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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/8/1692823735458.jpeg" alt="Photo by James Bell/Hays Post" />
 <figcaption>Photo by James Bell/Hays Post</figcaption>
 </figure><div><iframe title="’She Is...’ to anchor Fall Art Walk in downtown Hays Friday" allowtransparency="true" height="150" width="100%" style="border: none; min-width: min(100%, 430px);height:150px;" scrolling="no" data-name="pb-iframe-player" src="https://www.podbean.com/player-v2/?i=9s3w2-148a2a5-pb&from=pb6admin&share=1&download=1&rtl=0&fonts=Arial&skin=f6f6f6&font-color=auto&logo_link=podcast_page&btn-skin=3267a3&size=315" loading="lazy"></iframe></div>By JAMES BELL Hays PostFemale imagery will fill the Hays Arts Center for the 38th
annual Fall Art Walk in Hays from 6:30 to 9:30 p.m. Aug. 25.The opening of the invitational exhibition "She Is…" will
anchor the evening that will see businesses and organizations downtown
and beyond open their doors to the community to partake in artistic expressions
of all types.“I’ve just seen so many of the
wonderful artists, not only in our area, but other artists I was aware of that
I'd never even worked with before, but admired their work and had the idea for
the show called 'She Is…,'” said Hays Arts Council executive director Brenda
Meder.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/8/1692823769710.jpeg" alt="Photo by James Bell/Hays Post" />
 <figcaption>Photo by James Bell/Hays Post</figcaption>
 </figure>“And so, the idea of, she is old, she is young, she is somber, she is
joyful, she is contemplative, she is bold, just all those different aspects of female imagery in art.”The exhibition includes paintings,
photography, etchings, silkscreens, caustic ceramic sculpture and stone
sculpture. It features both local artists and others from across the
state whose work will be exhibited at the center for the first time, she said“It's a whole variety of
different styles, expressions, and just wonderful images, painting styles out of female imagery through a variety of ages and creative media,” Meder
said.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/8/1692823794033.jpeg" alt="Photo by James Bell/Hays Post" />
 <figcaption>Photo by James Bell/Hays Post</figcaption>
 </figure>The arts center is only
one stop of many scheduled for the evening.“We've got a lot of wonderful
features and opportunities for people to just enjoy in our community,” Meder said.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/8/1692814298595.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>In conjunction with the Art
Walk, the Hays Symphony Pops concert is scheduled at 7:30 p.m. in Union Pacific
Park, 10th and Main. The K-State Research and
Extension Cottonwood District Master Gardeners will be showcasing their four gardens at the extension district office 601 Main; Historic Fort Hays, 1472 U.S. Highway 183 Alt.; and at the K-Stae Ag Research Center, 1232 240th Ave.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/8/1692823819008.jpeg" alt="Photo by James Bell/Hays Post" />
 <figcaption>Photo by James Bell/Hays Post</figcaption>
 </figure>The evening also will mark the
opening of Toby Ironworks, 708 Main, the new workspace of local artist Toby
Flores.“Everybody will want to get
to Toby’s,” Meder said. “He bought the building, and it's going to be a studio/gallery
workspace. It's just another cool, exciting space in downtown Hays.”Fort Hays State
University’s Moss-Thorns and Taylor galleries will be open from 6 to
8:30 p.m.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/8/1692823849761.jpeg" alt="Photo by James Bell/Hays Post" />
 <figcaption>Photo by James Bell/Hays Post</figcaption>
 </figure>“Come
out and enjoy your visit whatever places you want, staying for however long you
want, in whatever order you want,” Meder said.“It's your evening to design however you want, but we're providing it and a whole lot of other great people
in this community. [We are] making sure it happens to the highest level of fun,
entertainment and artistic expression.”<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/8/1692823866274.jpeg" alt="Photo by James Bell/Hays Post" />
 <figcaption>Photo by James Bell/Hays Post</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/8/1692823878357.jpeg" alt="Photo by James Bell/Hays Post" />
 <figcaption>Photo by James Bell/Hays Post</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/8/1692823906694.jpeg" alt="Photo by James Bell/Hays Post" />
 <figcaption>Photo by James Bell/Hays Post</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/8/1692823892545.jpeg" alt="Photo by James Bell/Hays Post" />
 <figcaption>Photo by James Bell/Hays Post</figcaption>
 </figure>

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

“They can just run wild,” Perrett said.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/8/1692214339391.jpeg" alt="Courtesy photo" />
 <figcaption>Courtesy photo</figcaption>
 </figure>By JAMES BELL Hays PostFrom kindergarten to high school, students in Hays have
returned to their classrooms.To celebrate the beginning of the year, Holy Family Elementary and Thomas More Prep-Marian have
planned the Back 2 School Bash from 6 to 9 p.m. Friday at Holy Family, 1800 Milner.While the annual event typically brings hundreds of students
and families together on the TMP-M campus, in celebration of the 25th anniversary
of Holy Family, the elementary school will host the event, said Tracy Perrett,
Holy Family Elementary administrative assistant.“It's a free event,” she said. And “anybody from the
community is welcome to join.”The event allows parents and students to get reacquainted
for the year as they enjoy the festivities, Perrett said.<div><iframe title="Hays Catholic schools celebrate new year with annual Back 2 School Bash" allowtransparency="true" height="150" width="100%" style="border: none; min-width: min(100%, 430px);height:150px;" scrolling="no" data-name="pb-iframe-player" src="https://www.podbean.com/player-v2/?i=6infh-1481633-pb&from=pb6admin&share=1&download=1&rtl=0&fonts=Arial&skin=f6f6f6&font-color=auto&logo_link=podcast_page&btn-skin=3267a3&size=315" loading="lazy"></iframe></div>“It's going to be a fun-filled night again,” said Joe
Roth, TMP Advancement Office assistant.The event will offer free food.“Astra Bank is
providing hot dogs and chips for us. Knights of Columbus is providing
watermelon, and the TMP-M students in the Key Club will be helping us with cotton
candy,"&nbsp;Perrett said. The TMP Booster Club also will offer popcorn, and snow cones
will be available.“We will have a band, DOC, playing for us,” Perrett said. “We're
super excited about that. That's another new change.”Activities for children will include bouncy houses, laser
tag and access to the playground and basketball court. “They can just run wild,” Perrett said.“And then, along with everything else…I think the next
biggest thing that we've got is old TMP Marion football uniforms,” Roth said.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/8/1692214371245.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>TMP-M head football coach “Grant
Stevenson, this year, was going through all the storage stuff and decided that ‘Hey,
we're going to sell these at The Back 2 School Bash.’ So if you played or knew
somebody who played in the last, I think, 30 years' worth of jerseys, and you'd
like memorabilia from that, please come on out and check those out and swipe
up your jersey.”Funds from those jersey sales will be given to the football
team for future equipment purchases, he said.“We also have raffles,” Perrett said. “A lot of the teachers
have decided to donate things…So when the students get there, they can register
for the raffles, and then we will pick a student for each prize.”While the event is hosted by the schools, community sponsors
make it possible, Roth said.“It's always great that we have the businesses and
individuals out there in the community that give their monetary donations, but
also just a big shout out and thank you to all of our volunteers that help out
with this,” he said.“Whether it's the football and volleyball teams that are
going to be manning the bouncy houses and the laser tag, or the parents that
are going to bring different balls and games and help us set up and set up, and teardown is a big one, just a big, big thank you to anybody who's donated
anything, any items, monetary or just their time to help us out with this.”Perrett said everyone is welcome to attend, even if they
have no affiliation with the schools.“We encourage you to bring friends, family. Anyone is
welcome,” she said. “We want you to come and visit our school and see what
we're all about.”<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/8/1692214390313.jpeg" alt="Courtesy photo" />
 <figcaption>Courtesy photo</figcaption>
 </figure>

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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


The
program, however, is not for household items.

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

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

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

There
are no requirements to participate.

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

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

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

<div><iframe title="Hays Public Library brings back Community Threads program for 2023" allowtransparency="true" height="150" width="100%" style="border: none; min-width: min(100%, 430px);height:150px;" scrolling="no" data-name="pb-iframe-player" src="https://www.podbean.com/player-v2/?i=p94ty-147e3ab-pb&from=pb6admin&share=1&download=1&rtl=0&fonts=Arial&skin=f6f6f6&font-color=auto&logo_link=podcast_page&btn-skin=3267a3&size=315" loading="lazy"></iframe></div>By JAMES BELL Hays PostThe Hays
Public Library’s Community Threads program is set to return in 2023, giving
area residents an opportunity to receive gently used clothing and accessories
free of charge.During
regular library hours Saturday and Sunday, anyone interested in taking advantage of
the program can view items available at the library at 1205 Main.Donations
will be accepted through today. Donations will be accepted at the library’s
front desk.The last
Community Threads program was offered in 2021, said Hays Public Library communications
coordinator Callie Kolacny.“It can
be shoes, clothes, coats, hats, gloves, accessories, some jewelry, things like
that, that you want to donate, we'll take all of that kind of stuff,” she said.
The
program, however, is not for household items.“We
especially want people to donate children's items, children's clothes, because
those seem to be the things that the people that come in want the most,”
Kolacny said.Following
the completion of donations, she said library staff would sort the items to be
made available to the public.“Our
staff will do a great job of getting everything organized,” Kolacny said. “It's really easy to find what you might be looking for, and we're excited to do
this again this year.”There
are no requirements to participate.“Just
come fill bags, get whatever you need,” she said. “This is an opportunity to
come and get whatever you want for free. ... We will not be asking about financial
ability, nothing like that. Just come in and get what you want, take it and
enjoy it.”Donations
will be available to view and pick up in the Schmidt Gallery. “Everything
will be all organized and nice,” Kolacny said.

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

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

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

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

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

By CRISTINA JANNEY Hays Post

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

KZ Country Cheesy Joke of the Day 08/10/23

Fort Hays State University is committed to providing its students with the best learning opportunities it can in real-world environments.

This summer, Tiger Media Network – the convergent media hub of FHSU students – offered two paid internships during an eight-week period to film, edit and produce a documentary video of their choice.

The two students, Tim Schoepflin and Corbin Ingrim, decided to follow a native of northwest Kansas around a dirt-track racing tour and document the driver’s experiences.

Kyler Johnson of Quinter is a driver in his second year of racing a sprint car on the ASCS National Tour, which features numerous races across multiple states in the Midwest.

“I really enjoyed this internship opportunity. It has given me the real-world experience of making a 45-minute documentary,” Schoepflin said. “Corbin and I had creative control of every aspect of this documentary and filmed, scraped and edited everything ourselves, giving us the opportunity to sharpen our skills and utilize our talent”

The students documented Johnson’s journey through multiple sit-down interviews, and followed along to tracks in Kansas, Missouri and Oklahoma during the summer to capture first-hand what being a racer is like.

“I enjoyed that this internship challenged Tim and I, helping us learn new skills while also allowing us to fine-tune pre-existing skills,” Ingrim said. “Tim and I were able to form this documentary into our own true vision. We were able to be in control of any and everything creatively, as well as create our own workflow to get this project polished. This internship was a great tool to help Tim and I use our skills as well as learn new ones.”

After filming interviews, races and family interactions, the two students edited the footage into an almost 45-minute final project.

It was the sort of real-world experience Tiger Media Network provides for FHSU students. It also provided the interns with a project that will help them build a solid portfolio for post-graduation employment.

“We are excited to be able to help FHSU students learn and grow in a real-world environment that will benefit them after their time at the university concludes,” said Nick Schwien, director of Tiger Media Network. “Opportunities like these provide great avenues for TMN and FHSU to educate and prepare globally engaged citizen leaders, which is important to the mission of our university. Projects like these also help our students stand out above others when they journey into the job market and industry.”

Schwien and Russell Heitmann, the news and sports director for TMN, served as mentors for the students during the eight weeks.

“It has been great to see how Tim and Corbin have applied the skills from their Digital Media Production classes and time with Tiger Media Network to make this documentary,” Heitmann said. “Their growth from the time they began in the department to where they are now is a testament to both Tim and Corbin, and I have no doubt they will continue to shine as future media professionals.”

Schoepflin and Ingrim titled the documentary “45x: A Dirt Dream.” It is available for viewing on Tiger Media Network’s YouTube page at <a href="https://youtu.be/qLiJAbFZ2zg">https://youtu.be/qLiJAbFZ2zg</a>.

<div><iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/qLiJAbFZ2zg" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe></div>Tiger Media NetworkFort Hays State University is committed to providing its students with the best learning opportunities it can in real-world environments.This summer, Tiger Media Network – the convergent media hub of FHSU students – offered two paid internships during an eight-week period to film, edit and produce a documentary video of their choice.The two students, Tim Schoepflin and Corbin Ingrim, decided to follow a native of northwest Kansas around a dirt-track racing tour and document the driver’s experiences.Kyler Johnson of Quinter is a driver in his second year of racing a sprint car on the ASCS National Tour, which features numerous races across multiple states in the Midwest.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/8/1691438097667.png" alt="Kyler Johnson of Quinter in"45x: A Dirt Dream" Image courtesy of TMN" />
 <figcaption>Kyler Johnson of Quinter in"45x: A Dirt Dream" Image courtesy of TMN</figcaption>
 </figure>“I really enjoyed this internship opportunity. It has given me the real-world experience of making a 45-minute documentary,” Schoepflin said. “Corbin and I had creative control of every aspect of this documentary and filmed, scraped and edited everything ourselves, giving us the opportunity to sharpen our skills and utilize our talent”The students documented Johnson’s journey through multiple sit-down interviews, and followed along to tracks in Kansas, Missouri and Oklahoma during the summer to capture first-hand what being a racer is like.“I enjoyed that this internship challenged Tim and I, helping us learn new skills while also allowing us to fine-tune pre-existing skills,” Ingrim said. “Tim and I were able to form this documentary into our own true vision. We were able to be in control of any and everything creatively, as well as create our own workflow to get this project polished. This internship was a great tool to help Tim and I use our skills as well as learn new ones.”After filming interviews, races and family interactions, the two students edited the footage into an almost 45-minute final project.It was the sort of real-world experience Tiger Media Network provides for FHSU students. It also provided the interns with a project that will help them build a solid portfolio for post-graduation employment.“We are excited to be able to help FHSU students learn and grow in a real-world environment that will benefit them after their time at the university concludes,” said Nick Schwien, director of Tiger Media Network. “Opportunities like these provide great avenues for TMN and FHSU to educate and prepare globally engaged citizen leaders, which is important to the mission of our university. Projects like these also help our students stand out above others when they journey into the job market and industry.”Schwien and Russell Heitmann, the news and sports director for TMN, served as mentors for the students during the eight weeks.“It has been great to see how Tim and Corbin have applied the skills from their Digital Media Production classes and time with Tiger Media Network to make this documentary,” Heitmann said. “Their growth from the time they began in the department to where they are now is a testament to both Tim and Corbin, and I have no doubt they will continue to shine as future media professionals.”Schoepflin and Ingrim titled the documentary “45x: A Dirt Dream.” It is available for viewing on Tiger Media Network’s YouTube page at <a href="https://youtu.be/qLiJAbFZ2zg">https://youtu.be/qLiJAbFZ2zg</a>.

FHSU students release documentary ‘45x: A Dirt Dream’

What kind of socks do you need to plant Zucchini? Garden hose.

What kind of socks do you need to plant Zucchini? Garden hose. 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 08/09/23

A doctor answered his phone late in the evening and heard the familiar voice of a colleague on the other end of the line. “We need a fourth player for poker,” said his friend. “I’ll be right over,” whispered the doctor. “Where are you going at this hour?” demanded his wife as he was pulling on his coat. “I’m sorry, honey,” he replied, “but I have an emergency call.” “Is it serious?” his wife asked. “Oh yes, very serious,” said the doctor gravely. “In fact, there are three doctors there already!”

A doctor answered his phone late in the evening and heard the familiar voice of a colleague on the other end of the line. “We need a fourth player for poker,” said his friend. “I’ll be right over,” whispered the doctor. “Where are you going at this hour?” demanded his wife as he was pulling on his coat. “I’m sorry, honey,” he replied, “but I have an emergency call.” “Is it serious?” his wife asked. “Oh yes, very serious,” said the doctor gravely. “In fact, there are three doctors there already!”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 08/08/23

On this episode of the&nbsp;<a href="https://postpodcast.podbean.com/">Post Podcast</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kansasbigs.org/" target="_blank">Kansas Big Brothers Big Sisters</a> area director Jenny Bates discusses the Hays Duck Derby.

<a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/06ee38b2-ee3d-471d-8a76-6bf2e50aca5c" target="_blank">Read more about the event at "Hays Duck Derby Fundraiser is all about the 'Little' Kids."</a>

<div><iframe title="Eighth annual Duck Derby set for Aug. 9" 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=mdicq-1474fdb-pb&from=pb6admin&square=1&share=1&download=1&rtl=0&fonts=Arial&skin=f6f6f6&font-color=auto&logo_link=podcast_page&btn-skin=3267a3&size=600" loading="lazy" allowfullscreen=""></iframe></div>On this episode of the&nbsp;<a href="https://postpodcast.podbean.com/">Post Podcast</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kansasbigs.org/" target="_blank">Kansas Big Brothers Big Sisters</a> area director Jenny Bates discusses the Hays Duck Derby.<a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/06ee38b2-ee3d-471d-8a76-6bf2e50aca5c" target="_blank">Read more about the event at "Hays Duck Derby Fundraiser is all about the 'Little' Kids."</a>

🎙 Post Podcast: Eighth annual Duck Derby set for Aug. 9

A man recently discovered that if you have a canoe and you flip it over, you can wear it as a hat. &nbsp;You know why? Because it's 'cap-sized'

A man recently discovered that if you have a canoe and you flip it over, you can wear it as a hat. &nbsp;You know why? Because it's 'cap-sized'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 08/07/23

Which is closer, Florida or the moon? The moon.&nbsp; You can't see Florida from here.

Which is closer, Florida or the moon? The moon.&nbsp; You can't see Florida from here.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 08/04/23

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

A horse walks into a bar. The bartender says, “Hey.” The horse replies, “Sure.”&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 07/31/23

OK, I’m officially fed-up with weathermen and news anchors telling me that statistics show overwhelmingly that human beings are happiest during the summer. Those of you that know us at all are aware that Joyce and I absolutely hate the heat of summer. My dad was just the opposite; in weather like we’ve had the last week, he would have had windows open and MAYBE the ceiling fan going, but certainly not the AC. I keep thinking that as I get older, I’ll get more of his love for the heat. But nope, the older I get, the worse I hate it. I feel tired and drug-out by mid-morning, have absolutely zero energy, and the only joy I get from days like this is the fact that it will be dark again in a few hours and I can just go to bed. The Kansas summer heat is the main reason we no longer have a boat. Once it got hot, which often coincides with some of the summer’s best fishing, the boat sat in the shed. I heard that a local popcorn farm has erected a giant dome over all this year’s popcorn fields to contain all the popcorn that is popping right on the stalks. They now call their farm the Jiffy Pop Farm.

We’ve all heard the usual one-liners about how hot it is, but here are a few new ones I’ve come up with.

It’s so hot that a woman in the McDonalds drive-thru intentionally spilled her coffee in her lap to cool off.

It’s so hot that the beggar sitting outside Walmart today had a sign that read “Will work for shade.”

It’s so hot that beer guts and big butts no longer keep people from wearing shorts.

It’s so hot that CRP now stands for Crispy Rotational Pasture.

it’s so hot that congress actually have to take their hands out of OUR pockets to fan themselves.

There was a knock at the door the other day, and when I opened it there stood someone I’ve never met before asking if they could stick their head in our freezer for a couple minutes.

It’s so hot that the camels at the Sedgwick Co. Zoo want transferred to the Sahara Desert where it’s cooler.

It’s so hot that my niece’s pigs are complaining about sweating like humans.

I’m going to ask that the next time someone plans a pandemic, they wait till summer so I couldn’t care less about leavin’ the house anyway.

It’s so hot that just today I saw a fire hydrant chasing a dog, hoping to get peed-on.

It so hot today that all the artificial flowers at the cemetery are dying.

And finally, its so hot that professional hockey teams are considering playing on rollerblades this year because the ice won’t freeze.

Steve can be contacted by email at stevenrgilliland@gmail.com.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/11/1574696211722.png" alt="Steve Gilliland" />
 <figcaption>Steve Gilliland</figcaption>
 </figure>OK, I’m officially fed-up with weathermen and news anchors telling me that statistics show overwhelmingly that human beings are happiest during the summer. Those of you that know us at all are aware that Joyce and I absolutely hate the heat of summer. My dad was just the opposite; in weather like we’ve had the last week, he would have had windows open and MAYBE the ceiling fan going, but certainly not the AC. I keep thinking that as I get older, I’ll get more of his love for the heat. But nope, the older I get, the worse I hate it. I feel tired and drug-out by mid-morning, have absolutely zero energy, and the only joy I get from days like this is the fact that it will be dark again in a few hours and I can just go to bed. The Kansas summer heat is the main reason we no longer have a boat. Once it got hot, which often coincides with some of the summer’s best fishing, the boat sat in the shed. I heard that a local popcorn farm has erected a giant dome over all this year’s popcorn fields to contain all the popcorn that is popping right on the stalks. They now call their farm the Jiffy Pop Farm.We’ve all heard the usual one-liners about how hot it is, but here are a few new ones I’ve come up with.It’s so hot that a woman in the McDonalds drive-thru intentionally spilled her coffee in her lap to cool off.It’s so hot that the beggar sitting outside Walmart today had a sign that read “Will work for shade.”It’s so hot that beer guts and big butts no longer keep people from wearing shorts.It’s so hot that CRP now stands for Crispy Rotational Pasture.it’s so hot that congress actually have to take their hands out of OUR pockets to fan themselves.There was a knock at the door the other day, and when I opened it there stood someone I’ve never met before asking if they could stick their head in our freezer for a couple minutes.It’s so hot that the camels at the Sedgwick Co. Zoo want transferred to the Sahara Desert where it’s cooler.It’s so hot that my niece’s pigs are complaining about sweating like humans.I’m going to ask that the next time someone plans a pandemic, they wait till summer so I couldn’t care less about leavin’ the house anyway.It’s so hot that just today I saw a fire hydrant chasing a dog, hoping to get peed-on.It so hot today that all the artificial flowers at the cemetery are dying.And finally, its so hot that professional hockey teams are considering playing on rollerblades this year because the ice won’t freeze.Continue to Explore Kansas Outdoors.Steve can be contacted by email at stevenrgilliland@gmail.com.

Exploring Outdoors Kansas: It’s So Hot that….

On this episode of the&nbsp;<a href="https://postpodcast.podbean.com/">Post Podcast</a>,&nbsp;The Morning Blend's Jeff Leiker speaks with Buzz the Entertainer about his upcoming Hays performance.

<div><iframe title="Buzz the Entertainer set to perform in Hays Aug. 5" 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=9gft4-146451b-pb&from=pb6admin&share=1&download=1&rtl=0&fonts=Arial&skin=f6f6f6&font-color=auto&logo_link=podcast_page&btn-skin=3267a3&size=315" loading="lazy"></iframe></div>On this episode of the&nbsp;<a href="https://postpodcast.podbean.com/">Post Podcast</a>,&nbsp;The Morning Blend's Jeff Leiker speaks with Buzz the Entertainer about his upcoming Hays performance.

🎙 Post Podcast: Buzz the Entertainer set to perform in Hays Aug. 5

By JAMES BELL 
Hays Post

They may be “crazy, kooky and goofy,”
but Travis Grizzell, director of The Hays Community Theatre's production of&nbsp;The Addams Family, a new musical comedy, said
they have been a staple of pop culture for decades not because of their
peculiar antics, but rather what they share with the audience.

“They have the same problems
the rest of us have with all our strange, kooky families,” he said.

And as the world awaits the release of the recently
announced next season of the popular Netflix show Wednesday, local
performers will bring the family to life at 7 p.m. July 27, 28 and 29 in the Beach/Schmidt
Performing Arts Center on the Fort Hays State University campus.

“It's the good old Addams
Family, but as many iterations of the Addams Family as there are, this is a new
one for the musical,” Grizzell said.

The story follows the oldest
daughter, Wednesday, after falling in love and looking to get married “despite
her best efforts,” he said. 

“They are all scared to tell
mom (Morticia), and so the plot revolves around her boyfriend and her and
(father) Gomez trying to skirt around this marriage issue.”

“It's characters that
multiple generations now love, in new circumstances and some musical and dance
numbers too,” Grizzell said.

Bringing the show together are
performers and cast members from all walks of life volunteering their time,
some new and some seasoned veterans of the organization.

“And they're an absolutely
phenomenal group,” Grizzell said. They are talented…they are gamers, and they are
hilarious. They get the humor, they play off each other well, the chemistry is
good, and it's going to be a fun show.”

The show is family-friendly
but will be enjoyable for young and old alike.

“It's good family fun, but
there's a little ‘wink,’ a little adult humor there,” Grizzell said.

And with the staying power in
pop culture and the large cast, he said he expects a good turnout.

“With the old TV show and the
early '90s movies, which are the best, and the new animated series and then the Wednesday
series on Netflix, there's every generation you can think of that has been
exposed to the Addams Family,” Grizzell said. “It's got name recognition.”

The theatre also keeps the
price low, $15, to help everyone in the community experience performances
featuring their neighbors, family and friends.

“You can come see people you
might recognize in a really different way,” Grizzell said.

That familiarity is part of
the “novelty” of community theatre.

“It's ‘Oh,
that's my teacher up there. Oh, my gosh, that's my plumber. That's my banker.
Oh, the guy from the radio booth. He's doing sound, or I know her, she's my dance
teacher,’ you see all walks of life,” Grizzell said.

And
while it may be a diverse group of community members, one thing brings them all
together.

“They are
like-minded, and they like creating something," Grizzell said. "They see the benefit of giving
performance opportunities and artistic outlets."

Tickets are available at the door or online on the Hays Community Theatre website,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.hctks.com/">hctks.com.</a>

Direction:&nbsp;Travis Grizzell Assistant Director:&nbsp;Pamela Grizzell Musical Direction:&nbsp;Madelyn Seiler

Gomez Addams&nbsp;– Jerrett Leiker Morticia Addams&nbsp;– Codi Fenwick Uncle Fester&nbsp;– Andy Stanton Grandma&nbsp;– Jerri Ann Leiker Wednesday Addams&nbsp;– Natalie Loftus Pugsley Addams&nbsp;– Jack Stoecklein Lurch&nbsp;– Jeseph Barnes Mal Beineke&nbsp;– Quinton McGuire Alice Beineke&nbsp;– Maggie Brull Lucas Beineke&nbsp;– Lane Werth Caveman&nbsp;– Avery Koehn Pirate&nbsp;– Jazmine Lynd Pilgrim&nbsp;– Breanna Seiler Puritan&nbsp;– Kendra Ryan Prisoner&nbsp;– Caitlyn Sahlfeld Knight&nbsp;– Shiloh Gaschler Princess&nbsp;– Scarlett Wittkorn Egyptian&nbsp;– Victoria Heimann Cousin It&nbsp;– Zachary Leiker Barbershop Crooner&nbsp;– Zachariah Hurd William Shakespeare&nbsp;– Adam Conkey Mardi Gras Dancer&nbsp;– Olivia Werth Conquistador&nbsp;– Gene Stramel Flapper Girl&nbsp;– Kiki Gonzales Elizabethan Woman&nbsp;– Ella Fenwick&nbsp; Marie Antoinette&nbsp;– Claire Nickerson WWII Soldier&nbsp;– Connor Werth Musketeer&nbsp;– Madicyn Urban 1910 Motorist&nbsp;– Allison Goertzen German Polka Dancer&nbsp;– Brooke Leiker Capuchin Priest&nbsp;– Rose Windholz Nun&nbsp;– Alexis Ryan Saloon Girl&nbsp;– Maggie Baalmann Fisherman&nbsp;– Rowen Johnson Safari Guide&nbsp;– Kendall Seiler Ballerina&nbsp;– Savannah Wittkorn Colonial Girl&nbsp;– Gracie Long Cowgirl&nbsp;– Gracelyn Inlow French Revolutionary&nbsp;– Kati Davis-Abbott Miner&nbsp;- Kennedy Smith Spanish Dancer&nbsp;- Elizabeth Noble

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/7/1690253062445.jpeg" alt="Photo by James Bell" />
 <figcaption>Photo by James Bell</figcaption>
 </figure>By JAMES BELL 
Hays PostThey may be “crazy, kooky and goofy,”
but Travis Grizzell, director of The Hays Community Theatre's production of&nbsp;The Addams Family, a new musical comedy, said
they have been a staple of pop culture for decades not because of their
peculiar antics, but rather what they share with the audience.“They have the same problems
the rest of us have with all our strange, kooky families,” he said.And as the world awaits the release of the recently
announced next season of the popular Netflix show Wednesday, local
performers will bring the family to life at 7 p.m. July 27, 28 and 29 in the Beach/Schmidt
Performing Arts Center on the Fort Hays State University campus.<div><iframe title="Hays Community Theatre to present ‘The Addams Family’ a new musical comedy" 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=7y85c-14630b7-pb&from=pb6admin&share=1&download=1&rtl=0&fonts=Arial&skin=f6f6f6&font-color=auto&logo_link=podcast_page&btn-skin=3267a3&size=315" loading="lazy"></iframe></div>“It's the good old Addams
Family, but as many iterations of the Addams Family as there are, this is a new
one for the musical,” Grizzell said.The story follows the oldest
daughter, Wednesday, after falling in love and looking to get married “despite
her best efforts,” he said. “They are all scared to tell
mom (Morticia), and so the plot revolves around her boyfriend and her and
(father) Gomez trying to skirt around this marriage issue.”<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/7/1690253468300.jpeg" alt="Photo by James Bell" />
 <figcaption>Photo by James Bell</figcaption>
 </figure>“It's characters that
multiple generations now love, in new circumstances and some musical and dance
numbers too,” Grizzell said.Bringing the show together are
performers and cast members from all walks of life volunteering their time,
some new and some seasoned veterans of the organization.“And they're an absolutely
phenomenal group,” Grizzell said. They are talented…they are gamers, and they are
hilarious. They get the humor, they play off each other well, the chemistry is
good, and it's going to be a fun show.”<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/7/1690253491252.jpeg" alt="Photo by James Bell" />
 <figcaption>Photo by James Bell</figcaption>
 </figure>The show is family-friendly
but will be enjoyable for young and old alike.“It's good family fun, but
there's a little ‘wink,’ a little adult humor there,” Grizzell said.And with the staying power in
pop culture and the large cast, he said he expects a good turnout.“With the old TV show and the
early '90s movies, which are the best, and the new animated series and then the Wednesday
series on Netflix, there's every generation you can think of that has been
exposed to the Addams Family,” Grizzell said. “It's got name recognition.”<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/7/1690253512910.jpeg" alt="Photo by James Bell" />
 <figcaption>Photo by James Bell</figcaption>
 </figure>The theatre also keeps the
price low, $15, to help everyone in the community experience performances
featuring their neighbors, family and friends.“You can come see people you
might recognize in a really different way,” Grizzell said.That familiarity is part of
the “novelty” of community theatre.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/7/1690253535940.jpeg" alt="Photo by James Bell" />
 <figcaption>Photo by James Bell</figcaption>
 </figure>“It's ‘Oh,
that's my teacher up there. Oh, my gosh, that's my plumber. That's my banker.
Oh, the guy from the radio booth. He's doing sound, or I know her, she's my dance
teacher,’ you see all walks of life,” Grizzell said.And
while it may be a diverse group of community members, one thing brings them all
together.“They are
like-minded, and they like creating something," Grizzell said. "They see the benefit of giving
performance opportunities and artistic outlets."Tickets are available at the door or online on the Hays Community Theatre website,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.hctks.com/">hctks.com.</a><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/7/1690253558630.jpeg" alt="Photo by James Bell" />
 <figcaption>Photo by James Bell</figcaption>
 </figure>Cast:Direction:&nbsp;Travis Grizzell Assistant Director:&nbsp;Pamela Grizzell Musical Direction:&nbsp;Madelyn SeilerGomez Addams&nbsp;– Jerrett Leiker Morticia Addams&nbsp;– Codi Fenwick Uncle Fester&nbsp;– Andy Stanton Grandma&nbsp;– Jerri Ann Leiker Wednesday Addams&nbsp;– Natalie Loftus Pugsley Addams&nbsp;– Jack Stoecklein Lurch&nbsp;– Jeseph Barnes Mal Beineke&nbsp;– Quinton McGuire Alice Beineke&nbsp;– Maggie Brull Lucas Beineke&nbsp;– Lane Werth Caveman&nbsp;– Avery Koehn Pirate&nbsp;– Jazmine Lynd Pilgrim&nbsp;– Breanna Seiler Puritan&nbsp;– Kendra Ryan Prisoner&nbsp;– Caitlyn Sahlfeld Knight&nbsp;– Shiloh Gaschler Princess&nbsp;– Scarlett Wittkorn Egyptian&nbsp;– Victoria Heimann Cousin It&nbsp;– Zachary Leiker Barbershop Crooner&nbsp;– Zachariah Hurd William Shakespeare&nbsp;– Adam Conkey Mardi Gras Dancer&nbsp;– Olivia Werth Conquistador&nbsp;– Gene Stramel Flapper Girl&nbsp;– Kiki Gonzales Elizabethan Woman&nbsp;– Ella Fenwick&nbsp; Marie Antoinette&nbsp;– Claire Nickerson WWII Soldier&nbsp;– Connor Werth Musketeer&nbsp;– Madicyn Urban 1910 Motorist&nbsp;– Allison Goertzen German Polka Dancer&nbsp;– Brooke Leiker Capuchin Priest&nbsp;– Rose Windholz Nun&nbsp;– Alexis Ryan Saloon Girl&nbsp;– Maggie Baalmann Fisherman&nbsp;– Rowen Johnson Safari Guide&nbsp;– Kendall Seiler Ballerina&nbsp;– Savannah Wittkorn Colonial Girl&nbsp;– Gracie Long Cowgirl&nbsp;– Gracelyn Inlow French Revolutionary&nbsp;– Kati Davis-Abbott Miner&nbsp;- Kennedy Smith Spanish Dancer&nbsp;- Elizabeth Noble

🎙 Hays Community Theatre to present ‘The Addams Family,’ a new musical comedy

LOS ANGELES (AP) —&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/jason-aldean">Jason Aldean</a>&nbsp;'s “Try That in a Small Town” is experiencing exponential growth following&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/jason-aldean-try-that-small-town-video-b164d61b0293318cefc4538206464ced">controversy over its music video</a>.

“Try That in a Small Town,” which was released in May, debuted at No. 2 on the Billboard Hot 100 this week just behind&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/bts-beyond-story-book-review-8ac9f997817252d43bb9753de0e1c8e6">BTS’s Jung Kook</a>&nbsp;solo single “Seven,”&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/2023-song-of-summer-predictions-411d7738986212bb7ffb06e8f3893408">featuring Latto</a>. The track experienced the biggest sales week for a country song in over 10 years.

According to Luminate, the song hit 11.7 million on-demand audio and video streams between July 14 and 20, marking a 1,000% increase from the previous week. Prior to the music video release on July 14, the track accounted for 987,000 streams in the U.S.

Digital song sales increased from 1,000 to 228,000, in those same weeks, respectively.

The music video for the song lasted just one weekend on Country Music Television before the network pulled it in response to an outcry over its setting and lyrics. When the network removed the video from its rotation, it had 350,000 views on YouTube. Now that number is&nbsp;<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b1_RKu-ESCY">now over 16 million</a>, and it is the No. 1 trending video under the “music” category.

In the visual, Aldean — who has been awarded country music&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/d941899353c345d99116f3088e4c29af">artist of the decade</a>&nbsp;by the Academy of Country Music — performs in front of the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UFl4tmi8cbE">Maury County Courthouse</a>&nbsp;in Columbia, Tennessee. It is the site of the 1946 Columbia race riot and the 1927 mob lynching of an 18-year-old Black teenager named Henry Choate.

Aldean’s video received fervent criticism online, with some claiming the visual is a “dog whistle” and others labeling it&nbsp;<a href="https://www.nytimes.com/2023/07/19/arts/music/jason-aldean-try-that-in-a-small-town-cmt.html">“pro-lynching.”</a>

“There is not a single lyric in the song that references race or points to it- and there isn’t a single video clip that isn’t real news footage -and while I can try and respect others to have their own interpretation of a song with music- this one goes too far,” Aldean wrote in a tweet posted Tuesday.

“Cuss out a cop, spit in his face / Stomp on the flag and light it up / Yeah, ya think you’re tough,” Aldean sings on the track, written by Neil Thrasher, Kurt Allison, Tully Kennedy, and Kelley Lovelace. “Got a gun that my granddad gave me / They say one day they’re gonna round up / Well, that (expletive) might fly in the city, good luck / Try that in a small town.”

On Friday, July 21, while performing at Cincinnati's Riverbend Music Center, Aldean addressed the audience with “Cancel culture is a thing... which means try and ruin your life, ruin everything. One thing I saw this week was a bunch of country music fans that could see through a lot of the bulls---, all right?", according to&nbsp;<a href="https://www.dispatch.com/story/entertainment/2023/07/23/jason-aldean-defends-try-that-in-a-small-town-in-cincinnati-ohio/70452887007/">“The Columbus Dispatch.”</a>

LOS ANGELES (AP) —&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/jason-aldean">Jason Aldean</a>&nbsp;'s “Try That in a Small Town” is experiencing exponential growth following&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/jason-aldean-try-that-small-town-video-b164d61b0293318cefc4538206464ced">controversy over its music video</a>.“Try That in a Small Town,” which was released in May, debuted at No. 2 on the Billboard Hot 100 this week just behind&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/bts-beyond-story-book-review-8ac9f997817252d43bb9753de0e1c8e6">BTS’s Jung Kook</a>&nbsp;solo single “Seven,”&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/2023-song-of-summer-predictions-411d7738986212bb7ffb06e8f3893408">featuring Latto</a>. The track experienced the biggest sales week for a country song in over 10 years.According to Luminate, the song hit 11.7 million on-demand audio and video streams between July 14 and 20, marking a 1,000% increase from the previous week. Prior to the music video release on July 14, the track accounted for 987,000 streams in the U.S.Digital song sales increased from 1,000 to 228,000, in those same weeks, respectively.The music video for the song lasted just one weekend on Country Music Television before the network pulled it in response to an outcry over its setting and lyrics. When the network removed the video from its rotation, it had 350,000 views on YouTube. Now that number is&nbsp;<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b1_RKu-ESCY">now over 16 million</a>, and it is the No. 1 trending video under the “music” category.In the visual, Aldean — who has been awarded country music&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/d941899353c345d99116f3088e4c29af">artist of the decade</a>&nbsp;by the Academy of Country Music — performs in front of the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UFl4tmi8cbE">Maury County Courthouse</a>&nbsp;in Columbia, Tennessee. It is the site of the 1946 Columbia race riot and the 1927 mob lynching of an 18-year-old Black teenager named Henry Choate.Aldean’s video received fervent criticism online, with some claiming the visual is a “dog whistle” and others labeling it&nbsp;<a href="https://www.nytimes.com/2023/07/19/arts/music/jason-aldean-try-that-in-a-small-town-cmt.html">“pro-lynching.”</a>“There is not a single lyric in the song that references race or points to it- and there isn’t a single video clip that isn’t real news footage -and while I can try and respect others to have their own interpretation of a song with music- this one goes too far,” Aldean wrote in a tweet posted Tuesday.“Cuss out a cop, spit in his face / Stomp on the flag and light it up / Yeah, ya think you’re tough,” Aldean sings on the track, written by Neil Thrasher, Kurt Allison, Tully Kennedy, and Kelley Lovelace. “Got a gun that my granddad gave me / They say one day they’re gonna round up / Well, that (expletive) might fly in the city, good luck / Try that in a small town.”On Friday, July 21, while performing at Cincinnati's Riverbend Music Center, Aldean addressed the audience with “Cancel culture is a thing... which means try and ruin your life, ruin everything. One thing I saw this week was a bunch of country music fans that could see through a lot of the bulls---, all right?", according to&nbsp;<a href="https://www.dispatch.com/story/entertainment/2023/07/23/jason-aldean-defends-try-that-in-a-small-town-in-cincinnati-ohio/70452887007/">“The Columbus Dispatch.”</a>For those wondering if he would play the song live, he said, “The answer is simple. The people have spoken and you guys spoke very, very loudly,” he said, before launching into the song.

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