This year is the 25th anniversary of The Bricks in Downtown Hays.

On this episode of the Hays Post Podcast, Becky Kiser, news reporter, talks with Lee Ann June, executive director of The Bricks, about the historic evolution of the non-profit organization and plans for the future.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/4/1650389030295.jpeg" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure><div><iframe title="Post Podcast: Celebrating 25 years on The Bricks in Downtown Hays" allowtransparency="true" height="300" width="100%" style="border: none; min-width: min(100%, 430px);height:300px;" scrolling="no" data-name="pb-iframe-player" src="https://www.podbean.com/player-v2/?from=embed&i=hxv65-1a371fc-pb&square=1&share=1&download=1&fonts=Arial&skin=3267a3&font-color=auto&rtl=0&logo_link=podcast_page&btn-skin=60a0c8&size=300" loading="lazy" allowfullscreen=""></iframe></div>This year is the 25th anniversary of The Bricks in Downtown Hays. On this episode of the Hays Post Podcast, Becky Kiser, news reporter, talks with Lee Ann June, executive director of The Bricks, about the historic evolution of the non-profit organization and plans for the future.

🎙 Post Podcast: Celebrating 25 years on The Bricks in downtown Hays

Reporter Cristina Janney speaks with Doug Williams of Grow Hays about the Hays Playmaker award and USD 489 selling land north of the former Hays Middle School on this episode of the Hays Post Podcast.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/4/1650389030295.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure><div><iframe title="Post Podcast: Grow Hays" allowtransparency="true" height="300" width="100%" style="border: none; min-width: min(100%, 430px);height:300px;" scrolling="no" data-name="pb-iframe-player" src="https://www.podbean.com/player-v2/?from=embed&i=sujxh-1a31f22-pb&square=1&share=1&download=1&fonts=Arial&skin=3267a3&font-color=auto&rtl=0&logo_link=podcast_page&btn-skin=60a0c8&size=300%22 loading="lazy" allowfullscreen=""></iframe></div>Reporter Cristina Janney speaks with Doug Williams of Grow Hays about the Hays Playmaker award and USD 489 selling land north of the former Hays Middle School on this episode of the Hays Post Podcast.

🎙 Post Podcast: Doug Williams on Hays Playmaker award, USD 489 land sale

Reporter Cristina Janney speaks with Hays Middle School Principal Tom Albers, who provides an update on pick-up and drop-off traffic at the new school and on upcoming testing, on this episode of the Hays Post Podcast.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/4/1650389030295.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure><div><iframe title="Post Podcast: USD 489 Report - Tom Albers" allowtransparency="true" height="300" width="100%" style="border: none; min-width: min(100%, 430px);height:300px;" scrolling="no" data-name="pb-iframe-player" src="https://www.podbean.com/player-v2/?from=embed&i=xyutu-1a2715a-pb&square=1&share=1&download=1&fonts=Arial&skin=3267a3&font-color=auto&rtl=0&logo_link=podcast_page&btn-skin=60a0c8&size=300%22 loading="lazy" allowfullscreen=""></iframe></div>Reporter Cristina Janney speaks with Hays Middle School Principal Tom Albers, who provides an update on pick-up and drop-off traffic at the new school and on upcoming testing, on this episode of the Hays Post Podcast.

🎙 Post Podcast: HMS update on traffic, testing

On this episode of Forward Ever: Leading in Challenging Times, host Gary Shorman talks with Terry Siek, clinical services director, and&nbsp;Cindy Samuelson, senior vice president of public relations, for the Kansas Hospital Association.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/8/1661448577852.jpeg" alt="FE Forward Ever correct 082522" />
 <figcaption>FE Forward Ever correct 082522</figcaption>
 </figure><div><iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/0jOIC9wa-1o?si=Mza6ewY09Qqlq_Yw" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" referrerpolicy="strict-origin-when-cross-origin" allowfullscreen></iframe></div>On this episode of Forward Ever: Leading in Challenging Times, host Gary Shorman talks with Terry Siek, clinical services director, and&nbsp;Cindy Samuelson, senior vice president of public relations, for the Kansas Hospital Association.

🎥  Forward Ever: Kansas Hospital Association representatives 

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On this episode of the Hays Post Podcast, Becky Kiser, news reporter, talks about the upcoming building expansion project at the Hays Arts Council with Chandler Reich, executive director and Brittney Squire, board member.&nbsp;

<a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/a0344c2a-b851-4bbf-8a8d-2332e0d0c006">SEE MORE AT:&nbsp; Construction to begin at Hays Arts Council in February</a>.

<div><iframe title="Post Podcast: Expansion project at Hays Arts Council requires temporary relocation of office" allowtransparency="true" height="300" width="100%" style="border: none; min-width: min(100%, 430px);height:300px;" scrolling="no" data-name="pb-iframe-player" src="https://www.podbean.com/player-v2/?from=embed&i=whf7d-1a253da-pb&square=1&share=1&download=1&fonts=Arial&skin=3267a3&font-color=auto&rtl=0&logo_link=podcast_page&btn-skin=60a0c8&size=300" loading="lazy" allowfullscreen=""></iframe></div>On this episode of the Hays Post Podcast, Becky Kiser, news reporter, talks about the upcoming building expansion project at the Hays Arts Council with Chandler Reich, executive director and Brittney Squire, board member.&nbsp;<a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/a0344c2a-b851-4bbf-8a8d-2332e0d0c006">SEE MORE AT:&nbsp; Construction to begin at Hays Arts Council in February</a>.

🎙 Expansion project at Hays Arts Council requires temporary relocation of office 

Join the United Way of Ellis County for a special Dueling Pianos fundraiser and party with a purpose!

Enjoy&nbsp;a request-driven show where two&nbsp;talented&nbsp;pianists battle it out, playing&nbsp;all your&nbsp;favorites&nbsp;from classic rock to modern hits, ensuring a night of non-stop singing, laughing and fun!&nbsp;

Best of all, every ticket&nbsp;purchased&nbsp;goes directly to supporting vital community programs offered by our 15 non-profit partner agencies here in Ellis County.&nbsp;A&nbsp;great night out for an even greater cause!&nbsp;

This benefit event will take place on Saturday, February 7 at the Ellis County Fairgrounds,&nbsp;Unrein Building, 1344 Fairground Road, Hays.&nbsp;Doors open at&nbsp;6:00&nbsp;p.m.;&nbsp;dinner&nbsp;catered by&nbsp;Thirsty’s&nbsp;at 6:30 p.m.; pianos at 8 p.m.&nbsp;Those enjoying the pianos only may enter at 7:30 p.m.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Purchase your tickets&nbsp;now online at&nbsp;<a href="https://www.zeffy.com/en-US/ticketing/dueling-pianos-12?fbclid=IwZXh0bgNhZW0CMTAAYnJpZBExV2J4WmRrQVJVRXR6OHVSeXNydGMGYXBwX2lkEDIyMjAzOTE3ODgyMDA4OTIAAR5VT-DQtW63JqEFEafPNPRLn8dmOqyJAiyJ6xScOwneh9S2EuW5jQrpmZQOpQ_aem_8l26WJoc12s-o3VElCMdAw">https://www.zeffy.com/en-US/ticketing/dueling-pianos-12 </a>or&nbsp;<a href="https://www.liveunited.us/">www.liveunited.us</a>.&nbsp; &nbsp;

For more information, contact Janelle VanKooten, United Way of Ellis County executive director, at 785-628-8281 or director@liveunited.us.

A big thanks to our sponsors including&nbsp;

PREMIERE SPONSORS &nbsp;M &amp; D Excavating&nbsp;&nbsp; Commerce Bank&nbsp; Nex-Tech &nbsp; EVENT SUPPORTERS Golden Belt Bank Midwest Energy Car Zone Doghouse Liquor Emprise Bank Northwestern Printers Astra Bank PoPt! SILENT AUCTION DONOR Genuine Appliance&nbsp; Auto World Creekside Resort The Niche Chris Schmidt Ashley Furniture&nbsp; Nex-Tech Wireless Second Wind IV&nbsp; Jaren Kanak Dylan Dreiling

UNITED WAY OF ELLIS COUNTY PARTNER AGENCIES&nbsp; Big Brothers Big Sisters Ellis County&nbsp; Cancer Council of Ellis County CASA Court-Appointed Special Advocates CPRF Cerebral Palsy Research Foundation Developmental Services of Northwest Kansas First Call for Help Habitat for Humanity of Ellis County Hays Senior Center High Plains Mental Health Center Options Domestic &amp; Sexual Violence Services PACT&nbsp;Parents and Teachers Together Salvation Army St. Michael's Episcopal Church Western Kansas Association on Concerns of the Disabled Western KS Child Advocacy Center

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2026/1/1769009624721.png" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure><div><iframe title="Post Podcast: Dueling Pianos fundraiser February 7 for United Way of Ellis County" allowtransparency="true" height="300" width="100%" style="border: none; min-width: min(100%, 430px);height:300px;" scrolling="no" data-name="pb-iframe-player" src="https://www.podbean.com/player-v2/?from=embed&i=73jzg-1a25143-pb&square=1&share=1&download=1&fonts=Arial&skin=3267a3&font-color=auto&rtl=0&logo_link=podcast_page&btn-skin=60a0c8&size=300" loading="lazy" allowfullscreen=""></iframe></div>United Way of Ellis CountyJoin the United Way of Ellis County for a special Dueling Pianos fundraiser and party with a purpose!Enjoy&nbsp;a request-driven show where two&nbsp;talented&nbsp;pianists battle it out, playing&nbsp;all your&nbsp;favorites&nbsp;from classic rock to modern hits, ensuring a night of non-stop singing, laughing and fun!&nbsp;Best of all, every ticket&nbsp;purchased&nbsp;goes directly to supporting vital community programs offered by our 15 non-profit partner agencies here in Ellis County.&nbsp;A&nbsp;great night out for an even greater cause!&nbsp;This benefit event will take place on Saturday, February 7 at the Ellis County Fairgrounds,&nbsp;Unrein Building, 1344 Fairground Road, Hays.&nbsp;Doors open at&nbsp;6:00&nbsp;p.m.;&nbsp;dinner&nbsp;catered by&nbsp;Thirsty’s&nbsp;at 6:30 p.m.; pianos at 8 p.m.&nbsp;Those enjoying the pianos only may enter at 7:30 p.m.&nbsp;&nbsp;<ul>
 <li>Individual tickets are $60; Pianos-only tickets&nbsp;are $30. Reserved table packages are also available.&nbsp;</li>
 </ul><ul>
 <li>Charcuterie boards available&nbsp;for purchase&nbsp;</li>
 </ul><ul>
 <li>Cash&nbsp;bar&nbsp;available.&nbsp;Must be 21 to enter&nbsp;</li>
 </ul><ul>
 <li>Silent auction and cash-grab raffle</li>
 </ul>Purchase your tickets&nbsp;now online at&nbsp;<a href="https://www.zeffy.com/en-US/ticketing/dueling-pianos-12?fbclid=IwZXh0bgNhZW0CMTAAYnJpZBExV2J4WmRrQVJVRXR6OHVSeXNydGMGYXBwX2lkEDIyMjAzOTE3ODgyMDA4OTIAAR5VT-DQtW63JqEFEafPNPRLn8dmOqyJAiyJ6xScOwneh9S2EuW5jQrpmZQOpQ_aem_8l26WJoc12s-o3VElCMdAw">https://www.zeffy.com/en-US/ticketing/dueling-pianos-12 </a>or&nbsp;<a href="https://www.liveunited.us/">www.liveunited.us</a>.&nbsp; &nbsp;For more information, contact Janelle VanKooten, United Way of Ellis County executive director, at 785-628-8281 or director@liveunited.us.A big thanks to our sponsors including&nbsp; PREMIERE SPONSORS &nbsp;M &amp; D Excavating&nbsp;&nbsp; Commerce Bank&nbsp; Nex-Tech &nbsp; EVENT SUPPORTERS Golden Belt Bank Midwest Energy Car Zone Doghouse Liquor Emprise Bank Northwestern Printers Astra Bank PoPt! SILENT AUCTION DONOR Genuine Appliance&nbsp; Auto World Creekside Resort The Niche Chris Schmidt Ashley Furniture&nbsp; Nex-Tech Wireless Second Wind IV&nbsp; Jaren Kanak Dylan DreilingUNITED WAY OF ELLIS COUNTY PARTNER AGENCIES&nbsp; Big Brothers Big Sisters Ellis County&nbsp; Cancer Council of Ellis County CASA Court-Appointed Special Advocates CPRF Cerebral Palsy Research Foundation Developmental Services of Northwest Kansas First Call for Help Habitat for Humanity of Ellis County Hays Senior Center High Plains Mental Health Center Options Domestic &amp; Sexual Violence Services PACT&nbsp;Parents and Teachers Together Salvation Army St. Michael's Episcopal Church Western Kansas Association on Concerns of the Disabled Western KS Child Advocacy Center &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;

🎙 Dueling Pianos fundraiser February 7 for United Way of Ellis County  

Coming up on this episode of the Hays Post Podcast, Becky Kiser, news reporter, talks with Stacy Campbell, Cottonwood Extension District crop production specialist, about upcoming soil fertility programs and how agriculture producers deal with winter weather.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/4/1650389030295.jpeg" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure><div><iframe title="Post Podcast: Soil fertility, ag producers deal with winter weather" allowtransparency="true" height="300" width="100%" style="border: none; min-width: min(100%, 430px);height:300px;" scrolling="no" data-name="pb-iframe-player" src="https://www.podbean.com/player-v2/?from=embed&i=bu5yw-1a2712b-pb&square=1&share=1&download=1&fonts=Arial&skin=3267a3&font-color=auto&rtl=0&logo_link=podcast_page&btn-skin=60a0c8&size=300" loading="lazy" allowfullscreen=""></iframe></div>Coming up on this episode of the Hays Post Podcast, Becky Kiser, news reporter, talks with Stacy Campbell, Cottonwood Extension District crop production specialist, about upcoming soil fertility programs and how agriculture producers deal with winter weather.

🎙 Post Podcast: Campbell: Soil fertility; ag producers deal with winter weather

NASA’s giant new moon rocket, Artemis II, moved to the launch pad Jan. 17, in preparation for astronauts’ first fly-around the moon in more than half a century. The out-and-back trip could blast off as early as February.

The trip will send astronauts farther than any crew has traveled.  Last spring we visited with the pilot of the mission, Victor Glover.

He was selected as an astronaut in 2013 and most recently served as pilot of the Crew-1 Dragon spacecraft which flew to the International Space Station.  Here is our interview with NASA astronaut Victor Glover.

Gary Shorman:&nbsp;&nbsp;Welcome again to "Forward Ever: Leading in Challenging Times" with a special guest from Houston, astronaut Victor.&nbsp;Thanks for being on our program today.

Victor Glover:&nbsp;Thanks, Gary, great to be here. Thanks for&nbsp;having me.

Gary Shorman:&nbsp;&nbsp;You know, one of the things I know that we talk about on this program is leadership. You have walked in space four times. I believe you've been on the space station. You've lived up there for a while. What puts you in position?

Victor Glover:&nbsp;You know, from a leadership, from a career standpoint, to be in the astronaut program, I love talking about leadership.&nbsp;I love the subject and, well, I think a part of it would be following having a bunch of great leaders to work with and look up to. 

Initially, when you're put into a leadership position, you can freestyle it, or you can mimic what you've seen. So I would say some great leaders do imitate. 

I worked for some amazing people. My squadron commanders, I worked for John McCain for almost a year. Charlie Bolden, who ran NASA, but he was a Marine Corps general when I worked for him the first time, and so I think that's a big part of it, having some really amazing leaders to look up to in the beginning.

Gary Shorman:&nbsp;Were there some key moments in your career that kind of turned you towards being an astronaut?

Victor Glover:&nbsp;Key moments? Wow. I was in college, tutoring for a program, and loved working with kids, teaching engineering, and felt like I really had found my calling. I was considering the military and teaching at the time.

So my boss in that program, thinking she was going to help, really set the hook for being an educator, had me meet the executive director of this program.

I went up to the University of California office, and I walk in his office, and there's a constellation of our solar system and a rocket. And he sees me, leans back in his chair, he takes his glasses off and sets it on a book.

I shake his hand, and sit down, and he taps on that book. And he says, you see that right there? That's how I live my dreams of space exploration and flying. And he says, You have a chance to go fly in the Navy. Go do it, and if anything else, it'll make you a better educator. 

That conversation, which was that quick, really turned my thinking. I've always loved education and the impact we can have on young people, but that really helped me get comfortable with the idea of going and starting this Navy journey, which, you know, lots of other decisions on the way, but that was the big one, whether or not to leave college and go be an educator or to go serve in the military.

Gary Shorman: In our story, you talk to students about that. I'm sure you make those choices, make those things that can change your life. You've done that.

You had a chance to be at the space station, walk in space. Let's talk a little bit about that. What did it feel like to step outside the spaceship and just go shooting? I see space right there that has to be a breathtaking experience.

Victor Glover:&nbsp;That is it? It is breathtaking because you don't know what it's going to feel like when you first get out there. The advice I received that really just kept repeating in my head was, "Keep your world small."

 One of my classmates said to me, and so I just focused on right what was in front of my face, my hands and the handrail, where I'm going next. And so it took me about three hours before I felt like, OK.

I kind of got the hang of this. I'm going to start looking around and maybe taking some pictures. Actually, on my first spacewalk, I did not take a single picture. There were no selfies to be taken on. it, but it was busy. 

I'll tell you, that's what it is. You're busy. When you're outside, there's a lot to be done, and it all requires intense focus. 

I&nbsp;wrestled in college, and I think space walking has a lot in common with wrestling, even though it may be physical in a different way. It's very physical. It's very three-dimensional.

Your success requires you to integrate the three dimensions and to think about what's coming next. And that's very true in wrestling and space walks. It's so challenging. It's busy physically and mentally.

But most importantly, you're working with a team. And that team, Mike Hopkins, who had been out on a spacewalk before, and led our first one, the first one I went on, and also the ground team, they all helped to make that possible. 

But that first moment when you look out, and you can see that for real, there are just no words to describe it. We train in a pool where you can see the bottom of the pool. When you look out, and it's 250 miles straight down, you go, "Wow! this is amazing and special. But also, what am I doing?"

Gary Shorman:&nbsp;Letting go to actually float would have to be one of those experiences that you can think about, and I can say, "Boy, that'd be hard to do." But letting go when you're out there, and you see that space out there, that's amazing. What did it feel like when you were named to be on the Artemis mission?

Victor Glover:&nbsp;Ah, wow. It's interesting, because people ask about the excitement, and excitement is a part of it. But the professionals who do what I do, understand the risks associated with this.

There's a lot of software, a lot of pieces and parts to this, hardware, lots of people. This is made all over the country, in all 50 states of the Union, and then also parts overseas. 

And it all has to work flawlessly the first time for the duration of the mission. 

So we understand the risk. And so I would say the overriding feeling was, first of all shocked, because I didn't expect to be on this mission, so I was a little shocked. But then also, I know focus isn't a feeling, but the seriousness, that's my overriding feeling, was the seriousness of this. 

This means a lot for our country, for our agency, for our Artemis Accords, international partners, and it's risky. My family is going to have to go on this journey with&nbsp;me. We have a lot to get done in the next couple of years. And so, yeah, profundity, if it's a if that's an emotion, it was profundity.

Gary Shorman:&nbsp;If you look at 50 years since we've had a mission like this, and you'll be the first one to head to the moon, there's more to it than just circling the moon, though. Tell us a little bit more about the long-term plans for the Artemis mission.

Victor Glover:&nbsp;Artemis is our generation's deep-space exploration program. It's not just the Moon Program. We're going to make sure this Orion capsule is safe for humans to fly, so that we can fly it to eventually dock to a lunar lander.

That will get us to the surface of the moon, or to a gateway space station that's orbiting the moon. Both of those things are going to enable future technologies and future techniques and future teams to go beyond the moon on to Mars.

And continue to understand, maybe, how the Earth looked in its past, or where we may be headed in the future, if we don't take better care of our planet. 

So the Artemis program is a big campaign. The moon is just one destination, and that's our mission. Our mission is to do the free return trajectory around the moon, but really to test out Orion as one big step on this journey that's going to eventually get humans to Mars.

Gary Shorman:&nbsp;Orion is your spaceship, and you'll be the pilot of that as you approach the moon and circle the moon. What are you going to be looking for?

Victor Glover:&nbsp;Oh, wow. So there's a potential. The region of the moon, what we would call the Western Hemisphere, looking at it from Earth on the far side. That part has not been completely seen by human eyes, and I just learned that recently.

So the fact that there's a potential for us to see something that's never been seen before, that's amazing. 

But no matter what, even if it's completely dark, to look out the window of the spacecraft and to look at the moon in the foreground, and then see the Earth in the background, in the distance, a quarter of a million miles away, with my crewmates, Reed, Cristina, and Jeremy. I don't know what that's going to feel like, but I'm looking forward to that. That's going to be amazing.

Gary Shorman:&nbsp;I hope you send us pictures back, Victor.&nbsp; I know you're short on time because you have a lot of people and you have a lot of training to do. That has to be intense training, because there are so many moving parts, as you say, that intensity, that focus it takes. How many hours a day do you train?

Victor Glover:&nbsp;So we will start training next month, and I imagine it's going to be chock full. I think they're going to schedule our days full. And you know, while some of it will be technical training, some of it will be continuing to engage the public, like we are now.

But also, we will be engaging the team that's developing the hardware or building hardware and software, and thanking them for their hard work and letting them know how much we count on their technical expertise. And so they're going to keep us busy. Gary, you can be best believe we'll have some full days until launch.

Gary Shorman:&nbsp;I can't wait to see how this all develops. Look forward to it, and maybe again later on, once you're back, get a chance to follow up on that. But Victor, thanks for being on our program.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2026/1/1769203436542.png" alt="The crew of NASA’s Artemis II mission (left to right):NASA astronauts Christina Hammock Koch, Reid Wiseman (seated), Victor Glover, and Canadian Space Agency astronaut Jeremy Hansen- Credits: NASA" />
 <figcaption>The crew of NASA’s Artemis II mission (left to right):NASA astronauts Christina Hammock Koch, Reid Wiseman (seated), Victor Glover, and Canadian Space Agency astronaut Jeremy Hansen- Credits: NASA</figcaption>
 </figure><div><iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/YJ_Q6DXnnVo?si=gvZ1wvb7HSk3HYnX" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" referrerpolicy="strict-origin-when-cross-origin" allowfullscreen></iframe></div>NASA’s giant new moon rocket, Artemis II, moved to the launch pad Jan. 17, in preparation for astronauts’ first fly-around the moon in more than half a century. The out-and-back trip could blast off as early as February.The trip will send astronauts farther than any crew has traveled. Last spring we visited with the pilot of the mission, Victor Glover.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/8/1661448577852.jpeg" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure>He was selected as an astronaut in 2013 and most recently served as pilot of the Crew-1 Dragon spacecraft which flew to the International Space Station. Here is our interview with NASA astronaut Victor Glover.Gary Shorman:&nbsp;&nbsp;Welcome again to "Forward Ever: Leading in Challenging Times" with a special guest from Houston, astronaut Victor.&nbsp;Thanks for being on our program today. Victor Glover:&nbsp;Thanks, Gary, great to be here. Thanks for&nbsp;having me. Gary Shorman:&nbsp;&nbsp;You know, one of the things I know that we talk about on this program is leadership. You have walked in space four times. I believe you've been on the space station. You've lived up there for a while. What puts you in position? Victor Glover:&nbsp;You know, from a leadership, from a career standpoint, to be in the astronaut program, I love talking about leadership.&nbsp;I love the subject and, well, I think a part of it would be following having a bunch of great leaders to work with and look up to. Initially, when you're put into a leadership position, you can freestyle it, or you can mimic what you've seen. So I would say some great leaders do imitate. I worked for some amazing people. My squadron commanders, I worked for John McCain for almost a year. Charlie Bolden, who ran NASA, but he was a Marine Corps general when I worked for him the first time, and so I think that's a big part of it, having some really amazing leaders to look up to in the beginning.Gary Shorman:&nbsp;Were there some key moments in your career that kind of turned you towards being an astronaut?Victor Glover:&nbsp;Key moments? Wow. I was in college, tutoring for a program, and loved working with kids, teaching engineering, and felt like I really had found my calling. I was considering the military and teaching at the time. So my boss in that program, thinking she was going to help, really set the hook for being an educator, had me meet the executive director of this program.I went up to the University of California office, and I walk in his office, and there's a constellation of our solar system and a rocket. And he sees me, leans back in his chair, he takes his glasses off and sets it on a book.I shake his hand, and sit down, and he taps on that book. And he says, you see that right there? That's how I live my dreams of space exploration and flying. And he says, You have a chance to go fly in the Navy. Go do it, and if anything else, it'll make you a better educator. That conversation, which was that quick, really turned my thinking. I've always loved education and the impact we can have on young people, but that really helped me get comfortable with the idea of going and starting this Navy journey, which, you know, lots of other decisions on the way, but that was the big one, whether or not to leave college and go be an educator or to go serve in the military.Gary Shorman: In our story, you talk to students about that. I'm sure you make those choices, make those things that can change your life. You've done that. You had a chance to be at the space station, walk in space. Let's talk a little bit about that. What did it feel like to step outside the spaceship and just go shooting? I see space right there that has to be a breathtaking experience.Victor Glover:&nbsp;That is it? It is breathtaking because you don't know what it's going to feel like when you first get out there. The advice I received that really just kept repeating in my head was, "Keep your world small." One of my classmates said to me, and so I just focused on right what was in front of my face, my hands and the handrail, where I'm going next. And so it took me about three hours before I felt like, OK.I kind of got the hang of this. I'm going to start looking around and maybe taking some pictures. Actually, on my first spacewalk, I did not take a single picture. There were no selfies to be taken on. it, but it was busy. I'll tell you, that's what it is. You're busy. When you're outside, there's a lot to be done, and it all requires intense focus. I&nbsp;wrestled in college, and I think space walking has a lot in common with wrestling, even though it may be physical in a different way. It's very physical. It's very three-dimensional.Your success requires you to integrate the three dimensions and to think about what's coming next. And that's very true in wrestling and space walks. It's so challenging. It's busy physically and mentally.But most importantly, you're working with a team. And that team, Mike Hopkins, who had been out on a spacewalk before, and led our first one, the first one I went on, and also the ground team, they all helped to make that possible. But that first moment when you look out, and you can see that for real, there are just no words to describe it. We train in a pool where you can see the bottom of the pool. When you look out, and it's 250 miles straight down, you go, "Wow! this is amazing and special. But also, what am I doing?"Gary Shorman:&nbsp;Letting go to actually float would have to be one of those experiences that you can think about, and I can say, "Boy, that'd be hard to do." But letting go when you're out there, and you see that space out there, that's amazing. What did it feel like when you were named to be on the Artemis mission?Victor Glover:&nbsp;Ah, wow. It's interesting, because people ask about the excitement, and excitement is a part of it. But the professionals who do what I do, understand the risks associated with this. There's a lot of software, a lot of pieces and parts to this, hardware, lots of people. This is made all over the country, in all 50 states of the Union, and then also parts overseas. And it all has to work flawlessly the first time for the duration of the mission. So we understand the risk. And so I would say the overriding feeling was, first of all shocked, because I didn't expect to be on this mission, so I was a little shocked. But then also, I know focus isn't a feeling, but the seriousness, that's my overriding feeling, was the seriousness of this. This means a lot for our country, for our agency, for our Artemis Accords, international partners, and it's risky. My family is going to have to go on this journey with&nbsp;me. We have a lot to get done in the next couple of years. And so, yeah, profundity, if it's a if that's an emotion, it was profundity.Gary Shorman:&nbsp;If you look at 50 years since we've had a mission like this, and you'll be the first one to head to the moon, there's more to it than just circling the moon, though. Tell us a little bit more about the long-term plans for the Artemis mission.Victor Glover:&nbsp;Artemis is our generation's deep-space exploration program. It's not just the Moon Program. We're going to make sure this Orion capsule is safe for humans to fly, so that we can fly it to eventually dock to a lunar lander.That will get us to the surface of the moon, or to a gateway space station that's orbiting the moon. Both of those things are going to enable future technologies and future techniques and future teams to go beyond the moon on to Mars.And continue to understand, maybe, how the Earth looked in its past, or where we may be headed in the future, if we don't take better care of our planet. So the Artemis program is a big campaign. The moon is just one destination, and that's our mission. Our mission is to do the free return trajectory around the moon, but really to test out Orion as one big step on this journey that's going to eventually get humans to Mars.Gary Shorman:&nbsp;Orion is your spaceship, and you'll be the pilot of that as you approach the moon and circle the moon. What are you going to be looking for?Victor Glover:&nbsp;Oh, wow. So there's a potential. The region of the moon, what we would call the Western Hemisphere, looking at it from Earth on the far side. That part has not been completely seen by human eyes, and I just learned that recently. So the fact that there's a potential for us to see something that's never been seen before, that's amazing. But no matter what, even if it's completely dark, to look out the window of the spacecraft and to look at the moon in the foreground, and then see the Earth in the background, in the distance, a quarter of a million miles away, with my crewmates, Reed, Cristina, and Jeremy. I don't know what that's going to feel like, but I'm looking forward to that. That's going to be amazing.Gary Shorman:&nbsp;I hope you send us pictures back, Victor.&nbsp; I know you're short on time because you have a lot of people and you have a lot of training to do. That has to be intense training, because there are so many moving parts, as you say, that intensity, that focus it takes. How many hours a day do you train?Victor Glover:&nbsp;So we will start training next month, and I imagine it's going to be chock full. I think they're going to schedule our days full. And you know, while some of it will be technical training, some of it will be continuing to engage the public, like we are now.But also, we will be engaging the team that's developing the hardware or building hardware and software, and thanking them for their hard work and letting them know how much we count on their technical expertise. And so they're going to keep us busy. Gary, you can be best believe we'll have some full days until launch.Gary Shorman:&nbsp;I can't wait to see how this all develops. Look forward to it, and maybe again later on, once you're back, get a chance to follow up on that. But Victor, thanks for being on our program.

🎥 Forward Ever: Astronaut Victor Glover discusses Artemis II mission to moon

By MONIQUE KOERNER Cottonwood Extension District

•Having hypertension increases the risk for heart disease and stroke, which are leading causes of death in the United States.

•Nearly half of adults in the United States (47%, or 116 million) have hypertension.

•Only about 1 in 4 adults (24%) with hypertension have their condition under control.

*Many people have high blood pressure and don’t know it.

To address hypertension in Kansas, K-State Extension is bringing the Hypertension Awareness and Prevention program (HAPp) to Ellis and Barton counties. 

HAPp is a four-month self-monitoring blood pressure (SMBP) program that will provide participants with:

· A free validated blood pressure monitor.

· An opportunity to meet with a trained HAPp Coach twice a month to help take and track blood pressure.

· Monthly nutrition education workshops.

· Stress management and healthy lifestyle strategies.

There are no requirements to participate. There is strong evidence that suggests that participants who engage in SMBP along with clinical or community support can lower their high blood pressure.

This year we have Dr. Travis Haneke, cardiologist, joining us for the kick-off meeting. He will be a great resource for people wanting to learn more about blood pressure, how it works, and how they can maintain healthy blood pressure.

•Participants are expected to attend the kick-off meeting on Tuesday, February 3, 2026, from 6:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m. in either Great Bend (Barton Co. Health Department, 1300 Kansas Ave.) or Hays (Cottonwood Extension Office, 601 Main St., back meeting room).

•Participants are expected to measure their blood pressure at home at least twice per month (February – May).

•Participants are expected to attend office hours to discuss SMBP readings and healthy lifestyle strategies twice per month (February – May). Office hours will be scheduled after the Kick- Off meeting.

•Participants are highly encouraged to attend nutrition education workshops once per month (February-May).

* The program is free, but you must register to attend. For any questions, please contact Monique Koerner at moniquek@ksu.edu or Karissa Frasier at krfrasier@ksu.edu or call 785-628-9430.

* If you are only interested in the nutrition programs, those are free and open to the public and you don’t have to participate in HAPp to attend. Please register so we know how many to plan for because we will do food demonstrations and taste testing at each workshop.

*Registration at&nbsp;<a href="https://kstate.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_eKU0KiUnIFj0dV4">https://kstate.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_eKU0KiUnIFj0dV4</a>

Please note that HAPp coaches will not be diagnosing conditions or interpreting blood pressure readings. 

The HAPp Coach’s role is to help participants learn proper self-monitoring blood pressure techniques; make their own determination if blood pressure readings are within a healthy range; learn healthy lifestyle strategies that can reduce high blood pressure; and connect to community resources or other Extension programs that can improve health and well-being.

Monique Koerner is the Family and Community Wellness Agent with K-State Extension – Cottonwood District. You may reach her at: 785-628-9430 or moniquek@ksu.edu.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/4/1650389030295.jpeg" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure><div><iframe title="Post Podcast: Hypertension Awareness and Prevention program 2026" allowtransparency="true" height="300" width="100%" style="border: none; min-width: min(100%, 430px);height:300px;" scrolling="no" data-name="pb-iframe-player" src="https://www.podbean.com/player-v2/?from=embed&i=prxnb-1a1ad27-pb&square=1&share=1&download=1&fonts=Arial&skin=3267a3&font-color=auto&rtl=0&logo_link=podcast_page&btn-skin=60a0c8&size=300" loading="lazy" allowfullscreen=""></iframe></div>By MONIQUE KOERNER Cottonwood Extension DistrictThe Facts about Hypertension•Having hypertension increases the risk for heart disease and stroke, which are leading causes of death in the United States.•Nearly half of adults in the United States (47%, or 116 million) have hypertension.•Only about 1 in 4 adults (24%) with hypertension have their condition under control.*Many people have high blood pressure and don’t know it.To address hypertension in Kansas, K-State Extension is bringing the Hypertension Awareness and Prevention program (HAPp) to Ellis and Barton counties. HAPp is a four-month self-monitoring blood pressure (SMBP) program that will provide participants with:· A free validated blood pressure monitor.· An opportunity to meet with a trained HAPp Coach twice a month to help take and track blood pressure.· Monthly nutrition education workshops.· Stress management and healthy lifestyle strategies.There are no requirements to participate. There is strong evidence that suggests that participants who engage in SMBP along with clinical or community support can lower their high blood pressure.This year we have Dr. Travis Haneke, cardiologist, joining us for the kick-off meeting. He will be a great resource for people wanting to learn more about blood pressure, how it works, and how they can maintain healthy blood pressure.What to Expect During the Program•Participants are expected to attend the kick-off meeting on Tuesday, February 3, 2026, from 6:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m. in either Great Bend (Barton Co. Health Department, 1300 Kansas Ave.) or Hays (Cottonwood Extension Office, 601 Main St., back meeting room).•Participants are expected to measure their blood pressure at home at least twice per month (February – May).•Participants are expected to attend office hours to discuss SMBP readings and healthy lifestyle strategies twice per month (February – May). Office hours will be scheduled after the Kick- Off meeting.•Participants are highly encouraged to attend nutrition education workshops once per month (February-May).* The program is free, but you must register to attend. For any questions, please contact Monique Koerner at moniquek@ksu.edu or Karissa Frasier at krfrasier@ksu.edu or call 785-628-9430.* If you are only interested in the nutrition programs, those are free and open to the public and you don’t have to participate in HAPp to attend. Please register so we know how many to plan for because we will do food demonstrations and taste testing at each workshop.*Registration at&nbsp;<a href="https://kstate.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_eKU0KiUnIFj0dV4">https://kstate.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_eKU0KiUnIFj0dV4</a>Please note that HAPp coaches will not be diagnosing conditions or interpreting blood pressure readings. The HAPp Coach’s role is to help participants learn proper self-monitoring blood pressure techniques; make their own determination if blood pressure readings are within a healthy range; learn healthy lifestyle strategies that can reduce high blood pressure; and connect to community resources or other Extension programs that can improve health and well-being.Monique Koerner is the Family and Community Wellness Agent with K-State Extension – Cottonwood District. You may reach her at: 785-628-9430 or moniquek@ksu.edu.

🎙 KOERNER: Hypertension Awareness and Prevention program 2026 

Reporter Cristina Janney speaks with Doug Williams of Grow Hays about the potential economic impacts of the proposed Tallgrass solar development in Ellis County.

By CRISTINA JANNEY Hays Post

In an interview on the Hays Morning Blend on Friday, Doug Williams of Grow Hays said he thought the proposed Tallgrass solar facility could have a positive economic impact on Ellis County.

Developer ibV has requested a conditional-use permit from the county to locate the $275 million solar facility on pasture land in the southwest portion of the county.

"It would have a very positive impact on the community here in Ellis County, economically," Williams said, "from a number of aspects."

The county commission is negotiating with ibV for a payment-in-lieu-of-taxes (PILOT) agreement for the first 10 years the project is operational.

IbV expects the facility's lifespan to be about 35 years.

Those negotiations are ongoing, but the agreement could be in the hundreds of thousands of dollars based on a similar agreement made with the Buckeye Wind Farm.

After 10 years, the facility would return to the tax rolls. Property taxes on the facility would be collected locally by the county, the Hays school district and the rural fire district.

Strategic Economic Research developed an economic impact study for ibV, estimating that 148 new jobs would be created locally during construction and 17 in the long term, which Williams said would benefit the local economy.

"All those things have a good impact on our local economy and are really things that we are looking at bringing into our community," Williams said.&nbsp;

"I know there has been some pushback and concern about different aspects," he said.

However, he noted the wind farms in this area were also controversial when they were built.

Williams acknowledged residents have expressed concerns about the facility's ecological impacts.

He said the facility will have weather monitoring and the ability to tilt the solar panels to minimize hail damage.

"I think the ecological imapct are rather minor," he said.

"For 100 years, we have been pumping oil in this community. We are the No. 1 oil-producing community in the state of Kansas. Think about the economic impact that oil has had on this community over the last 100 years."

Landowners receive royalties, and operators and service companies earn profits.

"It's massive," Williams said. "Certainly, there are some ecological issues of oil production. That is one of the things that comes with it.

"I certainly hope the county gets behind it, and this occurs because it could be another project among many we have going on in the county right now."

If the county approves the ibV permit, the developer estimates construction on the project will begin in 2027, with about 18 months until completion in 2028.

"This is obviously not a new technology, but we have a great appetite for energy in this country," Williams said. "What we have out in this neck of the woods is sunshine and wind, and under the ground, we have oil.&nbsp;

"Being an exporter of energy and employing people locally to produce that service and that product, I think, is a definite win for Ellis County."

IbV is negotiating with the county to establish an escrow account to pay for road repairs or improvements required by the construction of the facility. A bond will also be required to cover the cost of decommissioning the site.

"From what I have watched and their copious answering of questions, they really addressed all of the questions, and it really gets down to there are certain people who would prefer it not to be here," Williams said.

"It's their right to prefer that, but I think, in the long run, from an economic standpoint, we would be well-served by projects like this."

<a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/3f26edb4-f272-41dc-998b-51e7e232db76">IbV has&nbsp;</a><a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/3f26edb4-f272-41dc-998b-51e7e232db76" target="_blank">scheduled two open houses for the proposed solar facility on Thursday, Jan. 22</a>, from noon to 2 p.m. and from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m.,&nbsp;at Gella’s venue room.

This will be in a station-type setting where community members can engage directly with the Tallgrass Development team on specific areas of interest, such as engineering, environmental, community benefits and solar technology.

<a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/43b108f6-bc5c-46de-969e-92813c1887e5">SEE RELATED STORY: Ellis Planning Commission sends solar project to Ellis County Commission</a>

<a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/2f5f583f-6095-43e9-a234-d29443c480cb">SEE RELATED STORY: Neighbor expresses frustration at solar project's approval&nbsp;</a>

<a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/192f7103-1ca0-4e59-9e45-901190d51f50">SEE RELATED STORY: Solar developer answers Ellis County Commission questions</a>

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2026/1/1767809955772.jpg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure><div><iframe title="Post Podcast: Grow Hays" allowtransparency="true" height="300" width="100%" style="border: none; min-width: min(100%, 430px);height:300px;" scrolling="no" data-name="pb-iframe-player" src="https://www.podbean.com/player-v2/?from=embed&i=8ytqr-1a1e346-pb&square=1&share=1&download=1&fonts=Arial&skin=3267a3&font-color=auto&rtl=0&logo_link=podcast_page&btn-skin=60a0c8&size=300%22 loading="lazy" allowfullscreen=""></iframe></div>Reporter Cristina Janney speaks with Doug Williams of Grow Hays about the potential economic impacts of the proposed Tallgrass solar development in Ellis County.By CRISTINA JANNEY Hays PostIn an interview on the Hays Morning Blend on Friday, Doug Williams of Grow Hays said he thought the proposed Tallgrass solar facility could have a positive economic impact on Ellis County.Developer ibV has requested a conditional-use permit from the county to locate the $275 million solar facility on pasture land in the southwest portion of the county."It would have a very positive impact on the community here in Ellis County, economically," Williams said, "from a number of aspects."The county commission is negotiating with ibV for a payment-in-lieu-of-taxes (PILOT) agreement for the first 10 years the project is operational.IbV expects the facility's lifespan to be about 35 years.Those negotiations are ongoing, but the agreement could be in the hundreds of thousands of dollars based on a similar agreement made with the Buckeye Wind Farm.After 10 years, the facility would return to the tax rolls. Property taxes on the facility would be collected locally by the county, the Hays school district and the rural fire district.Strategic Economic Research developed an economic impact study for ibV, estimating that 148 new jobs would be created locally during construction and 17 in the long term, which Williams said would benefit the local economy."All those things have a good impact on our local economy and are really things that we are looking at bringing into our community," Williams said.&nbsp;"I know there has been some pushback and concern about different aspects," he said.However, he noted the wind farms in this area were also controversial when they were built.Williams acknowledged residents have expressed concerns about the facility's ecological impacts.He said the facility will have weather monitoring and the ability to tilt the solar panels to minimize hail damage."I think the ecological imapct are rather minor," he said."For 100 years, we have been pumping oil in this community. We are the No. 1 oil-producing community in the state of Kansas. Think about the economic impact that oil has had on this community over the last 100 years."Landowners receive royalties, and operators and service companies earn profits."It's massive," Williams said. "Certainly, there are some ecological issues of oil production. That is one of the things that comes with it."I certainly hope the county gets behind it, and this occurs because it could be another project among many we have going on in the county right now."If the county approves the ibV permit, the developer estimates construction on the project will begin in 2027, with about 18 months until completion in 2028."This is obviously not a new technology, but we have a great appetite for energy in this country," Williams said. "What we have out in this neck of the woods is sunshine and wind, and under the ground, we have oil.&nbsp;"Being an exporter of energy and employing people locally to produce that service and that product, I think, is a definite win for Ellis County."IbV is negotiating with the county to establish an escrow account to pay for road repairs or improvements required by the construction of the facility. A bond will also be required to cover the cost of decommissioning the site."From what I have watched and their copious answering of questions, they really addressed all of the questions, and it really gets down to there are certain people who would prefer it not to be here," Williams said."It's their right to prefer that, but I think, in the long run, from an economic standpoint, we would be well-served by projects like this."<a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/3f26edb4-f272-41dc-998b-51e7e232db76">IbV has&nbsp;</a><a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/3f26edb4-f272-41dc-998b-51e7e232db76" target="_blank">scheduled two open houses for the proposed solar facility on Thursday, Jan. 22</a>, from noon to 2 p.m. and from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m.,&nbsp;at Gella’s venue room.This will be in a station-type setting where community members can engage directly with the Tallgrass Development team on specific areas of interest, such as engineering, environmental, community benefits and solar technology.<a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/43b108f6-bc5c-46de-969e-92813c1887e5">SEE RELATED STORY: Ellis Planning Commission sends solar project to Ellis County Commission</a><a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/2f5f583f-6095-43e9-a234-d29443c480cb">SEE RELATED STORY: Neighbor expresses frustration at solar project's approval&nbsp;</a><a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/192f7103-1ca0-4e59-9e45-901190d51f50">SEE RELATED STORY: Solar developer answers Ellis County Commission questions</a>

🎙 Williams: Solar facility could have positive economic impact on Ellis County

Reporter Cristina Janney speaks with Becky Hickert, assistant principal at Hays High School, about the Career Technical Education program on this episode of the Hays Post Podcast.

<figure>
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 </figure><div><iframe title="Post Podcast: USD 489 Update" allowtransparency="true" height="300" width="100%" style="border: none; min-width: min(100%, 430px);height:300px;" scrolling="no" data-name="pb-iframe-player" src="https://www.podbean.com/player-v2/?from=embed&i=me2yv-1a1c693-pb&square=1&share=1&download=1&fonts=Arial&skin=3267a3&font-color=auto&rtl=0&logo_link=podcast_page&btn-skin=60a0c8&size=300%22 loading="lazy" allowfullscreen=""></iframe>
Podbean Player
 </div>Reporter Cristina Janney speaks with Becky Hickert, assistant principal at Hays High School, about the Career Technical Education program on this episode of the Hays Post Podcast.

🎙 Post Podcast: Career Technical Education at Hays High

On this episode of Forward Ever: Leading in Challenging Times, host Gary Shorman talks to Leslie Grant with Wichita State University's Community Education program to discuss their free lifelong learning program.

For more details go to the web site Wichita.edu/lifelonglearning&nbsp; &nbsp;Or call the office 316-978-3731

<div><iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/YJ_Q6DXnnVo?si=xMZq0tYdFIG07hqC" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" referrerpolicy="strict-origin-when-cross-origin" allowfullscreen></iframe></div>On this episode of Forward Ever: Leading in Challenging Times, host Gary Shorman talks to Leslie Grant with Wichita State University's Community Education program to discuss their free lifelong learning program.For more details go to the web site Wichita.edu/lifelonglearning&nbsp; &nbsp;Or call the office 316-978-3731

🎙 Forward Ever: Leslie Grant with WSU's Community Education Program

Tony Guerrero, news reporter, talks with Kim Cebula, Fort Hays State University alumni director, and John Armstrong, admissions director, about Student Recognition Programs and recruitment at the university.

<figure>
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 </figure><div><iframe title="Post Podcast: FHSU Alumni Office on student recruitment programs" allowtransparency="true" height="300" width="100%" style="border: none; min-width: min(100%, 430px);height:300px;" scrolling="no" data-name="pb-iframe-player" src="https://www.podbean.com/player-v2/?from=embed&i=wt6mh-1a11ee1-pb&square=1&share=1&download=1&fonts=Arial&skin=3267a3&font-color=auto&rtl=0&logo_link=podcast_page&btn-skin=60a0c8&size=300" loading="lazy" allowfullscreen=""></iframe></div>Tony Guerrero, news reporter, talks with Kim Cebula, Fort Hays State University alumni director, and John Armstrong, admissions director, about Student Recognition Programs and recruitment at the university.

🎙 Post Podcast: FHSU Alumni Office on student recruitment programs

Reporter Cristina Janney speaks with Doug Williams of Grow Hays about the benefits of business incentives on this episode of the Hays Post Podcast.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/4/1650389030295.jpeg" alt="" />
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 </figure><div><iframe title="Post Podcast: Grow Hays" allowtransparency="true" height="300" width="100%" style="border: none; min-width: min(100%, 430px);height:300px;" scrolling="no" data-name="pb-iframe-player" src="https://www.podbean.com/player-v2/?from=embed&i=m6bva-1a13844-pb&square=1&share=1&download=1&fonts=Arial&skin=3267a3&font-color=auto&rtl=0&logo_link=podcast_page&btn-skin=60a0c8&size=300%22 loading="lazy" allowfullscreen=""></iframe></div>Reporter Cristina Janney speaks with Doug Williams of Grow Hays about the benefits of business incentives on this episode of the Hays Post Podcast.

🎙 Post Podcat: Doug Williams discusses benefits of business incentives

Reporter Cristina Janney speaks with Sondra Hickert, director, about the USD 489 Hays Virtual School on this episode of the Hays Post Podcast.

Learn more about the Hays Virtual School at <a href="https://www.usd489.com/o/hvs">usd489.com/o/hvs</a>&nbsp;or call 785-623-2426.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/4/1650389030295.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure><div><iframe title="Post Podcast: Hays USD 489 Virtual School" allowtransparency="true" height="300" width="100%" style="border: none; min-width: min(100%, 430px);height:300px;" scrolling="no" data-name="pb-iframe-player" src="https://www.podbean.com/player-v2/?from=embed&i=qf6rf-1a11efc-pb&square=1&share=1&download=1&fonts=Arial&skin=3267a3&font-color=auto&rtl=0&logo_link=podcast_page&btn-skin=60a0c8&size=300%22 loading="lazy" allowfullscreen=""></iframe></div>Reporter Cristina Janney speaks with Sondra Hickert, director, about the USD 489 Hays Virtual School on this episode of the Hays Post Podcast.Learn more about the Hays Virtual School at <a href="https://www.usd489.com/o/hvs">usd489.com/o/hvs</a>&nbsp;or call 785-623-2426.

🎙 Post Podcast: Hays USD 489 Virtual School

By BECKY KISER Hays Post

In a short meeting on Thursday, the newly elected Hays city commissioners were sworn into office and the governing body reorganized.

Jamie Breit, city clerk, issued the oath of office to incumbents Shaun Musil and Sandy Jacobs, and newcomer David Vilaysing. The entire commission then voted to elect Mason Ruder to a second term as mayor and Alaina Cunningham as vice-mayor.

Jacobs, the previous mayor, was thanked for her service after she highlighted some of the major accomplishments of her mayoral term.

"As a body, this commission has made huge strides with our R9 project, housing, economic growth, commitment to our police with a new facility, parks, and our airport," Jacobs said.&nbsp;

"Leadership, to me, has never been about position or title but about listening, bringing people together and keeping our community at the center of every decision."

Vilaysing, the new commissioner who will serve a two-year term, said he has been meeting with department heads the past couple of months and touring the city's facilities.

"During those tours," he said. "I saw countless examples of department leaders finding ways to be resourceful, to preserve our resources and embracing innovation.&nbsp;

"Along with the educators, health care professionals, civic groups, the chamber of commerce, they're all out there being the backbone of the city," Vilaysing said.&nbsp;

Ruder, a sixth-generation Ellis County resident, said 2026 will also be filled with celebration for the 150th anniversary of the arrival of Volga-German settlers in Ellis County, and the 250th anniversary of the signing of the U.S. Declaration of Independence.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2026/1/1767973689566.jpeg" alt="Andrea Winholz, executive assistant, rearranges name plates after the Hays City Commission governing body was reorganized on Jan. 8. Pictured are Mason Ruder, mayor, Alaina Cunningham, vice-mayor, Shaun Musil, Sandy Jacobs and David Vilaysing. Photo by Becky Kiser/Hays Post" />
 <figcaption>Andrea Winholz, executive assistant, rearranges name plates after the Hays City Commission governing body was reorganized on Jan. 8. Pictured are Mason Ruder, mayor, Alaina Cunningham, vice-mayor, Shaun Musil, Sandy Jacobs and David Vilaysing. Photo by Becky Kiser/Hays Post</figcaption>
 </figure><div><iframe title="Post Podcast: New year, new governing body for city of Hays" allowtransparency="true" height="300" width="100%" style="border: none; min-width: min(100%, 430px);height:300px;" scrolling="no" data-name="pb-iframe-player" src="https://www.podbean.com/player-v2/?from=embed&i=quykn-1a1381c-pb&square=1&share=1&download=1&fonts=Arial&skin=3267a3&font-color=auto&rtl=0&logo_link=podcast_page&btn-skin=60a0c8&size=300%22 loading="lazy" allowfullscreen=""></iframe></div>By BECKY KISER Hays PostIn a short meeting on Thursday, the newly elected Hays city commissioners were sworn into office and the governing body reorganized.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2026/1/1767972818998.jpeg" alt="Jami Breit, city clerk, administers the oath of office Jan. 8 to Hays city commissioners David Vilaysing, Sandy Jacobs and Shaun Musil, who were elected last fall. Photo by Becky Kiser/Hays Post" />
 <figcaption>Jami Breit, city clerk, administers the oath of office Jan. 8 to Hays city commissioners David Vilaysing, Sandy Jacobs and Shaun Musil, who were elected last fall. Photo by Becky Kiser/Hays Post</figcaption>
 </figure>Jamie Breit, city clerk, issued the oath of office to incumbents Shaun Musil and Sandy Jacobs, and newcomer David Vilaysing. The entire commission then voted to elect Mason Ruder to a second term as mayor and Alaina Cunningham as vice-mayor.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2026/1/1767974118756.jpeg" alt="Mason Ruder, Hays mayor, thanks outgoing mayor Sandy Jacobs for her service. Jacobs was re-elected in November for a four-year term. Photo by Becky Kiser/Hays Post" />
 <figcaption>Mason Ruder, Hays mayor, thanks outgoing mayor Sandy Jacobs for her service. Jacobs was re-elected in November for a four-year term. Photo by Becky Kiser/Hays Post</figcaption>
 </figure>Jacobs, the previous mayor, was thanked for her service after she highlighted some of the major accomplishments of her mayoral term."As a body, this commission has made huge strides with our R9 project, housing, economic growth, commitment to our police with a new facility, parks, and our airport," Jacobs said.&nbsp;"Leadership, to me, has never been about position or title but about listening, bringing people together and keeping our community at the center of every decision."Vilaysing, the new commissioner who will serve a two-year term, said he has been meeting with department heads the past couple of months and touring the city's facilities."During those tours," he said. "I saw countless examples of department leaders finding ways to be resourceful, to preserve our resources and embracing innovation.&nbsp;"Along with the educators, health care professionals, civic groups, the chamber of commerce, they're all out there being the backbone of the city," Vilaysing said.&nbsp;Ruder, a sixth-generation Ellis County resident, said 2026 will also be filled with celebration for the 150th anniversary of the arrival of Volga-German settlers in Ellis County, and the 250th anniversary of the signing of the U.S. Declaration of Independence.&nbsp;

🎙 New year, new governing body for city of Hays

On this episode of Forward Ever: Leading in Challenging Times, host Gary Shorman talks to&nbsp;Allen P Roth about the 80th anniversary of the local conservation district.

<div><iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/2EcW6f8x-WM?si=1xbsQOzNObC05kdY" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" referrerpolicy="strict-origin-when-cross-origin" allowfullscreen></iframe></div>On this episode of Forward Ever: Leading in Challenging Times, host Gary Shorman talks to&nbsp;Allen P Roth about the 80th anniversary of the local conservation district.

Forward Ever: Allen P Roth on 80th anniversary of local conservation district 

On this episode of the Hays Post Podcast, Becky Kiser, news reporter, talks with Lee Ann June, The Bricks executive director, about the 2025 holiday season in downtown Hays and some of the plans for 2026.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/4/1650389030295.jpeg" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure>On this episode of the Hays Post Podcast, Becky Kiser, news reporter, talks with Lee Ann June, The Bricks executive director, about the 2025 holiday season in downtown Hays and some of the plans for 2026.<div><iframe title="Post Podcast: The Bricks wraps up the holiday season in downtown Hays" allowtransparency="true" height="300" width="100%" style="border: none; min-width: min(100%, 430px);height:300px;" scrolling="no" data-name="pb-iframe-player" src="https://www.podbean.com/player-v2/?from=embed&i=gp4gc-1a0ecac-pb&square=1&share=1&download=1&fonts=Arial&skin=3267a3&font-color=auto&rtl=0&logo_link=podcast_page&btn-skin=60a0c8&size=300" loading="lazy" allowfullscreen=""></iframe></div>

🎙 Post Podcast: The Bricks wraps up holiday season in downtown Hays

On this episode of the Hays Post Podcast, Becky Kiser, news reporter, talks with the new executive assistant at the Hays Arts Council, Kiernan McCarty, along with Chandler Reich, executive director, and Brittney Squire, board president.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/12/1766144764979.jpeg" alt="Kiernan McCarty. Courtesy photo" />
 <figcaption>Kiernan McCarty. Courtesy photo</figcaption>
 </figure><div><iframe title="Post Podcast: Meet the new executive assistant of the Hays Arts Council" allowtransparency="true" height="300" width="100%" style="border: none; min-width: min(100%, 430px);height:300px;" scrolling="no" data-name="pb-iframe-player" src="https://www.podbean.com/player-v2/?from=embed&i=9jvn9-19f4ece-pb&square=1&share=1&download=1&fonts=Arial&skin=3267a3&font-color=auto&rtl=0&logo_link=podcast_page&btn-skin=60a0c8&size=300" loading="lazy" allowfullscreen=""></iframe></div>On this episode of the Hays Post Podcast, Becky Kiser, news reporter, talks with the new executive assistant at the Hays Arts Council, Kiernan McCarty, along with Chandler Reich, executive director, and Brittney Squire, board president.

🎙 Post Podcast: Meet the new executive assistant of the Hays Arts Council 

On this episode of Forward Ever: Leading in Challenging Times, host Gary Shorman talks to&nbsp;Kris Munsch about setting goals for the coming year, both personally and professionally.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/8/1661448577852.jpeg" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure><div><iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/K7_aogiF-lI?si=y4ZgVftfQn0vEpBP" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" referrerpolicy="strict-origin-when-cross-origin" allowfullscreen></iframe></div>On this episode of Forward Ever: Leading in Challenging Times, host Gary Shorman talks to&nbsp;Kris Munsch about setting goals for the coming year, both personally and professionally.

🎙 Forward Ever: Kris Munsch on setting goals for 2026

Reporter Cristina Janney speaks with Doug Williams of Grow Hays about the bid awards for the Tallgrass Addition phase 4 and community partnerships with manufacturer Agiliti on this episode of the Hays Post Podcast.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/11/1667693163285.jpeg" alt="File photo" />
 <figcaption>File photo</figcaption>
 </figure><div><iframe title="Post Podcast: Grow Hays" allowtransparency="true" height="300" width="100%" style="border: none; min-width: min(100%, 430px);height:300px;" scrolling="no" data-name="pb-iframe-player" src="https://www.podbean.com/player-v2/?from=embed&i=fg27z-19f8086-pb&square=1&share=1&download=1&fonts=Arial&skin=3267a3&font-color=auto&rtl=0&logo_link=podcast_page&btn-skin=60a0c8&size=300%22 loading="lazy" allowfullscreen=""></iframe>
Podbean Player
 </div>Reporter Cristina Janney speaks with Doug Williams of Grow Hays about the bid awards for the Tallgrass Addition phase 4 and community partnerships with manufacturer Agiliti on this episode of the Hays Post Podcast.

🎙 Post Podcast: Doug Williams on Tallgrass Addition, Agiliti partnerships

By STACY CAMPBELL Cottonwood Extension District

Water supply to rural residences and agricultural operations without rural or public water systems is usually obtained from a private well or surface water supply. 

In Kansas, more than 73,000 individuals rely on private wells for a water supply. When public and rural water systems that use well water are added to the private well numbers, 34.6% of the Kansas population relies on groundwater for their water supply.

Municipal and rural water systems must maintain water quality standards specified by local, state, or federal requirements; however, owners of private wells are responsible for the water quality of their wells. Permanent contamination of groundwater can decrease property values, affect human and animal health, and involve legal liability.

Testing water from private wells has shown that some wells do not meet the safe drinking water standards used for public water systems. The primary reasons for this reduction in water quality from private wells include:

· contamination sources upslope or near the well;

· failure to construct the well in accordance with current standards;

· inadequate well maintenance and service; and

· lack of protection from activities that risk contamination.

Following the guidelines for recommended separation distance and direction from potential contamination sources when locating a well can help protect private well water quality. 

When private wells are appropriately sited and constructed, routine maintenance is required to ensure wells continue to be safe. Wells that do not receive regular maintenance are more likely to produce unsafe water.

Detailed information about properly constructing a well in a safe location and maintenance guidelines for existing wells can be found in two recently updated publications from K-State Research and Extension, says Stacie Minson, Extension Watershed Specialist. 

Private Wells – Safe Location MF3667 https://bookstore.ksre.ksu.edu/download/private-wells-safe-location_MF3667

Private Well Maintenance and Protection MF3666 <a href="https://bookstore.ksre.ksu.edu/item/private-well-maintenance-and-protection_MF3666">https://bookstore.ksre.ksu.edu/item/private-well-maintenance-and-protection_MF3666 </a>

Testing Private Water Systems MF3655 <a href="https://bookstore.ksre.ksu.edu/download/testing-private-water-systems_MF3655">https://bookstore.ksre.ksu.edu/download/testing-private-water-systems_MF3655</a>

Information provided by Stacie Minson, Extension Watershed Specialist, KCARE sedgett@ksu.edu.

Stacy Campbell is a Crop Production Extension agent in the Cottonwood District (which includes Barton and Ellis counties) for K-State Research and Extension. You can contact him by e-mail at scampbel@ksu.edu or by calling 785-628-9430.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/12/1765989648006.png" alt="Illustration by Kansas Research and Extension" />
 <figcaption>Illustration by Kansas Research and Extension</figcaption>
 </figure>By STACY CAMPBELL Cottonwood Extension DistrictWater supply to rural residences and agricultural operations without rural or public water systems is usually obtained from a private well or surface water supply. In Kansas, more than 73,000 individuals rely on private wells for a water supply. When public and rural water systems that use well water are added to the private well numbers, 34.6% of the Kansas population relies on groundwater for their water supply.Municipal and rural water systems must maintain water quality standards specified by local, state, or federal requirements; however, owners of private wells are responsible for the water quality of their wells. Permanent contamination of groundwater can decrease property values, affect human and animal health, and involve legal liability.Testing water from private wells has shown that some wells do not meet the safe drinking water standards used for public water systems. The primary reasons for this reduction in water quality from private wells include:· contamination sources upslope or near the well;· failure to construct the well in accordance with current standards;· inadequate well maintenance and service; and· lack of protection from activities that risk contamination.Following the guidelines for recommended separation distance and direction from potential contamination sources when locating a well can help protect private well water quality. When private wells are appropriately sited and constructed, routine maintenance is required to ensure wells continue to be safe. Wells that do not receive regular maintenance are more likely to produce unsafe water.Detailed information about properly constructing a well in a safe location and maintenance guidelines for existing wells can be found in two recently updated publications from K-State Research and Extension, says Stacie Minson, Extension Watershed Specialist. Private Wells – Safe Location MF3667 https://bookstore.ksre.ksu.edu/download/private-wells-safe-location_MF3667 Private Well Maintenance and Protection MF3666 <a href="https://bookstore.ksre.ksu.edu/item/private-well-maintenance-and-protection_MF3666">https://bookstore.ksre.ksu.edu/item/private-well-maintenance-and-protection_MF3666 </a>Testing Private Water Systems MF3655 <a href="https://bookstore.ksre.ksu.edu/download/testing-private-water-systems_MF3655">https://bookstore.ksre.ksu.edu/download/testing-private-water-systems_MF3655</a>Information provided by Stacie Minson, Extension Watershed Specialist, KCARE sedgett@ksu.edu.Stacy Campbell is a Crop Production Extension agent in the Cottonwood District (which includes Barton and Ellis counties) for K-State Research and Extension. You can contact him by e-mail at scampbel@ksu.edu or by calling 785-628-9430.