NESS COUNTY—A Kansas woman died in an accident just after 2p.m. Wednesday in Ness County.

The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a 2002 Toyota pickup driven by Cynthia C.&nbsp;Goding, 69, Hanston, was&nbsp; northbound on U.S. 283 two miles south of Kansas 96 Highway.

The vehicle went left of center, entered the west ditch, struck a culvert at 110 Road. and rolled into the northwest ditch.

EMS transported Goding to the Ness County Hospital where she was pronounced dead. She was properly restrained at the time of the accident, according to the KHP.

NESS COUNTY—A Kansas woman died in an accident just after 2p.m. Wednesday in Ness County.The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a 2002 Toyota pickup driven by Cynthia C.&nbsp;Goding, 69, Hanston, was&nbsp; northbound on U.S. 283 two miles south of Kansas 96 Highway.The vehicle went left of center, entered the west ditch, struck a culvert at 110 Road. and rolled into the northwest ditch.EMS transported Goding to the Ness County Hospital where she was pronounced dead. She was properly restrained at the time of the accident, according to the KHP.

Kansas woman dies after pickup rolls into ditch

HUTCHINSON
— Twenty new law enforcement officers graduated from the&nbsp;<a href="https://kletc.org/">Kansas Law Enforcement Training Center (KLETC)</a>&nbsp;on
July 30 at a ceremony in KLETC’s Integrity Auditorium.

The graduation
of the 281st Basic Training Class was the first ceremony open to the public
since March 6, 2020. “This was a special moment for our graduates,” said Darin
Beck, KLETC executive director. “I know it meant a lot to be able to graduate
in front of their family and friends.”

Deputy Hayden
Goudy of the Gray County Sheriff’s Office was the graduating class president.
The speaker for the ceremony was Shane Jager, sheriff for Pottawatomie County.
Michael Turenne, KLETC senior instructor of police, was the class coordinator
for the 281st Basic Training Class. Turenne recognized Christopher Santos, from
the Cloud County Sheriff’s Office, for his firearms proficiency as the class’
“Top Shot.”

Graduates
receive certificates of course completion from KLETC and Kansas law enforcement
certification from the Kansas Commission on Peace Officers’ Standards and
Training, the state’s law enforcement licensing authority. The training course
fulfills the state requirement for law enforcement training. Classroom lectures
and hands-on applications help train officers to solve the increasingly complex
problems they face in the line of duty.

The graduates, who began their training
in April 2021, represented 16 municipal, county and state law enforcement
agencies from across Kansas. Graduates are listed below by county and agency:

Barber Peter Wright, Barber County Sheriff’s Office

Butler Nathan Spears, El Dorado Police Department

Cloud Christopher Santos, Cloud County Sheriff’s Office Timothy Wogomon, Cloud County Sheriff’s Office

Cowley Rick Bennett, Arkansas City Police Department Jeffery Wilson, Arkansas City Police Department Kamen Hinzman, Winfield Police Department

Crawford Robert Morales Gonzalez, Pittsburg State University Police Department

Decatur Casey House, Oberlin Police Department

Dickinson Caleb Barnhart, Abilene Police Department Breanna Canby, Herington Police Department

Rick Aguirre,
Dodge City Police Department

Gray Derrek Berg, Gray County Sheriff’s Office Hayden Goudy, Gray County Sheriff’s Office

Montgomery Jesse Cross, Caney Police Department

Pottawatomie Tanya King, Pottawatomie County Sheriff’s Office

Reno Kyle Danahy, Hutchinson Police Department Robert Deleon, Hutchinson Police Department

Wyandotte Timothy Gist, Wyandotte County Sheriff’s Office Timothy Gulley, Edwardsville Police Department

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/8/1628114392391.jpeg" alt="The July 30 KLETC graduation was the first ceremony open to the public since March 6, 2020." />
 <figcaption>The July 30 KLETC graduation was the first ceremony open to the public since March 6, 2020.</figcaption>
 </figure>KLETCHUTCHINSON
— Twenty new law enforcement officers graduated from the&nbsp;<a href="https://kletc.org/">Kansas Law Enforcement Training Center (KLETC)</a>&nbsp;on
July 30 at a ceremony in KLETC’s Integrity Auditorium.The graduation
of the 281st Basic Training Class was the first ceremony open to the public
since March 6, 2020. “This was a special moment for our graduates,” said Darin
Beck, KLETC executive director. “I know it meant a lot to be able to graduate
in front of their family and friends.”Deputy Hayden
Goudy of the Gray County Sheriff’s Office was the graduating class president.
The speaker for the ceremony was Shane Jager, sheriff for Pottawatomie County.
Michael Turenne, KLETC senior instructor of police, was the class coordinator
for the 281st Basic Training Class. Turenne recognized Christopher Santos, from
the Cloud County Sheriff’s Office, for his firearms proficiency as the class’
“Top Shot.”Graduates
receive certificates of course completion from KLETC and Kansas law enforcement
certification from the Kansas Commission on Peace Officers’ Standards and
Training, the state’s law enforcement licensing authority. The training course
fulfills the state requirement for law enforcement training. Classroom lectures
and hands-on applications help train officers to solve the increasingly complex
problems they face in the line of duty.The graduates, who began their training
in April 2021, represented 16 municipal, county and state law enforcement
agencies from across Kansas. Graduates are listed below by county and agency:Barber Peter Wright, Barber County Sheriff’s OfficeButler Nathan Spears, El Dorado Police Department Cloud Christopher Santos, Cloud County Sheriff’s Office Timothy Wogomon, Cloud County Sheriff’s Office Cowley Rick Bennett, Arkansas City Police Department Jeffery Wilson, Arkansas City Police Department Kamen Hinzman, Winfield Police Department Crawford Robert Morales Gonzalez, Pittsburg State University Police Department Decatur Casey House, Oberlin Police Department Dickinson Caleb Barnhart, Abilene Police Department Breanna Canby, Herington Police Department FordRick Aguirre,
Dodge City Police DepartmentGray Derrek Berg, Gray County Sheriff’s Office Hayden Goudy, Gray County Sheriff’s Office Montgomery Jesse Cross, Caney Police Department Pottawatomie Tanya King, Pottawatomie County Sheriff’s Office Reno Kyle Danahy, Hutchinson Police Department Robert Deleon, Hutchinson Police Department Wyandotte Timothy Gist, Wyandotte County Sheriff’s Office Timothy Gulley, Edwardsville Police Department

Oberlin police officer graduates from Kan. police academy

By BECKY KISER Hays Post

Hays city commissioners will take another look at the 2022 draft budget during their work session Thursday evening.

Up for more discussion is funding for outside agencies, particularly Downtown Hays Development Corporation (DHDC).

Commissioner Ron Mellick is <a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/ac068130-9464-485f-9799-af93f6927dac">opposed to allotting any money to DHDC</a> next year. He believes the agency should be weaned off city funding and position itself for more financial support from downtown businesses.&nbsp;

DHDC is requested $54,000 from the city for 2022.

Commissioner Shaun Musil was absent from the July 15 work session in which no consensus was reached by the four remaining commissioners.&nbsp;

In other business, information about continued manhole rehabilitation will be presented.

The Department of Water Resources initiated a manhole rehabilitation program in 2018&nbsp;to lengthen the lifespan of manholes needing repair.

"The 2021 program called for 46 manholes to be rehabbed," said Collin Bielser, asst. city manager.&nbsp;

"Mayer Specialty (Wichita) provided the low bid of $74,550. Our budget was $100,000 so we do expect to request full spending authority which should allow for 12 more manholes to be rehabbed," Bielser said.

Manhole rehabilitation is generally considered to have a 50-60 year lifespan, according to Jeff Crispin, director of water resources.

The complete Aug. 5 agenda is available <a href="https://www.haysusa.com/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_08052021-1286">here</a>.

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

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/7/1625279663425.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>By BECKY KISER Hays PostHays city commissioners will take another look at the 2022 draft budget during their work session Thursday evening.Up for more discussion is funding for outside agencies, particularly Downtown Hays Development Corporation (DHDC).Commissioner Ron Mellick is <a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/ac068130-9464-485f-9799-af93f6927dac">opposed to allotting any money to DHDC</a> next year. He believes the agency should be weaned off city funding and position itself for more financial support from downtown businesses.&nbsp;DHDC is requested $54,000 from the city for 2022.Commissioner Shaun Musil was absent from the July 15 work session in which no consensus was reached by the four remaining commissioners.&nbsp;In other business, information about continued manhole rehabilitation will be presented.The Department of Water Resources initiated a manhole rehabilitation program in 2018&nbsp;to lengthen the lifespan of manholes needing repair.<figure>
 <iframe width="560" height="315" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/PNyJrrFmiuQ"></iframe>
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>"The 2021 program called for 46 manholes to be rehabbed," said Collin Bielser, asst. city manager.&nbsp;"Mayer Specialty (Wichita) provided the low bid of $74,550. Our budget was $100,000 so we do expect to request full spending authority which should allow for 12 more manholes to be rehabbed," Bielser said.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/8/1628108843887.jpeg" alt="A rehabbed manhole (Photo by City of Hays)" />
 <figcaption>A rehabbed manhole (Photo by City of Hays)</figcaption>
 </figure>Manhole rehabilitation is generally considered to have a 50-60 year lifespan, according to Jeff Crispin, director of water resources.The complete Aug. 5 agenda is available <a href="https://www.haysusa.com/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_08052021-1286">here</a>.The work session starts at 6:30 p.m. in Hays City Hall, 1507 Main.&nbsp;

🎥 Commissioners to again discuss outside agency funding for 2022

Tonight is the final night of the 68th annual Jayhawker Roundup Rodeo at the Graham County Fairgrounds in Hill City.

• Mutton Bustin' registration is at 6:30 p.m. and show is at 7 p.m. • Rodeo starts at 8 p.m. • Miniature bull riding will be after the main rodeo with three age groups riding • The 3x7 Band will be playing live after the rodeo as well.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/8/1628106898768.jpeg" alt="Courtesy photo" />
 <figcaption>Courtesy photo</figcaption>
 </figure>Tonight is the final night of the 68th annual Jayhawker Roundup Rodeo at the Graham County Fairgrounds in Hill City.Tickets are $15 per person<h2>Schedule</h2>• Mutton Bustin' registration is at 6:30 p.m. and show is at 7 p.m. • Rodeo starts at 8 p.m. • Miniature bull riding will be after the main rodeo with three age groups riding • The 3x7 Band will be playing live after the rodeo as well. <figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/8/1628107047695.jpeg" alt="Courtesy photo" />
 <figcaption>Courtesy photo</figcaption>
 </figure>

Graham County Jayhawker Roundup Rodeo wraps tonight

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

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

Since reporting began, there have been 3,811 cases of COVID-19 identified in Ellis County, including 73 coronavirus-related deaths.

As of Wednesday, the University of Kansas Health System reported eight COVID-19 inpatients at HaysMed.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/8/1628104986317.png" alt="KDHE" />
 <figcaption>KDHE</figcaption>
 </figure>The Kansas Department of Health and Environment on Wednesday reported seven new COVID-19 cases in Ellis County had been identified since Monday.&nbsp;<a href="https://www.ellisco.net/97/Health">CLICK HERE</a>&nbsp;for information on how to receive a COVID-19 vaccination.Since reporting began, there have been 3,811 cases of COVID-19 identified in Ellis County, including 73 coronavirus-related deaths.As of Wednesday, the University of Kansas Health System reported eight COVID-19 inpatients at HaysMed.

KDHE: Seven new virus cases in Ellis County since Monday

Backpacks for Kids will distribute backpacks and school supplies from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. Thursday at the First Presbyterian Church at 29th and Hall in Hays.

Thursday is only for families who have pre-registered for backpacks. 

Any other families with children attending Ellis County schools can pick up backpacks and school supplies from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. Friday. These supplies will be on a first-come, first-served basis until supplies are gone.

Children do not have to be present to pickup backpacks.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/8/1596742706505.jpeg" alt="File photo" />
 <figcaption>File photo</figcaption>
 </figure>Backpacks for Kids will distribute backpacks and school supplies from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. Thursday at the First Presbyterian Church at 29th and Hall in Hays.Thursday is only for families who have pre-registered for backpacks. Any other families with children attending Ellis County schools can pick up backpacks and school supplies from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. Friday. These supplies will be on a first-come, first-served basis until supplies are gone.Children do not have to be present to pickup backpacks.The pickup will be inside the church.

Backpack for kids distribution set for Thursday, Friday

On this episode of the Post Podcast Ellis County Sheriff, Scott Braun shares information about teen drivers.

<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>

<div><iframe title="New school year means new drivers on local roads" allowtransparency="true" height="300" width="100%" style="border: none; min-width: min(100%, 430px);" scrolling="no" data-name="pb-iframe-player" src="https://www.podbean.com/player-v2/?i=3qhss-10a7a1f-pb&from=pb6admin&square=1&share=1&download=1&rtl=0&fonts=Arial&skin=3267a3&font-color=auto&btn-skin=3267a3&size=300" allowfullscreen=""></iframe></div>On this episode of the Post Podcast Ellis County Sheriff, Scott Braun shares information about teen drivers. <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>

🎙Post Podcast: New school year means new drivers on local roads

By CRISTINA JANNEY Hays Post

PLAINVILLE — A nonprofit organization in Plainville is trying to save a building with rich history in the small northwest Kansas community.

Save Downtown Plainville is trying to raise enough funds to make repairs to the building at 217 and 219 W. Mill St. One of the oldest buildings in Plainville, it was built 120 years ago.

The storefronts look fine, but when you go around to the alley, you see the problem. Most of the original limestone that made up rear wall of the building has collapsed.

The building had been designated for demolition by the City of Plainville when the non-profit stepped in.

Bee Reif, a volunteer who is spearheading the restoration effort, said the damaged wall is not a load-bearing wall. Commercial Builders in Hays has agreed to take on the project of stabilizing the rear wall, with plans on the work beginning within the next 30 days.

The non-profit has been able to raise about $3,600 through a GoFundMe account and from local donors. The project has received another $1,000 from sales of Paul Albert's book, "The History of Plainville." The project received $60,000 from the Dane G. Hansen Foundation.

The whole project is estimated to cost about $160,000.

U.S. Sen. Jerry Moran is helping the group apply for another $100,000 in grant funding. Plainville is Moran's hometown.

"The reason I've decided to step in and try to save these buildings, is becuase it is a huge part of our downtown,"&nbsp;Reif  said.

She said she is concerned other buildings may fail if the building at 217 and 219 are torn down, becuase the buildings in the block share walls.

"I think it would be devastating to this town if we lose this building," she said.

Reif herself is remodeling space in a building a few doors down for her digital marketing business.

Multiple generations of her husband's family have lived and farmed around Plainville.

"That's what it's all about is investing in my kids future — things to do in Plainville, places to shop in Plainville, having that small town, homegrown feel," she said.

Another nonprofit has purchased the building at the west end of the block, 223 W. Mill St. That buildings has already been renovated by local entrepreneur Chuck Comeau.

That group plans to create a co-working space in that building.

"We know people are moving to these small, rural communities," she said. "We just need reasons for people to be here. That is one of things we are focused on is bringing people downtown."

Comeau's holding company owned and renovated many buildings in downtown Plainville and Hays. Those buildings were sold in foreclosure sales when Comeau's furniture company, Dessin Fournir, and his holding company declared bankruptcy in 2019.

Reif said that was a difficult blow to the community, but two of Comeau's companies have reopened in Plainville under new ownership.

"There are a lot of positive things happening in the community, and I want these to be a positive too," she said. "As a nonprofit, we can operate businesses out of them, and we could also possibly offer housing if we can get it all taken care of."

History courtesy of Save Downtown Plainville.

The building was constructed in 1901. The Modern Woodmen of America in partnership with the Yeagy brothers and Green family constructed the buildings. Limestone for the building was cut from the Green farm in the Twin Mounds area, according to Save Downtown Plainville.

The cornerstone for the building was laid on June 15, 1901. The Woodmen held a parade and ceremony to celebrate. A metal box was placed in the cornerstone. The box included a Bible that is a ritual of the Woodmen, gavel, constitution and by-laws of the Woodmen, some of last year's wheat, two copies of the Plainville Gazette&nbsp;, and one copy each of the Rooks County Record, Rooks County Journal and Western News.

The west store was the new location for W. R. Green &amp; Sons general store. The east store hosted Yeagy Bros. Hardware. The upper level was the hall for the Woodmen.

Plainville Camp No. 1609 of Modern Woodmen of America was instituted June 19, 1892. Members were focused on caring for widows and orphans in the community. The Woodmen were active in Plainville until about 1940. The hall was also used by several other fraternal, veteran and church organizations.

Walter Green, founder of W. R. Green &amp; Sons, was a farmer until taking the store manager position at the Farmer’s Cooperative in 1891. Green acquired the cooperative in 1895.

When Green moved into his new store in 1901, the family name on the door would not change for the next 97 years. The store would transition to his son, George and wife Mable, to his granddaughters Verda, Velma and Margaret.

The business would transition from a traditional general store complete with a pot-bellied stove for customers to gather around, a cracker barrel, high-button shoes and a large stock of groceries, to a clothing and shoe store, to a bridal shop.

The bridal business started in 1954 when the granddaughters outfitted an employee for her wedding day. Ten-thousand brides later, Velma and Margaret retired in 1998, drawing an end to 103 years of the business.

Brothers Romanus and Rufus Yeagy moved their newly formed hardware business into the east store of the new building. The business would only last for three years, but the Yeagy brothers remained in the community doing construction and farming.

James Sawyer moved his furniture and undertaking business into the Yeagy store building in 1904.

The store would later be occupied by Western Light and Telephone (-1951), Skogmos clothing store (1952-1976), Gary’s Western Auto (1976-1985) and Little Lambs preschool.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/8/1628038670656.jpeg" alt="Save Downtown Plainville is trying to save this historical buildings at 217-219 Mill St." />
 <figcaption>Save Downtown Plainville is trying to save this historical buildings at 217-219 Mill St.</figcaption>
 </figure>By CRISTINA JANNEY Hays PostPLAINVILLE — A nonprofit organization in Plainville is trying to save a building with rich history in the small northwest Kansas community.Save Downtown Plainville is trying to raise enough funds to make repairs to the building at 217 and 219 W. Mill St. One of the oldest buildings in Plainville, it was built 120 years ago.The storefronts look fine, but when you go around to the alley, you see the problem. Most of the original limestone that made up rear wall of the building has collapsed.The building had been designated for demolition by the City of Plainville when the non-profit stepped in.Bee Reif, a volunteer who is spearheading the restoration effort, said the damaged wall is not a load-bearing wall. Commercial Builders in Hays has agreed to take on the project of stabilizing the rear wall, with plans on the work beginning within the next 30 days.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/8/1628038948987.jpeg" alt="217-219 Mill St. in Plainville. The building was built in 1901." />
 <figcaption>217-219 Mill St. in Plainville. The building was built in 1901.</figcaption>
 </figure>The non-profit has been able to raise about $3,600 through a GoFundMe account and from local donors. The project has received another $1,000 from sales of Paul Albert's book, "The History of Plainville." The project received $60,000 from the Dane G. Hansen Foundation.The whole project is estimated to cost about $160,000.U.S. Sen. Jerry Moran is helping the group apply for another $100,000 in grant funding. Plainville is Moran's hometown."The reason I've decided to step in and try to save these buildings, is becuase it is a huge part of our downtown,"&nbsp;Reif said.She said she is concerned other buildings may fail if the building at 217 and 219 are torn down, becuase the buildings in the block share walls."I think it would be devastating to this town if we lose this building," she said.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/8/1628039116541.jpeg" alt="An historical photo of Green's store at 219 Mill St. Courtesy photo" />
 <figcaption>An historical photo of Green's store at 219 Mill St. Courtesy photo</figcaption>
 </figure>Reif herself is remodeling space in a building a few doors down for her digital marketing business.Multiple generations of her husband's family have lived and farmed around Plainville."That's what it's all about is investing in my kids future — things to do in Plainville, places to shop in Plainville, having that small town, homegrown feel," she said.Another nonprofit has purchased the building at the west end of the block, 223 W. Mill St. That buildings has already been renovated by local entrepreneur Chuck Comeau.That group plans to create a co-working space in that building.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/8/1628039260718.jpeg" alt="An historical photo of the inside of Green's store in Plainville. Courtesy photo" />
 <figcaption>An historical photo of the inside of Green's store in Plainville. Courtesy photo</figcaption>
 </figure>"We know people are moving to these small, rural communities," she said. "We just need reasons for people to be here. That is one of things we are focused on is bringing people downtown."Comeau's holding company owned and renovated many buildings in downtown Plainville and Hays. Those buildings were sold in foreclosure sales when Comeau's furniture company, Dessin Fournir, and his holding company declared bankruptcy in 2019.Reif said that was a difficult blow to the community, but two of Comeau's companies have reopened in Plainville under new ownership."There are a lot of positive things happening in the community, and I want these to be a positive too," she said. "As a nonprofit, we can operate businesses out of them, and we could also possibly offer housing if we can get it all taken care of."<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/8/1628039333641.jpeg" alt="An historical photo of the department store at 217 Mills St. Courtesy photo" />
 <figcaption>An historical photo of the department store at 217 Mills St. Courtesy photo</figcaption>
 </figure><h2>History of the building</h2>History courtesy of Save Downtown Plainville.The building was constructed in 1901. The Modern Woodmen of America in partnership with the Yeagy brothers and Green family constructed the buildings. Limestone for the building was cut from the Green farm in the Twin Mounds area, according to Save Downtown Plainville.The cornerstone for the building was laid on June 15, 1901. The Woodmen held a parade and ceremony to celebrate. A metal box was placed in the cornerstone. The box included a Bible that is a ritual of the Woodmen, gavel, constitution and by-laws of the Woodmen, some of last year's wheat, two copies of the Plainville Gazette&nbsp;, and one copy each of the Rooks County Record, Rooks County Journal and Western News.The west store was the new location for W. R. Green &amp; Sons general store. The east store hosted Yeagy Bros. Hardware. The upper level was the hall for the Woodmen.Plainville Camp No. 1609 of Modern Woodmen of America was instituted June 19, 1892. Members were focused on caring for widows and orphans in the community. The Woodmen were active in Plainville until about 1940. The hall was also used by several other fraternal, veteran and church organizations.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/8/1628039415459.jpeg" alt="An historical photo of Green's store in Plainville. Courtesy photo" />
 <figcaption>An historical photo of Green's store in Plainville. Courtesy photo</figcaption>
 </figure><h2>Green's</h2>Walter Green, founder of W. R. Green &amp; Sons, was a farmer until taking the store manager position at the Farmer’s Cooperative in 1891. Green acquired the cooperative in 1895.When Green moved into his new store in 1901, the family name on the door would not change for the next 97 years. The store would transition to his son, George and wife Mable, to his granddaughters Verda, Velma and Margaret.The business would transition from a traditional general store complete with a pot-bellied stove for customers to gather around, a cracker barrel, high-button shoes and a large stock of groceries, to a clothing and shoe store, to a bridal shop.The bridal business started in 1954 when the granddaughters outfitted an employee for her wedding day. Ten-thousand brides later, Velma and Margaret retired in 1998, drawing an end to 103 years of the business.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/8/1628039491988.jpeg" alt="Mill Street&nbsp; in Plainville at the turn of the last century. Courtesy photo" />
 <figcaption>Mill Street&nbsp; in Plainville at the turn of the last century. Courtesy photo</figcaption>
 </figure><h2>East storefront</h2>Brothers Romanus and Rufus Yeagy moved their newly formed hardware business into the east store of the new building. The business would only last for three years, but the Yeagy brothers remained in the community doing construction and farming.James Sawyer moved his furniture and undertaking business into the Yeagy store building in 1904.The store would later be occupied by Western Light and Telephone (-1951), Skogmos clothing store (1952-1976), Gary’s Western Auto (1976-1985) and Little Lambs preschool.

Nonprofit seeks to save downtown Plainville building

PHILLIPSBURG —&nbsp;When the chutes open for the 92nd&nbsp;annual Kansas Biggest Rodeo, more than 525 cowboys and cowgirls will be ready to rope, run, and ride.

Out of the fourteen champions from last year’s Phillipsburg Rodeo, eight return to defend their titles.

The Waverly, Kan. bareback rider is ranked seventh in the world standings and is having one of the best years of his young career.

A graduate of Missouri Valley College in Marshall, Mo., he is in his second year of pro rodeo competition as a member. He competed at the 2020 Wrangler National Finals Rodeo, and had a good winter, but in March a back injury took him out of competition for two months. His L5 vertebrae was broken, so he took time off for it to heal.&nbsp;

Last year, his 89.5-point ride on Beutler and Son Rodeo’s Nutrena’s Anything Goes won him a Phillipsburg Rodeo title.&nbsp;

Shane O’Connell won the 2019 Phillipsburg rodeo on the same horse, with a score of 89 points.

“I had a really good horse of Bennie’s (Beutler),” he said. “I knew they’d won the rodeo on him last year. I was pretty excited to see my name” next to the horse’s.

Pope, who is 22 years old, is up in Phillipsburg on Saturday, August 7. He loves getting on Beutler and Son bucking horses.

“A lot of people don’t like getting on Bennie’s best (horses) because they really buck. He’s more of an eliminator pen type of guy than he is for hoppers (horses that hop instead of buck).&nbsp;

“I’d just as soon get on Bennie’s buckers than I would somebody else’s hoppers.”

Barrel racer Shelley Morgan returns to Phillipsburg not only as the defending champion, but as the cowgirl in the No. 1 spot in the WPRA barrel racing world standings.

The Eustace, Texas, cowgirl had a good winter, winning money at the RAM National Circuit Finals Rodeo in April, which “gave me a kick start for my year,” she said.&nbsp;

She rode her horse Kinda Heavenly, “Phoebe”, in the spring, which gave her primary horse, HR Famekissandtell, “Kiss,” a break.&nbsp;

“I was able to bring Kiss back this summer, fresh, and so far, she hasn’t disappointed. She’s done really well this summer.”&nbsp;

Kiss, who is a 7 year-old mare, tries hard at every rodeo, Morgan said. She’s also a “little diva,” she said. “She knows she’s special and she knows she’s loved.” Kiss was the horse Morgan rode for her 2020 Phillipsburg win.&nbsp;

The barrel racer is careful where she competes with her horses, preferring good ground conditions. She commended Phillipsburg for the ground being right during slack. “They have it ready for slack,” she said. “Some rodeos don’t, and that makes a difference in barrel racing.

“I want the ground to be safe for Kiss. We love her, and we don’t want to hurt her, and we take care of her. I’m not worried about me as much as I am for her.”&nbsp;

Morgan will compete during slack on Wednesday, August 4.&nbsp;

The other 2020 Phillipsburg Rodeo champions who return to compete this year include Clayton Hass (all-around, steer wrestling); Tyler Worley (team roping); Ryan Jarrett and Stetson Vest (tied in the tie-down roping); and Shad Winn (bull riding).&nbsp;

Out of the cowboys ranked number one in the world standings as of press time, five of them will compete in Phillipsburg. They are Tim O’Connell (bareback riding); Jacob Talley (steer wrestling); Dustin Equsquiza (team roping); Morgan in the barrel racing, and Sage Kimzey (bull riding.)&nbsp;

The Phillipsburg rodeo runs August 5-7, with performances beginning at 8 pm each night.

Slack, the extra competition that doesn’t fit into the performances, is at 7 pm on August 3 and 4 and is free to the public.

Tickets can be purchased at&nbsp;<a href="http://kansasbiggestrodeo.com/">KansasBiggestRodeo.com</a>,at Heritage Insurance (685 Third Street, Phillipsburg, 785.543.2448), and at the gate.&nbsp;

Tickets range in price from $11-$18, plus a convenience fee.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/8/1627913183603.jpeg" alt="esse Pope grins as he holds the buckle he won for being the 2020 Kansas Biggest Rodeo bareback riding champion. The Waverly, Kan. cowboy returns to Phillipsburg to ride on Saturday, August 7." />
 <figcaption>esse Pope grins as he holds the buckle he won for being the 2020 Kansas Biggest Rodeo bareback riding champion. The Waverly, Kan. cowboy returns to Phillipsburg to ride on Saturday, August 7.</figcaption>
 </figure>News releasePHILLIPSBURG —&nbsp;When the chutes open for the 92nd&nbsp;annual Kansas Biggest Rodeo, more than 525 cowboys and cowgirls will be ready to rope, run, and ride.Out of the fourteen champions from last year’s Phillipsburg Rodeo, eight return to defend their titles.One of them is Kansas cowboy Jesse Pope.The Waverly, Kan. bareback rider is ranked seventh in the world standings and is having one of the best years of his young career.A graduate of Missouri Valley College in Marshall, Mo., he is in his second year of pro rodeo competition as a member. He competed at the 2020 Wrangler National Finals Rodeo, and had a good winter, but in March a back injury took him out of competition for two months. His L5 vertebrae was broken, so he took time off for it to heal.&nbsp;Last year, his 89.5-point ride on Beutler and Son Rodeo’s Nutrena’s Anything Goes won him a Phillipsburg Rodeo title.&nbsp;Shane O’Connell won the 2019 Phillipsburg rodeo on the same horse, with a score of 89 points.“I had a really good horse of Bennie’s (Beutler),” he said. “I knew they’d won the rodeo on him last year. I was pretty excited to see my name” next to the horse’s.Pope, who is 22 years old, is up in Phillipsburg on Saturday, August 7. He loves getting on Beutler and Son bucking horses.“A lot of people don’t like getting on Bennie’s best (horses) because they really buck. He’s more of an eliminator pen type of guy than he is for hoppers (horses that hop instead of buck).&nbsp;“I’d just as soon get on Bennie’s buckers than I would somebody else’s hoppers.”<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/8/1627913265380.jpeg" alt="The No. 1 barrel racer in the WPRA world standings, Shelley Morgan, is also the 2020 Kansas Biggest Rodeo champion. The Eustace, Texas cowgirl will compete at this year’s rodeo." />
 <figcaption>The No. 1 barrel racer in the WPRA world standings, Shelley Morgan, is also the 2020 Kansas Biggest Rodeo champion. The Eustace, Texas cowgirl will compete at this year’s rodeo.</figcaption>
 </figure>Barrel racer Shelley Morgan returns to Phillipsburg not only as the defending champion, but as the cowgirl in the No. 1 spot in the WPRA barrel racing world standings.The Eustace, Texas, cowgirl had a good winter, winning money at the RAM National Circuit Finals Rodeo in April, which “gave me a kick start for my year,” she said.&nbsp;She rode her horse Kinda Heavenly, “Phoebe”, in the spring, which gave her primary horse, HR Famekissandtell, “Kiss,” a break.&nbsp;“I was able to bring Kiss back this summer, fresh, and so far, she hasn’t disappointed. She’s done really well this summer.”&nbsp;Kiss, who is a 7 year-old mare, tries hard at every rodeo, Morgan said. She’s also a “little diva,” she said. “She knows she’s special and she knows she’s loved.” Kiss was the horse Morgan rode for her 2020 Phillipsburg win.&nbsp;The barrel racer is careful where she competes with her horses, preferring good ground conditions. She commended Phillipsburg for the ground being right during slack. “They have it ready for slack,” she said. “Some rodeos don’t, and that makes a difference in barrel racing.“I want the ground to be safe for Kiss. We love her, and we don’t want to hurt her, and we take care of her. I’m not worried about me as much as I am for her.”&nbsp;Morgan will compete during slack on Wednesday, August 4.&nbsp;The other 2020 Phillipsburg Rodeo champions who return to compete this year include Clayton Hass (all-around, steer wrestling); Tyler Worley (team roping); Ryan Jarrett and Stetson Vest (tied in the tie-down roping); and Shad Winn (bull riding).&nbsp;Out of the cowboys ranked number one in the world standings as of press time, five of them will compete in Phillipsburg. They are Tim O’Connell (bareback riding); Jacob Talley (steer wrestling); Dustin Equsquiza (team roping); Morgan in the barrel racing, and Sage Kimzey (bull riding.)&nbsp;The Phillipsburg rodeo runs August 5-7, with performances beginning at 8 pm each night.Slack, the extra competition that doesn’t fit into the performances, is at 7 pm on August 3 and 4 and is free to the public.Tickets can be purchased at&nbsp;<a href="http://kansasbiggestrodeo.com/">KansasBiggestRodeo.com</a>,at Heritage Insurance (685 Third Street, Phillipsburg, 785.543.2448), and at the gate.&nbsp;Tickets range in price from $11-$18, plus a convenience fee.

Phillipsburg rodeo kicks off with 525 cowboys, cowgirls in attendance 

By GREG DOERING Kansas Farm Bureau My wife and I have had a busy summer of traveling to places both old and new, near and far. Some of the routes were committed to memory long ago while the new ones required some navigational assistance from modern mapping software. Plugging an address into your phone and setting off on the highway is a far cry from the navigating done on family trips during my childhood. Instead of turn-by-turn directions, finding your way often included turn-back instructions, as in “We should have turned back there.” Early August is the prime season for similar family vacations. Summer activities like sports and 4-H projects are winding down, leaving a brief gap before school starts again. Fall crops aren’t quite ripe and cattle not headed to market still have plenty of grass. It’s as perfect of time as any to get away, especially if you don’t like the heat and humidity in Kansas this time of year. There are certainly advantages to having GPS-enabled gadgets at the ready when setting off on a new adventure, but they also come with some handicaps as anyone who’s ever been directed down a minimum-maintenance road can attest. It’s a good reminder that maps are not the terrain. While there are a variety of options to get you where you’re going today, as a child I know of only one ruler of the road — the Rand McNally Road Atlas. The tattered copy stuffed in a pocket of the station wagon often served as entertainment on family trips. Thumbing through the collection of charts wasn’t as passive as watching the latest Disney cartoon on a screen, but it broke up long stretches of boredom and likely prevented multiple fights with my brother. At the front of the atlas was a map of the Interstate Highway System, an enduring legacy of President Dwight D. Eisenhower. It offered both clarity and distortion. In the center of it all was Kansas with New York just a few inches to our right and the Pacific Ocean a few inches to the left. The broad perspective of the nationwide map narrowed as the pages progressed. State maps included interstates in dark bold coloring denoting their importance. Other federal highways were slightly lighter followed by state highways. At the back, cities of a sufficient size received their own detailed charts allowing me to explore the granular details of places like Chicago, New York and Miami. Maps are fantastic tools for charting a course in the future, they’re also excellent for telling you where you are and where you’ve been. One appeal of maps is how they allow us to orient ourselves in this grand world while also taking all the complexity present in our three dimensions and simplify time, distance and terrain onto a flat surface. This simplification allows us to recall the past, chart the future or center ourselves in the present. With modern technology, we’re always just a few clicks away from looking up the neighborhoods we grew up in or finding the perfect beach for that next vacation. But these replicas aren’t reality. There’s no nostalgia for places you’ve never been, and the lure of daydreams is the possibility of seeing and hearing and feeling something new. For all that maps allow us to see, you’ll miss the adventure if all you do is connect dots on a page.

"Insight" is a weekly column published by Kansas Farm Bureau, the state's largest farm organization whose mission is to strengthen agriculture and the lives of Kansans through advocacy, education and service.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/11/1574694551876.png" alt="Greg Doering&nbsp;" />
 <figcaption>Greg Doering&nbsp;</figcaption>
 </figure>By GREG DOERING Kansas Farm Bureau My wife and I have had a busy summer of traveling to places both old and new, near and far. Some of the routes were committed to memory long ago while the new ones required some navigational assistance from modern mapping software. Plugging an address into your phone and setting off on the highway is a far cry from the navigating done on family trips during my childhood. Instead of turn-by-turn directions, finding your way often included turn-back instructions, as in “We should have turned back there.” Early August is the prime season for similar family vacations. Summer activities like sports and 4-H projects are winding down, leaving a brief gap before school starts again. Fall crops aren’t quite ripe and cattle not headed to market still have plenty of grass. It’s as perfect of time as any to get away, especially if you don’t like the heat and humidity in Kansas this time of year. There are certainly advantages to having GPS-enabled gadgets at the ready when setting off on a new adventure, but they also come with some handicaps as anyone who’s ever been directed down a minimum-maintenance road can attest. It’s a good reminder that maps are not the terrain. While there are a variety of options to get you where you’re going today, as a child I know of only one ruler of the road — the Rand McNally Road Atlas. The tattered copy stuffed in a pocket of the station wagon often served as entertainment on family trips. Thumbing through the collection of charts wasn’t as passive as watching the latest Disney cartoon on a screen, but it broke up long stretches of boredom and likely prevented multiple fights with my brother. At the front of the atlas was a map of the Interstate Highway System, an enduring legacy of President Dwight D. Eisenhower. It offered both clarity and distortion. In the center of it all was Kansas with New York just a few inches to our right and the Pacific Ocean a few inches to the left. The broad perspective of the nationwide map narrowed as the pages progressed. State maps included interstates in dark bold coloring denoting their importance. Other federal highways were slightly lighter followed by state highways. At the back, cities of a sufficient size received their own detailed charts allowing me to explore the granular details of places like Chicago, New York and Miami. Maps are fantastic tools for charting a course in the future, they’re also excellent for telling you where you are and where you’ve been. One appeal of maps is how they allow us to orient ourselves in this grand world while also taking all the complexity present in our three dimensions and simplify time, distance and terrain onto a flat surface. This simplification allows us to recall the past, chart the future or center ourselves in the present. With modern technology, we’re always just a few clicks away from looking up the neighborhoods we grew up in or finding the perfect beach for that next vacation. But these replicas aren’t reality. There’s no nostalgia for places you’ve never been, and the lure of daydreams is the possibility of seeing and hearing and feeling something new. For all that maps allow us to see, you’ll miss the adventure if all you do is connect dots on a page."Insight" is a weekly column published by Kansas Farm Bureau, the state's largest farm organization whose mission is to strengthen agriculture and the lives of Kansans through advocacy, education and service.&nbsp;

Kansas Farm Bureau Insight: Map dots and beyond

Eagle Radio of Hays on-air professionals have been honored in the 2021 Kansas Association of Broadcasters' Excellence in Broadcasting awards.

In the medium-market radio division, the following Eagle employee-owners were honored:

Gerard Wellbrock, first place, Complete Sportscast,&nbsp;Mix 103 Sports Update - KJLS (Mix 103)

Jonathan Zweygardt, honorable mention, Complete Sportscast,&nbsp;KAYS Morning Sports - KAYS (94.3 FM, 1400 AM)

Gerard Wellbrock, first place, Sports Play-By-Play,&nbsp;Fort Hays State Basketball - KJLS (Mix 103)

Jeff Leiker, honorable mention, Special Program,&nbsp;St. Patty's Day Special - KJLS (Mix 103)

Dustin Armbruster and Mike Holliday, second place, DJ Personality Air Check,&nbsp;The Bull Morning Show - KKQY (101.9 The Bull)

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/8/1628003753776.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Eagle Radio of Hays on-air professionals have been honored in the 2021 Kansas Association of Broadcasters' Excellence in Broadcasting awards.In the medium-market radio division, the following Eagle employee-owners were honored:Gerard Wellbrock, first place, Complete Sportscast,&nbsp;Mix 103 Sports Update - KJLS (Mix 103)<div><iframe width="100%" height="300" scrolling="no" frameborder="no" allow="autoplay" src="https://w.soundcloud.com/player/?url=https%3A//api.soundcloud.com/tracks/1099518517&color=%23ff5500&auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false&show_teaser=true&visual=true"></iframe><div style="font-size: 10px; color: #cccccc;line-break: anywhere;word-break: normal;overflow: hidden;white-space: nowrap;text-overflow: ellipsis; font-family: Interstate,Lucida Grande,Lucida Sans Unicode,Lucida Sans,Garuda,Verdana,Tahoma,sans-serif;font-weight: 100;"><a href="https://soundcloud.com/user-814667509" title="Eagle Radio" target="_blank" style="color: #cccccc; text-decoration: none;">Eagle Radio</a> · <a href="https://soundcloud.com/user-814667509/1st-gerard-wellbrock-mix-103-sports-update-kjls-mix-103" title="1st - Gerard Wellbrock - Mix 103 Sports Update - KJLS (Mix 103)" target="_blank" style="color: #cccccc; text-decoration: none;">1st - Gerard Wellbrock - Mix 103 Sports Update - KJLS (Mix 103)</a></div></div>Jonathan Zweygardt, honorable mention, Complete Sportscast,&nbsp;KAYS Morning Sports - KAYS (94.3 FM, 1400 AM)<div><iframe width="100%" height="300" scrolling="no" frameborder="no" allow="autoplay" src="https://w.soundcloud.com/player/?url=https%3A//api.soundcloud.com/tracks/1099517476&color=%23ff5500&auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false&show_teaser=true&visual=true"></iframe><div style="font-size: 10px; color: #cccccc;line-break: anywhere;word-break: normal;overflow: hidden;white-space: nowrap;text-overflow: ellipsis; font-family: Interstate,Lucida Grande,Lucida Sans Unicode,Lucida Sans,Garuda,Verdana,Tahoma,sans-serif;font-weight: 100;"><a href="https://soundcloud.com/user-814667509" title="Eagle Radio" target="_blank" style="color: #cccccc; text-decoration: none;">Eagle Radio</a> · <a href="https://soundcloud.com/user-814667509/hm-jonathan-zweygardt-kays-morning-sports-kays-943-fm-1400-am" title="HM - Jonathan Zweygardt - KAYS Morning Sports - KAYS (94.3 FM, 1400 AM)" target="_blank" style="color: #cccccc; text-decoration: none;">HM - Jonathan Zweygardt - KAYS Morning Sports - KAYS (94.3 FM, 1400 AM)</a></div></div>Gerard Wellbrock, first place, Sports Play-By-Play,&nbsp;Fort Hays State Basketball - KJLS (Mix 103)<div><iframe width="100%" height="300" scrolling="no" frameborder="no" allow="autoplay" src="https://w.soundcloud.com/player/?url=https%3A//api.soundcloud.com/tracks/1099519174&color=%23ff5500&auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false&show_teaser=true&visual=true"></iframe><div style="font-size: 10px; color: #cccccc;line-break: anywhere;word-break: normal;overflow: hidden;white-space: nowrap;text-overflow: ellipsis; font-family: Interstate,Lucida Grande,Lucida Sans Unicode,Lucida Sans,Garuda,Verdana,Tahoma,sans-serif;font-weight: 100;"><a href="https://soundcloud.com/user-814667509" title="Eagle Radio" target="_blank" style="color: #cccccc; text-decoration: none;">Eagle Radio</a> · <a href="https://soundcloud.com/user-814667509/1st-gerard-wellbrock-fort-hays-state-basketball-kjls-mix-103" title="1st - Gerard Wellbrock - Fort Hays State Basketball - KJLS (Mix 103)" target="_blank" style="color: #cccccc; text-decoration: none;">1st - Gerard Wellbrock - Fort Hays State Basketball - KJLS (Mix 103)</a></div></div>Jeff Leiker, honorable mention, Special Program,&nbsp;St. Patty's Day Special - KJLS (Mix 103)<div><iframe width="100%" height="300" scrolling="no" frameborder="no" allow="autoplay" src="https://w.soundcloud.com/player/?url=https%3A//api.soundcloud.com/tracks/1099519663&color=%23ff5500&auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false&show_teaser=true&visual=true"></iframe><div style="font-size: 10px; color: #cccccc;line-break: anywhere;word-break: normal;overflow: hidden;white-space: nowrap;text-overflow: ellipsis; font-family: Interstate,Lucida Grande,Lucida Sans Unicode,Lucida Sans,Garuda,Verdana,Tahoma,sans-serif;font-weight: 100;"><a href="https://soundcloud.com/user-814667509" title="Eagle Radio" target="_blank" style="color: #cccccc; text-decoration: none;">Eagle Radio</a> · <a href="https://soundcloud.com/user-814667509/hm-jeff-leiker-st-pattys-day-special-kjls-mix-103" title="HM - Jeff Leiker - St. Patty&#x27;s Day Special - KJLS (Mix 103)" target="_blank" style="color: #cccccc; text-decoration: none;">HM - Jeff Leiker - St. Patty&#x27;s Day Special - KJLS (Mix 103)</a></div></div>Dustin Armbruster and Mike Holliday, second place, DJ Personality Air Check,&nbsp;The Bull Morning Show - KKQY (101.9 The Bull)<div><iframe width="100%" height="300" scrolling="no" frameborder="no" allow="autoplay" src="https://w.soundcloud.com/player/?url=https%3A//api.soundcloud.com/tracks/1099520416&color=%23ff5500&auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false&show_teaser=true&visual=true"></iframe><div style="font-size: 10px; color: #cccccc;line-break: anywhere;word-break: normal;overflow: hidden;white-space: nowrap;text-overflow: ellipsis; font-family: Interstate,Lucida Grande,Lucida Sans Unicode,Lucida Sans,Garuda,Verdana,Tahoma,sans-serif;font-weight: 100;"><a href="https://soundcloud.com/user-814667509" title="Eagle Radio" target="_blank" style="color: #cccccc; text-decoration: none;">Eagle Radio</a> · <a href="https://soundcloud.com/user-814667509/2nd-dustin-armbruster-mike-holliday-the-bull-morning-show-kkqy-1019-the-bull" title="2nd - Dustin Armbruster, Mike Holliday - The Bull Morning Show - KKQY (101.9 The Bull)" target="_blank" style="color: #cccccc; text-decoration: none;">2nd - Dustin Armbruster, Mike Holliday - The Bull Morning Show - KKQY (101.9 The Bull)</a></div></div>

Eagle broadcasters earn honors in 2021 KAB awards

Three-day weather outlook

I met Bev Hilbish at a recent youth event called Exploring the Great Outdoors, EGO for short, at the Flint Hills Mall in Emporia. Joyce and I represented the Kansas Fur Harvesters Assn. with a display of Kansas fur pelts and trapping information. EGO was hosted by Twin Rivers Junior Shooting Sports from Emporia.&nbsp;

If anyone ever had a reason to take a stand against guns, it would be Bev Hilbish. When she was 18, she was in church with her dad and two sisters, when a man burst through the side door of the church with a gun and began indiscriminately shooting, wounding her and killing her dad. She told reporters back then, “I don’t think it’s the guns that kill, it’s the people behind em,’ the evil, the hatred and the anger of those people.”&nbsp; Today, Bev, her husband John and daughters Jessica and Megan are staunch advocates for teaching youth safe and responsible use of guns, and for shooting sports.

Both Hilbish girls were very involved with shooting sports in 4H, which also included junior leadership training, teaching them skills to become leaders in life. Megan is a decorated shooter who has won Kansas Junior Olympic championships 6 times. Both are avid hunters too, as their dad strapped them to a backpack and took them hunting with him when they were very little.

The Hilbish family was aware of an arm of the Friends of the NRA that supported and helped finance junior shooting sports programs through annual banquets and fundraisers. It frustrated them, however, that money raised was distributed beyond local clubs and programs, and that a percentage of funds raised always went toward administration at the national level. Eager to see locally-raised funds used to support only local shooting sports programs, and to be free of national guidelines, including administration costs, Twin Rivers Junior Shooting Sports was formed in 2011 by a group belonging to Lyon County 4H shooting sports, including the Hilbish family. &nbsp;

Twin Rivers Junior Shooting Sports supports any youth organizations in Emporia and the surrounding area that offer archery and firearms programs for youth. They first tried fundraiser banquets, but now obtain funds mainly through gun raffles and direct donations.&nbsp;

EGO was their first attempt at that kind of event. It included displays from the Fire, Police and Sheriff’s departments of Emporia and Lyon Co., a martial arts group, representatives from Kansas Dept of Wildlife, Parks and Tourism (KDWPT) Fish Kansas, Boy and Girl Scouts, people from KS Bow Hunters, KS Muzzleloaders and KS Fur Harvesters, and the National Wild Turkey Federation. Both an archery and an air rifle range were also set up and run by Twin Rivers. Each kid was given a card listing all the above, and as they visited each booth and display, their card was checked, allowing them to be entered for prize drawings. Also, kudos to Clarence Frye, manager of the Flint Hills Mall for allowing the group to have the event there and to set up the archery and air rifle ranges. Frye got involved with the Kansas Hunting and Fishing Expo that was held there at the mall some years ago, and told me “I absolutely believe all kids should know how to hunt and fish.”&nbsp;

The keys to keeping our rights to own and to use guns for hunting, for protection and for sport shooting, are keeping guns out of the hands of those that should not have them, and teaching our youth responsible gun use and gun safety. 4H shooting sports programs are an excellent way to do all of that, and Kansas should be proud to be the home of organizations like Twin Rivers Junior Shooting Sports that work hard to help those programs thrive. Check out their website <a href="http://www.twinriversshootingsports.com">www.twinriversshootingsports.com</a>, and their Facebook page…

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>I met Bev Hilbish at a recent youth event called Exploring the Great Outdoors, EGO for short, at the Flint Hills Mall in Emporia. Joyce and I represented the Kansas Fur Harvesters Assn. with a display of Kansas fur pelts and trapping information. EGO was hosted by Twin Rivers Junior Shooting Sports from Emporia.&nbsp;If anyone ever had a reason to take a stand against guns, it would be Bev Hilbish. When she was 18, she was in church with her dad and two sisters, when a man burst through the side door of the church with a gun and began indiscriminately shooting, wounding her and killing her dad. She told reporters back then, “I don’t think it’s the guns that kill, it’s the people behind em,’ the evil, the hatred and the anger of those people.”&nbsp; Today, Bev, her husband John and daughters Jessica and Megan are staunch advocates for teaching youth safe and responsible use of guns, and for shooting sports.Both Hilbish girls were very involved with shooting sports in 4H, which also included junior leadership training, teaching them skills to become leaders in life. Megan is a decorated shooter who has won Kansas Junior Olympic championships 6 times. Both are avid hunters too, as their dad strapped them to a backpack and took them hunting with him when they were very little.The Hilbish family was aware of an arm of the Friends of the NRA that supported and helped finance junior shooting sports programs through annual banquets and fundraisers. It frustrated them, however, that money raised was distributed beyond local clubs and programs, and that a percentage of funds raised always went toward administration at the national level. Eager to see locally-raised funds used to support only local shooting sports programs, and to be free of national guidelines, including administration costs, Twin Rivers Junior Shooting Sports was formed in 2011 by a group belonging to Lyon County 4H shooting sports, including the Hilbish family. &nbsp;Twin Rivers Junior Shooting Sports supports any youth organizations in Emporia and the surrounding area that offer archery and firearms programs for youth. They first tried fundraiser banquets, but now obtain funds mainly through gun raffles and direct donations.&nbsp;EGO was their first attempt at that kind of event. It included displays from the Fire, Police and Sheriff’s departments of Emporia and Lyon Co., a martial arts group, representatives from Kansas Dept of Wildlife, Parks and Tourism (KDWPT) Fish Kansas, Boy and Girl Scouts, people from KS Bow Hunters, KS Muzzleloaders and KS Fur Harvesters, and the National Wild Turkey Federation. Both an archery and an air rifle range were also set up and run by Twin Rivers. Each kid was given a card listing all the above, and as they visited each booth and display, their card was checked, allowing them to be entered for prize drawings. Also, kudos to Clarence Frye, manager of the Flint Hills Mall for allowing the group to have the event there and to set up the archery and air rifle ranges. Frye got involved with the Kansas Hunting and Fishing Expo that was held there at the mall some years ago, and told me “I absolutely believe all kids should know how to hunt and fish.”&nbsp;The keys to keeping our rights to own and to use guns for hunting, for protection and for sport shooting, are keeping guns out of the hands of those that should not have them, and teaching our youth responsible gun use and gun safety. 4H shooting sports programs are an excellent way to do all of that, and Kansas should be proud to be the home of organizations like Twin Rivers Junior Shooting Sports that work hard to help those programs thrive. Check out their website <a href="http://www.twinriversshootingsports.com">www.twinriversshootingsports.com</a>, and their Facebook page…Continue to Explore Kansas Outdoors.Steve Gilliland, Inman, can be contacted by email at stevenrgilliland@gmail.com.

Exploring Outdoors Kansas: Twin Rivers Junior Shooting Sports

For the third consecutive year,&nbsp;<a href="https://go.nex-tech.com/e2t/tc/VVnbsl8YpCqmW5V1SHK3xL4qlW3Jh9SL4vPk6ZN7-7xxS5nxG7V3Zsc37CgNQTV1gBv-9d4PZdW1y-kj169w7ktW1XSDqy14RYbZW8kRvBD6rXXRwW844D418LkxNGW108bnh4hJ20TW62YWXp1MlHGMW1pTWkk58DY4QW6lHh897JZ2QtW1krq--7sGtywN5Crb52zM8znW7qSTrk7-L-8YW81YnJL35-_3pW1_m3HW8cbMtXW5MT2DD37253KW1VSbXT4cWCgtW4N5g8Z4Ff0ZhW5G68TQ8wVvWvW2T2RZJ2_96rjW3HK9m778hlWMW4rrtYX5Tr3tGW32MsrQ6g9FrLW6LZhV45cTkqyW2kh0KK2kY_tTW4QLd6q5V5bRgW4Nqjwh55bYlKW8JLfL72prxNQW79plwN7KBkyNW68WgY72KPJ-PVzTmlh77vNBkV4byzj8VgSVBN2khyqfTyJJZ3jKg1" target="_blank">Channel Futures</a>&nbsp;ranked Nex-Tech as a leader among Managed Service Providers (MSP). Nex-Tech’s position at #238 of 501 places the telecommunications company as a top rural technology provider amongst a field of premier global companies.

Annually, the Channel Futures MSP 501 survey analyzes applications from elite members of the technology industry. The survey evaluates companies’ reports of product offerings, growth rates, annual total and recurring revenues, pricing structures, and revenue mix. The culture of constant change within the telecommunications industry provides further basis for evaluation.&nbsp;In ranking based upon adaptability, MSP 501 survey methodology considers innovation of technology solutions as well as company and customer demographics. This year’s evaluation of elements contributing to long-term viability and efficiency analyzed a record number of applicants. Channel Futures selected Nex-Tech for the list in its most competitive year on record.

“Providing an exceptional product suite in tandem with unparalleled support to our customers is key to our continued success as an MSP,” says Nex-Tech CEO and General Manager Jimmy Todd. “As a rural technology provider, recognition alongside global providers on the Channel Futures MSP 501 list is an honor and a tribute to our team and their dedication to excellence.”

Over the 15 years since its inception, the MSP 501 has developed from its origin as a competitive ranking list. Today, the organization operates as a group of dynamic innovators focused on the growth of technology services and offerings to providers, vendors, distributors, consultants, and industry analysts.&nbsp;Contributors represent businesses of all sizes and collaborate to meet customer needs in the ever-evolving environment of global technological development.

“The 2021 Channel Futures MSP 501 winners are the highest-performing and most innovative IT providers in the industry today. They stand head and shoulders above the competition,” said Robert DeMarzo, vice president of content for the Channel Futures and Channel Partners Conference &amp; Expo division of Informa Tech Channels. “Coordinated by Channel Futures MSP 501 editor Allison Francis, this year’s list was clearly one of the best ever on record.”

“Vendors that are aligned with the Channel Futures MSP 501 are driving a new wave of innovation in the industry. Through their partnerships they are demonstrating a commitment to moving the MSP and entire channel forward,” said Kelly Danziger, general manager of Informa Tech Channels. “We extend our heartfelt&nbsp;congratulations&nbsp;to the 2021 winners and gratitude to the thousands of MSPs that have contributed to the continuing growth and success of the managed services sector.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/10/1601562391147.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>BUSINESS NEWSFor the third consecutive year,&nbsp;<a href="https://go.nex-tech.com/e2t/tc/VVnbsl8YpCqmW5V1SHK3xL4qlW3Jh9SL4vPk6ZN7-7xxS5nxG7V3Zsc37CgNQTV1gBv-9d4PZdW1y-kj169w7ktW1XSDqy14RYbZW8kRvBD6rXXRwW844D418LkxNGW108bnh4hJ20TW62YWXp1MlHGMW1pTWkk58DY4QW6lHh897JZ2QtW1krq--7sGtywN5Crb52zM8znW7qSTrk7-L-8YW81YnJL35-_3pW1_m3HW8cbMtXW5MT2DD37253KW1VSbXT4cWCgtW4N5g8Z4Ff0ZhW5G68TQ8wVvWvW2T2RZJ2_96rjW3HK9m778hlWMW4rrtYX5Tr3tGW32MsrQ6g9FrLW6LZhV45cTkqyW2kh0KK2kY_tTW4QLd6q5V5bRgW4Nqjwh55bYlKW8JLfL72prxNQW79plwN7KBkyNW68WgY72KPJ-PVzTmlh77vNBkV4byzj8VgSVBN2khyqfTyJJZ3jKg1" target="_blank">Channel Futures</a>&nbsp;ranked Nex-Tech as a leader among Managed Service Providers (MSP). Nex-Tech’s position at #238 of 501 places the telecommunications company as a top rural technology provider amongst a field of premier global companies.Annually, the Channel Futures MSP 501 survey analyzes applications from elite members of the technology industry. The survey evaluates companies’ reports of product offerings, growth rates, annual total and recurring revenues, pricing structures, and revenue mix. The culture of constant change within the telecommunications industry provides further basis for evaluation.&nbsp;In ranking based upon adaptability, MSP 501 survey methodology considers innovation of technology solutions as well as company and customer demographics. This year’s evaluation of elements contributing to long-term viability and efficiency analyzed a record number of applicants. Channel Futures selected Nex-Tech for the list in its most competitive year on record.“Providing an exceptional product suite in tandem with unparalleled support to our customers is key to our continued success as an MSP,” says Nex-Tech CEO and General Manager Jimmy Todd. “As a rural technology provider, recognition alongside global providers on the Channel Futures MSP 501 list is an honor and a tribute to our team and their dedication to excellence.”Over the 15 years since its inception, the MSP 501 has developed from its origin as a competitive ranking list. Today, the organization operates as a group of dynamic innovators focused on the growth of technology services and offerings to providers, vendors, distributors, consultants, and industry analysts.&nbsp;Contributors represent businesses of all sizes and collaborate to meet customer needs in the ever-evolving environment of global technological development.“The 2021 Channel Futures MSP 501 winners are the highest-performing and most innovative IT providers in the industry today. They stand head and shoulders above the competition,” said Robert DeMarzo, vice president of content for the Channel Futures and Channel Partners Conference &amp; Expo division of Informa Tech Channels. “Coordinated by Channel Futures MSP 501 editor Allison Francis, this year’s list was clearly one of the best ever on record.”“Vendors that are aligned with the Channel Futures MSP 501 are driving a new wave of innovation in the industry. Through their partnerships they are demonstrating a commitment to moving the MSP and entire channel forward,” said Kelly Danziger, general manager of Informa Tech Channels. “We extend our heartfelt&nbsp;congratulations&nbsp;to the 2021 winners and gratitude to the thousands of MSPs that have contributed to the continuing growth and success of the managed services sector.”

Nex-Tech ranked one of tech industry’s 501 most elite providers

The Hays Police Department Animal Control has been alerted to an outbreak of kennel cough in dogs in the Hays area.

Area
 vets have seen an increase in cases of kennel cough over the last 
month, with most of the patients being up to date with their current 
Bordetella vaccinations.

Kennel
 cough symptoms include a persistent, forceful cough that often sounds 
like a goose honk. &nbsp;Other symptoms of the illness could include 
sneezing, a runny nose, eye discharge, loss of appetite and a decrease 
in energy level. &nbsp;&nbsp;

We
 encourage you to make sure that your dogs are currently vaccinated with
 Bordetella, as having the vaccination may keep the symptoms to a 
minimum. &nbsp;Kennel cough is spread through inhaling the virus particles.&nbsp;

Please
 avoid taking your dog to areas where they will be in close contact with
 other dogs to avoid continued spread of the outbreak. Signs have been 
placed at the Dog Park cautioning owners about the outbreak and the use 
of the Dog Park.&nbsp;

Most times dogs will recover without treatment; however, it is a good idea to contact your veterinarian with concerns. &nbsp;

If
 your dog appears to have any of the symptoms listed above, please keep 
the dog away from all other dogs until the virus has run its course in 
your canine.

City of HaysThe Hays Police Department Animal Control has been alerted to an outbreak of kennel cough in dogs in the Hays area.Area
 vets have seen an increase in cases of kennel cough over the last 
month, with most of the patients being up to date with their current 
Bordetella vaccinations.Kennel
 cough symptoms include a persistent, forceful cough that often sounds 
like a goose honk. &nbsp;Other symptoms of the illness could include 
sneezing, a runny nose, eye discharge, loss of appetite and a decrease 
in energy level. &nbsp;&nbsp;We
 encourage you to make sure that your dogs are currently vaccinated with
 Bordetella, as having the vaccination may keep the symptoms to a 
minimum. &nbsp;Kennel cough is spread through inhaling the virus particles.&nbsp;Please
 avoid taking your dog to areas where they will be in close contact with
 other dogs to avoid continued spread of the outbreak. Signs have been 
placed at the Dog Park cautioning owners about the outbreak and the use 
of the Dog Park.&nbsp;Most times dogs will recover without treatment; however, it is a good idea to contact your veterinarian with concerns. &nbsp;If
 your dog appears to have any of the symptoms listed above, please keep 
the dog away from all other dogs until the virus has run its course in 
your canine.Cover photo courtesy Pixabay

Animal Control: Outbreak of kennel cough in dogs in Hays area

On this episode of the Post Podcast Hays Chamber president and CEO Sarah Wasinger shares information about their upcoming Business Showcase, along with premier sponsor, Premier Business Management owner Wendy Armbruster.

<div><iframe title="Preparations underway for the next Hays Chamber Business Showcase" 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=uzhms-10a63aa-pb&from=pb6admin&square=1&share=1&download=1&rtl=0&fonts=Arial&skin=3267a3&font-color=auto&btn-skin=3267a3&size=450" allowfullscreen=""></iframe></div>On this episode of the Post Podcast Hays Chamber president and CEO Sarah Wasinger shares information about their upcoming Business Showcase, along with premier sponsor, Premier Business Management owner Wendy Armbruster. <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>

🎙Post Podcast: Preparations underway for chamber Business Showcase

By
NICK GOSNELL Hutch Post


HUTCHINSON,
Kan. — The economy continues to bounce back, according to a survey released Monday by Creighton University economist Ernie Goss. The Mid-America Business Conditions Index continues its stay in a range indicating very strong growth for the next three to six months, but those being surveyed aren't as confident in the long term and Kansas is lagging in one indicator in particular.

"Wage growth is not nearly as strong," Goss said. "In fact, it's ninth in the nine state region. That's simply because Kansas is adding jobs in lower wage sectors."

Goss believes the Federal Reserve is going to have to take some action, or inflation is going to be a big problem.

"They're going to have to cut back on their purchases of mortgage-backed securities," Goss said. "What does that mean? Each month, they are buying $80 billion of U.S. Treasury Bonds, monetizing the debt, buying the debt, supporting government spending. Then, they are buying $40 billion of mortgage-backed securities, which is supporting the housing market. Now, the housing market, in my judgment, doesn't need this much support and $40 billion? They need to cut back right there."

If the fed does not continue the practice, it likely will result in higher long-term interest rates, which means it would cost more to get a mortgage. How much more remains to be seen.

"You keep putting air in that bubble, it's got to go somewhere," Goss said. "It's going to ultimately go up with interest rates, higher prices and/or higher taxes."

The wholesale inflation gauge for the month surged to a record high 98.7 from June’s 98.4, the previous record high.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/6/1622642233344.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>
By
NICK GOSNELL Hutch Post
HUTCHINSON,
Kan. — The economy continues to bounce back, according to a survey released Monday by Creighton University economist Ernie Goss. The Mid-America Business Conditions Index continues its stay in a range indicating very strong growth for the next three to six months, but those being surveyed aren't as confident in the long term and Kansas is lagging in one indicator in particular."Wage growth is not nearly as strong," Goss said. "In fact, it's ninth in the nine state region. That's simply because Kansas is adding jobs in lower wage sectors."Goss believes the Federal Reserve is going to have to take some action, or inflation is going to be a big problem."They're going to have to cut back on their purchases of mortgage-backed securities," Goss said. "What does that mean? Each month, they are buying $80 billion of U.S. Treasury Bonds, monetizing the debt, buying the debt, supporting government spending. Then, they are buying $40 billion of mortgage-backed securities, which is supporting the housing market. Now, the housing market, in my judgment, doesn't need this much support and $40 billion? They need to cut back right there."If the fed does not continue the practice, it likely will result in higher long-term interest rates, which means it would cost more to get a mortgage. How much more remains to be seen."You keep putting air in that bubble, it's got to go somewhere," Goss said. "It's going to ultimately go up with interest rates, higher prices and/or higher taxes."The wholesale inflation gauge for the month surged to a record high 98.7 from June’s 98.4, the previous record high.

Goss: Inflation will be a problem if Fed doesn't act

Just before 5:00 p.m. Monday, a fire sprinkler head has
activated in the server room near the Ellis County Dispatch Center while
working on upgrading a HVAC system. 

Installation technicians were soldering a
wire too close to the sprinkler head causing it to activate, spraying water on
network, server, and phone equipment within the room.

The Hays Fire Department
was immediately dispatched along with building and grounds, public safety, and
information technology personnel to minimize the damage and begin the clean up
process.

 To maintain the 911 phone lines, public safety paging, and radio
communications, dispatch center personnel were transferred to the back-up
dispatch center located at the Hays Fire Department. 

About $2,000 worth of damage was done to equipment owned by the city of Hays, Collin Bielser, asst. city manager, told Hays Post.&nbsp;

"Our IT department was there late into the night repairing and getting things back online. They worked well with Ellis County and everyone else involved.

"It's good to know we have those backup systems in place," Bielser said this morning. "Our emergency services our top-notch."

Ellis County would like to
ensure the public all staff worked their best in this emergent situation and
followed the backup dispatch transfer procedures. 

No emergency phone calls, or
radio traffic were lost, and personnel followed the plan to ensure our high
standard of public safety in Ellis County was maintained. 

Dispatch personnel
will be moving back to the dispatch center at the Ellis County Law Enforcement
Center today to resume normal operations.

 Ellis County would like
to thank the help and quick response from Nex-Tech, Clean-Rite, Pryor Automatic
Fire Sprinklers, both city of Hays and Ellis County IT staff, and maintenance
personnel who all worked into the night to restore systems.

This story was updated 1t 11:55 a.m. Aug. 3 with comments from Collin Bielser, Hays assistant city manager, about the damage to city equipment.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/6/1593005347050.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Ellis CountyJust before 5:00 p.m. Monday, a fire sprinkler head has
activated in the server room near the Ellis County Dispatch Center while
working on upgrading a HVAC system. Installation technicians were soldering a
wire too close to the sprinkler head causing it to activate, spraying water on
network, server, and phone equipment within the room.The Hays Fire Department
was immediately dispatched along with building and grounds, public safety, and
information technology personnel to minimize the damage and begin the clean up
process. To maintain the 911 phone lines, public safety paging, and radio
communications, dispatch center personnel were transferred to the back-up
dispatch center located at the Hays Fire Department. About $2,000 worth of damage was done to equipment owned by the city of Hays, Collin Bielser, asst. city manager, told Hays Post.&nbsp;"Our IT department was there late into the night repairing and getting things back online. They worked well with Ellis County and everyone else involved."It's good to know we have those backup systems in place," Bielser said this morning. "Our emergency services our top-notch."Ellis County would like to
ensure the public all staff worked their best in this emergent situation and
followed the backup dispatch transfer procedures. No emergency phone calls, or
radio traffic were lost, and personnel followed the plan to ensure our high
standard of public safety in Ellis County was maintained. Dispatch personnel
will be moving back to the dispatch center at the Ellis County Law Enforcement
Center today to resume normal operations. Ellis County would like
to thank the help and quick response from Nex-Tech, Clean-Rite, Pryor Automatic
Fire Sprinklers, both city of Hays and Ellis County IT staff, and maintenance
personnel who all worked into the night to restore systems.This story was updated 1t 11:55 a.m. Aug. 3 with comments from Collin Bielser, Hays assistant city manager, about the damage to city equipment.&nbsp;

UPDATE: Accidental fire sprinkler activation sprays water throughout Ellis Co. Dispatch/IT area

August is set to be a busy month for the Downtown Hays Development Corp. with three major events planned.

While Brews on the Bricks and March to Main are returning for 2021 and are sure to be as popular as ever, the Birthday Bash will celebrate 20 years of the DHDC in Hays, with free community events, in conjunction with the Fall Art Walk from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. August 27.

"Everything is free," said DHDC Executive Director Sara Bloom. "The kids festival is free. We will have lots of games and prizes.

"The street dance will be free. We will have a beer garden for those that would like to have a drink with their concert, but for the most part everything that night will be free."

And, she said, with so many people already downtown for the Hays Arts Council Art Walk, it is a perfect time for the celebration.

"From 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. that night under the pavilion, we are partnering with a lot of local agencies and organizations like the United Way and local churches and things like that," said Allie Glidewell,&nbsp;DHDC director of events and operations.

Thanks to the support of those groups, she said a Bounce house, popcorn, a variety of table games, and a dunk tank will be a part of the Kids Fest.

"It's going to be so super fun," Glidewell said. "It's going to be completely free to the community. There is going to be all sorts of prizes for however many tickets and raffles the kiddos win playing these games."

And like any other birthday party, there will be a birthday cake.

"We are buying cake to feed hundreds of people," Glidewell said.

Cutting of the cake is scheduled for 6:30 p.m.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/8/1627935328663.jpeg" alt="Brews on the Bricks 2019 / photo by Cristina Janney." />
 <figcaption>Brews on the Bricks 2019 / photo by Cristina Janney.</figcaption>
 </figure>By JAMES BELL Hays PostAugust is set to be a busy month for the Downtown Hays Development Corp. with three major events planned.While Brews on the Bricks and March to Main are returning for 2021 and are sure to be as popular as ever, the Birthday Bash will celebrate 20 years of the DHDC in Hays, with free community events, in conjunction with the Fall Art Walk from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. August 27."Everything is free," said DHDC Executive Director Sara Bloom. "The kids festival is free. We will have lots of games and prizes."The street dance will be free. We will have a beer garden for those that would like to have a drink with their concert, but for the most part everything that night will be free."And, she said, with so many people already downtown for the Hays Arts Council Art Walk, it is a perfect time for the celebration."From 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. that night under the pavilion, we are partnering with a lot of local agencies and organizations like the United Way and local churches and things like that," said Allie Glidewell,&nbsp;DHDC director of events and operations.Thanks to the support of those groups, she said a Bounce house, popcorn, a variety of table games, and a dunk tank will be a part of the Kids Fest.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/8/1627936208676.jpeg" alt="Brews on the Bricks 2019 / photo by Cristina Janney." />
 <figcaption>Brews on the Bricks 2019 / photo by Cristina Janney.</figcaption>
 </figure>"It's going to be so super fun," Glidewell said. "It's going to be completely free to the community. There is going to be all sorts of prizes for however many tickets and raffles the kiddos win playing these games."And like any other birthday party, there will be a birthday cake."We are buying cake to feed hundreds of people," Glidewell said.Cutting of the cake is scheduled for 6:30 p.m."Augustine's is making us a 20th anniversary/birthday cake and then lots of cupcakes," Bloom said.The celebration will conclude with a free street dance on 10th Street, featuring Anthony and the Animals."From 7 p.m. to 10 p.m. just down 10th Street, where Brews is normally held, will be the free concert," Glidewell said. "Super family-friendly — it's going to be a really good time."The beer garden is also slated to be open during those hours.While the celebration will allow the community to experience another downtown event, it is just another example of the work DHDC has done in downtown Hays."We are always looking to not only create events and opportunities to come downtown but to continue the beautification and development of downtown," Bloom said.That work has been a large driver of economic development downtown, bringing people from all over the region into the heart of Hays."I think what's really fun is, we see a lot of people walking around," Glidewell said. "I don't know if it's the warm weather, but I feel like whenever I'm walking downtown ... It doesn't matter if it's 7 o'clock in the morning, noon, 6 p.m., there are always people walking around downtown, which is awesome because they are probably hitting more than one shop, more than one retailer. They are getting all of the things they need downtown."With the energy and ongoing business development going on downtown, Bloom said anyone interested in opening a business downtown can call the DHDC office."If you are interested in being downtown with a business, you think this is time to open your own, contact our office," Bloom said. "We love connecting potential businesses with building owners and helping you get in and get started and promote you as much as we can."<a href="http://www.downtownhays.com">For more information about the DHDC, or their upcoming events, visit&nbsp;downtownhays.com.</a>

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