Three-day weather outlook

Job Title: Vice President of Marketing &amp; Communications

Mission: The Chamber facilitates collaboration among businesses and community partners by cultivating and enhancing development opportunities.

Description/Overall Responsibilities:

***Interested applicants should submit a cover letter, resume, and references to <a href="mailto:hayscc@hayschamber.com">hayscc@hayschamber.com</a> by November 1st.&nbsp; The intended start date for a successful applicant is Dec. 1, 2021.&nbsp; Candidates offered interviews will be required to submit examples of work.

***The Chamber in Hays, Kansas offers a flexible work schedule, single coverage health insurance, up to 3% IRA matching contribution, paid holidays, paid vacation and sick leave, a fun work environment, and endless opportunities to connect with business professionals throughout Ellis County!

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/10/1634743366242.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure><h2>Job Title: Vice President of Marketing &amp; Communications</h2>Mission: The Chamber facilitates collaboration among businesses and community partners by cultivating and enhancing development opportunities.Description/Overall Responsibilities:<ul>
 <li>The Vice President of Marketing and Communications answers directly to the President/CEO, and as such will carry out the functions and responsibilities as directed by the President/CEO.&nbsp; The President/CEO will have a wide scope of authority in assigning various tasks to the Vice President of Marketing and Communications.&nbsp; This is a full-time, on-site position.</li>
 </ul>Specific Duties/Responsibilities:<ul>
 <li>Writing and design for Chamber publications, including digital monthly newsletter, weekly email news blasts, event text notifications, advertisements, brochures, forms, and other materials as needed</li><li>Produce all Chamber social media platforms and content, including, but not limited to: Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and YouTube</li><li>Attend as well as assist in organizing, photographing, video recording, and coordinating of details for ongoing activities, special events, programs, and projects</li><li>Maintain The Chamber’s website</li><li>Gather and distribute communication among membership, Ambassadors, and Hays Young Professionals</li><li>Write and design annual Community Guide through collaboration with partnering agencies</li><li>Proficient in: Microsoft Office, PowerPoint, Adobe Suite and willingness to learn other software as needed with appropriate training, including video editing software</li><li>Other duties as deemed necessary to accomplish The Chamber’s mission.</li>
 </ul>***Interested applicants should submit a cover letter, resume, and references to <a href="mailto:hayscc@hayschamber.com">hayscc@hayschamber.com</a> by November 1st.&nbsp; The intended start date for a successful applicant is Dec. 1, 2021.&nbsp; Candidates offered interviews will be required to submit examples of work.***The Chamber in Hays, Kansas offers a flexible work schedule, single coverage health insurance, up to 3% IRA matching contribution, paid holidays, paid vacation and sick leave, a fun work environment, and endless opportunities to connect with business professionals throughout Ellis County!

NW Kan. residents named to Moran's Service Academy Selection Board

LOGAN COUNTY—One person was injured in an accident just after noon Thursday in Logan County.

The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a 2012 Subaru Forester driven by Craig J. Corbett, 28, Kingston, OK., was westbound on Interstate 70&nbsp; two miles east of Oaklehy.

The SUV traveled off the roadway to the right and entered the ditch. It&nbsp;continued westbound down the exit ramp 76 in the ditch, went airborne across U.S. 40 and struck the median barrier at the 71 mile post.&nbsp;

EMS transported Corbett to the Logan County Hospital. He was properly restrained at the time

LOGAN COUNTY—One person was injured in an accident just after noon Thursday in Logan County.The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a 2012 Subaru Forester driven by Craig J. Corbett, 28, Kingston, OK., was westbound on Interstate 70&nbsp; two miles east of Oaklehy.The SUV traveled off the roadway to the right and entered the ditch. It&nbsp;continued westbound down the exit ramp 76 in the ditch, went airborne across U.S. 40 and struck the median barrier at the 71 mile post.&nbsp;EMS transported Corbett to the Logan County Hospital. He was properly restrained at the time

Driver hospitalized after violent I-70 crash

SMITH COUNTY—A Kansas man was injured in an accident just after 5:30p.m. Wednesday in Smith County.

The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a John Deere tractor driven by David F. Renken, 66, Downs, was southbound on DD Road at 270th Road one mile east of Kansas 181 Highway.

The driver reported he could not see an eastbound 2004 Sterling AT 9500 driven by Richard F. Schmitt, 77, Cawker City, and entered the intersection.&nbsp; The vehicles collided in the intersection

EMS transported Schmitt to the Mitchell County Hospital. Renken was not injured.&nbsp; Schmitt was not wearing a seat belt, according to the KHP.

SMITH COUNTY—A Kansas man was injured in an accident just after 5:30p.m. Wednesday in Smith County.The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a John Deere tractor driven by David F. Renken, 66, Downs, was southbound on DD Road at 270th Road one mile east of Kansas 181 Highway.The driver reported he could not see an eastbound 2004 Sterling AT 9500 driven by Richard F. Schmitt, 77, Cawker City, and entered the intersection.&nbsp; The vehicles collided in the intersectionEMS transported Schmitt to the Mitchell County Hospital. Renken was not injured.&nbsp; Schmitt was not wearing a seat belt, according to the KHP.

Kansas man injured after truck, tractor collision 

By BECKY KISER Hays Post

The annual fall cleanup in Hays got off to a slow start Monday because of some employee schedule changes, according to Marvin Honas, Hays solid waste superintendent, but is now in full swing.

"This is the opportunity for our residential customers to discard of any unwanted items that may not always qualify for the regular refuse collection," Honas said.&nbsp;

There's been one change this year to the free service.

"We did have to put a time limit on the collection of trees and limbs," he said.

"The time limit is 10 minutes, whether we pick them up by hand - which we normally do a lot of for curbside customers.

"Wherever we do pick them up, it's a 10 minute limit. Whether we chip them or pick them up by hand I think we do a fairly good job of picking up a quantity," Honas said.&nbsp;

"We have found a couple of occasions where it is more than 10 minutes. We notify the customer&nbsp; (the remaining tree pile) is the responsibility of the customer."

Trees should be no longer than 12 feet long and six inches in diameter.&nbsp;

Free disposal of tree limbs is available for Hays residents at the Ellis County Sanitary Landfill, 1515 W. 55th.&nbsp;

A complete list of commodities that will be picked up and those that are prohibited is available <a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/d202b6b8-970f-45e3-975c-4ef271f6db23">here</a>.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/10/1634833892093.jpeg" alt="(Maps provided by city of Hays.)&nbsp;" />
 <figcaption>(Maps provided by city of Hays.)&nbsp;</figcaption>
 </figure>By BECKY KISER Hays PostThe annual fall cleanup in Hays got off to a slow start Monday because of some employee schedule changes, according to Marvin Honas, Hays solid waste superintendent, but is now in full swing."This is the opportunity for our residential customers to discard of any unwanted items that may not always qualify for the regular refuse collection," Honas said.&nbsp;There's been one change this year to the free service.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/10/1634833995431.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>"We did have to put a time limit on the collection of trees and limbs," he said."The time limit is 10 minutes, whether we pick them up by hand - which we normally do a lot of for curbside customers."Wherever we do pick them up, it's a 10 minute limit. Whether we chip them or pick them up by hand I think we do a fairly good job of picking up a quantity," Honas said.&nbsp;"We have found a couple of occasions where it is more than 10 minutes. We notify the customer&nbsp; (the remaining tree pile) is the responsibility of the customer."<figure>
 <iframe width="560" height="315" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/iZaohUc478Y"></iframe>
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Trees should be no longer than 12 feet long and six inches in diameter.&nbsp;Free disposal of tree limbs is available for Hays residents at the Ellis County Sanitary Landfill, 1515 W. 55th.&nbsp;<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/10/1634834089870.jpeg" alt="Items that will be collected during the cleanup include unwanted household furniture.&nbsp;" />
 <figcaption>Items that will be collected during the cleanup include unwanted household furniture.&nbsp;</figcaption>
 </figure>A complete list of commodities that will be picked up and those that are prohibited is available <a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/d202b6b8-970f-45e3-975c-4ef271f6db23">here</a>.&nbsp;

🎥 Fall cleanup underway in Hays; new time limit for loading trees and limbs

The Kansas Department of Transportation has reopened&nbsp;U.S. 281 to through traffic north of Russell.

The road was closed in March as part of the $9.8 million T-WORKS project to rehabilitate and reconstruct approximately 4 miles from 15th&nbsp;Street in Russell to Land Road.

KDOTThe Kansas Department of Transportation has reopened&nbsp;U.S. 281 to through traffic north of Russell.The road was closed in March as part of the $9.8 million T-WORKS project to rehabilitate and reconstruct approximately 4 miles from 15th&nbsp;Street in Russell to Land Road.

U.S. 281 reopened north of Russell

Don't forget: On Sunday, you'll have to dial the area code when making a local call.

As Salina Post first reported in April, Kansans who live in area codes 785 or 620 will be required to use 10-digit dialing when making local calls beginning Sunday. If, on Sunday, you attempt to make a local call without dialing the area code, your call will not go through and a recording will inform you that your call "cannot be completed as dialed."

The dialing change is being implemented to make it easier for persons in crisis to reach the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline.

In July 2020 the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) approved 988 as the new abbreviated number for the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline. As a result, any area code that uses the 988 prefix in telephone numbers is mandated to adopt 10-digit dialing. That includes Kansas area codes 785 and 620, which cover the majority of the state. Because of the mandate, 82 area codes in 36 states will make the change to 10-digit local dialing.

The FCC initiated a practice period in April allowing both seven-digit and 10-digit dialing to help callers adjust to the change, but that grace period ends on Sunday, with the exception of any three digit abbreviated numbers available in the community, such as 911, according to information provided by the Kansas Corporation Commission (KCC). 

Callers will still dial 1 plus the area code and telephone number for all long distance calls.

With the switch to 10-digit dialing about to take effect, residents are encouraged to make sure any services with automatic dialing equipment, such as life safety systems, medical monitoring devices, security systems and fire alarms, mobile phone contact lists and call forwarding settings are reprogrammed if needed.

Beginning July 16, 2022, callers can reach the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline by calling 988. Until then, callers will continue to dial 1-800-273-8255 (TALK), the KCC noted.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/10/1634827625683.jpeg" alt="Area code map courtesy Kansas Corporation Commission" />
 <figcaption>Area code map courtesy Kansas Corporation Commission</figcaption>
 </figure>By SALINA POSTDon't forget: On Sunday, you'll have to dial the area code when making a local call.As Salina Post first reported in April, Kansans who live in area codes 785 or 620 will be required to use 10-digit dialing when making local calls beginning Sunday. If, on Sunday, you attempt to make a local call without dialing the area code, your call will not go through and a recording will inform you that your call "cannot be completed as dialed."The dialing change is being implemented to make it easier for persons in crisis to reach the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline.In July 2020 the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) approved 988 as the new abbreviated number for the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline. As a result, any area code that uses the 988 prefix in telephone numbers is mandated to adopt 10-digit dialing. That includes Kansas area codes 785 and 620, which cover the majority of the state. Because of the mandate, 82 area codes in 36 states will make the change to 10-digit local dialing.The FCC initiated a practice period in April allowing both seven-digit and 10-digit dialing to help callers adjust to the change, but that grace period ends on Sunday, with the exception of any three digit abbreviated numbers available in the community, such as 911, according to information provided by the Kansas Corporation Commission (KCC). Callers will still dial 1 plus the area code and telephone number for all long distance calls.With the switch to 10-digit dialing about to take effect, residents are encouraged to make sure any services with automatic dialing equipment, such as life safety systems, medical monitoring devices, security systems and fire alarms, mobile phone contact lists and call forwarding settings are reprogrammed if needed.Beginning July 16, 2022, callers can reach the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline by calling 988. Until then, callers will continue to dial 1-800-273-8255 (TALK), the KCC noted.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/10/1634827685704.jpeg" alt="Image courtesy Kansas Corporation Commission" />
 <figcaption>Image courtesy Kansas Corporation Commission</figcaption>
 </figure>

Don't forget: 10-digit local dialing mandatory beginning Sunday

By NICK GOSNELL Hutch Post

HUTCHINSON, Kan. — Kansas Attorney General Derek Schmidt said they are still waiting on the final wording of the vaccination regulations from the Occupational Safety and Health Administration before they can challenge them.

"We're watching that eagle-eyed, every day," Schmidt said. "We expect it's going to be published soon. That's based on a number of reports out of Washington. We know that the regulation, the rule, has been sent from OSHA over to OMB, that's the Office of Management and Budget, which ordinarily is the last stop before it becomes published in the federal register."

Legal experts think it will be sometime this month.

"We are in constant communication with other states that are like-minded," Schmidt said. "We'll be challenging it. When I say, as soon, I'm using litigation time, it could be several days, but we're going to get in there and challenge it."

His office is already looking at other related policy that is also in place.

"There are other mandates in place and we're taking a hard look at them," Schmidt said. "The federal contractor mandate, for example. It's caused so much disruption in Wichita and elsewhere, so there's a lot of uncertainty right now, but we're doing our darnedest and we're stepping up and fighting it."

Some private employers are already making the decision to mandate vaccines ahead of the OSHA rule.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/10/1634033667226.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>By NICK GOSNELL Hutch PostHUTCHINSON, Kan. — Kansas Attorney General Derek Schmidt said they are still waiting on the final wording of the vaccination regulations from the Occupational Safety and Health Administration before they can challenge them."We're watching that eagle-eyed, every day," Schmidt said. "We expect it's going to be published soon. That's based on a number of reports out of Washington. We know that the regulation, the rule, has been sent from OSHA over to OMB, that's the Office of Management and Budget, which ordinarily is the last stop before it becomes published in the federal register."Legal experts think it will be sometime this month."We are in constant communication with other states that are like-minded," Schmidt said. "We'll be challenging it. When I say, as soon, I'm using litigation time, it could be several days, but we're going to get in there and challenge it."His office is already looking at other related policy that is also in place."There are other mandates in place and we're taking a hard look at them," Schmidt said. "The federal contractor mandate, for example. It's caused so much disruption in Wichita and elsewhere, so there's a lot of uncertainty right now, but we're doing our darnedest and we're stepping up and fighting it."Some private employers are already making the decision to mandate vaccines ahead of the OSHA rule.

Schmidt: Still waiting on final language before challenging OSHA rule

By CRISTINA JANNEY Hays Post

The Crypt in Palco is promising to scare some fun into you while also raising funds for a good cause.

Dan Thyfault, haunted house organizer, said visitors will take a walk among the dead through a two-story historical home, 701 Main St. in Palco.

The tour begins in a graveyard and then winds its way through 13 haunted rooms. 

"You're either going to cry with fright or cry with delight," he said.

Thyfault said he didn't wanted to give away the scary fun, but the house includes actors, animatronics and projection, as well as a real hearse that is parked out front.

There's also a maze and a portion that plays on claustrophobia.

"That's our goal," organizer Jake Webster said. "We want to scare you."

The tour includes strobe lights, but those can be turned off for people&nbsp; who are sensitive to them.

There are no age limits for the tour. Organizers can tone down the action if you choose to bring younger children through the house. Let the organizers know at the door. There are one set of stairs visitors will need to maneuver.

Last year, the haunted house had two young ladies who came from Wichita. They only made through the first room and were too scared to go on, Thyfault said.

"We've had some young brave ones too," Webster said.

This is the fourth year for the haunted house. Each year the organizers give funds to a good cause.

This year, funds will go to Corbin Jones' family. The 11-year-old from Hill City is battling lymphoma.

Volunteers from Hill City High School are volunteering at the haunted house this season. 

The Crypt will be open from 7 to 11 p.m. the next two Saturdays, later if demand calls for it. It will take at least 15 minutes to make it through the tour. Cost is $10 per person.

The house has been pretty popular, drawing anywhere from 60 to 200 visitors in a night, Webster said.

Some of the nights, volunteers will be serving brats and drinks for $14.

The duo is already making plans for next year. They've purchased a 1975 ambulance, and they plan to make a photo booth out of it.

"We hope everyone comes down and has a good time, and we give to a good cause and help people," Webster said. "We just want to keep making it better every year. We want more and more people to come."

Corrected 8:40 a.m. Thursday to correct the name of organizer Daniel&nbsp;Thyfault. Hays Post apologizes for the error.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/10/1634669129665.jpeg" alt="Courtesy photo" />
 <figcaption>Courtesy photo</figcaption>
 </figure>By CRISTINA JANNEY Hays PostThe Crypt in Palco is promising to scare some fun into you while also raising funds for a good cause.Dan Thyfault, haunted house organizer, said visitors will take a walk among the dead through a two-story historical home, 701 Main St. in Palco.The tour begins in a graveyard and then winds its way through 13 haunted rooms. "You're either going to cry with fright or cry with delight," he said. Thyfault said he didn't wanted to give away the scary fun, but the house includes actors, animatronics and projection, as well as a real hearse that is parked out front.There's also a maze and a portion that plays on claustrophobia."That's our goal," organizer Jake Webster said. "We want to scare you."<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/10/1634669486734.jpeg" alt="Courtesy photo " />
 <figcaption>Courtesy photo </figcaption>
 </figure>The tour includes strobe lights, but those can be turned off for people&nbsp; who are sensitive to them.There are no age limits for the tour. Organizers can tone down the action if you choose to bring younger children through the house. Let the organizers know at the door. There are one set of stairs visitors will need to maneuver.Last year, the haunted house had two young ladies who came from Wichita. They only made through the first room and were too scared to go on, Thyfault said."We've had some young brave ones too," Webster said.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/10/1634669597996.jpeg" alt="Courtesy photo " />
 <figcaption>Courtesy photo </figcaption>
 </figure>This is the fourth year for the haunted house. Each year the organizers give funds to a good cause.This year, funds will go to Corbin Jones' family. The 11-year-old from Hill City is battling lymphoma. Volunteers from Hill City High School are volunteering at the haunted house this season. The Crypt will be open from 7 to 11 p.m. the next two Saturdays, later if demand calls for it. It will take at least 15 minutes to make it through the tour. Cost is $10 per person. The house has been pretty popular, drawing anywhere from 60 to 200 visitors in a night, Webster said. Some of the nights, volunteers will be serving brats and drinks for $14.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/10/1634669712699.jpeg" alt="Courtesy photo " />
 <figcaption>Courtesy photo </figcaption>
 </figure>The duo is already making plans for next year. They've purchased a 1975 ambulance, and they plan to make a photo booth out of it."We hope everyone comes down and has a good time, and we give to a good cause and help people," Webster said. "We just want to keep making it better every year. We want more and more people to come."Corrected 8:40 a.m. Thursday to correct the name of organizer Daniel&nbsp;Thyfault. Hays Post apologizes for the error.&nbsp;

Palco's Crypt haunted house offers scary fun to raise funds for child with cancer

The Thunder on the Plains donated $15,000 to area charities during a ceremony on Thursday. 

The annual car show was conducted this year in September.

The following organizations received donations of varying amounts: • Wonder Women League • Bethesda Place • Boy Scout Troop 101 • Options Domestic and Sexual Violence Services • DSNWK • Cancer Council of Ellis County • Veterans of Foreign Wars • Hays Humane Society • Western Plains Animal Refuge • Community Assistance Center • Hays Area Children's Center • Early Childhood Connections • First Call for Help

In addition, the group will be funding scholarships for NCK-Tech students and buying Christmas presents for needy children.

UPDATED 1:50 p..m. Thursday to correct the name of Western Plains Animal Refuge. Hays Post apologizes for the error.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/10/1634676120609.jpeg" alt="Members of Thunder on the Plains with their vehicles. " />
 <figcaption>Members of Thunder on the Plains with their vehicles. </figcaption>
 </figure>By CRISTINA JANNEY Hays PostThe Thunder on the Plains donated $15,000 to area charities during a ceremony on Thursday. The annual car show was conducted this year in September. The following organizations received donations of varying amounts: • Wonder Women League • Bethesda Place • Boy Scout Troop 101 • Options Domestic and Sexual Violence Services • DSNWK • Cancer Council of Ellis County • Veterans of Foreign Wars • Hays Humane Society • Western Plains Animal Refuge • Community Assistance Center • Hays Area Children's Center • Early Childhood Connections • First Call for HelpIn addition, the group will be funding scholarships for NCK-Tech students and buying Christmas presents for needy children. <figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/10/1634676192082.jpeg" alt="Wonder Women League " />
 <figcaption>Wonder Women League </figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/10/1634676234710.jpeg" alt="Bethesda Place" />
 <figcaption>Bethesda Place</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/10/1634676279775.jpeg" alt="Boy Scout Troop 101 " />
 <figcaption>Boy Scout Troop 101 </figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/10/1634676318785.jpeg" alt="Options Domestic and Sexual Violence Services" />
 <figcaption>Options Domestic and Sexual Violence Services</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/10/1634676362758.jpeg" alt="DSNWK" />
 <figcaption>DSNWK</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/10/1634676403057.jpeg" alt="Cancer Council of Ellis County " />
 <figcaption>Cancer Council of Ellis County </figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/10/1634676451221.jpeg" alt="VFW " />
 <figcaption>VFW </figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/10/1634676494708.jpeg" alt="Humane Society " />
 <figcaption>Humane Society </figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/10/1634676540396.jpeg" alt="Western Plains Animal Rescue " />
 <figcaption>Western Plains Animal Rescue </figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/10/1634676587385.jpeg" alt="Community Assistance Center " />
 <figcaption>Community Assistance Center </figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/10/1634676631662.jpeg" alt="Hays Area Children's Center" />
 <figcaption>Hays Area Children's Center</figcaption>
 </figure>UPDATED 1:50 p..m. Thursday to correct the name of Western Plains Animal Refuge. Hays Post apologizes for the error.

Thunder on the Plains donates $15,000 to area charities

As the Fort Hays State University choir, the Fort Hays Singers prepare to present a selection of era and patriotic music in Hawaii, the combined choirs will showcase some of the program, along with much more at their Fall Concert on Friday.

The concert is set to begin at 7:30 p.m. in the Beach/Schmidt&nbsp; Performing
Arts Center.

Three choirs, the Fort
Hays Singers, the Concert Choir and the Fort Hays Singers will all perform during the event.

"We're going to be featuring the Fort Hays
Singers trip to Hawaii," said director of choral activities Terry Crull. "So we'll be doing our music that we are preparing to
take with us to Hawaii for the 80th anniversary of Pearl Harbor attacks in
December."

Along with the music, a sunflower wreath that displays the names of area veterans that will be presented during the trip will be displayed.

"We've got Vietnam vets, Korean vets, Afghan (veterans), Desert
Storm plus the World Wars," Crull said. "So that's a great way to honor the veterans and that
wreath will be set very soon over to Hawaii."

The wreath is set to be permanently displayed once presented in Hawaii.

The trip and the concert have been in the works since last year.

"It
was September 2020 that they contacted me and said, 'Do you want to come and
represent Kansas?' We said 'Yes, indeed.' So we're excited," Crull said. "In fact, we've got a
good relationship with Music Celebrations International who's sponsoring the
concert, and we get to kick it off with the Star-Spangled Banner and our
concert. So we're the very first one on the program. And, and we're honored to
do the national anthem as part of that program.

"We've also got pieces that are from that era 1941. All the
Things You Are, Tuxedo Junction from Bye Bye Birdie, My Funny Valentine, so
pieces that were popular with the boys and the women who served in Pearl Harbor
in '39, '40 and '41. I don't know if any of our audience will remember them but
they should be familiar because they're popular tunes that have stood the test
of time, but they were popular on those days is what you would have been
listening to on your radio if you were awake on Sunday morning when
the Japanese attacked."

It's not rock 'n roll
by any means, he said as love songs particularly from Broadway shows were
popular in that era.

"We've got a set of Oh Children of the Heavenly
Father a nice arrangement of that Swedish folk hymn," Crull said. "And a combination ... we call it
Swinging With the Saints. So it's gots Swing Low Sweet Chariot and When the
Saints Go Marching In combined again came combined together the gals do one
melody the guys do another and those two pieces fit together that's by Kansas
composer Mark Hayes."

The Smoky Hill Chorale also plans to perform Night and Day by Cole Porter and Turkey in the Straw.

"Then the Concert Choir has had some
older music, some Renaissance madrigals and motets, Singly Enchanted and a piece
called Weep Oh Mine Eyes. A&nbsp;very, very stirring song."

The concert is free to attend and open to the public.

"Our concerts
at Fort Hays are free, the orchestra, the bands, the choirs are all free," Crull said. "It's our gift to the community for their support of our program and of
course particularly for a lot of support both financially and otherwise for the
trip to Hawaii."

<div><iframe title="Fort Hays State University choirs to present Fall concert" allowtransparency="true" height="450" 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=xdt4v-110cefe-pb&from=pb6admin&square=1&share=1&download=1&rtl=0&fonts=Arial&skin=3267a3&font-color=auto&btn-skin=3267a3&size=450" allowfullscreen=""></iframe></div>By JAMES BELL Hays PostAs the Fort Hays State University choir, the Fort Hays Singers prepare to present a selection of era and patriotic music in Hawaii, the combined choirs will showcase some of the program, along with much more at their Fall Concert on Friday.The concert is set to begin at 7:30 p.m. in the Beach/Schmidt&nbsp; Performing
Arts Center.Three choirs, the Fort
Hays Singers, the Concert Choir and the Fort Hays Singers will all perform during the event."We're going to be featuring the Fort Hays
Singers trip to Hawaii," said director of choral activities Terry Crull. "So we'll be doing our music that we are preparing to
take with us to Hawaii for the 80th anniversary of Pearl Harbor attacks in
December."Along with the music, a sunflower wreath that displays the names of area veterans that will be presented during the trip will be displayed."We've got Vietnam vets, Korean vets, Afghan (veterans), Desert
Storm plus the World Wars," Crull said. "So that's a great way to honor the veterans and that
wreath will be set very soon over to Hawaii."The wreath is set to be permanently displayed once presented in Hawaii.The trip and the concert have been in the works since last year."It
was September 2020 that they contacted me and said, 'Do you want to come and
represent Kansas?' We said 'Yes, indeed.' So we're excited," Crull said. "In fact, we've got a
good relationship with Music Celebrations International who's sponsoring the
concert, and we get to kick it off with the Star-Spangled Banner and our
concert. So we're the very first one on the program. And, and we're honored to
do the national anthem as part of that program."We've also got pieces that are from that era 1941. All the
Things You Are, Tuxedo Junction from Bye Bye Birdie, My Funny Valentine, so
pieces that were popular with the boys and the women who served in Pearl Harbor
in '39, '40 and '41. I don't know if any of our audience will remember them but
they should be familiar because they're popular tunes that have stood the test
of time, but they were popular on those days is what you would have been
listening to on your radio if you were awake on Sunday morning when
the Japanese attacked."It's not rock 'n roll
by any means, he said as love songs particularly from Broadway shows were
popular in that era. "We've got a set of Oh Children of the Heavenly
Father a nice arrangement of that Swedish folk hymn," Crull said. "And a combination ... we call it
Swinging With the Saints. So it's gots Swing Low Sweet Chariot and When the
Saints Go Marching In combined again came combined together the gals do one
melody the guys do another and those two pieces fit together that's by Kansas
composer Mark Hayes." The Smoky Hill Chorale also plans to perform Night and Day by Cole Porter and Turkey in the Straw."Then the Concert Choir has had some
older music, some Renaissance madrigals and motets, Singly Enchanted and a piece
called Weep Oh Mine Eyes. A&nbsp;very, very stirring song."The concert is free to attend and open to the public."Our concerts
at Fort Hays are free, the orchestra, the bands, the choirs are all free," Crull said. "It's our gift to the community for their support of our program and of
course particularly for a lot of support both financially and otherwise for the
trip to Hawaii."

🎙 Patriotism on display at FHSU choirs concert

Online ranker OnlyInYourState.com recently named its top six corn mazes in the state of Kansas.

One northwest Kansas attraction — the corn maze at the Buffalo Bill Cultural Center in Oakley — made the list.

Click <a href="https://www.onlyinyourstate.com/kansas/ks-corn-maze/">HERE</a> to read the entire article.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/10/1634825406737.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Online ranker OnlyInYourState.com recently named its top six corn mazes in the state of Kansas.One northwest Kansas attraction — the corn maze at the Buffalo Bill Cultural Center in Oakley — made the list.Click <a href="https://www.onlyinyourstate.com/kansas/ks-corn-maze/">HERE</a> to read the entire article.

NW Kan. corn maze named among the state's best

A classical music series honoring a pair of world-renowned musicians is back at Fort Hays State University.

Following a year’s absence, the curtain will rise on the season-opening performance of the Rostislav and Luba Edlina Dubinsky Classical Music Series on Thursday, Oct. 21. Starting time for the performance – free to the public – is 7:30 p.m. in Sheridan Hall’s Beach/Schmidt Performing Arts Center. The featured guest artist will be internationally known pianist Roman Rudnytsky.

Rudnytsky&nbsp;was a prizewinner in 10 international and national piano competitions, including a second-place prize in the International Leventritt Competition in New York in 1965 – the most prestigious international competition for pianists and violinists in the United States during that time. He has also played as a soloist with many orchestras and in many concerts around the world and conducted master classes throughout the United States and in 35 countries. He served for many years as a professor of piano and music and is now professor emeritus of Youngstown State University’s Dana School of Music in Youngstown, Ohio.

The classical music series was founded in 2014 by Dr. Irena Ravitskaya, FHSU professor of music and theatre. There were four performances every year until the Covid 19 pandemic. The last performance was held in the fall of 2019, and Dr. Ravitskaya is looking forward to its return with one performance in each of the fall and spring semesters.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/10/1634566456356.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>FHSU University RelationsA classical music series honoring a pair of world-renowned musicians is back at Fort Hays State University.Following a year’s absence, the curtain will rise on the season-opening performance of the Rostislav and Luba Edlina Dubinsky Classical Music Series on Thursday, Oct. 21. Starting time for the performance – free to the public – is 7:30 p.m. in Sheridan Hall’s Beach/Schmidt Performing Arts Center. The featured guest artist will be internationally known pianist Roman Rudnytsky.Rudnytsky&nbsp;was a prizewinner in 10 international and national piano competitions, including a second-place prize in the International Leventritt Competition in New York in 1965 – the most prestigious international competition for pianists and violinists in the United States during that time. He has also played as a soloist with many orchestras and in many concerts around the world and conducted master classes throughout the United States and in 35 countries. He served for many years as a professor of piano and music and is now professor emeritus of Youngstown State University’s Dana School of Music in Youngstown, Ohio.The classical music series was founded in 2014 by Dr. Irena Ravitskaya, FHSU professor of music and theatre. There were four performances every year until the Covid 19 pandemic. The last performance was held in the fall of 2019, and Dr. Ravitskaya is looking forward to its return with one performance in each of the fall and spring semesters.

Classical music series returns to Fort Hays State

I love the fact the Fort Hays State University provides our students with so many powerful outside-of-the-classroom learning opportunities. Take for example our extraordinarily successful financial planning team – which just placed third in the nation. Our success is clearly attributed to a drive for excellence from our faculty and the talents of our students. That’s powerful!

Meet this year’s team: Seth Thompson, a junior from Salina, majoring in accounting and finance, and two finance majors, who alos are members of our cross country and track and feld teams –&nbsp; freshman Kaden Wren from Scott City and junior Ethan Lang, a graduate of Hays’ Thomas More Prep-Marian. These dedicated students are advised by Dr. Christina Glenn, assistant professor of economics, finance, and accounting.

The annual Financial Planning Challenge is sponsored by the Financial Planning Association (FPA), an association for financial planning professionals.

According to Dr. Glenn, the competition takes an extraordinary amount of work, and many times students who compete have not completed all of their financial planning coursework.

“I look for students who are highly motivated to dig deeper into the financial planning coursework, who are self-starters with a strong competitive spirit – students who are willing to put in the extra time and effort it takes to successfully compete against the top schools in the nation,” she said.

Take for example Kaden Wren. As a freshman, he had not taken classes that covered many of these financial planning concepts that were part of the competition. No problem. He researched the concepts on his own.

“I really enjoyed the challenge of learning these concepts and using them in a real-world situation,”&nbsp; Kaden said. “I believe this will greatly benefit my academic and professional career in the future.”&nbsp;

In the first phase of the competition, all student teams are given profiles for two hypothetical clients and must prepare a comprehensive financial plan. They cannot get assistance from their professors.

“To help them prepare for the competition, we provide them with examples of previously written case studies, so they know how to format their case, but we are not allowed to provide any planning suggestions,” Dr. Glenn said. “The team really must dig in and research the best options for the given case study.”

Seth found it interesting that “one of the things that stood out to me in this case study was how it catered to our unique circumstances in last year’s ‘coronaconomy.’ ”

“Our clients were travel bloggers who invested heavily in Tesla stock and liked Robinhood and Bitcoin,” Seth said. “It kind of shed some light on the recent jump in retail investors and how we can meet their needs. I felt like this profile of client will become much more popular in the future, which will help translate into our future careers.”

A team of judges determines the top eight written financial plans from phase one. Those teams, and only those teams, move on to the elite eight, which includes phases two and three of the competition. The eight teams selected to move forward this year were Edinboro University, Fort Hays State, Illinois State University, Kansas State University, Purdue University, Texas Tech University, the University of Arizona, and Western Kentucky University. In 14 years of competition, our team has made the elite eight 13 times. Incredible!

Phase two requires the team to present three areas of their financial planning recommendations, one of which must be retirement planning.

“The students have 20 minutes, which is a very short amount of time, to showcase their communication skills. They present to a team of judges who are instructed not to interact with the students,” Dr. Glenn explained. “Essentially, they are presenting to a client who is not interacting back with them. It’s very challenging to have a client conversation without verbal or nonverbal cues, but our team did exceptionally well with this challenge.”&nbsp;

To prepare for phase two of the challenge, Dr. Glenn had the team practice a few times with her, and then she called in reinforcements from and colleagues to provide the students with feedback on how to improve.

Phase three is the “How Do I Know?” game show portion of the competition. Teams are quizzed Jeopardy-style on six areas of financial planning: insurance, investments, income tax, retirement planning, estate planning, and fundamentals. They are given 45 seconds to answer questions, with the points increasing with the difficulty of the questions.&nbsp;

To prepare for this final phase, the team must be studying regularly for any number of possible questions that might be asked regarding the topics. Sometimes the team members will audit classes that they are not currently enrolled in just to gain the knowledge for the competition. Now, that is dedication!

Dr. Tom Johansen is responsible for starting and leading this annual challenge for Fort Hays State. He handed over the program to Dr. Glenn and is very proud of her continued success coaching our students. In addition to earning a spot in the elite eight 13 of the 14 years of competition, collectively our Tiger team touts an impressive record: three national championships, one runner-up, four third-place finishes, and three fourth-place efforts. FHSU also owns a fifth- and a seventh-place national finish.

As for our current winners – they are back to their studies with ambitions, dreams, and goals. Seth is working toward certification as both a financial analyst and a financial planner, and Ethan plans on opening up his own firm shortly after graduation – a goal shared by Kaden.&nbsp;

Dr. Glenn advises all her students to build their network of contacts in the industry before they graduate.

“Reach out and ask people in your field about their experiences in the profession and the advice they wish they knew starting out,” she says. “Seek out mentors who can help you develop your skills, who can connect you with others who may have job openings.”

Dr. Glenn points out that “there are a lot of professionals out there who would love to guide new graduates as they start their professional journey. Connect with them on LinkedIn, call and ask them if they would want to join you for coffee and chat about their experiences. More than likely, they will say yes.”

I look forward to continuing to follow the success of our financial planning team members, and more importantly, how all our alumni use their education to improve lives.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/12/1575301942236.jpeg" alt="Dr. Tisa Mason, FHSU president" />
 <figcaption>Dr. Tisa Mason, FHSU president</figcaption>
 </figure>I love the fact the Fort Hays State University provides our students with so many powerful outside-of-the-classroom learning opportunities. Take for example our extraordinarily successful financial planning team – which just placed third in the nation. Our success is clearly attributed to a drive for excellence from our faculty and the talents of our students. That’s powerful!Meet this year’s team: Seth Thompson, a junior from Salina, majoring in accounting and finance, and two finance majors, who alos are members of our cross country and track and feld teams –&nbsp; freshman Kaden Wren from Scott City and junior Ethan Lang, a graduate of Hays’ Thomas More Prep-Marian. These dedicated students are advised by Dr. Christina Glenn, assistant professor of economics, finance, and accounting.The annual Financial Planning Challenge is sponsored by the Financial Planning Association (FPA), an association for financial planning professionals.According to Dr. Glenn, the competition takes an extraordinary amount of work, and many times students who compete have not completed all of their financial planning coursework.“I look for students who are highly motivated to dig deeper into the financial planning coursework, who are self-starters with a strong competitive spirit – students who are willing to put in the extra time and effort it takes to successfully compete against the top schools in the nation,” she said.Take for example Kaden Wren. As a freshman, he had not taken classes that covered many of these financial planning concepts that were part of the competition. No problem. He researched the concepts on his own.“I really enjoyed the challenge of learning these concepts and using them in a real-world situation,”&nbsp; Kaden said. “I believe this will greatly benefit my academic and professional career in the future.”&nbsp;In the first phase of the competition, all student teams are given profiles for two hypothetical clients and must prepare a comprehensive financial plan. They cannot get assistance from their professors.“To help them prepare for the competition, we provide them with examples of previously written case studies, so they know how to format their case, but we are not allowed to provide any planning suggestions,” Dr. Glenn said. “The team really must dig in and research the best options for the given case study.”Seth found it interesting that “one of the things that stood out to me in this case study was how it catered to our unique circumstances in last year’s ‘coronaconomy.’ ”“Our clients were travel bloggers who invested heavily in Tesla stock and liked Robinhood and Bitcoin,” Seth said. “It kind of shed some light on the recent jump in retail investors and how we can meet their needs. I felt like this profile of client will become much more popular in the future, which will help translate into our future careers.”A team of judges determines the top eight written financial plans from phase one. Those teams, and only those teams, move on to the elite eight, which includes phases two and three of the competition. The eight teams selected to move forward this year were Edinboro University, Fort Hays State, Illinois State University, Kansas State University, Purdue University, Texas Tech University, the University of Arizona, and Western Kentucky University. In 14 years of competition, our team has made the elite eight 13 times. Incredible!Phase two requires the team to present three areas of their financial planning recommendations, one of which must be retirement planning.“The students have 20 minutes, which is a very short amount of time, to showcase their communication skills. They present to a team of judges who are instructed not to interact with the students,” Dr. Glenn explained. “Essentially, they are presenting to a client who is not interacting back with them. It’s very challenging to have a client conversation without verbal or nonverbal cues, but our team did exceptionally well with this challenge.”&nbsp;To prepare for phase two of the challenge, Dr. Glenn had the team practice a few times with her, and then she called in reinforcements from and colleagues to provide the students with feedback on how to improve.Phase three is the “How Do I Know?” game show portion of the competition. Teams are quizzed Jeopardy-style on six areas of financial planning: insurance, investments, income tax, retirement planning, estate planning, and fundamentals. They are given 45 seconds to answer questions, with the points increasing with the difficulty of the questions.&nbsp;To prepare for this final phase, the team must be studying regularly for any number of possible questions that might be asked regarding the topics. Sometimes the team members will audit classes that they are not currently enrolled in just to gain the knowledge for the competition. Now, that is dedication!Dr. Tom Johansen is responsible for starting and leading this annual challenge for Fort Hays State. He handed over the program to Dr. Glenn and is very proud of her continued success coaching our students. In addition to earning a spot in the elite eight 13 of the 14 years of competition, collectively our Tiger team touts an impressive record: three national championships, one runner-up, four third-place finishes, and three fourth-place efforts. FHSU also owns a fifth- and a seventh-place national finish.As for our current winners – they are back to their studies with ambitions, dreams, and goals. Seth is working toward certification as both a financial analyst and a financial planner, and Ethan plans on opening up his own firm shortly after graduation – a goal shared by Kaden.&nbsp;Dr. Glenn advises all her students to build their network of contacts in the industry before they graduate.“Reach out and ask people in your field about their experiences in the profession and the advice they wish they knew starting out,” she says. “Seek out mentors who can help you develop your skills, who can connect you with others who may have job openings.”Dr. Glenn points out that “there are a lot of professionals out there who would love to guide new graduates as they start their professional journey. Connect with them on LinkedIn, call and ask them if they would want to join you for coffee and chat about their experiences. More than likely, they will say yes.”I look forward to continuing to follow the success of our financial planning team members, and more importantly, how all our alumni use their education to improve lives.&nbsp;

MASON: FHSU students can plan with the best

Russell County USD 407 is accepting applications for custodians.

The successful individual will maintain the cleanliness and safety of the school facilities; will work under all types of weather conditions; and will be willing to work overtime when necessary.

This opportunity requires prolonged standing and walking; and occasional physical exertion to move, lift, carry or push objects weighing more than 50 pounds.

A high school diploma or equivalency is preferred but not required. Apply at&nbsp;<a href="http://www.usd407.org/">www.usd407.org</a>.

Russell County USD 407 is accepting applications for custodians.The successful individual will maintain the cleanliness and safety of the school facilities; will work under all types of weather conditions; and will be willing to work overtime when necessary.This opportunity requires prolonged standing and walking; and occasional physical exertion to move, lift, carry or push objects weighing more than 50 pounds.A high school diploma or equivalency is preferred but not required. Apply at&nbsp;<a href="http://www.usd407.org/">www.usd407.org</a>.

'Invertebrate Discoveries' with Kansas Wetlands Education Center

Paws and Pints event will benefit Humane Society of the High Plains

After a three-week break, Hays city commissioners will meet in a work session Thursday night.

The next step - setting a public hearing - will be discussed in <a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/90c93372-2fbd-46d9-9156-f1b1352c38cf">establishing an RHID </a>(Rural Housing Improvement District) for the former St. Joseph School,&nbsp;210 W. 13th Street.&nbsp;

Commissioners will also look ahead with Erin Giebler, human resources director, to the 2022 city employee health insurance plan.

Two quotes have been received from the city's current provider, Blue Cross Blue Shield, but there is a wide gap in the costs, according to Collin Bielser, assistant city manager.

As improvements continue at the intersection of 230th and 55th Avenues preparing for a new travel center and completion of the Northwest Business Corridor, the city will gain four new water customers.

"(The improvements) created a conflict with an existing Rural Water District #2 water main, and it would have been a costly replacement.

"The city's water main infrastructure is now up there due to the truck plaza. So the Rural Water District and the city and the four customers that are going to be impacted have agreed to switch from rural water district territory to city territory," Bielser explained.

"So we'll be taking on four new customers and some minor infrastructure that serves those customers."&nbsp;

Other agenda items include discussion of replacing a 25-year-old reuse pump house and a request from the Kiwanis Club for a city flag pole dedication.

The complete October 21 agenda is available <a href="https://www.haysusa.com/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_10212021-1303">here</a>.&nbsp;

The work session starts at 6:30 p.m. in Hays City Hall, 1507 Main.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/5/1621979683487.jpeg" alt="Hays city commissioners (File photo)" />
 <figcaption>Hays city commissioners (File photo)</figcaption>
 </figure>By BECKY KISER Hays PostAfter a three-week break, Hays city commissioners will meet in a work session Thursday night.The next step - setting a public hearing - will be discussed in <a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/90c93372-2fbd-46d9-9156-f1b1352c38cf">establishing an RHID </a>(Rural Housing Improvement District) for the former St. Joseph School,&nbsp;210 W. 13th Street.&nbsp;Commissioners will also look ahead with Erin Giebler, human resources director, to the 2022 city employee health insurance plan.Two quotes have been received from the city's current provider, Blue Cross Blue Shield, but there is a wide gap in the costs, according to Collin Bielser, assistant city manager.<figure>
 <iframe width="560" height="315" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/mBwfiy5Yytc"></iframe>
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>As improvements continue at the intersection of 230th and 55th Avenues preparing for a new travel center and completion of the Northwest Business Corridor, the city will gain four new water customers."(The improvements) created a conflict with an existing Rural Water District #2 water main, and it would have been a costly replacement."The city's water main infrastructure is now up there due to the truck plaza. So the Rural Water District and the city and the four customers that are going to be impacted have agreed to switch from rural water district territory to city territory," Bielser explained."So we'll be taking on four new customers and some minor infrastructure that serves those customers."&nbsp;Other agenda items include discussion of replacing a 25-year-old reuse pump house and a request from the Kiwanis Club for a city flag pole dedication.The complete October 21 agenda is available <a href="https://www.haysusa.com/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_10212021-1303">here</a>.&nbsp;The work session starts at 6:30 p.m. in Hays City Hall, 1507 Main.

 🎥 Improvements for travel plaza will move customers to city water

The Kansas Department of Health and Environment on Wednesday reported 29 new COVID-19 cases in Ellis County had been identified since Monday.

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

On Wednesday, <a href="https://www.coronavirus.kdheks.gov/160/COVID-19-in-Kansas">the KDHE also reported a new cluster</a> of COVID-19 cases at Good Samaritan Society Ellis, with 15 cases reported in the last 14 days. A new cluster of six cases in the past 14 days also was reported at&nbsp;Lemke Memorial Hospital Long Term Care Unit and Assisted Living in WaKeeney.

As of Wednesday morning, HaysMed reported 12 COVID-19 inpatients.

The KDHE reported Wednesday 52 percent of eligible Ellis County residents are fully vaccinated, noting the vaccination rate for the eligible Kansas population (12 and older) is approximately 62 percent.

Since reporting began, there have been 4,510 cases of COVID-19 identified in Ellis County, including 76 coronavirus-related deaths.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/10/1634749954023.png" alt="KDHE" />
 <figcaption>KDHE</figcaption>
 </figure>The Kansas Department of Health and Environment on Wednesday reported 29 new COVID-19 cases in Ellis County had been identified since Monday.<a href="https://www.ellisco.net/97/Health">CLICK HERE</a>&nbsp;for information on how to receive a COVID-19 vaccination.&nbsp;On Wednesday, <a href="https://www.coronavirus.kdheks.gov/160/COVID-19-in-Kansas">the KDHE also reported a new cluster</a> of COVID-19 cases at Good Samaritan Society Ellis, with 15 cases reported in the last 14 days. A new cluster of six cases in the past 14 days also was reported at&nbsp;Lemke Memorial Hospital Long Term Care Unit and Assisted Living in WaKeeney.As of Wednesday morning, HaysMed reported 12 COVID-19 inpatients.The KDHE reported Wednesday 52 percent of eligible Ellis County residents are fully vaccinated, noting the vaccination rate for the eligible Kansas population (12 and older) is approximately 62 percent.Since reporting began, there have been 4,510 cases of COVID-19 identified in Ellis County, including 76 coronavirus-related deaths.

KDHE: 29 new COVID cases in Ellis Co. since Monday

On this episode of Forward Ever: Leading in Challenging Times, host Gary Shorman speaks with RANS founder Randy Schlitter.

<div><iframe title="Forward Ever: RANS Founder Randy Schlitter" 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=7bdyj-110c471-pb&from=pb6admin&square=1&share=1&download=1&rtl=0&fonts=Arial&skin=3267a3&font-color=auto&btn-skin=3267a3&size=300" allowfullscreen=""></iframe></div>On this episode of Forward Ever: Leading in Challenging Times, host Gary Shorman speaks with RANS founder Randy Schlitter.

🎤Forward Ever: RANS founder Randy Schlitter

Fort Hays State University’s three-person financial planning team placed third in the 2021 Financial Planning Challenge, beating out some of the nation’s top schools and improving on last year’s fourth-place finish. Two much larger schools – Texas Tech and Kansas State – placed first and second, respectively, this year.

Fort Hays State has participated 14 times in the 21 years since the competition began and has advanced to the top eight 13 times. In just her second year as coach of the financial planning team, Dr. Christina Glenn acknowledges the impressive record of FHSU teams and credits the financial planning program for helping prepare these teams for this competition and beyond.&nbsp;“We hold our own against much larger programs in the nation; however, our program has unique benefits students cannot find anywhere else - affordable education, smaller class sizes, and more one-on-one faculty interaction,”&nbsp;said Glenn, assistant professor of economics, finance, and accounting.“FHSU is a great place to earn a bachelor’s degree in finance while gaining the education and knowledge necessary to become a certified financial planner,” she said.

While most teams in the competition are advanced students, often in their senior year, FHSU’s team included juniors Ethan Lang and Seth Thompson and sophomore Kaden Wren, all students in the Robbins College of Business and Entrepreneurship. They began working on their financial plan last spring as sophomores and a freshman.

As part of the Financial Planning Association’s annual conference, the Financial Planning Challenge is the culmination of nearly a yearlong competition and involves three separate phases. Phase 1, which took place last spring, requires all teams to create a financial plan based on a hypothetical case study. While students may use various research materials, they are not allowed to receive advice from financial professionals or coaches.

Once the judging of the initial phase is complete, eight teams are invited to compete in the national competition. The top eight teams move on to phase 2, a presentation of their plan and the most heavily weighted part of the competition. According to Lang, the only member of the FHSU team to have participated in this competition before, phase 2 was where they did the best.&nbsp;

“One of the big critiques we got my freshman year was that we presented ideas well but didn’t act like we were having a conversation with a client,” Lang said. “So we made sure to ask questions as if clients were there even though the judges don’t provide any responses.”&nbsp;

Normally, phases 2 and 3 would take place in person at the FPA’s annual conference. However, the conference was held virtually for a second straight year due to Covid-19 concerns, and teams presented their work over Zoom.&nbsp;

Phase 3 is the “How Do You Know?” challenge, where teams compete in a Jeopardy-style quiz competition over the major areas of financial planning. This phase proved to be the most challenging for FHSU.

“Being a younger team, we have not completed all of our financial planning classes like the members of most other teams,” Thompson explained.&nbsp;

“When the competition started, none of us had taken any actual financial planning courses yet, and Kaden hasn’t even taken a finance class at this point, so a lot of the work for this section was self-study,” Lang said.

FHSU team members each expressed confidence in their ability to make significant improvements in phase 3.

“We wanted first, but we are pretty happy with our finish this year,” Thompson said. “Looking into the future, we have a lot we can build off of.”Glenn was impressed with this year’s team, noting that it was unique in that it consists of a younger group of students.&nbsp;

“They are a highly motivated group of young men who wanted to take on the challenge of entering this national competition, competing against the top universities in the nation for financial planning,” she said. “I was confident that their work ethic would help them be successful, and they didn’t let me down. I am extremely proud of this team and grateful to be a part of their financial planning journey. No doubt these young men will be successful in their careers.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/10/1634566247042.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>FHSU University RelationsFort Hays State University’s three-person financial planning team placed third in the 2021 Financial Planning Challenge, beating out some of the nation’s top schools and improving on last year’s fourth-place finish. Two much larger schools – Texas Tech and Kansas State – placed first and second, respectively, this year.Fort Hays State has participated 14 times in the 21 years since the competition began and has advanced to the top eight 13 times. In just her second year as coach of the financial planning team, Dr. Christina Glenn acknowledges the impressive record of FHSU teams and credits the financial planning program for helping prepare these teams for this competition and beyond.&nbsp;“We hold our own against much larger programs in the nation; however, our program has unique benefits students cannot find anywhere else - affordable education, smaller class sizes, and more one-on-one faculty interaction,”&nbsp;said Glenn, assistant professor of economics, finance, and accounting.“FHSU is a great place to earn a bachelor’s degree in finance while gaining the education and knowledge necessary to become a certified financial planner,” she said.While most teams in the competition are advanced students, often in their senior year, FHSU’s team included juniors Ethan Lang and Seth Thompson and sophomore Kaden Wren, all students in the Robbins College of Business and Entrepreneurship. They began working on their financial plan last spring as sophomores and a freshman.As part of the Financial Planning Association’s annual conference, the Financial Planning Challenge is the culmination of nearly a yearlong competition and involves three separate phases. Phase 1, which took place last spring, requires all teams to create a financial plan based on a hypothetical case study. While students may use various research materials, they are not allowed to receive advice from financial professionals or coaches.Once the judging of the initial phase is complete, eight teams are invited to compete in the national competition. The top eight teams move on to phase 2, a presentation of their plan and the most heavily weighted part of the competition. According to Lang, the only member of the FHSU team to have participated in this competition before, phase 2 was where they did the best.&nbsp;“One of the big critiques we got my freshman year was that we presented ideas well but didn’t act like we were having a conversation with a client,” Lang said. “So we made sure to ask questions as if clients were there even though the judges don’t provide any responses.”&nbsp;Normally, phases 2 and 3 would take place in person at the FPA’s annual conference. However, the conference was held virtually for a second straight year due to Covid-19 concerns, and teams presented their work over Zoom.&nbsp;Phase 3 is the “How Do You Know?” challenge, where teams compete in a Jeopardy-style quiz competition over the major areas of financial planning. This phase proved to be the most challenging for FHSU.“Being a younger team, we have not completed all of our financial planning classes like the members of most other teams,” Thompson explained.&nbsp;“When the competition started, none of us had taken any actual financial planning courses yet, and Kaden hasn’t even taken a finance class at this point, so a lot of the work for this section was self-study,” Lang said.FHSU team members each expressed confidence in their ability to make significant improvements in phase 3.“We wanted first, but we are pretty happy with our finish this year,” Thompson said. “Looking into the future, we have a lot we can build off of.”Glenn was impressed with this year’s team, noting that it was unique in that it consists of a younger group of students.&nbsp;“They are a highly motivated group of young men who wanted to take on the challenge of entering this national competition, competing against the top universities in the nation for financial planning,” she said. “I was confident that their work ethic would help them be successful, and they didn’t let me down. I am extremely proud of this team and grateful to be a part of their financial planning journey. No doubt these young men will be successful in their careers.”

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