Click <a href="https://hayspost.com/category/obituaries?utm_source=direct&amp;utm_medium=direct&amp;utm_campaign=hayspost_obituary_category">HERE</a> for the most recent obituaries and service times from our funeral home partners.

Hays Post is honored to publish full obituaries at no cost to families. Funeral homes can send notices to <a href="http://admin@hayspost.com">admin@hayspost.com</a>.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/6/1592402847947.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Click <a href="https://hayspost.com/category/obituaries?utm_source=direct&amp;utm_medium=direct&amp;utm_campaign=hayspost_obituary_category">HERE</a> for the most recent obituaries and service times from our funeral home partners.Hays Post is honored to publish full obituaries at no cost to families. Funeral homes can send notices to <a href="http://admin@hayspost.com">admin@hayspost.com</a>.<div><div id="adslot-23353113719" class="emp-ad" style="text-align:center"><script type="text/javascript">if (!window.AdButler){(function(){var s = document.createElement("script"); s.async = true; s.type = "text/javascript";s.src = 'https://ads.empowerlocal.co/app.js';var n = document.getElementsByTagName("script")[0]; n.parentNode.insertBefore(s, n);}());}</script><script type="text/javascript">var EmpowerDiv = document.querySelector('#adslot-23353113719').parentNode.clientWidth;var EmpowerPlace = EmpowerDiv >= 300 ? 520638 : 520638;var EmpowerSize = EmpowerDiv >= 300 ? [300,250] : [300,250];var AdButler = AdButler || {}; AdButler.ads = AdButler.ads || [];var abkw = window.abkw || '';var emppmt = window.emppmt || 0;document.write('<'+'div id="placement_'+EmpowerPlace+'_'+emppmt+'"></'+'div>');AdButler.ads.push({handler: function(opt){ AdButler.register(181918, EmpowerPlace, EmpowerSize, 'placement_'+EmpowerPlace+'_'+opt.place, opt); }, opt: { place: emppmt++, keywords: abkw, domain: 'ads.empowerlocal.co', click:'CLICK_MACRO_PLACEHOLDER' }});</script></div></div>

Recent obituaries

NORTON —&nbsp;Norton County Community Foundation has announced the creation of the Leap of FaithE Foundation fund. Donors Kellen and Emily Jacobs have created this fund to help support the ongoing, collaborative process that is open domestic adoption.&nbsp; After adopting their daughter in 2020, Kellen and Emily decided to create the Leap of FaithE Foundation fund as a way to alleviate some of the mental and financial strain that adoption can have on both birth parents and adoptive parents. This field of interest fund held at NCCF will issue grants to help support everyone involved in the adoption journey. The fund’s mission statement reads: “Leap of FaithE strives to support all involved in the adoptive process. Rooted with a focus of weaving strong relationships with sound mental health support, our foundation wants to hold hands with all parties involved to celebrate making adoption an easier choice.” “ ‘Leave it better than you found it’&nbsp;is a motto we try to live by, whether it’s a hiking trail or humanity as a whole,” said Kellen and Emily. “After going through the adoption process and noticing a gap in the system as it relates to the birth mother’s mental health, we wanted to do something to make it better for the families who would come after us. We’re excited to partner with NCCF on this fund and help support other families through the process of adoption.” Funds will be awarded through an application process that is jointly completed by the adoptive and birth parents, furthering the open adoption relationship that the Jacobs hope will continue to grow throughout the life of the child. Financial support will be geared towards adoptive family needs and birth parents’ cost of living post-delivery, with an emphasis on providing mental health support.&nbsp; “We are honored that the Jacobs chose NCCF to house these funds,” said Tara Vance, Executive Director of Norton County Community Foundation. “We look forward to supporting their mission and seeing the lives they touch through this gift.” To learn more about the Leap of FaithE Foundation fund, please visit&nbsp;<a href="http://www.nortonccf.org/leapoffaithe">www.nortonccf.org/leapoffaithe</a>. If you’d like to support this fund, contributions can be made online or sent to NCCF. &nbsp; About Norton County Community Foundation The Norton County Community Foundation was established in 1994 for the purpose of supporting local charitable activities in Norton County through endowments made to the foundation. Dedicated to serving today for tomorrow, to make our community a better place in which to live. Connect with the Norton County Community Foundation at&nbsp;<a href="http://www.nortonccf.org/">www.nortonccf.org</a>.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/11/1637613374867.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>News releaseNORTON —&nbsp;Norton County Community Foundation has announced the creation of the Leap of FaithE Foundation fund. Donors Kellen and Emily Jacobs have created this fund to help support the ongoing, collaborative process that is open domestic adoption.&nbsp; After adopting their daughter in 2020, Kellen and Emily decided to create the Leap of FaithE Foundation fund as a way to alleviate some of the mental and financial strain that adoption can have on both birth parents and adoptive parents. This field of interest fund held at NCCF will issue grants to help support everyone involved in the adoption journey. The fund’s mission statement reads: “Leap of FaithE strives to support all involved in the adoptive process. Rooted with a focus of weaving strong relationships with sound mental health support, our foundation wants to hold hands with all parties involved to celebrate making adoption an easier choice.” “ ‘Leave it better than you found it’&nbsp;is a motto we try to live by, whether it’s a hiking trail or humanity as a whole,” said Kellen and Emily. “After going through the adoption process and noticing a gap in the system as it relates to the birth mother’s mental health, we wanted to do something to make it better for the families who would come after us. We’re excited to partner with NCCF on this fund and help support other families through the process of adoption.” Funds will be awarded through an application process that is jointly completed by the adoptive and birth parents, furthering the open adoption relationship that the Jacobs hope will continue to grow throughout the life of the child. Financial support will be geared towards adoptive family needs and birth parents’ cost of living post-delivery, with an emphasis on providing mental health support.&nbsp; “We are honored that the Jacobs chose NCCF to house these funds,” said Tara Vance, Executive Director of Norton County Community Foundation. “We look forward to supporting their mission and seeing the lives they touch through this gift.” To learn more about the Leap of FaithE Foundation fund, please visit&nbsp;<a href="http://www.nortonccf.org/leapoffaithe">www.nortonccf.org/leapoffaithe</a>. If you’d like to support this fund, contributions can be made online or sent to NCCF. &nbsp; About Norton County Community Foundation The Norton County Community Foundation was established in 1994 for the purpose of supporting local charitable activities in Norton County through endowments made to the foundation. Dedicated to serving today for tomorrow, to make our community a better place in which to live. Connect with the Norton County Community Foundation at&nbsp;<a href="http://www.nortonccf.org/">www.nortonccf.org</a>.

Norton Co. foundation announces 'Leap of FaithE Foundation Fund'

Journie Hake, age 7, of Grainfield has been named as one the northwest Kansas regional winners in the 2021 Put the Brakes on Fatalities Day poster contest. The contest is sponsored annually by the Kansas Department of Transportation and other traffic safety organizations.

Hake received a bicycle from the Kansas Turnpike Authority and a helmet from Safe Kids Kansas.

The aim of the contest is to encourage children to think about traffic safety and present those ideas on posters. A total of 638 children in Kansas, ages 5 to 13, participated this year.

Put the Brakes on Fatalities Day is a nationwide initiative to improve traffic safety and decrease traffic deaths. For more information, visit <a href="file:///C:/Users/lmussman/Documents/News%20Releases/www.ksdot.org/events/PutTheBrakesOnFatalitiesDay">www.ksdot.org/events/PutTheBrakesOnFatalitiesDay.</a>

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/11/1637353643211.jpeg" alt="Kansas Highway Patrol Trooper Tod Hileman (right) presents Journie Hake with a new bike for her winning entry in the 2021 Put the Brakes on Fatalities Day poster contect." />
 <figcaption>Kansas Highway Patrol Trooper Tod Hileman (right) presents Journie Hake with a new bike for her winning entry in the 2021 Put the Brakes on Fatalities Day poster contect.</figcaption>
 </figure>KDOTJournie Hake, age 7, of Grainfield has been named as one the northwest Kansas regional winners in the 2021 Put the Brakes on Fatalities Day poster contest. The contest is sponsored annually by the Kansas Department of Transportation and other traffic safety organizations.Hake received a bicycle from the Kansas Turnpike Authority and a helmet from Safe Kids Kansas.The aim of the contest is to encourage children to think about traffic safety and present those ideas on posters. A total of 638 children in Kansas, ages 5 to 13, participated this year.Put the Brakes on Fatalities Day is a nationwide initiative to improve traffic safety and decrease traffic deaths. For more information, visit <a href="file:///C:/Users/lmussman/Documents/News%20Releases/www.ksdot.org/events/PutTheBrakesOnFatalitiesDay">www.ksdot.org/events/PutTheBrakesOnFatalitiesDay.</a>

Grainfield youth helps 'Put the Brakes on Fatalities'

Three-day weather outlook

&nbsp;I used to be “that guy,” that when Joyce and I hunted or fished together, would snicker at the book and other entertainment she took to the deer blind or onto the boat. My logic was simple; we were there to harvest a deer or catch fish, so no other entertainment was necessary! I have since mellowed in my thinking, and a trip down memory lane reminded me of one particular morning deer hunt several years ago that God used to help reshape my attitude.&nbsp;

Naturally, after the driest summer on record, it started to rain when deer hunting and trapping seasons arrived. It had rained most of Friday night and was still drizzling at the crack of dawn Saturday morning. Ever the macho deer hunter, I still crawled from beneath my electric blanket at zero dark thirty to brave the elements. The problem was that either a lengthy drive or a long walk was required to get to all our stand spots but one, and after the amount of rain we had gotten, walking was the only option. Again, being the macho deer hunter, I’m not against a bit-of-an early morning walk, but I know each boot would have accumulated five pounds of mud and I’d have been soaked once I arrived. So, I drove to that one stand where I could park in an old farm yard and walk just behind the buildings to a nice raised stand we built atop an old fuel tank support. That took care of the mud part, but it was still raining, so instead of setting on top, I crawled beneath it and got comfortable in a camp chair.&nbsp;

The floor of the stand was about two feet above me and not completely water tight, but an occasional drip sure trumped sitting in the rain. We always hear a pair of great horned owls at this old farmstead, and this morning I got to watch and listen to them as they wound down from a night’s hunting, and geared up to snooze the day away. The first owl sat on a power pole a couple hundred yards in front of me and called to its mate that I could hear but not yet see.&nbsp; Soon the mate silently flew to the top of a tall cedar so that they were just a stone’s throw away from each other. I had no idea which owl was the male and which was the female, but the calls were very different. Both calls used the same number of syllables, but one call was higher pitched like a woman’s alto tone, and the other was more of a baritone pitch. After awhile, one owl flew off, then the other and the woods was quiet again except for the slow staccato of the drizzling rain and the “plop” made by the occasional drop dripping through the “roof” onto my vinyl vest.&nbsp;

Then came the blackbirds; probably numbering into the tens of thousands, the flying horde actually made a low, muffled roar like the wind blowing through the trees. They landed in the wheat some ways away, but like waves in a living sea of black lapping against the shore, the huge swarm was constantly on the move. Birds from one end would fly up and move to a different spot so that the assemblage appeared to crawl slowly across the field like a giant ameba. Once in the air again, the monstrous flock swirled and twirled like a Kansas twister marching across the plains.&nbsp;

In the distance I began again to hear a muffled roar like the wind slowly picking up. “Was it more blackbirds” I wondered? No, this time it was a rain shower heading toward me. It was quite a sight as a literal curtain of rain slowly crept across the field. The drone became louder and louder until it encompassed the deer stand and the occasional drip became a constant stream. I waited it out and when it had subsided some, I put my hood up and headed for the dry safety of the pickup.

Maybe these sorts of things seem to you like odd topics to write about, but not to me. I know I get so caught up and focused on shooting the deer or catching the fish that I totally miss everything around me. So, the next time you’re sitting in a deer stand or rocking with the waves on a boat in the lake, concentrate on seeing things you usually miss, then close your eyes for awhile and just listen to nature around you and learn to experience God’s marvelous creation in its entirety. Continue to Explore Kansas Outdoors!&nbsp;

Steve Gilliland, Inman, can be contacted by email at stevenrgilliland@gmail.com

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/11/1574696211722.png" alt="Steve&nbsp;Gilliland" />
 <figcaption>Steve&nbsp;Gilliland</figcaption>
 </figure>&nbsp;I used to be “that guy,” that when Joyce and I hunted or fished together, would snicker at the book and other entertainment she took to the deer blind or onto the boat. My logic was simple; we were there to harvest a deer or catch fish, so no other entertainment was necessary! I have since mellowed in my thinking, and a trip down memory lane reminded me of one particular morning deer hunt several years ago that God used to help reshape my attitude.&nbsp;Naturally, after the driest summer on record, it started to rain when deer hunting and trapping seasons arrived. It had rained most of Friday night and was still drizzling at the crack of dawn Saturday morning. Ever the macho deer hunter, I still crawled from beneath my electric blanket at zero dark thirty to brave the elements. The problem was that either a lengthy drive or a long walk was required to get to all our stand spots but one, and after the amount of rain we had gotten, walking was the only option. Again, being the macho deer hunter, I’m not against a bit-of-an early morning walk, but I know each boot would have accumulated five pounds of mud and I’d have been soaked once I arrived. So, I drove to that one stand where I could park in an old farm yard and walk just behind the buildings to a nice raised stand we built atop an old fuel tank support. That took care of the mud part, but it was still raining, so instead of setting on top, I crawled beneath it and got comfortable in a camp chair.&nbsp;The floor of the stand was about two feet above me and not completely water tight, but an occasional drip sure trumped sitting in the rain. We always hear a pair of great horned owls at this old farmstead, and this morning I got to watch and listen to them as they wound down from a night’s hunting, and geared up to snooze the day away. The first owl sat on a power pole a couple hundred yards in front of me and called to its mate that I could hear but not yet see.&nbsp; Soon the mate silently flew to the top of a tall cedar so that they were just a stone’s throw away from each other. I had no idea which owl was the male and which was the female, but the calls were very different. Both calls used the same number of syllables, but one call was higher pitched like a woman’s alto tone, and the other was more of a baritone pitch. After awhile, one owl flew off, then the other and the woods was quiet again except for the slow staccato of the drizzling rain and the “plop” made by the occasional drop dripping through the “roof” onto my vinyl vest.&nbsp;Then came the blackbirds; probably numbering into the tens of thousands, the flying horde actually made a low, muffled roar like the wind blowing through the trees. They landed in the wheat some ways away, but like waves in a living sea of black lapping against the shore, the huge swarm was constantly on the move. Birds from one end would fly up and move to a different spot so that the assemblage appeared to crawl slowly across the field like a giant ameba. Once in the air again, the monstrous flock swirled and twirled like a Kansas twister marching across the plains.&nbsp;In the distance I began again to hear a muffled roar like the wind slowly picking up. “Was it more blackbirds” I wondered? No, this time it was a rain shower heading toward me. It was quite a sight as a literal curtain of rain slowly crept across the field. The drone became louder and louder until it encompassed the deer stand and the occasional drip became a constant stream. I waited it out and when it had subsided some, I put my hood up and headed for the dry safety of the pickup.Maybe these sorts of things seem to you like odd topics to write about, but not to me. I know I get so caught up and focused on shooting the deer or catching the fish that I totally miss everything around me. So, the next time you’re sitting in a deer stand or rocking with the waves on a boat in the lake, concentrate on seeing things you usually miss, then close your eyes for awhile and just listen to nature around you and learn to experience God’s marvelous creation in its entirety. Continue to Explore Kansas Outdoors!&nbsp;Steve Gilliland, Inman, can be contacted by email at stevenrgilliland@gmail.com

Exploring Outdoors Kansas: Sights, sounds from beneath a deer stand

UPDATE: Three dogs rescued from house fire Sunday

On November 28th approximately 2:40 p.m. Hays Fire Department was dispatched to a reported structure fire of a residence located at 308 W 39th. 

Firefighters found that a fire started outside of the home in the backyard. 

The fire progressed to the rear of the house and deck. Fire was found in the attic space and ground level room of the home. 

The residents were not home at the time of the fire, but firefighters did successfully rescue three dogs from the fire.

 The cause of the fire is deemed undetermined at this time.

The Hays Fire Department, Ellis County Fire Department Company 5, City of Ellis Fire Department, City of Victoria Fire Department, Ellis County EMS, and Hays Police Department all responded.

The Hays Fire Department would like to remind everyone to check smoke and CO alarms to make sure they are functioning correctly. 

Please contact the Hays Fire Department if you are interested in the smoke alarm program. 

You can also find more information at our website www.haysusa.com.

Orginal story:&nbsp;Hays home damaged by fire Sunday afternoon

At around 2:45 p.m. Sunday the Hays Fire Department was dispatched to the report of a structure fire on the 300 block of West 39th St.

Emergency responders found an active fire in a home.

Significant damage was variable as fire poured from the roof as crews secured the scene and worked to extinguish the fire.

This is a developing story, and will be updated as more information becomes available.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/11/1638134377132.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure><h2>UPDATE: Three dogs rescued from house fire Sunday</h2>Hays Fire DepartmentOn November 28th approximately 2:40 p.m. Hays Fire Department was dispatched to a reported structure fire of a residence located at 308 W 39th. Firefighters found that a fire started outside of the home in the backyard. The fire progressed to the rear of the house and deck. Fire was found in the attic space and ground level room of the home. The residents were not home at the time of the fire, but firefighters did successfully rescue three dogs from the fire. The cause of the fire is deemed undetermined at this time.The Hays Fire Department, Ellis County Fire Department Company 5, City of Ellis Fire Department, City of Victoria Fire Department, Ellis County EMS, and Hays Police Department all responded.The Hays Fire Department would like to remind everyone to check smoke and CO alarms to make sure they are functioning correctly. Please contact the Hays Fire Department if you are interested in the smoke alarm program. You can also find more information at our website www.haysusa.com.<h2>Orginal story:&nbsp;Hays home damaged by fire Sunday afternoon</h2>By JAMES BELL Hays PostAt around 2:45 p.m. Sunday the Hays Fire Department was dispatched to the report of a structure fire on the 300 block of West 39th St.Emergency responders found an active fire in a home.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/11/1638134322709.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Significant damage was variable as fire poured from the roof as crews secured the scene and worked to extinguish the fire.This is a developing story, and will be updated as more information becomes available.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/11/1638134456163.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>

UPDATE: Hays home damaged by fire Sunday afternoon

A longtime campus tradition is returning to Fort Hays State University.

After a drive-through ceremony last year, the FHSU family is looking forward to bringing back the in-person holiday tree-lighting ceremony in front of Sheridan Hall. The event, open to the public, is set for 5 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 30.

The university’s Dickens Carolers will perform. A variety of activities will follow the tree lighting, including crafts and cookie decorating, a coloring page contest, carriage rides, and photos with Santa Claus. The first 200 people will have the opportunity to receive a holiday-themed FHSU long-sleeved T-shirt.

The event is sponsored by the Office of Student Engagement, Fraternity and Sorority Life, the Office of the President, and Campus Intramurals.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/11/1637699467538.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>FHSU University RelationsA longtime campus tradition is returning to Fort Hays State University.After a drive-through ceremony last year, the FHSU family is looking forward to bringing back the in-person holiday tree-lighting ceremony in front of Sheridan Hall. The event, open to the public, is set for 5 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 30.The university’s Dickens Carolers will perform. A variety of activities will follow the tree lighting, including crafts and cookie decorating, a coloring page contest, carriage rides, and photos with Santa Claus. The first 200 people will have the opportunity to receive a holiday-themed FHSU long-sleeved T-shirt.The event is sponsored by the Office of Student Engagement, Fraternity and Sorority Life, the Office of the President, and Campus Intramurals.

Fort Hays State tree-lighting ceremony set for this week

TOPEKA — A year-long comprehensive&nbsp;<a href="https://kshousingcorp.org/kansas-statewide-housing-needs-assessment-2021/">statewide housing needs assessment</a>—the first of its kind undertaken in 27 years—is nearing completion, and Kansans are invited to learn about preliminary findings in a series of regional community meetings. The study identifies current housing needs and growth opportunities, including goals to guide the state’s future housing development efforts.

A meeting will be held in Hays at 5:30 p.m. Dec. 7 at BriefSpace, 210 W. 10th.

“For too long, Kansas has operated without a strategic focus to guide our housing investment, hindering our state’s economic development,” said Ryan Vincent, executive director of Kansas Housing Resources Corporation. “With this information, we can develop a data-driven approach to support growth and benchmarks to track our progress.”

RDG Planning &amp; Design, an Omaha-based consultancy, conducted the in-depth study over the past year. Analysis included a series of&nbsp;71&nbsp;virtual and in-person listening sessions with more than&nbsp;425&nbsp;community participants across the state, as well as meetings with housing stakeholder groups. Consultants conducted a statewide survey of&nbsp;more than 4,400&nbsp;respondents and analyzed census data to develop a comprehensive picture of the state’s housing needs, current resources, and growth opportunities. These findings revealed several key goals to address future housing needs:

Kansans are encouraged to learn more about the study’s results and how their communities can expand housing opportunities by participating in&nbsp;<a href="https://kshousingcorp.org/kansas-statewide-housing-needs-assessment-2021/">upcoming regional sessions</a>. The full report and recommendations will be published online following the statewide tour.&nbsp;<a href="http://www.kshousingcorp.org/subscribe">Join KHRC’s mailing list</a>&nbsp;and select “Housing Needs Assessment 2021” to be notified when the full report is available.

The state’s housing study was funded and administered by the Kansas Department of Commerce’s Office of Rural Prosperity (ORP) and Kansas Housing Resources Corporation (KHRC), the state’s housing finance agency. The Office of Rural Prosperity’s Housing Work Group, an interagency team of state leaders led by KHRC Executive Director Ryan Vincent, identified a needs assessment as a crucial first step in addressing the state’s housing needs and priorities, particularly in rural and underserved areas. KHRC and ORP selected RDG to lead the study through a competitive RFP process.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/3/1615921648040.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>KHRCTOPEKA — A year-long comprehensive&nbsp;<a href="https://kshousingcorp.org/kansas-statewide-housing-needs-assessment-2021/">statewide housing needs assessment</a>—the first of its kind undertaken in 27 years—is nearing completion, and Kansans are invited to learn about preliminary findings in a series of regional community meetings. The study identifies current housing needs and growth opportunities, including goals to guide the state’s future housing development efforts.A meeting will be held in Hays at 5:30 p.m. Dec. 7 at BriefSpace, 210 W. 10th.“For too long, Kansas has operated without a strategic focus to guide our housing investment, hindering our state’s economic development,” said Ryan Vincent, executive director of Kansas Housing Resources Corporation. “With this information, we can develop a data-driven approach to support growth and benchmarks to track our progress.”RDG Planning &amp; Design, an Omaha-based consultancy, conducted the in-depth study over the past year. Analysis included a series of&nbsp;71&nbsp;virtual and in-person listening sessions with more than&nbsp;425&nbsp;community participants across the state, as well as meetings with housing stakeholder groups. Consultants conducted a statewide survey of&nbsp;more than 4,400&nbsp;respondents and analyzed census data to develop a comprehensive picture of the state’s housing needs, current resources, and growth opportunities. These findings revealed several key goals to address future housing needs:<ul>
 <li>Prioritize middle income housing</li><li>Diversify housing stock</li><li>Extend housing security</li><li>Reinvest in older housing stock, including vacant units</li><li>Address the building trades labor shortage</li><li>Extend existing human capital resources</li>
 </ul>Kansans are encouraged to learn more about the study’s results and how their communities can expand housing opportunities by participating in&nbsp;<a href="https://kshousingcorp.org/kansas-statewide-housing-needs-assessment-2021/">upcoming regional sessions</a>. The full report and recommendations will be published online following the statewide tour.&nbsp;<a href="http://www.kshousingcorp.org/subscribe">Join KHRC’s mailing list</a>&nbsp;and select “Housing Needs Assessment 2021” to be notified when the full report is available.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/11/1637798383248.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>The state’s housing study was funded and administered by the Kansas Department of Commerce’s Office of Rural Prosperity (ORP) and Kansas Housing Resources Corporation (KHRC), the state’s housing finance agency. The Office of Rural Prosperity’s Housing Work Group, an interagency team of state leaders led by KHRC Executive Director Ryan Vincent, identified a needs assessment as a crucial first step in addressing the state’s housing needs and priorities, particularly in rural and underserved areas. KHRC and ORP selected RDG to lead the study through a competitive RFP process.

Results of Kan. housing assessment to be discussed in Hays 

GOODLAND — Northwest Tech has officially launched the newest advanced manufacturing lab in Kansas higher education following a ribbon-cutting ceremony on Nov 8. Members of the community joined legislators, representatives from the Kansas Department of Commerce, industry employers, Goodland Ambassadors, and members of the college to unveil the latest addition to the Engineering Technology program.&nbsp;

The new lab was funded through the recent award of a Kansas Department of Commerce Higher Education Advanced Manufacturing &amp; Information Technology Equipment grant for $500,000 focused on expanding advanced manufacturing opportunities around the state. Regionally, the Dane G. Hansen Foundation provided an additional $100,000 for renovations to the existing facility to accommodate the new lab.

Trent Armbrust, Chief Strategy Officer for the Kansas Department of Commerce was on hand to provide opening remarks. “This Advanced Manufacturing training facility is first class, representing the type of investment needed to compete in our technology-driven global economy. Northwest Tech is a great example of how vision, leadership, and dedication to students and industry can transform a region.”

Northwest Tech utilized the grant funds to secure several new cutting-edge pieces of additive and subtractive advanced manufacturing equipment and robotic welding for the Engineering Technology program. The additions will allow the program to expand its curriculum and include new coursework and training focused on advanced manufacturing and automation.&nbsp; The program changes allow students to choose between two pathways during their second year in the program; civil engineering technology or mechanical engineering technology. In addition to program changes, the college will partner with area high schools and community members to deliver courses online and on-site in G-Code, the programming language used for CNC programming.

The goal is for the equipment enhancements to meet the shifting needs of industry partners and the state’s workforce involved in advanced manufacturing and engage the college in regional economic development. “Regional and other manufacturing companies across the state are excited and eager to hire students coming through the program,” says Michael Zimmerman, one of the Engineering instructors for the program. “The new lab will allow students to experience the design and manufacturing process in its entirety from concept to creation.” &nbsp;

The college anticipates area community members and businesses bringing new concepts for product creation to the lab to allow students to draft, digitize in CAD, and prototype new products for the marketplace. This grant will improve Northwest Tech’s connection with Kansas’ manufacturing industry by providing students with access to innovative technology and broadening the labor pool to attract industry to the area.

For more information about the advanced manufacturing lab, contact Engineering Instructor Michael Zimmerman at <a href="mailto:michael.zimmerman@nwktc.edu">michael.zimmerman@nwktc.edu</a>.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/11/1637592131187.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>News releaseGOODLAND — Northwest Tech has officially launched the newest advanced manufacturing lab in Kansas higher education following a ribbon-cutting ceremony on Nov 8. Members of the community joined legislators, representatives from the Kansas Department of Commerce, industry employers, Goodland Ambassadors, and members of the college to unveil the latest addition to the Engineering Technology program.&nbsp;The new lab was funded through the recent award of a Kansas Department of Commerce Higher Education Advanced Manufacturing &amp; Information Technology Equipment grant for $500,000 focused on expanding advanced manufacturing opportunities around the state. Regionally, the Dane G. Hansen Foundation provided an additional $100,000 for renovations to the existing facility to accommodate the new lab.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/11/1637592166998.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Trent Armbrust, Chief Strategy Officer for the Kansas Department of Commerce was on hand to provide opening remarks. “This Advanced Manufacturing training facility is first class, representing the type of investment needed to compete in our technology-driven global economy. Northwest Tech is a great example of how vision, leadership, and dedication to students and industry can transform a region.”Northwest Tech utilized the grant funds to secure several new cutting-edge pieces of additive and subtractive advanced manufacturing equipment and robotic welding for the Engineering Technology program. The additions will allow the program to expand its curriculum and include new coursework and training focused on advanced manufacturing and automation.&nbsp; The program changes allow students to choose between two pathways during their second year in the program; civil engineering technology or mechanical engineering technology. In addition to program changes, the college will partner with area high schools and community members to deliver courses online and on-site in G-Code, the programming language used for CNC programming.The goal is for the equipment enhancements to meet the shifting needs of industry partners and the state’s workforce involved in advanced manufacturing and engage the college in regional economic development. “Regional and other manufacturing companies across the state are excited and eager to hire students coming through the program,” says Michael Zimmerman, one of the Engineering instructors for the program. “The new lab will allow students to experience the design and manufacturing process in its entirety from concept to creation.” &nbsp;The college anticipates area community members and businesses bringing new concepts for product creation to the lab to allow students to draft, digitize in CAD, and prototype new products for the marketplace. This grant will improve Northwest Tech’s connection with Kansas’ manufacturing industry by providing students with access to innovative technology and broadening the labor pool to attract industry to the area.For more information about the advanced manufacturing lab, contact Engineering Instructor Michael Zimmerman at <a href="mailto:michael.zimmerman@nwktc.edu">michael.zimmerman@nwktc.edu</a>.&nbsp;<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/11/1637592187859.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>

Northwest Tech launches new advanced manufacturing lab

STOCKTON&nbsp;– Governor Laura Kelly recently congratulated Rooks County for receiving $1 million in Cost Share funds as administered through the Kansas Department of Transportation. The funds will be used for improvements to County Road 10.

“Congratulations to Rooks County for receiving $1 million in the latest round of Cost Share funding,” Kelly&nbsp;said. “By working with our local partners to invest in our communities, our Cost Share program is improving road safety, mobility, and helping recruit new families and businesses to our state. This project is proof that when we work together to make smart investments in our foundation, all Kansans see results.”

A component of the Kelly administration’s 10-year, bipartisan Eisenhower Legacy Transportation Program, or IKE, the Cost Share program is designed to&nbsp;help rural and urban areas advance transportation projects to improve safety, support job retention and growth, relieve congestion, and improve access and mobility. The Rooks County project&nbsp;was among 20&nbsp;transportation construction projects selected for the Fall 2021 Cost Share recipients.

“This is a heavily utilized road that many in the county use,”&nbsp;said&nbsp;Rooks County Commissioner John Ruder. “It’s the only paved route between K-18 and U.S. 24 and a way into Webster State Park, so improving it will be a great benefit for both local residents and visitors to the lake.”

Ruder said the project likely could not have been completed without KDOT funding. The total construction cost is estimated at $1.5 million, with Rooks County providing approximately 33% of the funding.

Project work will include a “profile mill” to smooth out the current surface, followed by application of a 2-inch asphalt overlay. The project will cover approximately 10 miles, starting at the K-18 junction and ending near K-258.&nbsp;

Demand is high for Cost Share transportation dollars.&nbsp;Michelle Needham, Economic Development Programs Manager for KDOT, said 84 communities requested more than $54.5 million in funding for this, the fifth round of the Cost Share program.

“KDOT was impressed with how this round of Cost Share projects hit markers for economic development, safety and community support,”&nbsp;said Needham. “KDOT and our Cost Share partners are working collaboratively to expedite delivery on selected projects.”

KDOT is investing $9.4 million in this cycle of Cost Share, leveraging more than $5.3 million in community matching dollars, a total of $14.8 million in funding&nbsp;through state and local partnerships. Over the initial five rounds of Cost Share, more than 100 projects have received more than $96 million in state funding.

The entire list of fall 2021 Cost Share projects and other information are available&nbsp;<a href="https://gcc02.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.ksdot.org%2FCostShare%2FCostShareProgram.asp&amp;data=04%7C01%7CLisa.Mussman%40ks.gov%7Ca543ac1373be428d905508d9a91deccf%7Cdcae8101c92d480cbc43c6761ccccc5a%7C0%7C0%7C637726768257486664%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%3D%7C3000&amp;sdata=Ljvnnp6H%2FZVmiPv6imLjGWuw%2FplTNWF0HmgrTURfRq8%3D&amp;reserved=0">HERE</a>.

Office of the GovernorSTOCKTON&nbsp;– Governor Laura Kelly recently congratulated Rooks County for receiving $1 million in Cost Share funds as administered through the Kansas Department of Transportation. The funds will be used for improvements to County Road 10.“Congratulations to Rooks County for receiving $1 million in the latest round of Cost Share funding,” Kelly&nbsp;said. “By working with our local partners to invest in our communities, our Cost Share program is improving road safety, mobility, and helping recruit new families and businesses to our state. This project is proof that when we work together to make smart investments in our foundation, all Kansans see results.”A component of the Kelly administration’s 10-year, bipartisan Eisenhower Legacy Transportation Program, or IKE, the Cost Share program is designed to&nbsp;help rural and urban areas advance transportation projects to improve safety, support job retention and growth, relieve congestion, and improve access and mobility. The Rooks County project&nbsp;was among 20&nbsp;transportation construction projects selected for the Fall 2021 Cost Share recipients.“This is a heavily utilized road that many in the county use,”&nbsp;said&nbsp;Rooks County Commissioner John Ruder. “It’s the only paved route between K-18 and U.S. 24 and a way into Webster State Park, so improving it will be a great benefit for both local residents and visitors to the lake.”Ruder said the project likely could not have been completed without KDOT funding. The total construction cost is estimated at $1.5 million, with Rooks County providing approximately 33% of the funding.Project work will include a “profile mill” to smooth out the current surface, followed by application of a 2-inch asphalt overlay. The project will cover approximately 10 miles, starting at the K-18 junction and ending near K-258.&nbsp;Demand is high for Cost Share transportation dollars.&nbsp;Michelle Needham, Economic Development Programs Manager for KDOT, said 84 communities requested more than $54.5 million in funding for this, the fifth round of the Cost Share program.“KDOT was impressed with how this round of Cost Share projects hit markers for economic development, safety and community support,”&nbsp;said Needham. “KDOT and our Cost Share partners are working collaboratively to expedite delivery on selected projects.”KDOT is investing $9.4 million in this cycle of Cost Share, leveraging more than $5.3 million in community matching dollars, a total of $14.8 million in funding&nbsp;through state and local partnerships. Over the initial five rounds of Cost Share, more than 100 projects have received more than $96 million in state funding.The entire list of fall 2021 Cost Share projects and other information are available&nbsp;<a href="https://gcc02.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.ksdot.org%2FCostShare%2FCostShareProgram.asp&amp;data=04%7C01%7CLisa.Mussman%40ks.gov%7Ca543ac1373be428d905508d9a91deccf%7Cdcae8101c92d480cbc43c6761ccccc5a%7C0%7C0%7C637726768257486664%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%3D%7C3000&amp;sdata=Ljvnnp6H%2FZVmiPv6imLjGWuw%2FplTNWF0HmgrTURfRq8%3D&amp;reserved=0">HERE</a>.

Kelly congratulates Rooks Co. for receiving $1M in cost share funds

By CRISTINA JANNEY Hays Post

The Hays USD 489 superintendent told the school board Monday night the district's use of capital outlay dollars has been very smart.

"The message I want to send today is that our district has been very, very aggressive in making sure our capital outlay dollars are going across our district to, for the most part, all of our buildings, and we are taking care of our needs," Superintendent Ron Wilson said.

&nbsp;He addressed the projects that have been accomplished in the last year and what officials would like to accomplish in the coming years during the meeting.

The district receives about $3.4 million in capital outlay revenue each year. However, about $1.5 million annually goes to pay lease agreements and routine replacement costs for technology, food service and transportation, said Chris Hipp, assistant superintendent of business services.

Last year's largest project was the secure entrance at Wilson Elementary School. Work on the project is ongoing.

<a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/328b0a91-27b1-4dc2-a412-3c88cbf84134">Wilson was the last school in the district to receive a secure entrance with the exception of Westside school. </a>

In addition to making the school more secure, the construction at the school includes new offices, a conference room and a staff bathroom.

The project costs $782,000, but the USD 489 Foundation for Education Excellence donated a portion of the funds.

<a href="https://core-docs.s3.amazonaws.com/documents/asset/uploaded_file/1700904/Capital_Outlay_-_5_Year_Outlook_update_11-8-21.pdf">A complete look at the capital outlay budget can be found on the district website.</a>

Not everything on the five-year list is going to be done, Wilson said. The district does not have enough funds for that. The budget is a planning document.

The most significant project on tap for this school year is replacement of the Hays High School HVAC system, which will cost about $4.5 million. That cost will be spread over two years. Bids should be available to the board on this project at its next meeting on Dec. 13.

The district hopes to also replace the HVAC at Wilson Elementary School at a cost of $2.25 million over two years. Because these projects will improve ventilation in the schools, $2.8 million in federal COVID relief funds will be available to be used on these projects. Bids will be let in February for the Wilson HVAC project.

In addition, windows will be replaced at Wilson, O'Loughlin, Westside and Rockwell at a total cost of $652,000. Federal COVID funds in the amount of $650,000 will be available for these projects.

District officials are hoping to make several repairs to the athletic facilities this year including HHS track resurfacing ($100,000), replace/repair the HHS old tennis courts ($400,000), resurface newer tennis courts ($100,000) and Hays Middle School track repair ($150,000).

Wilson said the district only has four courts for 40 female tennis players at the high school. A comparable number of boys also participate in HHS tennis.

Westside would be the last school in the district to receive a secure entrance at a cost of $35,000. Federal COVID funds will also be available for this project.

When the district gets out to 2023-24 and beyond, it starts to look at some larger ticket items, such as adding a culinary classroom at the high school ($850,000), expanding the cafeteria at HMS ($850,000), replumbing Wilson ($1.5 million), 12th Street auditorium renovation ($2.5 million). 

The district doesn't have the funds to do all these projects in a single year, but they're all on the priority list, Wilson said.

"This is just a graphic to show you that our needs out weigh our dollars," Wilson said. "We just keep moving everything to the right and pushing things down the road."

Craig Pallister, board vice-president, said the capital outlay budget addresses needs, but doesn't address the district's space needs and that's why the district is looking at a bond.

Wilson said, "There is no way we're going to have a bond big enough to cover all of these, so we're going to have to keep chipping. I think a successful bond will help us move forward."

Tammy Wellbrock, board vice-president, said the if the district is able to address some items on the capital outlay list in a bond, that would free up funds in the budget to address other facility needs. In this way, more schools could be affected by a positive bond vote, she said.

Curt Vajnar, newly appointed board member, asked Wilson if the district planned to make the community aware of capital outlay planning in its bond discussions.

Wilson said yes. The district plans to work on the bond and capital outlay budget together.

The board did not approve anything Monday night. Each project will be approved by the board individually.

Cover photo courtesy of Pixabay.

By CRISTINA JANNEY Hays Post The Hays USD 489 superintendent told the school board Monday night the district's use of capital outlay dollars has been very smart. "The message I want to send today is that our district has been very, very aggressive in making sure our capital outlay dollars are going across our district to, for the most part, all of our buildings, and we are taking care of our needs," Superintendent Ron Wilson said. &nbsp;He addressed the projects that have been accomplished in the last year and what officials would like to accomplish in the coming years during the meeting. The district receives about $3.4 million in capital outlay revenue each year. However, about $1.5 million annually goes to pay lease agreements and routine replacement costs for technology, food service and transportation, said Chris Hipp, assistant superintendent of business services. <figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/11/1637683621184.png" alt="Hays USD 489 capital outlay projects for 2020-21 " />
 <figcaption>Hays USD 489 capital outlay projects for 2020-21 </figcaption>
 </figure>Last year's largest project was the secure entrance at Wilson Elementary School. Work on the project is ongoing. <a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/328b0a91-27b1-4dc2-a412-3c88cbf84134">Wilson was the last school in the district to receive a secure entrance with the exception of Westside school. </a>In addition to making the school more secure, the construction at the school includes new offices, a conference room and a staff bathroom.The project costs $782,000, but the USD 489 Foundation for Education Excellence donated a portion of the funds.<a href="https://core-docs.s3.amazonaws.com/documents/asset/uploaded_file/1700904/Capital_Outlay_-_5_Year_Outlook_update_11-8-21.pdf">A complete look at the capital outlay budget can be found on the district website.</a> Not everything on the five-year list is going to be done, Wilson said. The district does not have enough funds for that. The budget is a planning document. The most significant project on tap for this school year is replacement of the Hays High School HVAC system, which will cost about $4.5 million. That cost will be spread over two years. Bids should be available to the board on this project at its next meeting on Dec. 13. The district hopes to also replace the HVAC at Wilson Elementary School at a cost of $2.25 million over two years. Because these projects will improve ventilation in the schools, $2.8 million in federal COVID relief funds will be available to be used on these projects. Bids will be let in February for the Wilson HVAC project. In addition, windows will be replaced at Wilson, O'Loughlin, Westside and Rockwell at a total cost of $652,000. Federal COVID funds in the amount of $650,000 will be available for these projects. District officials are hoping to make several repairs to the athletic facilities this year including HHS track resurfacing ($100,000), replace/repair the HHS old tennis courts ($400,000), resurface newer tennis courts ($100,000) and Hays Middle School track repair ($150,000).Wilson said the district only has four courts for 40 female tennis players at the high school. A comparable number of boys also participate in HHS tennis. Westside would be the last school in the district to receive a secure entrance at a cost of $35,000. Federal COVID funds will also be available for this project. When the district gets out to 2023-24 and beyond, it starts to look at some larger ticket items, such as adding a culinary classroom at the high school ($850,000), expanding the cafeteria at HMS ($850,000), replumbing Wilson ($1.5 million), 12th Street auditorium renovation ($2.5 million). The district doesn't have the funds to do all these projects in a single year, but they're all on the priority list, Wilson said. "This is just a graphic to show you that our needs out weigh our dollars," Wilson said. "We just keep moving everything to the right and pushing things down the road."Craig Pallister, board vice-president, said the capital outlay budget addresses needs, but doesn't address the district's space needs and that's why the district is looking at a bond.Wilson said, "There is no way we're going to have a bond big enough to cover all of these, so we're going to have to keep chipping. I think a successful bond will help us move forward."Tammy Wellbrock, board vice-president, said the if the district is able to address some items on the capital outlay list in a bond, that would free up funds in the budget to address other facility needs. In this way, more schools could be affected by a positive bond vote, she said.Curt Vajnar, newly appointed board member, asked Wilson if the district planned to make the community aware of capital outlay planning in its bond discussions.Wilson said yes. The district plans to work on the bond and capital outlay budget together. The board did not approve anything Monday night. Each project will be approved by the board individually.Cover photo courtesy of Pixabay.

Hays superintendent: USD 489 aggressive in use of capital outlay funds

Developmental Services of Northwest Kansas recently announced the receipt of a $20,980 grant from the Beach Family Foundation. 

Jane Hipp, daughter of Ross and Marianna Beach, continue their legacy with this grant award to support DSNWK’s efforts to remodel and retool its workshop used to produce refurbished furniture and craft items for its new Custom Creations store in downtown Hays. Having a fully functional workshop will provide greater opportunities for new skill development and additional custom created projects for persons served by DSNWK.

DSNWK’s Custom Creations store officially opened its doors in October of this year.&nbsp; The store, located at 1107 Main Street in Hays, is now open to the public and is also used for learning, collaborating and developing talent, as well as sharing the creations of the people they serve with the community.&nbsp; Donations of solid wood furniture and other items from the community support the creation of unique items and custom created and restored furniture by people served through DSNWK.

“With the ability to work in a fully operational and safe environment, persons served will learn about the function of different tools, what they are capable of doing with each, and the innovative products they can produce,” said Jerry Michaud, DSNWK president. "DSNWK would like to thank the Beach Family Foundation for their continued support of people with intellectual and developmental disabilities in northwest Kansas."

DSNWK is a 501(c)3 nonprofit serving 18 counties in northwest Kansas with a mission to advocate for persons with disabilities and those who care about them by planning and supporting a life of dignity, interdependence, and personal satisfaction in the community.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/10/1602261742827.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>DSNWKDevelopmental Services of Northwest Kansas recently announced the receipt of a $20,980 grant from the Beach Family Foundation. Jane Hipp, daughter of Ross and Marianna Beach, continue their legacy with this grant award to support DSNWK’s efforts to remodel and retool its workshop used to produce refurbished furniture and craft items for its new Custom Creations store in downtown Hays. Having a fully functional workshop will provide greater opportunities for new skill development and additional custom created projects for persons served by DSNWK.DSNWK’s Custom Creations store officially opened its doors in October of this year.&nbsp; The store, located at 1107 Main Street in Hays, is now open to the public and is also used for learning, collaborating and developing talent, as well as sharing the creations of the people they serve with the community.&nbsp; Donations of solid wood furniture and other items from the community support the creation of unique items and custom created and restored furniture by people served through DSNWK.“With the ability to work in a fully operational and safe environment, persons served will learn about the function of different tools, what they are capable of doing with each, and the innovative products they can produce,” said Jerry Michaud, DSNWK president. "DSNWK would like to thank the Beach Family Foundation for their continued support of people with intellectual and developmental disabilities in northwest Kansas."DSNWK is a 501(c)3 nonprofit serving 18 counties in northwest Kansas with a mission to advocate for persons with disabilities and those who care about them by planning and supporting a life of dignity, interdependence, and personal satisfaction in the community.&nbsp;

DSNWK awarded grant from Beach Family Foundation

Despite opposition from most of our Kansas congressional delegation, new federal dollars are coming to Kansas to expand broadband access.&nbsp;

President Joe Biden recently signed a $1.2 trillion infrastructure bill, fulfilling a 2020 campaign promise. The bill had moderate bipartisan support, though every Republican in Congress from Kansas opposed it. The only Kansan to support it was Democratic Rep. Sharice Davids.&nbsp;

Kansas will receive about $4 billion from the bill, including about $100 million to expand broadband infrastructure and money to help 669,000 working-class Kansans get discounted internet through the Affordable Connectivity Benefit.&nbsp;

“Broadband” means high speed internet access, specifically a minimum of 25 megabits per second (Mbps) download speed. However, many tech experts argue that this definition is outdated, and suggest a 100 Mbps standard.&nbsp;

Broadband is an economic necessity. Businesses without it struggle to grow. Doctors without it struggle to serve patients. Kansans without it struggle through basic online tasks using unreliable and slow connections.&nbsp;

According to BroadbandNow, which tracks internet provider data, 173,000 Kansans lack home broadband service and 307,000 don’t have access to connections capable of broadband speed.&nbsp;

Rural communities generally struggle more to get broadband access. Basic capitalism explains why: it’s expensive and not necessarily profitable for businesses to build broadband infrastructure in smaller rural communities with lower population densities and often shrinking populations.&nbsp;

BroadbandNow data shows this divide in Kansas. For example, in urban Shawnee County, 95 percent of residents have access to 25 Mbps speed and 93 percent have 100 Mbps. Next door in rural Wabaunsee County, those figures are 65 percent and 55 percent respectively. In rural Doniphan County, that’s 89 percent and 12 percent.&nbsp;

The infrastructure bill has odd politics considering that several provisions — like broadband — disproportionately help Republican-leaning rural communities. Why would our elected Republicans oppose it?&nbsp;

Broadband got engulfed in the theater of Beltway partisan politics. In 2016, former President Donald Trump promised a $1 trillion infrastructure bill. Trump didn’t keep that promise. He then attacked the Biden bill and acted offended at Republicans who supported it.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Even if our Republican lawmakers secretly supported the infrastructure bill and broadband money for Kansas, politics prevented them from being open about it. Maybe they feared ending their political careers in a primary. But rural Kansans getting internet via dial up or a slow mobile hotspot with limited data probably don’t care which president’s signature helps bring them broadband.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Some of our Kansas Republican lawmakers criticized the cost of the infrastructure bill and its impact on debt. Maybe they forgot that Trump’s infrastructure plan cost about the same as Biden’s, or that Trump’s presidency added $7.8 trillion in national debt, per Federal Reserve data. Politics — not money — seems the real issue.&nbsp;

Some politicians claim they support broadband but oppose the infrastructure bill. Okay. Words won’t fix this problem. What legislation have they sponsored to fund broadband separately? And do they support the House Republican CONNECT Act in this Congress that would ban local governments from creating broadband networks to serve their local citizens?&nbsp;&nbsp;

Of all the parts of the infrastructure bill, broadband seems worth the cost, especially if it helps our struggling rural communities integrate into the modern economy and stop population loss. It’s unfortunate that Beltway politics kept average Kansans from getting the greater bipartisan support that they deserved here.&nbsp;

Patrick R. Miller is an Associate Professor of Political Science at the University of Kansas.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/12/1575644168170.png" alt="Patrick R. Miller is an Associate Professor of Political Science at the University of Kansas.&nbsp;" />
 <figcaption>Patrick R. Miller is an Associate Professor of Political Science at the University of Kansas.&nbsp;</figcaption>
 </figure>Despite opposition from most of our Kansas congressional delegation, new federal dollars are coming to Kansas to expand broadband access.&nbsp;President Joe Biden recently signed a $1.2 trillion infrastructure bill, fulfilling a 2020 campaign promise. The bill had moderate bipartisan support, though every Republican in Congress from Kansas opposed it. The only Kansan to support it was Democratic Rep. Sharice Davids.&nbsp;Kansas will receive about $4 billion from the bill, including about $100 million to expand broadband infrastructure and money to help 669,000 working-class Kansans get discounted internet through the Affordable Connectivity Benefit.&nbsp;<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/12/1575913663048.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>“Broadband” means high speed internet access, specifically a minimum of 25 megabits per second (Mbps) download speed. However, many tech experts argue that this definition is outdated, and suggest a 100 Mbps standard.&nbsp;Broadband is an economic necessity. Businesses without it struggle to grow. Doctors without it struggle to serve patients. Kansans without it struggle through basic online tasks using unreliable and slow connections.&nbsp;According to BroadbandNow, which tracks internet provider data, 173,000 Kansans lack home broadband service and 307,000 don’t have access to connections capable of broadband speed.&nbsp;Rural communities generally struggle more to get broadband access. Basic capitalism explains why: it’s expensive and not necessarily profitable for businesses to build broadband infrastructure in smaller rural communities with lower population densities and often shrinking populations.&nbsp;BroadbandNow data shows this divide in Kansas. For example, in urban Shawnee County, 95 percent of residents have access to 25 Mbps speed and 93 percent have 100 Mbps. Next door in rural Wabaunsee County, those figures are 65 percent and 55 percent respectively. In rural Doniphan County, that’s 89 percent and 12 percent.&nbsp;The infrastructure bill has odd politics considering that several provisions — like broadband — disproportionately help Republican-leaning rural communities. Why would our elected Republicans oppose it?&nbsp;Broadband got engulfed in the theater of Beltway partisan politics. In 2016, former President Donald Trump promised a $1 trillion infrastructure bill. Trump didn’t keep that promise. He then attacked the Biden bill and acted offended at Republicans who supported it.&nbsp;&nbsp;Even if our Republican lawmakers secretly supported the infrastructure bill and broadband money for Kansas, politics prevented them from being open about it. Maybe they feared ending their political careers in a primary. But rural Kansans getting internet via dial up or a slow mobile hotspot with limited data probably don’t care which president’s signature helps bring them broadband.&nbsp;&nbsp;Some of our Kansas Republican lawmakers criticized the cost of the infrastructure bill and its impact on debt. Maybe they forgot that Trump’s infrastructure plan cost about the same as Biden’s, or that Trump’s presidency added $7.8 trillion in national debt, per Federal Reserve data. Politics — not money — seems the real issue.&nbsp;Some politicians claim they support broadband but oppose the infrastructure bill. Okay. Words won’t fix this problem. What legislation have they sponsored to fund broadband separately? And do they support the House Republican CONNECT Act in this Congress that would ban local governments from creating broadband networks to serve their local citizens?&nbsp;&nbsp;Of all the parts of the infrastructure bill, broadband seems worth the cost, especially if it helps our struggling rural communities integrate into the modern economy and stop population loss. It’s unfortunate that Beltway politics kept average Kansans from getting the greater bipartisan support that they deserved here.&nbsp;Patrick R. Miller is an Associate Professor of Political Science at the University of Kansas.&nbsp;

INSIGHT KANSAS: The odd politics of federal broadband funds

WASHINGTON – U.S. Rep. Tracey Mann, R-Kan., hosted his first Congressional Military Academy Nominations Selection Committee on Nov. 20.

Committee members included&nbsp;Sen. Rick Billinger, R-Goodland.

 As a member of Congress for the First District of Kansas, Mann can offer military academy nominations to the five U.S. service academies for students in the district. The interviews took place at the Eisenhower Presidential Library in Abilene.

"It was an honor to host my very first military academy selection committee in the boyhood hometown of a five-star U.S. Army General, President Dwight D. Eisenhower," said Mann.

 "The students we interviewed reflect the best of Kansas and their aspirations to serve our country are inspiring. I enjoyed getting to know them and learning about their desire to serve in the U.S. military."

Rep. Mann appointed a committee of five Kansans in the First District who have extensive experience in either serving in the U.S. military or working closely with the military. 

Among the five person-panel was Mary Eisenhower, the granddaughter of President Eisenhower. The full selection committee included: Kansas State Representative and veteran John Barker, Kansas state Sen. and veteran Rick Billinger of Goodland, Kansas State Rep. and veteran Dr. Bill Clifford, Mary Eisenhower, and Manhattan Area Chamber of Commerce Military Community Liaison Janet Nichols.

"I'd like to extend a tremendous thank you to the committee for taking time out of their busy schedules and lending their expertise in the selection process. Each one of them brought a unique viewpoint and experience to the table," said Mann. 

"It was a special honor to have Mary Eisenhower on the committee. Her longtime support of our state means a great deal to me and so many other Kansans."

Twelve high school students in the district applied for a military academy nomination through Mann's office. The committee participated in interviewing each student alongside Rep. Mann. 

In the coming weeks, the committee will notify the students of the selections.

Mann serves on the House Veterans' Affairs Committee.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/11/1637706285587.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Office of Rep. Tracey MannWASHINGTON – U.S. Rep. Tracey Mann, R-Kan., hosted his first Congressional Military Academy Nominations Selection Committee on Nov. 20.Committee members included&nbsp;Sen. Rick Billinger, R-Goodland. As a member of Congress for the First District of Kansas, Mann can offer military academy nominations to the five U.S. service academies for students in the district. The interviews took place at the Eisenhower Presidential Library in Abilene."It was an honor to host my very first military academy selection committee in the boyhood hometown of a five-star U.S. Army General, President Dwight D. Eisenhower," said Mann.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/11/1637681449641.png" alt="Mann&nbsp;" />
 <figcaption>Mann&nbsp;</figcaption>
 </figure> "The students we interviewed reflect the best of Kansas and their aspirations to serve our country are inspiring. I enjoyed getting to know them and learning about their desire to serve in the U.S. military."Rep. Mann appointed a committee of five Kansans in the First District who have extensive experience in either serving in the U.S. military or working closely with the military. Among the five person-panel was Mary Eisenhower, the granddaughter of President Eisenhower. The full selection committee included: Kansas State Representative and veteran John Barker, Kansas state Sen. and veteran Rick Billinger of Goodland, Kansas State Rep. and veteran Dr. Bill Clifford, Mary Eisenhower, and Manhattan Area Chamber of Commerce Military Community Liaison Janet Nichols. "I'd like to extend a tremendous thank you to the committee for taking time out of their busy schedules and lending their expertise in the selection process. Each one of them brought a unique viewpoint and experience to the table," said Mann. "It was a special honor to have Mary Eisenhower on the committee. Her longtime support of our state means a great deal to me and so many other Kansans."Twelve high school students in the district applied for a military academy nomination through Mann's office. The committee participated in interviewing each student alongside Rep. Mann. In the coming weeks, the committee will notify the students of the selections.Mann serves on the House Veterans' Affairs Committee.

Billinger part of Military Academy Nominations Committee

I want to say thank you to our residents of Hays for entrusting me again as a Hays city commissioner. 

 The city of Hays has many initiatives on the horizon that I’m looking forward to overseeing:  a new fire station, the progression of the R9 Ranch, a continued focus on maintaining infrastructure, and developing a plan for increasing housing. 

  With all these innovative projects, I want to continue to have a safe and sustainable community that continues to grow.&nbsp;&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/11/1637698399382.jpeg" alt="Shaun Musil" />
 <figcaption>Shaun Musil</figcaption>
 </figure>I want to say thank you to our residents of Hays for entrusting me again as a Hays city commissioner. The city of Hays has many initiatives on the horizon that I’m looking forward to overseeing: a new fire station, the progression of the R9 Ranch, a continued focus on maintaining infrastructure, and developing a plan for increasing housing. With all these innovative projects, I want to continue to have a safe and sustainable community that continues to grow.&nbsp;&nbsp;Shaun Musil

SPONSORED: Musil offers appreciation to Hays voters

On this episode of the Post Podcast Downtown Hays Development Corporation executive director Sara Bloom and director of events and operations, Allie Glidewell shares information about Small Business Saturday and more.

<a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/5dd2f46c897d147ad4bb104b">To find out more about The Post Podcast, or subscribe to mobile&nbsp;</a><a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/5dd2f46c897d147ad4bb104b">notifications click here.</a>

As the holidays are quickly approaching the downtown Hays Development Corporation is getting ready for their series of events. Executive Director Sara Bloom and director of events and operations Allie Glidewell. stopped by to talk to us about a little bit what's going on this season on this episode of the post podcast.

So right now we have the downtown dollar giveaway, which is going on participating businesses. So what that is, when you when you shop participating stores, whenever you spend their denote $1 amount, it could be $10, it could be $100. Depending on the store, you get a ticket, this ticket enters you to win in the downtown dollar giveaway, which is taking place on December 18, where you could win $1,000 or $2,000 in Downtown dollars.

and other great prizes are participating businesses.

Yes, so that's going on that started that first weekend in November the fourth all the way through December 18. So you have so much time to gather bunches of chances to win.

And if you want to get at like the top of the pile and earn double tickets, that customer appreciation weekend starts on December 9 10th and 11th. When you shop at those businesses you get not one but two tickets every time you spend that minimum amount which ranges from everything from like $10 It breeds to $50 at Refine and Simply Charmed and&nbsp;

It's 100 at the Furniture Look it's actually only 25 It's Simply Charmed, Breath, The Gamers Guild there's a ton of places,

So and lots of different ways in amounts that you have to spend. So yeah, check that out. coupon books are also happening.

Yep. So many of those participating businesses also are selling coupon bucks or $10. But they have hundreds and hundreds of dollars in saving. So if you're trying to get some Christmas shopping done, but also want to earn tickets, the coupon bucks are great way to do that.

Awesome win win win. Yeah, it'll relate. Yeah, and no wait for wins because it's a win for the community. Because you're shopping local. We're gonna talk more about that as well.

I mean, I think we promote shopping local all the time, especially in downtown Hays supporting your friends and your neighbors you're supporting the people that are supporting your auctions and your sports teams and your fundraisers, all the things.

Great way to segue into Small Business Saturday, which is November 27, and the day after Black Friday. So we understand that you can't get necessarily every single product in downtown Hays or Hays America, we get that. But also, there's so much that you can't get so remember to keep your very small businesses top of mind this year, we will actually be doing a fun little giveaway the beginning of that week, Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday on social media where we're giving away a cute little tote bag and coupon books as well. And then Sara is actually gonna be going around on Small Business Saturday.

I'm very excited about this nicely. So we have partnered with brief Coffee House in downtown Hays. And if you don't know if you weren't at one of the parade, they have purchased a coffee mobile it's so cute. Very cute. So I get to drive around in the coffee mobile for three hours on Small Business Saturday literally yelling Thank you for shopping small Thank you for shopping downtown Hayes and giving away coffee and hot chocolate and cookies. So watch for the automobile. I'll be wearing a Santa hat and driving around and they will be very big.

It does it reminds me something like a Dr. Seuss mobile. I just keep calling it the put put mobile.

We better lighten it up we better make it look pretty fast.&nbsp;

It's going very fun. Yeah. And then immediately after Small Business Saturday, we have a Giving Tuesday campaign which is gonna start on November 30. So we our office did several things last year or this year that supported small businesses or the teacher program things like that. We want to do something to help the nonprofits as well. So Sarah contacted Redeem Design. If you want to finish those you can sure so.

With redeem designs, and basically said we want to sell something really cool that we can you have have support nonprofits so essentially they have created this really unique graphic T design. It has a bison it's a little hard on his chest. It says together we give which is the National Giving Tuesday slogan and then it's got 67601 which is of course our zip code on it. And you can purchase it in three different styles and three different colors so short sleeve T Long Sleeve tee or hoodie in black, navy or maroon. So we've got something for the Hayes Hi Pam, we've got something for P fans. We've got something for generic. We did make it a very simple design so men or women can wear it you don't have to worry about the soft pink. Yeah interview. Good luck. But essentially you can go to downtown hayes.com backslash Giving Tuesday. You can check out the designs now. But then we will the store will open on the 30th it will last for six days through that Sunday, December 5 And then you can select from a drop down every time you make a purchase and it will support a local nonprofit And we did not limit it to downtown nonprofits. Any nonprofit in Hays can get signed up for this. I think we have almost 20 signed up right now they have until November 29. To sign up was like, literally the day before we start selling these T shirts. If you're not on our list, you can still get on our list. And then hopefully, at the end of that week, we can write some pretty large tricks. And we loved getting to support the retailers and restaurants. And now we're excited to support the nonprofits as well. And if it goes, well, maybe this is an annual thing. Maybe we do a GivingTuesday shirt every year. But we're a 501 C three nonprofits reached out to us and asked what are you doing? And we thought, you guys are really smart. We should really do that. We should we should support ourselves, maybe. So we're excited for that. I'm 30th.

Yeah, it'll be very cute. So that will end on December 5. December 3, though, so taking just like a little step back is our annual frost fest. Christmas tree lighting, which is very fun. Last year, our organization tripled the amount of lights on that tree in Union Pacific park next to the pavilion. So it's gonna be huge and beautiful. And they're actually already up. The city took advantage of all the warm weather. So the the lights are there. We're just gonna wait until the third to light it up.

Honestly, because they're the best. But we'll have a storytime from the library. There. They're a little chilly mascot there penguin will come down, read a story, his little book that they put out every year. We'll have little carolers Tiger tots are going to Carroll, which is going to be very cute. I'm very excited about that. Santa Mrs. Claus will be their breed again. We'll be giving out hot cocoa.

And the sunflower Clydesdales. carriage rides

We're excited. That's so popular. Yes. They were excited a lot. We're really excited.

We're always excited. If we aren't excited, we're not doing something right. Because we can't get excited about our own stuff. What are we doing?

Yes, but yeah, lots of things happening that night as well. Yeah, so

that'll be from five to seven. But the Clydesdales the carriage rides are going to go until eight.

And the tree will actually be lit by our mayor at 6 pm. So make sure you're there before six if you want to see the lights turn on but we'll have activities throughout the night.

Yeah, should be really good. The following day, that Saturday, December 4 Is the winter Artwalk. We are we do not organize, just promoting.

We had Brenda on actually this week, Brenda Meder from the Arts Council. we talked a little bit about this. So yes, well, yeah, shouldn't be in tuned in on that one. Hopefully,

perfect. But we'll be hosting a winter craft fair and market in conjunction with the artwork that's inside the fox, you can sign up now if you'd like to be a vendor for just $25 runs from 9 am to noon, check it out. There is a Facebook event already. You can sign up with Fox. They're the ones accepting the payments in the forums. Yeah.

Yeah, very cool scenarios, super small business.&nbsp;

Those crafters that you know, that's&nbsp;equally as important and also pay. I mean, they're still paying take sales tax as well. They're still supporting the economy and putting money back in our community. So yeah, equally as important.

Yeah. December 9 is our customer appreciation weekend that Sarah was talking about where you get double tickets. Again, just keep shopping local.

And if you're listening to this in your business, we highly encourage you to get signed up for the process parade as well. We'll be back on to talk about all of the events happening on December 18, which include the parade and movie nights and stuff at the library. But right now, we need you to sign up for that illuminated parade and get excited that we're back in person this year, because we weren't last year and are back in person. They should again, once again, we're very excited to be back in person and to bring the fastest parade back.

Yeah. Yes. So if you have any questions about registration for the parade, like feel free to go ahead and reach out but it's a story Christmas night is the theme. So it should be very, very live up this year. Very beautiful, very fun. I love that.

It's like that's, to me. Frost Fest is like the epitome of living in Hays. When it comes together. You know, it's just it's a beautiful celebration. It's it's not commercial. I mean, there is some commercial aspect to it. But it's just a great way to get the community together. And there's always the hot cocoa and the I don't know, it's just It warms the heart warms my heart anyway, I can't speak for anybody else. I love

We love it too. Also, if you want to volunteer for the frost fest parade, if you want to help guide traffic, maybe judge a float, helped you registration, things like that we have we have corn and a movie night, Movie Night, all sorts of things. Feel free to reach out because we love it when the community gets involved.

That's the case. In any event, we are always looking for volunteers whether you want to sit on a board or a committee or just volunteer that day. Get involved. We love seeing you downtown and helping out and we really try to make it worth your while and we do Yeah, we usually have pretty good freebies for our volunteers to try to use. Yeah.

Very cool. Well, guys, we got to get over the news. Any last thoughts where we go?

Shop local, think downtown first downtown, he's calm. We're on Facebook. We're on Twitter, we're on Instagram, all the things check us out and thanks for supporting local Happy holidays.

Have you excellent Yeah. So Thanksgiving are all the holidays. Oh, it's ever except for Halloween is gone. My kids very sad about that he doesn't care about Christmas for Thanksgiving he just wants to

Trick or treat was amazing. Just thanks for everyone. That was awesome.

<div><iframe title="Downtown Hays ready for Small Business Saturday" 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=hgbuz-113fd27-pb&from=pb6admin&square=1&share=1&download=1&rtl=0&fonts=Arial&skin=3267a3&font-color=ffffff&btn-skin=1b1b1b&size=450" allowfullscreen=""></iframe></div>On this episode of the Post Podcast Downtown Hays Development Corporation executive director Sara Bloom and director of events and operations, Allie Glidewell shares information about Small Business Saturday and more.<a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/5dd2f46c897d147ad4bb104b">To find out more about The Post Podcast, or subscribe to mobile&nbsp;</a><a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/5dd2f46c897d147ad4bb104b">notifications click here.</a><h2>Transctipt</h2>James Bell&nbsp;As the holidays are quickly approaching the downtown Hays Development Corporation is getting ready for their series of events. Executive Director Sara Bloom and director of events and operations Allie Glidewell. stopped by to talk to us about a little bit what's going on this season on this episode of the post podcast.Allie Glidewell&nbsp;So right now we have the downtown dollar giveaway, which is going on participating businesses. So what that is, when you when you shop participating stores, whenever you spend their denote $1 amount, it could be $10, it could be $100. Depending on the store, you get a ticket, this ticket enters you to win in the downtown dollar giveaway, which is taking place on December 18, where you could win $1,000 or $2,000 in Downtown dollars.Sara Bloom&nbsp;and other great prizes are participating businesses.Allie Glidewell&nbsp;Yes, so that's going on that started that first weekend in November the fourth all the way through December 18. So you have so much time to gather bunches of chances to win.Sara Bloom&nbsp;And if you want to get at like the top of the pile and earn double tickets, that customer appreciation weekend starts on December 9 10th and 11th. When you shop at those businesses you get not one but two tickets every time you spend that minimum amount which ranges from everything from like $10 It breeds to $50 at Refine and Simply Charmed and&nbsp;Allie Glidewell&nbsp;It's 100 at the Furniture Look it's actually only 25 It's Simply Charmed, Breath, The Gamers Guild there's a ton of places,Sara Bloom&nbsp;So and lots of different ways in amounts that you have to spend. So yeah, check that out. coupon books are also happening.Allie Glidewell&nbsp;Yep. So many of those participating businesses also are selling coupon bucks or $10. But they have hundreds and hundreds of dollars in saving. So if you're trying to get some Christmas shopping done, but also want to earn tickets, the coupon bucks are great way to do that.James Bell&nbsp;Awesome win win win. Yeah, it'll relate. Yeah, and no wait for wins because it's a win for the community. Because you're shopping local. We're gonna talk more about that as well.Sara Bloom&nbsp;I mean, I think we promote shopping local all the time, especially in downtown Hays supporting your friends and your neighbors you're supporting the people that are supporting your auctions and your sports teams and your fundraisers, all the things.Allie Glidewell&nbsp;Great way to segue into Small Business Saturday, which is November 27, and the day after Black Friday. So we understand that you can't get necessarily every single product in downtown Hays or Hays America, we get that. But also, there's so much that you can't get so remember to keep your very small businesses top of mind this year, we will actually be doing a fun little giveaway the beginning of that week, Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday on social media where we're giving away a cute little tote bag and coupon books as well. And then Sara is actually gonna be going around on Small Business Saturday.Sara Bloom&nbsp;I'm very excited about this nicely. So we have partnered with brief Coffee House in downtown Hays. And if you don't know if you weren't at one of the parade, they have purchased a coffee mobile it's so cute. Very cute. So I get to drive around in the coffee mobile for three hours on Small Business Saturday literally yelling Thank you for shopping small Thank you for shopping downtown Hayes and giving away coffee and hot chocolate and cookies. So watch for the automobile. I'll be wearing a Santa hat and driving around and they will be very big.Allie Glidewell&nbsp;It does it reminds me something like a Dr. Seuss mobile. I just keep calling it the put put mobile.Sara Bloom&nbsp;We better lighten it up we better make it look pretty fast.&nbsp;Allie Glidewell&nbsp;It's going very fun. Yeah. And then immediately after Small Business Saturday, we have a Giving Tuesday campaign which is gonna start on November 30. So we our office did several things last year or this year that supported small businesses or the teacher program things like that. We want to do something to help the nonprofits as well. So Sarah contacted Redeem Design. If you want to finish those you can sure so.Sara Bloom&nbsp;With redeem designs, and basically said we want to sell something really cool that we can you have have support nonprofits so essentially they have created this really unique graphic T design. It has a bison it's a little hard on his chest. It says together we give which is the National Giving Tuesday slogan and then it's got 67601 which is of course our zip code on it. And you can purchase it in three different styles and three different colors so short sleeve T Long Sleeve tee or hoodie in black, navy or maroon. So we've got something for the Hayes Hi Pam, we've got something for P fans. We've got something for generic. We did make it a very simple design so men or women can wear it you don't have to worry about the soft pink. Yeah interview. Good luck. But essentially you can go to downtown hayes.com backslash Giving Tuesday. You can check out the designs now. But then we will the store will open on the 30th it will last for six days through that Sunday, December 5 And then you can select from a drop down every time you make a purchase and it will support a local nonprofit And we did not limit it to downtown nonprofits. Any nonprofit in Hays can get signed up for this. I think we have almost 20 signed up right now they have until November 29. To sign up was like, literally the day before we start selling these T shirts. If you're not on our list, you can still get on our list. And then hopefully, at the end of that week, we can write some pretty large tricks. And we loved getting to support the retailers and restaurants. And now we're excited to support the nonprofits as well. And if it goes, well, maybe this is an annual thing. Maybe we do a GivingTuesday shirt every year. But we're a 501 C three nonprofits reached out to us and asked what are you doing? And we thought, you guys are really smart. We should really do that. We should we should support ourselves, maybe. So we're excited for that. I'm 30th.Allie Glidewell&nbsp;Yeah, it'll be very cute. So that will end on December 5. December 3, though, so taking just like a little step back is our annual frost fest. Christmas tree lighting, which is very fun. Last year, our organization tripled the amount of lights on that tree in Union Pacific park next to the pavilion. So it's gonna be huge and beautiful. And they're actually already up. The city took advantage of all the warm weather. So the the lights are there. We're just gonna wait until the third to light it up.Sara Bloom&nbsp;Thank your parks department.Allie Glidewell&nbsp;Honestly, because they're the best. But we'll have a storytime from the library. There. They're a little chilly mascot there penguin will come down, read a story, his little book that they put out every year. We'll have little carolers Tiger tots are going to Carroll, which is going to be very cute. I'm very excited about that. Santa Mrs. Claus will be their breed again. We'll be giving out hot cocoa.Sara Bloom&nbsp;And the sunflower Clydesdales. carriage ridesAllie Glidewell&nbsp;Are back baby. Nice. Yeah,Sara Bloom&nbsp;We're excited. That's so popular. Yes. They were excited a lot. We're really excited.Allie Glidewell&nbsp;We're always excited. If we aren't excited, we're not doing something right. Because we can't get excited about our own stuff. What are we doing?Sara Bloom&nbsp;Yes, but yeah, lots of things happening that night as well. Yeah, soAllie Glidewell&nbsp;that'll be from five to seven. But the Clydesdales the carriage rides are going to go until eight.Sara Bloom&nbsp;And the tree will actually be lit by our mayor at 6 pm. So make sure you're there before six if you want to see the lights turn on but we'll have activities throughout the night.Allie Glidewell&nbsp;Yeah, should be really good. The following day, that Saturday, December 4 Is the winter Artwalk. We are we do not organize, just promoting.James Bell&nbsp;We had Brenda on actually this week, Brenda Meder from the Arts Council. we talked a little bit about this. So yes, well, yeah, shouldn't be in tuned in on that one. Hopefully,Sara Bloom&nbsp;perfect. But we'll be hosting a winter craft fair and market in conjunction with the artwork that's inside the fox, you can sign up now if you'd like to be a vendor for just $25 runs from 9 am to noon, check it out. There is a Facebook event already. You can sign up with Fox. They're the ones accepting the payments in the forums. Yeah.Allie Glidewell&nbsp;So that should be really fun.James Bell&nbsp;Yeah, very cool scenarios, super small business.&nbsp;Sara Bloom&nbsp;Those crafters that you know, that's&nbsp;equally as important and also pay. I mean, they're still paying take sales tax as well. They're still supporting the economy and putting money back in our community. So yeah, equally as important.Allie Glidewell&nbsp;Yeah. December 9 is our customer appreciation weekend that Sarah was talking about where you get double tickets. Again, just keep shopping local.Sara Bloom&nbsp;And if you're listening to this in your business, we highly encourage you to get signed up for the process parade as well. We'll be back on to talk about all of the events happening on December 18, which include the parade and movie nights and stuff at the library. But right now, we need you to sign up for that illuminated parade and get excited that we're back in person this year, because we weren't last year and are back in person. They should again, once again, we're very excited to be back in person and to bring the fastest parade back.Allie Glidewell&nbsp;Yeah. Yes. So if you have any questions about registration for the parade, like feel free to go ahead and reach out but it's a story Christmas night is the theme. So it should be very, very live up this year. Very beautiful, very fun. I love that.James Bell&nbsp;It's like that's, to me. Frost Fest is like the epitome of living in Hays. When it comes together. You know, it's just it's a beautiful celebration. It's it's not commercial. I mean, there is some commercial aspect to it. But it's just a great way to get the community together. And there's always the hot cocoa and the I don't know, it's just It warms the heart warms my heart anyway, I can't speak for anybody else. I loveAllie Glidewell&nbsp;We love it too. Also, if you want to volunteer for the frost fest parade, if you want to help guide traffic, maybe judge a float, helped you registration, things like that we have we have corn and a movie night, Movie Night, all sorts of things. Feel free to reach out because we love it when the community gets involved.Sara Bloom&nbsp;That's the case. In any event, we are always looking for volunteers whether you want to sit on a board or a committee or just volunteer that day. Get involved. We love seeing you downtown and helping out and we really try to make it worth your while and we do Yeah, we usually have pretty good freebies for our volunteers to try to use. Yeah.James Bell&nbsp;Very cool. Well, guys, we got to get over the news. Any last thoughts where we go?Sara Bloom&nbsp;Shop local, think downtown first downtown, he's calm. We're on Facebook. We're on Twitter, we're on Instagram, all the things check us out and thanks for supporting local Happy holidays.James Bell&nbsp;Have you excellent Yeah. So Thanksgiving are all the holidays. Oh, it's ever except for Halloween is gone. My kids very sad about that he doesn't care about Christmas for Thanksgiving he just wants toSara Bloom&nbsp;Trick or treat was amazing. Just thanks for everyone. That was awesome.

🎙Post Podcast: Downtown Hays ready for Small Business Saturday

Thursday 12/2 4:45 Hugoton vs Olathe West (HHS) 6:30 Great Bend vs Lawrence Free State (HMS) 8:15 Hays vs TMP (HHS) Friday 12/3 4:45 GB/Free State winner vs Hays/TMP loser (HHS) 6:30 GB/Free State loser vs Hugoton/Olathe West loser&nbsp;(HMS) 8:15 Hays/TMP winner vs&nbsp;Hugoton/Olathe West winner&nbsp;(HHS) Saturday 12/4 12:45 - 4th Place Game&nbsp;(HMS) 2:30 - 3rd Place Game&nbsp;(HHS) 6:00 - Championship Game&nbsp;(HHS)

Thursday 12/2 3:00 Hugoton vs Olathe West (HHS) 6:30 Hays vs TMP (HHS) 8:15 Great Bend vs Fort Smith Northside (HMS) Friday 12/3 3:00 GB/Fort Smith winner vs Hays/TMP loser (HHS) 6:30 Hays/TMP winner vs Hugoton/Olathe West winner (HHS) 8:15 Hugoton/Olathe West loser (HMS) Saturday 12/4 11:00- 4th Place Game&nbsp;(HMS) 2:30 - 3rd Place Game&nbsp;(HMS) 4:15- Championship Game&nbsp;(HHS)

<h2>Boys</h2>Thursday 12/2 4:45 Hugoton vs Olathe West (HHS) 6:30 Great Bend vs Lawrence Free State (HMS) 8:15 Hays vs TMP (HHS) Friday 12/3 4:45 GB/Free State winner vs Hays/TMP loser (HHS) 6:30 GB/Free State loser vs Hugoton/Olathe West loser&nbsp;(HMS) 8:15 Hays/TMP winner vs&nbsp;Hugoton/Olathe West winner&nbsp;(HHS) Saturday 12/4 12:45 - 4th Place Game&nbsp;(HMS) 2:30 - 3rd Place Game&nbsp;(HHS) 6:00 - Championship Game&nbsp;(HHS)<h2>Girls</h2>Thursday 12/2 3:00 Hugoton vs Olathe West (HHS) 6:30 Hays vs TMP (HHS) 8:15 Great Bend vs Fort Smith Northside (HMS) Friday 12/3 3:00 GB/Fort Smith winner vs Hays/TMP loser (HHS) 6:30 Hays/TMP winner vs Hugoton/Olathe West winner (HHS) 8:15 Hugoton/Olathe West loser (HMS) Saturday 12/4 11:00- 4th Place Game&nbsp;(HMS) 2:30 - 3rd Place Game&nbsp;(HMS) 4:15- Championship Game&nbsp;(HHS)

🏀 2021 Hays City Shootout pairings announced

To the community members of Barton and Ellis Counties,&nbsp;

I am writing this letter with appreciation and gratitude. Change is never easy, but always constant.&nbsp;&nbsp;At the beginning of November, I announced to the constituents of the Cottonwood Extension District that I had been offered a new career opportunity and elected to take the position, which I will start at the beginning of December.&nbsp;

Being the horticulture agent for both Ellis and Barton counties has been such a rewarding experience and is one that has helped shape me not only as a professional but as a person in general. When I first landed my job with K-State Research &amp; Extension, I had no idea how much the communities of Barton and Ellis Counties would impact my life. I would like to thank you all for trusting my knowledge and supporting the programs I hosted in each community over the past two and a half years. I am so thankful to have gotten the opportunity to work with and become friends with many of you in these communities and will miss serving as your horticulture agent.&nbsp;

As I transition out of my position with K-State Research &amp; Extension, I would encourage you all to continue to support Cottonwood Extension programming. There are many amazing programs and so much knowledge that can be obtained through publications and interactive classes. After I leave, the Extension Master Gardeners, along with fellow agents will happily assist you with any horticulture-related questions and can be reached at our offices in Hays and Great Bend.&nbsp;You may also find horticulture information through the University at&nbsp;<a href="https://hnr.k-state.edu/extension/" target="_blank">https://hnr.k-state.edu/extension/</a>.&nbsp;

Thank you again and I extend my best wishes for the future.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/2/1580750915301.jpeg" alt="written by: Lauren Walz - Cottonwood Extension District" />
 <figcaption>written by: Lauren Walz - Cottonwood Extension District</figcaption>
 </figure>To the community members of Barton and Ellis Counties,&nbsp;I am writing this letter with appreciation and gratitude. Change is never easy, but always constant.&nbsp;&nbsp;At the beginning of November, I announced to the constituents of the Cottonwood Extension District that I had been offered a new career opportunity and elected to take the position, which I will start at the beginning of December.&nbsp;Being the horticulture agent for both Ellis and Barton counties has been such a rewarding experience and is one that has helped shape me not only as a professional but as a person in general. When I first landed my job with K-State Research &amp; Extension, I had no idea how much the communities of Barton and Ellis Counties would impact my life. I would like to thank you all for trusting my knowledge and supporting the programs I hosted in each community over the past two and a half years. I am so thankful to have gotten the opportunity to work with and become friends with many of you in these communities and will miss serving as your horticulture agent.&nbsp;As I transition out of my position with K-State Research &amp; Extension, I would encourage you all to continue to support Cottonwood Extension programming. There are many amazing programs and so much knowledge that can be obtained through publications and interactive classes. After I leave, the Extension Master Gardeners, along with fellow agents will happily assist you with any horticulture-related questions and can be reached at our offices in Hays and Great Bend.&nbsp;You may also find horticulture information through the University at&nbsp;<a href="https://hnr.k-state.edu/extension/" target="_blank">https://hnr.k-state.edu/extension/</a>.&nbsp;Thank you again and I extend my best wishes for the future.Sincerely, &nbsp;Lauren Walz&nbsp;

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