The Kansas Department of Health and Environment on Monday reported 56 new COVID-19 cases in Ellis County had been identified since Wednesday.

Due to Christmas Eve, there was no update on Friday.

<a href="https://www.ellisco.net/97/Health">CLICK HERE</a>&nbsp;for information on how to receive a COVID-19 vaccination.

<a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/e63276ea-ca10-4e6a-84c8-73db703c9286">RELATED:&nbsp;Hays docs say battling teen, parental hesitancy to vaccine a challenge</a>

The KDHE reported Monday 54 percent of eligible Ellis County residents are fully vaccinated, noting the vaccination rate for the eligible Kansas population (12 and older) is approximately 66 percent.

Since reporting began, there have been 5,171 cases of COVID-19 identified in Ellis County, including 77 coronavirus-related deaths.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/12/1640633784879.png" alt="KDHE" />
 <figcaption>KDHE</figcaption>
 </figure>The Kansas Department of Health and Environment on Monday reported 56 new COVID-19 cases in Ellis County had been identified since Wednesday.Due to Christmas Eve, there was no update on Friday.<a href="https://www.ellisco.net/97/Health">CLICK HERE</a>&nbsp;for information on how to receive a COVID-19 vaccination.<a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/e63276ea-ca10-4e6a-84c8-73db703c9286">RELATED:&nbsp;Hays docs say battling teen, parental hesitancy to vaccine a challenge</a>The KDHE reported Monday 54 percent of eligible Ellis County residents are fully vaccinated, noting the vaccination rate for the eligible Kansas population (12 and older) is approximately 66 percent.Since reporting began, there have been 5,171 cases of COVID-19 identified in Ellis County, including 77 coronavirus-related deaths.

KDHE: 56 new COVID cases in Ellis Co. since Wednesday

The Hays Police Department responded to 4 animal calls and conducted 18 traffic stops Thursday, Dec. 16, 2021, according to the HPD Activity Log.

MV
Accident-Personal Injury--800 block E 12th St, Hays; 12/15 3:36 PM 
Found/Lost Property—100 block W 19th St, Hays; 8:28 AM 
MV Accident-City Street/Alley—300 block E 11th St, Hays; 11:12 AM 
Criminal Trespass—500 block E 8th St, Hays; 7 AM 
Civil Dispute—200 block W 4th St, Hays; 1:50 PM 
Harassment (All Other)--1200 block Vine St, Hays; 2:01 PM 
Shoplifting—4300 block Vine St, Hays; 2:52 PM 
Found/Lost Property—2900 block Ash St, Hays; 12/14 6PM; 12/15 4 AM 
Criminal Damage to Property—1000 block Country Club Dr, Hays; 5:59 PM 
Violation of Restraining Order/PFA—3300 block Thunderbird Dr, Hays; 7:32 PM 
Driving Under the Influence—1000 block Country Club Dr, Hays; 8:35 PM 
Battery – Domestic—3300 block Thunderbird Dr, Hays; 10:24 PM 
Suicidal Subject—100 block W 5th St, Hays; 11:50 PM

The Hays Police Department responded to 6 animal calls and conducted 14 traffic stops Friday, Dec. 17, 2021, according to the HPD Activity Log.

Disturbance –
Noise—1700 block Felten Dr, Hays; 2:55 AM 
Burglary/vehicle—100 block E 11th St, Hays; 12/16 11 AM; 8 PM 
Found/Lost Property, Hays; 11:00:40 &nbsp;AM 
Found/Lost Property, Hays; 11:00:49 AM 
Animal At Large 3001 Tam O’Shanter Dr, Hays; 11:13 AM 
Counterfeit currency/documents—2500 block Vine St, Hays; 12/16 8 AM; 11:55 PM 
MV Accident-City Street/Alley--2200 block Henry Dr, Hays; 7:30 AM 
Civil Dispute—3800 block Vine St, Hays; 1:49 PM 
Lost Animals ONLY—3500 block Hillcrest Dr, Hays; 2:11 PM 
Theft (general)—300 block W 9th St, Hays; 12/13 8 AM; 7 PM 
MV Accident-City Street/Alley--27th and General Hays Rd, Hays; 3:12 PM; 3:43 PM 
Lost Animals ONLY—2200 block Virginia Dr, Hays; 3:26 PM 
Found/Lost Property—2500 block Gen Custer Rd, Hays; 4:22 PM 
Violation of Restraining Order/PFA—800 block Ash St, Hays; 5:41 PM; 8:05 PM 
Welfare Check—400 block Walnut St, Hays; 10:32 PM; 11:24 PM

The Hays Police Department responded to 5 animal calls and conducted 18 traffic stops Saturday, Dec. 18, 2021, according to the HPD Activity Log.

44 - Traffic
Stop--600 block Elm St, Hays; 1:47 AM 
Driving Under the Influence--200 block E 12th St, Hays; 2:11 AM; 4:32 AM 
Drug Offenses--400 block Main St, Hays; 4:46 AM 
Unattended Death—2500 block Sherman Ave, Hays; 5:53 AM 
Theft (general)—4300 block Vine St, Hays; 12/17 5:30 PM; 12/18 7:30 AM 
Abandoned Vehicle--200 block W 5th St, Hays; 1:48 PM 
Animal At Large--700 block E 6th St, Hays; 2:03 PM 
Animal At Large—3000 block Cherry Hill Dr, Hays; 2:15 PM 
Abandoned Vehicle--200 block W 7th St, Hays; 3:14 PM 
Abandoned Vehicle--300 block W 12th St, Hays; 3:57 PM 
Animal At Large—1700 block Judith Dr, Hays; 4:01 PM 
Harassment, Telephone/FAX—200 block W 5th St, Hays; 2:42 PM 
Driving Under the Influence--700 block Elm St, Hays; 8:15 PM 
Traffic/Driving Complaint—3600 block Vine St, Hays; 9:20 PM; 9:40 PM 
Burglary/residence—800 block Elm St, Hays; 11:13 PM 
Theft (general)—800 block Ash St, Hays; 12/18 11:54 PM; 12/19 12:42 PM

The Hays Police Department responded to 2 animal calls and conducted 7 traffic stops Sunday, Dec. 19, 2021, according to the HPD Activity Log.

Dead Animal
Call--25th St and Felten Dr, Hays; 8:28 AM 
Abandoned Vehicle—1500 block Milner St, Hays; 8:46 AM 
Burglary/vehicle—4300 block Vine St, Hays; 12/16 5:30 PM; 8 PM 
Counterfeit currency/documents—3500 block Vine St, Hay; 12/18 7 PM; 7:05 PM 
Welfare Check—100 block W 35th St, Hays; 2:07 PM 
Suspicious Activity—500 block E 19th St, Hays; 2:16 PM; 2:45 PM 
Disturbance – General--100 block Ash St, Hays; 4:57 PM

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/11/1573140734289.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>The Hays Police Department responded to 4 animal calls and conducted 18 traffic stops Thursday, Dec. 16, 2021, according to the HPD Activity Log.MV
Accident-Personal Injury--800 block E 12th St, Hays; 12/15 3:36 PM 
Found/Lost Property—100 block W 19th St, Hays; 8:28 AM 
MV Accident-City Street/Alley—300 block E 11th St, Hays; 11:12 AM 
Criminal Trespass—500 block E 8th St, Hays; 7 AM 
Civil Dispute—200 block W 4th St, Hays; 1:50 PM 
Harassment (All Other)--1200 block Vine St, Hays; 2:01 PM 
Shoplifting—4300 block Vine St, Hays; 2:52 PM 
Found/Lost Property—2900 block Ash St, Hays; 12/14 6PM; 12/15 4 AM 
Criminal Damage to Property—1000 block Country Club Dr, Hays; 5:59 PM 
Violation of Restraining Order/PFA—3300 block Thunderbird Dr, Hays; 7:32 PM 
Driving Under the Influence—1000 block Country Club Dr, Hays; 8:35 PM 
Battery – Domestic—3300 block Thunderbird Dr, Hays; 10:24 PM 
Suicidal Subject—100 block W 5th St, Hays; 11:50 PMThe Hays Police Department responded to 6 animal calls and conducted 14 traffic stops Friday, Dec. 17, 2021, according to the HPD Activity Log.Disturbance –
Noise—1700 block Felten Dr, Hays; 2:55 AM 
Burglary/vehicle—100 block E 11th St, Hays; 12/16 11 AM; 8 PM 
Found/Lost Property, Hays; 11:00:40 &nbsp;AM 
Found/Lost Property, Hays; 11:00:49 AM 
Animal At Large 3001 Tam O’Shanter Dr, Hays; 11:13 AM 
Counterfeit currency/documents—2500 block Vine St, Hays; 12/16 8 AM; 11:55 PM 
MV Accident-City Street/Alley--2200 block Henry Dr, Hays; 7:30 AM 
Civil Dispute—3800 block Vine St, Hays; 1:49 PM 
Lost Animals ONLY—3500 block Hillcrest Dr, Hays; 2:11 PM 
Theft (general)—300 block W 9th St, Hays; 12/13 8 AM; 7 PM 
MV Accident-City Street/Alley--27th and General Hays Rd, Hays; 3:12 PM; 3:43 PM 
Lost Animals ONLY—2200 block Virginia Dr, Hays; 3:26 PM 
Found/Lost Property—2500 block Gen Custer Rd, Hays; 4:22 PM 
Violation of Restraining Order/PFA—800 block Ash St, Hays; 5:41 PM; 8:05 PM 
Welfare Check—400 block Walnut St, Hays; 10:32 PM; 11:24 PMThe Hays Police Department responded to 5 animal calls and conducted 18 traffic stops Saturday, Dec. 18, 2021, according to the HPD Activity Log.44 - Traffic
Stop--600 block Elm St, Hays; 1:47 AM 
Driving Under the Influence--200 block E 12th St, Hays; 2:11 AM; 4:32 AM 
Drug Offenses--400 block Main St, Hays; 4:46 AM 
Unattended Death—2500 block Sherman Ave, Hays; 5:53 AM 
Theft (general)—4300 block Vine St, Hays; 12/17 5:30 PM; 12/18 7:30 AM 
Abandoned Vehicle--200 block W 5th St, Hays; 1:48 PM 
Animal At Large--700 block E 6th St, Hays; 2:03 PM 
Animal At Large—3000 block Cherry Hill Dr, Hays; 2:15 PM 
Abandoned Vehicle--200 block W 7th St, Hays; 3:14 PM 
Abandoned Vehicle--300 block W 12th St, Hays; 3:57 PM 
Animal At Large—1700 block Judith Dr, Hays; 4:01 PM 
Harassment, Telephone/FAX—200 block W 5th St, Hays; 2:42 PM 
Driving Under the Influence--700 block Elm St, Hays; 8:15 PM 
Traffic/Driving Complaint—3600 block Vine St, Hays; 9:20 PM; 9:40 PM 
Burglary/residence—800 block Elm St, Hays; 11:13 PM 
Theft (general)—800 block Ash St, Hays; 12/18 11:54 PM; 12/19 12:42 PMThe Hays Police Department responded to 2 animal calls and conducted 7 traffic stops Sunday, Dec. 19, 2021, according to the HPD Activity Log.Dead Animal
Call--25th St and Felten Dr, Hays; 8:28 AM 
Abandoned Vehicle—1500 block Milner St, Hays; 8:46 AM 
Burglary/vehicle—4300 block Vine St, Hays; 12/16 5:30 PM; 8 PM 
Counterfeit currency/documents—3500 block Vine St, Hay; 12/18 7 PM; 7:05 PM 
Welfare Check—100 block W 35th St, Hays; 2:07 PM 
Suspicious Activity—500 block E 19th St, Hays; 2:16 PM; 2:45 PM 
Disturbance – General--100 block Ash St, Hays; 4:57 PM<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/11/1573140734289.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>

Hays PD Activity Log, Dec. 16-19

Throughout the days of December 15 – 17, the Ellis County Fire Department spent approximately 1,711 working hours between 77 firefighters on scene, extinguishing the wildfires in Ellis County. 

During those days approximately 55,424 acres of grasslands burned, and unfortunately, 10 homes, 17 other structures, and a business burned down which has impacted many families and their livelihoods. 

During those days, so many people showed their support not just to those who had lost everything, but also to the firefighters of the Ellis County Fire Department. 

We have tried to create a list to thank everyone who helped in so many ways. Some have asked to not be mentioned but thank you as well as you know who you are.&nbsp;

Our deepest thank you for your support to the Ellis County Fire Department to the following:

• Emergency dispatchers who did the best they could between radio traffic and phone calls • The Russell, Rooks, Ness, Osborne, and Phillips County fire departments for mutual aid&nbsp; • Sheriff’s deputies assisting in evacuations • All the employers who let the firefighters leave work to assist in the firefighting efforts&nbsp; • American Red Cross • Dillons &nbsp; • Midwest Energy • Western Cooperative • Ellis County Public Works (water and fuel) &nbsp; • Midland Marking – water trucks • Jimmy John’s • McDonalds • All those who dropped off drinking water throughout the fires • Monti and Kylee Honas &nbsp; • FHSU • CG Oil, Inc. • Kansas Highway Patrol for traffic control, and providing updates from the air • Kansas Forestry Service for personnel and coordinating water drops from planes • Sunflower Bank in Victoria for lasagna &nbsp; • Gari Herdt for breakfast • Victoria High students and staff for sack lunches • Fork That Bakery for sandwiches and snacks • Peggy Wohler for sandwiches • Jason Kippes for water • Kori Braun for helping to organize the food deliveries • Total for water, ice, and Gatorade • The Library for food and drinks • Alejandro Robles for food and water &nbsp; • Brian Staff for the use of a tractor • Jayme Zimmerman for the use of a tractor • All the farmers bringing equipment to cut in fire lines • To everyone else we may have missed or asked not to be listed&nbsp;

Darin Myers CPM, EFO, MPA Fire Chief and County Administrator Ellis County, Kansas

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/12/1640621945297.png" alt="(Pixabay)" />
 <figcaption>(Pixabay)</figcaption>
 </figure>Throughout the days of December 15 – 17, the Ellis County Fire Department spent approximately 1,711 working hours between 77 firefighters on scene, extinguishing the wildfires in Ellis County. During those days approximately 55,424 acres of grasslands burned, and unfortunately, 10 homes, 17 other structures, and a business burned down which has impacted many families and their livelihoods. During those days, so many people showed their support not just to those who had lost everything, but also to the firefighters of the Ellis County Fire Department. We have tried to create a list to thank everyone who helped in so many ways. Some have asked to not be mentioned but thank you as well as you know who you are.&nbsp; Our deepest thank you for your support to the Ellis County Fire Department to the following:• Emergency dispatchers who did the best they could between radio traffic and phone calls • The Russell, Rooks, Ness, Osborne, and Phillips County fire departments for mutual aid&nbsp; • Sheriff’s deputies assisting in evacuations • All the employers who let the firefighters leave work to assist in the firefighting efforts&nbsp; • American Red Cross • Dillons &nbsp; • Midwest Energy • Western Cooperative • Ellis County Public Works (water and fuel) &nbsp; • Midland Marking – water trucks • Jimmy John’s • McDonalds • All those who dropped off drinking water throughout the fires • Monti and Kylee Honas &nbsp; • FHSU • CG Oil, Inc. • Kansas Highway Patrol for traffic control, and providing updates from the air • Kansas Forestry Service for personnel and coordinating water drops from planes • Sunflower Bank in Victoria for lasagna &nbsp; • Gari Herdt for breakfast • Victoria High students and staff for sack lunches • Fork That Bakery for sandwiches and snacks • Peggy Wohler for sandwiches • Jason Kippes for water • Kori Braun for helping to organize the food deliveries • Total for water, ice, and Gatorade • The Library for food and drinks • Alejandro Robles for food and water &nbsp; • Brian Staff for the use of a tractor • Jayme Zimmerman for the use of a tractor • All the farmers bringing equipment to cut in fire lines • To everyone else we may have missed or asked not to be listed&nbsp;Darin Myers CPM, EFO, MPA Fire Chief and County Administrator Ellis County, Kansas

LETTER: Ellis Co. Fire Chief thanks community for support during recent wildfires

Three days devoted to Battle of the Badges blood drive in Hays 

Grow Hays executive director Doug Williams recently shared an Ellis County economic recap during the final quarterly luncheon of the year.

And while no groundbreaking surprises were presented during the hour-long event, Williams shared with the crowd some of the challenges that came to light in 2021 and some of the opportunities that also were presented.

"To say it's been a challenging year, a couple of years, would
be an understatement," Williams said.

But he said looking forward to 2022 and beyond, Ellis County has the potential to face those challenges.

"I think we need to be thinking longer-term than maybe we have in the past as we try and deal with the world as it is
today, which is a whole lot different than the world that was yesterday," Williams said.

That thinking is exactly what Grow Hays is all about, he said.

"Every time I go back and talk about...what do we do
this year, I go back to our mission," Williams said. "And so how do we fulfill our mission and
our mission is business creation, business retention and expansion, and
business recruitment."

Over the year, events such as the Robert E. Schmidt Entrepreneurship Series, the Youth Entrepreneurship Challenge, the Think Like an Entrepreneur Class and Think Tank Group helped with those efforts.

And he said Brief Space, the co-working space operated by Grow Hays remains a powerful tool to assist in business development.

Over the year, he said usage of the facility has increased, with students from Fort Hays State University utilizing the space and podcasting tools, while more and more other area entrepreneurs, including some established business owners, are also coming to utilize the building for various purposes.

"We keep continuing
trying to create this environment, this community of entrepreneurship because
it's critically important that we grow our own," Williams said. "We can't count on necessarily
recruiting people from outside. We continue to do that, but we also have to
grow our own."

"And then we go to a
community loan program. We currently have 25 loans out to small businesses, about $600,000 in volume. We service those, and we make more loans each
year in that program," Williams said.

Next year those efforts will be expanded, he said, as events like their Pitch It series are set to return.

Another continuing focus of the organization is succession planning.

"We work consistently on succession planning," Williams said. "We believe it's
really important that we have stories like Northwestern printers, or Werth Plumbing
Heating, as opposed to Goodwin Sporting Goods or some things like that. We
wan want succession versus closure in a business."

Key to those efforts, however, is housing for workers in those businesses. He said on that front, much work remains.

"We've done a lot in the area of housing," he said. "Our Heart of America, our RHID addition, currently, we have 10 homes under construction, actually, at
various stages, some of them actually coming up out of the ground, which is
great."

He said homes in the new development are critical to meet the community's housing needs, but also so the developers can recoup building costs and begin working on more housing projects.

The homes in that project will help, but Williams said other ongoing construction, as well as future plans for multi-family housing to be built, will be vital.&nbsp;

Among the projects he noted, was the repurposing of the former St. Joesph school into apartments, and additional construction at the Ellis Estates.

Plans in the works for a retiree community near Hays Med also continue to develop.

"We're working on it," Williams said. " One
step forward, two steps back, but we're still confident that can happen
and will happen."

As development continues, Williams shared with the group efforts to establish long-term planning for Ellis County are moving ahead full-throttle.

"We have
a new committee called the Imagine Ellis County committee which is committed to
promoting growth in Ellis County," Williams said. "We've got a couple of grants to tell our
story."

He said videos on Ellis County have been developed, highlighting the benefits of living in the area.

Helping in the effort to recruit and retain businesses, Grow Hays this year also hired a new director of recruitment and retainment.

<a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/3c8396f7-800d-405c-8251-7fdc9d72eca3">David Clingan was hired in the role earlier this month and will begin in the role on Jan. 3.</a>

"We were very fortunate, and thank you to the city of Hays and Ellis County," Williams said.&nbsp; "They both stepped up to the plate this year with some funding for our
organization to allow us to hire... And we're expecting big things."

A key component of that recruitment is having the workforce and, even setting housing shortages aside, regional population decline could dampen the ability of Hays to maintain the level of businesses currently supported.

"And as I look forward, there's one obvious, in my opinion, elephant in the room, and this may be a little beyond 2022, but if we look at the population trends
for western Kansas...northwest Kansas shrank by .62 percent," Williams said. "And
that's our trade area. So we've got a situation where we're growing just a
little bit or holding our own, (while) our trade area is shrinking. And that's not a
good combination."

Work needs to be done now to ward off regional population decline.

"If we want to grow that workforce, we really got to
start thinking about some things we have to do and what we have to be more
proactive about," Williams said.

But as more and more people are looking to leave urban areas in favor of more rural areas, he said he is hopeful the housing concerns can be addressed soon enough to capture that potential workforce.

"We have an
opportunity here that is kind of unique in the next 10 years. [There are] some statistics that talk about, there's going to be up to 20 million people
migrating from urban areas to rural areas... We need to make sure that we're in a position
to capture those urban migrators, at least a share."

Even with the challenges, Williams said he felt the year was productive for the organization as it looks ahead.

"I think we had a really good year. There's
certainly a lot of things I wish we had done faster and gotten more
done, but hopefully, that's always the case," Williams said. "So now we look forward to 2022."

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/12/1640279693304.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure><div><iframe title="Grow Hays hosts 2021 wrap up" 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=m7awf-116116a-pb&from=pb6admin&square=1&share=1&download=1&rtl=0&fonts=Arial&skin=3267a3&font-color=ffffff&btn-skin=3267a3&size=300" allowfullscreen=""></iframe></div>By JAMES BELL Hays PostGrow Hays executive director Doug Williams recently shared an Ellis County economic recap during the final quarterly luncheon of the year.And while no groundbreaking surprises were presented during the hour-long event, Williams shared with the crowd some of the challenges that came to light in 2021 and some of the opportunities that also were presented."To say it's been a challenging year, a couple of years, would
be an understatement," Williams said.But he said looking forward to 2022 and beyond, Ellis County has the potential to face those challenges."I think we need to be thinking longer-term than maybe we have in the past as we try and deal with the world as it is
today, which is a whole lot different than the world that was yesterday," Williams said.That thinking is exactly what Grow Hays is all about, he said."Every time I go back and talk about...what do we do
this year, I go back to our mission," Williams said. "And so how do we fulfill our mission and
our mission is business creation, business retention and expansion, and
business recruitment."Over the year, events such as the Robert E. Schmidt Entrepreneurship Series, the Youth Entrepreneurship Challenge, the Think Like an Entrepreneur Class and Think Tank Group helped with those efforts.And he said Brief Space, the co-working space operated by Grow Hays remains a powerful tool to assist in business development.Over the year, he said usage of the facility has increased, with students from Fort Hays State University utilizing the space and podcasting tools, while more and more other area entrepreneurs, including some established business owners, are also coming to utilize the building for various purposes."We keep continuing
trying to create this environment, this community of entrepreneurship because
it's critically important that we grow our own," Williams said. "We can't count on necessarily
recruiting people from outside. We continue to do that, but we also have to
grow our own.""And then we go to a
community loan program. We currently have 25 loans out to small businesses, about $600,000 in volume. We service those, and we make more loans each
year in that program," Williams said.Next year those efforts will be expanded, he said, as events like their Pitch It series are set to return.Another continuing focus of the organization is succession planning."We work consistently on succession planning," Williams said. "We believe it's
really important that we have stories like Northwestern printers, or Werth Plumbing
Heating, as opposed to Goodwin Sporting Goods or some things like that. We
wan want succession versus closure in a business."Key to those efforts, however, is housing for workers in those businesses. He said on that front, much work remains."We've done a lot in the area of housing," he said. "Our Heart of America, our RHID addition, currently, we have 10 homes under construction, actually, at
various stages, some of them actually coming up out of the ground, which is
great."<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/12/1640279674001.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>He said homes in the new development are critical to meet the community's housing needs, but also so the developers can recoup building costs and begin working on more housing projects.The homes in that project will help, but Williams said other ongoing construction, as well as future plans for multi-family housing to be built, will be vital.&nbsp;Among the projects he noted, was the repurposing of the former St. Joesph school into apartments, and additional construction at the Ellis Estates.Plans in the works for a retiree community near Hays Med also continue to develop."We're working on it," Williams said. " One
step forward, two steps back, but we're still confident that can happen
and will happen."<h2>Looking ahead</h2>As development continues, Williams shared with the group efforts to establish long-term planning for Ellis County are moving ahead full-throttle."We have
a new committee called the Imagine Ellis County committee which is committed to
promoting growth in Ellis County," Williams said. "We've got a couple of grants to tell our
story."He said videos on Ellis County have been developed, highlighting the benefits of living in the area.Helping in the effort to recruit and retain businesses, Grow Hays this year also hired a new director of recruitment and retainment.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/12/1640279684000.jpeg" alt="David Clingan was hired by Grow Hays in December to fill the newly created role of director of recruitment and retainment." />
 <figcaption>David Clingan was hired by Grow Hays in December to fill the newly created role of director of recruitment and retainment.</figcaption>
 </figure><a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/3c8396f7-800d-405c-8251-7fdc9d72eca3">David Clingan was hired in the role earlier this month and will begin in the role on Jan. 3.</a>"We were very fortunate, and thank you to the city of Hays and Ellis County," Williams said.&nbsp; "They both stepped up to the plate this year with some funding for our
organization to allow us to hire... And we're expecting big things."A key component of that recruitment is having the workforce and, even setting housing shortages aside, regional population decline could dampen the ability of Hays to maintain the level of businesses currently supported."And as I look forward, there's one obvious, in my opinion, elephant in the room, and this may be a little beyond 2022, but if we look at the population trends
for western Kansas...northwest Kansas shrank by .62 percent," Williams said. "And
that's our trade area. So we've got a situation where we're growing just a
little bit or holding our own, (while) our trade area is shrinking. And that's not a
good combination."Work needs to be done now to ward off regional population decline."If we want to grow that workforce, we really got to
start thinking about some things we have to do and what we have to be more
proactive about," Williams said.But as more and more people are looking to leave urban areas in favor of more rural areas, he said he is hopeful the housing concerns can be addressed soon enough to capture that potential workforce."We have an
opportunity here that is kind of unique in the next 10 years. [There are] some statistics that talk about, there's going to be up to 20 million people
migrating from urban areas to rural areas... We need to make sure that we're in a position
to capture those urban migrators, at least a share."Even with the challenges, Williams said he felt the year was productive for the organization as it looks ahead."I think we had a really good year. There's
certainly a lot of things I wish we had done faster and gotten more
done, but hopefully, that's always the case," Williams said. "So now we look forward to 2022."

🎙 Williams: 2021 year of challenges, opportunities

On Jan. 19, the HaysMed Foundation will host Jennifer White and Tina Peck with ICT SOS at the Hilton Garden Inn,&nbsp;221 W 43rd St., in Hays.

The event is planned as a way for attendees to learn more about human trafficking and how it affects the community.

It will also share was community members can help.

"ICT SOS aims to end human trafficking through prevention and awareness education, advocacy for survivors and by acting as a bridge between direct service professionals and community members who desire to help," according to the event announcement.

The morning session will be open to the public.

"We encourage all interested community members, business leaders, civic organizations, parents, grandparents, etc. to attend," the announcement said.

The afternoon session will be open to healthcare workers.

<a href="https://haysmedfoundation.org/sos/">To register, or for more information visit, haysmedfoundation.org/sos.</a>

On Jan. 19, the HaysMed Foundation will host Jennifer White and Tina Peck with ICT SOS at the Hilton Garden Inn,&nbsp;221 W 43rd St., in Hays.The event is planned as a way for attendees to learn more about human trafficking and how it affects the community.It will also share was community members can help."ICT SOS aims to end human trafficking through prevention and awareness education, advocacy for survivors and by acting as a bridge between direct service professionals and community members who desire to help," according to the event announcement.Two 90 minute sessions will be offered.The morning session will be open to the public."We encourage all interested community members, business leaders, civic organizations, parents, grandparents, etc. to attend," the announcement said.The afternoon session will be open to healthcare workers.<a href="https://haysmedfoundation.org/sos/">To register, or for more information visit, haysmedfoundation.org/sos.</a>Cover image courtesy Pixabay.

HaysMed Foundation to host human trafficking awareness seminar

The Robbins Banking Institute at Fort Hays State University
prides itself on its close relationship with the banking industry and pushes
its students to experience real-life commerce through bank simulation classes
and internships. These internships springboard talented students into long-term
financial careers at banks and throughout economic institutions.

Thatcher Brown is one of many students who have benefitted
from the opportunity to work in their desired field prior to graduation. While
influenced by his brothers – who are both accountants – to pursue a degree in
finance, Brown changed his career path and decided to go into banking after
taking a banking course at the Robbins Banking Institute.

“I enjoyed all of my professors throughout the Robbins
College of Business and Entrepreneurship and the energy they brought to class
every single day,” Brown said.

The guidance and support of his professors made Brown
realize how many different fields there are within the banking industry and
endless job opportunities throughout the state. Mock interviews on campus led to
his internship with Waddell &amp; Reed, Inc., in Hill City, where he realized
he wanted to continue work in a small community bank in northwest Kansas. Upon
graduation in the spring of 2018, he was hired by Equity Bank in its Bank
Management Trainee program and is currently a commercial lender at Equity Bank
in his hometown of Hoxie.

Matt Brewer, corporate training manager with Equity Bank in
Wichita, describes the company’s partnership with FHSU, saying, “Graduates from
the Robbins Banking Institute have the foundation that we are looking to build
upon. We have found them to be great employees. A quality that stands out is
their work ethic. They are willing to put in the time and effort to set
themselves apart from others.”

This Kansas work ethic and values are attributes shared by
W.R. Robbins, who went from a humble science and math teacher to CEO and
chairman of a multimillion-dollar banking corporation.&nbsp;An alumnus of FHSU,
W.R. and his wife, Yvonne, have made the Robbins Banking Institute at Fort Hays
State possible. Thanks to generous contributions of the Robbins couple, the
namesakes of the Robbins College of Business and Entrepreneurship and the
Robbins Banking Institute, finance students have the opportunity to learn about
and pursue careers in the banking industry.

Along with being active at Fort Hays State, Robbins has
spent the last 50-plus years building his own bank, presently known as Farmers
Bank &amp; Trust. As the successful operator and owner of this chain of banks
in Central and Eastern Kansas, Robbins urges students to, “set your sights on
what you want and combine it with passion and commitment.”

Regardless of the road taken to a career in banking, FHSU
students recognize the significance of the Robbins Banking Institute and its
record of developing students who go on to successful careers in the banking
industry.

To learn more about the Robbins Banking Institute at Fort
Hays State University, contact Dr. Dosse Toulaboe at (785) 628-5868 or&nbsp;<a href="mailto:dtoulabo@fhsu.edu">dtoulabo@fhsu.edu</a>.

Fort Hays State UniversityThe Robbins Banking Institute at Fort Hays State University
prides itself on its close relationship with the banking industry and pushes
its students to experience real-life commerce through bank simulation classes
and internships. These internships springboard talented students into long-term
financial careers at banks and throughout economic institutions.Thatcher Brown is one of many students who have benefitted
from the opportunity to work in their desired field prior to graduation. While
influenced by his brothers – who are both accountants – to pursue a degree in
finance, Brown changed his career path and decided to go into banking after
taking a banking course at the Robbins Banking Institute.“I enjoyed all of my professors throughout the Robbins
College of Business and Entrepreneurship and the energy they brought to class
every single day,” Brown said.The guidance and support of his professors made Brown
realize how many different fields there are within the banking industry and
endless job opportunities throughout the state. Mock interviews on campus led to
his internship with Waddell &amp; Reed, Inc., in Hill City, where he realized
he wanted to continue work in a small community bank in northwest Kansas. Upon
graduation in the spring of 2018, he was hired by Equity Bank in its Bank
Management Trainee program and is currently a commercial lender at Equity Bank
in his hometown of Hoxie.Matt Brewer, corporate training manager with Equity Bank in
Wichita, describes the company’s partnership with FHSU, saying, “Graduates from
the Robbins Banking Institute have the foundation that we are looking to build
upon. We have found them to be great employees. A quality that stands out is
their work ethic. They are willing to put in the time and effort to set
themselves apart from others.”This Kansas work ethic and values are attributes shared by
W.R. Robbins, who went from a humble science and math teacher to CEO and
chairman of a multimillion-dollar banking corporation.&nbsp;An alumnus of FHSU,
W.R. and his wife, Yvonne, have made the Robbins Banking Institute at Fort Hays
State possible. Thanks to generous contributions of the Robbins couple, the
namesakes of the Robbins College of Business and Entrepreneurship and the
Robbins Banking Institute, finance students have the opportunity to learn about
and pursue careers in the banking industry.Along with being active at Fort Hays State, Robbins has
spent the last 50-plus years building his own bank, presently known as Farmers
Bank &amp; Trust. As the successful operator and owner of this chain of banks
in Central and Eastern Kansas, Robbins urges students to, “set your sights on
what you want and combine it with passion and commitment.”Regardless of the road taken to a career in banking, FHSU
students recognize the significance of the Robbins Banking Institute and its
record of developing students who go on to successful careers in the banking
industry.To learn more about the Robbins Banking Institute at Fort
Hays State University, contact Dr. Dosse Toulaboe at (785) 628-5868 or&nbsp;<a href="mailto:dtoulabo@fhsu.edu">dtoulabo@fhsu.edu</a>.

Students receive real-world experience at FHSU's Robbins Banking Institute 

BUNKER HILL –&nbsp;Back for its 17th&nbsp;Season, Doctors on Call will begin airing on Smoky Hills PBS on Tuesday, Jan. 4 at 7 p.m.

“If you have a question, call in,” said Les Kinderknecht, Senior Producer/Director of Smoky Hills PBS.&nbsp; “Doctors on Call has been a favorite for our viewers because it’s LIVE and they have a chance to call in with their own questions.&nbsp; We love it, too, because we get to hear from our viewers from all over Central and Western Kansas and it’s a great way for us to promote all the skilled medical professionals that we have across our great state of Kansas.”

Doctors on Call is a LIVE viewer call-in show hosted by Jenna Miller.&nbsp; It is also produced by Smoky Hills PBS and takes place in Studio A in Bunker Hill, KS.&nbsp; Smoky Hills PBS brings in medical professionals from throughout the state to provide medical information on their field of expertise.&nbsp; Each week Doctors on Call highlights a new topic and new doctor.

Viewers also have the opportunity to call in with questions LIVE during the show.&nbsp; The doctors selected each week have expertise in the topic chosen for that program.&nbsp; A schedule of programs and past episodes are available at&nbsp;<a href="http://www.smokyhillspbs.org/" target="_blank">www.SmokyHillsPBS.org</a>.&nbsp;

January 4 – General Health / COVID - Dr. Tyrel Somers - Russell Regional Hospital

January 11 – Chiropractic / Health Analysis – Dr. Shelbe Darnell - Restoration Health &amp; Chiropractic, Plainville

January 18 – Pain Management – Dr. Bell Razafindrabe - Pain, Spine, Rehab, Great Bend

January 25 – Pet Health – Dr. Brandon Weidenhaft – Big Creek Vet Service, Hays

To submit questions electronically on a specific topic, viewers can send an email to&nbsp;<a href="mailto:doctors@shptv.org" target="_blank">doctors@shptv.org</a>.&nbsp;Questions submitted through email must be received by noon on the day of the show.&nbsp; During the program, viewers can call in questions at I-&nbsp;<a href="tel:+18003374788">800-337-4788</a>&nbsp;.

Doctors on Call is made possible in part by these current sponsors:&nbsp; Osborne County Memorial Hospital, Russell Regional Hospital, and Smith County Memorial Hospital.

Smoky Hills PBS serves 71 counties in central and western Kansas and has been named the KS Association of Broadcasters Non-Metro Station of the Year.&nbsp; Smoky Hills PBS is available on many cable systems, DirecTV, and Dish Network.&nbsp; It is also available to stream by clicking here:&nbsp;&nbsp;<a href="https://video.smokyhillstv.org/livestream/" target="_blank">video.smokyhillstv.org/livestream</a>.&nbsp; More information on Smoky Hills PBS and its programs and projects are available at&nbsp;<a href="http://www.smokyhillspbs.org/" target="_blank">www.SmokyHillsPBS.org</a>&nbsp;or by calling&nbsp;<a href="tel:+18003374788">1-800-337-4788</a>&nbsp;.

Amanda SmithDirector of MarketingSmoky Hills PBS<a href="tel:+17854836990,138">(785) 483-6990&nbsp; ext. 138</a><a href="mailto:asmith@shptv.org" target="_blank">asmith@shptv.org</a>

SubmittedBUNKER HILL –&nbsp;Back for its 17th&nbsp;Season, Doctors on Call will begin airing on Smoky Hills PBS on Tuesday, Jan. 4 at 7 p.m.“If you have a question, call in,” said Les Kinderknecht, Senior Producer/Director of Smoky Hills PBS.&nbsp; “Doctors on Call has been a favorite for our viewers because it’s LIVE and they have a chance to call in with their own questions.&nbsp; We love it, too, because we get to hear from our viewers from all over Central and Western Kansas and it’s a great way for us to promote all the skilled medical professionals that we have across our great state of Kansas.”Doctors on Call is a LIVE viewer call-in show hosted by Jenna Miller.&nbsp; It is also produced by Smoky Hills PBS and takes place in Studio A in Bunker Hill, KS.&nbsp; Smoky Hills PBS brings in medical professionals from throughout the state to provide medical information on their field of expertise.&nbsp; Each week Doctors on Call highlights a new topic and new doctor.Viewers also have the opportunity to call in with questions LIVE during the show.&nbsp; The doctors selected each week have expertise in the topic chosen for that program.&nbsp; A schedule of programs and past episodes are available at&nbsp;<a href="http://www.smokyhillspbs.org/" target="_blank">www.SmokyHillsPBS.org</a>.&nbsp;Coming up in January:January 4 – General Health / COVID - Dr. Tyrel Somers - Russell Regional HospitalJanuary 11 – Chiropractic / Health Analysis – Dr. Shelbe Darnell - Restoration Health &amp; Chiropractic, PlainvilleJanuary 18 – Pain Management – Dr. Bell Razafindrabe - Pain, Spine, Rehab, Great BendJanuary 25 – Pet Health – Dr. Brandon Weidenhaft – Big Creek Vet Service, HaysTo submit questions electronically on a specific topic, viewers can send an email to&nbsp;<a href="mailto:doctors@shptv.org" target="_blank">doctors@shptv.org</a>.&nbsp;Questions submitted through email must be received by noon on the day of the show.&nbsp; During the program, viewers can call in questions at I-&nbsp;<a href="tel:+18003374788">800-337-4788</a>&nbsp;.Doctors on Call is made possible in part by these current sponsors:&nbsp; Osborne County Memorial Hospital, Russell Regional Hospital, and Smith County Memorial Hospital.###Smoky Hills PBS serves 71 counties in central and western Kansas and has been named the KS Association of Broadcasters Non-Metro Station of the Year.&nbsp; Smoky Hills PBS is available on many cable systems, DirecTV, and Dish Network.&nbsp; It is also available to stream by clicking here:&nbsp;&nbsp;<a href="https://video.smokyhillstv.org/livestream/" target="_blank">video.smokyhillstv.org/livestream</a>.&nbsp; More information on Smoky Hills PBS and its programs and projects are available at&nbsp;<a href="http://www.smokyhillspbs.org/" target="_blank">www.SmokyHillsPBS.org</a>&nbsp;or by calling&nbsp;<a href="tel:+18003374788">1-800-337-4788</a>&nbsp;.Amanda SmithDirector of MarketingSmoky Hills PBS<a href="tel:+17854836990,138">(785) 483-6990&nbsp; ext. 138</a><a href="mailto:asmith@shptv.org" target="_blank">asmith@shptv.org</a>

Doctors on call returns with new season

<a href="https://hayspost.com/pages/state-farm-weather-window">For a full look at the weather click here.</a>

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/12/1640542024059.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure><a href="https://hayspost.com/pages/state-farm-weather-window">For a full look at the weather click here.</a>

Three-day weather outlook

A new year is quickly approaching, and for the Hays Chamber
that means another awards banquet celebrating area business people for their work
and contributions to Hays and beyond.

“The annual chamber awards banquet is one of the best nights
that the chamber gets to celebrate every year, and it also serves as a
fundraiser for the chamber,” said president and CEO Sarah Wasinger. “And more
than anything, it's just really a great chance to celebrate our strong business
community and the individuals who make Hays such a special place to live, work
and play.”

This year eight awards will be given out, including one of
the chamber’s newest awards the Werth Wealth Management Member Investor of the
Year Award.

“The award is focused on businesses that invest capital into
the Hays community and events that the Chamber sponsors, as well as investing
time,” said Tim Werth, founding&nbsp; and managing partner of Werth&nbsp;Wealth
Management.

“We think this will be a very exciting one. We've never had
this award before,” Wasinger said.

Also being added this year is the Grow Hays Robert E.
Schmidt Entrepreneur of the Year Award.

“This award is going to be presented annually to an
entrepreneur who has demonstrated the ability to create and grow their business
while adding value to our communities,” Wasinger said.

“The award, just as a whole, I'd say, what a great
tribute to one of the true icons and pillars of the Hays community. How
appropriate to have that named after Robert Schmidt,” Werth said. 

“There are a number of great entrepreneurs in the Hays
community, a number of great businesses. And it's obvious that
brings dollars into communities when you have successful businesses. And, you
know, Robert Schmidt certainly laid a good path for many to follow.”

Awards returning this year include the City of Hays Small
Business Achievement Award, eyeSMILE Vision &amp; Dental Helping Hands Award, Golden
Belt Bank Hall of Fame Award, Nex-Tech Citizen of the Year Award, Nex-Tech
Wireless Businesswoman of the Year Award and the Vyve Broadband Rising Star
Award.

While the awards will celebrate those making a difference in
the community, the banquet also serves as a fundraiser for the chamber, itself
a community resource.

“We have such a great community and a lot to be proud of,”
Werth said. “And it takes it takes work from all of us to make a community go
and what a great investment to make into the chamber and, you know, other civic
organizations as well, that makes our community so great.”

Award nominations are due to the chamber by Jan. 7. The
banquet is scheduled for Jan. 25.

“And of course, because we pick January for that day,
sometimes weather can, you know, poke fun at your plans and good intentions,”
Wasinger said. “So the backup weather date would be Feb. 1."

The evening is set to begin with a social at 5:30 p.m. in
the Black and Gold Room located on Memorial Union on the Fort Hays State
University campus.

Dinner will be provided again by Chartwells, one of our
premier sponsors, and the program will start around 7 p.m.

“We intend on wrapping up right around 8:30 p.m., Wasinger said.
“So, it's really about three hours, just wonderful socializing, networking with
your counterparts across the business community. And then, of course, getting to
see some wonderful businesses and folks being recognized.”

A full list of awards and requirements can be seen below. <a href="https://hayschamber.com/">For more information, including the nomination form, visit hayschamber.com.</a>

City of Hays Small Business Achievement Award

 • Must be a long-standing member and a small business that has had a significant impact on the community, and contributed to the overall success of the Hays area.

eyeSMILE Vision &amp; Dental Helping Hands Award

 • Demonstrated commitment to caring, generosity of spirit, openness and inclusion

Golden Belt Bank Hall of Fame Award

 • Long-term community service and history of civic imvolvement

 • Demonstrated excellence in business or profession

Grow Hays Robert E. Schmidt Entrepreneur of the Year Award

 • This award is presented annually to an entrepreneur who has demonstrated the ability to create and grow their business while adding value to our community.

Nex-Tech Citizen of the Year Award

 • Community involvement during the past year

 • Has given themselves for the betterment of our community and it’s people over the past year

Nex-Tech Wireless Businesswoman of the Year Award

 • Business accomplishments, history of community service, Chamber participation, etc.

 • Assists others in reaching their full leadership potential

 • Within the ages of 21-40 with a history of community service and Chamber participation, etc.

 • Demonstrated excellence in leadership qualities in business or community

Werth Wealth Management Member Investor of the Year Award

 • Consideration will be given to members who support the chamber throughout the year through the investment of capital and time of volunteers, including service to the Board of Directors, Ambassadors, Hays Young Professionals, and committees, as well as attending chamber events throughout the year.

<div><iframe title="Annual Chamber Award Banquet nomination open now" 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=wvw2e-116045d-pb&from=pb6admin&square=1&share=1&download=1&rtl=0&fonts=Arial&skin=3267a3&font-color=ffffff&btn-skin=3267a3&size=300" allowfullscreen=""></iframe>
</div>By JAMES BELL Hays PostA new year is quickly approaching, and for the Hays Chamber
that means another awards banquet celebrating area business people for their work
and contributions to Hays and beyond.“The annual chamber awards banquet is one of the best nights
that the chamber gets to celebrate every year, and it also serves as a
fundraiser for the chamber,” said president and CEO Sarah Wasinger. “And more
than anything, it's just really a great chance to celebrate our strong business
community and the individuals who make Hays such a special place to live, work
and play.”This year eight awards will be given out, including one of
the chamber’s newest awards the Werth Wealth Management Member Investor of the
Year Award.“The award is focused on businesses that invest capital into
the Hays community and events that the Chamber sponsors, as well as investing
time,” said Tim Werth, founding&nbsp; and managing partner of Werth&nbsp;Wealth
Management.“We think this will be a very exciting one. We've never had
this award before,” Wasinger said.Also being added this year is the Grow Hays Robert E.
Schmidt Entrepreneur of the Year Award.“This award is going to be presented annually to an
entrepreneur who has demonstrated the ability to create and grow their business
while adding value to our communities,” Wasinger said.“The award, just as a whole, I'd say, what a great
tribute to one of the true icons and pillars of the Hays community. How
appropriate to have that named after Robert Schmidt,” Werth said. “There are a number of great entrepreneurs in the Hays
community, a number of great businesses. And it's obvious that
brings dollars into communities when you have successful businesses. And, you
know, Robert Schmidt certainly laid a good path for many to follow.”Awards returning this year include the City of Hays Small
Business Achievement Award, eyeSMILE Vision &amp; Dental Helping Hands Award, Golden
Belt Bank Hall of Fame Award, Nex-Tech Citizen of the Year Award, Nex-Tech
Wireless Businesswoman of the Year Award and the Vyve Broadband Rising Star
Award.While the awards will celebrate those making a difference in
the community, the banquet also serves as a fundraiser for the chamber, itself
a community resource.“We have such a great community and a lot to be proud of,”
Werth said. “And it takes it takes work from all of us to make a community go
and what a great investment to make into the chamber and, you know, other civic
organizations as well, that makes our community so great.”Award nominations are due to the chamber by Jan. 7. The
banquet is scheduled for Jan. 25.“And of course, because we pick January for that day,
sometimes weather can, you know, poke fun at your plans and good intentions,”
Wasinger said. “So the backup weather date would be Feb. 1."The evening is set to begin with a social at 5:30 p.m. in
the Black and Gold Room located on Memorial Union on the Fort Hays State
University campus.Dinner will be provided again by Chartwells, one of our
premier sponsors, and the program will start around 7 p.m.“We intend on wrapping up right around 8:30 p.m., Wasinger said.
“So, it's really about three hours, just wonderful socializing, networking with
your counterparts across the business community. And then, of course, getting to
see some wonderful businesses and folks being recognized.”A full list of awards and requirements can be seen below. <a href="https://hayschamber.com/">For more information, including the nomination form, visit hayschamber.com.</a>City of Hays Small Business Achievement Award • Must be a long-standing member and a small business that has had a significant impact on the community, and contributed to the overall success of the Hays area.eyeSMILE Vision &amp; Dental Helping Hands Award • Nonprofit organization or employee • Demonstrated commitment to caring, generosity of spirit, openness and inclusionGolden Belt Bank Hall of Fame Award • Long-term community service and history of civic imvolvement • Demonstrated excellence in business or professionGrow Hays Robert E. Schmidt Entrepreneur of the Year Award • This award is presented annually to an entrepreneur who has demonstrated the ability to create and grow their business while adding value to our community.Nex-Tech Citizen of the Year Award • Community involvement during the past year • Has given themselves for the betterment of our community and it’s people over the past yearNex-Tech Wireless Businesswoman of the Year Award • Business accomplishments, history of community service, Chamber participation, etc. • Assists others in reaching their full leadership potentialVyve Broadband Rising Star Award • Within the ages of 21-40 with a history of community service and Chamber participation, etc. • Demonstrated excellence in leadership qualities in business or communityWerth Wealth Management Member Investor of the Year Award • Consideration will be given to members who support the chamber throughout the year through the investment of capital and time of volunteers, including service to the Board of Directors, Ambassadors, Hays Young Professionals, and committees, as well as attending chamber events throughout the year.Cover photo courtesy Pixabay.

🎙Nominations open for annual Hays chamber awards

After 36 years with the K-State Research and Extension Districts and almost 19 years of service in Ellis County, agent Susan Schlichting is set to retire in January.

"It's gone fast," Schlichting said of her time.

But during those years she said she has seen changes big and small.

"As
far as his during my time here in Ellis County, probably the change into being
a district has probably been the biggest change," Schlichting said. "Just merging with
another county trying to get everyone on the same page and heading in the same
direction. When we came into being a district, they told us it would be like a
marriage."

"You can think about it as a marriage of the two people as challenging, sometimes a marriage with nine [agents] is even more so."

Technological development, she said also has changed operations in a tremendous way.

"Back
then you didn't have those you had personal computers at your desks, you
didn't have a fax machine, you didn't have the capabilities of emailing,
and all of those things. The internet wasn't really the thing that you
accessed either," Schlichting said. "And so you had all these things that you did manually. You'd mail something. You'd sit down, and you'd work with a co-worker from
another county on a project, and you would put it in the mail, then make the
changes, put it in the mail to them."

The development of office tools has also made the job easier.

"The other thing that I think about way back when was doing
newsletters and how you had to type those out on a special template, and then
you had this mimeograph machine and your dirtiest oldest clothes on those
days because you got greasy, dirty, with all this black ink stuff that you had
to mimeograph things to produce a newsletter," Schlichting said.

"Nowadays with the
computer, you can just tweak it and change it up. You can public pop it up onto
the web, and it's a slick process. But back in those days, it was pretty
cumbersome. You had little clipart books that you had to draw outlines of
things if you wanted to add some pictures to it, and you had to try and be a
little bit artistic and creative. And so it's been a great change, I
think in that respect."

Although the adoption of technology has made many aspects of working of the extension district easier, she said the quicker pace of the work creates other challenges.

"Today, it's more like, we want it
yesterday kind of a thing," Schlichting said. "And we're always on that kind of a mode. (Before) we had
time to stop and think and really kind of plot and plan something more
efficiently."

Now as she reflects on her time with the district, she said countless memories of working with youth as the 4-H Youth Development agent will go with her into retirement.

"Every year there are new and special
memories and, (I) worked with so many kids and families over the years that
were fabulous to work with."

But camping trips, she said, were especially memorable.

 "One of my very favorite things to do in my job
has always been camp," Schlichting said. "I started out as a teenager who was a camp counselor way
back when and embraced camp at that point."

"And, and so taking kids to camp at
Rock Springs or doing day camps here locally, that always was a highlight for
me."

While she will take those memories with her as she transitions into retirement, she has already found projects to occupy her time.

"My father passed away in April, and he had this dream of
a greenhouse on the farm," Schlichting said. "And so soon after his passing, my mother and brother
bought a greenhouse. So we are trying to figure out how to establish that in a
good way on our farm, and so I'll be back moving back to Nebraska to help with
that process."

"And so, there won't be a lot of time probably initially
for just relaxing and taking time and enjoying retirement. It will be really
focused on that whole process and making that happen in a good way for our
family."

But no matter what projects arise, she said she will miss working with the 4-H families.

"Working with kids has been a great fun thing," Schlichting said. "And
I've thoroughly enjoyed it, especially getting to watch kids grow through time.
Now being here for 18 plus years, I've seen kids grow through the program. Now
I've been working with their kids who are now in the program. So you know,
second generation, and it's just it's really awesome to watch that and to see
kids' confidence build."

"Their ability to go out and take the tools
they've gained through their 4-H experience and put them to work out in the
communities and in various roles. It's a proud thing to be able to say I have
a little tiny piece of helping them get to that place."

<div><iframe title="Long time extension district agent retires" 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=bgc3q-1161191-pb&from=pb6admin&square=1&share=1&download=1&rtl=0&fonts=Arial&skin=3267a3&font-color=ffffff&btn-skin=3267a3&size=300" allowfullscreen=""></iframe></div>By JAMES BELL Hays PostAfter 36 years with the K-State Research and Extension Districts and almost 19 years of service in Ellis County, agent Susan Schlichting is set to retire in January."It's gone fast," Schlichting said of her time.But during those years she said she has seen changes big and small."As
far as his during my time here in Ellis County, probably the change into being
a district has probably been the biggest change," Schlichting said. "Just merging with
another county trying to get everyone on the same page and heading in the same
direction. When we came into being a district, they told us it would be like a
marriage.""You can think about it as a marriage of the two people as challenging, sometimes a marriage with nine [agents] is even more so."<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/12/1640278901539.png" alt="Susan Schlichting" />
 <figcaption>Susan Schlichting</figcaption>
 </figure>Technological development, she said also has changed operations in a tremendous way."Back
then you didn't have those you had personal computers at your desks, you
didn't have a fax machine, you didn't have the capabilities of emailing,
and all of those things. The internet wasn't really the thing that you
accessed either," Schlichting said. "And so you had all these things that you did manually. You'd mail something. You'd sit down, and you'd work with a co-worker from
another county on a project, and you would put it in the mail, then make the
changes, put it in the mail to them."The development of office tools has also made the job easier."The other thing that I think about way back when was doing
newsletters and how you had to type those out on a special template, and then
you had this mimeograph machine and your dirtiest oldest clothes on those
days because you got greasy, dirty, with all this black ink stuff that you had
to mimeograph things to produce a newsletter," Schlichting said."Nowadays with the
computer, you can just tweak it and change it up. You can public pop it up onto
the web, and it's a slick process. But back in those days, it was pretty
cumbersome. You had little clipart books that you had to draw outlines of
things if you wanted to add some pictures to it, and you had to try and be a
little bit artistic and creative. And so it's been a great change, I
think in that respect."Although the adoption of technology has made many aspects of working of the extension district easier, she said the quicker pace of the work creates other challenges."Today, it's more like, we want it
yesterday kind of a thing," Schlichting said. "And we're always on that kind of a mode. (Before) we had
time to stop and think and really kind of plot and plan something more
efficiently."Now as she reflects on her time with the district, she said countless memories of working with youth as the 4-H Youth Development agent will go with her into retirement."Every year there are new and special
memories and, (I) worked with so many kids and families over the years that
were fabulous to work with."But camping trips, she said, were especially memorable. "One of my very favorite things to do in my job
has always been camp," Schlichting said. "I started out as a teenager who was a camp counselor way
back when and embraced camp at that point.""And, and so taking kids to camp at
Rock Springs or doing day camps here locally, that always was a highlight for
me."While she will take those memories with her as she transitions into retirement, she has already found projects to occupy her time."My father passed away in April, and he had this dream of
a greenhouse on the farm," Schlichting said. "And so soon after his passing, my mother and brother
bought a greenhouse. So we are trying to figure out how to establish that in a
good way on our farm, and so I'll be back moving back to Nebraska to help with
that process.""And so, there won't be a lot of time probably initially
for just relaxing and taking time and enjoying retirement. It will be really
focused on that whole process and making that happen in a good way for our
family."But no matter what projects arise, she said she will miss working with the 4-H families."Working with kids has been a great fun thing," Schlichting said. "And
I've thoroughly enjoyed it, especially getting to watch kids grow through time.
Now being here for 18 plus years, I've seen kids grow through the program. Now
I've been working with their kids who are now in the program. So you know,
second generation, and it's just it's really awesome to watch that and to see
kids' confidence build.""Their ability to go out and take the tools
they've gained through their 4-H experience and put them to work out in the
communities and in various roles. It's a proud thing to be able to say I have
a little tiny piece of helping them get to that place."

🎙 After 36 years of service, district agent reflects on career

McPHERSON — McPherson College, a four-year private college in central Kansas, recognizes its highest academic achievers in its fall 2021 Honor Roll and Honorable Mention.

To qualify for the honor roll, students must be a full-time student and earn a grade point average of 3.55 or higher during the previous term.

Students earning a grade point average of 3.25 to 3.54 are named to the honorable mention.

The following northwest Kansas students were honored. Goodland Lola Hipp, Honor Roll Hays Chase Brous, Honorable Mention Prairie View Makenzie Jansonius, Honor Roll Russell Cole Schroeder, Honor Roll Wallace Maggie Brown, Honor Roll

McPherson College offers more than 20 bachelor's and pre-professional programs with curriculum that emphasizes entrepreneurship and career-focused education.

It was ranked this year by U.S. News &amp; World Report on its "Best Colleges" list and recognized for the seventh year in a row as a "Great College to Work For" in the Chronicle of Higher Education. Visit <a href="http://www.mcpherson.edu">www.mcpherson.edu</a> to learn more about McPherson College.

McPHERSON — McPherson College, a four-year private college in central Kansas, recognizes its highest academic achievers in its fall 2021 Honor Roll and Honorable Mention.To qualify for the honor roll, students must be a full-time student and earn a grade point average of 3.55 or higher during the previous term.Students earning a grade point average of 3.25 to 3.54 are named to the honorable mention.The following northwest Kansas students were honored. Goodland Lola Hipp, Honor Roll Hays Chase Brous, Honorable Mention Prairie View Makenzie Jansonius, Honor Roll Russell Cole Schroeder, Honor Roll Wallace Maggie Brown, Honor Roll McPherson College offers more than 20 bachelor's and pre-professional programs with curriculum that emphasizes entrepreneurship and career-focused education.It was ranked this year by U.S. News &amp; World Report on its "Best Colleges" list and recognized for the seventh year in a row as a "Great College to Work For" in the Chronicle of Higher Education. Visit <a href="http://www.mcpherson.edu">www.mcpherson.edu</a> to learn more about McPherson College.

Northwest KS students named to McPherson College honor roll

The travel website Only in Your State recently highlighted the city of Wilson in their story There Is No Better Small Town Cultural Scene Than Kansas's Very Own Wilson.

<a href="https://www.onlyinyourstate.com/kansas/small-town-culture-ks/">The story highlights the unique events and attractions that make the town stand out and can be seen by clicking here.</a>

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/1/1609700985030.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>The travel website Only in Your State recently highlighted the city of Wilson in their story There Is No Better Small Town Cultural Scene Than Kansas's Very Own Wilson.<a href="https://www.onlyinyourstate.com/kansas/small-town-culture-ks/">The story highlights the unique events and attractions that make the town stand out and can be seen by clicking here.</a>

Wilson highlighted on popular tourism website

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/12/1640276694018.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure><a href="https://hayspost.com/pages/state-farm-weather-window">For a full look at the weather click here.</a>

BARTON COUNTY —Two people were injured in an accident just before 1:30p.m. Friday in Barton County.

The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a 1992 Nissan truck driven by David D. Dixon, 81, Ellinwood, was&nbsp;eastbound in the 900 Block of East Barton County Road.

The Nissan crossed the center line. A westbound 2001 Chrysler 300 driven by David A. Simmons, 61, Stafford,&nbsp;left the roadway to the right to avoid a collision with the Nissan and struck a power pole.

EMS transported Simmons and a passenger in the Chrysler Claudia M. Whetstone, 86, Ellinwood, to the hospital in Great Bend

Dixon and a 7-year-old passenger were not injured. All four were properly restrained, according to the KHP.

BARTON COUNTY —Two people were injured in an accident just before 1:30p.m. Friday in Barton County.The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a 1992 Nissan truck driven by David D. Dixon, 81, Ellinwood, was&nbsp;eastbound in the 900 Block of East Barton County Road.The Nissan crossed the center line. A westbound 2001 Chrysler 300 driven by David A. Simmons, 61, Stafford,&nbsp;left the roadway to the right to avoid a collision with the Nissan and struck a power pole.EMS transported Simmons and a passenger in the Chrysler Claudia M. Whetstone, 86, Ellinwood, to the hospital in Great BendDixon and a 7-year-old passenger were not injured. All four were properly restrained, according to the KHP.

2 hospitalized after car swerves to avoid truck, strikes power pole

On this episode of the Post Podcast, Hays Arts Council executive director Brenda Meder shares the latest from the council.

The Winter Artwalk may be over. But there's still an opportunity to see the five state photography show at the Hays Arts Council and maybe get in a little holiday shopping as well, Executive Director Brenda Meder stops by to talk to us about what's going on at the Arts Council this month. On this episode of the Post Podcast.

We've got is 150 fabulous photographs in this year's Five State Photography Exhibition. As a lot of people know, we opened the exhibition on Saturday, December 4, as the anchor of our winter, our walk. And and in fact, while I'm mentioning that, I'll just let everyone know, if you use us Facebook, I put a nice album up about I think 80 images, just to the various sites and the features, and some people enjoying them. And that is up on our Facebook page. And I don't have it on our website, I'll move it over there, but it is on our Facebook page. So you can just see how what a lovely day It wasn't. It was wonderful. And again, that's the day we opened the five state. And we did have a lot of photographers that were visiting from the Kansas City area from Winfield and we had people from McPherson, I know we had some people from Nebraska, I think we had some Oklahoma, I know some around the Wichita area. So it's wonderful that this project has such a level of appreciation that they appreciate it so much, because they know we're not going to do any formal ceremonies or make any big announcements or, you know, it's just come and enjoy great art. And so we just invite the community to do that as well. And the good news is we know the holidays can be a little crazy, which is why when it's a show we put this much work into and is this enjoyable for everyone people you know, there's something for everyone in this show. This show will run through February the 11th. So a good long time yet you know, schedules again are crazy during the holidays and will be shut down in a little bit over the two big holiday weekends and, and we know other people will be traveling, but on February the 11th. So you've got some great time to just come in and take a look when you've got a few minutes you're downtown. Because there isn't a fee. Nobody bothers you. It's just come in and enjoy a little bit of background music we'll be playing and and you know, we say hello, we say goodbye and unless you need something, we leave you alone just to enjoy. So please, please do come by and check it out. But it was a really great day. We had a lot of fun. And a lot of really wonderful things. It was such a great opportunity to see such a diverse array of creativity and imagination and arts and culture in our community. They were quilt shows in the photography. I went down and got to catch part of one of the martial arts demonstrations and it's such it's such an ancient art form, you know the aikido that was going on, I caught a little bit of that and, and some of the model building that was down there as well as you know, to great BFA and one fantastic MFA show. Factor I'll give her a shout out if you haven't been down to see Wendy tan show yet. And I know you guys have been reading some stuff on his post about it. It's really a fabulous show and it's one of those that's unique and interesting and it's just been a resounding success. So I got no connection to that one but it's a great show. And it and you know maybe not so bad to get a park on campus this week with it being finals and people kind of coming and going at different times. But I believe her show goes through this Friday. So it was it was just it was really really wonderful. The the sculpture students were out forging metal and showing some of their wares and stuff over at the Pavilion and there was a youth artwork and it was it was just a really good day. And again come see us if you didn't get a chance to and when you do come see us it'll also be a great opportunity to check out our Gift Gallery. As most people know our Gift Gallery is not real big and you know there's not you know we've got a great diversity of things in there but it's not like we have some big seasonal changeover but it's a great place to find something unique. The Coburn pottery that we have is always really popular. In fact we've had that going out in the last few days in a couple of really nice big chunks and at the Artwalk we did as well. But this wonderful decorative and functional pottery microwave oven and dishwasher safe made by Steve Coburn and Selena really really wonderful prices on it. It's beautiful a pottery but very simple in its in its form because its function is fabulous. And people have been loving it for years because it's basically been the same designs. We've also got if if you've got you know a fine art follower on your on your Christmas list. It doesn't have to cost a fortune. We've got this entire binder book of Maciel etchings, original original pulled press etchings for only $45 an etching and then if you want something with a little bit more drama and color, those wonderful little flowers that Nick also does, and those are those are these wonderful little floral paintings. They're framed and matted, and they're only 150 but they are original paintings. There's some larger floral works in there by Mick as well. We've got a little bit of some handcrafted jewelry. We've got a nice selection of books. I know there's people who know and remember the lovely lovely Pamela Shafer who is a person fessor in the English department for many, many years, and just here, shortly over, well, it's only going to be about a year now, shortly before she passed away, her book came out letters to marry, which was a collection of letters that she edited of her uncle writing to her and her uncle was Bishop, Monsignor Furman Schmitt. And we do have copies of that book at our gallery, Mary Kay Schippers family farms series, a couple of wonderful things by Nicole Thibodeau. And so there are some some books and things like that even down there. And there's some wonderful little glass necklace pendants that are there fused glass, and there's so many different colors, and you put them on whatever chord or chain you choose. They're original, they're handmade, they're only $15. So there are some fun things down there. So come check us out. Anytime we're open the gift galleries open.

Very cool. Yeah, I can attest those photos. Oh, it was an incredible show. There is such a such a diversity of photos. I know. And I took the family down, we all kind of we had a lot of fun picking our favorites, our top three and going through the whole gallery. But it was interesting to me, everybody in my family picked some different and it was such a, again, such a diversity. You know, the kiddos had a completely different either than my wife and I and just really cool and it does

And that I think it's we all point to different things there. The juror statement. Oh, in fact, I'll come back to that. But the juror statement, complete album of all 150 works. If it's somebody who says I just never get to downtown Hays, sorry. But I do think it's a great idea. You can see all 150 works on our website, I stayed up until the wee hours, I'm going to get that on. Because we don't just post part of them. They're all up there all 150 photographs are on our website in an album, the award winners are in their own separate album, the jury statement is there. And so go to our website, Hayes arts council.org. Go go to there, if during the holidays, you just want to have something to scroll through, you will see the diversity, the names of the photographers are on there, where they come from, which is all over the five states Kansas, Nebraska, Missouri, Oklahoma, Colorado, and the title of their piece. And you'll see see how broad This is. And you'll also in fact, if you've never entered before even seen it, but you are a photographer, I've left the call for entry up there. So because it'll look the same next year, probably overall. So you can even check out what's involved and maybe be thinking of it for your for yourself. But in the juror statement. He quoted this very well known, respected, famous photography curator that worked for the Metropolitan Museum of Art, and in this quote, and I'm gonna paraphrase it badly. But he referenced that this this gentleman, he gave his quote, comparing photography to the act of painting. And I thought that was so fascinating, because that is what it is, is like, oh, gotta get this, there is something about that act of pointing, whether you whether it's something pretty to look at, or not so great, or dark or whimsical, or a great sunset, I mean, look at the people have been pointing, quote unquote, at their sunsets for the last week or so, through photography, they really wanted to make sure you saw that and pointing at it. And all of a sudden, it clarifies, in some ways, some of those images that he chose, because you kind of go, Huh, I wonder why they would pick that. But again, if you liken it to the act of pointing, you know, that's, that's kind of an interesting concept. And so yeah, you see, you see a lot of that your kids pointing, quote, unquote, it's something different than you were and someone is their height may have had something to do with something a little lower, some are a little higher. But But yeah, it's, it's it's a great assortment of things to just enjoy. And I'm curious, how do you like that? Eight by 10 format that we've been utilizing for the last two years?

I like it, because it you don't have to focus so much on, you know, to be honest with you, and the older and the other shows in the past style. Yeah, the you know, the big ones are the ones that catch your eye, I think,

Right? Whether they're stronger or not than something else, there's just a sliceof it. 

Yeah, exactly. And with this format, you know, you they're kind of all even keel. Yeah.&nbsp;

And that's what I've been getting. That's what I've been getting from a lot of folks. And when you consider that most photography shows anymore. For the most part, there are a lot of shows that go on, like what we do when it comes to photography. They're they're more of an online presence now, because the digital format of photography. And so when people say, oh, gosh, I don't like doing something that's small. And this because I work big. It's like, well, if you enter anything or you have your website, everybody's going to be looking on it on a little tiny. And the images people are going to be looking at are going to be far smaller than the eight by 10 images that you're seeing at the Hays Arts Council. But yeah, looks great. Everything's framed and matted really cleanly. And everyone's framed and matted identically. So it really is all about the image. And I think also propels you to engage with each image a little bit more, because you don't sort of scan you have too close and personal with each one. So good. I'm excited for that feedback, because I've been trying to get that from from from folks. But yeah, that's one of the things that'll carry us over into the new year. And then just as a heads up, after the beginning of the year, we'll be getting information out Smoky Hill art exhibition, it's hard to believe that one rolls right into the next. But the state's oldest juried Fine Art competitive, which, you know, covers paintings and sculpture and, and printmaking and drawing and photography and ceramics. And, you know, I mean, it's any fine art medium, and that information will be going out sometime probably by about mid January, and also announced after the beginning of the year, we'll be getting the information out on our creative writing contest. And with with so many more families doing homeschooling in the last couple of years, I want to remind everyone that our Creative Writing Contest is definitely welcomes entries from homeschooled students, as well. In Ellis County, this is an Ellis County project. This one because it is large, the English department, the university, bless their souls work as the judging panel for our project. And so I have to keep that one in check. But anybody that is an Ellis County resident, so in public schools, private schools, or homeschooled, keep your eyes open for that in both prose and poetry. We'll also be getting information out on famous figures got a lot of great things we're doing in the schools. So we're gonna keep bringing it as we turn the corner and enter 2022.

Excellent. Yeah, I love that their involvement with those kiddos. And especially I know that the famous figures is it as a huge hit every day.

And it's going to be so great. I booked beach mid, we're going to be back on stage with the live competition. Oh, nice, wonderful that we didn't jettison in the last couple of years and did this recorded version in two different styles, genres, formats, if you will, the last couple of years that were scheduled back in beechmont for that back in the big ballroom at the University for a creative writing award. So those kids can get that public recognition and an acknowledgement that they deserve. And that makes everybody very proud of their accomplishments. And so yeah, hopefully, we'll be back in the saddle re rescheduling J unless the Katy laughing matters that we're supposed to have this fall, tucking them into the spring. So actually, the spring is going to be full because of a couple of things we've had to restructure, but, but it's all good. And just come see us at the Arts Council. We will be closed December 24, fifth, sixth and seventh. And then again that Friday through Monday combo, New Year's weekend. But otherwise, we're open, come down and see us we will be open during weekdays. The rest of this week will be open Saturday. And we will be open through next week through the 23rd close to 24th. So if you're just you know kind of stuck on a gift idea, you may not find it with us, but you can share come in and look and at least it'll be something different than you saw someplace else.

Yeah, when do if you've got some family in town and your head now down to get some lunch or something pop on?

<div><iframe title="Holiday season a perfect time to enjoy the Hays Art Center" 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=hb4s7-115fee2-pb&from=pb6admin&square=1&share=1&download=1&rtl=0&fonts=Arial&skin=3267a3&font-color=ffffff&btn-skin=3267a3&size=300" allowfullscreen=""></iframe></div>On this episode of the Post Podcast, Hays Arts Council executive director Brenda Meder shares the latest from the council.<h2>Transcript</h2>James BellThe Winter Artwalk may be over. But there's still an opportunity to see the five state photography show at the Hays Arts Council and maybe get in a little holiday shopping as well, Executive Director Brenda Meder stops by to talk to us about what's going on at the Arts Council this month. On this episode of the Post Podcast.Brenda MederWe've got is 150 fabulous photographs in this year's Five State Photography Exhibition. As a lot of people know, we opened the exhibition on Saturday, December 4, as the anchor of our winter, our walk. And and in fact, while I'm mentioning that, I'll just let everyone know, if you use us Facebook, I put a nice album up about I think 80 images, just to the various sites and the features, and some people enjoying them. And that is up on our Facebook page. And I don't have it on our website, I'll move it over there, but it is on our Facebook page. So you can just see how what a lovely day It wasn't. It was wonderful. And again, that's the day we opened the five state. And we did have a lot of photographers that were visiting from the Kansas City area from Winfield and we had people from McPherson, I know we had some people from Nebraska, I think we had some Oklahoma, I know some around the Wichita area. So it's wonderful that this project has such a level of appreciation that they appreciate it so much, because they know we're not going to do any formal ceremonies or make any big announcements or, you know, it's just come and enjoy great art. And so we just invite the community to do that as well. And the good news is we know the holidays can be a little crazy, which is why when it's a show we put this much work into and is this enjoyable for everyone people you know, there's something for everyone in this show. This show will run through February the 11th. So a good long time yet you know, schedules again are crazy during the holidays and will be shut down in a little bit over the two big holiday weekends and, and we know other people will be traveling, but on February the 11th. So you've got some great time to just come in and take a look when you've got a few minutes you're downtown. Because there isn't a fee. Nobody bothers you. It's just come in and enjoy a little bit of background music we'll be playing and and you know, we say hello, we say goodbye and unless you need something, we leave you alone just to enjoy. So please, please do come by and check it out. But it was a really great day. We had a lot of fun. And a lot of really wonderful things. It was such a great opportunity to see such a diverse array of creativity and imagination and arts and culture in our community. They were quilt shows in the photography. I went down and got to catch part of one of the martial arts demonstrations and it's such it's such an ancient art form, you know the aikido that was going on, I caught a little bit of that and, and some of the model building that was down there as well as you know, to great BFA and one fantastic MFA show. Factor I'll give her a shout out if you haven't been down to see Wendy tan show yet. And I know you guys have been reading some stuff on his post about it. It's really a fabulous show and it's one of those that's unique and interesting and it's just been a resounding success. So I got no connection to that one but it's a great show. And it and you know maybe not so bad to get a park on campus this week with it being finals and people kind of coming and going at different times. But I believe her show goes through this Friday. So it was it was just it was really really wonderful. The the sculpture students were out forging metal and showing some of their wares and stuff over at the Pavilion and there was a youth artwork and it was it was just a really good day. And again come see us if you didn't get a chance to and when you do come see us it'll also be a great opportunity to check out our Gift Gallery. As most people know our Gift Gallery is not real big and you know there's not you know we've got a great diversity of things in there but it's not like we have some big seasonal changeover but it's a great place to find something unique. The Coburn pottery that we have is always really popular. In fact we've had that going out in the last few days in a couple of really nice big chunks and at the Artwalk we did as well. But this wonderful decorative and functional pottery microwave oven and dishwasher safe made by Steve Coburn and Selena really really wonderful prices on it. It's beautiful a pottery but very simple in its in its form because its function is fabulous. And people have been loving it for years because it's basically been the same designs. We've also got if if you've got you know a fine art follower on your on your Christmas list. It doesn't have to cost a fortune. We've got this entire binder book of Maciel etchings, original original pulled press etchings for only $45 an etching and then if you want something with a little bit more drama and color, those wonderful little flowers that Nick also does, and those are those are these wonderful little floral paintings. They're framed and matted, and they're only 150 but they are original paintings. There's some larger floral works in there by Mick as well. We've got a little bit of some handcrafted jewelry. We've got a nice selection of books. I know there's people who know and remember the lovely lovely Pamela Shafer who is a person fessor in the English department for many, many years, and just here, shortly over, well, it's only going to be about a year now, shortly before she passed away, her book came out letters to marry, which was a collection of letters that she edited of her uncle writing to her and her uncle was Bishop, Monsignor Furman Schmitt. And we do have copies of that book at our gallery, Mary Kay Schippers family farms series, a couple of wonderful things by Nicole Thibodeau. And so there are some some books and things like that even down there. And there's some wonderful little glass necklace pendants that are there fused glass, and there's so many different colors, and you put them on whatever chord or chain you choose. They're original, they're handmade, they're only $15. So there are some fun things down there. So come check us out. Anytime we're open the gift galleries open.James Bell Very cool. Yeah, I can attest those photos. Oh, it was an incredible show. There is such a such a diversity of photos. I know. And I took the family down, we all kind of we had a lot of fun picking our favorites, our top three and going through the whole gallery. But it was interesting to me, everybody in my family picked some different and it was such a, again, such a diversity. You know, the kiddos had a completely different either than my wife and I and just really cool and it doesBrenda Meder And that I think it's we all point to different things there. The juror statement. Oh, in fact, I'll come back to that. But the juror statement, complete album of all 150 works. If it's somebody who says I just never get to downtown Hays, sorry. But I do think it's a great idea. You can see all 150 works on our website, I stayed up until the wee hours, I'm going to get that on. Because we don't just post part of them. They're all up there all 150 photographs are on our website in an album, the award winners are in their own separate album, the jury statement is there. And so go to our website, Hayes arts council.org. Go go to there, if during the holidays, you just want to have something to scroll through, you will see the diversity, the names of the photographers are on there, where they come from, which is all over the five states Kansas, Nebraska, Missouri, Oklahoma, Colorado, and the title of their piece. And you'll see see how broad This is. And you'll also in fact, if you've never entered before even seen it, but you are a photographer, I've left the call for entry up there. So because it'll look the same next year, probably overall. So you can even check out what's involved and maybe be thinking of it for your for yourself. But in the juror statement. He quoted this very well known, respected, famous photography curator that worked for the Metropolitan Museum of Art, and in this quote, and I'm gonna paraphrase it badly. But he referenced that this this gentleman, he gave his quote, comparing photography to the act of painting. And I thought that was so fascinating, because that is what it is, is like, oh, gotta get this, there is something about that act of pointing, whether you whether it's something pretty to look at, or not so great, or dark or whimsical, or a great sunset, I mean, look at the people have been pointing, quote unquote, at their sunsets for the last week or so, through photography, they really wanted to make sure you saw that and pointing at it. And all of a sudden, it clarifies, in some ways, some of those images that he chose, because you kind of go, Huh, I wonder why they would pick that. But again, if you liken it to the act of pointing, you know, that's, that's kind of an interesting concept. And so yeah, you see, you see a lot of that your kids pointing, quote, unquote, it's something different than you were and someone is their height may have had something to do with something a little lower, some are a little higher. But But yeah, it's, it's it's a great assortment of things to just enjoy. And I'm curious, how do you like that? Eight by 10 format that we've been utilizing for the last two years?James Bell I like it, because it you don't have to focus so much on, you know, to be honest with you, and the older and the other shows in the past style. Yeah, the you know, the big ones are the ones that catch your eye, I think,Brenda Meder Right? Whether they're stronger or not than something else, there's just a sliceof it. James Bell Yeah, exactly. And with this format, you know, you they're kind of all even keel. Yeah.&nbsp;Brenda MederAnd that's what I've been getting. That's what I've been getting from a lot of folks. And when you consider that most photography shows anymore. For the most part, there are a lot of shows that go on, like what we do when it comes to photography. They're they're more of an online presence now, because the digital format of photography. And so when people say, oh, gosh, I don't like doing something that's small. And this because I work big. It's like, well, if you enter anything or you have your website, everybody's going to be looking on it on a little tiny. And the images people are going to be looking at are going to be far smaller than the eight by 10 images that you're seeing at the Hays Arts Council. But yeah, looks great. Everything's framed and matted really cleanly. And everyone's framed and matted identically. So it really is all about the image. And I think also propels you to engage with each image a little bit more, because you don't sort of scan you have too close and personal with each one. So good. I'm excited for that feedback, because I've been trying to get that from from from folks. But yeah, that's one of the things that'll carry us over into the new year. And then just as a heads up, after the beginning of the year, we'll be getting information out Smoky Hill art exhibition, it's hard to believe that one rolls right into the next. But the state's oldest juried Fine Art competitive, which, you know, covers paintings and sculpture and, and printmaking and drawing and photography and ceramics. And, you know, I mean, it's any fine art medium, and that information will be going out sometime probably by about mid January, and also announced after the beginning of the year, we'll be getting the information out on our creative writing contest. And with with so many more families doing homeschooling in the last couple of years, I want to remind everyone that our Creative Writing Contest is definitely welcomes entries from homeschooled students, as well. In Ellis County, this is an Ellis County project. This one because it is large, the English department, the university, bless their souls work as the judging panel for our project. And so I have to keep that one in check. But anybody that is an Ellis County resident, so in public schools, private schools, or homeschooled, keep your eyes open for that in both prose and poetry. We'll also be getting information out on famous figures got a lot of great things we're doing in the schools. So we're gonna keep bringing it as we turn the corner and enter 2022.James Bell Excellent. Yeah, I love that their involvement with those kiddos. And especially I know that the famous figures is it as a huge hit every day.Brenda MederAnd it's going to be so great. I booked beach mid, we're going to be back on stage with the live competition. Oh, nice, wonderful that we didn't jettison in the last couple of years and did this recorded version in two different styles, genres, formats, if you will, the last couple of years that were scheduled back in beechmont for that back in the big ballroom at the University for a creative writing award. So those kids can get that public recognition and an acknowledgement that they deserve. And that makes everybody very proud of their accomplishments. And so yeah, hopefully, we'll be back in the saddle re rescheduling J unless the Katy laughing matters that we're supposed to have this fall, tucking them into the spring. So actually, the spring is going to be full because of a couple of things we've had to restructure, but, but it's all good. And just come see us at the Arts Council. We will be closed December 24, fifth, sixth and seventh. And then again that Friday through Monday combo, New Year's weekend. But otherwise, we're open, come down and see us we will be open during weekdays. The rest of this week will be open Saturday. And we will be open through next week through the 23rd close to 24th. So if you're just you know kind of stuck on a gift idea, you may not find it with us, but you can share come in and look and at least it'll be something different than you saw someplace else.James Bell Yeah, when do if you've got some family in town and your head now down to get some lunch or something pop on?Brenda MederYeah, a lot of people do Christmas, you know, like the weekend before the weekend or two weekends after something. Yeah, pop on in on Saturday. We're just open 10 to one. But yeah, come down early and check us out before you go to lunch. But the gift opportunities are there through the end of the day, next week, Thursday. And like I said, if we if it doesn't fit, you know, no harm, no foul, you'll see some breaks. And if it does, maybe you'll get a unique gift that you hadn't thought of.

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