By DIANE GASPER-O’BRIEN Special to Hays Post

A few days ago, Hays resident Mary Jacobs shared a quote on Facebook with her youngest son.

“Dreams only come true if you go for them and work hard for it!” she said, tagging Carson Jacobs along with a YouTube video featuring Miley Cyrus’ song, “The Climb.”

Carson realized a lifelong dream at 5:04 p.m. Tuesday.

Shortly after getting to practice for the Hays Larks summer collegiate baseball team, his phone lit up with an incoming call.

It was a moment for which he had been anxiously awaiting all day long.

A scout from the Chicago White Sox was on the other end of the line, saying they wanted this 6-foot, 9-inch right-handed pitcher who has thrown 99 miles-per-hour fastballs to join their organization.

A fan of the Philadelphia Phillies growing up, Carson has now changed allegiances. He will sign with the White Sox as a free agent on Saturday.

While his dream of playing Major League Baseball had become reality, it didn’t come without a lot of hard work and a few stressful days – especially Tuesday.

After being told by scouts and his college coach that he could go on the third day of this year’s draft, family members and friends gathered at the Jacobs country home just outside Hays.

Nine baseball caps sat on a shelf, representing teams that had contacted him in the last few days. In all, more than half of the 30 Major League teams had shown interest in Carson.

The nervous contingent watched as each round flashed up other names that included lots of pitchers.

Carson’s girlfriend, Megan Reilly, sat closely by his side with his mom and dad, Tom, and other family members nearby.

His older brother, Casey Jacobs, and his family had come from Colorado to help support Carson, as did his sister, Rachel LaBarge, and her family. Oldest sister Ashley Campbell was in Hays for the weekend but had to return home earlier this week. So she kept in touch with the days happenings Tuesday by phone.

At times it was deathly quiet, especially whenever Carson’s phone beeped with a text message or rang with a call.

The family jumped for joy and began celebrating after an Atlanta Braves scout called Carson and told him they were putting him on their board.

That phrase, they soon learned, didn’t necessarily mean he was getting drafted.

Round after round went by as all eyes kept glued to the television screen.

Then came a call from the Tampa Bay Rays, although reactions this time were a little more reserved.

The tension in the room mounted as more waiting ensued with no official call from the Rays or Braves.

All the while, Carson kept relatively calm – at least outwardly – as he kept in constant contact by texting with Tyler Oakes, his coach at North Dakota State University.

“Coach Oakes talked to me and didn’t allow me to get frustrated, and that really helped,” Carson said. “We talked about how God gave me the opportunity for this, and I was able to keep my composure. This is my job now. This is my career. It’s time to be a grown-up.”

Oakes said Carson was being looked at by several teams but “you just never know with the MLB draft and how it will shake out.”

“He’s a great kid, and I was hoping he would get an opportunity,” Oakes said. “I told him an opportunity was going to come, whether during the draft or post-draft, and I’m glad he’s getting a shot.”

That’s all Carson has ever wanted – the chance to prove himself.

“At one point, I said if a team gave me a plane ticket and a sandwich, I’d go,” he said.

Faces dropped as Tampa Bay at No. 603 and Atlanta at 609 chose different players. Only five selections remained in the draft, and none of those turned out to be Carson.

After the final player’s name appeared on the screen at 4:02 p.m., the Jacobs family started to break up, and Carson began getting ready for that night’s Larks game.

Little did he know that his life would change forever an hour later.

Carson said he tried not to think on the way into town about the disappointment of not being drafted.

“I thought I just need to get back to work and do my thing, start playing catch and get the feel of the baseball again,” he said.

Once Carson reached familiar territory in Larks Park, he hung out in the locker room with teammates for a bit, then headed to the field. Just inside the side gate near the dugout, he got the call from the White Sox.

In just a few minutes, he received an email informing him of his plane ticket and hotel room in Charlotte, N.C., where he will join the White Sox draft class mini camp. Then it’s on to Phoenix, Ariz., for the Summer League Classic.

It was ironic that Carson got the call at Larks Park, where he spent time as a youngster watching the hometown collegiate team growing up, played on the field with youth teams, then joined the Larks as a pitcher this summer.

He grew up saying he wanted to play for the Hays Larks and then become a Major League player. He now has realized both dreams. And Carson’s Larks playing days are over now as he heads to the next level.

Carson knows it will be a challenge to reach the Majors, but he looks forward to the climb from instructional and rookie ball to the upper levels of the league.

After calling his parents from Larks Park, it didn’t take his mom long to announce on Facebook that “my baby is now a White Sox!”

Her Facebook page this morning showed more than 500 responses and comments congratulating Carson and his family on his big news.

No doubt, one of the favorite comments for this mom is the one from her 6-foot-9 baby, reading “I love you, momma.”

It all began in T-Ball in Hays back in the late 2000s.

“Like any little kid who likes sports, I grew up wanting to play professional sports,” Carson said. “For me, it was always baseball.”

He excelled as an outfielder and first baseman while getting a little pitching duty all throughout youth baseball. Once he reached high school age, he grew from a 5-foot-11 freshman to 6-6 his senior year.

Following his junior year at Thomas More Prep-Marian High School, Carson played for a competitive team out of Wichita, where he became noticed by scouts from Wichita’s Newman University.

Newman, an NCAA Division II school, began contacting Carson, and he decided to sign with the Jets during the fall semester of his senior season.

It turned out to be a good decision. A few months later, the COVID-19 pandemic hit the United States, and the spring seasons for American athletes in the class of 2020 were canceled.

Many youngsters didn’t ever get a chance to play college ball because of those canceled senior seasons.

After a summer of playing for the Hays Eagles, Carson took off for Newman. Another turn of events proved fortuitous when the Jets had him listed as a right-handed pitcher despite the fact that he had signed as a position player.

“I was a freshman and didn’t want to ask questions,” he said. “I liked to pitch. I was OK with it.”

There was a change in coaches at Newman by the time Carson got there, and after what he called an “OK” freshman season, he had a breakout summer season for the Newton Rebels in 2021. He set the record for both the Rebels and the Sunflower League for most strikeouts (78) in a single season.

That’s when Carson began to really learn the importance of networking.

The Rebels coach saw great potential in Carson and told him to get to the next level, he should consider playing for Gateway Community College in Phoenix, Ariz., which was being coached by Rob Shabansky, the pitching coach for USA Baseball.

So Carson packed his bags for Arizona, where he ultimately earned a scholarship to North Dakota State.

All the while, Carson kept growing – and getting stronger. From that 6-6, 175-pound high school senior season, Carson now is listed at 6-9, 235 pounds.

Following his junior season at NDSU, he agreed to come home and play for the Hays Larks this summer.

Carson had one year of eligibility remaining at North Dakota State and wants to finish his degree in elementary education and maybe coach someday.

“That’s the first thing I asked him,” Carson said of his conversation with the White Sox scout, “if they would pay for my schooling, and he said, ‘Yes.’ ”

Coach Oakes said he would have loved to have Carson back on his team this coming year but is always happy when his players reach the next level.

“Carson has extreme upside and project ability,” Oakes said. “The sky is the limit for him. Getting in the White Sox organization and getting to work, he’ll have a chance to continue to tap into his potential. I couldn’t be happier for him and his family.”

This 21-year-old is wise beyond his years while acknowledging that he wouldn’t be where he is now – or where he plans to go – without his faith in God and huge support from his family.

Carson’s mom shakes her head while talking about the time Carson told them he wanted to transfer from Newman to Gateway.

“Tom and I were on vacation, and Carson calls and tells its he wants to play ball in Phoenix,” Mary said. “We were wondering, ‘What is he thinking, giving up an NCAA Division II scholarship to go to a community college with no scholarship and no housing?’ But we told him if that’s what he wanted to do, it was his responsibility to figure it out. By the time we got home, he had had a zoom meeting with the coach and found two roommates.”

As it turned out, the move to Arizona proved to be another gateway to Carson’s journey to the Major Leagues.

“I chose to leave Kansas to follow a dream of mine, and my parents – although they were a little iffy at first – allowed me to do what I love,” Carson said of his parents, who have missed very few of his games his entire career. “And for my sister to come support me today, knowing she’s about to have a baby, is incredible.”

He was referring to Rachel, who was due to give birth to her third child on July 16. Her dad picked her up at their Wichita home Monday, and her mom had planned to take her home today.

As has become custom for the Jacobs family, plans changed. Rachel gave birth to another baby boy at Hays Medical Center at 4:07 this morning, making a threesome for her and her husband, Justin.

It’s a week the Jacobs family will never forget. And it’s a sure bet that family, including the newest member of the Jacobs clan, will soon be wearing White Sox clothing in support of their favorite baseball player.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/7/1689185099227.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/7/1689185208013.jpeg" alt="Hays native Carson Jacobs, a former pitcher for North Dakota State University, now is a member of the Chicago White Sox. Courtesy photo" />
 <figcaption>Hays native Carson Jacobs, a former pitcher for North Dakota State University, now is a member of the Chicago White Sox. Courtesy photo</figcaption>
 </figure>By DIANE GASPER-O’BRIEN Special to Hays PostA few days ago, Hays resident Mary Jacobs shared a quote on Facebook with her youngest son.“Dreams only come true if you go for them and work hard for it!” she said, tagging Carson Jacobs along with a YouTube video featuring Miley Cyrus’ song, “The Climb.”Carson realized a lifelong dream at 5:04 p.m. Tuesday.Shortly after getting to practice for the Hays Larks summer collegiate baseball team, his phone lit up with an incoming call.It was a moment for which he had been anxiously awaiting all day long.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/7/1689186103199.jpeg" alt="Hays Larks player Carson Jacobs sports a cap of his new favorite Major League team — and his new employer. Courtesy photo" />
 <figcaption>Hays Larks player Carson Jacobs sports a cap of his new favorite Major League team — and his new employer. Courtesy photo</figcaption>
 </figure>A scout from the Chicago White Sox was on the other end of the line, saying they wanted this 6-foot, 9-inch right-handed pitcher who has thrown 99 miles-per-hour fastballs to join their organization.A fan of the Philadelphia Phillies growing up, Carson has now changed allegiances. He will sign with the White Sox as a free agent on Saturday.While his dream of playing Major League Baseball had become reality, it didn’t come without a lot of hard work and a few stressful days – especially Tuesday.After being told by scouts and his college coach that he could go on the third day of this year’s draft, family members and friends gathered at the Jacobs country home just outside Hays.Nine baseball caps sat on a shelf, representing teams that had contacted him in the last few days. In all, more than half of the 30 Major League teams had shown interest in Carson.The nervous contingent watched as each round flashed up other names that included lots of pitchers.Carson’s girlfriend, Megan Reilly, sat closely by his side with his mom and dad, Tom, and other family members nearby.His older brother, Casey Jacobs, and his family had come from Colorado to help support Carson, as did his sister, Rachel LaBarge, and her family. Oldest sister Ashley Campbell was in Hays for the weekend but had to return home earlier this week. So she kept in touch with the days happenings Tuesday by phone.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/7/1689186167508.jpeg" alt="Family members gather on the basement couch to watch the Major League Baseball draft with Carson Jacobs. Photo by Diane Gasper-O’Brien" />
 <figcaption>Family members gather on the basement couch to watch the Major League Baseball draft with Carson Jacobs. Photo by Diane Gasper-O’Brien</figcaption>
 </figure>At times it was deathly quiet, especially whenever Carson’s phone beeped with a text message or rang with a call.The family jumped for joy and began celebrating after an Atlanta Braves scout called Carson and told him they were putting him on their board.That phrase, they soon learned, didn’t necessarily mean he was getting drafted.Round after round went by as all eyes kept glued to the television screen.Then came a call from the Tampa Bay Rays, although reactions this time were a little more reserved.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/7/1689186226091.jpeg" alt="Caps representing Major League teams that recently contacted Carson Jacobs line a shelf in the family living room. Photo by Diane Gasper-O’Brien" />
 <figcaption>Caps representing Major League teams that recently contacted Carson Jacobs line a shelf in the family living room. Photo by Diane Gasper-O’Brien</figcaption>
 </figure>The tension in the room mounted as more waiting ensued with no official call from the Rays or Braves.All the while, Carson kept relatively calm – at least outwardly – as he kept in constant contact by texting with Tyler Oakes, his coach at North Dakota State University.“Coach Oakes talked to me and didn’t allow me to get frustrated, and that really helped,” Carson said. “We talked about how God gave me the opportunity for this, and I was able to keep my composure. This is my job now. This is my career. It’s time to be a grown-up.”Oakes said Carson was being looked at by several teams but “you just never know with the MLB draft and how it will shake out.”“He’s a great kid, and I was hoping he would get an opportunity,” Oakes said. “I told him an opportunity was going to come, whether during the draft or post-draft, and I’m glad he’s getting a shot.”That’s all Carson has ever wanted – the chance to prove himself.“At one point, I said if a team gave me a plane ticket and a sandwich, I’d go,” he said.Faces dropped as Tampa Bay at No. 603 and Atlanta at 609 chose different players. Only five selections remained in the draft, and none of those turned out to be Carson.After the final player’s name appeared on the screen at 4:02 p.m., the Jacobs family started to break up, and Carson began getting ready for that night’s Larks game.Little did he know that his life would change forever an hour later.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/7/1689186288004.jpeg" alt="Youngsters gathering around Carson Jacobs after the game was a common sight at Larks Park this summer. Courtesy photo" />
 <figcaption>Youngsters gathering around Carson Jacobs after the game was a common sight at Larks Park this summer. Courtesy photo</figcaption>
 </figure>Carson said he tried not to think on the way into town about the disappointment of not being drafted.“I thought I just need to get back to work and do my thing, start playing catch and get the feel of the baseball again,” he said.Once Carson reached familiar territory in Larks Park, he hung out in the locker room with teammates for a bit, then headed to the field. Just inside the side gate near the dugout, he got the call from the White Sox.In just a few minutes, he received an email informing him of his plane ticket and hotel room in Charlotte, N.C., where he will join the White Sox draft class mini camp. Then it’s on to Phoenix, Ariz., for the Summer League Classic.It was ironic that Carson got the call at Larks Park, where he spent time as a youngster watching the hometown collegiate team growing up, played on the field with youth teams, then joined the Larks as a pitcher this summer.He grew up saying he wanted to play for the Hays Larks and then become a Major League player. He now has realized both dreams. And Carson’s Larks playing days are over now as he heads to the next level.Carson knows it will be a challenge to reach the Majors, but he looks forward to the climb from instructional and rookie ball to the upper levels of the league.After calling his parents from Larks Park, it didn’t take his mom long to announce on Facebook that “my baby is now a White Sox!”Her Facebook page this morning showed more than 500 responses and comments congratulating Carson and his family on his big news.No doubt, one of the favorite comments for this mom is the one from her 6-foot-9 baby, reading “I love you, momma.”<h2>Carson’s unique journey to MLB</h2>It all began in T-Ball in Hays back in the late 2000s.“Like any little kid who likes sports, I grew up wanting to play professional sports,” Carson said. “For me, it was always baseball.”He excelled as an outfielder and first baseman while getting a little pitching duty all throughout youth baseball. Once he reached high school age, he grew from a 5-foot-11 freshman to 6-6 his senior year.Following his junior year at Thomas More Prep-Marian High School, Carson played for a competitive team out of Wichita, where he became noticed by scouts from Wichita’s Newman University.Newman, an NCAA Division II school, began contacting Carson, and he decided to sign with the Jets during the fall semester of his senior season.It turned out to be a good decision. A few months later, the COVID-19 pandemic hit the United States, and the spring seasons for American athletes in the class of 2020 were canceled.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/7/1689186356467.jpeg" alt="Carson Jacobs has had plenty of family support over the years. Here he is pictured with his parents, Tom and Mary Jacobs; his girlfriend, Megan Reilly; and one of his sisters, Rachel LaBarge, far right, and her family. Courtesy photo" />
 <figcaption>Carson Jacobs has had plenty of family support over the years. Here he is pictured with his parents, Tom and Mary Jacobs; his girlfriend, Megan Reilly; and one of his sisters, Rachel LaBarge, far right, and her family. Courtesy photo</figcaption>
 </figure>Many youngsters didn’t ever get a chance to play college ball because of those canceled senior seasons.After a summer of playing for the Hays Eagles, Carson took off for Newman. Another turn of events proved fortuitous when the Jets had him listed as a right-handed pitcher despite the fact that he had signed as a position player.“I was a freshman and didn’t want to ask questions,” he said. “I liked to pitch. I was OK with it.”There was a change in coaches at Newman by the time Carson got there, and after what he called an “OK” freshman season, he had a breakout summer season for the Newton Rebels in 2021. He set the record for both the Rebels and the Sunflower League for most strikeouts (78) in a single season.That’s when Carson began to really learn the importance of networking.The Rebels coach saw great potential in Carson and told him to get to the next level, he should consider playing for Gateway Community College in Phoenix, Ariz., which was being coached by Rob Shabansky, the pitching coach for USA Baseball.So Carson packed his bags for Arizona, where he ultimately earned a scholarship to North Dakota State.All the while, Carson kept growing – and getting stronger. From that 6-6, 175-pound high school senior season, Carson now is listed at 6-9, 235 pounds.Following his junior season at NDSU, he agreed to come home and play for the Hays Larks this summer.Carson had one year of eligibility remaining at North Dakota State and wants to finish his degree in elementary education and maybe coach someday.“That’s the first thing I asked him,” Carson said of his conversation with the White Sox scout, “if they would pay for my schooling, and he said, ‘Yes.’ ”Coach Oakes said he would have loved to have Carson back on his team this coming year but is always happy when his players reach the next level.“Carson has extreme upside and project ability,” Oakes said. “The sky is the limit for him. Getting in the White Sox organization and getting to work, he’ll have a chance to continue to tap into his potential. I couldn’t be happier for him and his family.”<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/7/1689186403300.jpeg" alt="Although he played mostly center field and first base growing up, Carson Jacobs also got his start on the mound at a young age. Courtesy photo" />
 <figcaption>Although he played mostly center field and first base growing up, Carson Jacobs also got his start on the mound at a young age. Courtesy photo</figcaption>
 </figure><h2>Ah, Carson’s family.</h2>This 21-year-old is wise beyond his years while acknowledging that he wouldn’t be where he is now – or where he plans to go – without his faith in God and huge support from his family.Carson’s mom shakes her head while talking about the time Carson told them he wanted to transfer from Newman to Gateway.“Tom and I were on vacation, and Carson calls and tells its he wants to play ball in Phoenix,” Mary said. “We were wondering, ‘What is he thinking, giving up an NCAA Division II scholarship to go to a community college with no scholarship and no housing?’ But we told him if that’s what he wanted to do, it was his responsibility to figure it out. By the time we got home, he had had a zoom meeting with the coach and found two roommates.”As it turned out, the move to Arizona proved to be another gateway to Carson’s journey to the Major Leagues.“I chose to leave Kansas to follow a dream of mine, and my parents – although they were a little iffy at first – allowed me to do what I love,” Carson said of his parents, who have missed very few of his games his entire career. “And for my sister to come support me today, knowing she’s about to have a baby, is incredible.”He was referring to Rachel, who was due to give birth to her third child on July 16. Her dad picked her up at their Wichita home Monday, and her mom had planned to take her home today.As has become custom for the Jacobs family, plans changed. Rachel gave birth to another baby boy at Hays Medical Center at 4:07 this morning, making a threesome for her and her husband, Justin.It’s a week the Jacobs family will never forget. And it’s a sure bet that family, including the newest member of the Jacobs clan, will soon be wearing White Sox clothing in support of their favorite baseball player.

NWester: Dreams do come true: Jacobs signs with Chicago White Sox

On this episode of the <a href="https://hayspost.com/category/post-podcast" target="_blank">Post Podcast</a>, <a href="https://hayschamber.com/" target="_blank">Hays Chamber</a> president and CEO Sarah Wasinger discusses recent efforts to address the shortage of childcare providers in Ellis County.&nbsp;&nbsp;

On this episode of the <a href="https://hayspost.com/category/post-podcast" target="_blank">Post Podcast</a>, <a href="https://hayschamber.com/" target="_blank">Hays Chamber</a> president and CEO Sarah Wasinger discusses recent efforts to address the shortage of childcare providers in Ellis County.&nbsp;&nbsp;<div><iframe title="Hays Chamber continues work to alleviate shortage of Ellis Co. childcare" 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=7e62h-1454a88-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>

🎙 Post Podcast: Hays Chamber continues work to alleviate shortage of Ellis Co. childcare

By JONATHAN ZWEYGARDT Hays Post

An 18 year-old from Stockton was found guilty of three child
sex crimes Tuesday in Ellis County District Court.

Kevin J. Russell, 18, Stockton, pleaded no contest to three separate
charges of indecent liberties with a child resulting from three different
cases.

Russell was initially charged with seven counts for the
three different incidents that happened on three separate days in December 2022.

According to court documents, Russell was charged with two
counts of aggravated indecent liberties with a child, two counts of indecent
liberties with a child, two counts of aggravated battery, and criminal sodomy.

He was accused of fondling a child younger than the age of 14 and a
15-year-old child and having sex with a 15-year-old child between Dec. 11
and Dec. 23, 2022.

As a result of the plea agreement, four of the seven charges were dropped.

Ellis County District Court Judge Glenn Braun accepted the
no contest pleas and found Russell guilty on the three counts of indecent
liberties with a child, a level 5 person felony.

Russell faces between 34 and 31 months in prison for each charge,
with a maximum of 102 months in prison if the three sentences are run
consecutively.

According to the plea agreement, Russell can file a motion
for durational departure and request the judge sentence him to probation
in lieu of jail time. His attorney, Cheryl Stewart said Tuesday they will ask the
judge for probation at sentencing.

As a result of the convictions, Russell will be required to
register as a sex offender for the rest of his life.

Sentencing has been scheduled for August.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/7/1689211222398.png" alt="Russell-photo KBI Offender Registry" />
 <figcaption>Russell-photo KBI Offender Registry</figcaption>
 </figure>By JONATHAN ZWEYGARDT Hays PostAn 18 year-old from Stockton was found guilty of three child
sex crimes Tuesday in Ellis County District Court.Kevin J. Russell, 18, Stockton, pleaded no contest to three separate
charges of indecent liberties with a child resulting from three different
cases.Russell was initially charged with seven counts for the
three different incidents that happened on three separate days in December 2022.According to court documents, Russell was charged with two
counts of aggravated indecent liberties with a child, two counts of indecent
liberties with a child, two counts of aggravated battery, and criminal sodomy.He was accused of fondling a child younger than the age of 14 and a
15-year-old child and having sex with a 15-year-old child between Dec. 11
and Dec. 23, 2022.As a result of the plea agreement, four of the seven charges were dropped.Ellis County District Court Judge Glenn Braun accepted the
no contest pleas and found Russell guilty on the three counts of indecent
liberties with a child, a level 5 person felony.Russell faces between 34 and 31 months in prison for each charge,
with a maximum of 102 months in prison if the three sentences are run
consecutively.According to the plea agreement, Russell can file a motion
for durational departure and request the judge sentence him to probation
in lieu of jail time. His attorney, Cheryl Stewart said Tuesday they will ask the
judge for probation at sentencing.As a result of the convictions, Russell will be required to
register as a sex offender for the rest of his life.Sentencing has been scheduled for August.

Stockton man guilty of child sex crimes

MANHATTAN — Throughout the state, there are outstanding Kansans who make tremendous contributions to Kansas agriculture. Nominate one of those outstanding Kansans to be recognized as one of the 2023 Kansas Ag Heroes at this summer’s Ag Growth Summit.

Each year, the Kansas Department of Agriculture honors remarkable Kansans and share the stories of their outstanding service from across the Kansas agriculture community. Kansas Ag Heroes was established as a way to recognize those in the agriculture industry who went above and beyond to serve others and better their community.

KDA encourages you to nominate any individual, family, or business in Kansas agriculture which you feel provided a notable contribution to the agriculture industry or their community as a whole this year. 

Nominations will be accepted through August 11. The nomination instructions can be found at&nbsp;<a href="https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMDAsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsInVybCI6Imh0dHA6Ly93d3cuYWdyaWN1bHR1cmUua3MuZ292L0FnSGVyb2VzP3V0bV9tZWRpdW09ZW1haWwmdXRtX3NvdXJjZT1nb3ZkZWxpdmVyeSIsImJ1bGxldGluX2lkIjoiMjAyMzA3MTIuNzk1NDU4MDEifQ.CXd1uPDMQhEHqNJ7cQI4B-hhSBxVQ41aHwnpA7ay1ok/s/1377890594/br/222533604247-l" target="_blank">www.agriculture.ks.gov/AgHeroes</a>.

KDA leadership will review each nomination and will recognize a select number of agriculture heroes during the Kansas Governor’s Summit on Agricultural Growth in Manhattan on Aug. 17.

For questions about the Kansas Agricultural Heroes nomination process, please contact Auburn Wassberg at 785-564-6799 or&nbsp;<a href="mailto:Auburn.B.Wassberg@ks.gov">Auburn.B.Wassberg@ks.gov</a>.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/7/1689175568777.jpeg" alt="Photo by Pixabay" />
 <figcaption>Photo by Pixabay</figcaption>
 </figure>KDAMANHATTAN — Throughout the state, there are outstanding Kansans who make tremendous contributions to Kansas agriculture. Nominate one of those outstanding Kansans to be recognized as one of the 2023 Kansas Ag Heroes at this summer’s Ag Growth Summit.Each year, the Kansas Department of Agriculture honors remarkable Kansans and share the stories of their outstanding service from across the Kansas agriculture community. Kansas Ag Heroes was established as a way to recognize those in the agriculture industry who went above and beyond to serve others and better their community.KDA encourages you to nominate any individual, family, or business in Kansas agriculture which you feel provided a notable contribution to the agriculture industry or their community as a whole this year. Nominations will be accepted through August 11. The nomination instructions can be found at&nbsp;<a href="https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMDAsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsInVybCI6Imh0dHA6Ly93d3cuYWdyaWN1bHR1cmUua3MuZ292L0FnSGVyb2VzP3V0bV9tZWRpdW09ZW1haWwmdXRtX3NvdXJjZT1nb3ZkZWxpdmVyeSIsImJ1bGxldGluX2lkIjoiMjAyMzA3MTIuNzk1NDU4MDEifQ.CXd1uPDMQhEHqNJ7cQI4B-hhSBxVQ41aHwnpA7ay1ok/s/1377890594/br/222533604247-l" target="_blank">www.agriculture.ks.gov/AgHeroes</a>.KDA leadership will review each nomination and will recognize a select number of agriculture heroes during the Kansas Governor’s Summit on Agricultural Growth in Manhattan on Aug. 17.For questions about the Kansas Agricultural Heroes nomination process, please contact Auburn Wassberg at 785-564-6799 or&nbsp;<a href="mailto:Auburn.B.Wassberg@ks.gov">Auburn.B.Wassberg@ks.gov</a>.

KDA Seeks Nominations for Kansas Ag Heroes

The 14 &amp; Under Hays Thunder softball team finished with a 26-8-2 record with three first place finishes in Topeka, Manhattan and Hays. They had a second place finish in Wichita and the team finished the July 8 weekend with a third place finish in Hays.

The 12 &amp; Under Hays Thunder softball team finished with a 16-13 record.&nbsp;They had a second place finish in Hays and finished the July 8 weekend in Hays as runner-up champions.

The 8 &amp; Under Hays Thunder softball team finished with a 23-10 record on the season.&nbsp; They had a first place and a second place finish in Hays. The team also finished in third place at the USSSA Western KS state tournament and had a second place finish at the USA tournament in Salina.

The 10 &amp; Under Hays Thunder softball team completed their first season of competition.

This story was updated July 13 at 3:05 p.m. to include information about the Hays Thunder 10 and Under team.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/7/1689091864474.jpeg" alt="Hays Thunder 14 &amp; Under. Courtesy photo" />
 <figcaption>Hays Thunder 14 &amp; Under. Courtesy photo</figcaption>
 </figure>SubmittedThe 14 &amp; Under Hays Thunder softball team finished with a 26-8-2 record with three first place finishes in Topeka, Manhattan and Hays. They had a second place finish in Wichita and the team finished the July 8 weekend with a third place finish in Hays.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/7/1689091985558.jpeg" alt="Hays Thunder 12 and Under. Courtesy photo" />
 <figcaption>Hays Thunder 12 and Under. Courtesy photo</figcaption>
 </figure>The 12 &amp; Under Hays Thunder softball team finished with a 16-13 record.&nbsp;They had a second place finish in Hays and finished the July 8 weekend in Hays as runner-up champions.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/7/1689092066998.jpeg" alt="Hays Thunder 8 and Under. Courtesy photo&nbsp;" />
 <figcaption>Hays Thunder 8 and Under. Courtesy photo&nbsp;</figcaption>
 </figure>The 8 &amp; Under Hays Thunder softball team finished with a 23-10 record on the season.&nbsp; They had a first place and a second place finish in Hays. The team also finished in third place at the USSSA Western KS state tournament and had a second place finish at the USA tournament in Salina.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/7/1689278774610.jpeg" alt="Hays Thunder 10 and Under . Courtesy photo&nbsp;" />
 <figcaption>Hays Thunder 10 and Under . Courtesy photo&nbsp;</figcaption>
 </figure>The 10 &amp; Under Hays Thunder softball team completed their first season of competition.This story was updated July 13 at 3:05 p.m. to include information about the Hays Thunder 10 and Under team.

Hays Thunder teams end their summer seasons

BY TONY GUERRERO Hays Post

Hays city commissioners discussed the idea of a common alcohol consumption area in downtown Hays during a work session on June 6.&nbsp;

Areas of consideration included Seventh Street to 13 Street and Fort to Oak or Walnut to Oak in order to include Taco Shop and The Golden Q. Fort Hays State Univeristy is not a point of interest to be included in the area.&nbsp;

The city of Hays staff reported that before July, roads within a common consumption area were blocked and prohibited the passage of vehicles. Recent legislation changes this restriction to requiring signage at the border of a consumption area that would include dates and times of operation.&nbsp;

The fee for a common consumption area permit, which would be valid for one year, is $100. The fee would be paid for by the city. Businesses that wish to do so need to be located near or adjacent to the common consumption area and would be required to serve drinks with their logos or a visible identification from which the drink originated.&nbsp;

Agent Justin White from Kansas Alcohol Beverage Control explains the potential neighborhoods that could be impacted by the new law.&nbsp;

“My concern with residential areas is they can have minors at it,” White said at the commission meeting. “... law enforcement wouldn't be monitoring those residential areas. The minute a minor would step off that private property, [it] now becomes a concern with a minor in possession.”

The common consumption area in Old Town Wichita was referenced in the discussion for what the jurisdiction would look like for residents and businesses in downtown Hays.&nbsp;

“The issue becomes with a common consumption area is the permit holder holds the liability for the violations that occur in that common consumption area. Where a business that is licensed through the state for alcoholic liquor, they hold the liability inside their license premise,” White said.&nbsp;

The effectiveness of logos on containers was brought into question by Mayor Shaun Musil who said they can be reused in future occasions outside of common consumption areas.&nbsp;

Using nonreusable containers like plastic cups was suggested but was still problematic among the city commissioner.&nbsp;

“So what we're saying is we need to be environmentally irresponsible in order to have a common consumption area and put logos on things that can't be reusable,” City Commissioner Reese Barrick said.&nbsp;

White admits enforcing the law will be difficult in situations of people pouring their own drinks into containers provided by businesses.&nbsp;

Hays Police Chief Don Scheibler said he prefers to not block off streets at common consumption areas for the sake of businesses and their customers.&nbsp;

“One of the benefits of having more people downtown is you want the businesses open. You're going to need to have the parking. It's easier for us not to block off the street,” he said.

Nonprofit organizations like the Wild West Festival can participate in the common consumption law as long as they are a permit holder. Businesses outside of a common consumption area where an event is being held can get a caterer liquor license to serve but would still need approval from the city.

The dates and times of operations discussed ranged from 6 a.m. to 2 a.m. or 24/7.&nbsp;

White said any violations of beverages being misused in common consumption areas will be investigated to determine who is at fault between consumers and permit holders.

City Commissioner Mason Ruder made mention of the environmental effects a common consumption area can have in the downtown area.&nbsp;

“If people walk around with disposable cups, I don't want downtown to start looking like garbage,” Ruder said.

Members of the commission were in agreement to install public trash cans and recycling bins wherever it’s needed.&nbsp;

The meeting on June 6 was a work session, and no vote has yet to be taken. Further discussions and deliberations will be carried out in future sessions. 

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/3/1583353903249.png" alt="A downtown alcohol consumption area would include bars like the Paisley Pear on Main Street. The bar has already taken advantage of updates in alcohol laws to add outdoor seating. File photo" />
 <figcaption>A downtown alcohol consumption area would include bars like the Paisley Pear on Main Street. The bar has already taken advantage of updates in alcohol laws to add outdoor seating. File photo</figcaption>
 </figure>BY TONY GUERRERO Hays PostHays city commissioners discussed the idea of a common alcohol consumption area in downtown Hays during a work session on June 6.&nbsp;Areas of consideration included Seventh Street to 13 Street and Fort to Oak or Walnut to Oak in order to include Taco Shop and The Golden Q. Fort Hays State Univeristy is not a point of interest to be included in the area.&nbsp;The city of Hays staff reported that before July, roads within a common consumption area were blocked and prohibited the passage of vehicles. Recent legislation changes this restriction to requiring signage at the border of a consumption area that would include dates and times of operation.&nbsp;The fee for a common consumption area permit, which would be valid for one year, is $100. The fee would be paid for by the city. Businesses that wish to do so need to be located near or adjacent to the common consumption area and would be required to serve drinks with their logos or a visible identification from which the drink originated.&nbsp;Agent Justin White from Kansas Alcohol Beverage Control explains the potential neighborhoods that could be impacted by the new law.&nbsp;“My concern with residential areas is they can have minors at it,” White said at the commission meeting. “... law enforcement wouldn't be monitoring those residential areas. The minute a minor would step off that private property, [it] now becomes a concern with a minor in possession.”The common consumption area in Old Town Wichita was referenced in the discussion for what the jurisdiction would look like for residents and businesses in downtown Hays.&nbsp;“The issue becomes with a common consumption area is the permit holder holds the liability for the violations that occur in that common consumption area. Where a business that is licensed through the state for alcoholic liquor, they hold the liability inside their license premise,” White said.&nbsp;The effectiveness of logos on containers was brought into question by Mayor Shaun Musil who said they can be reused in future occasions outside of common consumption areas.&nbsp;Using nonreusable containers like plastic cups was suggested but was still problematic among the city commissioner.&nbsp;“So what we're saying is we need to be environmentally irresponsible in order to have a common consumption area and put logos on things that can't be reusable,” City Commissioner Reese Barrick said.&nbsp;White admits enforcing the law will be difficult in situations of people pouring their own drinks into containers provided by businesses.&nbsp;Hays Police Chief Don Scheibler said he prefers to not block off streets at common consumption areas for the sake of businesses and their customers.&nbsp;“One of the benefits of having more people downtown is you want the businesses open. You're going to need to have the parking. It's easier for us not to block off the street,” he said.Nonprofit organizations like the Wild West Festival can participate in the common consumption law as long as they are a permit holder. Businesses outside of a common consumption area where an event is being held can get a caterer liquor license to serve but would still need approval from the city.The dates and times of operations discussed ranged from 6 a.m. to 2 a.m. or 24/7.&nbsp;White said any violations of beverages being misused in common consumption areas will be investigated to determine who is at fault between consumers and permit holders.City Commissioner Mason Ruder made mention of the environmental effects a common consumption area can have in the downtown area.&nbsp;“If people walk around with disposable cups, I don't want downtown to start looking like garbage,” Ruder said.Members of the commission were in agreement to install public trash cans and recycling bins wherever it’s needed.&nbsp;The meeting on June 6 was a work session, and no vote has yet to be taken. Further discussions and deliberations will be carried out in future sessions.

Hays City Commission discusses alcohol consumption area in downtown Hays

The Hays Post will be publishing a series of profiles introducing the community to the 10 candidates who are running for Hays USD 489 school board.&nbsp;

Those candidates are&nbsp;David Clingan,&nbsp;James Feyerherm,&nbsp;Jayme Goetz,&nbsp;Lori Hertel,&nbsp;Craig Pallister, Allen Park, Ruth Ruder, Duff Watson,&nbsp;Dennis Wilkie and&nbsp;Derek Yarmer.

The Hays Post sent questionnaires to the candidates asking for biographical information and why they chose to run for school board.

Not enough candidates filed for the school board to require a primary. The general election will be Nov. 7. The voter registration deadline for the general election is Oct. 17.

Profession:&nbsp; District manager of the Hays Social Security Office

Are you an incumbent? &nbsp;&nbsp;No&nbsp; If so,&nbsp;years served?&nbsp; N/A

Do you have children or grandchildren who attend Hays public school?&nbsp; Yes. My children have attended Hays public schools at the elementary, middle, and high school level.&nbsp; The youngest two currently attend Hays High School.

Please give a&nbsp;brief bio on yourself in 100 words or less.&nbsp;

The youngest of seven children, I grew up on a farm in Nebraska. After attending a two-room school house for grade school, I went on to West Point Public High School where I graduated valedictorian. I then worked full-time while earning a degree in political science and history at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln.

I met my wife in training for Social Security. In 2002, I became a manager and our family moved to Hays. I enjoy being part of the Hays community. I served on the Messiah Lutheran Church board for almost 20 years and volunteered in many other capacities.&nbsp;

Please explain why you are running for school board in 500 words or less.&nbsp;

My family moved to Hays over 20 years ago.&nbsp; All five of our children have attended or are attending public school.&nbsp; We have a good public school system that is supported by the community.&nbsp; I was proud to vote for the school bond last May. Passing the bond shows our community’s commitment to learning at all levels.&nbsp;

When running for school board, it is important to understand the role and importance of the board. I believe the school board should support teachers and staff, ensure the taxes we pay are used efficiently and effectively and, most importantly of all, make sure that our kids are prepared to succeed in life.

Our school system should be committed to all students. Not everyone will be attending a four-year university. Many students want to join the workforce immediately after high school or attend a vocational school. I have been encouraged by the district’s focus on individual plans of study and providing students with technical training through NCK Tech.

For college-bound students, I was pleased to see the switch to a 90-80-70-60 grading scale last year. I am glad our standards were changed to reflect the norm for schools across the state. Many college scholarships are based, at least partially, on GPA. This change helped even the playing field for students and led to more scholarship offers.

I applaud these efforts and will make decisions that are in the best interest of all students.

Hays PostThe Hays Post will be publishing a series of profiles introducing the community to the 10 candidates who are running for Hays USD 489 school board.&nbsp;Those candidates are&nbsp;David Clingan,&nbsp;James Feyerherm,&nbsp;Jayme Goetz,&nbsp;Lori Hertel,&nbsp;Craig Pallister, Allen Park, Ruth Ruder, Duff Watson,&nbsp;Dennis Wilkie and&nbsp;Derek Yarmer.The Hays Post sent questionnaires to the candidates asking for biographical information and why they chose to run for school board.Not enough candidates filed for the school board to require a primary. The general election will be Nov. 7. The voter registration deadline for the general election is Oct. 17.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/7/1689018188245.png" alt="Feyerherm" />
 <figcaption>Feyerherm</figcaption>
 </figure><h2>James Feyerherm</h2>Age:&nbsp; 56Profession:&nbsp; District manager of the Hays Social Security OfficeAre you an incumbent? &nbsp;&nbsp;No&nbsp; If so,&nbsp;years served?&nbsp; N/ADo you have children or grandchildren who attend Hays public school?&nbsp; Yes. My children have attended Hays public schools at the elementary, middle, and high school level.&nbsp; The youngest two currently attend Hays High School.Please give a&nbsp;brief bio on yourself in 100 words or less.&nbsp;The youngest of seven children, I grew up on a farm in Nebraska. After attending a two-room school house for grade school, I went on to West Point Public High School where I graduated valedictorian. I then worked full-time while earning a degree in political science and history at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln.I met my wife in training for Social Security. In 2002, I became a manager and our family moved to Hays. I enjoy being part of the Hays community. I served on the Messiah Lutheran Church board for almost 20 years and volunteered in many other capacities.&nbsp;Please explain why you are running for school board in 500 words or less.&nbsp;My family moved to Hays over 20 years ago.&nbsp; All five of our children have attended or are attending public school.&nbsp; We have a good public school system that is supported by the community.&nbsp; I was proud to vote for the school bond last May. Passing the bond shows our community’s commitment to learning at all levels.&nbsp;When running for school board, it is important to understand the role and importance of the board. I believe the school board should support teachers and staff, ensure the taxes we pay are used efficiently and effectively and, most importantly of all, make sure that our kids are prepared to succeed in life.Our school system should be committed to all students. Not everyone will be attending a four-year university. Many students want to join the workforce immediately after high school or attend a vocational school. I have been encouraged by the district’s focus on individual plans of study and providing students with technical training through NCK Tech.For college-bound students, I was pleased to see the switch to a 90-80-70-60 grading scale last year. I am glad our standards were changed to reflect the norm for schools across the state. Many college scholarships are based, at least partially, on GPA. This change helped even the playing field for students and led to more scholarship offers.I applaud these efforts and will make decisions that are in the best interest of all students.

Hays USD 489 school board candidate: James Feyerherm

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/7/1689023935974.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Image courtesy of Pixabay.

McCracken Rodeo runs today through Saturday

Dr. Janet Stramel and Dr. Paul Adams of the Fort Hays State University College of Education were awarded several federal grants from the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) via the Kansas Space Grant Consortium to support teacher training and professional development in Western Kansas. 

These grants will provide funding for a series of workshops for Kansas teachers to be held in the fall of 2023.

“Through these grants, we are able to bring NASA into the classroom to spark excitement and interest in technical or scientific careers vital to the future growth of Kansas,” Adams said.

The Dean of the College of Education, Adams, recently secured two grants. The first was a $21,700 award for FHSU’s Robotics for Middle School Teachers workshop program.&nbsp;The workshop provides teachers with a robot kit, training on how to work with their students and robots, an introduction to the FHSU Western Kansas Robotics Competition, and support to prepare team(s) to participate in an upcoming FHSU robotics competition. 

Teachers are also provided with information about NASA’s engineering programs and their use of robots, along with an overview of potential careers in robotics that teachers can share with their students.

Dean Adam’s second Kansas Grant Consortium award of $25,390 was for FHSU’s High-Altitude Balloon workshop program. This workshop provides teachers with the tools that enable students to create an investigation of the upper atmosphere (up to 100,000 feet) with a balloon launch system provided by FHSU’s Science and Mathematics Education Institute and MakerVan. Participating teachers fly a flight and then return to their schools to work with students to design a later investigation to be flown during a return trip to FHSU with their students.

Dr. Stramel’s grant of $36,461 will support the delivery of a workshop titled,&nbsp;Astronomy – The Year of Eclipses.&nbsp;The workshop will focus on preparing teachers to work with their students as they observe the two solar eclipses that will occur during the 2023-24 school year (October and April).&nbsp; 

Participants will discuss eclipses, heliophysics (the study of the&nbsp;sun and how it influences space),&nbsp;how to safely view solar phenomena, and work with two digital planetariums designed for classroom use and operated by the FHSU Science and Mathematics Education Institute and its associated MakerVan program.&nbsp;

Learn more about these and other FHSU Science and Mathematics Education Institute programs at&nbsp;<a href="https://link.mediaoutreach.meltwater.com/ls/click?upn=-2BFJoAhsjp8losQfY8t-2BZtEE8LmVosFl9uDgATeX2eqLl7ZZ-2FFC4lLo6f7ko3idthjQeB_scuE6QATIAo5tLVPwSgAru2c-2BhK2yoyXg2bmw7NiE0fAh1KPMZMELOQP7nofz6yYQ-2Bqf093MhwFAtRepL8jHlz54IAfPLuFjTL9o8QdaXZuZ89uG8p7HAdjtWBhgDXVb55RZnGwTe3ZEBRnFjD-2B-2BsyKnP7raj29a2qKut7Vo78BXeMuccfuCjnzwko7kHQHcJm5jBh0XvO-2BAysdkeh0yKs9uUYvuwOBFUyrAItcLHhLOq4gQa3Taomd2zIcSks5joj63s6Exj0Rx-2FzrXxJUp-2FL9i7PU8sW1-2Bz0MR2pTIm-2FQW462pUvpQwq9MtrRAEeJJZ3ru1JRrkNuQ5lwfEr6-2FcQZq6cq-2FPBAQuYY844DTRWoR68OYTl9sxBkpZouEbN0h-2FTjfeUy3S7RDrlRP3D5NLg-3D-3D" target="_blank">https://www.fhsu.edu/smei/</a>.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/7/1689101978911.jpeg" alt="Fort Hays State University's high-altitude balloon workshop. Photo by FHSU" />
 <figcaption>Fort Hays State University's high-altitude balloon workshop. Photo by FHSU</figcaption>
 </figure>FHSU University RelationsDr. Janet Stramel and Dr. Paul Adams of the Fort Hays State University College of Education were awarded several federal grants from the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) via the Kansas Space Grant Consortium to support teacher training and professional development in Western Kansas. These grants will provide funding for a series of workshops for Kansas teachers to be held in the fall of 2023.“Through these grants, we are able to bring NASA into the classroom to spark excitement and interest in technical or scientific careers vital to the future growth of Kansas,” Adams said.The Dean of the College of Education, Adams, recently secured two grants. The first was a $21,700 award for FHSU’s Robotics for Middle School Teachers workshop program.&nbsp;The workshop provides teachers with a robot kit, training on how to work with their students and robots, an introduction to the FHSU Western Kansas Robotics Competition, and support to prepare team(s) to participate in an upcoming FHSU robotics competition. Teachers are also provided with information about NASA’s engineering programs and their use of robots, along with an overview of potential careers in robotics that teachers can share with their students.Dean Adam’s second Kansas Grant Consortium award of $25,390 was for FHSU’s High-Altitude Balloon workshop program. This workshop provides teachers with the tools that enable students to create an investigation of the upper atmosphere (up to 100,000 feet) with a balloon launch system provided by FHSU’s Science and Mathematics Education Institute and MakerVan. Participating teachers fly a flight and then return to their schools to work with students to design a later investigation to be flown during a return trip to FHSU with their students.Dr. Stramel’s grant of $36,461 will support the delivery of a workshop titled,&nbsp;Astronomy – The Year of Eclipses.&nbsp;The workshop will focus on preparing teachers to work with their students as they observe the two solar eclipses that will occur during the 2023-24 school year (October and April).&nbsp; Participants will discuss eclipses, heliophysics (the study of the&nbsp;sun and how it influences space),&nbsp;how to safely view solar phenomena, and work with two digital planetariums designed for classroom use and operated by the FHSU Science and Mathematics Education Institute and its associated MakerVan program.&nbsp;Learn more about these and other FHSU Science and Mathematics Education Institute programs at&nbsp;<a href="https://link.mediaoutreach.meltwater.com/ls/click?upn=-2BFJoAhsjp8losQfY8t-2BZtEE8LmVosFl9uDgATeX2eqLl7ZZ-2FFC4lLo6f7ko3idthjQeB_scuE6QATIAo5tLVPwSgAru2c-2BhK2yoyXg2bmw7NiE0fAh1KPMZMELOQP7nofz6yYQ-2Bqf093MhwFAtRepL8jHlz54IAfPLuFjTL9o8QdaXZuZ89uG8p7HAdjtWBhgDXVb55RZnGwTe3ZEBRnFjD-2B-2BsyKnP7raj29a2qKut7Vo78BXeMuccfuCjnzwko7kHQHcJm5jBh0XvO-2BAysdkeh0yKs9uUYvuwOBFUyrAItcLHhLOq4gQa3Taomd2zIcSks5joj63s6Exj0Rx-2FzrXxJUp-2FL9i7PU8sW1-2Bz0MR2pTIm-2FQW462pUvpQwq9MtrRAEeJJZ3ru1JRrkNuQ5lwfEr6-2FcQZq6cq-2FPBAQuYY844DTRWoR68OYTl9sxBkpZouEbN0h-2FTjfeUy3S7RDrlRP3D5NLg-3D-3D" target="_blank">https://www.fhsu.edu/smei/</a>.

FHSU College of Education leaders awarded NASA grants

<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/2023/7/1689089912562.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

🎥 Green and Growing: Watering on vacation

On this episode of the&nbsp;<a href="https://postpodcast.podbean.com/">Post Podcast</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.growhays.com/" target="_blank">Grow Hays</a>&nbsp;executive director Doug Williams&nbsp;discusses Fort Hays State University President Tisa Mason joining their board of directors while above-ground work begins on the Microfactory project.

Read more about the Microfactory project:&nbsp; <a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/4b0833de-8582-4800-b0ce-7f4ea9baf6d7">Lt. Gov. Toland: Grow Hays Microfactory an 'idea whose time has come'</a>

<div><iframe title="As above ground work on Microfactory begins FHSU President joins board" 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=u9ivu-14537ad-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.growhays.com/" target="_blank">Grow Hays</a>&nbsp;executive director Doug Williams&nbsp;discusses Fort Hays State University President Tisa Mason joining their board of directors while above-ground work begins on the Microfactory project.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/10/1665167255581.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Read more about the Microfactory project:&nbsp; <a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/4b0833de-8582-4800-b0ce-7f4ea9baf6d7">Lt. Gov. Toland: Grow Hays Microfactory an 'idea whose time has come'</a>

🎙 Post Podcast: As above ground work on Microfactory begins FHSU President joins board

This is Day 9 of the Kansas Wheat Harvest Reports, brought to you by the Kansas Wheat Commission, Kansas Association of Wheat Growers, Kansas Grain and Feed Association and the Kansas Cooperative Council.

Harvest continues to plod along into the second week of July, and farmers who still have wheat left to cut are facing rain delays and hail, leading to a long, drawn-out wheat harvest.&nbsp;

From July 3 to July 9, there were only 4.1 days suitable for fieldwork, according to the USDA's National Agricultural Statistics Service (NASS) crop progress report for the week ending July 9, 2023. Harvest is now 59% complete, well behind 93% last year and 84% for the average.&nbsp;

Farmers are balancing a mix of emotions from frustration caused by having to wait for conditions to dry, stress of potential hail and other weather events, with joy from these recent rains.&nbsp;

Northwest of Hays, Eric Werth, general manager at Golden Belt Coop acknowledges some of the struggles he has seen in Ellis County.&nbsp;

“We are really just waiting for it to dry out around here,” Werth says.

Werth speculates they are about 90% wrapped up with harvest for this year. Another stressor that Werth describes is the amount of weeds that the rain has brought with it.

After a late start on June 21, Werth reports that he is expecting probably 55% of the quantity they have gotten in years past. Yields are averaging around 30 bushels per acre, with some brighter spots getting up to 40 bushels per acre.&nbsp;

“That is definitely not the majority, though,” Werth says. “The [Westbred] Grainfield variety is one that seems to be doing well this year.”

Looking at test weights is encouraging for this area, though, seeing those come in around 62 pounds per bushel. However, proteins have been relatively low this year. He guesses they have taken in about 450,000 bushels so far. He said most of the wheat his elevator receives ends up at flour mills.&nbsp;

Seventeen miles west of the geographical center of the continental United States, Bruce Williams at Trinity Ag in Smith Center says his area has been subject to the rain delays as well.&nbsp;

“The thing that hurt us the most is we’ve basically cut very little since July 4th,” Williams noted. “There has been so much humidity.”&nbsp;

Williams said harvest began on June 24 this year, only four days off from when they usually start cutting, but after these recent rains, harvest has been slow to get back up and running. Having had big days on July 3 and 4, they have not had a single, full week of continuous cutting this harvest.&nbsp;

Initial drought stress caused some decent test weights in earlier loads to the elevator. Test weights were about 60-63 pounds per bushel, but these later storms have caused those numbers to dip into the 58 pound per bushel range. Proteins in the area have been as high as 12 to 14 percent. Yields have been all over the board, but even with farmers starting with their best fields, yields were only 35-40 bushels per acre. Many farmers have been abandoning their fields, as the weed pressure has been so intense. The kochia and pigweeds have been so dense that in some of the more extreme cases, you&nbsp;cannot even see the wheat as you drive past fields.&nbsp;

Along with the rain, northwest Kansas has been hit with hail storms. Fortunately, not much of the crop has been destroyed. Smith and Phillips counties are expecting to see more rain and storm chances in the upcoming week.&nbsp;

Elevators and farmers aren’t the only ones waiting for conditions to dry. Custom harvest crews like MJB Harvesting out of Grainfield, Kansas, are anxiously waiting to get out and begin harvesting. So far, MJB Harvesting has only been able to cut one field while in Kansas.

Mark Bosse, owner of MJB, shared that nearly all of their customers in Kansas have been affected by either hail or drought, or both. Fields that were going to be decent are now looking to only be 15-35 bushels per acre. The one field the MJB crew has been able to cut so far yielded about 35-40 bushels per acre. Several producers along the Gove and Lane county line will not even harvest their crop.&nbsp;

Composed of local people, high schoolers and J-1 visa employees, the MJB harvesting crew has been on the road since May 22. They started in Texas and will go all the way up into Montana. Although conditions were good in Texas, the wheat got bleak as they progressed north. Fortunately for them, crop conditions are looking up for areas north of Kansas, rounding out a very interesting wheat crop year.&nbsp;

The 2023 Harvest Report is brought to you by the Kansas Wheat Commission, Kansas Association of Wheat Growers, Kansas Grain and Feed Association and the Kansas Cooperative Council.

To follow along with harvest updates on Twitter, use #wheatharvest23.&nbsp;Tag us at @kansaswheat on&nbsp;<a href="https://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001L4S4V4088er1olXZMhUdn3ZOj74xvSIBMXdxJYEwllHQ-lh3UBj3PmhrMq-CirB-u0DVZoST6_FnCxGZ58QfBYh-dQ1R0M_fgnAWT_-pon4CC7z6zOyEvu92enzW-ojLtsNxVrmo1AM6N_a3VpIBnfYudKuMwBia&amp;c=R1oCOQ7Jgu-IoTEeDukwAXj9Y2sbJokLgQnexzULLY77jXfaxMqVPg==&amp;ch=Y3iox7ci08C_ixvYYOetk2f7qaKE-47EwiHxvArgG-8h6cqAzR9b_A==" target="_blank">Facebook</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001L4S4V4088er1olXZMhUdn3ZOj74xvSIBMXdxJYEwllHQ-lh3UBj3Pho0cnbH4WOJmaaWZ-PhwWwsCps9xJIx-2cRJqxIr5x-LTvHW4BIWm90mo643mcxdHFrqz_zTSk68xj75fC0h9imWarI6HNsxfY-FRbaU44o&amp;c=R1oCOQ7Jgu-IoTEeDukwAXj9Y2sbJokLgQnexzULLY77jXfaxMqVPg==&amp;ch=Y3iox7ci08C_ixvYYOetk2f7qaKE-47EwiHxvArgG-8h6cqAzR9b_A==" target="_blank">Instagram</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001L4S4V4088er1olXZMhUdn3ZOj74xvSIBMXdxJYEwllHQ-lh3UBj3PuU1NKQDCspeVP5QEasL0lE1tzRl7hw5H-gmzXgAQvOeIvbLByq18W-oqLFlKY_cMqNeww_BalKixuc7s751Ldx40i59QIsJ4YYFako8uYaj&amp;c=R1oCOQ7Jgu-IoTEeDukwAXj9Y2sbJokLgQnexzULLY77jXfaxMqVPg==&amp;ch=Y3iox7ci08C_ixvYYOetk2f7qaKE-47EwiHxvArgG-8h6cqAzR9b_A==" target="_blank">Twitter</a>&nbsp;to share your harvest story and photos.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/7/1689043934233.png" alt="Day 9 Kansas Wheat Harvest" />
 <figcaption>Day 9 Kansas Wheat Harvest</figcaption>
 </figure>Kansas Wheat This is Day 9 of the Kansas Wheat Harvest Reports, brought to you by the Kansas Wheat Commission, Kansas Association of Wheat Growers, Kansas Grain and Feed Association and the Kansas Cooperative Council.Harvest continues to plod along into the second week of July, and farmers who still have wheat left to cut are facing rain delays and hail, leading to a long, drawn-out wheat harvest.&nbsp;From July 3 to July 9, there were only 4.1 days suitable for fieldwork, according to the USDA's National Agricultural Statistics Service (NASS) crop progress report for the week ending July 9, 2023. Harvest is now 59% complete, well behind 93% last year and 84% for the average.&nbsp;Farmers are balancing a mix of emotions from frustration caused by having to wait for conditions to dry, stress of potential hail and other weather events, with joy from these recent rains.&nbsp;Northwest of Hays, Eric Werth, general manager at Golden Belt Coop acknowledges some of the struggles he has seen in Ellis County.&nbsp;“We are really just waiting for it to dry out around here,” Werth says.Werth speculates they are about 90% wrapped up with harvest for this year. Another stressor that Werth describes is the amount of weeds that the rain has brought with it.After a late start on June 21, Werth reports that he is expecting probably 55% of the quantity they have gotten in years past. Yields are averaging around 30 bushels per acre, with some brighter spots getting up to 40 bushels per acre.&nbsp;“That is definitely not the majority, though,” Werth says. “The [Westbred] Grainfield variety is one that seems to be doing well this year.”Looking at test weights is encouraging for this area, though, seeing those come in around 62 pounds per bushel. However, proteins have been relatively low this year. He guesses they have taken in about 450,000 bushels so far. He said most of the wheat his elevator receives ends up at flour mills.&nbsp;Seventeen miles west of the geographical center of the continental United States, Bruce Williams at Trinity Ag in Smith Center says his area has been subject to the rain delays as well.&nbsp;“The thing that hurt us the most is we’ve basically cut very little since July 4th,” Williams noted. “There has been so much humidity.”&nbsp;Williams said harvest began on June 24 this year, only four days off from when they usually start cutting, but after these recent rains, harvest has been slow to get back up and running. Having had big days on July 3 and 4, they have not had a single, full week of continuous cutting this harvest.&nbsp;Initial drought stress caused some decent test weights in earlier loads to the elevator. Test weights were about 60-63 pounds per bushel, but these later storms have caused those numbers to dip into the 58 pound per bushel range. Proteins in the area have been as high as 12 to 14 percent. Yields have been all over the board, but even with farmers starting with their best fields, yields were only 35-40 bushels per acre. Many farmers have been abandoning their fields, as the weed pressure has been so intense. The kochia and pigweeds have been so dense that in some of the more extreme cases, you&nbsp;cannot even see the wheat as you drive past fields.&nbsp;Along with the rain, northwest Kansas has been hit with hail storms. Fortunately, not much of the crop has been destroyed. Smith and Phillips counties are expecting to see more rain and storm chances in the upcoming week.&nbsp;Elevators and farmers aren’t the only ones waiting for conditions to dry. Custom harvest crews like MJB Harvesting out of Grainfield, Kansas, are anxiously waiting to get out and begin harvesting. So far, MJB Harvesting has only been able to cut one field while in Kansas.Mark Bosse, owner of MJB, shared that nearly all of their customers in Kansas have been affected by either hail or drought, or both. Fields that were going to be decent are now looking to only be 15-35 bushels per acre. The one field the MJB crew has been able to cut so far yielded about 35-40 bushels per acre. Several producers along the Gove and Lane county line will not even harvest their crop.&nbsp;Composed of local people, high schoolers and J-1 visa employees, the MJB harvesting crew has been on the road since May 22. They started in Texas and will go all the way up into Montana. Although conditions were good in Texas, the wheat got bleak as they progressed north. Fortunately for them, crop conditions are looking up for areas north of Kansas, rounding out a very interesting wheat crop year.&nbsp;The 2023 Harvest Report is brought to you by the Kansas Wheat Commission, Kansas Association of Wheat Growers, Kansas Grain and Feed Association and the Kansas Cooperative Council. To follow along with harvest updates on Twitter, use #wheatharvest23.&nbsp;Tag us at @kansaswheat on&nbsp;<a href="https://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001L4S4V4088er1olXZMhUdn3ZOj74xvSIBMXdxJYEwllHQ-lh3UBj3PmhrMq-CirB-u0DVZoST6_FnCxGZ58QfBYh-dQ1R0M_fgnAWT_-pon4CC7z6zOyEvu92enzW-ojLtsNxVrmo1AM6N_a3VpIBnfYudKuMwBia&amp;c=R1oCOQ7Jgu-IoTEeDukwAXj9Y2sbJokLgQnexzULLY77jXfaxMqVPg==&amp;ch=Y3iox7ci08C_ixvYYOetk2f7qaKE-47EwiHxvArgG-8h6cqAzR9b_A==" target="_blank">Facebook</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001L4S4V4088er1olXZMhUdn3ZOj74xvSIBMXdxJYEwllHQ-lh3UBj3Pho0cnbH4WOJmaaWZ-PhwWwsCps9xJIx-2cRJqxIr5x-LTvHW4BIWm90mo643mcxdHFrqz_zTSk68xj75fC0h9imWarI6HNsxfY-FRbaU44o&amp;c=R1oCOQ7Jgu-IoTEeDukwAXj9Y2sbJokLgQnexzULLY77jXfaxMqVPg==&amp;ch=Y3iox7ci08C_ixvYYOetk2f7qaKE-47EwiHxvArgG-8h6cqAzR9b_A==" target="_blank">Instagram</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001L4S4V4088er1olXZMhUdn3ZOj74xvSIBMXdxJYEwllHQ-lh3UBj3PuU1NKQDCspeVP5QEasL0lE1tzRl7hw5H-gmzXgAQvOeIvbLByq18W-oqLFlKY_cMqNeww_BalKixuc7s751Ldx40i59QIsJ4YYFako8uYaj&amp;c=R1oCOQ7Jgu-IoTEeDukwAXj9Y2sbJokLgQnexzULLY77jXfaxMqVPg==&amp;ch=Y3iox7ci08C_ixvYYOetk2f7qaKE-47EwiHxvArgG-8h6cqAzR9b_A==" target="_blank">Twitter</a>&nbsp;to share your harvest story and photos.

KANSAS WHEAT: Harvest 90% complete in Ellis County

The Hays Police Department will be conducting training on July 11th and 12th between the hours of 7:30 a.m. and 5:30 p.m. at the Hays Middle School, 201 West 29th Street.

Police officers will be training to rapidly enter a school in the event of a crisis. 

This training is being done with great care and safety. As a home or business owner, you may see law enforcement officers move through your area. There is no need to be alarmed. The officers are merely conducting a realistic training exercise and there is no danger to the community. 

If you have any questions or concerns, you may contact the on-site supervisor, Sgt. Brandon Hauptman, or Chief Don Scheibler at 785-625-1030. Thank you for your cooperation.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/3/1616441255200.jpeg" alt="Hays Police Department training. File photo by James Bell/Hays Post" />
 <figcaption>Hays Police Department training. File photo by James Bell/Hays Post</figcaption>
 </figure>HPDThe Hays Police Department will be conducting training on July 11th and 12th between the hours of 7:30 a.m. and 5:30 p.m. at the Hays Middle School, 201 West 29th Street.Police officers will be training to rapidly enter a school in the event of a crisis. This training is being done with great care and safety. As a home or business owner, you may see law enforcement officers move through your area. There is no need to be alarmed. The officers are merely conducting a realistic training exercise and there is no danger to the community. If you have any questions or concerns, you may contact the on-site supervisor, Sgt. Brandon Hauptman, or Chief Don Scheibler at 785-625-1030. Thank you for your cooperation.

Active shooter training at Hays Middle School Tue. and Wed.

By TONY GUERRERO Hays Post

Three-hundred cyclists rode across Ellis County Saturday to visit several Volga German Chapels and experience the culture.&nbsp;

This is the fourth-annual Tour of Chapels, including stops at St. Catherine Church in Catharine, The Basilica on the Plains in Victoria, Holy Cross Church in Pfeifer and St. Francis Church in Munjor.&nbsp;

Cyclists chose from a 15-mile casual ride to a 100-mile ride across the county that began at Hays Municipal Park. The ride concluded in the Municipal Park with meals and refreshments as The Joe Dolezal Polka Band performed.&nbsp;

Deanna Lusk came from Derby and biked 50 miles to visit Holy Cross Church. Lusk said it was a positive experience despite the challenging hills and wind conditions early in the morning.&nbsp;

This was her first Tour of the Chapels and advises future goers to be prepared for the demanding journey.

“If you're just starting cycling take it 5-10 miles at a time, work your way up to bigger rides and make sure you got enough nutrition and water,” Lusk said.&nbsp;

Brian Buckstead, Hays Symphony conductor, performed at St. Catherine Church, Basilica of the Plains with their Brass Quintet led by Kathy Amrein. Jane Hyde played at Holy Cross Church while Hillary Shepard, Kristin Pisano and Ben Cline took center stage at St Francis Church.&nbsp;

Kay Werth, a coordinator of the event, wanted to raise money for the churches while also promoting wellness and cyclists in the community.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/7/1689016389736.jpeg" alt="Start and finish line for Tour Die Kapellen. Tony Guerrero/Hays Post " />
 <figcaption>Start and finish line for Tour Die Kapellen. Tony Guerrero/Hays Post </figcaption>
 </figure>By TONY GUERRERO Hays Post Three-hundred cyclists rode across Ellis County Saturday to visit several Volga German Chapels and experience the culture.&nbsp;This is the fourth-annual Tour of Chapels, including stops at St. Catherine Church in Catharine, The Basilica on the Plains in Victoria, Holy Cross Church in Pfeifer and St. Francis Church in Munjor.&nbsp;Cyclists chose from a 15-mile casual ride to a 100-mile ride across the county that began at Hays Municipal Park. The ride concluded in the Municipal Park with meals and refreshments as The Joe Dolezal Polka Band performed.&nbsp;Deanna Lusk came from Derby and biked 50 miles to visit Holy Cross Church. Lusk said it was a positive experience despite the challenging hills and wind conditions early in the morning.&nbsp;<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/7/1689020785865.jpeg" alt="The Holy Cross Shrine in Pfeifer. Tony Guerrero/Hays Post" />
 <figcaption>The Holy Cross Shrine in Pfeifer. Tony Guerrero/Hays Post</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/7/1689017899596.jpeg" alt="Tourists inside The Holy Cross Church. Tony Guerrero/Hays Post" />
 <figcaption>Tourists inside The Holy Cross Church. Tony Guerrero/Hays Post</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/7/1689017957994.jpeg" alt="Tourists inside The Holy Cross Church. Tony Guerrero/Hays Post" />
 <figcaption>Tourists inside The Holy Cross Church. Tony Guerrero/Hays Post</figcaption>
 </figure>This was her first Tour of the Chapels and advises future goers to be prepared for the demanding journey.“If you're just starting cycling take it 5-10 miles at a time, work your way up to bigger rides and make sure you got enough nutrition and water,” Lusk said.&nbsp;Brian Buckstead, Hays Symphony conductor, performed at St. Catherine Church, Basilica of the Plains with their Brass Quintet led by Kathy Amrein. Jane Hyde played at Holy Cross Church while Hillary Shepard, Kristin Pisano and Ben Cline took center stage at St Francis Church.&nbsp;Kay Werth, a coordinator of the event, wanted to raise money for the churches while also promoting wellness and cyclists in the community.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/7/1689017605932.jpeg" alt="The Basilica of St. Fidelis in Victoria. Tony Guerrero/Hays Post" />
 <figcaption>The Basilica of St. Fidelis in Victoria. Tony Guerrero/Hays Post</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/7/1689017369526.jpeg" alt="Bikes left outside St. Fidelis. Tony Guerrero/Hays Post" />
 <figcaption>Bikes left outside St. Fidelis. Tony Guerrero/Hays Post</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/7/1689017536290.jpeg" alt="Cyclists outside St. Fidelis. Tony Guerrero/Hays Post" />
 <figcaption>Cyclists outside St. Fidelis. Tony Guerrero/Hays Post</figcaption>
 </figure>“I have always loved No. 1 our faith and No. 2 biking,” she said. “As you get older, you become more health conscious and you want a heart-healthy lifestyle.”Each year, a different church is chosen to receive the majority of the profit. For this year, the Holy Cross Church in Pfeifer was selected as the receiver.Two buses visited the same destinations as the cyclists to experience music and learn historical information at each church. The bus route included George Grant’s Villa, Old Walker Air Base and the remains of Sacred Heart Church.&nbsp;Jerry Braun is a descendant of Volga Germans who migrated from Russia to Ellis County in 1876. He worked as the bus tour guide, providing historical knowledge and showcasing the legacy of Ellis County.&nbsp;<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/7/1689018178195.jpeg" alt="Tourists entering the bus for the tour. Tony Guerrero/Hays Post" />
 <figcaption>Tourists entering the bus for the tour. Tony Guerrero/Hays Post</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/7/1689018357243.jpeg" alt="St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church in Munjor. Tony Guerrero/Hays Post" />
 <figcaption>St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church in Munjor. Tony Guerrero/Hays Post</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/7/1689018428772.jpeg" alt="Tourists inside St. Francis Church. Tony Guerrero/Hays Post" />
 <figcaption>Tourists inside St. Francis Church. Tony Guerrero/Hays Post</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/7/1689018472079.jpeg" alt="Ben Cline playing the cello at St. Francis Church. Tony Guerrero/Hays Post" />
 <figcaption>Ben Cline playing the cello at St. Francis Church. Tony Guerrero/Hays Post</figcaption>
 </figure>Dette Younger toured the chapels via bus and said the Holy Cross Church was her favorite to visit because of her father's connection to the church.&nbsp;Younger said she learned a lot on the bus ride, from the chapels still in operation to the burned remains of the Emmeram Church.&nbsp;The feedback received so far has prompted the organizers to start contemplating next year's annual event.&nbsp;“I think it was very detailed oriented, and we tried to cover almost every facet, but it’s certainly not without areas that could use improvement,” Werth said.&nbsp;The post-ride German meal may accommodate those with dietary restrictions next year by including vegan and gluten-free options for those who attend.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/7/1689016982585.jpeg" alt="St. Catherine Church at Catharine. Tony Guerrero/Hays Post" />
 <figcaption>St. Catherine Church at Catharine. Tony Guerrero/Hays Post</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/7/1689017203292.jpeg" alt="Tourists inside Catherine Church. Tony Guerrero/Hays Post" />
 <figcaption>Tourists inside Catherine Church. Tony Guerrero/Hays Post</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/7/1689018685980.jpeg" alt="Attendees lining up for German food. Tony Guerrero/Hays Post" />
 <figcaption>Attendees lining up for German food. Tony Guerrero/Hays Post</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/7/1689018751088.jpeg" alt="Attendees dance as The Joe Dolezal Polka Band plays. Tony Guerrero/Hays Post " />
 <figcaption>Attendees dance as The Joe Dolezal Polka Band plays. Tony Guerrero/Hays Post </figcaption>
 </figure>

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