Area residents will once again have the opportunity to hear directly
from their local legislators during the Hays Chamber’s 2023 Legislative Coffee
Series.

The first of the three Saturday morning events is scheduled to begin at
8 a.m. Feb. 4 at the Hays Public Library, 1205 Main.

“This is
one of my favorite events, actually, because it gives us an opportunity just to
interact with our elected officials,” said Hays Chamber President and CEO Sarah
Wasinger. “There are so many important issues that are being addressed at this
local, state and national level. And really, the reason behind this event is to
give our community members a chance to express their concerns and make sure
that their voices are being heard.”

The
follow-up events are scheduled for March 4 and April 1.

“We
really try to keep it as low-key as possible,” Wasinger said. “They open up
with some opening remarks, a couple of minutes each. And then really we open
that up to the question-and answer-portion after that.”

Questions
for the participating legislators can be submitted in advance.

“We had
probably more questions submitted, actually, at the first legislative coffee
last year than I've at least had since I've been with the chamber,” Wasinger
said. “People are engaged. They're paying attention to what's going on, and you
get to hear a variety of thoughts and perspectives from different individuals
across the community. And then, of course, our elected officials will weigh in
with where their heads and hearts are sitting at the moment. And it's just a
good dialogue.”

The format of the sessions will be
the same as previous years, featuring coffee and scones from Breathe Coffee
House, with the formal program scheduled to start at 8:30 a.m.

“We usually
have about an hour to an hour and 15 minutes, it really just depends on how
many representatives or legislators we have there that day,” Wasinger said. “And
then we finish with some closing remarks.”

The
sessions, she said, can also serve as a way to network with the legislators.

“I think
many people oftentimes are stuck in these situations or problems, and they
don't necessarily know who to reach out to,” Wasinger said. “That's when your
elected officials can really come in and roll up their sleeves and do the work
that they need to do to support you.

“There's
definitely value in building those relationships and attending.”

Topics
covered during the sessions will vary based on what is happening in the
legislature and submitted questions.

“Things
that we may talk about, at least what we talked about last year, was Medicaid
expansion,” Wasinger said. “Obviously, education funding is always a hot topic,
gun legislation, as western Kansas citizens appreciate that topic usually. And
then, of course, water access. We'd be remiss not to talk about economic
development and housing. Of course, childcare and ag industry, those are all
things that tend to be hot topics, regardless of what is going on in the
legislative session.”

So far, she said Sen. Rick Billinger, R-Goodland,
Rep. Ken Rahjes, R-Agra, and Rep. Barbara Wasinger, R-Hays, plan to attend Saturday’s
kickoff event along with a representative from the office of U.S. Sen. Roger Marshall.

“I think
it'll be a great crowd, we always look forward to the answers that they will
share,” Wasinger said. “I think it's interesting that everybody can kind of
just understand that dialogue and conversation is important.”

Midwest
Energy and the Hays Daily News sponsored the legislative coffee series.

Questions
can be sent to <a href="mailto:sarah@hayschamber.com">sarah@hayschamber.com</a>

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/3/1646612730538.jpeg" alt="File photo" />
 <figcaption>File photo</figcaption>
 </figure><div><iframe title="Hays Chamber’s Legislative Coffee series returns for 2023" 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=j3zu7-1378a82-pb&from=pb6admin&square=1&share=1&download=1&rtl=0&fonts=Arial&skin=3267a3&font-color=auto&logo_link=podcast_page&btn-skin=3267a3&size=450" allowfullscreen=""></iframe></div>By JAMES BELL Hays PostArea residents will once again have the opportunity to hear directly
from their local legislators during the Hays Chamber’s 2023 Legislative Coffee
Series.The first of the three Saturday morning events is scheduled to begin at
8 a.m. Feb. 4 at the Hays Public Library, 1205 Main.“This is
one of my favorite events, actually, because it gives us an opportunity just to
interact with our elected officials,” said Hays Chamber President and CEO Sarah
Wasinger. “There are so many important issues that are being addressed at this
local, state and national level. And really, the reason behind this event is to
give our community members a chance to express their concerns and make sure
that their voices are being heard.”The
follow-up events are scheduled for March 4 and April 1.“We
really try to keep it as low-key as possible,” Wasinger said. “They open up
with some opening remarks, a couple of minutes each. And then really we open
that up to the question-and answer-portion after that.”Questions
for the participating legislators can be submitted in advance.“We had
probably more questions submitted, actually, at the first legislative coffee
last year than I've at least had since I've been with the chamber,” Wasinger
said. “People are engaged. They're paying attention to what's going on, and you
get to hear a variety of thoughts and perspectives from different individuals
across the community. And then, of course, our elected officials will weigh in
with where their heads and hearts are sitting at the moment. And it's just a
good dialogue.”The format of the sessions will be
the same as previous years, featuring coffee and scones from Breathe Coffee
House, with the formal program scheduled to start at 8:30 a.m.“We usually
have about an hour to an hour and 15 minutes, it really just depends on how
many representatives or legislators we have there that day,” Wasinger said. “And
then we finish with some closing remarks.”The
sessions, she said, can also serve as a way to network with the legislators.“I think
many people oftentimes are stuck in these situations or problems, and they
don't necessarily know who to reach out to,” Wasinger said. “That's when your
elected officials can really come in and roll up their sleeves and do the work
that they need to do to support you.“There's
definitely value in building those relationships and attending.”Topics
covered during the sessions will vary based on what is happening in the
legislature and submitted questions.“Things
that we may talk about, at least what we talked about last year, was Medicaid
expansion,” Wasinger said. “Obviously, education funding is always a hot topic,
gun legislation, as western Kansas citizens appreciate that topic usually. And
then, of course, water access. We'd be remiss not to talk about economic
development and housing. Of course, childcare and ag industry, those are all
things that tend to be hot topics, regardless of what is going on in the
legislative session.”So far, she said Sen. Rick Billinger, R-Goodland,
Rep. Ken Rahjes, R-Agra, and Rep. Barbara Wasinger, R-Hays, plan to attend Saturday’s
kickoff event along with a representative from the office of U.S. Sen. Roger Marshall.“I think
it'll be a great crowd, we always look forward to the answers that they will
share,” Wasinger said. “I think it's interesting that everybody can kind of
just understand that dialogue and conversation is important.”Midwest
Energy and the Hays Daily News sponsored the legislative coffee series.Questions
can be sent to <a href="mailto:sarah@hayschamber.com">sarah@hayschamber.com</a>

🎙 Hays Chamber’s Legislative Coffee series returns for 2023

<a href="https://postpodcast.podbean.com/">For more about the Post Podcast, including a full list of episodes and episode transcripts click here.</a>

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/4/1650310171036.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure><div><iframe title="The Post Podcast" allowtransparency="true" height="240" 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=mfxwd-513918-pbblog-playlist&share=1&download=1&rtl=0&fonts=Arial&skin=3267a3&font-color=auto&logo_link=podcast_page&order=episodic&limit=40&filter=tags&tag=all&ss=079545fa78cbd214d90f518dd160ff1e&btn-skin=f6f6f6&size=240" allowfullscreen=""></iframe></div><a href="https://postpodcast.podbean.com/">For more about the Post Podcast, including a full list of episodes and episode transcripts click here.</a>

🎙 The latest from the Post Podcast

On this episode of the Post Podcast, Ellis County sheriff, Scott Braun discusses cold weather safety tips.

<div><iframe title="Ellis County Sheriff shares cold weather safety information" 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=icypi-137ca0c-pb&from=pb6admin&square=1&share=1&download=1&rtl=0&fonts=Arial&skin=3267a3&font-color=auto&logo_link=podcast_page&btn-skin=3267a3&size=450" allowfullscreen=""></iframe></div>On this episode of the Post Podcast, Ellis County sheriff, Scott Braun discusses cold weather safety tips.

🎙 Post Podcast: Ellis County Sheriff shares cold weather safety information

Get more than double the local impact with a charitable
gift this month.

The annual Heartland Community Foundation match month has
returned this February.

As the group continues to build its coffers, the annual
assistance from the Dane G. Hansen Foundation allows it to positively impact
community groups and projects throughout the year.

During the month, the Hansen Foundation has challenged
the Heartland Foundation to raise $50,000 in each of the three counties it serves – Ellis, Trego and Rooks.

“So, in 28 days, we have to raise that,” said Heartland
Community Foundation Executive Director Sarah Meitner.&nbsp;

While
the annual match month has been an opportunity to generate more funds for
Heartland, the Hansen Foundation has upped the ante this year.

“In
the past, they've doubled the match, so they've done $1 for $1,” Meitner said.
“This year, they're doing $2 for every dollar.”

If
each of the three Heartland counties raises the $50,000 challenge amount, she
said Hansen would match that with $300,000.

“That
money goes into our legacy funds,” Meitner said. “Each county has one, the
Ellis County Legacy Fund, the Rooks County Legacy Fund, the Trego County Legacy
Fund, and those are our primary granting funds.”

Those
funds are unrestricted, meaning donations from those accounts can go to any
cause.

“Schools,
churches, any nonprofit, service providers, cities, municipalities, you name
it,” Meitner said. “We want to grow that fund because the more we grow
it, the more we can grant. So yeah, this is amazing to get that extra
incentive to really spur giving.”

And
while giving money to deserving groups is a hallmark of the organization,
Meitner said as the fund grows, the ability to give in the future also
increases.

“It's an endowed fund,” she said. “That means that we don't
actually grant out the principle of the fund — we're letting that grow. We grant
out the investment income.”

And
while the foundation doesn't always grant the total amount available every year, she said
it must give at least 5 percent under federal guidelines.

“I
get about 120 applications a year,” Meitner said. “We can't grant to all of
those. There's just simply not enough money. We haven't gotten there yet. We're
trying. We're growing it.”

Last
year’s grants totaled over $422,000, she said, for both organizations and projects.

“I think
the schools were actually our largest granting recipient, and it was at about
$112,000," Meitner said. "After that, it was service providers, health care and service
providers. And then roughly $78,000 went toward public safety and disaster
relief.”

Another
$36,000 was distributed to arts, and culture projects and $32,000 went to parks.

“Your
donation to the Heartland Community Foundation can really touch so many lives
because of the wide breadth of impact,” Meitner said. “It goes toward fire
safety. It can go toward law enforcement. It can go toward children and arts
and culture, parks — a little bit of everything.”

And
over the lifetime of the Heartland Foundation, she said around $3.2 million had
been distributed.

“Certainly, the ripple effect of that has been tremendous,”
Meitner said.

And
while the foundation continues to grow, she said the organization can also help
connect potential donors with opportunities to give.

“In
the future, I hope that we'll be able to have even more to grant out, but when
people are looking for a way to make an impact come to me, I can help point you
in the right direction,” Meitner said. “We can match you up with whatever it is
that fires you up.”

This
year, she said they have also added a bonus incentive to give.

“If
you donate between Feb. 1 and Feb. 15, you will be entered to win $500 in
chamber bucks that we will draw on the morning of the 16th,” Meitner said. “And
if you donate over $500, you'll be entered twice.”

The
drawings will be offered in each of the foundation’s three counties.

“If
you want to gift all three counties, you could be entered three times,” Meitner
said. “We'll draw that and just try to spread the word and remind people that
it's match month and see how much we can raise.”

But
even without the incentive, she said the region is home to those that desire to
give.

“I believe that we're really fortunate in this region to
have very generous people. And so, our nonprofits in town are really able to
make the most of the money that they have to make the biggest impact and do
good work. They're the boots on the ground."

"But
that generosity, I also believe, it's not finite. I say the pie just gets
larger because people dig a little bit deeper. And especially when there's an
incentive, like a match incentive, but also just when there's a really good story
to tell, and somebody who truly needs it, our region, our communities, they
turn out, and they want to help.”

Donations
can be made at&nbsp;<a href="https://heartlandcommunityfoundation.org/" target="_blank">heartlandcommunityfoundation.org</a>, by phone at (785) 621-4090 or in person at their
office in the Chestnut Building at 1200 Main.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/3/1647093312739.jpg" alt="Image courtesy Pixabay" />
 <figcaption>Image courtesy Pixabay</figcaption>
 </figure>By JAMES BELL Hays PostGet more than double the local impact with a charitable
gift this month.The annual Heartland Community Foundation match month has
returned this February.As the group continues to build its coffers, the annual
assistance from the Dane G. Hansen Foundation allows it to positively impact
community groups and projects throughout the year.During the month, the Hansen Foundation has challenged
the Heartland Foundation to raise $50,000 in each of the three counties it serves – Ellis, Trego and Rooks.“So, in 28 days, we have to raise that,” said Heartland
Community Foundation Executive Director Sarah Meitner.&nbsp;While
the annual match month has been an opportunity to generate more funds for
Heartland, the Hansen Foundation has upped the ante this year.<div><iframe title="Match month gives gifts to area foundation more impact" 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=r3d45-137b1ac-pb&from=pb6admin&square=1&share=1&download=1&rtl=0&fonts=Arial&skin=3267a3&font-color=auto&logo_link=podcast_page&btn-skin=3267a3&size=450" allowfullscreen=""></iframe></div>“In
the past, they've doubled the match, so they've done $1 for $1,” Meitner said.
“This year, they're doing $2 for every dollar.”If
each of the three Heartland counties raises the $50,000 challenge amount, she
said Hansen would match that with $300,000.“That
money goes into our legacy funds,” Meitner said. “Each county has one, the
Ellis County Legacy Fund, the Rooks County Legacy Fund, the Trego County Legacy
Fund, and those are our primary granting funds.”Those
funds are unrestricted, meaning donations from those accounts can go to any
cause.“Schools,
churches, any nonprofit, service providers, cities, municipalities, you name
it,” Meitner said. “We want to grow that fund because the more we grow
it, the more we can grant. So yeah, this is amazing to get that extra
incentive to really spur giving.”And
while giving money to deserving groups is a hallmark of the organization,
Meitner said as the fund grows, the ability to give in the future also
increases.“It's an endowed fund,” she said. “That means that we don't
actually grant out the principle of the fund — we're letting that grow. We grant
out the investment income.”And
while the foundation doesn't always grant the total amount available every year, she said
it must give at least 5 percent under federal guidelines.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/3/1648234209135.jpeg" alt="Sarah Meitner (File photo)" />
 <figcaption>Sarah Meitner (File photo)</figcaption>
 </figure><h2>Not enough money ...</h2>“I
get about 120 applications a year,” Meitner said. “We can't grant to all of
those. There's just simply not enough money. We haven't gotten there yet. We're
trying. We're growing it.”Last
year’s grants totaled over $422,000, she said, for both organizations and projects.“I think
the schools were actually our largest granting recipient, and it was at about
$112,000," Meitner said. "After that, it was service providers, health care and service
providers. And then roughly $78,000 went toward public safety and disaster
relief.”Another
$36,000 was distributed to arts, and culture projects and $32,000 went to parks.“Your
donation to the Heartland Community Foundation can really touch so many lives
because of the wide breadth of impact,” Meitner said. “It goes toward fire
safety. It can go toward law enforcement. It can go toward children and arts
and culture, parks — a little bit of everything.”And
over the lifetime of the Heartland Foundation, she said around $3.2 million had
been distributed.“Certainly, the ripple effect of that has been tremendous,”
Meitner said.And
while the foundation continues to grow, she said the organization can also help
connect potential donors with opportunities to give.“In
the future, I hope that we'll be able to have even more to grant out, but when
people are looking for a way to make an impact come to me, I can help point you
in the right direction,” Meitner said. “We can match you up with whatever it is
that fires you up.”This
year, she said they have also added a bonus incentive to give.“If
you donate between Feb. 1 and Feb. 15, you will be entered to win $500 in
chamber bucks that we will draw on the morning of the 16th,” Meitner said. “And
if you donate over $500, you'll be entered twice.”The
drawings will be offered in each of the foundation’s three counties.“If
you want to gift all three counties, you could be entered three times,” Meitner
said. “We'll draw that and just try to spread the word and remind people that
it's match month and see how much we can raise.”But
even without the incentive, she said the region is home to those that desire to
give.“I believe that we're really fortunate in this region to
have very generous people. And so, our nonprofits in town are really able to
make the most of the money that they have to make the biggest impact and do
good work. They're the boots on the ground.""But
that generosity, I also believe, it's not finite. I say the pie just gets
larger because people dig a little bit deeper. And especially when there's an
incentive, like a match incentive, but also just when there's a really good story
to tell, and somebody who truly needs it, our region, our communities, they
turn out, and they want to help.”Donations
can be made at&nbsp;<a href="https://heartlandcommunityfoundation.org/" target="_blank">heartlandcommunityfoundation.org</a>, by phone at (785) 621-4090 or in person at their
office in the Chestnut Building at 1200 Main.

🎙Gifts to Heartland Foundation to be matched during February

On this episode of the Post Podcast Hays High FFA Alumni organizers discuss their upcoming fundraiser set for Feb. 4.

<div><iframe title="Hays High FFA Alumni fundraiser nearly here" 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=9qqkw-137ad6c-pb&from=pb6admin&square=1&share=1&download=1&rtl=0&fonts=Arial&skin=3267a3&font-color=auto&logo_link=podcast_page&btn-skin=3267a3&size=450" allowfullscreen=""></iframe></div>On this episode of the Post Podcast Hays High FFA Alumni organizers discuss their upcoming fundraiser set for Feb. 4.

🎙 Post Podcast: Hays High FFA Alumni Fundraiser nearly here

A
project years in the making took a significant step forward last week with&nbsp;<a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/09ac3361-ef7e-4078-a540-b0cfafaf1bc5" target="_blank">the
announcement of a land donation from HaysMed that will be home to The Grove</a>, a housing and community center development at the
intersection of 27th and Canterbury.&nbsp;

“This
has been a long time coming,” said Grow Hays Executive Director Doug Williams.
“We've been talking about this for at least a couple of years.”

The
impetus behind the project was a community economic impact survey highlighting
the significant economic impact of retirement-age populations on Ellis County
and the greater northwest Kansas region.

But
work needed to be done to capture the potential economic influence of that
population.

“We
haven't done a very good job of building retiree appropriate housing, giving
existing retirees an option to downsize if that may be the case, as well as
attract retirees from other areas into our community,” Williams said.

And
so the idea for The Grove was born, a development that would help&nbsp;<a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/cbc95f5a-dac2-4607-87ad-45b8fe00b7d5" target="_blank">address
the ongoing housing shortage in Ellis County</a>, the lack of childcare and create a new multi-use
community center.

“We
saw this acreage north of the hospital that was just a wheat field and thought,
‘What a great spot to put in a retiree-focused housing development, along with
a community center that could house the Senior Center, which is currently
housed out by the airport,’” Williams said.

“With
that thought process in mind, it then evolved into the other thing we really
have a problem within our community … child care.”

The
combination of usage married perfectly into the idea that will move into the
next development phase now that land has been secured.

Grow
Hays announced the donation from HaysMed during Thursday’s City Commission
meeting, followed by a statement from Grow Hays and the hospital.

“We
deal with housing issues for our associates daily,” said Eddie Herrman, CEO of
HaysMed. “The Grove will create much-needed housing for our community. The
location, and its proximity to our facilities, will provide easy access for
associates, patients, and all who choose to live there.”

“We
believe that it's the perfect location and the right idea,” Williams said. “And
so now we just need to execute. We've got an arrangement with the hospital for
the purchase of the property, and they have agreed to generously donate the
land that the community center would be located on. That's about a $250,000
value of that land, that they'll be donating. And so, we believe we've got all
the right pieces in place, and we're ready to go.”

While planning continues, he said&nbsp;the community center
would be about 14,000 square feet, with around half dedicated to a childcare
facility.

The
other half will house the Senior center and general community rooms that area
residents can use for various activities.

“We
need some additional space for those types of things,” Williams said. “This
will fill that need.”

The
housing development will also add to the available Hays inventory. Still, while
there is a focus on age-appropriate housing needs, other market segments will
also benefit.

“There'll
be some multifamily housing, there'll be some duplex townhouse units, and then
there'll be patio homes,” Williams said. “There'll be a good variety of housing
to try and meet kind of all needs.”

Now that the location is secured, he said the planning
work, including obtaining funding, will begin immediately.

“We
hope that for the community center, we will start a fundraising effort, and we
hope to get participation from the city, the county, local foundations and
local individuals,” Williams said. “It's going to take everybody. It's going to
be a real community effort to make all that work because it's a big facility,
and it's a $4-4.5 million build.”

The
first step is to begin the annexation process, as the land is outside the Hays
city limits.

The
land would then need to be zoned appropriately.

“We're
hoping to get that done this spring in all the annexation planning and zoning
and then start on some infrastructure sometime late summer, next fall,” Williams
said.

“We're
excited. ...We've got a great design and a great concept. And so we have a long
road ahead of us because we got to raise a whole bunch of money to do it. But
the plan is pretty well in place. And now we just need to move forward with it.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/1/1675020112352.png" alt="A conceptual drawing of the Community Center in The Grove." />
 <figcaption>A conceptual drawing of the Community Center in The Grove.</figcaption>
 </figure>By JAMES BELL Hays PostA
project years in the making took a significant step forward last week with&nbsp;<a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/09ac3361-ef7e-4078-a540-b0cfafaf1bc5" target="_blank">the
announcement of a land donation from HaysMed that will be home to The Grove</a>, a housing and community center development at the
intersection of 27th and Canterbury.&nbsp;“This
has been a long time coming,” said Grow Hays Executive Director Doug Williams.
“We've been talking about this for at least a couple of years.”The
impetus behind the project was a community economic impact survey highlighting
the significant economic impact of retirement-age populations on Ellis County
and the greater northwest Kansas region.But
work needed to be done to capture the potential economic influence of that
population.<div><iframe title="Latest Grow Hays project to bring additional housing; new community center to Hays" 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=g4w8x-1377853-pb&from=pb6admin&square=1&share=1&download=1&rtl=0&fonts=Arial&skin=3267a3&font-color=auto&logo_link=podcast_page&btn-skin=3267a3&size=450" allowfullscreen=""></iframe></div>“We
haven't done a very good job of building retiree appropriate housing, giving
existing retirees an option to downsize if that may be the case, as well as
attract retirees from other areas into our community,” Williams said.And
so the idea for The Grove was born, a development that would help&nbsp;<a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/cbc95f5a-dac2-4607-87ad-45b8fe00b7d5" target="_blank">address
the ongoing housing shortage in Ellis County</a>, the lack of childcare and create a new multi-use
community center.“We
saw this acreage north of the hospital that was just a wheat field and thought,
‘What a great spot to put in a retiree-focused housing development, along with
a community center that could house the Senior Center, which is currently
housed out by the airport,’” Williams said.“With
that thought process in mind, it then evolved into the other thing we really
have a problem within our community … child care.”The
combination of usage married perfectly into the idea that will move into the
next development phase now that land has been secured.Grow
Hays announced the donation from HaysMed during Thursday’s City Commission
meeting, followed by a statement from Grow Hays and the hospital.“We
deal with housing issues for our associates daily,” said Eddie Herrman, CEO of
HaysMed. “The Grove will create much-needed housing for our community. The
location, and its proximity to our facilities, will provide easy access for
associates, patients, and all who choose to live there.”<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/1/1675019909019.jpeg" alt="Land directly north of HaysMed was donated to The Grove project just north of the hospital's main facility." />
 <figcaption>Land directly north of HaysMed was donated to The Grove project just north of the hospital's main facility.</figcaption>
 </figure>“We
believe that it's the perfect location and the right idea,” Williams said. “And
so now we just need to execute. We've got an arrangement with the hospital for
the purchase of the property, and they have agreed to generously donate the
land that the community center would be located on. That's about a $250,000
value of that land, that they'll be donating. And so, we believe we've got all
the right pieces in place, and we're ready to go.”While planning continues, he said&nbsp;the community center
would be about 14,000 square feet, with around half dedicated to a childcare
facility.The
other half will house the Senior center and general community rooms that area
residents can use for various activities.“We
need some additional space for those types of things,” Williams said. “This
will fill that need.”The
housing development will also add to the available Hays inventory. Still, while
there is a focus on age-appropriate housing needs, other market segments will
also benefit.“There'll
be some multifamily housing, there'll be some duplex townhouse units, and then
there'll be patio homes,” Williams said. “There'll be a good variety of housing
to try and meet kind of all needs.”<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/1/1675020588353.jpeg" alt="A rendering of The Grove layout." />
 <figcaption>A rendering of The Grove layout.</figcaption>
 </figure>Now that the location is secured, he said the planning
work, including obtaining funding, will begin immediately.“We
hope that for the community center, we will start a fundraising effort, and we
hope to get participation from the city, the county, local foundations and
local individuals,” Williams said. “It's going to take everybody. It's going to
be a real community effort to make all that work because it's a big facility,
and it's a $4-4.5 million build.”The
first step is to begin the annexation process, as the land is outside the Hays
city limits.The
land would then need to be zoned appropriately.“We're
hoping to get that done this spring in all the annexation planning and zoning
and then start on some infrastructure sometime late summer, next fall,” Williams
said.“We're
excited. ...We've got a great design and a great concept. And so we have a long
road ahead of us because we got to raise a whole bunch of money to do it. But
the plan is pretty well in place. And now we just need to move forward with it.”

🎙 Grow Hays project to bring additional housing; community center to Hays

On this episode of the Post Podcast Hays Middle School principal Tom Albers shares information about the upcoming student-led conferences.

<div><iframe title="Hays Middle School prepares for student led conferences" 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=q3b36-137750c-pb&from=pb6admin&square=1&share=1&download=1&rtl=0&fonts=Arial&skin=3267a3&font-color=auto&logo_link=podcast_page&btn-skin=3267a3&size=450" allowfullscreen=""></iframe></div>On this episode of the Post Podcast Hays Middle School principal Tom Albers shares information about the upcoming student-led conferences.

🎙 Post Podcast: Hays Middle School prepares for student led conferences

On this episode of Forward Ever: Leading in Challenging Times host Gary Shorman speaks with Northwest Kansas Technical College president Ben Schears.

<div><iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/K_icce1MKAU" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe></div>On this episode of Forward Ever: Leading in Challenging Times host Gary Shorman speaks with Northwest Kansas Technical College president Ben Schears.

🎤 Forward Ever: Northwest Kansas Technical College president Ben Schears

The Cottonwood
Extension District’s Stay Strong, Stay Healthy program is set to return in
2023, offering area seniors an opportunity to increase their fitness levels in
a relaxed group setting.

“We're
officially getting rolling this year on classes,” said Cottonwood Extension
District Family and Community Wellness Agent Monique Koerner. “Stay
strong, stay healthy is an evidence-based strength training program. It's
designed for older adults, so it'll be twice a week, about an hour-long class.
And it'll go for eight weeks.”

The
program is set to kick of Jan. 26 with an orientation class. 

“If you
just want to come see what it's all about, see what exercises we do, we'll do
that and fill out some paperwork,” Koerner said. “And then the first class will
start February 7, and we'll go on Tuesdays and Thursdays at 10 a.m.”

The classes
will be held in the back room of the Cottonwood Extension District office, 601
Main.

“During the
about hour-long class, we'll start with some warmup exercises just to kind of
get the blood flow into our muscles,” Koerner said. “And then, we'll do eight
strengthening exercises. And again, those will be with or without weights,
depending upon the level that you're at. And then, at the end, we'll do some
cool-down stretches. So it's really geared toward increasing flexibility,
strength and balance.”

At the
start of the classes, she said exercise would be performed weight free and
added as the weeks progress. The most important aspect of the course,
rather than quickly working to build muscle, is to increase movement.

Whatever
the goal of participating in the class, she said, the exercise can be adapted
to fit their ability and desire.

“This
class is really designed to meet people where they're at and also meet them
where they want their goals to be,” Koerner said. “We can adapt exercises based
on the needs of the participant as well.”

But as
the participants move through the classes, she said even small gains can have a
significant impact.

“One of
the other goals of the program is to not only prevent falls but just help
people continue living independently,” Koerner said. “I think that's important
to a lot of people.”

While
the program is not new to Hays, the 2023 sessions will be the first for Koerner.
As a new instructor, she said the class would be limited to only 10
participants, but at least five must sign up to offer the program.

For more
information, call the district office at 628-9430. 

“Just
give us a call if you have any questions and get signed up,” Koerner said. “I'm
excited to do this for our community. And I think it'll be fun to watch the
progress that's been made with individuals that participate.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/1/1674580267719.jpg" alt="Courtesy Pixabay" />
 <figcaption>Courtesy Pixabay</figcaption>
 </figure>By JAMES BELL Hays PostThe Cottonwood
Extension District’s Stay Strong, Stay Healthy program is set to return in
2023, offering area seniors an opportunity to increase their fitness levels in
a relaxed group setting.“We're
officially getting rolling this year on classes,” said Cottonwood Extension
District Family and Community Wellness Agent Monique Koerner. “Stay
strong, stay healthy is an evidence-based strength training program. It's
designed for older adults, so it'll be twice a week, about an hour-long class.
And it'll go for eight weeks.”The
program is set to kick of Jan. 26 with an orientation class. <div><iframe title="🎙 Stay Strong, Stay Healthy program returns to Hays" 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=t3bu7-1370ce8-pb&from=pb6admin&square=1&share=1&download=1&rtl=0&fonts=Arial&skin=3267a3&font-color=auto&logo_link=podcast_page&btn-skin=3267a3&size=300" allowfullscreen=""></iframe></div>“If you
just want to come see what it's all about, see what exercises we do, we'll do
that and fill out some paperwork,” Koerner said. “And then the first class will
start February 7, and we'll go on Tuesdays and Thursdays at 10 a.m.”The classes
will be held in the back room of the Cottonwood Extension District office, 601
Main.“During the
about hour-long class, we'll start with some warmup exercises just to kind of
get the blood flow into our muscles,” Koerner said. “And then, we'll do eight
strengthening exercises. And again, those will be with or without weights,
depending upon the level that you're at. And then, at the end, we'll do some
cool-down stretches. So it's really geared toward increasing flexibility,
strength and balance.”<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/11/1668522152076.jpeg" alt="Monique Koerner is the Family and Community Wellness Agent with K-State Research and Extension – Cottonwood District." />
 <figcaption>Monique Koerner is the Family and Community Wellness Agent with K-State Research and Extension – Cottonwood District.</figcaption>
 </figure>At the
start of the classes, she said exercise would be performed weight free and
added as the weeks progress. The most important aspect of the course,
rather than quickly working to build muscle, is to increase movement.Whatever
the goal of participating in the class, she said, the exercise can be adapted
to fit their ability and desire.“This
class is really designed to meet people where they're at and also meet them
where they want their goals to be,” Koerner said. “We can adapt exercises based
on the needs of the participant as well.”But as
the participants move through the classes, she said even small gains can have a
significant impact.“One of
the other goals of the program is to not only prevent falls but just help
people continue living independently,” Koerner said. “I think that's important
to a lot of people.”While
the program is not new to Hays, the 2023 sessions will be the first for Koerner.
As a new instructor, she said the class would be limited to only 10
participants, but at least five must sign up to offer the program.Cost to participate is $20.For more
information, call the district office at 628-9430. “Just
give us a call if you have any questions and get signed up,” Koerner said. “I'm
excited to do this for our community. And I think it'll be fun to watch the
progress that's been made with individuals that participate.”

🎙 Stay Strong, Stay Healthy program returns to Hays for 2023

By DOUG WILLIAMS Executive Director, Grow Hays

&nbsp;The
Greek philosopher Aristotle is credited with being the first to coin the
concept that the “whole is greater than
the sum of the parts.” Some call it synergy. In sports, it is referred to
as teamwork, but regardless of how it is described, it is the secret sauce that
can make great things happen.&nbsp;

At Grow Hays, we are blessed to be a
participant in several of these projects.

The Heart of America Development housing
project in the Tallgrass 2nd Addition, located east of the NCK campus on East
22nd street, is a great example. Grow Hays, a local not-for-profit
organization, partnered with Heart of America Development, a not-for-profit developer,
to create a development for workforce housing. Still, it took many others to
make this happen.&nbsp; The property owner,
the Lusk family from Wichita, Kansas, agreed to sell the land below market
value to facilitate a more viable project. Using the State of Kansas Rural
Housing Incentive District (RHID), the City of Hays, Ellis County, and USD 489
agreed to delay their shares of property tax revenues generated from the homes
constructed. Add to this a group of local builders committing to build multiple
homes and maintain a price point for the homes below market value. And all of
this occurred in the middle of the pandemic.&nbsp;

The results have been outstanding. The street
improvements for the 36 lots in Phase 1 were completed in the fall of 2021. In
the 14 months since then, all 36 homes have sold. 19 homes have been completed
and are now occupied, 17 are under construction, with 5 nearing completion, and
the remaining 12 will be finished this summer. The buyers have included
first-time homeowners, people relocating to Hays, and existing homeowners who
have sold their existing homes, thus providing housing inventory to a very
tight market. In addition, due to the use of an RHID, all homeowners will enjoy
their new homes without the burden of special assessments for street and
infrastructure improvements. Street and infrastructure improvements on the 18
lots in Phase 2 are nearing completion, and new home construction will commence
this spring. 

Our entire community has benefited from this
project. It has created over $10,000,000 in direct economic impact. It has
provided desperately needed housing to the local market. It has created jobs
and revenue for general contractors, plumbers, electricians, framers,
drywallers, appliance stores, material providers, flooring providers, lenders,
and many others. 

Another great example is the Grow Hays
MicroFactory project. In March of 2022, Grow Hays was awarded a 2.63 million
dollar BASE Grant from the State of Kansas to construct a 30,000-square-foot
MicroFactory facility. A MicroFactory is a business incubator for manufacturing
startups and small manufacturers looking to grow their businesses. In addition
to the BASE Grant, Grow Hays received a $500,000 grant from the Patterson
Family Foundation, a donation of land valued at $275,000 from the Heart of
America Development Corporation, Industrial Revenue Bonds from the City of
Hays, and a loan with very favorable terms from the Northwest Kansas Economic
Innovation Center. 

In addition to the immediate $4 million dollar
direct economic impact this project will create, it will also generate economic
benefits for our community for decades to come. The tenants in the MicroFactory
will provide employment opportunities for community members, purchase goods and
services locally, and ultimately when they outgrow their space, will relocate
to their own facility freeing up their space for the next tenant. This process
will be repeated again and again.

These two examples are not only impactful
projects occurring in our community, but they do represent what can happen when
a group of organizations who are dedicated to making our community a better
place come together to make “the whole
greater than the sum of the parts”&nbsp;1+1=3.

<div><iframe title="Grow Hays exec. director discusses recently released building permit data" 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=j59e9-1370ff7-pb&from=pb6admin&square=1&share=1&download=1&rtl=0&fonts=Arial&skin=3267a3&font-color=auto&logo_link=podcast_page&btn-skin=3267a3&size=450" allowfullscreen=""></iframe></div>By DOUG WILLIAMS Executive Director, Grow Hays&nbsp;The
Greek philosopher Aristotle is credited with being the first to coin the
concept that the “whole is greater than
the sum of the parts.” Some call it synergy. In sports, it is referred to
as teamwork, but regardless of how it is described, it is the secret sauce that
can make great things happen.&nbsp; At Grow Hays, we are blessed to be a
participant in several of these projects.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/9/1632709486720.jpeg" alt="Doug Williams / Hays Post file photo" />
 <figcaption>Doug Williams / Hays Post file photo</figcaption>
 </figure>The Heart of America Development housing
project in the Tallgrass 2nd Addition, located east of the NCK campus on East
22nd street, is a great example. Grow Hays, a local not-for-profit
organization, partnered with Heart of America Development, a not-for-profit developer,
to create a development for workforce housing. Still, it took many others to
make this happen.&nbsp; The property owner,
the Lusk family from Wichita, Kansas, agreed to sell the land below market
value to facilitate a more viable project. Using the State of Kansas Rural
Housing Incentive District (RHID), the City of Hays, Ellis County, and USD 489
agreed to delay their shares of property tax revenues generated from the homes
constructed. Add to this a group of local builders committing to build multiple
homes and maintain a price point for the homes below market value. And all of
this occurred in the middle of the pandemic.&nbsp;<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/11/1574881377018.jpeg" alt="Grow Hays" />
 <figcaption>Grow Hays</figcaption>
 </figure>The results have been outstanding. The street
improvements for the 36 lots in Phase 1 were completed in the fall of 2021. In
the 14 months since then, all 36 homes have sold. 19 homes have been completed
and are now occupied, 17 are under construction, with 5 nearing completion, and
the remaining 12 will be finished this summer. The buyers have included
first-time homeowners, people relocating to Hays, and existing homeowners who
have sold their existing homes, thus providing housing inventory to a very
tight market. In addition, due to the use of an RHID, all homeowners will enjoy
their new homes without the burden of special assessments for street and
infrastructure improvements. Street and infrastructure improvements on the 18
lots in Phase 2 are nearing completion, and new home construction will commence
this spring. Our entire community has benefited from this
project. It has created over $10,000,000 in direct economic impact. It has
provided desperately needed housing to the local market. It has created jobs
and revenue for general contractors, plumbers, electricians, framers,
drywallers, appliance stores, material providers, flooring providers, lenders,
and many others. Another great example is the Grow Hays
MicroFactory project. In March of 2022, Grow Hays was awarded a 2.63 million
dollar BASE Grant from the State of Kansas to construct a 30,000-square-foot
MicroFactory facility. A MicroFactory is a business incubator for manufacturing
startups and small manufacturers looking to grow their businesses. In addition
to the BASE Grant, Grow Hays received a $500,000 grant from the Patterson
Family Foundation, a donation of land valued at $275,000 from the Heart of
America Development Corporation, Industrial Revenue Bonds from the City of
Hays, and a loan with very favorable terms from the Northwest Kansas Economic
Innovation Center. In addition to the immediate $4 million dollar
direct economic impact this project will create, it will also generate economic
benefits for our community for decades to come. The tenants in the MicroFactory
will provide employment opportunities for community members, purchase goods and
services locally, and ultimately when they outgrow their space, will relocate
to their own facility freeing up their space for the next tenant. This process
will be repeated again and again.These two examples are not only impactful
projects occurring in our community, but they do represent what can happen when
a group of organizations who are dedicated to making our community a better
place come together to make “the whole
greater than the sum of the parts”&nbsp;1+1=3.

🎙 WILLIAMS: 1 plus 1 equals 3

On this episode of the Post Podcast, Hays Arts Council executive director Brenda Meder shares information about their ongoing exhibition and upcoming activities.

<div><iframe title="Hays Arts Council prepares for spring activities" 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=ufih5-1370dde-pb&from=pb6admin&square=1&share=1&download=1&rtl=0&fonts=Arial&skin=3267a3&font-color=auto&logo_link=podcast_page&btn-skin=3267a3&size=450" allowfullscreen=""></iframe></div>On this episode of the Post Podcast, Hays Arts Council executive director Brenda Meder shares information about their ongoing exhibition and upcoming activities.

🎙 Post Podcast: Hays Arts Council prepares for spring activities

A new state program could bring in $2.4 million for Fort
Hays State University students.

The Kansas Comprehensive Grant has been a long-term, needs-based
financial gift to FHSU students. But a recently announced match could allow the
program to benefit an even greater number of students.

The grant is a state-funded award given to students through
the Free Application for Federal Student Aid process and awarded based on a
number of criteria but given to those most in need of a helping hand to achieve
the goal of a Bachelor's Degree.

“This program has been introduced recently to our alumni
community through different mailing pieces,” said Carolyn Tatro, FHSU alumni engagement
strategist. “People might have seen it hit their mailboxes, and it was
mentioned in the latest edition of the Roar magazine.”

“The Kansas Comprehensive Grant is a program that's been
around since I started in financial aid in 2010,” said Chantelle Arnold, director
of financial assistance. “It was funded by the Legislature, and recently, they
have added to the program with this new match component.

“It is a dollar-for-dollar match and could potentially give
us $5 million to award to students.”

According to the FHSU website, to be eligible for the grant,
students must be a full-time Kansas degree-seeking undergraduate resident who
demonstrates a certain need based on the Expected Family Contribution from
FAFSA. 

“The way that the legislature set this up is great because
now we have a little skin in the game,” said Dennis King, FHSU associate vice president of student affairs. “When
you think about it, whenever you can double your money by making a donation and
help students, it’s a wonderful thing.”

He said the support from alumni has an impact on current students
that extends to the entire university and the community.

“That obviously impacts enrollment, that enrollment impacts
the quality of education in a classroom and the community itself,” King said. “It
helps graduation rates. It helps people find jobs and network afterward. So,
this is a win-win from beginning to end.”

The program, he said, also helps support FHSU’s overall strategy
of increasing enrollment as a way to keep tuition lower than other regional institutions,
including offering in-state tuition rates to students in states across the Midwest.

<a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/475b65bd-792a-4358-90c6-5ddca6325034">“We just
did a big initiative last year to reach out to the surrounding 13 states as
well,” King said. “And so, this is great timing as far as just a complement to
that program.”</a>

To get the full benefit of the match program, the university
needs to raise the full amount possible in donations.

“That's the challenge for all
of us out there, as far as stepping up to make sure that we can match that,”
King said.

“If we
can raise $2.4 million, we can get $2.4 million, and we get $5 million to give
back to students, which is a huge chunk,” Arnold said. “It's also going to our
most needy students, so they should be also getting some federal funds.

“It
would be our hope that we could spread these funds around to get to the most
amount of students and hopefully get at least their tuition paid and possibly
part of their housing paid so that they can come and not have such a burden to
get to Fort Hays and finish their education.”

And unlike
many financial assistance programs, this grant is available to more than just incoming
first-year students.

“Unfortunately,
a lot of our continuing students don't have a lot of opportunities for grants,”
Arnold said. “And so this is a grant that you can get as a junior or a senior
if you share the need, and you get your paperwork done, and we have the funding
available, then you stand a really good chance of being awarded this grant.”

<a href="https://foundation.fhsu.edu/donate/">To donate to
the match programs, visit foundation.fhsu.edu/donate and designate the gift to
the “Kansas Comprehensive Grant Match Fund.”</a>

A check can also be mailed to the foundation at P.O. Box
1060, Hays, KS 67601.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/9/1601517004349.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>By JAMES BELL Hays PostA new state program could bring in $2.4 million for Fort
Hays State University students.The Kansas Comprehensive Grant has been a long-term, needs-based
financial gift to FHSU students. But a recently announced match could allow the
program to benefit an even greater number of students.The grant is a state-funded award given to students through
the Free Application for Federal Student Aid process and awarded based on a
number of criteria but given to those most in need of a helping hand to achieve
the goal of a Bachelor's Degree.“This program has been introduced recently to our alumni
community through different mailing pieces,” said Carolyn Tatro, FHSU alumni engagement
strategist. “People might have seen it hit their mailboxes, and it was
mentioned in the latest edition of the Roar magazine.”<div><iframe title="Kan. grant match helps FHSU students in need" 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=qmmpe-136b64c-pb&from=pb6admin&square=1&share=1&download=1&rtl=0&fonts=Arial&skin=3267a3&font-color=auto&logo_link=podcast_page&btn-skin=3267a3&size=300" allowfullscreen=""></iframe></div>“The Kansas Comprehensive Grant is a program that's been
around since I started in financial aid in 2010,” said Chantelle Arnold, director
of financial assistance. “It was funded by the Legislature, and recently, they
have added to the program with this new match component.“It is a dollar-for-dollar match and could potentially give
us $5 million to award to students.”According to the FHSU website, to be eligible for the grant,
students must be a full-time Kansas degree-seeking undergraduate resident who
demonstrates a certain need based on the Expected Family Contribution from
FAFSA. “The way that the legislature set this up is great because
now we have a little skin in the game,” said Dennis King, FHSU associate vice president of student affairs. “When
you think about it, whenever you can double your money by making a donation and
help students, it’s a wonderful thing.”He said the support from alumni has an impact on current students
that extends to the entire university and the community.“That obviously impacts enrollment, that enrollment impacts
the quality of education in a classroom and the community itself,” King said. “It
helps graduation rates. It helps people find jobs and network afterward. So,
this is a win-win from beginning to end.”The program, he said, also helps support FHSU’s overall strategy
of increasing enrollment as a way to keep tuition lower than other regional institutions,
including offering in-state tuition rates to students in states across the Midwest.<a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/475b65bd-792a-4358-90c6-5ddca6325034">“We just
did a big initiative last year to reach out to the surrounding 13 states as
well,” King said. “And so, this is great timing as far as just a complement to
that program.”</a>To get the full benefit of the match program, the university
needs to raise the full amount possible in donations.“That's the challenge for all
of us out there, as far as stepping up to make sure that we can match that,”
King said.“If we
can raise $2.4 million, we can get $2.4 million, and we get $5 million to give
back to students, which is a huge chunk,” Arnold said. “It's also going to our
most needy students, so they should be also getting some federal funds.“It
would be our hope that we could spread these funds around to get to the most
amount of students and hopefully get at least their tuition paid and possibly
part of their housing paid so that they can come and not have such a burden to
get to Fort Hays and finish their education.”And unlike
many financial assistance programs, this grant is available to more than just incoming
first-year students.“Unfortunately,
a lot of our continuing students don't have a lot of opportunities for grants,”
Arnold said. “And so this is a grant that you can get as a junior or a senior
if you share the need, and you get your paperwork done, and we have the funding
available, then you stand a really good chance of being awarded this grant.”<a href="https://foundation.fhsu.edu/donate/">To donate to
the match programs, visit foundation.fhsu.edu/donate and designate the gift to
the “Kansas Comprehensive Grant Match Fund.”</a> A check can also be mailed to the foundation at P.O. Box
1060, Hays, KS 67601.

🎙 Kansas grant match helps Fort Hays State students in need

On this episode of Forward Ever: Leading in Challenging Times host Gary Shorman speaks with I Love My Librarian Award winner, Tara Coleman.

<div><iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/B6rTu-D93Pc" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe></div>On this episode of Forward Ever: Leading in Challenging Times host Gary Shorman speaks with I Love My Librarian Award winner, Tara Coleman.

🎤 Forward Ever: I Love My Librarian Award winner, KSU's Tara Coleman

Ellis County parents looking for early childhood care will have
another option next year with the recent announcement of the expansion of Holy
Family Elementary’s early childhood program.

The result is what they have named Precious Creations and
reflects months of work by school staff and an effort to help alleviate the
ongoing childcare crisis in the area.

“We have had a task force working since August on a project
to expand our early childcare program,” said Holy Family Elementary Principal
Rachel Wentling. 

Thanks to those efforts, she said they would offer all-day
preschool options for 3- and 4-year-olds next year. 

“We are now expanding from the four-day 4-year-old option
that's only half days to five days of preschool with both a half day and a full
day option,” Wentling said. “And we're adding a 3-year-old preschool that
will offer a half-day and full-day option.”

<a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/3bf41c0b-99d4-4aaa-adf3-1445ac87477e">The announcement
comes as various efforts in Ellis County are underway to alleviate the ongoing need
for additional childcare in the area.</a>

<a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/ca0e062b-da51-4f8e-8fff-5f357095ac7d">RELATED
STORY: HaysMed announces construction of on-site child care facility</a>

“We know that there's been a crisis in our community for
childcare, we know that need exists out there,” Wentling said. “So, we're
really happy and excited to be a part of a solution for some of our families.
And maybe, for some of our families that have had a hard time finding
childcare, they might come to Holy Family. We might get new families, but then
that will open up other spots available in our community.

“Enrollment of the 4-year-old preschool is capped at 44
students, 22 in the morning program and 22 in the afternoon program,” according
to the program announcement. 

Twelve spots will be available in the 3-year-old full-day
program, with 18 full-day positions available.

After the morning curricular instruction, the 3- and
4-year-old program will offer combined&nbsp;
lunch, rest time, and structured and free play activities.

While the new program will help alleviate the ongoing need,
she said, like many other area institutions, they are limited by space, but the
expanded program will add full-time spots at a price comparable to other area
daycare centers.

“I wish we could do more, but our facilities just don't have
enough space and personnel,” Wentling said. “So, we're going to do what we can.”

The free space available for Precious Creations was created as
the Hays Catholic schools transition sixth grade from Holy Family to Thomas
More Prep-Marian.

“That opened up two classrooms,” Wentling said. “Space is
always an issue for Holy Family. So we're going to take one of those classrooms
and dedicate it to an additional preschool and all-day extended care option.”

She said some work would need completed to get the room
ready for its new mission, but it will be minor.

“We are really in pretty good shape,” Wentling said. “That
was what made this decision really easy. Our classrooms that are on the bottom
floor for our youngest students are all up to code with the fire code and
safety needs.

“There's a couple things that we'll need to do, but nothing
major.”

She said new staff would also need to be hired along with
the facility expansion.

“That is something that's very exciting,” Wentling said. “And
we'll be adding, as well, a teacher's aide. … It's all dependent on our
enrollment, but at this time, if we are full, we're looking at both of those
being full-time options.”

She said while the development has only been known internally
for a short time, there has been substantial interest in the program.

“We're very excited to now get this out publicly and see if
there are people out there who have not been previously affiliated with Holy
Family that maybe this is something they want to consider,” Wentling said.

While the school is affiliated with the Catholic Church,
affiliation with the church is not a requirement for enrollment.

“We are open to people of all faith backgrounds,” Wentling
said. “You don't have to be Catholic to come to Holy Family. … If you are not
registered with one of the parishes, that's not a problem at all. We offer
tuition, and we do have the opportunity for people to apply for tuition
assistance.

“We have a program that you fill out your information, and
then it will process all of it and let us know kind of where that tuition
number should land. We also have very generous donors that offer fee assistance
for people who would like to go to our schools but maybe financially, it could
be a bit of a burden.”

She said the goal is never to let finances stand in the
way of attending the school, whenever possible.

And those affiliated with the church will have the opportunity
to attend as a part of their stewardship.

Precious creations enrollment is open now, and an open house
is planned for 5:30 p.m. Jan. 19 at the school to share more details.

“This is not just for preschool, this is for all grade
levels,” Wentling said. “If you haven't been previously affiliated with Holy
Family, and you just want to come and see what we're all about, please come to
that open house.

“It's no commitment. It's very low key, you'll get about a 20- to 30-minute
presentation from me. ... I call it kind of like a 10,000-foot
view of Holy Family — just explaining a few things.”

She said the event would also allow the parents of potential
students to see the school and have their questions answered.

“And most importantly, we're going to have our excellent
Holy Family chocolate chip cookies available for those who come,” Wentling
said. “So bring in your grade school-aged children to come and see our school,
and we would love to talk to you if Holy Family is something they're interested
in.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/1/1673974868108.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>By JAMES BELL Hays PostEllis County parents looking for early childhood care will have
another option next year with the recent announcement of the expansion of Holy
Family Elementary’s early childhood program.The result is what they have named Precious Creations and
reflects months of work by school staff and an effort to help alleviate the
ongoing childcare crisis in the area.“We have had a task force working since August on a project
to expand our early childcare program,” said Holy Family Elementary Principal
Rachel Wentling. <div><iframe title="Hays’ Holy Family Elementary expands early childhood program" 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=du5mh-1366945-pb&from=pb6admin&square=1&share=1&download=1&rtl=0&fonts=Arial&skin=3267a3&font-color=auto&logo_link=podcast_page&btn-skin=3267a3&size=300" allowfullscreen=""></iframe></div>Thanks to those efforts, she said they would offer all-day
preschool options for 3- and 4-year-olds next year. “We are now expanding from the four-day 4-year-old option
that's only half days to five days of preschool with both a half day and a full
day option,” Wentling said. “And we're adding a 3-year-old preschool that
will offer a half-day and full-day option.”<a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/3bf41c0b-99d4-4aaa-adf3-1445ac87477e">The announcement
comes as various efforts in Ellis County are underway to alleviate the ongoing need
for additional childcare in the area.</a><a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/ca0e062b-da51-4f8e-8fff-5f357095ac7d">RELATED
STORY: HaysMed announces construction of on-site child care facility</a>“We know that there's been a crisis in our community for
childcare, we know that need exists out there,” Wentling said. “So, we're
really happy and excited to be a part of a solution for some of our families.
And maybe, for some of our families that have had a hard time finding
childcare, they might come to Holy Family. We might get new families, but then
that will open up other spots available in our community.“Enrollment of the 4-year-old preschool is capped at 44
students, 22 in the morning program and 22 in the afternoon program,” according
to the program announcement. Twelve spots will be available in the 3-year-old full-day
program, with 18 full-day positions available.After the morning curricular instruction, the 3- and
4-year-old program will offer combined&nbsp;
lunch, rest time, and structured and free play activities.While the new program will help alleviate the ongoing need,
she said, like many other area institutions, they are limited by space, but the
expanded program will add full-time spots at a price comparable to other area
daycare centers.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/1/1673975060253.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>“I wish we could do more, but our facilities just don't have
enough space and personnel,” Wentling said. “So, we're going to do what we can.”The free space available for Precious Creations was created as
the Hays Catholic schools transition sixth grade from Holy Family to Thomas
More Prep-Marian.“That opened up two classrooms,” Wentling said. “Space is
always an issue for Holy Family. So we're going to take one of those classrooms
and dedicate it to an additional preschool and all-day extended care option.”She said some work would need completed to get the room
ready for its new mission, but it will be minor.“We are really in pretty good shape,” Wentling said. “That
was what made this decision really easy. Our classrooms that are on the bottom
floor for our youngest students are all up to code with the fire code and
safety needs.“There's a couple things that we'll need to do, but nothing
major.”She said new staff would also need to be hired along with
the facility expansion.“That is something that's very exciting,” Wentling said. “And
we'll be adding, as well, a teacher's aide. … It's all dependent on our
enrollment, but at this time, if we are full, we're looking at both of those
being full-time options.”She said while the development has only been known internally
for a short time, there has been substantial interest in the program.“We're very excited to now get this out publicly and see if
there are people out there who have not been previously affiliated with Holy
Family that maybe this is something they want to consider,” Wentling said.While the school is affiliated with the Catholic Church,
affiliation with the church is not a requirement for enrollment.“We are open to people of all faith backgrounds,” Wentling
said. “You don't have to be Catholic to come to Holy Family. … If you are not
registered with one of the parishes, that's not a problem at all. We offer
tuition, and we do have the opportunity for people to apply for tuition
assistance.“We have a program that you fill out your information, and
then it will process all of it and let us know kind of where that tuition
number should land. We also have very generous donors that offer fee assistance
for people who would like to go to our schools but maybe financially, it could
be a bit of a burden.”She said the goal is never to let finances stand in the
way of attending the school, whenever possible.And those affiliated with the church will have the opportunity
to attend as a part of their stewardship.Precious creations enrollment is open now, and an open house
is planned for 5:30 p.m. Jan. 19 at the school to share more details.“This is not just for preschool, this is for all grade
levels,” Wentling said. “If you haven't been previously affiliated with Holy
Family, and you just want to come and see what we're all about, please come to
that open house.“It's no commitment. It's very low key, you'll get about a 20- to 30-minute
presentation from me. ... I call it kind of like a 10,000-foot
view of Holy Family — just explaining a few things.”She said the event would also allow the parents of potential
students to see the school and have their questions answered.“And most importantly, we're going to have our excellent
Holy Family chocolate chip cookies available for those who come,” Wentling
said. “So bring in your grade school-aged children to come and see our school,
and we would love to talk to you if Holy Family is something they're interested
in.”

🎙 Hays' Holy Family Elementary expands early childhood program

An afternoon of fancy and fun is planned soon at the Hays Public Library.

From 2 to 4 p.m. Feb. 5, the Hays Public Library Foundation
will host a traditional afternoon tea in the Schmidt Gallery of the library at 1205
Main.

“We're
going to have an afternoon of different kinds of teas and some fantastic treats,”
said Hays Public Library Communications Coordinator Callie Kolacny. “We'll have
some bread from Cathy's Breads. We're going to have some cookies and just
different kinds of yummy things that go with the different kinds of teas.”

For
those unfamiliar with the etiquette of a proper afternoon tea party, she said in
line with the library’s mission, the event will be a learning experience and
all are welcome.

“One of
our foundation board members is really into these, and she goes to them all the
time,” Kolacny said. “She's the lead on this and knows what she's talking about
when you're talking about an afternoon tea party.”

She said
attendees would be taken through the different types of teas and things that
you can do with the teas.

“It's
just going to be a fun, fun way to experience something a little bit different
for this area,” Kolacny said.

While
formal dress is not required, Kolacny said it is encouraged.

“Some
ladies will wear dresses, they might wear big hats, pearls and gloves, things
like that,” she said. “The men will dress up a little bit nicer than they might
otherwise.”

The
event, while geared toward a more adult crowd, could also be a fun experience for
an older child, she said.

And while
the experience will be an enjoyable experience, it will also serve as a
fundraiser for the foundation.

“The Hays
Public Library Foundation is basically the fundraising arm of the library,”
Kolacny said. “And so when donations come in, then it goes through the
foundation.”

Along
with events like the Afternoon Tea Party, she said there are various ways to support
the organization throughout the year.

“You can
… write a check to the foundation, or you can bequeath something when you're
looking at your financial planning for the future, you can include the public
library in that, and that goes through the foundation,” Kolacny said. “We also
have an account with the Heartland Community Foundation, so you can make
donations in that way.”

Those foundation
funds go to support the library in various ways.

“They
kind of fund the needs that aren't already budgeted,” Kolacny said. “The
library, of course, has its budget, and we have our plans of what we're going to
do, but other things come up, and we need funding for them.”

She
noted a few recent examples that the foundation helped fund include the Bookmobile
and the large remodel of the facility.

“All of
the donations do support the library in some fashion,” Kolacny said.

Those
services and upgrades, in turn, allow the library to serve as more than just a repository
for books but also a gathering place for the community.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/12/1672346419711.jpg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>By JAMES BELL Hays PostAn afternoon of fancy and fun is planned soon at the Hays Public Library.From 2 to 4 p.m. Feb. 5, the Hays Public Library Foundation
will host a traditional afternoon tea in the Schmidt Gallery of the library at 1205
Main.“We're
going to have an afternoon of different kinds of teas and some fantastic treats,”
said Hays Public Library Communications Coordinator Callie Kolacny. “We'll have
some bread from Cathy's Breads. We're going to have some cookies and just
different kinds of yummy things that go with the different kinds of teas.”<div><iframe title="Hays Public Library Foundation plans Afternoon Tea Party fundraiser" 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=pacsh-1365035-pb&from=pb6admin&square=1&share=1&download=1&rtl=0&fonts=Arial&skin=3267a3&font-color=auto&logo_link=podcast_page&btn-skin=3267a3&size=300" allowfullscreen=""></iframe></div>For
those unfamiliar with the etiquette of a proper afternoon tea party, she said in
line with the library’s mission, the event will be a learning experience and
all are welcome.“One of
our foundation board members is really into these, and she goes to them all the
time,” Kolacny said. “She's the lead on this and knows what she's talking about
when you're talking about an afternoon tea party.”She said
attendees would be taken through the different types of teas and things that
you can do with the teas.“It's
just going to be a fun, fun way to experience something a little bit different
for this area,” Kolacny said.While
formal dress is not required, Kolacny said it is encouraged.“Some
ladies will wear dresses, they might wear big hats, pearls and gloves, things
like that,” she said. “The men will dress up a little bit nicer than they might
otherwise.”The
event, while geared toward a more adult crowd, could also be a fun experience for
an older child, she said.And while
the experience will be an enjoyable experience, it will also serve as a
fundraiser for the foundation.“The Hays
Public Library Foundation is basically the fundraising arm of the library,”
Kolacny said. “And so when donations come in, then it goes through the
foundation.”Along
with events like the Afternoon Tea Party, she said there are various ways to support
the organization throughout the year.“You can
… write a check to the foundation, or you can bequeath something when you're
looking at your financial planning for the future, you can include the public
library in that, and that goes through the foundation,” Kolacny said. “We also
have an account with the Heartland Community Foundation, so you can make
donations in that way.”Those foundation
funds go to support the library in various ways.“They
kind of fund the needs that aren't already budgeted,” Kolacny said. “The
library, of course, has its budget, and we have our plans of what we're going to
do, but other things come up, and we need funding for them.”She
noted a few recent examples that the foundation helped fund include the Bookmobile
and the large remodel of the facility.“All of
the donations do support the library in some fashion,” Kolacny said.Those
services and upgrades, in turn, allow the library to serve as more than just a repository
for books but also a gathering place for the community.“With
all the digital resources, we still have a significant collection of physical
books, and people want those,” Kolacny said. “But we also have all of the
programs, and they're for all ages. We've got stuff for the littlest kids, the
teenagers, we try to keep them active, especially after school we have some programs
for them. And then, of course, adults, we have lots of programs for adults too. So, it's more of a community center. It's a meeting place, it's a
place to gain some knowledge, to socialize and to just enjoy yourself.”Tickets cost $35 and can be
purchased at the event or online at <a href="https://hayslibrary.org/shop/afternoon-tea-party/">hayslibrary.org/event/.</a>