Editor's note: The date for the Options 40th anniversary and tree lighting has changed to Friday,&nbsp;Oct. 6.

By CRISTINA JANNEY Hays Post

Options Domestic and Sexual Violence Services will not only be observing the annual Domestic Violence Awareness Month in October. It will be. celebrating 40 years of service.

Options started as a grassroots movement in the 1970s. Women were opening their own homes to provide shelter to women who were victims of domestic violence, said Jennifer Hecker, Options executive director.

One of Options' current board members was one of those people in the '70s who was providing safe haven to victims.

"What happened with those early folks is that they realized a room or space on the couch provided immediate safety, but there were so many services people needed that they did not have the capacity to give," Hecker said.&nbsp;

Through local support, including the University Women at Fort Hays State University, the Northwest Kansas Family Shelter was founded.

The name of the agency has changed over the years. Today Options offers a shelter and community services in 18 northwest Kansas counties, including a satellite office in Colby and mobile services across its coverage area.

Options will have a variety of activities beginning Sept. 22 with a Hays Chamber Chat to honor its anniversary and Domestic Violence Awareness Month.

Below is a schedule of activities: • 7:30 p.m. Oct. 2 - tree lighting ceremony at Goodland Regional Medical Center • 7 p.m. Oct. 3 -&nbsp;tree lighting ceremony at Fike Park in Colby • 5:30 p.m. Oct. 5 -&nbsp;tree lighting ceremony at Russell Regional Hospital • 7 p.m. Oct. 6 -&nbsp;tree lighting ceremony followed by the 40th-anniversary celebration at Farmers Insurance, Chelsy Proehl-Kofoid Agency, 1012 Main, Hays • 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Oct. 12 - Paint the Town Purple, art therapy event, Colby Community College Student Union • 2 to 5 p.m. Oct. 15 -&nbsp; Paint the Town Purple, art therapy event, Union Pacific Park in Downtown Hays Oct. 19 - Wear Purple Day - Show your support for survivors of domestic violence by wearing purple

"Wear purple on Oct. 19 and stand in solidarity with victims who are still suffering in silence to really show there's a whole community of support out there for folks," Hecker said.

"Wear purple—purple hair, purple shirt, purple pants. Whatever you got, put it on."

Hecker said Options has five main programming elements—shelter, legal advocacy for victims, a rapid rehousing program, community support services and community advocacy. All services are free and confidential.

Options helps victims to navigate the criminal justice system if they choose to report crimes against them.

The goal of the rapid rehousing program is to get victims back into a home that is their own as soon as possible.

"Not everyone needs shelter, but they will still need services," she said of the community support program.&nbsp;

Some of the community awareness programs have included art displays, such as "Broken Brides" and "What Were You Wearing." "Broken Brides" is a display of products that a domestic violence victim might need like cream for cigarette burns.

"What Were You Wearing" is an exhibit that seeks to break the myth what victims were wearing contributed to their sexual assaults. It includes recreations and, in some instances, the exact clothing victims were wearing when they were assaulted.

Options also provides training for bar staff through the Safe Bar Alliance program. Employees learn to recognize signs of sexual predators and ways to keep customers safe.

Cut it Out teaches salon staff to recognize signs of abuse and gives them tips on how to talk to their customers about getting help.

Options can also help businesses write domestic violence policies, Hecker said.

Hecker said the number of people seeking assistance through Options has not returned to pre-pandemic levels.

"I've said this many times. I think the pandemic ripped the band-aid off of America's dirty little secret," she said. "Things happen behind closed doors, so I think it makes it really easy not to talk about it or pretend it's not happening."

The increase in the number of people seeking help to deal with domestic violence has been partially the result of an increase in the different avenues now available to access resources, Hecker said.

You can walk into an Options office at 2716 Plaza, Hays, or&nbsp;1480 W. Fourth, Colby.&nbsp; You can call Options 24-hour helpline at 1-800-794-4624 or text HOPE to 847411.

A live chat option or a virtual video conference with an advocate is available on the Options website at&nbsp;<a href="https://help4abuse.org/">https://help4abuse.org/</a>.

The website has a safe escape button that will allow you to quickly close out of the website and erase your cookies so anyone who is on the computer after you would not be able to see that you have been on the website.

Options has a free app for Android and Apple devices called "My Mobile Options."

You can donate to help the Options online at&nbsp;https://help4abuse.org/donate/.&nbsp; Donations can also be mailed to&nbsp;2716 Plaza, Hays, KS 67601.&nbsp;

In light of Options' 40th Anniversary, businesses in Hays are encouraging other businesses to donate $400 each to the organization.

"We are so grateful for the community partners who have seen the benefit to their employees or their customers and want to pay that forward," Hecker said.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/7/1626112639824.jpg" alt="Photo courtesy of Pixabay." />
 <figcaption>Photo courtesy of Pixabay.</figcaption>
 </figure><div><iframe title="Options prepares for upcoming events" 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=ygxym-149e9d5-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>Editor's note: The date for the Options 40th anniversary and tree lighting has changed to Friday,&nbsp;Oct. 6.By CRISTINA JANNEY Hays PostOptions Domestic and Sexual Violence Services will not only be observing the annual Domestic Violence Awareness Month in October. It will be. celebrating 40 years of service.Options started as a grassroots movement in the 1970s. Women were opening their own homes to provide shelter to women who were victims of domestic violence, said Jennifer Hecker, Options executive director.One of Options' current board members was one of those people in the '70s who was providing safe haven to victims."What happened with those early folks is that they realized a room or space on the couch provided immediate safety, but there were so many services people needed that they did not have the capacity to give," Hecker said.&nbsp;Through local support, including the University Women at Fort Hays State University, the Northwest Kansas Family Shelter was founded.The name of the agency has changed over the years. Today Options offers a shelter and community services in 18 northwest Kansas counties, including a satellite office in Colby and mobile services across its coverage area.Options will have a variety of activities beginning Sept. 22 with a Hays Chamber Chat to honor its anniversary and Domestic Violence Awareness Month.Below is a schedule of activities: • 7:30 p.m. Oct. 2 - tree lighting ceremony at Goodland Regional Medical Center • 7 p.m. Oct. 3 -&nbsp;tree lighting ceremony at Fike Park in Colby • 5:30 p.m. Oct. 5 -&nbsp;tree lighting ceremony at Russell Regional Hospital • 7 p.m. Oct. 6 -&nbsp;tree lighting ceremony followed by the 40th-anniversary celebration at Farmers Insurance, Chelsy Proehl-Kofoid Agency, 1012 Main, Hays • 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Oct. 12 - Paint the Town Purple, art therapy event, Colby Community College Student Union • 2 to 5 p.m. Oct. 15 -&nbsp; Paint the Town Purple, art therapy event, Union Pacific Park in Downtown Hays Oct. 19 - Wear Purple Day - Show your support for survivors of domestic violence by wearing purple"Wear purple on Oct. 19 and stand in solidarity with victims who are still suffering in silence to really show there's a whole community of support out there for folks," Hecker said."Wear purple—purple hair, purple shirt, purple pants. Whatever you got, put it on."Hecker said Options has five main programming elements—shelter, legal advocacy for victims, a rapid rehousing program, community support services and community advocacy. All services are free and confidential.Options helps victims to navigate the criminal justice system if they choose to report crimes against them.The goal of the rapid rehousing program is to get victims back into a home that is their own as soon as possible."Not everyone needs shelter, but they will still need services," she said of the community support program.&nbsp;Some of the community awareness programs have included art displays, such as "Broken Brides" and "What Were You Wearing." "Broken Brides" is a display of products that a domestic violence victim might need like cream for cigarette burns."What Were You Wearing" is an exhibit that seeks to break the myth what victims were wearing contributed to their sexual assaults. It includes recreations and, in some instances, the exact clothing victims were wearing when they were assaulted.Options also provides training for bar staff through the Safe Bar Alliance program. Employees learn to recognize signs of sexual predators and ways to keep customers safe.Cut it Out teaches salon staff to recognize signs of abuse and gives them tips on how to talk to their customers about getting help.Options can also help businesses write domestic violence policies, Hecker said.Hecker said the number of people seeking assistance through Options has not returned to pre-pandemic levels."I've said this many times. I think the pandemic ripped the band-aid off of America's dirty little secret," she said. "Things happen behind closed doors, so I think it makes it really easy not to talk about it or pretend it's not happening."The increase in the number of people seeking help to deal with domestic violence has been partially the result of an increase in the different avenues now available to access resources, Hecker said.You can walk into an Options office at 2716 Plaza, Hays, or&nbsp;1480 W. Fourth, Colby.&nbsp; You can call Options 24-hour helpline at 1-800-794-4624 or text HOPE to 847411.A live chat option or a virtual video conference with an advocate is available on the Options website at&nbsp;<a href="https://help4abuse.org/">https://help4abuse.org/</a>.The website has a safe escape button that will allow you to quickly close out of the website and erase your cookies so anyone who is on the computer after you would not be able to see that you have been on the website.Options has a free app for Android and Apple devices called "My Mobile Options."You can donate to help the Options online at&nbsp;https://help4abuse.org/donate/.&nbsp; Donations can also be mailed to&nbsp;2716 Plaza, Hays, KS 67601.&nbsp;In light of Options' 40th Anniversary, businesses in Hays are encouraging other businesses to donate $400 each to the organization."We are so grateful for the community partners who have seen the benefit to their employees or their customers and want to pay that forward," Hecker said.

Options to honor 40th anniversary Friday, Domestic Violence Awareness Month in October

TOPEKA&nbsp; - The Kansas Department of Transportation’s Division of Aviation is partnering with the Kansas Commission on Aerospace Education to host the Fly Kansas Air Tour from Thursday, Oct. 5, to Saturday, Oct. 7.

“The Fly Kansas Air Tour brings airplanes within reach for over 1,000 children in only three days - an experience we hope many will look back on as their first step into aviation,” said Bob Brock, KDOT director of aviation.&nbsp; “Kansas maintains thousands of aviation jobs, and an interest in the industry could lead them to exciting aviation career opportunities in the future.”

Over 50 pilots and corporate sponsors have already registered to fly the Air Tour this year, visiting 10 communities across Kansas. The tour includes presentations related to STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Math) as well as the new jobs and economic growth that aviation industries bring to rural Kansas communities. Highlights for this year include opportunities for students to learn from pilots, attend community events and view aircraft participating in the tour.

Day 1 (Oct. 5):&nbsp;Goodland, 10 a.m.–10:40 a.m.; Colby, 11 a.m.–12:30 p.m.; Scott City, 1:15 p.m. –2:30 p.m.; Dodge City, 3:30 p.m.–8 p.m.

Day 2 (Oct. 6):&nbsp;Great Bend, 9:45 a.m.–10:45 a.m.; Wellington, noon–2:15 p.m.; Hutchinson 3 p.m.–4 p.m.; Salina, 5 p.m.–8 p.m.

Day 3 (Oct. 7):&nbsp;Emporia, 10 a.m.–11 a.m.; and a final stop at Topeka Regional, 11:30 a.m.–3 p.m.

For more information, visit the Fly Kansas Air Tour page at&nbsp;<a href="https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMDAsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsInVybCI6Imh0dHBzOi8vYWlya2Fuc2FzLmtzZG90Lmdvdi8_dXRtX21lZGl1bT1lbWFpbCZ1dG1fc291cmNlPWdvdmRlbGl2ZXJ5IiwiYnVsbGV0aW5faWQiOiIyMDIzMTAwMi44MzQ0NjY2MSJ9.smq0BU-IRzcYx6Zvwn12WXUkZIDg0-bWK9VoZd2wWu8/s/1410649012/br/227230703651-l" target="_blank">https://airkansas.ksdot.gov/</a>.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/10/1696350789398.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>KDOTTOPEKA&nbsp; - The Kansas Department of Transportation’s Division of Aviation is partnering with the Kansas Commission on Aerospace Education to host the Fly Kansas Air Tour from Thursday, Oct. 5, to Saturday, Oct. 7.“The Fly Kansas Air Tour brings airplanes within reach for over 1,000 children in only three days - an experience we hope many will look back on as their first step into aviation,” said Bob Brock, KDOT director of aviation.&nbsp; “Kansas maintains thousands of aviation jobs, and an interest in the industry could lead them to exciting aviation career opportunities in the future.”Over 50 pilots and corporate sponsors have already registered to fly the Air Tour this year, visiting 10 communities across Kansas. The tour includes presentations related to STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Math) as well as the new jobs and economic growth that aviation industries bring to rural Kansas communities. Highlights for this year include opportunities for students to learn from pilots, attend community events and view aircraft participating in the tour.Stops include the following airports:Day 1 (Oct. 5):&nbsp;Goodland, 10 a.m.–10:40 a.m.; Colby, 11 a.m.–12:30 p.m.; Scott City, 1:15 p.m. –2:30 p.m.; Dodge City, 3:30 p.m.–8 p.m.Day 2 (Oct. 6):&nbsp;Great Bend, 9:45 a.m.–10:45 a.m.; Wellington, noon–2:15 p.m.; Hutchinson 3 p.m.–4 p.m.; Salina, 5 p.m.–8 p.m.Day 3 (Oct. 7):&nbsp;Emporia, 10 a.m.–11 a.m.; and a final stop at Topeka Regional, 11:30 a.m.–3 p.m.For more information, visit the Fly Kansas Air Tour page at&nbsp;<a href="https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMDAsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsInVybCI6Imh0dHBzOi8vYWlya2Fuc2FzLmtzZG90Lmdvdi8_dXRtX21lZGl1bT1lbWFpbCZ1dG1fc291cmNlPWdvdmRlbGl2ZXJ5IiwiYnVsbGV0aW5faWQiOiIyMDIzMTAwMi44MzQ0NjY2MSJ9.smq0BU-IRzcYx6Zvwn12WXUkZIDg0-bWK9VoZd2wWu8/s/1410649012/br/227230703651-l" target="_blank">https://airkansas.ksdot.gov/</a>.

2023 Fly Kansas air tour to touch down in Goodland, Colby, Great Bend

On October 4 at approximately 7:38 p.m. the Hays Fire Department was dispatched to a report of a fire in an apartment complex located at 1414 E. 29th Steet in Hays.

Initial reports from neighbors calling 911 were that a smoke alarm was going off in the apartment with smoke coming from the front door and possibly someone was inside. 

Arriving fire crews found smoke coming from the front door. The firefighters had to force the door open and discovered an unconscious female on a couch. Firefighters rescued the female occupant and extinguished the smoldering fire. The female occupant was transported to the hospital.

 The cause of the fire is determined to be accidental due to cigarette smoking. 

Damage to the apartment was minor smoke damage and some fire damage to chair cushion. 

The Hays Fire Department would like to thank Ellis County Communications, Ellis County Fire Department Company 5, Ellis County EMS, and Hays Police Department for their assistance. 

The Hays Fire Department would like to remind everyone to check smoke and carbon monoxide alarms to make sure they are functioning correctly. Please contact the Hays Fire Department if you are interested in the smoke alarm program.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/7/1626794778894.jpeg" alt="Photo by Hays Fire Department" />
 <figcaption>Photo by Hays Fire Department</figcaption>
 </figure>Hays Fire DepartmentOn October 4 at approximately 7:38 p.m. the Hays Fire Department was dispatched to a report of a fire in an apartment complex located at 1414 E. 29th Steet in Hays. Initial reports from neighbors calling 911 were that a smoke alarm was going off in the apartment with smoke coming from the front door and possibly someone was inside. Arriving fire crews found smoke coming from the front door. The firefighters had to force the door open and discovered an unconscious female on a couch. Firefighters rescued the female occupant and extinguished the smoldering fire. The female occupant was transported to the hospital. The cause of the fire is determined to be accidental due to cigarette smoking. Damage to the apartment was minor smoke damage and some fire damage to chair cushion. The Hays Fire Department would like to thank Ellis County Communications, Ellis County Fire Department Company 5, Ellis County EMS, and Hays Police Department for their assistance. The Hays Fire Department would like to remind everyone to check smoke and carbon monoxide alarms to make sure they are functioning correctly. Please contact the Hays Fire Department if you are interested in the smoke alarm program.&nbsp;

Unconscious woman rescued from smoldering fire in Hays apartment

By BECKY KISER Hays Post

The Hays City Commission will consider approving the final plat and rezoning for The Grove housing development north of the hospital during their work session this afternoon.

City Manager Toby Dougherty explained what is proposed for the area:

Other <a href="https://www.haysusa.com/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_10052023-1444">agenda items for Oct. 5</a> include a renewal of the municipal golf course pro-shop operations with manager Jeremy Coulter and a bid to refurbish the large yellow slide in the Hays Aquatic Park.

The meeting starts at 4 p.m. in Hays City Hall, 1507 Main.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/11/1574093858004.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>By BECKY KISER Hays PostThe Hays City Commission will consider approving the final plat and rezoning for The Grove housing development north of the hospital during their work session this afternoon.City Manager Toby Dougherty explained what is proposed for the area:<figure>
 <iframe width="560" height="315" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/WU-A_BDVo_Q"></iframe>
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Other <a href="https://www.haysusa.com/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_10052023-1444">agenda items for Oct. 5</a> include a renewal of the municipal golf course pro-shop operations with manager Jeremy Coulter and a bid to refurbish the large yellow slide in the Hays Aquatic Park.The meeting starts at 4 p.m. in Hays City Hall, 1507 Main.

🎥 Hays City Commission to consider final plat of The Grove housing project 

As Hays USD 489 Superintendent Ron Wilson kicked off the groundbreaking for the new Hays High School Wednesday, he urged the children in the audience to capture the moment for their memories.

"If you can, I want to put this in your memory banks," Wilson said, "and remember this day. Someday when you're older and you have kids of your own, you're going to be able to share with them."

The event officially launched work on the almost $105 million, 226,000-square-foot building. The new HHS will be built on land already owned by the district adjacent to the existing high school on 13th Street.

Attendees were able to take virtual tours through the new school, which is set to open in fall 2025. They could also walk the floor plan and stand in the area where the main basketball court, commons or auditorium will eventually be.&nbsp;

The new high school is part of a&nbsp;$143.5 million bond issue passed in May 2022. It is the largest of the bond projects.

"A little over two years ago,&nbsp; we put together a plan that envisioned new and updated spaces for every student and every staff member in our schools and our district," Wilson said. ...

"The bond that we passed in May of 2022 was really about the value of our community and getting our community to understand the value of community growth," Wilson said, "competing with other communities to provide kids and families with the best future-forward learning space for every student in our schools."

He said the bond was passed because there are so many thoughtful people in the community who came together and united the community to rally behind the school bond.

"For those who supported and voted for the bond, thank you, thank you, thank you," Wilson said. "This is going to be a great opportunity for our community, for our kids, our students and everyone going forward."

HHS Principal Shawn Henderson said the new school will take advantage of light, open spaces, sound, collaboration areas, conference rooms and an auditorium with seats for 800 people.

Henderson said the plans were not thrust upon them but included collaboration from the community and district and the architects, DLR.

The new school will have a capacity of 1,200 students. Enrollment at the high school this fall is about 998 students.

"This is about the city of Hays," Ken Brooks, school board president, said. "This is about our students — every student, every day — and I am excited about the future for them."

Kirby Pennington, lead project architect, said she was impressed by the participation of 400 people, including staff members, faculty, administrators and community members in the build-a-bond exercise, which ultimately shaped the scope of the bond projects.

"Our role was not to dictate, but to empower your voices and hear your needs," she said. "It was truly awe-inspiring to see your community come together to pass a bond where one had not been passed in nearly three decades."

The new school will have an 800-seat, handicap-accessible performing arts center, a new gym and a large commons/cafeteria.

Classes will be separated into learning commons with large hallways with extra seating where students can work collaboratively.

Superintendent Ron Wilsons said collaborative areas are lacking in the existing high school. Students are often found sitting on the floor in hallways to work on group projects in the current high school.

Teachers will also have shared workspaces. This will allow classrooms to be used to capacity by allowing teachers to share classrooms more readily.

A new commons space will have large windows overlooking the new football field. The Hays High School football team will be able to truly have home football games. The district has been leasing Lewis Field from Fort Hays State University for years.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/10/1696468953133.jpeg" alt="Three children listen to the Hays USD 489 district choir sing the Hays High School Alma Mater prior to the groundbreaking for the new high school on Wednesday. Photo by Cristina Janney/Hays Post" />
 <figcaption>Three children listen to the Hays USD 489 district choir sing the Hays High School Alma Mater prior to the groundbreaking for the new high school on Wednesday. Photo by Cristina Janney/Hays Post</figcaption>
 </figure>By CRISTINA JANNEY Hays PostAs Hays USD 489 Superintendent Ron Wilson kicked off the groundbreaking for the new Hays High School Wednesday, he urged the children in the audience to capture the moment for their memories."If you can, I want to put this in your memory banks," Wilson said, "and remember this day. Someday when you're older and you have kids of your own, you're going to be able to share with them."The event officially launched work on the almost $105 million, 226,000-square-foot building. The new HHS will be built on land already owned by the district adjacent to the existing high school on 13th Street.Attendees were able to take virtual tours through the new school, which is set to open in fall 2025. They could also walk the floor plan and stand in the area where the main basketball court, commons or auditorium will eventually be.&nbsp;<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/10/1696469458707.jpeg" alt="District representatives, school board members and representatives of Nabholz C0nstrucion and DLR break ground on the new high school Wednesday. Photo by Cristina Janney/Hays Post" />
 <figcaption>District representatives, school board members and representatives of Nabholz C0nstrucion and DLR break ground on the new high school Wednesday. Photo by Cristina Janney/Hays Post</figcaption>
 </figure>The new high school is part of a&nbsp;$143.5 million bond issue passed in May 2022. It is the largest of the bond projects."A little over two years ago,&nbsp; we put together a plan that envisioned new and updated spaces for every student and every staff member in our schools and our district," Wilson said. ..."The bond that we passed in May of 2022 was really about the value of our community and getting our community to understand the value of community growth," Wilson said, "competing with other communities to provide kids and families with the best future-forward learning space for every student in our schools."He said the bond was passed because there are so many thoughtful people in the community who came together and united the community to rally behind the school bond.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/10/1696469664590.jpeg" alt="Hays USD 489 school district Superintendent Ron Wilson welcomes several hundred guests to the Hays High School groundbreaking on Wednesday. Photo by Cristina Janney/Hays Post" />
 <figcaption>Hays USD 489 school district Superintendent Ron Wilson welcomes several hundred guests to the Hays High School groundbreaking on Wednesday. Photo by Cristina Janney/Hays Post</figcaption>
 </figure>"For those who supported and voted for the bond, thank you, thank you, thank you," Wilson said. "This is going to be a great opportunity for our community, for our kids, our students and everyone going forward."HHS Principal Shawn Henderson said the new school will take advantage of light, open spaces, sound, collaboration areas, conference rooms and an auditorium with seats for 800 people.Henderson said the plans were not thrust upon them but included collaboration from the community and district and the architects, DLR."I can't wait for move-in day," he said.The new school will have a capacity of 1,200 students. Enrollment at the high school this fall is about 998 students.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/10/1696469791580.jpeg" alt="Hays High School Principal Shawn Henderson said he can't wait for the move-in day for the new school. Photo by Cristina Janney/Hays Post" />
 <figcaption>Hays High School Principal Shawn Henderson said he can't wait for the move-in day for the new school. Photo by Cristina Janney/Hays Post</figcaption>
 </figure>"This is about the city of Hays," Ken Brooks, school board president, said. "This is about our students — every student, every day — and I am excited about the future for them."Kirby Pennington, lead project architect, said she was impressed by the participation of 400 people, including staff members, faculty, administrators and community members in the build-a-bond exercise, which ultimately shaped the scope of the bond projects."Our role was not to dictate, but to empower your voices and hear your needs," she said. "It was truly awe-inspiring to see your community come together to pass a bond where one had not been passed in nearly three decades."The new school will have an 800-seat, handicap-accessible performing arts center, a new gym and a large commons/cafeteria.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/10/1696469942628.jpeg" alt="Hays USD 489 school board President Ken Brooks said the new school is a great opportunity for Hays. Photo by Cristina Janney/Hays Post" />
 <figcaption>Hays USD 489 school board President Ken Brooks said the new school is a great opportunity for Hays. Photo by Cristina Janney/Hays Post</figcaption>
 </figure>Classes will be separated into learning commons with large hallways with extra seating where students can work collaboratively.Superintendent Ron Wilsons said collaborative areas are lacking in the existing high school. Students are often found sitting on the floor in hallways to work on group projects in the current high school.Teachers will also have shared workspaces. This will allow classrooms to be used to capacity by allowing teachers to share classrooms more readily.A new commons space will have large windows overlooking the new football field. The Hays High School football team will be able to truly have home football games. The district has been leasing Lewis Field from Fort Hays State University for years.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/10/1696470199709.jpeg" alt="Students take a virtual tour of the new Hays High School at the school's groundbreaking on Wednesday. Photo by Cristina Janney/Hays Post" />
 <figcaption>Students take a virtual tour of the new Hays High School at the school's groundbreaking on Wednesday. Photo by Cristina Janney/Hays Post</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/10/1696470341824.jpeg" alt="Photo by Cristina Janney/Hays Post" />
 <figcaption>Photo by Cristina Janney/Hays Post</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/10/1696470403989.jpeg" alt="The Hays High School Band plays prior to the Hays High School groundbreaking on Wednesday.&nbsp;Photo by Cristina Janney/Hays Post" />
 <figcaption>The Hays High School Band plays prior to the Hays High School groundbreaking on Wednesday.&nbsp;Photo by Cristina Janney/Hays Post</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/10/1696470668300.jpeg" alt="The Hays High School&nbsp;cheer squad performs prior to the Hays High School groundbreaking on Wednesday. Photo by Cristina Janney/Hays Post" />
 <figcaption>The Hays High School&nbsp;cheer squad performs prior to the Hays High School groundbreaking on Wednesday. Photo by Cristina Janney/Hays Post</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/10/1696470773668.jpeg" alt="The sign denotes the location of the new Hays High School front office. Photo by Cristina Janney/Hays Post" />
 <figcaption>The sign denotes the location of the new Hays High School front office. Photo by Cristina Janney/Hays Post</figcaption>
 </figure>

Ground broken on new $105M Hays High School

The Hays USD 489 school board had a heated special meeting this morning.

The one agenda item was to approve the guaranteed maximum price contract with Nabholz Construction for the new Hays High School building and the Roosevelt Elementary School addition and renovations.

Those contract amounts are listed below.&nbsp;

Board president Ken Brooks said the meeting was called because the board was striving for transparency.

The board had been given a presentation on the plans for the new high school and the guaranteed maximum price for the project at a special meeting on Sept. 18. However, the board adjourned without officially voting on the contract.

"When looking at that, it was a simple oversight, and we are here today to correct that," Brooks said.

Board member Curt Vajnar said he was concerned about how he was notified about today's special meeting. He received an email from Superintendent Ron Wilson. Vajnar said he thought he should have been notified by Brooks. He said he thought Brooks was in violation of board policy.

Brooks said the policy does not stipulate the board members have to be notified by the board president as long as they are notified.

Special meeting agendas can't be changed. The board is also not required to offer a public comment session during those meetings.

Both board members Allen Park and Vajnar voted against approving the agenda, but the motion passed 5-2.

Park asked why the board attorney was not present. Wilson said he talked to the attorney Bill Jeter and they determined that he did not need to be at the meeting.

Park also asked why the meeting was not being videoed. Brooks said the district had not done that for past special meetings.

Open meetings law in Kansas does not require school board meetings to be videoed.

Board members had a copy of the Nabholz contract as of their Sept. 18 meeting. The contract was signed by Superintendent Wilson as of Sept. 19. Vajnar said he was concerned the contract was signed before the board officially approved it.

Wilson said the contract was presented to the board and discussed at the Sept. 18 meeting. Wilson signed the contract as a representative of the board. He said he had talked to Jeter, and he said Wilson signing the contract was "perfectly fine."

"There is nothing illegal in what you're trying to create here," Wilson said. "It was done in transparency if you want to use that word that was thrown out.

"The project is moving forward. It's disappointing that these types of games are being played at this point," Wilson said.

Vajnar said he did not believe he had an opportunity to educate himself on the contract.

Park asked Wilson, "Do you see anything that you failed to do?"

Board member Meagan Zampieri-Lillpopp asked Wilson to explain the process of hiring Nabholz Construction as the district's construction manager-at-risk for the bond projects.

The board several years ago signed a contract with Nabholz to manage the construction. Nabholz shared a virtual tour of the school at the Sept. 18 meeting and representatives answered questions. The oversight happened when the board did not officially approve the guaranteed maximum price contract on the HHS and Roosevelt projects, Wilson said.

Wilsons said there's no new information since the meeting on Sept. 18.

"We'll celebrate tonight the groundbreaking (of the high school) and a great thing in this community and it's wonderful," Wilson said. "And it's sad that we have people who are choosing because the bond passed to make issues of minor, small little details that don't really matter."

Park said, "I don't think that signing a contract for over $100 million is minor."

Wilson said, "You knew exactly what it was. We talked about it."

Park said, "People out here in our community expect us to be involved in that process ...

"You've made all the decisions yourself as far as what is in here," Park said.

Brooks said the board has had the information.&nbsp;

Park again brought up his concerns about private bathrooms at the new high school. That part of the plan was discussed at a regular board meeting in April and again on Sept. 18.

<a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/677ac412-2adb-48bd-85f8-bbd5f05bb92f">SEE RELATED STORY: Hays USD 489 hears concerns about private bathrooms at new high school</a>

<a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/f564071d-5044-453f-8442-251755f600c1">SEE RELATED STORY: Hays High construction to begin in August; project on budget</a>

Brooks said the bathroom issue has already been discussed.

"We should take two hours," Park said.&nbsp; "We should have special meetings on just that."

Board member Craig Pallister said every board member when they ran for office said they supported the bond issue.

"We spent hours with DLR [the district's architectural firm], meeting with architects and having the community come in and talk. We've had hours to spend looking at different parts of the building and what are the design needs and what they look like," he said.&nbsp;

"When we have one board member start issuing things that it is his opinion, he is not speaking for the whole board."

Pallister said there may have been an oversight in not approving the Nabholz contract on Sept. 18. He said the board has the grace to correct the mistake.

"If we still support the bond issue like you said you did earlier, we need to make adjustments and move on and do better at the next meeting," Pallister said. ... "Don't rehash things as if you have a vendetta almost."

Board member Tammy Wellbrock said she appreciates the team of people who have put in the hours and hours of work to get the bond projects to the construction stage.

"I'm working on a premise of trust," she said. "I believe there's been mistakes, but I don't think that this is indicative of malicious intent."

She said although she has heard concerns from residents who share Park's sentiments, she's heard from three times more people who are excited about the new high school and other bond improvements.

"I feel as a board member I have done my due diligence in listening to the community, and also reviewing what we have," she said. "There is simply no expectation that should be put on any of us that we should have been in all those hours of meetings like our team members at the school district have. I am prepared to move forward and support this contract."

Vajnar said, "I agree the bond is exciting, but we should put in hours and hours to make sure it's done right."

Zampieri-Lillpopp said she has listened to the community concerns.

"In my purview, the thing we said we were going to do, we are going to do. We are equipping our staff, our faculty and our administrators with the tools they asked for in these new buildings," she said.

Park expressed concern that there was no public comment opportunity during the special meeting.

He circled back to the bathroom issue again and suggested the district do a survey of parents about the private bathrooms.

Brooks said the board has discussed the bathroom issue.

"The whole bond process was done out in public," he said, "and community involvement was key."

Park said as a minority opinion on the board, he should be allowed to bring forward issues for discussion.

Brooks said "On a regular basis you take things off the consent agenda to talk about something unrelated to the agenda. We have discussed that practice. You talk and you have that opportunity. What I am asking of you is to be respectful of everyone else. That's not what we get from you."

Brooks asked Park to offer comments and points that had not been made before.

Park brought up the bathroom issue again.

The contract was approved on a roll-call vote of 5-2 with Park and Vajnar voting against the contract.

By CRISTINA JANNEY Hays PostThe Hays USD 489 school board had a heated special meeting this morning.The one agenda item was to approve the guaranteed maximum price contract with Nabholz Construction for the new Hays High School building and the Roosevelt Elementary School addition and renovations.Those contract amounts are listed below.&nbsp;<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/10/1696378771545.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Board president Ken Brooks said the meeting was called because the board was striving for transparency.The board had been given a presentation on the plans for the new high school and the guaranteed maximum price for the project at a special meeting on Sept. 18. However, the board adjourned without officially voting on the contract."When looking at that, it was a simple oversight, and we are here today to correct that," Brooks said.Board member Curt Vajnar said he was concerned about how he was notified about today's special meeting. He received an email from Superintendent Ron Wilson. Vajnar said he thought he should have been notified by Brooks. He said he thought Brooks was in violation of board policy.Brooks said the policy does not stipulate the board members have to be notified by the board president as long as they are notified.Special meeting agendas can't be changed. The board is also not required to offer a public comment session during those meetings.Both board members Allen Park and Vajnar voted against approving the agenda, but the motion passed 5-2.Park asked why the board attorney was not present. Wilson said he talked to the attorney Bill Jeter and they determined that he did not need to be at the meeting.Park also asked why the meeting was not being videoed. Brooks said the district had not done that for past special meetings.Open meetings law in Kansas does not require school board meetings to be videoed.Board members had a copy of the Nabholz contract as of their Sept. 18 meeting. The contract was signed by Superintendent Wilson as of Sept. 19. Vajnar said he was concerned the contract was signed before the board officially approved it.Wilson said the contract was presented to the board and discussed at the Sept. 18 meeting. Wilson signed the contract as a representative of the board. He said he had talked to Jeter, and he said Wilson signing the contract was "perfectly fine.""There is nothing illegal in what you're trying to create here," Wilson said. "It was done in transparency if you want to use that word that was thrown out."The project is moving forward. It's disappointing that these types of games are being played at this point," Wilson said.Vajnar said he did not believe he had an opportunity to educate himself on the contract.Park asked Wilson, "Do you see anything that you failed to do?"Board member Meagan Zampieri-Lillpopp asked Wilson to explain the process of hiring Nabholz Construction as the district's construction manager-at-risk for the bond projects.The board several years ago signed a contract with Nabholz to manage the construction. Nabholz shared a virtual tour of the school at the Sept. 18 meeting and representatives answered questions. The oversight happened when the board did not officially approve the guaranteed maximum price contract on the HHS and Roosevelt projects, Wilson said.Wilsons said there's no new information since the meeting on Sept. 18."We'll celebrate tonight the groundbreaking (of the high school) and a great thing in this community and it's wonderful," Wilson said. "And it's sad that we have people who are choosing because the bond passed to make issues of minor, small little details that don't really matter."Park said, "I don't think that signing a contract for over $100 million is minor."Wilson said, "You knew exactly what it was. We talked about it."Park said, "People out here in our community expect us to be involved in that process ..."You've made all the decisions yourself as far as what is in here," Park said.Brooks said the board has had the information.&nbsp;Park again brought up his concerns about private bathrooms at the new high school. That part of the plan was discussed at a regular board meeting in April and again on Sept. 18.<a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/677ac412-2adb-48bd-85f8-bbd5f05bb92f">SEE RELATED STORY: Hays USD 489 hears concerns about private bathrooms at new high school</a><a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/f564071d-5044-453f-8442-251755f600c1">SEE RELATED STORY: Hays High construction to begin in August; project on budget</a>Brooks said the bathroom issue has already been discussed."We should take two hours," Park said.&nbsp; "We should have special meetings on just that."Board member Craig Pallister said every board member when they ran for office said they supported the bond issue."We spent hours with DLR [the district's architectural firm], meeting with architects and having the community come in and talk. We've had hours to spend looking at different parts of the building and what are the design needs and what they look like," he said.&nbsp;"When we have one board member start issuing things that it is his opinion, he is not speaking for the whole board."Pallister said there may have been an oversight in not approving the Nabholz contract on Sept. 18. He said the board has the grace to correct the mistake."If we still support the bond issue like you said you did earlier, we need to make adjustments and move on and do better at the next meeting," Pallister said. ... "Don't rehash things as if you have a vendetta almost."Board member Tammy Wellbrock said she appreciates the team of people who have put in the hours and hours of work to get the bond projects to the construction stage."I'm working on a premise of trust," she said. "I believe there's been mistakes, but I don't think that this is indicative of malicious intent."She said although she has heard concerns from residents who share Park's sentiments, she's heard from three times more people who are excited about the new high school and other bond improvements."I feel as a board member I have done my due diligence in listening to the community, and also reviewing what we have," she said. "There is simply no expectation that should be put on any of us that we should have been in all those hours of meetings like our team members at the school district have. I am prepared to move forward and support this contract."Vajnar said, "I agree the bond is exciting, but we should put in hours and hours to make sure it's done right."Zampieri-Lillpopp said she has listened to the community concerns."In my purview, the thing we said we were going to do, we are going to do. We are equipping our staff, our faculty and our administrators with the tools they asked for in these new buildings," she said.Park expressed concern that there was no public comment opportunity during the special meeting.He circled back to the bathroom issue again and suggested the district do a survey of parents about the private bathrooms.Brooks said the board has discussed the bathroom issue."The whole bond process was done out in public," he said, "and community involvement was key."Park said as a minority opinion on the board, he should be allowed to bring forward issues for discussion.Brooks said "On a regular basis you take things off the consent agenda to talk about something unrelated to the agenda. We have discussed that practice. You talk and you have that opportunity. What I am asking of you is to be respectful of everyone else. That's not what we get from you."Brooks asked Park to offer comments and points that had not been made before.Park brought up the bathroom issue again.Brooks asked for a vote.The contract was approved on a roll-call vote of 5-2 with Park and Vajnar voting against the contract.

Hays school board approves HHS, Roosevelt contract; discussion heated

It’s the time of year when memories of Grandma’s fall cleaning rap, rap, rap at my sub-conscious. Those jobs took a full week and included washing walls, windows, baseboards, corners, and all household bedding. Generally, I attempt to ignore that insistent nudging, but Grandma’s mom and grandmas drilled into her reasons for all this work, especially stripping beds to bare mattresses and washing and hanging laundry to dry in Kansas breezes. She clearly shared that lesson with me. That first night crawling exhausted into freshly laundered bedding delivers a grand reward for so much labor.

Despite a desire to dawdle, it’s time to haul more sheets, mattress pads, and blankets to the laundry room. I finished one bed last weekend, and look forward to completing a couple more before I tackle the rest of the list. Grandma was right! As I tugged line-dried linens over my shoulders, I savored the scents of sunshine and fresh air. Mother Nature’s perfume beats scented detergent and softener.

While I lay there, grateful I could wash everything in hot water and hang it out to dry, Great-Great Grandma Sarah came to mind. An English immigrant to Russell County, she maintained a fresh, tidy prairie home and taught her daughters and their daughters to do the same. Certainly, she worked much harder than I to complete this seasonal chore.

Lacking piped-in water heated in a hot water tank, she hand-pumped water and hauled buckets full to a huge cauldron heating over a fire built in her yard. Of course, she made her own lye soap following each fall’s butchering. She had wash tub, stomper, soap, and rinse pail ready along with bluing to add to her white’s water. I’ve always wondered where she hung her laundry to keep it out of the dirt before she got a real clothes line.

What took me most of a day to finish as I wrapped up other chores, wrote, or read while I waited on the automatic washing machine to complete each cycle would require Grandma Sarah’s undivided attention and every muscle in her body as she scrubbed that season’s scents and grime out of her family’s bedding. It’s no wonder families tell stories about 3 or more family members sharing a bed when you consider both space issues and laundry.

While Grandma did the wash, spouse and kids needed fed and looked after. Based on family stories, Sarah planned ahead. I imagine her setting a kettle of beans and pork fat on a low fire the day before this bigger than usual load so she didn’t have to cook as well as wrangle wet quilts and sheets on wash day. To challenge her further, she had to make beds once the bedding dried. I’ve no doubt she appreciated when her daughters could help.

When little ones ran about, she’d watch to be sure no one fell either in the fire or simmering kettles. Every pioneer knew of a funeral held for a child lost on laundry day.

As I slipped into my clean, sunshine-scented bedding, I imagined the satisfaction Great-Great Grandma Sarah felt as she tucked her loved ones into bed at the end of that laundry day. I hope she stayed awake long enough to savor her labor before she fell into exhausted sleep.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/8/1693420895447.jpeg" alt="Bear Family photo Anna Bear, back, second from right, Dad, James Bear, Mom, Sarah Jane Edwards." />
 <figcaption>Bear Family photo Anna Bear, back, second from right, Dad, James Bear, Mom, Sarah Jane Edwards.</figcaption>
 </figure>By KAREN MADORINIt’s the time of year when memories of Grandma’s fall cleaning rap, rap, rap at my sub-conscious. Those jobs took a full week and included washing walls, windows, baseboards, corners, and all household bedding. Generally, I attempt to ignore that insistent nudging, but Grandma’s mom and grandmas drilled into her reasons for all this work, especially stripping beds to bare mattresses and washing and hanging laundry to dry in Kansas breezes. She clearly shared that lesson with me. That first night crawling exhausted into freshly laundered bedding delivers a grand reward for so much labor.Despite a desire to dawdle, it’s time to haul more sheets, mattress pads, and blankets to the laundry room. I finished one bed last weekend, and look forward to completing a couple more before I tackle the rest of the list. Grandma was right! As I tugged line-dried linens over my shoulders, I savored the scents of sunshine and fresh air. Mother Nature’s perfume beats scented detergent and softener.While I lay there, grateful I could wash everything in hot water and hang it out to dry, Great-Great Grandma Sarah came to mind. An English immigrant to Russell County, she maintained a fresh, tidy prairie home and taught her daughters and their daughters to do the same. Certainly, she worked much harder than I to complete this seasonal chore.Lacking piped-in water heated in a hot water tank, she hand-pumped water and hauled buckets full to a huge cauldron heating over a fire built in her yard. Of course, she made her own lye soap following each fall’s butchering. She had wash tub, stomper, soap, and rinse pail ready along with bluing to add to her white’s water. I’ve always wondered where she hung her laundry to keep it out of the dirt before she got a real clothes line.What took me most of a day to finish as I wrapped up other chores, wrote, or read while I waited on the automatic washing machine to complete each cycle would require Grandma Sarah’s undivided attention and every muscle in her body as she scrubbed that season’s scents and grime out of her family’s bedding. It’s no wonder families tell stories about 3 or more family members sharing a bed when you consider both space issues and laundry.While Grandma did the wash, spouse and kids needed fed and looked after. Based on family stories, Sarah planned ahead. I imagine her setting a kettle of beans and pork fat on a low fire the day before this bigger than usual load so she didn’t have to cook as well as wrangle wet quilts and sheets on wash day. To challenge her further, she had to make beds once the bedding dried. I’ve no doubt she appreciated when her daughters could help.When little ones ran about, she’d watch to be sure no one fell either in the fire or simmering kettles. Every pioneer knew of a funeral held for a child lost on laundry day.As I slipped into my clean, sunshine-scented bedding, I imagined the satisfaction Great-Great Grandma Sarah felt as she tucked her loved ones into bed at the end of that laundry day. I hope she stayed awake long enough to savor her labor before she fell into exhausted sleep.

MADORIN: Housekeeping Now and Then

GRAHAM COUNTY—A man admitted in a Kansas court to hunting without permission or a deer permit.

In December of 2022, Game Warden Jake Brooke received a call from a landowner in Graham county who reported hearing a rifle shot at sundown close to his residence, according to a media release from the Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks.

 Upon investigation, the landowner discovered an individual claiming to have just shot a coyote on the landowner's property from the roadway. 

After the brief discussion with the alleged coyote shooter, the shooter drove off, after which the landowner contacted Game Warden Brooke. 

Warden Brooke responded with K9 Kreed who quickly located a .243 shell casing along the roadway. While searching the adjoining field, K9 Kreed located a freshly killed mule deer doe. 

The case was recently settled in court, where the suspect plead guilty to hunting without written permission and taking a deer without a permit, paid $1,500 in fines and forfeited the rifle that he used.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/10/1696453820387.png" alt="Photo Kansas Dept. of Wildlife and Parks Game Wardens" />
 <figcaption>Photo Kansas Dept. of Wildlife and Parks Game Wardens</figcaption>
 </figure>GRAHAM COUNTY—A man admitted in a Kansas court to hunting without permission or a deer permit.In December of 2022, Game Warden Jake Brooke received a call from a landowner in Graham county who reported hearing a rifle shot at sundown close to his residence, according to a media release from the Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks. Upon investigation, the landowner discovered an individual claiming to have just shot a coyote on the landowner's property from the roadway. After the brief discussion with the alleged coyote shooter, the shooter drove off, after which the landowner contacted Game Warden Brooke. Warden Brooke responded with K9 Kreed who quickly located a .243 shell casing along the roadway. While searching the adjoining field, K9 Kreed located a freshly killed mule deer doe. The case was recently settled in court, where the suspect plead guilty to hunting without written permission and taking a deer without a permit, paid $1,500 in fines and forfeited the rifle that he used.

NW Kan. Game Warden: Poacher shot a mule deer not a coyote 

Crawl to End Alz, a bar crawl, is planned for Saturday, October 28 to raise awareness and funds for the Alzheimer’s Association Walk to End Alzheimer’s in Hays.

The crawl starts at Sip N’ Spin Bar &amp; Grill at 6 p.m. and includes stops at Paisley Pear Wine Bar, Bistro, and Market, Home Event Center, Toby Jugs, Defiance Brewing Co. Downtown, and The Fort Tavern &amp; Patio Bar.

Tickets are $25.00 and include a T-shirt, prizes, and drink specials and can be purchased at <a href="https://www.eventbrite.com/e/crawl-to-end-alz-tickets-715630168097">https://www.eventbrite.com/e/715630168097/</a>. Tickets are on sale online until noon on the day of the event, and cash sales will also be available at the door. To receive a T-shirt, you must register by Tuesday, October 17.

Costumes are not required, but there will be a costume contest with prizes for the best group, best individual, best couple, most creative, and the best purple costume.

For more information, or if you are interested in becoming a sponsor, please find our event on <a href="https://www.facebook.com/groups/2622814071328306/?hoisted_section_header_type=recently_seen&amp;multi_permalinks=3584760821800288">Facebook</a> or contact Leigh Purdy at 785-259-7102 or leighereynolds@gmail.com.

To learn more about Walk to End Alzheimer’s in Hays or how you can host a fundraiser to support Walk to End Alzheimer’s, please contact Missy Zimmer at 316-267-7333 ext 1188 or mpzimmer@alz.org.

About the Alzheimer’s Association

The Alzheimer’s Association is a worldwide voluntary health organization dedicated to Alzheimer’s care, support, and research. Our mission is to lead the way to end Alzheimer’s and all other dementia — by accelerating global research, driving risk reduction and early detection, and maximizing quality care and support. Visit <a href="https://www.alz.org/?ver=b">www.alz.org</a> or call 800-272-3900.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/9/1694785630013.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>SubmittedJoin us for a spooktacular event!Crawl to End Alz, a bar crawl, is planned for Saturday, October 28 to raise awareness and funds for the Alzheimer’s Association Walk to End Alzheimer’s in Hays.The crawl starts at Sip N’ Spin Bar &amp; Grill at 6 p.m. and includes stops at Paisley Pear Wine Bar, Bistro, and Market, Home Event Center, Toby Jugs, Defiance Brewing Co. Downtown, and The Fort Tavern &amp; Patio Bar.Tickets are $25.00 and include a T-shirt, prizes, and drink specials and can be purchased at <a href="https://www.eventbrite.com/e/crawl-to-end-alz-tickets-715630168097">https://www.eventbrite.com/e/715630168097/</a>. Tickets are on sale online until noon on the day of the event, and cash sales will also be available at the door. To receive a T-shirt, you must register by Tuesday, October 17.Costumes are not required, but there will be a costume contest with prizes for the best group, best individual, best couple, most creative, and the best purple costume.For more information, or if you are interested in becoming a sponsor, please find our event on <a href="https://www.facebook.com/groups/2622814071328306/?hoisted_section_header_type=recently_seen&amp;multi_permalinks=3584760821800288">Facebook</a> or contact Leigh Purdy at 785-259-7102 or leighereynolds@gmail.com.To learn more about Walk to End Alzheimer’s in Hays or how you can host a fundraiser to support Walk to End Alzheimer’s, please contact Missy Zimmer at 316-267-7333 ext 1188 or mpzimmer@alz.org.About the Alzheimer’s AssociationThe Alzheimer’s Association is a worldwide voluntary health organization dedicated to Alzheimer’s care, support, and research. Our mission is to lead the way to end Alzheimer’s and all other dementia — by accelerating global research, driving risk reduction and early detection, and maximizing quality care and support. Visit <a href="https://www.alz.org/?ver=b">www.alz.org</a> or call 800-272-3900.

Crawl to end Alzheimer's in Hays Oct. 28

LOGAN — The Hansen Museum in Logan is pleased to announce the 47th annual "Birds in Art" exhibition, on view now through November 5.

Organized annually since 1976 by the world-renown Leigh Yawkey Woodson Art Museum in Wausau, Wisconsin, the juried exhibition has featured thousands of artists from around the world and is widely recognized as one of the best showcasing avian art. 

For the 2022 show, 570 artists submitted 946 works, with 118 selected by the three-person jury for inclusion, fifty of which made the trip to the Hansen Museum as part of the traveling exhibition. 

A fully illustrated, color catalog accompanies each Birds in Art exhibition and is available upon request. This exhibit is one of the most prestigious exhibits of wildlife art in the world.

“Birds in Art” is replete with birds strutting, vocalizing, socializing, preening, and soaring. Majestic yet fragile, birds connect us with the natural world. Heralding each sunrise and gathering at dusk, these harbingers of seasonal and environmental change endlessly fascinate and inspire. 

The 2022 exhibition includes 23 master artists and 33 international artists, representing 15 different countries. 

The exhibition includes various mediums: paintings in watercolor, oil, and acrylic; sculptures in stone, wood, and bronze; drawings in graphite, pastel, chalk, and charcoal; and other categories such as serigraphy, woodcut, linocut, and etching. This exhibition is a collection of the very best avian artists in the world and will remain on view through November 5 at the Hansen Museum.

The museum is open Monday through Friday 9-12 and 1-4; Saturdays 9-12 and 1-5; Sundays and holidays 1-5. We are closed Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year’s Day. We are handicapped accessible, and admission is always free thanks to the generous support of the Dane G. Hansen Foundation. For more information or if you have questions, please contact us at 785-689-4846.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/9/1695676170035.jpeg" alt="Photo by Pixabay" />
 <figcaption>Photo by Pixabay</figcaption>
 </figure>SubmittedLOGAN — The Hansen Museum in Logan is pleased to announce the 47th annual "Birds in Art" exhibition, on view now through November 5.Organized annually since 1976 by the world-renown Leigh Yawkey Woodson Art Museum in Wausau, Wisconsin, the juried exhibition has featured thousands of artists from around the world and is widely recognized as one of the best showcasing avian art. For the 2022 show, 570 artists submitted 946 works, with 118 selected by the three-person jury for inclusion, fifty of which made the trip to the Hansen Museum as part of the traveling exhibition. A fully illustrated, color catalog accompanies each Birds in Art exhibition and is available upon request. This exhibit is one of the most prestigious exhibits of wildlife art in the world.“Birds in Art” is replete with birds strutting, vocalizing, socializing, preening, and soaring. Majestic yet fragile, birds connect us with the natural world. Heralding each sunrise and gathering at dusk, these harbingers of seasonal and environmental change endlessly fascinate and inspire. The 2022 exhibition includes 23 master artists and 33 international artists, representing 15 different countries. The exhibition includes various mediums: paintings in watercolor, oil, and acrylic; sculptures in stone, wood, and bronze; drawings in graphite, pastel, chalk, and charcoal; and other categories such as serigraphy, woodcut, linocut, and etching. This exhibition is a collection of the very best avian artists in the world and will remain on view through November 5 at the Hansen Museum.The museum is open Monday through Friday 9-12 and 1-4; Saturdays 9-12 and 1-5; Sundays and holidays 1-5. We are closed Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year’s Day. We are handicapped accessible, and admission is always free thanks to the generous support of the Dane G. Hansen Foundation. For more information or if you have questions, please contact us at 785-689-4846.

Exhibition showcasing best avian art opens at Hansen Museum

<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/2023/10/1696450467691.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

The winner of $50 in the 9 a.m. Wednesday, Oct. 4 Eagle Radio/Hays Post Cash Grab Contest is Todd Haas of Hays. He was listening to 101.9 KKQY The Bull.

The winner of $50 in the 3 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 4 Eagle Radio/Hays Post Cash Grab Contest is Laycie Haas of Hays. She was listening to 101.9 KKQY The Bull.

Listen to Eagle Radio stations, including 94.3 KAYS; 99.5 KZ Country KHAZ; 103.3 The Mix KJLS; 101.9 The Bull KKQY; and Hull Broadcasting's 96.9 KFIX for the keyword at 9 a.m. and 3 p.m.

You will have 20 minutes to go to the Hays Post and enter the keyword.

All entries will have a chance to win the grand prize of $1,000.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/3/1680036055088.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>The winner of $50 in the 9 a.m. Wednesday, Oct. 4 Eagle Radio/Hays Post Cash Grab Contest is Todd Haas of Hays. He was listening to 101.9 KKQY The Bull.The winner of $50 in the 3 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 4 Eagle Radio/Hays Post Cash Grab Contest is Laycie Haas of Hays. She was listening to 101.9 KKQY The Bull.Listen to Eagle Radio stations, including 94.3 KAYS; 99.5 KZ Country KHAZ; 103.3 The Mix KJLS; 101.9 The Bull KKQY; and Hull Broadcasting's 96.9 KFIX for the keyword at 9 a.m. and 3 p.m.You will have 20 minutes to go to the Hays Post and enter the keyword.All entries will have a chance to win the grand prize of $1,000.

Wednesday, Oct. 4 Cash Grab winners; you can win too

The 2023 version of the free liver and onions drive-through at Hays’ First Baptist Church is Thursday. This year, church members will cook and distribute 60 pounds of liver.

The 21 pounds of liver at the inaugural event in 2022 went in about 50 minutes.

Liver and onions with mashed potatoes and gravy will be available free as a drive-through at the church, 12th and Fort, beginning at 5 p.m.

Sometime around the opening at 5 p.m., two liver-and-onion unbelievers, Pastor Chris Prater and Hays Chamber President and CEO Sarah Wasinger, will be served.

“She said she would try it if I did,” Prater said.

The meal is free, but because some people were unhappy last year that they could not donate, a method for making donations will be available.

“I want to stress that we conceived the idea as an opportunity to serve the liver-and-onion lovers of the Hays area with a free meal,” Prater said. “This meal will be free, but those who insist on making a donation will be able to do so.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/10/1696366514665.jpeg" alt="The free liver and onions drive-thru meal at Hays’ First Baptist Church is Thursday. Photo by Pixabay" />
 <figcaption>The free liver and onions drive-thru meal at Hays’ First Baptist Church is Thursday. Photo by Pixabay</figcaption>
 </figure>SubmittedThe 2023 version of the free liver and onions drive-through at Hays’ First Baptist Church is Thursday. This year, church members will cook and distribute 60 pounds of liver.The 21 pounds of liver at the inaugural event in 2022 went in about 50 minutes.Liver and onions with mashed potatoes and gravy will be available free as a drive-through at the church, 12th and Fort, beginning at 5 p.m.Sometime around the opening at 5 p.m., two liver-and-onion unbelievers, Pastor Chris Prater and Hays Chamber President and CEO Sarah Wasinger, will be served.“She said she would try it if I did,” Prater said.The meal is free, but because some people were unhappy last year that they could not donate, a method for making donations will be available.“I want to stress that we conceived the idea as an opportunity to serve the liver-and-onion lovers of the Hays area with a free meal,” Prater said. “This meal will be free, but those who insist on making a donation will be able to do so.”

Free liver, onions drive-through meal returns to Hays First Baptist Church Thursday

On this episode of the&nbsp;<a href="https://hayspost.com/category/post-podcast" target="_blank">Post Podcast</a>,&nbsp;KAYS 94.3/1400 Morning Blend host Jeff Leiker speaks with Fort Hays State University director of choral activities, Terry Crull about the upcoming production of "A Gentleman's Guide to Love and Murder."

<div><iframe title="FHSU to present ’A Gentleman’s Guide to Love and Murder’" 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=y69i2-14c1a1d-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://hayspost.com/category/post-podcast" target="_blank">Post Podcast</a>,&nbsp;KAYS 94.3/1400 Morning Blend host Jeff Leiker speaks with Fort Hays State University director of choral activities, Terry Crull about the upcoming production of "A Gentleman's Guide to Love and Murder."

🎙 Post Podcast: FHSU to present 'A Gentleman's Guide to Love and Murder'

MANHATTAN — October is&nbsp;National Pet Wellness Month, and K-State veterinarian Susan Nelson is sharing tips to foster&nbsp;a healthy lifestyle for furry family members.

"Pet wellness entails what we do at home to care for pets as well as the medical care given by your veterinarian,"&nbsp;said Nelson,&nbsp;clinical professor at the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.ksvhc.org/" target="_blank">Veterinary Health Center</a>&nbsp;in the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.vet.k-state.edu/" target="_blank">College of Veterinary Medicine</a>.&nbsp;

"From regular check-ups to maintaining a balanced diet, ensuring exercise and addressing mental health needs, it's crucial to give pets the care and attention they deserve."

According to Nelson, incorporating preventive measures&nbsp;—&nbsp;such as vaccinations, regular vet visits, dental care and appropriate nutrition&nbsp;—&nbsp;keeps&nbsp;pets in optimal health, preventing potential illnesses and&nbsp;preparing them for long and&nbsp;fulfilling&nbsp;lives.&nbsp;She said mental stimulation, companionship and a loving environment are equally vital for their overall well-being.

Nelson&nbsp;shared&nbsp;key tips for pet owners:

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/10/1696448410923.jpeg" alt="Photo by Pixabay" />
 <figcaption>Photo by Pixabay</figcaption>
 </figure>KSU News ServiceMANHATTAN — October is&nbsp;National Pet Wellness Month, and K-State veterinarian Susan Nelson is sharing tips to foster&nbsp;a healthy lifestyle for furry family members."Pet wellness entails what we do at home to care for pets as well as the medical care given by your veterinarian,"&nbsp;said Nelson,&nbsp;clinical professor at the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.ksvhc.org/" target="_blank">Veterinary Health Center</a>&nbsp;in the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.vet.k-state.edu/" target="_blank">College of Veterinary Medicine</a>.&nbsp;"From regular check-ups to maintaining a balanced diet, ensuring exercise and addressing mental health needs, it's crucial to give pets the care and attention they deserve."According to Nelson, incorporating preventive measures&nbsp;—&nbsp;such as vaccinations, regular vet visits, dental care and appropriate nutrition&nbsp;—&nbsp;keeps&nbsp;pets in optimal health, preventing potential illnesses and&nbsp;preparing them for long and&nbsp;fulfilling&nbsp;lives.&nbsp;She said mental stimulation, companionship and a loving environment are equally vital for their overall well-being.Nelson&nbsp;shared&nbsp;key tips for pet owners:•&nbsp;Schedule regular check-ups with your veterinarian to monitor your pet's health and catch any potential issues early.&nbsp;<a href="https://www.ksvhc.org/services/pet-health-center/wellness-exam-importance.html" target="_blank">Learn more about wellness exams</a>. •&nbsp;Provide a balanced and nutritious diet appropriate for your pet's age, size, activity level and breed to&nbsp;help them&nbsp;maintain a healthy weight and&nbsp;manage&nbsp;overall well-being. Keep snacks to a minimum and utilize low-calorie&nbsp;options. •&nbsp;Engage your pet in regular exercise and mental activities to keep them physically and mentally fit. •&nbsp;Stay up&nbsp;to&nbsp;date with vaccinations and preventive treatments to protect your pet from diseases and parasites. •&nbsp;Maintain proper grooming and hygiene practices to ensure your pet's coat, teeth, and overall cleanliness are in good condition. •&nbsp;Have a&nbsp;"to go"&nbsp;bag packed and ready in case of an emergency evacuation&nbsp;with&nbsp;an adequate amount of food, water and medication.For questions about pet&nbsp;care, please reach out to the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.ksvhc.org/services/pet-health-center/" target="_blank">Hill's Pet Health and Nutrition Center</a>&nbsp;at 785-532-4242.

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