The annual Duck Derby fundraiser for Big Brothers Big Sisters serving Ellis County was Wednesday night at the Hays Aquatic Park.

Funds raised through the event help Big Brothers Big Sisters match youth with mentors in Ellis County.

<a href="https://soundcloud.com/user-814667509/hays-duck-derby-winner-karista-pugh?si=bd72fe5c0d714ba583bbfc82ed6c166e&amp;utm_source=clipboard&amp;utm_medium=text&amp;utm_campaign=social_sharing">Karista Pugh was the winner of the $10 grand prize. Hear an interview with her her</a>e.

Below are a list of other winners and the winner of the Cardboard Boat Regatta races.

Grand Prize – $10,000&nbsp; (sponsored by: Auto World, Robert Brogden, Hays Chevrolet, Lewis Automotive Group of Hays, Happy’s Auto, and Bruckner’s.

Best of Show Award: Hays Fire Department Spirit Award: Thirsty’s&nbsp;Brew Pub &amp; Grill Titanic Award: Enersys

Sink Or Sail! Cardboard Regatta&nbsp;- 2023 Heat&nbsp;1&nbsp;Winner: High Plains Baptist Church, Time: 50.0 Heat&nbsp;2&nbsp;Winner: Werth Wealth Management, Time: 46.77 Heat&nbsp;3&nbsp;Winner: Thirsty’s&nbsp;Brew Pub &amp; Grill, Time: 1:08.35 Champion of the Sink Or Sail! Cardboard Regatta&nbsp;- Werth Wealth Management.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/8/1691690330425.jpeg" alt="From left: Gary Shorman; Jenny Bates, Big Brothers Big Sisters of Ellis County director; Duck Derby grand prize winner&nbsp;Karista Pugh; and Eagle Radio host Mike Holiday at the Duck Derby on Wednesday at the Hays Aquatic Park." />
 <figcaption>From left: Gary Shorman; Jenny Bates, Big Brothers Big Sisters of Ellis County director; Duck Derby grand prize winner&nbsp;Karista Pugh; and Eagle Radio host Mike Holiday at the Duck Derby on Wednesday at the Hays Aquatic Park.</figcaption>
 </figure>The annual Duck Derby fundraiser for Big Brothers Big Sisters serving Ellis County was Wednesday night at the Hays Aquatic Park.Funds raised through the event help Big Brothers Big Sisters match youth with mentors in Ellis County.<a href="https://soundcloud.com/user-814667509/hays-duck-derby-winner-karista-pugh?si=bd72fe5c0d714ba583bbfc82ed6c166e&amp;utm_source=clipboard&amp;utm_medium=text&amp;utm_campaign=social_sharing">Karista Pugh was the winner of the $10 grand prize. Hear an interview with her her</a>e.Below are a list of other winners and the winner of the Cardboard Boat Regatta races.<h2>Duck&nbsp;Derby Winners</h2><ul>
 <li>#10 – Breathe Coffee House Gift Basket including handmade mug &amp; 1 year membership&nbsp;(sponsored by&nbsp;Breathe Coffee House)</li>
 </ul>Winner:&nbsp;&nbsp;Todd Sandoval<ul>
 <li>#9 – 12 General Admission Fox Theatre Tickets&nbsp;(sponsored by&nbsp;Fox Theatre)</li>
 </ul>Winner:&nbsp;&nbsp;Rachel Atkison<ul>
 <li>#8 – $300 Walmart Gift Card&nbsp;–&nbsp;(sponsored by&nbsp;Walmart)</li>
 </ul>Winner:&nbsp;&nbsp;Hailey Long<ul>
 <li>#7 – (2) 2024 Wild West Festival&nbsp;VIP Tickets&nbsp;(sponsored by&nbsp;Wild West Festival)</li>
 </ul><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/8/1691690106973.jpeg" alt="A crowd watches the duck races. Courtesy photo" />
 <figcaption>A crowd watches the duck races. Courtesy photo</figcaption>
 </figure>Winner:&nbsp;&nbsp;Dan Schippers<ul>
 <li>#6 – Neato Botvac&nbsp;(sponsored by&nbsp;Nex-Tech)</li>
 </ul>Winner:&nbsp;&nbsp;Holly Augustine<ul>
 <li>#5 – iPad Mini&nbsp;&nbsp;(sponsored by&nbsp;Vyve Broadband)</li>
 </ul>Winner:&nbsp;&nbsp;Roxie Patterson<ul>
 <li>#4 – Halo Elite Countertop Griddle &amp; $150 Bigg E Meats Gift Card&nbsp;(sponsored by&nbsp;Crawford Supply &amp; Bigg E Meats)</li>
 </ul>Winner:&nbsp;&nbsp;Jackie Leiker<ul>
 <li>#3 – Tiger Lounge: Party for 20&nbsp; (sponsored by The Insurance Guys</li>
 </ul>Winner:&nbsp;&nbsp;Suzanne Azzarella<ul>
 <li>#2 – 2 Night Stay&nbsp;at&nbsp;the new Grain Bin&nbsp;Air&nbsp;Bed and Breakfast&nbsp;&amp; Wine Tasting Experience –&nbsp;(sponsored by&nbsp;Resurrection Vineyard Winery)</li>
 </ul>Winner:&nbsp;&nbsp;Sandy HenningsenGrand Prize – $10,000&nbsp; (sponsored by: Auto World, Robert Brogden, Hays Chevrolet, Lewis Automotive Group of Hays, Happy’s Auto, and Bruckner’s.Winner:&nbsp;&nbsp;Karista Pugh<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/8/1691689654954.jpeg" alt="Hays Fire Department boat, winner of Best of Show. Courtesy photo" />
 <figcaption>Hays Fire Department boat, winner of Best of Show. Courtesy photo</figcaption>
 </figure><h2>Boat races</h2>Best of Show Award: Hays Fire Department Spirit Award: Thirsty’s&nbsp;Brew Pub &amp; Grill Titanic Award: Enersys<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/8/1691689761134.jpeg" alt="Enersys boat and team, winner of the Titanic Award. Courtesy photo" />
 <figcaption>Enersys boat and team, winner of the Titanic Award. Courtesy photo</figcaption>
 </figure>Sink Or Sail! Cardboard Regatta&nbsp;- 2023 Heat&nbsp;1&nbsp;Winner: High Plains Baptist Church, Time: 50.0 Heat&nbsp;2&nbsp;Winner: Werth Wealth Management, Time: 46.77 Heat&nbsp;3&nbsp;Winner: Thirsty’s&nbsp;Brew Pub &amp; Grill, Time: 1:08.35 Champion of the Sink Or Sail! Cardboard Regatta&nbsp;- Werth Wealth Management.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/8/1691689809105.jpeg" alt="Thirsty's&nbsp;Brew Pub &amp; Grill, winner of the Spirit Award and heat 3 winner. Courtesy photo" />
 <figcaption>Thirsty's&nbsp;Brew Pub &amp; Grill, winner of the Spirit Award and heat 3 winner. Courtesy photo</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/8/1691689877322.jpeg" alt="High Plains Baptist Church boat, winner of heat 1. Courtesy photo" />
 <figcaption>High Plains Baptist Church boat, winner of heat 1. Courtesy photo</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/8/1691689973374.jpeg" alt="Werth Wealth Management boat and team, regatta champions. Courtesy photo" />
 <figcaption>Werth Wealth Management boat and team, regatta champions. Courtesy photo</figcaption>
 </figure>

🎙 FHSU student, future teacher wins Duck Derby

By BECKY KISER Hays Post

Pickleball is growing in popularity across the country and in Hays.

At the request of some local enthusiasts, Hays city commissioners will use funds next year in the city budget for the restriping of one tennis court in Municipal Park into two temporary pickleball courts.&nbsp;

The adjustment to the proposed 2024 budget will use $8,000 in the special parks and recreation fund.&nbsp;

Other budget changes made during last week's work session were less fun, involving the Convention and Visitors Bureau budget and decreased transient guest tax collection.

"The revenues for 2022 were really great over 2021 after COVID,&nbsp; and so we budgeted 2023 with an optimistic outlook that 2023 would also see a good year," said Collin Bielser, deputy city manager.

"It appears that based on our revenue receipts so far through 2023, that's flatlined.

"So we've had to draw back the revenue for CVB, which obviously impacts outside agency funding."&nbsp;

The transient guest tax receipts for 2023 are now estimated to be about $95,000 less than what was budgeted for this year.&nbsp;

The nonprofit, quality-of-life groups funded through the Convention and Visitors Bureau are Sister Cities, Wild West Festival, Hays Arts Council, Downtown Hays Development Corporation and the Ellis County Historical Society.

To fulfill all the requests would require the elimination of a $13,000 transfer to the bureau's reserve fund, along with a $7,000 cut elsewhere in their budget.&nbsp;

The historical society had requested double its allotment from $21,116 this year to&nbsp;$42,232 for 2024. &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; 

Although she continued to voice support for the positive direction and improvements the historical society is now going, Vice-Mayor Sandy Jacobs suggested the organization be given the same amount again next year.

Most of the commissioners verbally agreed to the following outside agency funding that falls within the Convention and Visitors Bureau budget:

Ellis Co. Historical Society&nbsp; &nbsp;$21,116 Hays Arts Council&nbsp;Society&nbsp; &nbsp; $16,500 Wild West Festival&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;$12,000 DHDC&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; $54,000 Sister Cities&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; $&nbsp; 5,050

Jacobs also asked the commission in a future meeting discuss possibly raising the 7 percent transient guest tax paid by overnight visitors.&nbsp;

Two percent of the transient guest tax is dedicated to paying the debt service for the North Vine Street Corridor improvements, leaving 5 percent for the visitors bureau operating budget.

"The reason it was raised from 5 percent to 7 percent was because the city commission felt North Vine represented a barrier to visitors and economic growth up there," said Toby Dougherty, city manager. "This provided a better way to facilitate those visitors and an environment that more leant itself to development of things visitors would like to partake in, which would bring more people."

"It's a tax that isn't directly on our citizens," Jacobs said. "It's the people that come through and stay in the hotels. It's a way to help continue fund CVB in the way I truly believe they need to be funded because they do an outstanding job marketing our community with what they have available to them."

Prior to the commission's discussion, Hays resident Ken Kennedy urged commissioners to lower the city mill levy. The 2024 draft budget is at 25 mills for the 14th consecutive year. Kennedy spoke from a letter he also sent to the Ellis County Commission and Hays USD 489 board members asking for similar reductions.&nbsp;

The budget review will continue at the Aug. 17 work session. The public hearing is scheduled for Sept. 14 during the regular meeting.

Commissioners also heard from Leland Olive, owner of Couture for Men, who expressed his opposition to designating an alcohol consumption zone in downtown Hays. The commission has yet to schedule a vote on such an ordinance.&nbsp;

In other business, John Braun, R9 Project Manager, discussed a $28,375 services agreement with&nbsp;4D Acquisition and Consulting, LLC, of Michigan to provide pre-acquisition services related to the construction of a water transmission pipeline&nbsp;from the city’s R9 wellfield in Edwards County to the city’s Smoky Hill River wellfield near Schoenchen.&nbsp;

Jesse Rohr, public works director, also reviewed the final plat for the Doonan Addition north of Interstate 70 at the west 157 exit.&nbsp;The proposed plat includes four lots ranging in size from 4.3 acres to 9.7 acres.

The platted lots south of 55th Street are zoned general commercial and the lot north&nbsp;of 55th Street is zoned agriculture.&nbsp;

The&nbsp;properties are owned by BBJ, LLC and have remained natural&nbsp;grassland except for the Doonan Peterbilt dealership that was built in 2014.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/8/1691525611835.jpeg" alt="Hays city commissioners discuss how to balance outside agency funding requests within the Convention and Visitors Bureau 2024 draft budget. Photos and video by Becky Kiser/Hays Post" />
 <figcaption>Hays city commissioners discuss how to balance outside agency funding requests within the Convention and Visitors Bureau 2024 draft budget. Photos and video by Becky Kiser/Hays Post</figcaption>
 </figure>By BECKY KISER Hays PostPickleball is growing in popularity across the country and in Hays.At the request of some local enthusiasts, Hays city commissioners will use funds next year in the city budget for the restriping of one tennis court in Municipal Park into two temporary pickleball courts.&nbsp;The adjustment to the proposed 2024 budget will use $8,000 in the special parks and recreation fund.&nbsp;Other budget changes made during last week's work session were less fun, involving the Convention and Visitors Bureau budget and decreased transient guest tax collection."The revenues for 2022 were really great over 2021 after COVID,&nbsp; and so we budgeted 2023 with an optimistic outlook that 2023 would also see a good year," said Collin Bielser, deputy city manager."It appears that based on our revenue receipts so far through 2023, that's flatlined."So we've had to draw back the revenue for CVB, which obviously impacts outside agency funding."&nbsp;The transient guest tax receipts for 2023 are now estimated to be about $95,000 less than what was budgeted for this year.&nbsp;The nonprofit, quality-of-life groups funded through the Convention and Visitors Bureau are Sister Cities, Wild West Festival, Hays Arts Council, Downtown Hays Development Corporation and the Ellis County Historical Society.To fulfill all the requests would require the elimination of a $13,000 transfer to the bureau's reserve fund, along with a $7,000 cut elsewhere in their budget.&nbsp;<div><div style="position:relative;overflow:hidden;padding-bottom:56.25%"><iframe src="https://cdn.jwplayer.com/players/85OytwTd-P46diVCW.html" width="100%" height="100%" frameborder="0" scrolling="auto" title="Sandy Outside Agencies 1" style="position:absolute;" allowfullscreen></iframe></div></div>The historical society had requested double its allotment from $21,116 this year to&nbsp;$42,232 for 2024. &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; Although she continued to voice support for the positive direction and improvements the historical society is now going, Vice-Mayor Sandy Jacobs suggested the organization be given the same amount again next year.Most of the commissioners verbally agreed to the following outside agency funding that falls within the Convention and Visitors Bureau budget:Ellis Co. Historical Society&nbsp; &nbsp;$21,116 Hays Arts Council&nbsp;Society&nbsp; &nbsp; $16,500 Wild West Festival&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;$12,000 DHDC&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; $54,000 Sister Cities&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; $&nbsp; 5,050Jacobs also asked the commission in a future meeting discuss possibly raising the 7 percent transient guest tax paid by overnight visitors.&nbsp;Two percent of the transient guest tax is dedicated to paying the debt service for the North Vine Street Corridor improvements, leaving 5 percent for the visitors bureau operating budget."The reason it was raised from 5 percent to 7 percent was because the city commission felt North Vine represented a barrier to visitors and economic growth up there," said Toby Dougherty, city manager. "This provided a better way to facilitate those visitors and an environment that more leant itself to development of things visitors would like to partake in, which would bring more people.""It's a tax that isn't directly on our citizens," Jacobs said. "It's the people that come through and stay in the hotels. It's a way to help continue fund CVB in the way I truly believe they need to be funded because they do an outstanding job marketing our community with what they have available to them."Prior to the commission's discussion, Hays resident Ken Kennedy urged commissioners to lower the city mill levy. The 2024 draft budget is at 25 mills for the 14th consecutive year. Kennedy spoke from a letter he also sent to the Ellis County Commission and Hays USD 489 board members asking for similar reductions.&nbsp;The budget review will continue at the Aug. 17 work session. The public hearing is scheduled for Sept. 14 during the regular meeting.Commissioners also heard from Leland Olive, owner of Couture for Men, who expressed his opposition to designating an alcohol consumption zone in downtown Hays. The commission has yet to schedule a vote on such an ordinance.&nbsp;In other business, John Braun, R9 Project Manager, discussed a $28,375 services agreement with&nbsp;4D Acquisition and Consulting, LLC, of Michigan to provide pre-acquisition services related to the construction of a water transmission pipeline&nbsp;from the city’s R9 wellfield in Edwards County to the city’s Smoky Hill River wellfield near Schoenchen.&nbsp;<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/8/1691531764048.png" alt="Doonan lots final plat. City of Hays&nbsp;" />
 <figcaption>Doonan lots final plat. City of Hays&nbsp;</figcaption>
 </figure>Jesse Rohr, public works director, also reviewed the final plat for the Doonan Addition north of Interstate 70 at the west 157 exit.&nbsp;The proposed plat includes four lots ranging in size from 4.3 acres to 9.7 acres.The platted lots south of 55th Street are zoned general commercial and the lot north&nbsp;of 55th Street is zoned agriculture.&nbsp;The&nbsp;properties are owned by BBJ, LLC and have remained natural&nbsp;grassland except for the Doonan Peterbilt dealership that was built in 2014.&nbsp;

🎥 Hays '24 draft budget adjustments include pickleball, no increase to historical society fund

Middle and high school students rushing from building to building with musical instruments in tow have long been a part of the summer landscape at FHSU, but the summer of 2023 was exceptionally lively, with more than 500 students filling the campus with music.

Camps kicked off in early June, with 182 students from 73 schools attending the Kansas Lions Band Camp. In July, FHSU hosted the Shrine Bowl with 171 band members. Then during the third week of July, 154 middle school and high school students attended High Plains Music Camp.

A wide variety of musical experiences were available to students, from small ensembles to marching bands. Students attending the Kansas Lions Band Camp and Shrine Bowl had the additional benefit of learning more about the community impact of the Lions Club and Shriners’ philanthropic missions.

One challenge staff met during the Lions Band Camp was accommodating a larger band than had ever taken the stage at the Beach Schmidt Performing Arts Center. Typically, the stage holds between 80-100 performers, but it had to be adapted to allow up to 180 performers. The Beach Schmidt staff met that challenge by removing the sides of the stage’s shell.

Lillpopp said he was grateful for the help of the Beach Schmidt staff, who worked to make the performances as seamless as possible. He pointed out that&nbsp; Beach Schmidt Performing Arts Center and Hal Palmer Recital Hall in Malloy Hall are now equipped for live streaming. In addition, multiple camera angles enable the staff to zoom in on featured ensemble sections.

“The sound quality is great,” said Dr. Peter Lillpopp, FHSU director of bands. “They have several microphones in addition to the stage mic, and we have found this is very good quality.”

For the Shrine Bowl band, rehearsals were held outdoors. Lillpopp said the Shrine organization proactively ensured students stayed hydrated so the FHSU staff could focus on the music. As the week ended, students could be seen hugging, crying, and signing each other’s T-shirts. Lillpopp said it was apparent that deep social connections were fostered during the camp.

The week following the Shrine Bowl found students heading to FHSU for the annual High Plains Music Camp.

“The High Plains Music Camp is a whole army of faculty that we hire every year,” Lillpopp said. “It’s also a great experience for our music education majors who serve as helpers. They grow as educators themselves. They make that transformation from student to teacher. That’s an important experience for college students.”

For Adam Ward, a junior from Ellsworth, who worked as an intern at all the 2023 summer camps, the opportunity to make that transition will significantly benefit his future role as a music educator.

“It was really nice for me to serve as an intern because I plan to go to grad school, and I’ll be teaching some high school and college music,” Ward said. “During the camps, I got to work hand-in-hand with many people who really knew what they were doing.”

James Budge, Haven, who graduated in May from FHSU with a bachelor’s degree in marketing and a minor in music, also served as an intern for the summer camps. He pointed out that camp attendees learn a great deal from the variety of musical offerings during the camps. In smaller ensembles, students can work for balance, blend, and timing, devoting themselves to listening to each other.

“And then they play in a large ensemble, and they will probably be playing the music of different composers or different styles that they haven’t played in high school band,” he said. “They get that exposure to different perspectives, different music. Plus, a week of living on a college campus gives them some experience to find out what it’s like to be at a university, working with college professors.”

Alumni who return to assist in the High Plains Music Camp and attend concerts also play an essential role. Lillpopp said the camp is a tradition for many attendees, some of whom have parents, perhaps even grandparents, who once attended the camp.

“It’s not just a summer camp for students, it’s our major recruiter for the Department of Music and Theatre, and it’s really an alumni reception. It’s a great way to stay in contact,” Lillpopp said.

Scholarships for the camp participants are provided through the Kansas Educational Enrichment program, Band of Angels, FHSU, a Giving Day fundraiser, and the gifts of many longtime donors.

The High Plains Music Camp is a recruiting tool for FHSU, allowing students to perform in unique ensembles and connect with musicians socially and in a performance setting.

“Even if they don’t come here for college, they have a positive experience with Fort Hays, and that’s really important,” Lillpopp said. “The High Plains Music Camp is a big focal point. I found that the students that have attended the camp for many years become some of our best FHSU students.”

Recitals serve as a highlight during High Plains Band Camp week. Those recitals, free to the public, include visiting artists, faculty, students, faculty band, faculty jazz, and a culminating concert.

“The arts are alive and well in Hays,” Lillpopp said.

The High Plains Band Camp final concert can be seen here:&nbsp;<a href="https://link.mediaoutreach.meltwater.com/ls/click?upn=-2BFJoAhsjp8losQfY8t-2BZtI3zIckflvbZurtB1Fa58GktoywOaIXLOwCBIwKrVrrFkm9SoaX3iy4KbIg62bo9Fg-3D-3Dalvl_r-2BDMsuWuYVmb7-2F1Mu1QL1I-2FJ8-2BHR91nNNNGTTc38Ah0CWayiZL-2BkhdmA3sx0XGnG-2FN1jk6rVQRO9vN7U5rFC-2BcXi909IOPAdkr3SvXFdyn3Ag1h6-2F-2B6atf0vMUKxRgZ-2BLgII6y38GwvLPMQH0GzJ-2BbNGpHNZXV34phvT2BS9ChKTA-2FP-2FFfnZNZ-2FzFlBDJYSxfqUFWWthKrRAKKim5Ig2-2BQWgNWZFI1AWrSQqua5LZMBDjbfDj9w8Ss7-2FKl8kiMXCaZTn3cTPPqHaS4noqe-2BaHhv7d4-2F80UPSVwt4bEr25YNuhZidjf4r9tNHIcAkSDYYLtAbqk4kHLPE2INDq-2FRSmPaw39nCkv4rnJBC4HbGROVfp-2Bml3NDw5Ru5eQpWXfAF" target="_blank">https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nZ-DD9gsOHY</a>

More information is available on the FHSU Band Facebook page:&nbsp;<a href="https://link.mediaoutreach.meltwater.com/ls/click?upn=-2BFJoAhsjp8losQfY8t-2BZtCrpoyDrUwFCFG4KbhtETYS-2BRI2vzVzpAsCCuD0eQYfWwSWB9XTU-2B7XV6b0Bn-2BGsOg-3D-3DkRiZ_r-2BDMsuWuYVmb7-2F1Mu1QL1I-2FJ8-2BHR91nNNNGTTc38Ah0CWayiZL-2BkhdmA3sx0XGnG-2FN1jk6rVQRO9vN7U5rFC-2BcXi909IOPAdkr3SvXFdyn3Ag1h6-2F-2B6atf0vMUKxRgZ-2BLgII6y38GwvLPMQH0GzJ-2BbNGpHNZXV34phvT2BS9ChKTA-2FP-2FFfnZNZ-2FzFlBDJYSxfqUFWWthKrRAKKim5Ig2-2BYSO-2FhwfAwP2oX34EVdCqj00x8yRr0rLhf2MjqOy57x-2BAmosBDjI6VoxQE-2FbI7WG7aavsrgVWj6VTxZNe4oehFv6D8T-2B3bElP3N36ZwmtXLHO2c5qUBBvUsglCDldgkvkPvyDoVEOASNUZoXn0mGgKr8GpjURNipX6NokRJtV-2FBR" target="_blank">https://www.facebook.com/FHSUTigerMarchingBand</a>

<a href="https://link.mediaoutreach.meltwater.com/ls/click?upn=-2BFJoAhsjp8losQfY8t-2BZtCrpoyDrUwFCFG4KbhtETYTGNPDhDPVVGU98aFIcSjtZN-2F-2BEozx3MiZ-2BdxZkdrTt-2BQ-3D-3D-x6B_r-2BDMsuWuYVmb7-2F1Mu1QL1I-2FJ8-2BHR91nNNNGTTc38Ah0CWayiZL-2BkhdmA3sx0XGnG-2FN1jk6rVQRO9vN7U5rFC-2BcXi909IOPAdkr3SvXFdyn3Ag1h6-2F-2B6atf0vMUKxRgZ-2BLgII6y38GwvLPMQH0GzJ-2BbNGpHNZXV34phvT2BS9ChKTA-2FP-2FFfnZNZ-2FzFlBDJYSxfqUFWWthKrRAKKim5Ig2-2BajD4z27cD5LJzJZv5SluwEHJvmfZRJRxC7mDVkztHei-2FY-2BV4aaBRsBd7JnHm4YRda-2BmMMJXhPpf3GJMl7J6AFlZp5J-2FFGLIBDunaqoiGr1BdtoyyAkUgTlTLQgr3a2CVCcTr-2FXd310fY-2BA2PSVAjE-2BMEqh1Paak68-2Bt4srff-2FZV" target="_blank">https://www.facebook.com/HighPlainsMusicCamp/</a>

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/8/1691502926761.jpeg" alt="Large ensemble rehearsal for High Plains Music Camp in Beach Schmidt Performing Arts Center under the direction of Dr. Peter Lillpopp. Photo by FHSU" />
 <figcaption>Large ensemble rehearsal for High Plains Music Camp in Beach Schmidt Performing Arts Center under the direction of Dr. Peter Lillpopp. Photo by FHSU</figcaption>
 </figure>By FHSU University CommunicationsMiddle and high school students rushing from building to building with musical instruments in tow have long been a part of the summer landscape at FHSU, but the summer of 2023 was exceptionally lively, with more than 500 students filling the campus with music.Camps kicked off in early June, with 182 students from 73 schools attending the Kansas Lions Band Camp. In July, FHSU hosted the Shrine Bowl with 171 band members. Then during the third week of July, 154 middle school and high school students attended High Plains Music Camp.A wide variety of musical experiences were available to students, from small ensembles to marching bands. Students attending the Kansas Lions Band Camp and Shrine Bowl had the additional benefit of learning more about the community impact of the Lions Club and Shriners’ philanthropic missions.One challenge staff met during the Lions Band Camp was accommodating a larger band than had ever taken the stage at the Beach Schmidt Performing Arts Center. Typically, the stage holds between 80-100 performers, but it had to be adapted to allow up to 180 performers. The Beach Schmidt staff met that challenge by removing the sides of the stage’s shell.Lillpopp said he was grateful for the help of the Beach Schmidt staff, who worked to make the performances as seamless as possible. He pointed out that&nbsp; Beach Schmidt Performing Arts Center and Hal Palmer Recital Hall in Malloy Hall are now equipped for live streaming. In addition, multiple camera angles enable the staff to zoom in on featured ensemble sections.“The sound quality is great,” said Dr. Peter Lillpopp, FHSU director of bands. “They have several microphones in addition to the stage mic, and we have found this is very good quality.”For the Shrine Bowl band, rehearsals were held outdoors. Lillpopp said the Shrine organization proactively ensured students stayed hydrated so the FHSU staff could focus on the music. As the week ended, students could be seen hugging, crying, and signing each other’s T-shirts. Lillpopp said it was apparent that deep social connections were fostered during the camp.The week following the Shrine Bowl found students heading to FHSU for the annual High Plains Music Camp.“The High Plains Music Camp is a whole army of faculty that we hire every year,” Lillpopp said. “It’s also a great experience for our music education majors who serve as helpers. They grow as educators themselves. They make that transformation from student to teacher. That’s an important experience for college students.”For Adam Ward, a junior from Ellsworth, who worked as an intern at all the 2023 summer camps, the opportunity to make that transition will significantly benefit his future role as a music educator.“It was really nice for me to serve as an intern because I plan to go to grad school, and I’ll be teaching some high school and college music,” Ward said. “During the camps, I got to work hand-in-hand with many people who really knew what they were doing.”James Budge, Haven, who graduated in May from FHSU with a bachelor’s degree in marketing and a minor in music, also served as an intern for the summer camps. He pointed out that camp attendees learn a great deal from the variety of musical offerings during the camps. In smaller ensembles, students can work for balance, blend, and timing, devoting themselves to listening to each other.“And then they play in a large ensemble, and they will probably be playing the music of different composers or different styles that they haven’t played in high school band,” he said. “They get that exposure to different perspectives, different music. Plus, a week of living on a college campus gives them some experience to find out what it’s like to be at a university, working with college professors.”Alumni who return to assist in the High Plains Music Camp and attend concerts also play an essential role. Lillpopp said the camp is a tradition for many attendees, some of whom have parents, perhaps even grandparents, who once attended the camp.“It’s not just a summer camp for students, it’s our major recruiter for the Department of Music and Theatre, and it’s really an alumni reception. It’s a great way to stay in contact,” Lillpopp said.Scholarships for the camp participants are provided through the Kansas Educational Enrichment program, Band of Angels, FHSU, a Giving Day fundraiser, and the gifts of many longtime donors.The High Plains Music Camp is a recruiting tool for FHSU, allowing students to perform in unique ensembles and connect with musicians socially and in a performance setting.“Even if they don’t come here for college, they have a positive experience with Fort Hays, and that’s really important,” Lillpopp said. “The High Plains Music Camp is a big focal point. I found that the students that have attended the camp for many years become some of our best FHSU students.”Recitals serve as a highlight during High Plains Band Camp week. Those recitals, free to the public, include visiting artists, faculty, students, faculty band, faculty jazz, and a culminating concert.“The arts are alive and well in Hays,” Lillpopp said.The High Plains Band Camp final concert can be seen here:&nbsp;<a href="https://link.mediaoutreach.meltwater.com/ls/click?upn=-2BFJoAhsjp8losQfY8t-2BZtI3zIckflvbZurtB1Fa58GktoywOaIXLOwCBIwKrVrrFkm9SoaX3iy4KbIg62bo9Fg-3D-3Dalvl_r-2BDMsuWuYVmb7-2F1Mu1QL1I-2FJ8-2BHR91nNNNGTTc38Ah0CWayiZL-2BkhdmA3sx0XGnG-2FN1jk6rVQRO9vN7U5rFC-2BcXi909IOPAdkr3SvXFdyn3Ag1h6-2F-2B6atf0vMUKxRgZ-2BLgII6y38GwvLPMQH0GzJ-2BbNGpHNZXV34phvT2BS9ChKTA-2FP-2FFfnZNZ-2FzFlBDJYSxfqUFWWthKrRAKKim5Ig2-2BQWgNWZFI1AWrSQqua5LZMBDjbfDj9w8Ss7-2FKl8kiMXCaZTn3cTPPqHaS4noqe-2BaHhv7d4-2F80UPSVwt4bEr25YNuhZidjf4r9tNHIcAkSDYYLtAbqk4kHLPE2INDq-2FRSmPaw39nCkv4rnJBC4HbGROVfp-2Bml3NDw5Ru5eQpWXfAF" target="_blank">https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nZ-DD9gsOHY</a>More information is available on the FHSU Band Facebook page:&nbsp;<a href="https://link.mediaoutreach.meltwater.com/ls/click?upn=-2BFJoAhsjp8losQfY8t-2BZtCrpoyDrUwFCFG4KbhtETYS-2BRI2vzVzpAsCCuD0eQYfWwSWB9XTU-2B7XV6b0Bn-2BGsOg-3D-3DkRiZ_r-2BDMsuWuYVmb7-2F1Mu1QL1I-2FJ8-2BHR91nNNNGTTc38Ah0CWayiZL-2BkhdmA3sx0XGnG-2FN1jk6rVQRO9vN7U5rFC-2BcXi909IOPAdkr3SvXFdyn3Ag1h6-2F-2B6atf0vMUKxRgZ-2BLgII6y38GwvLPMQH0GzJ-2BbNGpHNZXV34phvT2BS9ChKTA-2FP-2FFfnZNZ-2FzFlBDJYSxfqUFWWthKrRAKKim5Ig2-2BYSO-2FhwfAwP2oX34EVdCqj00x8yRr0rLhf2MjqOy57x-2BAmosBDjI6VoxQE-2FbI7WG7aavsrgVWj6VTxZNe4oehFv6D8T-2B3bElP3N36ZwmtXLHO2c5qUBBvUsglCDldgkvkPvyDoVEOASNUZoXn0mGgKr8GpjURNipX6NokRJtV-2FBR" target="_blank">https://www.facebook.com/FHSUTigerMarchingBand</a>High Plains Music Camp Facebook page:<a href="https://link.mediaoutreach.meltwater.com/ls/click?upn=-2BFJoAhsjp8losQfY8t-2BZtCrpoyDrUwFCFG4KbhtETYTGNPDhDPVVGU98aFIcSjtZN-2F-2BEozx3MiZ-2BdxZkdrTt-2BQ-3D-3D-x6B_r-2BDMsuWuYVmb7-2F1Mu1QL1I-2FJ8-2BHR91nNNNGTTc38Ah0CWayiZL-2BkhdmA3sx0XGnG-2FN1jk6rVQRO9vN7U5rFC-2BcXi909IOPAdkr3SvXFdyn3Ag1h6-2F-2B6atf0vMUKxRgZ-2BLgII6y38GwvLPMQH0GzJ-2BbNGpHNZXV34phvT2BS9ChKTA-2FP-2FFfnZNZ-2FzFlBDJYSxfqUFWWthKrRAKKim5Ig2-2BajD4z27cD5LJzJZv5SluwEHJvmfZRJRxC7mDVkztHei-2FY-2BV4aaBRsBd7JnHm4YRda-2BmMMJXhPpf3GJMl7J6AFlZp5J-2FFGLIBDunaqoiGr1BdtoyyAkUgTlTLQgr3a2CVCcTr-2FXd310fY-2BA2PSVAjE-2BMEqh1Paak68-2Bt4srff-2FZV" target="_blank">https://www.facebook.com/HighPlainsMusicCamp/</a>

Shriners and Lions and camps. Oh, my! at FHSU

The 12U Hays Sparks ended their season ranked 5th in the state. 

 They had an exceptional record of 23-4 to finish the season.  The Sparks took first place in three tournaments, 3rd place in two tournaments and finished 4th in the state tournament. 

 They will be heading to 14U for the 2024 softball season.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/8/1691521704478.jpeg" alt="Back row, left to right:&nbsp;&nbsp;<a href="http://www.usssa.com/fastpitch/PlayerLocker/?playerID=7424324" target="_blank">Camryn Lang</a>,&nbsp;<a href="http://www.usssa.com/fastpitch/PlayerLocker/?playerID=8289766" target="_blank">Kyleigh Leiker</a>,&nbsp;<a href="http://www.usssa.com/fastpitch/PlayerLocker/?playerID=7934603" target="_blank">Aly Herl</a>,&nbsp;<a href="http://www.usssa.com/fastpitch/PlayerLocker/?playerID=7432907" target="_blank">Jaycee Gibbs</a>,&nbsp;<a href="http://www.usssa.com/fastpitch/PlayerLocker/?playerID=7358517" target="_blank">Gianna Offutt</a>,&nbsp;<a href="http://www.usssa.com/fastpitch/PlayerLocker/?playerID=7934606" target="_blank">Graycee Herl</a> Front row, left to right:&nbsp;&nbsp;<a href="http://www.usssa.com/fastpitch/PlayerLocker/?playerID=7358504" target="_blank">Brynlee Gerber</a>,&nbsp;<a href="http://www.usssa.com/fastpitch/PlayerLocker/?playerID=7358503" target="_blank">Alexa Seib</a>,&nbsp;<a href="http://www.usssa.com/fastpitch/PlayerLocker/?playerID=5470781" target="_blank">Piper Simpson</a>,&nbsp;<a href="http://www.usssa.com/fastpitch/PlayerLocker/?playerID=7358529" target="_blank">Peyton Willeford</a>,&nbsp;<a href="http://www.usssa.com/fastpitch/PlayerLocker/?playerID=7934611" target="_blank">Jayde Berry</a>. Courtesy photo&nbsp;" />
 <figcaption>Back row, left to right:&nbsp;&nbsp;<a href="http://www.usssa.com/fastpitch/PlayerLocker/?playerID=7424324" target="_blank">Camryn Lang</a>,&nbsp;<a href="http://www.usssa.com/fastpitch/PlayerLocker/?playerID=8289766" target="_blank">Kyleigh Leiker</a>,&nbsp;<a href="http://www.usssa.com/fastpitch/PlayerLocker/?playerID=7934603" target="_blank">Aly Herl</a>,&nbsp;<a href="http://www.usssa.com/fastpitch/PlayerLocker/?playerID=7432907" target="_blank">Jaycee Gibbs</a>,&nbsp;<a href="http://www.usssa.com/fastpitch/PlayerLocker/?playerID=7358517" target="_blank">Gianna Offutt</a>,&nbsp;<a href="http://www.usssa.com/fastpitch/PlayerLocker/?playerID=7934606" target="_blank">Graycee Herl</a> Front row, left to right:&nbsp;&nbsp;<a href="http://www.usssa.com/fastpitch/PlayerLocker/?playerID=7358504" target="_blank">Brynlee Gerber</a>,&nbsp;<a href="http://www.usssa.com/fastpitch/PlayerLocker/?playerID=7358503" target="_blank">Alexa Seib</a>,&nbsp;<a href="http://www.usssa.com/fastpitch/PlayerLocker/?playerID=5470781" target="_blank">Piper Simpson</a>,&nbsp;<a href="http://www.usssa.com/fastpitch/PlayerLocker/?playerID=7358529" target="_blank">Peyton Willeford</a>,&nbsp;<a href="http://www.usssa.com/fastpitch/PlayerLocker/?playerID=7934611" target="_blank">Jayde Berry</a>. Courtesy photo&nbsp;</figcaption>
 </figure>SubmittedThe 12U Hays Sparks ended their season ranked 5th in the state. They had an exceptional record of 23-4 to finish the season. The Sparks took first place in three tournaments, 3rd place in two tournaments and finished 4th in the state tournament. They will be heading to 14U for the 2024 softball season.

Hays Sparks end season ranked 5th in the state    

One of the best ways to keep your mind and body functioning at its best is to exercise. 

When I worked with small children we always used to say, “the best exercise for the brain is exercise!” The same holds true as we age. 

Exercise produces a wide range of benefits for not only our physical health, but also mental health. Regular participation in strengthening exercises can help you build muscle and increase bone density. It can also help relieve stress and reduce depression symptoms. 

The Stay Strong, Stay Healthy program focuses on improving the health and well being of older adults. The goal of the program is to provide safe, structured and effective strength training for older adults. 

Strength training promotes quality of life and independence, especially for adults over age 60.

Stay Strong, Stay Healthy is an evidence-based program that has been shown to increase strength, balance, and flexibility.

You might be asking yourself, “I wonder what we’ll do?” It is an eight-week program that meets twice a week for one-hour. We will do warm up exercises, easy strengthening exercises, with or without weights, based on your preference, and finish with cool-down stretches and breathing exercises. The best part is there is no membership fees like at a gym and no special clothes or equipment are needed. 

We will have weights available if you want to use them. 

You will work at your own pace and progress as you are able. There are modifications to the exercises based on your own fitness level.

If you would like more information before signing up, I will hold an orientation class which will introduce the program and exercises. The orientation class will be Thursday, August 24, 2023 at 10:00 a.m. at our office in Hays, located at 601 Main Street, in the back meeting room.

Regular classes will begin August 29, 2023 and will be held on Tuesdays and Thursdays at 10 a.m. for eight weeks. All classes will be held at our office in Hays. 

There will be a one-time fee of $20 to participate in the eight-week program. Please call the office if you have any questions or email Monique at moniquek@ksu.edu

Cottonwood Extension District would like to extend a huge thank you to Heartland Community Foundation. 

This project was funded in part by a grant from the Ellis County Legacy Fund and the Dane G. Hansen Community Grant Fund-Heartland of the Heartland Community Foundation. Their funding allowed us to purchase our own weight set for our district so we will be able to offer classes more often.

Come join me for some fun and get healthier and stronger!

Monique Koerner is the Family and Community Wellness Agent with K-State Research and Extension – Cottonwood District. You may reach her at 785-628-9430 or moniquek@ksu.edu.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/11/1668522152076.jpeg" alt="Monique Koerner is the Family and Community Wellness Agent with K-State Research and Extension, Cottonwood District. Courtesy photo" />
 <figcaption>Monique Koerner is the Family and Community Wellness Agent with K-State Research and Extension, Cottonwood District. Courtesy photo</figcaption>
 </figure>One of the best ways to keep your mind and body functioning at its best is to exercise. When I worked with small children we always used to say, “the best exercise for the brain is exercise!” The same holds true as we age. Exercise produces a wide range of benefits for not only our physical health, but also mental health. Regular participation in strengthening exercises can help you build muscle and increase bone density. It can also help relieve stress and reduce depression symptoms. The Stay Strong, Stay Healthy program focuses on improving the health and well being of older adults. The goal of the program is to provide safe, structured and effective strength training for older adults. No one is too inactive to participate. Strength training promotes quality of life and independence, especially for adults over age 60.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/8/1691425639307.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Stay Strong, Stay Healthy is an evidence-based program that has been shown to increase strength, balance, and flexibility.You might be asking yourself, “I wonder what we’ll do?” It is an eight-week program that meets twice a week for one-hour. We will do warm up exercises, easy strengthening exercises, with or without weights, based on your preference, and finish with cool-down stretches and breathing exercises. The best part is there is no membership fees like at a gym and no special clothes or equipment are needed. We will have weights available if you want to use them. You will work at your own pace and progress as you are able. There are modifications to the exercises based on your own fitness level.If you would like more information before signing up, I will hold an orientation class which will introduce the program and exercises. The orientation class will be Thursday, August 24, 2023 at 10:00 a.m. at our office in Hays, located at 601 Main Street, in the back meeting room.Regular classes will begin August 29, 2023 and will be held on Tuesdays and Thursdays at 10 a.m. for eight weeks. All classes will be held at our office in Hays. There will be a one-time fee of $20 to participate in the eight-week program. Please call the office if you have any questions or email Monique at moniquek@ksu.eduCottonwood Extension District would like to extend a huge thank you to Heartland Community Foundation. This project was funded in part by a grant from the Ellis County Legacy Fund and the Dane G. Hansen Community Grant Fund-Heartland of the Heartland Community Foundation. Their funding allowed us to purchase our own weight set for our district so we will be able to offer classes more often.Come join me for some fun and get healthier and stronger!Monique Koerner is the Family and Community Wellness Agent with K-State Research and Extension – Cottonwood District. You may reach her at 785-628-9430 or moniquek@ksu.edu.

KOERNER: Stay strong, stay healthy

<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/2023/8/1691591770847.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

To schedule a session, call the Eagle Radio office at (785) 301-2211.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/8/1691419836326.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>To schedule a session, call the Eagle Radio office at (785) 301-2211.

Eagle Radio plans free marketing workshop

On this episode of the&nbsp;<a href="https://hayspost.com/category/post-podcast" target="_blank">Post Podcast</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.haysusa.com/369/Police" target="_blank">Hays Police Department</a> Lt. Tim Greenwood shares back-to-school safety tips.&nbsp;&nbsp;

<div><iframe title="As area children return to school HPD warns of increased traffic" 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=rtj7g-14787a3-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;<a href="https://www.haysusa.com/369/Police" target="_blank">Hays Police Department</a> Lt. Tim Greenwood shares back-to-school safety tips.&nbsp;&nbsp;

🎙 Post Podcast: As area children return to school HPD warns of increased traffic

The 2023 Kansas State University Agricultural Research Center, Hays field day will be held from 2:30 to 6:30 p.m. on August 23. 

Soil Scientist Dr. Augustine Obour and graduate students Mikaela Lawrence and Sachin Dhanda, and Dr. Ram Perumal (sorghum and millet breeder) will be sharing research information ranging from strategic tillage to grass weeds, cover crops for weed suppression and soil health, sorghum and peal millet hybrids for drylands. 

Interested in learning about cover crops and strategic tillage to manage herbicide resistant weeds or new sorghum and millet hybrids?

Visit us at ARCH to learn more from our experts and graduate students. 

Dinner will be served, so pre-register today to reserve your place.

Scan the QR code below or contact&nbsp;Monica Bridges at monica94@ksu.edu or 785-625-3425 to pre-register.

Topic that will be discuss are listed below:

•Agronomy and soil health field tours •Soil health 6-yrs after strategic tillage in long-term no-tillage systems •Occasional tillage in wheat-sorghum-fallow rotation •Sorghum fertilizer use efficiency demonstration study •Using cover crops for weed suppression •Millet and sorghum field tours •Sorghum hybrids for early planting •Pearl millet hybrids for drylands

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/11/1637121416809.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>KSREThe 2023 Kansas State University Agricultural Research Center, Hays field day will be held from 2:30 to 6:30 p.m. on August 23. Soil Scientist Dr. Augustine Obour and graduate students Mikaela Lawrence and Sachin Dhanda, and Dr. Ram Perumal (sorghum and millet breeder) will be sharing research information ranging from strategic tillage to grass weeds, cover crops for weed suppression and soil health, sorghum and peal millet hybrids for drylands. Interested in learning about cover crops and strategic tillage to manage herbicide resistant weeds or new sorghum and millet hybrids?Visit us at ARCH to learn more from our experts and graduate students. Dinner will be served, so pre-register today to reserve your place.Scan the QR code below or contact&nbsp;Monica Bridges at monica94@ksu.edu or 785-625-3425 to pre-register.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/8/1691699623898.png" alt="ARCH Field Day" />
 <figcaption>ARCH Field Day</figcaption>
 </figure>Topic that will be discuss are listed below:•Agronomy and soil health field tours •Soil health 6-yrs after strategic tillage in long-term no-tillage systems •Occasional tillage in wheat-sorghum-fallow rotation •Sorghum fertilizer use efficiency demonstration study •Using cover crops for weed suppression •Millet and sorghum field tours •Sorghum hybrids for early planting •Pearl millet hybrids for drylands

Pre-register for KSU ARCH Field Day in Hays on Aug. 23

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

A former Hays Mayor will serve a 20-year prison sentence in Georgia.

Blue Ridge Judicial Circuit district attorney Susan K.
Treadaway said in a statement Aug. 8 on May 15, Troy Dean Hickman, 59, Canton, Ga., pleaded guilty to two counts of aggravated sexual battery and two counts of
exploitation and intimidation of a disabled adult.

Hickman served as a Hays city commissioner from 1997 to 2013, serving as mayor for five of those years. He also was the executive director at Ellis County First Call for Help from 2010 to 2013, according to his LinkedIn profile.

At the time of his departure from the commission, Hays commissioners proclaimed April 11, 2013 as Troy Hickman Day in recognition of his 16 years of service on the city commission.

He was most
recently employed by the Cherokee County Georgia School District.

“The Cherokee Sheriff’s Office first became aware of these
allegations in November 2022 after the young woman disclosed the abuse to a
friend,” according to the release. “Hickman, who was a relation, frequently
spent time alone with the victim, committing the acts over the course of
several years, beginning when the victim was approximately 18 years old.”

“Victims of sexual assault are often afraid to come forward,
and that was certainly the case here,” said Assistant District Attorney Elliot
Stone, who prosecuted the case. “The victim is
intellectually disabled and had been subjected to repeated threats of harm by
this defendant as he attempted to prevent her from revealing the abuse. She
bravely overcame that fear by seeking help.” 

“While Troy Hickman admitted to his crimes, he used alcohol
as an excuse for his despicable behavior and even suggested that the victim was
partly to blame.”

During the investigation, the Anna Crawford Children’s
Center conducted a forensic interview in which the victim described the
specific acts by Hickman that resulted in the charges of aggravated sexual
battery.

The victim’s mother addressed the court during the plea
hearing, describing the impact of Hickman’s crimes.

Superior Court Judge Tony Baker sentenced Hickman to 20
years in prison, followed by probation for the remainder of his life.

“Through the duration of his sentence, Hickman is forbidden
to have contact with the victim or her family,” according to the release. “He
must also obtain a psycho-sexual evaluation, receive treatment for substance
abuse and adhere to sex offender special conditions.”

Hickman will not be eligible for parole during his 20-year
prison sentence.

“The victim looked to this defendant as a father figure, and
it is despicable that he would manipulate her trust and vulnerability for his
own sexual desires,” said District Attorney Susan K. Treadaway. “Our hope is
the victim and her family will find peace and healing in knowing that this
defendant has received justice for his crimes and that he will never again be
able to hurt another individual in this way.” 

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/8/1691596235048.jpeg" alt="Troy Hickman. Photo courtesy Georiga Department of Corrections" />
 <figcaption>Troy Hickman. Photo courtesy Georiga Department of Corrections</figcaption>
 </figure>Hays PostA former Hays Mayor will serve a 20-year prison sentence in Georgia.Blue Ridge Judicial Circuit district attorney Susan K.
Treadaway said in a statement Aug. 8 on May 15, Troy Dean Hickman, 59, Canton, Ga., pleaded guilty to two counts of aggravated sexual battery and two counts of
exploitation and intimidation of a disabled adult.Hickman served as a Hays city commissioner from 1997 to 2013, serving as mayor for five of those years. He also was the executive director at Ellis County First Call for Help from 2010 to 2013, according to his LinkedIn profile.At the time of his departure from the commission, Hays commissioners proclaimed April 11, 2013 as Troy Hickman Day in recognition of his 16 years of service on the city commission.He was most
recently employed by the Cherokee County Georgia School District.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/8/1691631322011.jpeg" alt="Hickman was honored by then-mayor Kent Steward for his 16 years of service in 2013. Photo by Becky Kiser/Hays Post" />
 <figcaption>Hickman was honored by then-mayor Kent Steward for his 16 years of service in 2013. Photo by Becky Kiser/Hays Post</figcaption>
 </figure>“The Cherokee Sheriff’s Office first became aware of these
allegations in November 2022 after the young woman disclosed the abuse to a
friend,” according to the release. “Hickman, who was a relation, frequently
spent time alone with the victim, committing the acts over the course of
several years, beginning when the victim was approximately 18 years old.”“Victims of sexual assault are often afraid to come forward,
and that was certainly the case here,” said Assistant District Attorney Elliot
Stone, who prosecuted the case. “The victim is
intellectually disabled and had been subjected to repeated threats of harm by
this defendant as he attempted to prevent her from revealing the abuse. She
bravely overcame that fear by seeking help.” “While Troy Hickman admitted to his crimes, he used alcohol
as an excuse for his despicable behavior and even suggested that the victim was
partly to blame.”During the investigation, the Anna Crawford Children’s
Center conducted a forensic interview in which the victim described the
specific acts by Hickman that resulted in the charges of aggravated sexual
battery.The victim’s mother addressed the court during the plea
hearing, describing the impact of Hickman’s crimes.Superior Court Judge Tony Baker sentenced Hickman to 20
years in prison, followed by probation for the remainder of his life.“Through the duration of his sentence, Hickman is forbidden
to have contact with the victim or her family,” according to the release. “He
must also obtain a psycho-sexual evaluation, receive treatment for substance
abuse and adhere to sex offender special conditions.”Hickman will not be eligible for parole during his 20-year
prison sentence.“The victim looked to this defendant as a father figure, and
it is despicable that he would manipulate her trust and vulnerability for his
own sexual desires,” said District Attorney Susan K. Treadaway. “Our hope is
the victim and her family will find peace and healing in knowing that this
defendant has received justice for his crimes and that he will never again be
able to hurt another individual in this way.”

Former Hays mayor sentenced to 20 years in Georgia for sex crime

The Eagle Radio family of stations in Hays was honored with six awards in the Kansas Association of Broadcasters honors that were announced Monday.

Award winners will be recognized at the Kansas Association of Broadcasters Convention on Oct. 23 in Overland Park.

Complete Newscast by local station Second — KJLS FM	Hays	Mix 103, News Update — Becky Kiser

Complete Sportscast by local station Honorable mention — KJLS FM	Hays, Mix 103 Morning Sports — Gerard Wellbrock Sports Play-by-Play Second — KJLS FM	Hays, Fort Hays State Basketball — Gerard Wellbrock Public Affairs Program Honorable mention — KAYS AM	Hays, KDOL Secretary takes on biggest challenge in the state — Gary Shorman

Special Program Honorable mention — KAYS AM	Hays, R9 Ranch Project — Becky Kiser

Excellence in Multimedia/Digital Storytelling First — KAYS AM	Hays, Year Anniversary of the Four-County Fire — Cristina Janney, Jordan Schaffer, Becky Kiser

Eagle Radio owns and operates the Hays Post.

Hays PostThe Eagle Radio family of stations in Hays was honored with six awards in the Kansas Association of Broadcasters honors that were announced Monday.Award winners will be recognized at the Kansas Association of Broadcasters Convention on Oct. 23 in Overland Park.The winners are listed below:Complete Newscast by local station Second — KJLS FM	Hays	Mix 103, News Update — Becky KiserComplete Sportscast by local station Honorable mention — KJLS FM	Hays, Mix 103 Morning Sports — Gerard Wellbrock Sports Play-by-Play Second — KJLS FM	Hays, Fort Hays State Basketball — Gerard Wellbrock Public Affairs Program Honorable mention — KAYS AM	Hays, KDOL Secretary takes on biggest challenge in the state — Gary Shorman Special Program Honorable mention — KAYS AM	Hays, R9 Ranch Project — Becky KiserExcellence in Multimedia/Digital Storytelling First — KAYS AM	Hays, Year Anniversary of the Four-County Fire — Cristina Janney, Jordan Schaffer, Becky KiserEagle Radio owns and operates the Hays Post.

Kansas Association of Broadcasters honors Eagle Radio of Hays with 6 awards

By JAMES BELL 
Hays Post

VICTORIA—Homeschooling remains a popular choice for millions of
American parents each year, however, for some, the choice to oversee a child’s
education at home is not feasible.

One Victoria woman believes she has a solution that gives
students the flexibility needed to achieve their goals, provides support
and instruction to students looking for the benefits of homeschooling, and takes
the educational burden off of parents.

Wildfire Education is essentially
a homeschooling service, where kids can come and do their online schoolwork
instead of going to school, said owner Jacy Klaus.

“There
are a lot of parents who'd like to homeschool their kids, but they can't
because either they don't think their kid has the self-control to make
themselves sit down and do their work or they just don't have the time or just
can't homeschool.”

Through the
service, students receive one-on-one instruction on a flexible schedule.

“A lot
of them still need that,” Klaus said, “and that's why a lot of parents don't
homeschool.”

Having
flexible lessons and schedules can also help provide more opportunities for practical
education. 

“Eventually, we will do things like taxes, buying home insurance, health insurance. These
are things that a lot of us wish we would have known before we got out into the
real world,” Klaus said.

Career
planning is also central to the Wildfire Education mission.

“Our
high school kids will have the opportunity to work and have a part-time job or
a project that is keeping them busy because their schoolwork is no longer
going to take the entire day,” Klaus said.

For
older K-12 students, having the ability to enter the field prior to high school
graduation can be beneficial as it provides work-study opportunities that
would otherwise be filled with time in classrooms, she said.

“I've
learned that they would rather just do the learning and get it done,” Klaus
said, “and then they want to work.”

“When
you're in high school, you just want to be an adult. They want to work. They
want to have money in their pockets. They want to think about their future
careers, and I'm wanting to help them with that.”

Tapping
into the self-guided nature of homeschool programs, she said, can also be valuable.

“Studies
have shown that homeschooled kids are more successful in college and their
careers than public school kids,” Klaus said.&nbsp; "I think it's because the
kids, I feel like, learn more about themselves and learn more how they work and
how to be productive.”

While the business is new, Klaus is likely a familiar
face to Victoria's parents after serving as the agriculture teacher at Victoria
High School for the last six years.

She said her time in the district gave her first-hand experience
with what high school students face in traditional classrooms.

“I've been working with those
kids. That eight-hour school day doesn't work for them,” Klaus said, “especially
in the last couple of years. I just kept thinking, ‘What would help them?’”

She found by providing an
alternative educational service, students can get the education they need while
giving time to exploring other pursuits, allowing students that may otherwise
struggle with an avenue to succeed in a traditional educational setting.

“We do still have kids that
have good work ethics. We do still have kids who are eager. I feel like
we're almost taking that away from them,” Klaus said.

For
parents and students looking to take advantage of the services at Wildfire Education,
Klaus said the first step is a consultation that presents the educational options
for the students.

From there, she helps guide
the parents through curriculum programs.

While work on the Wildfire Education building is ongoing, enrollment has begun. She said she plans to cap the
student count at 12.

Students can be current or new to homeschool curriculum.

For
those working through a program already, she works with parents to support learning
in a subject the student has difficulty with.

More information about the programming
and contact information for those interested in their services can be found on
their website, <a href="https://www.wildfireedu.com/">wildfireedu.com.</a>

While previously homeschooled
students in Kansas were sometimes barred from participating in extracurricular
activities in public school districts, the Kansas State High School Activities Association is working on implementing
a law passed this year by the Kansas Legislature that allows students within
the district to take part in sanctioned activities. 

“Now
homeschooled kids are more than welcome to play sports or be in clubs,” Klaus
said.

Through Wildfire
Education, students will be able to participate in social activities as well.

“They can kind of work
together and do some of the fun things that they would normally do at public
school that they can't do in homeschool, like make Valentine's or Christmas cards,”
Klaus said.

With the
Victoria location, she said students from the area could take advantage of the service.

“I feel
like Victoria is a central location,” Klaus said. “I live here, and I feel like
a lot of my kids are going to come from here. It's just central and easier for
everybody to meet at instead of in town.”

As
the business is unique, she hopes the idea can spread across other rural
communities.

“That's
kind of why I named it Wildfire Education because I want it to spread
like wildfire,” Klaus said. “I want to help other communities or other people bring
this to their community so that they can help their kids, especially rural
communities.

“We are
a hotspot for those kinds of kids that need the time outside the classroom.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/8/1691508971649.jpg" alt="Photo courtesy Pixabay" />
 <figcaption>Photo courtesy Pixabay</figcaption>
 </figure>By JAMES BELL 
Hays PostVICTORIA—Homeschooling remains a popular choice for millions of
American parents each year, however, for some, the choice to oversee a child’s
education at home is not feasible.One Victoria woman believes she has a solution that gives
students the flexibility needed to achieve their goals, provides support
and instruction to students looking for the benefits of homeschooling, and takes
the educational burden off of parents.Wildfire Education is essentially
a homeschooling service, where kids can come and do their online schoolwork
instead of going to school, said owner Jacy Klaus.“There
are a lot of parents who'd like to homeschool their kids, but they can't
because either they don't think their kid has the self-control to make
themselves sit down and do their work or they just don't have the time or just
can't homeschool.”Through the
service, students receive one-on-one instruction on a flexible schedule.“A lot
of them still need that,” Klaus said, “and that's why a lot of parents don't
homeschool.”Having
flexible lessons and schedules can also help provide more opportunities for practical
education. “Eventually, we will do things like taxes, buying home insurance, health insurance. These
are things that a lot of us wish we would have known before we got out into the
real world,” Klaus said.Career
planning is also central to the Wildfire Education mission.“Our
high school kids will have the opportunity to work and have a part-time job or
a project that is keeping them busy because their schoolwork is no longer
going to take the entire day,” Klaus said.For
older K-12 students, having the ability to enter the field prior to high school
graduation can be beneficial as it provides work-study opportunities that
would otherwise be filled with time in classrooms, she said.“I've
learned that they would rather just do the learning and get it done,” Klaus
said, “and then they want to work.”“When
you're in high school, you just want to be an adult. They want to work. They
want to have money in their pockets. They want to think about their future
careers, and I'm wanting to help them with that.”Tapping
into the self-guided nature of homeschool programs, she said, can also be valuable.“Studies
have shown that homeschooled kids are more successful in college and their
careers than public school kids,” Klaus said.&nbsp; "I think it's because the
kids, I feel like, learn more about themselves and learn more how they work and
how to be productive.”While the business is new, Klaus is likely a familiar
face to Victoria's parents after serving as the agriculture teacher at Victoria
High School for the last six years.She said her time in the district gave her first-hand experience
with what high school students face in traditional classrooms.“I've been working with those
kids. That eight-hour school day doesn't work for them,” Klaus said, “especially
in the last couple of years. I just kept thinking, ‘What would help them?’”She found by providing an
alternative educational service, students can get the education they need while
giving time to exploring other pursuits, allowing students that may otherwise
struggle with an avenue to succeed in a traditional educational setting.“We do still have kids that
have good work ethics. We do still have kids who are eager. I feel like
we're almost taking that away from them,” Klaus said.<h2>The process</h2>For
parents and students looking to take advantage of the services at Wildfire Education,
Klaus said the first step is a consultation that presents the educational options
for the students.From there, she helps guide
the parents through curriculum programs.While work on the Wildfire Education building is ongoing, enrollment has begun. She said she plans to cap the
student count at 12.Students can be current or new to homeschool curriculum.For
those working through a program already, she works with parents to support learning
in a subject the student has difficulty with.More information about the programming
and contact information for those interested in their services can be found on
their website, <a href="https://www.wildfireedu.com/">wildfireedu.com.</a><h2>The extras</h2>While previously homeschooled
students in Kansas were sometimes barred from participating in extracurricular
activities in public school districts, the Kansas State High School Activities Association is working on implementing
a law passed this year by the Kansas Legislature that allows students within
the district to take part in sanctioned activities. “Now
homeschooled kids are more than welcome to play sports or be in clubs,” Klaus
said.Through Wildfire
Education, students will be able to participate in social activities as well.“They can kind of work
together and do some of the fun things that they would normally do at public
school that they can't do in homeschool, like make Valentine's or Christmas cards,”
Klaus said.With the
Victoria location, she said students from the area could take advantage of the service.“I feel
like Victoria is a central location,” Klaus said. “I live here, and I feel like
a lot of my kids are going to come from here. It's just central and easier for
everybody to meet at instead of in town.”As
the business is unique, she hopes the idea can spread across other rural
communities.“That's
kind of why I named it Wildfire Education because I want it to spread
like wildfire,” Klaus said. “I want to help other communities or other people bring
this to their community so that they can help their kids, especially rural
communities.“We are
a hotspot for those kinds of kids that need the time outside the classroom.”

Homeschool outside the home: Wildfire Education opens in Victoria

The Gifted Treasures art sale opens from 5 to 8 p.m. Thursday at the Hays Arts Center (112 E. 11th) and HAC Annex (1010 Main).

To shore up funding for the Hays Arts Council's 2023-2024 programming year (and offset expenses of its third crashed A/C unit in the past two years) the Hays Arts Council is capitalizing on some special art donations it's recently received and others that were tucked away after previous art sales...paintings, fine art prints, ceramics, sculpture, photographs, pottery, reproduction and decorative art.

It's recycling at its best. Join the council for the sale Thursday through Tuesday during regular Hays Arts Center hours.

The council wants to give a special thank you to Dr. Claire Mathews who, following a downsizing move earlier this year, provided the "foundation" for the art sale by donating a large number of wonderful original artworks.

Many of the works were courtesy of Mathews, with some donated by other generous friends.

You can see all of them - and a lot of others!- when our doors open at 5 p.m. on Thursday.

In addition to the larger works in the Hays Arts Center, the council will have a variety of items with lower price points in the Hays Arts Center Annex at 1010 Main.

Be sure to check out both of the buildings.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/10/1603922332074.jpeg" alt="File photo" />
 <figcaption>File photo</figcaption>
 </figure>Hays Arts Council&nbsp;The Gifted Treasures art sale opens from 5 to 8 p.m. Thursday at the Hays Arts Center (112 E. 11th) and HAC Annex (1010 Main).To shore up funding for the Hays Arts Council's 2023-2024 programming year (and offset expenses of its third crashed A/C unit in the past two years) the Hays Arts Council is capitalizing on some special art donations it's recently received and others that were tucked away after previous art sales...paintings, fine art prints, ceramics, sculpture, photographs, pottery, reproduction and decorative art.It's recycling at its best. Join the council for the sale Thursday through Tuesday during regular Hays Arts Center hours.The council wants to give a special thank you to Dr. Claire Mathews who, following a downsizing move earlier this year, provided the "foundation" for the art sale by donating a large number of wonderful original artworks.Many of the works were courtesy of Mathews, with some donated by other generous friends.You can see all of them - and a lot of others!- when our doors open at 5 p.m. on Thursday.In addition to the larger works in the Hays Arts Center, the council will have a variety of items with lower price points in the Hays Arts Center Annex at 1010 Main.Be sure to check out both of the buildings.

Hays Arts Council fundraising art sale starts Thursday

&nbsp;FHSU University Communications

Businesses and organizations in northwest Kansas can now apply for a spring or summer 2024 intern from Fort Hays State University through the FHSU/Dane G. Hansen Internship program.

A Dane G. Hansen Foundation grant made paid internships possible for next spring and summer. Applications from employers will be accepted through Sept. 15.

Eligible employers must be located in the Hansen Foundation’s 26-county service area: the block of counties stretching from the Cheyenne-Wallace County area east to include the Republic-Saline County area, including Ellsworth County. (See above map.)

However, students do not have to be from the northwest Kansas area to apply.

A participating employer invests $500 toward the student intern’s wages, and the Hansen Foundation grant provides the remaining funding. Each internship is for one semester or summer. Spring interns will work 240 hours, and summer interns will work 300 hours.

“We’re grateful for the Dane G. Hansen Foundation’s continued support of this program,” said Lisa Karlin, internship career advisor. “It provides employers access to new talent and allows students to gain professional work experience and make connections.”

Interested employers should go to the Career Services page on the FHSU website at&nbsp;<a href="https://link.mediaoutreach.meltwater.com/ls/click?upn=-2BFJoAhsjp8losQfY8t-2BZtG5PucV5OyxhgJ0tnlB5qvSeVHTGbbIP-2B3deK9cQnLkt-2FHslK7jhKLG-2BZV4Ad4pXsZGYo2COHsq4fX3QO1d0XKo-3D1P1Y_scuE6QATIAo5tLVPwSgAru2c-2BhK2yoyXg2bmw7NiE0fAh1KPMZMELOQP7nofz6yYQ-2Bqf093MhwFAtRepL8jHlz54IAfPLuFjTL9o8QdaXZuZ89uG8p7HAdjtWBhgDXVbrnukfDfjqoUhQ5mK4IeksTt3JnYAT1lRMLLuzgMMS8cVj1CKFswBRvkiTXLv12hiM-2Bno64UaICfXL5b-2BctyCRbi26xuNno47cIAitfkiS64WvDphtBDDVPYMVRztZC9yuV5nD4uvZlySODLDGoSnqdmWHgZguyQ41inKEoUb7PTxfhsbse28TcJZlOAFwT7OTMA6iizsO95JdBYoIZsJfETTatKZE4U5J1tJ8TNzZqpXx1vf86BTgifjFKKzweW23u-2BreBYZLqRZBfzGGS4zzQ-3D-3D" target="_blank">https://www.fhsu.edu/career/employers/hansen-internship-program</a>&nbsp;to learn more about the program and complete the application. The employer must also provide a detailed job description for the internship.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/8/1691675194881.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>&nbsp;FHSU University CommunicationsBusinesses and organizations in northwest Kansas can now apply for a spring or summer 2024 intern from Fort Hays State University through the FHSU/Dane G. Hansen Internship program.A Dane G. Hansen Foundation grant made paid internships possible for next spring and summer. Applications from employers will be accepted through Sept. 15.Eligible employers must be located in the Hansen Foundation’s 26-county service area: the block of counties stretching from the Cheyenne-Wallace County area east to include the Republic-Saline County area, including Ellsworth County. (See above map.)However, students do not have to be from the northwest Kansas area to apply.A participating employer invests $500 toward the student intern’s wages, and the Hansen Foundation grant provides the remaining funding. Each internship is for one semester or summer. Spring interns will work 240 hours, and summer interns will work 300 hours.“We’re grateful for the Dane G. Hansen Foundation’s continued support of this program,” said Lisa Karlin, internship career advisor. “It provides employers access to new talent and allows students to gain professional work experience and make connections.”Interested employers should go to the Career Services page on the FHSU website at&nbsp;<a href="https://link.mediaoutreach.meltwater.com/ls/click?upn=-2BFJoAhsjp8losQfY8t-2BZtG5PucV5OyxhgJ0tnlB5qvSeVHTGbbIP-2B3deK9cQnLkt-2FHslK7jhKLG-2BZV4Ad4pXsZGYo2COHsq4fX3QO1d0XKo-3D1P1Y_scuE6QATIAo5tLVPwSgAru2c-2BhK2yoyXg2bmw7NiE0fAh1KPMZMELOQP7nofz6yYQ-2Bqf093MhwFAtRepL8jHlz54IAfPLuFjTL9o8QdaXZuZ89uG8p7HAdjtWBhgDXVbrnukfDfjqoUhQ5mK4IeksTt3JnYAT1lRMLLuzgMMS8cVj1CKFswBRvkiTXLv12hiM-2Bno64UaICfXL5b-2BctyCRbi26xuNno47cIAitfkiS64WvDphtBDDVPYMVRztZC9yuV5nD4uvZlySODLDGoSnqdmWHgZguyQ41inKEoUb7PTxfhsbse28TcJZlOAFwT7OTMA6iizsO95JdBYoIZsJfETTatKZE4U5J1tJ8TNzZqpXx1vf86BTgifjFKKzweW23u-2BreBYZLqRZBfzGGS4zzQ-3D-3D" target="_blank">https://www.fhsu.edu/career/employers/hansen-internship-program</a>&nbsp;to learn more about the program and complete the application. The employer must also provide a detailed job description for the internship.

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