<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/2021/12/1640729173566.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

Wildfire recovery meeting set in Natoma

The presents are unwrapped and some of us are trying to remember if anyone was forgotten. Or maybe if you are like me, a gift was hidden away and did not get under the tree?

I shared this column two years ago and I believe maybe we need to be reminded of this now more than in December of 2019.

Here are ten gifts that I believe we need to give our children. These were shared by a speaker at a national 4-H meeting many years ago.

1. The joy of learning. Hopefully, we never stop learning. We can encourage our children to listen to others and learn from them. Teachers and all those who are interested in their well-being have a gift to share.

2. The gift of hope. Isn’t it nice to know there’s still hope for our young people? Give them hope in a world that weighs a little too heavy on the negative.

3. The gift of communication. Learn to communicate with your spouse and with your children. Communication involves listening and then responding and then listening again.

4. The gift of laughter. Experts say we need to laugh 15 times a day to stay healthy.

5. The gift of uniqueness. Let’s teach our children to be themselves. We do need role models, but we do not need our children to be just like so-and-so.

6. The gift of flexibility. Try new things. Do new things. Today is different than yesterday.

7. The gift of balance. We all need a good balance of work and play. Maybe as grownups we need to go fly a kite or play a game of dominos.

8. The gift of respect. To earn respect, you must be respectful. Our children’s thoughts and opinions are very important and we need to respect them.

9. The gift of spirituality. Time to get to know ourselves is needed in today’s busy lifestyle. Preschoolers often get a “time out” to think about it. Maybe adults need the same thing?

10. The gift of love. The most personal and special present is YOU! Your time may be the best way to share your love.

Berny Unruh is the Family and Community Wellness Agent for the Cottonwood Extension District. She can be reached at 785-628-9430 or at bunruh@ksu.edu.

The presents are unwrapped and some of us are trying to remember if anyone was forgotten. Or maybe if you are like me, a gift was hidden away and did not get under the tree?I shared this column two years ago and I believe maybe we need to be reminded of this now more than in December of 2019.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/4/1588274071306.jpeg" alt="Berny Unruh is Family and Community Wellness agent for the Cottonwood Extension District." />
 <figcaption>Berny Unruh is Family and Community Wellness agent for the Cottonwood Extension District.</figcaption>
 </figure>Here are ten gifts that I believe we need to give our children. These were shared by a speaker at a national 4-H meeting many years ago.1. The joy of learning. Hopefully, we never stop learning. We can encourage our children to listen to others and learn from them. Teachers and all those who are interested in their well-being have a gift to share.2. The gift of hope. Isn’t it nice to know there’s still hope for our young people? Give them hope in a world that weighs a little too heavy on the negative.3. The gift of communication. Learn to communicate with your spouse and with your children. Communication involves listening and then responding and then listening again.4. The gift of laughter. Experts say we need to laugh 15 times a day to stay healthy.5. The gift of uniqueness. Let’s teach our children to be themselves. We do need role models, but we do not need our children to be just like so-and-so.6. The gift of flexibility. Try new things. Do new things. Today is different than yesterday.7. The gift of balance. We all need a good balance of work and play. Maybe as grownups we need to go fly a kite or play a game of dominos.8. The gift of respect. To earn respect, you must be respectful. Our children’s thoughts and opinions are very important and we need to respect them.9. The gift of spirituality. Time to get to know ourselves is needed in today’s busy lifestyle. Preschoolers often get a “time out” to think about it. Maybe adults need the same thing?10. The gift of love. The most personal and special present is YOU! Your time may be the best way to share your love.Berny Unruh is the Family and Community Wellness Agent for the Cottonwood Extension District. She can be reached at 785-628-9430 or at bunruh@ksu.edu.

Unruh: Gifts for the New Year

The popular tourism website Only in Your State recently recognized Hays as having one of the seven best downtowns in Kansas.

<a href="https://www.onlyinyourstate.com/kansas/best-small-downtowns-ks/">The article can be seen by clicking here.</a>

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/9/1600463704415.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>The popular tourism website Only in Your State recently recognized Hays as having one of the seven best downtowns in Kansas.<a href="https://www.onlyinyourstate.com/kansas/best-small-downtowns-ks/">The article can be seen by clicking here.</a>

Hays recognized by popular tourism website

Grace Sarver of Portis is one of 380 students have been named to the Union University Dean's List for the fall 2021 semester.

The dean's list includes full-time students who achieve a 3.5 grade point average on a four-point scale.

Founded in 1823 and affiliated with the Tennessee Baptist Convention, Union University is characterized by quality Christ-centered teaching and learning. Union offers liberal arts training in more than 100 majors and programs of study along with professional programs in business, education and nursing. About 3,000 students are currently enrolled.

Grace Sarver of Portis is one of 380 students have been named to the Union University Dean's List for the fall 2021 semester.The dean's list includes full-time students who achieve a 3.5 grade point average on a four-point scale.Founded in 1823 and affiliated with the Tennessee Baptist Convention, Union University is characterized by quality Christ-centered teaching and learning. Union offers liberal arts training in more than 100 majors and programs of study along with professional programs in business, education and nursing. About 3,000 students are currently enrolled.

Portis resident named to Union University's dean's list

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/12/1640542096803.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>

Five bald eagles, three adults and two immature birds, were spotted Monday morning on the southern edge of Cheyenne Bottoms, just northeast of Great Bend.

From the Kansas Wetlands Education Center... "Winter is a great time to look for eagles at Cheyenne Bottoms and Quivira National Wildlife Refuge, where they feed on fish and sick and injured geese and ducks. Generally, large numbers can be seen in both areas through March."

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/12/1640632336360.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Five bald eagles, three adults and two immature birds, were spotted Monday morning on the southern edge of Cheyenne Bottoms, just northeast of Great Bend.From the Kansas Wetlands Education Center... "Winter is a great time to look for eagles at Cheyenne Bottoms and Quivira National Wildlife Refuge, where they feed on fish and sick and injured geese and ducks. Generally, large numbers can be seen in both areas through March."

5 bald eagles spotted at Cheyenne Bottoms

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

<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>

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."

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