By CRISTINA JANNEY Hays Post

Ellis County will receive an additional $2.5 million in federal funds toward the Northwest Business Corridor, county comissionsers learned at a meeting Monday. 

The county was notified Aug. 9 it will receive the money from the 2019 BUILD grant funds that were made available for projects experiencing COVID-related budget challenges.

These&nbsp; funds could be used to reduce the county’s required local contribution for the corridor project, which would make funding available for other county projects, said Brendan Mackay, Ellis County public works director.

The additional funds also could be used to increase the scope of this project. The money could be used to widen the driving surface.

The project is slated for a 24-foot driving surface and 8-foot aggregate shoulders on both sides.  The 8-foot aggregate shoulders could be reduced in size to expand the paved section by 1 to 3 feet on both sides, widening the paved section from 24 feet to 30 feet,&nbsp; Mackay said.

Wider is always better and safer, Mackay said.

Commissioner Butch Schlyer said there are so many road and bridge projects in the county that he would like to leave the road at 24-feet and use the money to offset the county's share, so the county could do other projects.

Commissioners Neal Younger and Joe LeRoux said they agreed.

"I think if we can cover more ground and serve more people, that is certainly the preferred route for me," Leroux said.

The county also voted to sign the cost-share agreement on construction of Cathedral Avenue in Victoria.

Cathedral Road is being reconstructed from Sixth Street to the north edge of Victoria. Work is under way from south of Sixth Street to U.S. Highway 40. This grant will allow the county to complete the project north.

"I'm just excited that we're able to have this unexpected news, as he pointed out, it's not the norm for this to be awarded two years in a row," Leroux said. "It's been great to take care of Cathedral from the southern to the northern point of Victoria basically all in one shot."

As part of the cost share grant, the Kansas Department of Transportation awarded Ellis County 60 percent of eligible construction costs up to $700,000.  The remaining costs and non-participating costs will be the county’s responsibility.

The county share of eligible construction costs is estimated at $475,600.  In addition, the county will be responsible for the preliminary engineering and construction inspection engineering costs, which are estimated at $94,000 and $176,000. 

The commission approved the final $29 million budget for publication at its meeting Monday. 

The budget includes all departmental requests, personnel changes, health insurance premium adjustments, pay raises, retirement contribution program and continued increase to reserves for infrastructure improvements, Darin Myers, county administrator, said.

The budget includes increasing funding to capital reserves for both the road and bridge funds ($1.6 million, which is up from $329,000 in 2021), as well as setting aside capital for the construction of a new public works facility planned to be built in 2023. 

The budget also includes $1.2 million for outside agencies, including $5,000 for Big Brothers Big Sisters.

The mill levy is estimated at 37.2 mills, just less than the rate set in 2022 of 37.395 mills.

An increase in landfill fees will stabilize the landfill budget, which had been estimated to be at a $14,000 deficit.

The public budget hearing is set for Sept. 12.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/8/1660764285786.jpeg" alt="Work is ongoing on Cathedral Avenue in Victoria. Photo by Cristina Janney/Hays Post " />
 <figcaption>Work is ongoing on Cathedral Avenue in Victoria. Photo by Cristina Janney/Hays Post </figcaption>
 </figure>By CRISTINA JANNEY Hays Post Ellis County will receive an additional $2.5 million in federal funds toward the Northwest Business Corridor, county comissionsers learned at a meeting Monday. The county was notified Aug. 9 it will receive the money from the 2019 BUILD grant funds that were made available for projects experiencing COVID-related budget challenges.These&nbsp; funds could be used to reduce the county’s required local contribution for the corridor project, which would make funding available for other county projects, said Brendan Mackay, Ellis County public works director.The additional funds also could be used to increase the scope of this project. The money could be used to widen the driving surface.The project is slated for a 24-foot driving surface and 8-foot aggregate shoulders on both sides. The 8-foot aggregate shoulders could be reduced in size to expand the paved section by 1 to 3 feet on both sides, widening the paved section from 24 feet to 30 feet,&nbsp; Mackay said.Wider is always better and safer, Mackay said.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/8/1660764482671.jpeg" alt="Northwest Business Corridor Photo by Cristina Janney/Hays Post " />
 <figcaption>Northwest Business Corridor Photo by Cristina Janney/Hays Post </figcaption>
 </figure>Commissioner Butch Schlyer said there are so many road and bridge projects in the county that he would like to leave the road at 24-feet and use the money to offset the county's share, so the county could do other projects.Commissioners Neal Younger and Joe LeRoux said they agreed. "I think if we can cover more ground and serve more people, that is certainly the preferred route for me," Leroux said.<h2>Cathedral Avenue</h2>The county also voted to sign the cost-share agreement on construction of Cathedral Avenue in Victoria.Cathedral Road is being reconstructed from Sixth Street to the north edge of Victoria. Work is under way from south of Sixth Street to U.S. Highway 40. This grant will allow the county to complete the project north."I'm just excited that we're able to have this unexpected news, as he pointed out, it's not the norm for this to be awarded two years in a row," Leroux said. "It's been great to take care of Cathedral from the southern to the northern point of Victoria basically all in one shot." As part of the cost share grant, the Kansas Department of Transportation awarded Ellis County 60 percent of eligible construction costs up to $700,000. The remaining costs and non-participating costs will be the county’s responsibility.The county share of eligible construction costs is estimated at $475,600. In addition, the county will be responsible for the preliminary engineering and construction inspection engineering costs, which are estimated at $94,000 and $176,000. <h2>Budget</h2>The commission approved the final $29 million budget for publication at its meeting Monday. The budget includes all departmental requests, personnel changes, health insurance premium adjustments, pay raises, retirement contribution program and continued increase to reserves for infrastructure improvements, Darin Myers, county administrator, said.The budget includes increasing funding to capital reserves for both the road and bridge funds ($1.6 million, which is up from $329,000 in 2021), as well as setting aside capital for the construction of a new public works facility planned to be built in 2023. The budget also includes $1.2 million for outside agencies, including $5,000 for Big Brothers Big Sisters. The mill levy is estimated at 37.2 mills, just less than the rate set in 2022 of 37.395 mills.An increase in landfill fees will stabilize the landfill budget, which had been estimated to be at a $14,000 deficit. The public budget hearing is set for Sept. 12.

Ellis County receives funds for Northwest Corridor, Cathedral Ave.

Area teens are invited to participate in the Ellis County 4-H Civil Discourse Workshop from 1 to 5 p.m. on Saturday, Aug. 27, at Fort Hays State University's Memorial Union. 

The event will introduce teens to the importance of civil discourse through a keynote address from Dr. Lori Kniffin from the Fort Hays State University Leadership Studies department. Breakout sessions for both parents and their teens will allow each group to practice these vital communication skills. The event will conclude with a free concert for all in attendance by the Peterson Farm Brothers. Free commemorative T-shirts will be given to the first 100 teens who register, and refreshments will be served.

The event will be hosted by Ellis County 4-H Council and spearheaded by Hays High sophomores Elizabeth Noble, Marisa Wasinger and John Weisenborn. Teens who attend will be given training in how to have productive conversations about difficult topics that can lead to meaningful change.

Sponsors for the event include eyeSMILE Vision and Dental, Hays Optimist Club, Hays Kiwanis Club, Lang Diesel, the Midwest Energy Community Fund, Redeem Designs and private donors.&nbsp;

To learn more or to register, visit&nbsp;<a href="https://tinyurl.com/2fp3mk8u?fbclid=IwAR00aOPM60PndhhSuqVC1mI_6jGnb1M2B5oBwNrqEYBF9fFfnXKnxP9O674" target="_blank">https://tinyurl.com/2fp3mk8u</a>&nbsp;or contact the Cottonwood District office at 785-628-9430.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/8/1660928754272.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>News releaseArea teens are invited to participate in the Ellis County 4-H Civil Discourse Workshop from 1 to 5 p.m. on Saturday, Aug. 27, at Fort Hays State University's Memorial Union. The event will introduce teens to the importance of civil discourse through a keynote address from Dr. Lori Kniffin from the Fort Hays State University Leadership Studies department. Breakout sessions for both parents and their teens will allow each group to practice these vital communication skills. The event will conclude with a free concert for all in attendance by the Peterson Farm Brothers. Free commemorative T-shirts will be given to the first 100 teens who register, and refreshments will be served.The event will be hosted by Ellis County 4-H Council and spearheaded by Hays High sophomores Elizabeth Noble, Marisa Wasinger and John Weisenborn. Teens who attend will be given training in how to have productive conversations about difficult topics that can lead to meaningful change.Sponsors for the event include eyeSMILE Vision and Dental, Hays Optimist Club, Hays Kiwanis Club, Lang Diesel, the Midwest Energy Community Fund, Redeem Designs and private donors.&nbsp;To learn more or to register, visit&nbsp;<a href="https://tinyurl.com/2fp3mk8u?fbclid=IwAR00aOPM60PndhhSuqVC1mI_6jGnb1M2B5oBwNrqEYBF9fFfnXKnxP9O674" target="_blank">https://tinyurl.com/2fp3mk8u</a>&nbsp;or contact the Cottonwood District office at 785-628-9430.

Peterson Farm Brothers to headline free teen event in Hays

VICTORIA&nbsp;—&nbsp;As efforts to find new uses for the former St. John’s Rest Home
building continue, one of the ideas generated during initial conversations
will soon come to pass.

During the annual Herzogfest last week, the Ellis County Historical
Society announced they plan to open a satellite museum in the building, providing
the organization with much-needed storage space and a location to share Ellis
County history with more area residents and travelers than ever before.

<a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/20265d70-4cca-400e-9a7e-69323db9d166">The idea
of using the location to house a museum was introduced by Mary Kay Schippers,
Ellis County Historical Society Museum Space Committee chair and trustee,
during a meeting last September shortly after Jeff Pfeifer purchased the
building during a meeting discussing the future of the facility.</a>

“The location is absolutely perfect,” Schippers said. “It's
right down the street from the Basilica, which gets thousands of visitors every
year. And we're hoping to tie into that.”

Along with the benefits to the society, she said the
community would benefit from increased traffic, bringing outside dollars into Victoria.

“The longer you can keep a tourist in town, the more money
they're going to spend,” Schippers said. “I said this last September that the
difference between a community that survives and a community that thrives is
that the community that thrives is bringing in outside dollars.”<a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/b9828fea-e8ae-4cb0-8cdf-fe1760f225e0"></a>

<a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/b9828fea-e8ae-4cb0-8cdf-fe1760f225e0">The move comes as the society
works to sort and centralize the museum’s collection and share that collection with
the public at their main campus at Seventh and Main in Hays.</a>

“We're going to be moving all of our exhibits that deal with
the community outside of Hays,” Schippers said. “We're going to be moving those
to the Victoria site, and that way, at the Hays site, we will be able to focus
more on the Hays history.”

The Wild West history of Hays could focus on the main site,
while the Volga-German heritage that permeates the county could be a highlight
of the new location, she said.

“We want to make both of them fantastic,” Schippers said.

Using the rest home building to showcase Ellis County
history can help honor the history of the building as well, she said, as it
remained an integral part of life in Victoria and Ellis County for decades.

“When we approached the Ellis County Historical Society
board about this idea, one of the board members commented, he said, ‘I remember
pushing my grandma in a wheelchair down that hallway,’ ” she said. 

“And I think that's the thing. That building is just filled
with memories. I have my own memories of grandparents in that facility. And so
no one wanted to see it demolished.”

While the society’s plan will use a portion of the space,
she said other efforts continue to bring senior housing, recreation facilities
and more into the facility.

“When that building was built, it was to facilitate and to
help the community stay connected,” said Ellis County Historical Society
executive director Amanda Rupp. “And the people that were first involved in
that still have a lot of connection to the community."

By finding new uses for the building their legacy can carry on, she said.

And Rupp hopes that desire will translate to volunteers as the museum works to move into the location.

As the larger plans come together for the satellite museum,
area residents will see work begin soon.

“We're going to start on the second floor, which was another
reason why the historical society loved this site. We are really having a space
crunch here in Hays for artifacts,” Schippers said. “The second floor of that
building is going to strictly be used for historical society artifacts. And so the
renovation of that part of it is going to begin here in September.”

Demolition in the 2,700 square-foot upstairs area is set to begin September 19.

Part of that renovation includes securing the roof. During years of non-use, it has deteriorated, allowing water to damage portions of
the building. 

Rupp said that roofing above the area set to be used by the
society soon could be repaired separately from the rest of the 40,000-square-foot
building.

“The Victoria Community Coalition is going to raise funds to
try and help the entire roof area for the other part of the projects, but our
specific project is on that second story. Because it's its own roof structure,
we can start with that almost right away.”

Along with the benefit the location will bring to Victoria, Rupp
said the second location would be a benefit to the society’s ongoing need for
space to house the museum’s collection.

“We have now pulled everything that was out in various
storage units outside of our campus back to our campus last year, and we have
started sorting through those things, putting like things together,” Rupp said.


“And so right now we are shuffling, we need to work on one
space,” she continued. “We're shuffling it over here, and then we move it back
because we need to work on that area. But there has been a lot moved already, and
those two rooms in the basement are going to be empty pretty soon because we
are now focusing on bringing our staff back to that red brick building by the
end of the year.”

To accommodate the staff’s return, she said remodeling work
would soon begin in that area.

Following the weekend announcement, Schippers presented to
the Victoria City Council at their regular meeting, asking to waive the permit
fee for the upcoming work.

“We plan to be a very, very vibrant, visible part of this
community,” Schippers told the council.

She also noted the benefit of bringing workers to the city
for the work as they utilize stores and restaurants in Victoria.

“They will be bringing some revenue to the community right
at the very beginning, Schippers said.

And future developments will also have a further positive
economic impact, with the opening of a gift shop and the ability to host large
gatherings as part of the society’s mission, she said.

With the fee expected to be under $200 Schippers said it
would only be a minor impact to the city’s revenue but would signal the city’s
support for the project. 

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/5/1653503337583.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>By JAMES BELL Hays PostVICTORIA&nbsp;—&nbsp;As efforts to find new uses for the former St. John’s Rest Home
building continue, one of the ideas generated during initial conversations
will soon come to pass.During the annual Herzogfest last week, the Ellis County Historical
Society announced they plan to open a satellite museum in the building, providing
the organization with much-needed storage space and a location to share Ellis
County history with more area residents and travelers than ever before.<a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/20265d70-4cca-400e-9a7e-69323db9d166">The idea
of using the location to house a museum was introduced by Mary Kay Schippers,
Ellis County Historical Society Museum Space Committee chair and trustee,
during a meeting last September shortly after Jeff Pfeifer purchased the
building during a meeting discussing the future of the facility.</a><div><iframe title="Ellis County Historical Society to establish satellite museum in Victoria" allowtransparency="true" height="300" width="100%" style="border: none; min-width: min(100%, 430px);" scrolling="no" data-name="pb-iframe-player" src="https://www.podbean.com/player-v2/?i=uryhf-12a0c7e-pb&from=pb6admin&square=1&share=1&download=1&rtl=0&fonts=Arial&skin=3267a3&font-color=auto&logo_link=podcast_page&btn-skin=3267a3&size=300" allowfullscreen=""></iframe></div>“The location is absolutely perfect,” Schippers said. “It's
right down the street from the Basilica, which gets thousands of visitors every
year. And we're hoping to tie into that.”Along with the benefits to the society, she said the
community would benefit from increased traffic, bringing outside dollars into Victoria.“The longer you can keep a tourist in town, the more money
they're going to spend,” Schippers said. “I said this last September that the
difference between a community that survives and a community that thrives is
that the community that thrives is bringing in outside dollars.”<a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/b9828fea-e8ae-4cb0-8cdf-fe1760f225e0"></a><a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/b9828fea-e8ae-4cb0-8cdf-fe1760f225e0">The move comes as the society
works to sort and centralize the museum’s collection and share that collection with
the public at their main campus at Seventh and Main in Hays.</a>“We're going to be moving all of our exhibits that deal with
the community outside of Hays,” Schippers said. “We're going to be moving those
to the Victoria site, and that way, at the Hays site, we will be able to focus
more on the Hays history.”The Wild West history of Hays could focus on the main site,
while the Volga-German heritage that permeates the county could be a highlight
of the new location, she said.“We want to make both of them fantastic,” Schippers said.Using the rest home building to showcase Ellis County
history can help honor the history of the building as well, she said, as it
remained an integral part of life in Victoria and Ellis County for decades.“When we approached the Ellis County Historical Society
board about this idea, one of the board members commented, he said, ‘I remember
pushing my grandma in a wheelchair down that hallway,’ ” she said. “And I think that's the thing. That building is just filled
with memories. I have my own memories of grandparents in that facility. And so
no one wanted to see it demolished.”While the society’s plan will use a portion of the space,
she said other efforts continue to bring senior housing, recreation facilities
and more into the facility.“When that building was built, it was to facilitate and to
help the community stay connected,” said Ellis County Historical Society
executive director Amanda Rupp. “And the people that were first involved in
that still have a lot of connection to the community."By finding new uses for the building their legacy can carry on, she said.And Rupp hopes that desire will translate to volunteers as the museum works to move into the location.As the larger plans come together for the satellite museum,
area residents will see work begin soon.“We're going to start on the second floor, which was another
reason why the historical society loved this site. We are really having a space
crunch here in Hays for artifacts,” Schippers said. “The second floor of that
building is going to strictly be used for historical society artifacts. And so the
renovation of that part of it is going to begin here in September.”Demolition in the 2,700 square-foot upstairs area is set to begin September 19.Part of that renovation includes securing the roof. During years of non-use, it has deteriorated, allowing water to damage portions of
the building. Rupp said that roofing above the area set to be used by the
society soon could be repaired separately from the rest of the 40,000-square-foot
building.“The Victoria Community Coalition is going to raise funds to
try and help the entire roof area for the other part of the projects, but our
specific project is on that second story. Because it's its own roof structure,
we can start with that almost right away.”Along with the benefit the location will bring to Victoria, Rupp
said the second location would be a benefit to the society’s ongoing need for
space to house the museum’s collection.“We have now pulled everything that was out in various
storage units outside of our campus back to our campus last year, and we have
started sorting through those things, putting like things together,” Rupp said.
“And so right now we are shuffling, we need to work on one
space,” she continued. “We're shuffling it over here, and then we move it back
because we need to work on that area. But there has been a lot moved already, and
those two rooms in the basement are going to be empty pretty soon because we
are now focusing on bringing our staff back to that red brick building by the
end of the year.”To accommodate the staff’s return, she said remodeling work
would soon begin in that area.Following the weekend announcement, Schippers presented to
the Victoria City Council at their regular meeting, asking to waive the permit
fee for the upcoming work.“We plan to be a very, very vibrant, visible part of this
community,” Schippers told the council.She also noted the benefit of bringing workers to the city
for the work as they utilize stores and restaurants in Victoria.“They will be bringing some revenue to the community right
at the very beginning, Schippers said.And future developments will also have a further positive
economic impact, with the opening of a gift shop and the ability to host large
gatherings as part of the society’s mission, she said.With the fee expected to be under $200 Schippers said it
would only be a minor impact to the city’s revenue but would signal the city’s
support for the project. The measure passed unanimously.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/8/1660869675268.jpeg" alt="Former St. John Rest Home" />
 <figcaption>Former St. John Rest Home</figcaption>
 </figure>

🎙  Ellis County Historical Society plans satellite museum in Victoria

RELATED: Kanak's 61-yard touchdown against Maize last season (above) was recently selected as the&nbsp;<a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/72c803bb-0790-491a-9322-074a81e05538">USA Today high school play of the year</a>.

Hays High alum Jaren Kanak has been named to ESPN's 2022 preseason true freshman All-America team.

He is slated to play linebacker this season for Oklahoma Sooners.&nbsp;

Kanak played quarterback his senior year after primarily being a receiver for the past three seasons. The 2021 season saw him break several records for Hays High football, including total yards in a season, total rushing yards and scoring total. 

Kanak also broke the school record for total rushing yards at 1,615 and points scored in a season with 142.&nbsp;

Click <a href="https://soonerswire.usatoday.com/2022/08/19/oklahoma-sooners-football-jaren-kanak-true-freshman-all-american-espn-brent-venables/?utm_campaign=trueanthem&amp;utm_medium=trueanthem&amp;utm_source=facebook&amp;fbclid=IwAR2qUdeQio_YUZbu4opUPUEe4offFZmsw0k3o94BFijAUQ_q1dxRxEdXGas&amp;fs=e&amp;s=cl">HERE</a> for more on Kanak's upcoming season from Sooners Wire.

<div><div itemscope itemtype="https://schema.org/VideoObject"><meta itemprop="uploadDate" content="Tue Aug 16 2022 11:42:18 GMT-0500 (Central Daylight Time)"/><meta itemprop="name" content="Kanek"/><meta itemprop="duration" content="P0Y0M0DT0H1M2S" /><meta itemprop="thumbnailUrl" content="https://cdn.jwplayer.com/thumbs/dutIjkTo-720.jpg"/><meta itemprop="contentUrl" content="https://content.jwplatform.com/videos/dutIjkTo-25NauLGk.m4a"/><div style="position:relative; overflow:hidden; padding-bottom:56.25%"><iframe src="https://cdn.jwplayer.com/players/dutIjkTo-KcBmu4K3.html" width="100%" height="100%" frameborder="0" scrolling="auto" title="Kanek" style="position:absolute;" allowfullscreen></iframe></div></div></div>RELATED: Kanak's 61-yard touchdown against Maize last season (above) was recently selected as the&nbsp;<a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/72c803bb-0790-491a-9322-074a81e05538">USA Today high school play of the year</a>.--------Hays High alum Jaren Kanak has been named to ESPN's 2022 preseason true freshman All-America team.He is slated to play linebacker this season for Oklahoma Sooners.&nbsp;Kanak played quarterback his senior year after primarily being a receiver for the past three seasons. The 2021 season saw him break several records for Hays High football, including total yards in a season, total rushing yards and scoring total. Kanak also broke the school record for total rushing yards at 1,615 and points scored in a season with 142.&nbsp;Click <a href="https://soonerswire.usatoday.com/2022/08/19/oklahoma-sooners-football-jaren-kanak-true-freshman-all-american-espn-brent-venables/?utm_campaign=trueanthem&amp;utm_medium=trueanthem&amp;utm_source=facebook&amp;fbclid=IwAR2qUdeQio_YUZbu4opUPUEe4offFZmsw0k3o94BFijAUQ_q1dxRxEdXGas&amp;fs=e&amp;s=cl">HERE</a> for more on Kanak's upcoming season from Sooners Wire.

🎥 Kanak named to ESPN true freshman All-America preseason team

On this episode of Forward Ever: Leading in Challenging Times host Gary Shorman speaks with&nbsp;Simpson Farm Enterprises manager Jed Simpson.

<div><iframe title="Forward Ever: Simpson Farm Enterprises manager Jed Simpson" allowtransparency="true" height="300" width="100%" style="border: none; min-width: min(100%, 430px);" scrolling="no" data-name="pb-iframe-player" src="https://www.podbean.com/player-v2/?i=b7yij-12a1b49-pb&from=pb6admin&square=1&share=1&download=1&rtl=0&fonts=Arial&skin=3267a3&font-color=auto&logo_link=podcast_page&btn-skin=3267a3&size=300" allowfullscreen=""></iframe></div>On this episode of Forward Ever: Leading in Challenging Times host Gary Shorman speaks with&nbsp;Simpson Farm Enterprises manager Jed Simpson.

🎤Forward Ever: Simpson Farm Enterprises manager Jed Simpson

TOPEKA — Preliminary estimates reported by the Labor Market Information Services division of the Kansas Department of Labor and the Bureau of Labor Statistics show a seasonally adjusted unemployment rate of 2.4% in July. This was unchanged from 2.4% in June and a decrease from 3.4% in July 2021.

“Kansas and the U.S. have maintained relatively low unemployment rates so far in 2022, with Kansas remaining at 2.4% and the U.S. reaching 3.5% in July.” said Secretary Amber Shultz.

The jobless rate rose across northwest Kansas. Ellis County's unemployment rate rose from 2.1 percent in June to 2.7 percent in July. Sherman, Decatur, Graham, Rooks and Barton counties all have unemployment rates higher than 3 percent.

Seasonally adjusted job estimates for Kansas indicate total nonfarm payroll employment increased by 3,500 from June. Total nonfarm includes private sector and government employers. Private sector jobs increased by 4,000 over the month, while government decreased by 500.

“July estimates indicate that private sector jobs increased by 4,000 over the month,” said Labor Economist Emilie Doerksen. “The manufacturing industry added 1,500 jobs with significant gains in durable goods manufacturing. The second largest gains were recorded in trade, transportation, and utilities which contributed 1,000 jobs to the overall private sector growth.”

Since July 2021 Kansas’ seasonally adjusted total nonfarm jobs have increased by 13,500. This change is due to an increase of 16,700 private sector jobs and a decrease of 3,200 government jobs.

Complete Kansas labor market information for July is available here.

The August 2022 Labor Report will be released on Friday, September 16.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/8/1660919701316.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>TOPEKA — Preliminary estimates reported by the Labor Market Information Services division of the Kansas Department of Labor and the Bureau of Labor Statistics show a seasonally adjusted unemployment rate of 2.4% in July. This was unchanged from 2.4% in June and a decrease from 3.4% in July 2021.“Kansas and the U.S. have maintained relatively low unemployment rates so far in 2022, with Kansas remaining at 2.4% and the U.S. reaching 3.5% in July.” said Secretary Amber Shultz.The jobless rate rose across northwest Kansas. Ellis County's unemployment rate rose from 2.1 percent in June to 2.7 percent in July. Sherman, Decatur, Graham, Rooks and Barton counties all have unemployment rates higher than 3 percent.Seasonally adjusted job estimates for Kansas indicate total nonfarm payroll employment increased by 3,500 from June. Total nonfarm includes private sector and government employers. Private sector jobs increased by 4,000 over the month, while government decreased by 500.“July estimates indicate that private sector jobs increased by 4,000 over the month,” said Labor Economist Emilie Doerksen. “The manufacturing industry added 1,500 jobs with significant gains in durable goods manufacturing. The second largest gains were recorded in trade, transportation, and utilities which contributed 1,000 jobs to the overall private sector growth.”Since July 2021 Kansas’ seasonally adjusted total nonfarm jobs have increased by 13,500. This change is due to an increase of 16,700 private sector jobs and a decrease of 3,200 government jobs.Complete Kansas labor market information for July is available here.The August 2022 Labor Report will be released on Friday, September 16.

Jobless rates rise across northwest Kansas in July

By BECKY KISER Hays Post

The rain hit Hays this morning just as people were driving to work and school, but it was still welcome.

The official report from the K-State Agricultural Research Center, measured at 9 a.m., was 0.55 inch of rain, with light rain continuing off and on.

The 153 cumulative average of annual moisture by the end of August 17.57 inches. So far this year in Hays,&nbsp; 12.58 inches of moisture has fallen, 5 inches below normal.

<a href="https://droughtmonitor.unl.edu/CurrentMap/StateDroughtMonitor.aspx?KS">According to the U.S. Drought Monitor</a>, all of Ellis County (3 down, 5 right from map upper left) remains in a drought, ranging from moderate to extreme.&nbsp;

The <a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/f6915508-6a1f-44fe-a677-2b2b2f286c08">weekend weather forecast</a>&nbsp;from the National Weather Service in Dodge City calls for slight chance of rain on Sunday.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/5/1621177967075.jpeg" alt="(Photo by Unsplash)" />
 <figcaption>(Photo by Unsplash)</figcaption>
 </figure>By BECKY KISER Hays PostThe rain hit Hays this morning just as people were driving to work and school, but it was still welcome.The official report from the K-State Agricultural Research Center, measured at 9 a.m., was 0.55 inch of rain, with light rain continuing off and on.It remains dry in Hays.&nbsp;The 153 cumulative average of annual moisture by the end of August 17.57 inches. So far this year in Hays,&nbsp; 12.58 inches of moisture has fallen, 5 inches below normal.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/8/1660919738948.jpeg" alt="U.S. Drought Monitor&nbsp;" />
 <figcaption>U.S. Drought Monitor&nbsp;</figcaption>
 </figure><a href="https://droughtmonitor.unl.edu/CurrentMap/StateDroughtMonitor.aspx?KS">According to the U.S. Drought Monitor</a>, all of Ellis County (3 down, 5 right from map upper left) remains in a drought, ranging from moderate to extreme.&nbsp;The <a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/f6915508-6a1f-44fe-a677-2b2b2f286c08">weekend weather forecast</a>&nbsp;from the National Weather Service in Dodge City calls for slight chance of rain on Sunday.

Friday morning rain brings 0.55 moisture to Hays; still 5" below normal

Eagle Radio of Hays honored by Kansas Association of Broadcasters

Russell Regional Hospital has announced the hiring of Chelsee Hoffman, R.N.,&nbsp;as the Main Street Manor Coordinator. Main Street Manor is&nbsp;a&nbsp;long-term care center at Russell Regional Hospital. Hoffman has worked at Russell Regional Hospital for two years, starting out on the acute floor and surgery nurse. Most recently, Hoffman served as the infection prevention and quality assurance nurse. 

A native of Hays, Hoffman has worked in long term care&nbsp;in the roles of CNA, CMA, and LPN. Graduating form NCKTC and Colby Community College, Hoffman has been a nurse for 10 years. She has two children and her husband is a police officer with the Russell Police Department.&nbsp;

“I&nbsp;hope&nbsp;to&nbsp;add to the already amazing Main&nbsp;Street Manor&nbsp;team.&nbsp; I am excited to bring my knowledge, experience,&nbsp;and abilities to the floor and to learn from others while I go," Hoffman said. "We have wonderful residents and assisting in their care and working with their families is an added&nbsp;value to the daily responsibilities at Main Street Manor. If anyone has any questions about our services or would like to tour the care center, please reach out and I’d be happy to meet with you.” 

"I’m excited to add Chelsee to the Main Street Manor team. She has experience working at Russell Regional Hospital in several departments that will add to her expertise in leading our long-term care department,"&nbsp;Russell Regional Hospital COO Michelle Driskill said. "We value our residents and staff, so to be moving forward in hiring&nbsp;a department coordinator, is certainly a positive step in the direction of securing leadership and team work in the Main Street Manor sector.”&nbsp;

For more information about Main Street Manor, call (785) 483-0870.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/8/1660761787541.png" alt="Hoffman" />
 <figcaption>Hoffman</figcaption>
 </figure>News releaseRussell Regional Hospital has announced the hiring of Chelsee Hoffman, R.N.,&nbsp;as the Main Street Manor Coordinator. Main Street Manor is&nbsp;a&nbsp;long-term care center at Russell Regional Hospital. Hoffman has worked at Russell Regional Hospital for two years, starting out on the acute floor and surgery nurse. Most recently, Hoffman served as the infection prevention and quality assurance nurse. A native of Hays, Hoffman has worked in long term care&nbsp;in the roles of CNA, CMA, and LPN. Graduating form NCKTC and Colby Community College, Hoffman has been a nurse for 10 years. She has two children and her husband is a police officer with the Russell Police Department.&nbsp;“I&nbsp;hope&nbsp;to&nbsp;add to the already amazing Main&nbsp;Street Manor&nbsp;team.&nbsp; I am excited to bring my knowledge, experience,&nbsp;and abilities to the floor and to learn from others while I go," Hoffman said. "We have wonderful residents and assisting in their care and working with their families is an added&nbsp;value to the daily responsibilities at Main Street Manor. If anyone has any questions about our services or would like to tour the care center, please reach out and I’d be happy to meet with you.” "I’m excited to add Chelsee to the Main Street Manor team. She has experience working at Russell Regional Hospital in several departments that will add to her expertise in leading our long-term care department,"&nbsp;Russell Regional Hospital COO Michelle Driskill said. "We value our residents and staff, so to be moving forward in hiring&nbsp;a department coordinator, is certainly a positive step in the direction of securing leadership and team work in the Main Street Manor sector.”&nbsp;For more information about Main Street Manor, call (785) 483-0870.

Hays native named coordinator of Russell long-term care center

The Fort Hays State University Foundation has welcomed Eric Depperschmidt and Brent Williams as directors of development. Depperschmidt will work primarily to raise funds for FHSU’s Werth College of Science, Technology and Mathematics, while Williams will fundraise in support of the College of Health and Behavioral Sciences.&nbsp;

“I am pleased to have joined the Fort Hays State University Foundation team. I have great pride in Fort Hays State University and in being an alumnus,” said Depperschmidt.

A western Kansas native, Depperschmidt has worked in economic development in Kansas, Colorado, and Oklahoma and as a loan officer in commercial and agriculture banking in western Kansas. Prior to working in economic development and banking, Depperschmidt served as Kansas’ 1st district legislative liaison for Congressman Jerry Moran. His areas of responsibility were agriculture, rural development, and military and veterans affairs issues. He is a 1999 graduate of FHSU and an air force and national guard veteran.

Brent Williams holds a bachelors from the University of Oklahoma and master's and doctoral degrees from Florida State University in violin performance. While most of his formal experience relates to music as a prominent violinist, he also has diverse administrative, teaching, relationship-building, and non-profit experience. This background has provided a great understanding of how a university functions and the importance of donor support for student success. Williams is new to the Hays area, joining his wife, Ginger Williams, Forsyth Library dean.

"The Foundation office has such an important mission. I look forward to raising funds for FHSU student scholarships, helping to achieve capital campaign goals, and growing the endowment.&nbsp;This is an exciting time for Fort Hays State University and for the College of Health and Behavioral Sciences, and I am fortunate to be a part of it," said Williams.

“I am pleased to welcome Depperschmidt and Williams to our team,” said Jason Williby, FHSU Foundation president and CEO. “Both bring knowledge, connections, skillsets, and a passion for FHSU to their positions.”

Established in 1945, the FHSU Foundation is committed to cultivating lasting relationships with alumni, friends, corporations, and other organizations that have a passion for Fort Hays State and want to continue its legacy of excellence. As an independent, non-profit organization, the Foundation’s donors have an impact on all facets of university life, and their support continues to translate into success for FHSU students.

To learn more about the FHSU Foundation, visit&nbsp;<a href="http://link.mediaoutreach.meltwater.com/ls/click?upn=-2BFJoAhsjp8losQfY8t-2BZtDSAKvxVcchtfV1543l0Kpl6aRGqIctSqa6Magmpvb7gMyzp_r-2BDMsuWuYVmb7-2F1Mu1QL1I-2FJ8-2BHR91nNNNGTTc38Ah0CWayiZL-2BkhdmA3sx0XGnG-2FN1jk6rVQRO9vN7U5rFC-2BcXi909IOPAdkr3SvXFdyn3Ag1h6-2F-2B6atf0vMUKxRgZ-2BgYW6uOrYOZhZBiksGasStc4sfiDvT-2Fak-2FY0de2DVHZoQ54Ybf1cKHr6DKf1YAo5eUJdW34-2FfwY-2FekiQxRMgbWINX0D-2F5c-2BB1p-2FJdznbb5YKL0t3GEvjOtlcOV3MvZzNu-2BQibb4WvkqbrgwQBbKeqv7wBB6-2FnGaUsFgQG3HLV16CPmaID2AmkqzctXY8SZerV4g6EsP52bwhzNfN4RXpYsBbFm-2BFA64Hzg66ob2rpOKUr5H0HLSJMWcxtW6WY83iA">https://foundation.fhsu.edu</a>, call 785-628-5620, or email&nbsp;<a href="mailto:foundation@fhsu.edu">foundation@fhsu.edu</a>.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/8/1660665749200.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>FHSU University CommunicationsThe Fort Hays State University Foundation has welcomed Eric Depperschmidt and Brent Williams as directors of development. Depperschmidt will work primarily to raise funds for FHSU’s Werth College of Science, Technology and Mathematics, while Williams will fundraise in support of the College of Health and Behavioral Sciences.&nbsp;“I am pleased to have joined the Fort Hays State University Foundation team. I have great pride in Fort Hays State University and in being an alumnus,” said Depperschmidt.A western Kansas native, Depperschmidt has worked in economic development in Kansas, Colorado, and Oklahoma and as a loan officer in commercial and agriculture banking in western Kansas. Prior to working in economic development and banking, Depperschmidt served as Kansas’ 1st district legislative liaison for Congressman Jerry Moran. His areas of responsibility were agriculture, rural development, and military and veterans affairs issues. He is a 1999 graduate of FHSU and an air force and national guard veteran.Brent Williams holds a bachelors from the University of Oklahoma and master's and doctoral degrees from Florida State University in violin performance. While most of his formal experience relates to music as a prominent violinist, he also has diverse administrative, teaching, relationship-building, and non-profit experience. This background has provided a great understanding of how a university functions and the importance of donor support for student success. Williams is new to the Hays area, joining his wife, Ginger Williams, Forsyth Library dean."The Foundation office has such an important mission. I look forward to raising funds for FHSU student scholarships, helping to achieve capital campaign goals, and growing the endowment.&nbsp;This is an exciting time for Fort Hays State University and for the College of Health and Behavioral Sciences, and I am fortunate to be a part of it," said Williams.“I am pleased to welcome Depperschmidt and Williams to our team,” said Jason Williby, FHSU Foundation president and CEO. “Both bring knowledge, connections, skillsets, and a passion for FHSU to their positions.”Established in 1945, the FHSU Foundation is committed to cultivating lasting relationships with alumni, friends, corporations, and other organizations that have a passion for Fort Hays State and want to continue its legacy of excellence. As an independent, non-profit organization, the Foundation’s donors have an impact on all facets of university life, and their support continues to translate into success for FHSU students.To learn more about the FHSU Foundation, visit&nbsp;<a href="http://link.mediaoutreach.meltwater.com/ls/click?upn=-2BFJoAhsjp8losQfY8t-2BZtDSAKvxVcchtfV1543l0Kpl6aRGqIctSqa6Magmpvb7gMyzp_r-2BDMsuWuYVmb7-2F1Mu1QL1I-2FJ8-2BHR91nNNNGTTc38Ah0CWayiZL-2BkhdmA3sx0XGnG-2FN1jk6rVQRO9vN7U5rFC-2BcXi909IOPAdkr3SvXFdyn3Ag1h6-2F-2B6atf0vMUKxRgZ-2BgYW6uOrYOZhZBiksGasStc4sfiDvT-2Fak-2FY0de2DVHZoQ54Ybf1cKHr6DKf1YAo5eUJdW34-2FfwY-2FekiQxRMgbWINX0D-2F5c-2BB1p-2FJdznbb5YKL0t3GEvjOtlcOV3MvZzNu-2BQibb4WvkqbrgwQBbKeqv7wBB6-2FnGaUsFgQG3HLV16CPmaID2AmkqzctXY8SZerV4g6EsP52bwhzNfN4RXpYsBbFm-2BFA64Hzg66ob2rpOKUr5H0HLSJMWcxtW6WY83iA">https://foundation.fhsu.edu</a>, call 785-628-5620, or email&nbsp;<a href="mailto:foundation@fhsu.edu">foundation@fhsu.edu</a>.

FHSU Foundation welcomes two new directors of development

The The Hays Police Department responded to 34 calls from July 24 to July 30, 2022 according to the HPD Activity Log.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/11/1573140734289.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>The The Hays Police Department responded to 34 calls from July 24 to July 30, 2022 according to the HPD Activity Log.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/8/1660858188252.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/8/1660858188252.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/8/1660858342489.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/11/1573140734289.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>

Hays PD Activity Log, July 24-30

<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/2022/8/1660841389479.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

By MIKE COURSON Great Bend Post

Some of the 
unsung heroes are the brave men and women climbing electrical poles to 
restore power to the masses after a storm. Hoisington artist Bruce 
Bitter of B&amp;B Metal Arts is paying tribute to those linemen with his
 "After the Storm" stainless steel installment, recently dedicated to 
Jim McVey at the new Wheatland Electric facility on east 10th Street in 
Great Bend.

The Board of Wheatland Electric dedicated the artwork 
to McVey in recognition of his efforts in managing the design and 
construction of the new facility. Jim's wife, Dana, reached out to 
Bitter for the project. Bitter answered by poring over photographs of 
linemen and speaking with supervisors to get every detail accurate.

"If
 you look, it's got the safety glasses, the current safety straps, the 
right tools," Bitter said. "Everything is up to date with what a 
Wheatland lineman would use. It was also based off their brand new poles
 they are currently using with the fiberglass tops and the bolt 
patterns." 

The full depiction spans 30 feet and includes three 
power poles with two linemen working. Bitter worked on the project from 
August to October, perfecting many of the fine details and colors.

"The
 coloring is what I can get out of the stainless steel," he said. "It's 
more of an art than a science. You can't reproduce it, you have to know 
what you're doing. You take the heat like a paintbrush over the steel to
 create all the different colors."

Much like his previous 9/11 memorial that included steel from an 
actual World Trade Center building, "After the Storm" also incorporates 
various elements to heighten the work's authenticity.

"It actually
 has copper staples in there," Bitter said. "It has a copper ground wire
 ground down it. I simulated the wood on the telephone poles, I used the
 correct insulators, and how they tied the straps and electrical lines. 
Everything was correctly proportioned."

Since opening B&amp;B 
Metal Arts with his brother, Brent, in 1995, Bruce has remained busy. 
Some of his larger projects include the 9/11 Memorial and a Steve 
Fossett memorial at Salina Regional Airport. Closer to home, Bruce 
recently completed an installment for the Barton Community College Fine 
Arts Building. He created the signs for Dry Lake Brewing and P&amp;S 
Security, and the hospital benches for Clara Barton Hospital. In 2013, 
his life-sized baseball and softball players were commissioned for the 
entrance of the Great Bend Sports Complex.

"After the Storm" will 
be on display at Wheatland's open house on Thursday, Aug. 18 from 10 
a.m. to 2 p.m. The new facility is located at 200 10th Street in Great 
Bend.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/8/1660842193472.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>By MIKE COURSON Great Bend PostSome of the 
unsung heroes are the brave men and women climbing electrical poles to 
restore power to the masses after a storm. Hoisington artist Bruce 
Bitter of B&amp;B Metal Arts is paying tribute to those linemen with his
 "After the Storm" stainless steel installment, recently dedicated to 
Jim McVey at the new Wheatland Electric facility on east 10th Street in 
Great Bend.The Board of Wheatland Electric dedicated the artwork 
to McVey in recognition of his efforts in managing the design and 
construction of the new facility. Jim's wife, Dana, reached out to 
Bitter for the project. Bitter answered by poring over photographs of 
linemen and speaking with supervisors to get every detail accurate."If
 you look, it's got the safety glasses, the current safety straps, the 
right tools," Bitter said. "Everything is up to date with what a 
Wheatland lineman would use. It was also based off their brand new poles
 they are currently using with the fiberglass tops and the bolt 
patterns." The full depiction spans 30 feet and includes three 
power poles with two linemen working. Bitter worked on the project from 
August to October, perfecting many of the fine details and colors."The
 coloring is what I can get out of the stainless steel," he said. "It's 
more of an art than a science. You can't reproduce it, you have to know 
what you're doing. You take the heat like a paintbrush over the steel to
 create all the different colors."<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/8/1660842232907.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Much like his previous 9/11 memorial that included steel from an 
actual World Trade Center building, "After the Storm" also incorporates 
various elements to heighten the work's authenticity."It actually
 has copper staples in there," Bitter said. "It has a copper ground wire
 ground down it. I simulated the wood on the telephone poles, I used the
 correct insulators, and how they tied the straps and electrical lines. 
Everything was correctly proportioned."Since opening B&amp;B 
Metal Arts with his brother, Brent, in 1995, Bruce has remained busy. 
Some of his larger projects include the 9/11 Memorial and a Steve 
Fossett memorial at Salina Regional Airport. Closer to home, Bruce 
recently completed an installment for the Barton Community College Fine 
Arts Building. He created the signs for Dry Lake Brewing and P&amp;S 
Security, and the hospital benches for Clara Barton Hospital. In 2013, 
his life-sized baseball and softball players were commissioned for the 
entrance of the Great Bend Sports Complex."After the Storm" will 
be on display at Wheatland's open house on Thursday, Aug. 18 from 10 
a.m. to 2 p.m. The new facility is located at 200 10th Street in Great 
Bend.

'After the Storm': Hoisington artist depicts linemen in new piece

On this episode of the Post Podcast Hays Chamber president and CEO Sarah Wasinger along with Rose Garden Banquet Hall owner Kim Barnes discuss the upcoming Education Appreciation Dinner.

<a href="https://postpodcast.podbean.com/">For more about the Post Podcast, including a full list of episodes and episode transcripts click here.</a>

<div><iframe title="Hays Chamber Education Appreciation Dinner set for August 30" allowtransparency="true" height="300" width="100%" style="border: none; min-width: min(100%, 430px);" scrolling="no" data-name="pb-iframe-player" src="https://www.podbean.com/player-v2/?i=j6429-12a0663-pb&from=pb6admin&square=1&share=1&download=1&rtl=0&fonts=Arial&skin=3267a3&font-color=auto&logo_link=podcast_page&btn-skin=3267a3&size=300" allowfullscreen=""></iframe></div>On this episode of the Post Podcast Hays Chamber president and CEO Sarah Wasinger along with Rose Garden Banquet Hall owner Kim Barnes discuss the upcoming Education Appreciation Dinner. <a href="https://postpodcast.podbean.com/">For more about the Post Podcast, including a full list of episodes and episode transcripts click here.</a>

🎙Post Podcast: Hays Chamber Education Appreciation Dinner set for August 30

Hays High Athletics Hall of Fame inducted their inaugural class on Saturday, Aug. 13. A class of 16 made up of teams, athletes, and individuals made up the first group.

The night was hosted at the Hilton Garden Inn and included dinner for the 280 in attendance.

Sponsors of the night included Edward Jones, Jeter Law Firm, Bank of Hays, Premier Business Management, RD Graphics, Shutter Glimpses, Northwestern Printers and Tribe Broadcasting.

A DVD of the night can be purchased by emailing Dan Balman (<a href="mailto:dbalman@usd489.com">dbalman@usd489.com</a>) with Tribe Broadcasting at Hays High School. The cost is $20 with half going back to the Tribe Broadcasting program.

A kiosk is being purchased that will be placed inside Hays High School which will highlight the member of the Athletics Hall of Fame. Sponsorship of the kiosk is available by contacting Board President Kirk Maska.

A nomination form is now available for future classes. The deadline is Feb. 1. The form can be found on the Hays High Athletics Hall of Fame Facebook page and <a href="https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfifO1Q6LWMtVi2eD-DFfr26J3Oo5YLmBkwBCVFCC0956w7Hg/viewform?vc=0&amp;c=0&amp;w=1&amp;flr=0">HERE</a>.

There is an eligibility form to review before submitting the document. Some of the key points include athletes being removed from the school for a minimum of ten years and coaches/contributors for five years.

Anybody wishing to make a tax deductible donation to support the Hays High Athletics Hall of Fame and the scholarship program they are establishing can send their donation to the USD 489 Foundation tagged for Hays High Athletics Hall of Fame.

- 1944 state champion boys basketball team - 1953 football team (8-0-1) - 1954 football team (9-0, #4 in final poll, no playoffs a that time) - 1989 girls track state championship team - Willard Schmidt - Baseball (1946) - Dale Alexander- Track (1959) - Gene Rider - Basketball, Baseball (1964) - Carmen Ginther - Tennis (1978) - Marla Powell - Volleyball, Basketball, Track (1981) - Terrie Sargent - Volleyball, Basketball, Track(1981) - Tamara Munsch - Golf (2000) - Jeff Bieker - Baseball (2001) - Marcus Watts - Football, Basketball, Track (2002) - Coach Jim Maska - Coach Bob Kuhn - Athletic Director Mike Karl&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;

Hays High Athletics Hall of Fame inducted their inaugural class on Saturday, Aug. 13. A class of 16 made up of teams, athletes, and individuals made up the first group.The night was hosted at the Hilton Garden Inn and included dinner for the 280 in attendance.Sponsors of the night included Edward Jones, Jeter Law Firm, Bank of Hays, Premier Business Management, RD Graphics, Shutter Glimpses, Northwestern Printers and Tribe Broadcasting.A DVD of the night can be purchased by emailing Dan Balman (<a href="mailto:dbalman@usd489.com">dbalman@usd489.com</a>) with Tribe Broadcasting at Hays High School. The cost is $20 with half going back to the Tribe Broadcasting program.A kiosk is being purchased that will be placed inside Hays High School which will highlight the member of the Athletics Hall of Fame. Sponsorship of the kiosk is available by contacting Board President Kirk Maska.A nomination form is now available for future classes. The deadline is Feb. 1. The form can be found on the Hays High Athletics Hall of Fame Facebook page and <a href="https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfifO1Q6LWMtVi2eD-DFfr26J3Oo5YLmBkwBCVFCC0956w7Hg/viewform?vc=0&amp;c=0&amp;w=1&amp;flr=0">HERE</a>.There is an eligibility form to review before submitting the document. Some of the key points include athletes being removed from the school for a minimum of ten years and coaches/contributors for five years.Anybody wishing to make a tax deductible donation to support the Hays High Athletics Hall of Fame and the scholarship program they are establishing can send their donation to the USD 489 Foundation tagged for Hays High Athletics Hall of Fame.2022 Inductees:- 1944 state champion boys basketball team - 1953 football team (8-0-1) - 1954 football team (9-0, #4 in final poll, no playoffs a that time) - 1989 girls track state championship team - Willard Schmidt - Baseball (1946) - Dale Alexander- Track (1959) - Gene Rider - Basketball, Baseball (1964) - Carmen Ginther - Tennis (1978) - Marla Powell - Volleyball, Basketball, Track (1981) - Terrie Sargent - Volleyball, Basketball, Track(1981) - Tamara Munsch - Golf (2000) - Jeff Bieker - Baseball (2001) - Marcus Watts - Football, Basketball, Track (2002) - Coach Jim Maska - Coach Bob Kuhn - Athletic Director Mike Karl&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;

Hays High Athletics Hall of Fame inaugural banquet in the books

Thank you to these sponsors for making a difference! The Ellis Junior Free Fair was a wonderful success!&nbsp;

Farm Bureau Financial Services-Jason Pfeifer

Farmland Auction and Realty Co., Inc. -Hays

Hays Veterinary Hospital Prof. Assoc. -Hays

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/8/1660581110169.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Thank you to these sponsors for making a difference! The Ellis Junior Free Fair was a wonderful success!&nbsp;A&amp;A Coors-HaysAgiliti HealthA.J and Linda PfannenstielAdvantage Glass Plus of Hays, Inc.American Family-Curt StaabArthur's Pizza &amp; Mexican FoodsBank of HaysBig Creek Restoration, LLCBig Creek SupplyBittel-Haas ConstructionBrian and Amanda ShannonBuiltwell Construction and Roofing, LLCCasey'sCCW Farms-Wade PfannenstielChrist Lutheran ChurchChubbs BBQClint &amp; Kevin UrbanCottage Lane Pumpkin PatchDaren FischerDanny KellerDavid and LuAnn PfeiferDavid and Twila WilsonDavon ArmbristerDennis &amp; Rhonda WolfDowning-Nelson Oil Co. , IncDreiling Field Service and TowingDuane &amp; Karen DorzweilerEck &amp; Eck ConstructionEHS CheerleadersEldon &amp; Charlotte PfeiferElite Pipe Testing, Inc.Ellis County Fair BoardEllis County ConcreteEllis Credit UnionEllis High School AlumniEllis NutritionEllis Recreation CommissionEllis Review (Main Street Media)Ellis Volunteer Fire Dept.Equity BankFarm Bureau Financial Services-Jason PfeiferFarmland Auction and Realty Co., Inc. -HaysFinish Line Lease Service, LLCFischer Pipe TestingFischer Well ServiceFlatlander Dirt Works LLCFrozen FrogGD FarmsGlenn KohlGolden B Hydra Drilling LLCGolden Belt BankGolden Belt Cooperative Assoc. Inc.Golden Belt Telephone Assoc.Hays Medical CenterHays Veterinary Hospital Prof. Assoc. -HaysHeartland TankHess ServicesHigh Plains Farm CreditHonas Tank ServiceHorizon Pipe TestingI-70 Truck Repair-HaysIn Memory of Lisa PfannenstielInnovative Automation &amp; ControlsInvenenergyJ.P. FarmsJ and D Pump and SupplyJean DevaderJeff and Emily KohlJim and Becky MetzlerKeithley Funeral HomeKeller Brothers INC.Kent and Shelly HensleyKnights of Columbus-Reed AgencyLane SmithLang DieselLeon’s Welding and Fabrication LLCLG MachineLifetime Dental CareLJB Farms, LLCLouie's Bar and GrillLyle &amp; Lynelle GottschalkMark and Lisa WeberMicheael J. BiekerMike Schuster FamilyMike's Septic, LLCMiracle EarMonique WilliamsNutrienPfeifer FarmsPfeifer Show PigsRadke Implement-HaysRich’s IGARomme Insurance AgencyRupp BlindsRylee WerthSalon 816Sandy WaldschmidtShelter Insurance-Tim KohlrusShelter Insurance-Todd KellerSimpson Farm Enterprises-HaysSwede &amp; Jenni HolmgrenSwift Services, Inc.Tim KinderknechtTom and Marcy McClellandTrio Hometown SupplyTWI Insurance ServicesTwila LargeUltimate Well Service-Terry GaschlerVerlin and Donna HonasVyve BroadbandWade and Sharon PfannenstielWeber Well PumpingWolf MemorialZimmerman Farms

Popeyes restaurant coming to Hays early next year

A jazzy salute to fiddling fun from Anderson, Gould, Gershwin

The Hays Symphony will be presenting an Outdoor Pops Concert as part of the Hays Arts Council’s Art Walk on Friday, Aug. 26, at 7:30 p.m., in the Hays Pavilion located at 10th&nbsp;and Main.&nbsp;The ensemble is under the direction of Dr. Brian Buckstead, assistant professor of violin and viola at FHSU.

Bring your lawn chair and enjoy an outdoor concert celebrating American music in this Pops Potpourri Concert. Each of the featured composers offers a unique representation of music from the Twentieth Century. This group of American composers, Leroy Anderson, George Gershwin, Morton Gould and Richard Hayman were all giants in their field, creating a kind of American songbook.

Once considered as America’s favorite ‘pop’ conductor, Richard Hayman conducted a myriad of ensembles throughout the Eastern United States, eventually becoming the chief arranger for the Boston Pops during Arthur Fielder’s tenure. His&nbsp;Pops Hoedown&nbsp;is a kind of ‘Yeehaar,’ barnyard romp giving the musicians of the orchestra quite a workout.

Maestro Buckstead programmed several of Leroy Anderson’s works for this concert, the most famous of which being the “Syncopated Clock.” The work features the woodblock with a constant rhythmic pulse intertwined with short light melodies in the strings. John Williams described Mr. Anderson as “one of the greatest American masters of light orchestral music.”

Morton Gould was considered a child prodigy, having his first composition published at the age of six. He later went on to study at the prestigious Julliard School and became an accomplished pianist. His was employed at Radio City Music Hall as a staff pianist, exposing him to the both classical and popular programming of the day.&nbsp;Yankee Doodlewas inspired by his lifelong endearment of those who served in our armed services.&nbsp;American Salute&nbsp;was originally written for orchestra (in 24 hours) then later for band. The work represents Gould’s skill in thematic development; he creates the work based solely upon the melody of&nbsp;When Johnny Comes Marching Home.&nbsp;

George Gershwin so well known for his epic&nbsp;Rhapsody in Blue, and jazzy show stopping Broadway tunes showed his more reflective side with his “Lullaby for Strings.”&nbsp;When&nbsp;Lullaby&nbsp;was finally published in 1968, Ira Gershwin wrote, “It may not be the Gershwin of&nbsp;Rhapsody in Blue, Concerto in F, and his other concert works, but I find it charming and kind.”

This free concert and the post-concert reception consisting of cookies and drinks is&nbsp;made possible by Cathy’s Breads and AutoWorld.

<h2>A jazzy salute to fiddling fun from Anderson, Gould, Gershwin</h2>News releaseThe Hays Symphony will be presenting an Outdoor Pops Concert as part of the Hays Arts Council’s Art Walk on Friday, Aug. 26, at 7:30 p.m., in the Hays Pavilion located at 10th&nbsp;and Main.&nbsp;The ensemble is under the direction of Dr. Brian Buckstead, assistant professor of violin and viola at FHSU.Bring your lawn chair and enjoy an outdoor concert celebrating American music in this Pops Potpourri Concert. Each of the featured composers offers a unique representation of music from the Twentieth Century. This group of American composers, Leroy Anderson, George Gershwin, Morton Gould and Richard Hayman were all giants in their field, creating a kind of American songbook.Once considered as America’s favorite ‘pop’ conductor, Richard Hayman conducted a myriad of ensembles throughout the Eastern United States, eventually becoming the chief arranger for the Boston Pops during Arthur Fielder’s tenure. His&nbsp;Pops Hoedown&nbsp;is a kind of ‘Yeehaar,’ barnyard romp giving the musicians of the orchestra quite a workout.Maestro Buckstead programmed several of Leroy Anderson’s works for this concert, the most famous of which being the “Syncopated Clock.” The work features the woodblock with a constant rhythmic pulse intertwined with short light melodies in the strings. John Williams described Mr. Anderson as “one of the greatest American masters of light orchestral music.”<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/10/1633364673862.png" alt="Dr. Brian Buckstead" />
 <figcaption>Dr. Brian Buckstead</figcaption>
 </figure>Morton Gould was considered a child prodigy, having his first composition published at the age of six. He later went on to study at the prestigious Julliard School and became an accomplished pianist. His was employed at Radio City Music Hall as a staff pianist, exposing him to the both classical and popular programming of the day.&nbsp;Yankee Doodlewas inspired by his lifelong endearment of those who served in our armed services.&nbsp;American Salute&nbsp;was originally written for orchestra (in 24 hours) then later for band. The work represents Gould’s skill in thematic development; he creates the work based solely upon the melody of&nbsp;When Johnny Comes Marching Home.&nbsp;George Gershwin so well known for his epic&nbsp;Rhapsody in Blue, and jazzy show stopping Broadway tunes showed his more reflective side with his “Lullaby for Strings.”&nbsp;When&nbsp;Lullaby&nbsp;was finally published in 1968, Ira Gershwin wrote, “It may not be the Gershwin of&nbsp;Rhapsody in Blue, Concerto in F, and his other concert works, but I find it charming and kind.”This free concert and the post-concert reception consisting of cookies and drinks is&nbsp;made possible by Cathy’s Breads and AutoWorld.

Hays Symphony schedules outdoor pops concert

	The Hays Striders track team were in competition at the AAU Junior Olympic Games July 29 through Aug. 7 in Greensboro, N.C. Of the 125 Striders on the 2022 team, 11 made the trip to compete against the best athletes in the nation. The weeklong competition serves as the culmination of the training and dedication the athletes started in April, with qualifying meets held in Hays and Joplin Missouri in June.

	“We are just so proud of our kids,” Coach Dave Haberman said of the Striders. “They have put in the work required to compete at this meet, and it definitely shows with their results.” 

The Striders have had athletes compete in every Junior Olympic meet since its inception and look to continue that tradition next year at the USATF Junior Olympic meet in Eugene, Oregon, and the AAU meet in Des Moines, Iowa.

	“Everybody is excited about the potential to compete next year at ‘Track Town, USA’ in Eugene next year,” Haberman said. Eugene is home to numerous championships, including the Olympic Trials for the USA. “Quite a few of our athletes will continue to compete in their school programs this fall and next spring, and then start up with us again once those seasons ends."

	Even though the Striders sent a contingent of athletes to the Junior Olympics every year, Haberman feels it’s important not to discount those who do not go or even qualify. 

“We have a great team of athletes with wonderful families in our area,” Haberman said. “It’s those athletes, maybe out for their first or second year, as well as those nationally competitive kids that come out every day to train, that are the backbone of our team. They are the future of track and field in Hays and their communities, and this program will hopefully give them a good start when that interscholastic season comes around with their schools. We tell parents every year that we’re just hoping that ‘track bug’ bites so they will love track and field like we hope they will.”&nbsp;

The following are the Hays Striders results from the Junior Olympics of the Girls Division:

Aliviah Ball, 14, brought home a 3rd Place medal in the high jump with a leap of 5’3”

Audrina Ortiz, 14, placed 38th in the 100 meter hurdles at 17.25 seconds, and 52nd in the 200 meter hurdles with 31.61.&nbsp;

Lyndi Zimmerman, 13, placed 12th in the Pentathlon with 2,191 points; and 27th in the 200 meter hurdles at 31.53 seconds.

Makayla Lewallen, 13, placed 9th in the Pentathlon with 2,316 points; 7612st in the 1500 meter run at 5:36.48, and 31st in the 100 meter hurdles with a run of 17.80 seconds.

Sydney Lewallen, 12, placed 87th in the 800 meter run with a time of 2:49.75.

On the Boys side, results include:

Emery Zimmerman, 10, bringing home a 3rd place medal in the 1500 meter run with a time of 5:05.10; and a 10th place finish in the 800 meter run at 2:28.86

Tayte Lewallen, 10, placed 22nd in the Triathlon with 489 points; 69th in the 800 meter&nbsp;run with a time of 2:51.16, and 39th in the 1500 meter run at 5:40.39

Kobe Schmidt, 11, placed 49th in the 400 meter dash with a run of 1:06,75

Caleb Englert, 14, took a 23rd place finish in the Shot Put with a toss of 39’1 ¼”

Auston Bland, 13, placed 11th in the Javelin with a throw of 104’11”

Grayson Walburn, 17-18, placed 10th in the Discus with a throw of 153’9”; and 59th in the&nbsp;Shot Put at 40”6”.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/8/1660330630700.jpeg" alt="Emery Zimmerman, 3rd Place" />
 <figcaption>Emery Zimmerman, 3rd Place</figcaption>
 </figure>Submitted	The Hays Striders track team were in competition at the AAU Junior Olympic Games July 29 through Aug. 7 in Greensboro, N.C. Of the 125 Striders on the 2022 team, 11 made the trip to compete against the best athletes in the nation. The weeklong competition serves as the culmination of the training and dedication the athletes started in April, with qualifying meets held in Hays and Joplin Missouri in June.	“We are just so proud of our kids,” Coach Dave Haberman said of the Striders. “They have put in the work required to compete at this meet, and it definitely shows with their results.” The Striders have had athletes compete in every Junior Olympic meet since its inception and look to continue that tradition next year at the USATF Junior Olympic meet in Eugene, Oregon, and the AAU meet in Des Moines, Iowa.	“Everybody is excited about the potential to compete next year at ‘Track Town, USA’ in Eugene next year,” Haberman said. Eugene is home to numerous championships, including the Olympic Trials for the USA. “Quite a few of our athletes will continue to compete in their school programs this fall and next spring, and then start up with us again once those seasons ends."	Even though the Striders sent a contingent of athletes to the Junior Olympics every year, Haberman feels it’s important not to discount those who do not go or even qualify. “We have a great team of athletes with wonderful families in our area,” Haberman said. “It’s those athletes, maybe out for their first or second year, as well as those nationally competitive kids that come out every day to train, that are the backbone of our team. They are the future of track and field in Hays and their communities, and this program will hopefully give them a good start when that interscholastic season comes around with their schools. We tell parents every year that we’re just hoping that ‘track bug’ bites so they will love track and field like we hope they will.”&nbsp;	The following are the Hays Striders results from the Junior Olympics of the Girls Division:Aliviah Ball, 14, brought home a 3rd Place medal in the high jump with a leap of 5’3”Audrina Ortiz, 14, placed 38th in the 100 meter hurdles at 17.25 seconds, and 52nd in the 200 meter hurdles with 31.61.&nbsp;Lyndi Zimmerman, 13, placed 12th in the Pentathlon with 2,191 points; and 27th in the 200 meter hurdles at 31.53 seconds.Makayla Lewallen, 13, placed 9th in the Pentathlon with 2,316 points; 7612st in the 1500 meter run at 5:36.48, and 31st in the 100 meter hurdles with a run of 17.80 seconds.Sydney Lewallen, 12, placed 87th in the 800 meter run with a time of 2:49.75.On the Boys side, results include:Emery Zimmerman, 10, bringing home a 3rd place medal in the 1500 meter run with a time of 5:05.10; and a 10th place finish in the 800 meter run at 2:28.86Tayte Lewallen, 10, placed 22nd in the Triathlon with 489 points; 69th in the 800 meter&nbsp;run with a time of 2:51.16, and 39th in the 1500 meter run at 5:40.39Kobe Schmidt, 11, placed 49th in the 400 meter dash with a run of 1:06,75Caleb Englert, 14, took a 23rd place finish in the Shot Put with a toss of 39’1 ¼”Auston Bland, 13, placed 11th in the Javelin with a throw of 104’11”Grayson Walburn, 17-18, placed 10th in the Discus with a throw of 153’9”; and 59th in the&nbsp;Shot Put at 40”6”.

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