exhibition. Artists will submit works online for this juried exhibit with prizes totaling $3,000. Information on that exhibition can also be found on the <a href="https://haysartscouncil.org/">arts council website</a>. The deadline for entries is March 19.

The exhibit will anchor the Hays Arts Council Spring Art Walk on April 27.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/2/1708616951211.jpeg" alt="Artwork by John C. Thorns Jr." />
 <figcaption>Artwork by John C. Thorns Jr.</figcaption>
 </figure>By CRISTINA JANNEY Hays PostThe Hays Arts Council will open two exhibits of artists with ties to Fort Hays State University — one a former professor and the other his student.An opening reception will be from 5:30 to 8 p.m. Friday for "John C. Thorns Jr.: A Creative Legacy" and "Doloris Pederson: First Chapters in Visual Biography." Admission to the exhibits and reception is free.Thorns was the chairman of the FHSU art department. The art that will be featured in this exhibit are collage and acrylic works from 2003 to 2013, which was about the last decade of his life.<div><iframe title="Hays Arts Council to showcase Thorns, Pederson in dual exhibits" 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=gk2vq-158d7ab-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>The Moss-Thorns Gallery of Art on the FHSU campus is named in part for him. He also designed the stained-glass windows in the First Presbyterian Church on Hall Street in Hays."Over the many decades of his creative, his collage elements were more understated, and there were big flows of acrylic used as a water media sort of around it," Brenda Meder, Hays Arts Council director, said.&nbsp;"Later on, he really loved filling the space with the collage elements, but then they were joined together by his creative hand."<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/2/1708617008428.jpeg" alt="Artwork by John C. Thorns Jr." />
 <figcaption>Artwork by John C. Thorns Jr.</figcaption>
 </figure>You might think of young children doing collage, but Meder said Thorns had incredible precision and craftsmanship in his work.He would bring together dozens and dozens of pieces of collage to make one large piece of work, Meder said. He would then use acrylics or pastels to meld the components together.Because of the layering in Thorns' work, it should be viewed in person, so you can look at the whole and then look at it up close and see the nature of the layering in the collage.Almost three dozen of Thorns' pieces will be displayed, with another 20 in the art center's gift gallery. Thorns willed these art pieces to the FHSU Foundation upon his death and are on loan to the art center.Select pieces of Thorns' work will be for sale. His work has sold for as much as $1,900, but works associated with this show are selling for $950.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/2/1708617083474.jpeg" alt="Artwork by&nbsp;Doloris Pederson" />
 <figcaption>Artwork by&nbsp;Doloris Pederson</figcaption>
 </figure>Doloris Pederson is a Hays native and was one of Thorns' students. After studying at FHSU, she moved with her family to California. She has been a professional artist her whole adult life and earned many accolades in her own right, Meder said.The art in Pederson's exhibit dates back to her early years of art exploration in the 1960s through 2003.She depicts California imagery, but she has also traveled extensively, including to visit with her daughter, who lives in the Netherlands.That was all inspiration for her work, Meder said. She has also created many florals, and her artwork is in the Hadley Foundation collection, which is displayed at the hospital.Pederson is living back in Hays and will be attending the opening reception.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/2/1708617143806.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Although not affiliated with the Hays Arts Council, the Moss-Thorns Gallery will have a closing exhibit from 6 to 8 p.m. Friday for"Kansas Clay MFA," which are ceramics created by the master of fine arts students and faculty from the University of Kansas, Kansas State University, Wichita State University and FHSU. Admission is also free.The Hays Arts Council is taking submissions for its youth creative writing contest.&nbsp;Ellis County students in kindergarten through 12th grade, through their teachers or independently, are invited to submit prose and poetry works to this annual competition.Members of the FHSU English Department serve as the judging panel, and an award ceremony is in late spring. Find more information on the arts council website at&nbsp;<a href="https://haysartscouncil.org/">https://haysartscouncil.org/</a>. The deadline for entries is March 6.The arts council is also accepting submissions for the 55-annual Smoky Hill Art Exhibition. Artists will submit works online for this juried exhibit with prizes totaling $3,000. Information on that exhibition can also be found on the <a href="https://haysartscouncil.org/">arts council website</a>. The deadline for entries is March 19.The exhibit will anchor the Hays Arts Council Spring Art Walk on April 27.

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