Female imagery will fill the Hays Arts Center for the 38th
annual Fall Art Walk in Hays from 6:30 to 9:30 p.m. Aug. 25.

The opening of the invitational exhibition "She Is…" will
anchor the evening that will see businesses and organizations downtown
and beyond open their doors to the community to partake in artistic expressions
of all types.

“I’ve just seen so many of the
wonderful artists, not only in our area, but other artists I was aware of that
I'd never even worked with before, but admired their work and had the idea for
the show called 'She Is…,'” said Hays Arts Council executive director Brenda
Meder.

“And so, the idea of, she is old, she is young, she is somber, she is
joyful, she is contemplative, she is bold, just all those different aspects of female imagery in art.”

The exhibition includes paintings,
photography, etchings, silkscreens, caustic ceramic sculpture and stone
sculpture. It features both local artists and others from across the
state whose work will be exhibited at the center for the first time, she said

“It's a whole variety of
different styles, expressions, and just wonderful images, painting styles out of female imagery through a variety of ages and creative media,” Meder
said.

The arts center is only
one stop of many scheduled for the evening.

“We've got a lot of wonderful
features and opportunities for people to just enjoy in our community,” Meder said.

In conjunction with the Art
Walk, the Hays Symphony Pops concert is scheduled at 7:30 p.m. in Union Pacific
Park, 10th and Main. 

The K-State Research and
Extension Cottonwood District Master Gardeners will be showcasing their four gardens at the extension district office 601 Main; Historic Fort Hays, 1472 U.S. Highway 183 Alt.; and at the K-Stae Ag Research Center, 1232 240th Ave.

The evening also will mark the
opening of Toby Ironworks, 708 Main, the new workspace of local artist Toby
Flores.

“Everybody will want to get
to Toby’s,” Meder said. “He bought the building, and it's going to be a studio/gallery
workspace. It's just another cool, exciting space in downtown Hays.”

Fort Hays State
University’s Moss-Thorns and Taylor galleries will be open from 6 to
8:30 p.m.

“Come
out and enjoy your visit whatever places you want, staying for however long you
want, in whatever order you want,” Meder said.

“It's your evening to design however you want, but we're providing it and a whole lot of other great people
in this community. [We are] making sure it happens to the highest level of fun,
entertainment and artistic expression.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/8/1692823735458.jpeg" alt="Photo by James Bell/Hays Post" />
 <figcaption>Photo by James Bell/Hays Post</figcaption>
 </figure><div><iframe title="’She Is...’ to anchor Fall Art Walk in downtown Hays Friday" allowtransparency="true" height="150" width="100%" style="border: none; min-width: min(100%, 430px);height:150px;" scrolling="no" data-name="pb-iframe-player" src="https://www.podbean.com/player-v2/?i=9s3w2-148a2a5-pb&from=pb6admin&share=1&download=1&rtl=0&fonts=Arial&skin=f6f6f6&font-color=auto&logo_link=podcast_page&btn-skin=3267a3&size=315" loading="lazy"></iframe></div>By JAMES BELL Hays PostFemale imagery will fill the Hays Arts Center for the 38th
annual Fall Art Walk in Hays from 6:30 to 9:30 p.m. Aug. 25.The opening of the invitational exhibition "She Is…" will
anchor the evening that will see businesses and organizations downtown
and beyond open their doors to the community to partake in artistic expressions
of all types.“I’ve just seen so many of the
wonderful artists, not only in our area, but other artists I was aware of that
I'd never even worked with before, but admired their work and had the idea for
the show called 'She Is…,'” said Hays Arts Council executive director Brenda
Meder.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/8/1692823769710.jpeg" alt="Photo by James Bell/Hays Post" />
 <figcaption>Photo by James Bell/Hays Post</figcaption>
 </figure>“And so, the idea of, she is old, she is young, she is somber, she is
joyful, she is contemplative, she is bold, just all those different aspects of female imagery in art.”The exhibition includes paintings,
photography, etchings, silkscreens, caustic ceramic sculpture and stone
sculpture. It features both local artists and others from across the
state whose work will be exhibited at the center for the first time, she said“It's a whole variety of
different styles, expressions, and just wonderful images, painting styles out of female imagery through a variety of ages and creative media,” Meder
said.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/8/1692823794033.jpeg" alt="Photo by James Bell/Hays Post" />
 <figcaption>Photo by James Bell/Hays Post</figcaption>
 </figure>The arts center is only
one stop of many scheduled for the evening.“We've got a lot of wonderful
features and opportunities for people to just enjoy in our community,” Meder said.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/8/1692814298595.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>In conjunction with the Art
Walk, the Hays Symphony Pops concert is scheduled at 7:30 p.m. in Union Pacific
Park, 10th and Main. The K-State Research and
Extension Cottonwood District Master Gardeners will be showcasing their four gardens at the extension district office 601 Main; Historic Fort Hays, 1472 U.S. Highway 183 Alt.; and at the K-Stae Ag Research Center, 1232 240th Ave.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/8/1692823819008.jpeg" alt="Photo by James Bell/Hays Post" />
 <figcaption>Photo by James Bell/Hays Post</figcaption>
 </figure>The evening also will mark the
opening of Toby Ironworks, 708 Main, the new workspace of local artist Toby
Flores.“Everybody will want to get
to Toby’s,” Meder said. “He bought the building, and it's going to be a studio/gallery
workspace. It's just another cool, exciting space in downtown Hays.”Fort Hays State
University’s Moss-Thorns and Taylor galleries will be open from 6 to
8:30 p.m.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/8/1692823849761.jpeg" alt="Photo by James Bell/Hays Post" />
 <figcaption>Photo by James Bell/Hays Post</figcaption>
 </figure>“Come
out and enjoy your visit whatever places you want, staying for however long you
want, in whatever order you want,” Meder said.“It's your evening to design however you want, but we're providing it and a whole lot of other great people
in this community. [We are] making sure it happens to the highest level of fun,
entertainment and artistic expression.”<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/8/1692823866274.jpeg" alt="Photo by James Bell/Hays Post" />
 <figcaption>Photo by James Bell/Hays Post</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/8/1692823878357.jpeg" alt="Photo by James Bell/Hays Post" />
 <figcaption>Photo by James Bell/Hays Post</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/8/1692823906694.jpeg" alt="Photo by James Bell/Hays Post" />
 <figcaption>Photo by James Bell/Hays Post</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/8/1692823892545.jpeg" alt="Photo by James Bell/Hays Post" />
 <figcaption>Photo by James Bell/Hays Post</figcaption>
 </figure>

🎙 'She Is...' to anchor Fall Art Walk Friday in downtown Hays 

The <a href="https://hayslibrary.org/">Hays Public Library</a> and the<a href="https://hayschamber.com/"> Hays Chamber</a> will soon team up to bring a discussion of the book "<a href="https://13waysinc.com/product/13-ways-to-kill-your-community/">13 Ways to Kill Your Community."&nbsp;</a>

The work by Doug Griffiths and Kelly Clemmer shares information on ways to strengthen and grow smaller communities by highlighting fundamental mistakes in community development.&nbsp;

At 8 a.m. Sept. 12 and running every following Tuesday until Oct. 10, a book discussion will tackle three chapters of the work in order to spark conversation about the needs of the community.&nbsp;

“This conversation is for anybody who cares about their community and wants to, look at some of our challenges and make a difference,” said Brandon Hines, Hays Public Library director.&nbsp;&nbsp;

He said the work is an easy read, and the conversation is more important than the material.&nbsp;

“I think when you look at building a strong community, [you should have] things that really speak to the different pockets of people that you have, so they feel like they're welcomed and encouraged to stay,” said Sarah Wasinger, Hays Chamber president and CEO. "This is just kind of a nice, organic way to have an actual conversation.”&nbsp;

Each chapter of the book centers on a specific community concern, and each session will discuss the topic area, like water access, attracting business and engaging youth. These three are topics in the first session.&nbsp;

“When they talk about engaging youth, what you’re&nbsp;really talking about is engaging younger families, younger professionals, as they move into town,” Hines said.

The author “talks about board memberships. A lot of times, you don't see anybody on a board that's under 40 or 50 years old ... that turns young folks off when they're not engaged with these decisions.”&nbsp;

Breaking into sessions helps foster discussion, Wasinger said. It allows for a diversity of thought from participants and helps keep young professionals in Ellis County.&nbsp;

“When you don't talk to youth to see what things are important to them, it's very easy for them to want to locate somewhere else,” she said. "We need to be embracing those things and finding ways to keep them grounded here in Hays, not grounded in a bad term, but anchored in Hays and Ellis County.”&nbsp;

The library has two copies of the book in stock.&nbsp;

<div><iframe title="Hays Chamber, Library team up for discussion of ’13 Ways to Kill Your Community’" allowtransparency="true" height="450" width="100%" style="border: none; min-width: min(100%, 430px);height:450px;" scrolling="no" data-name="pb-iframe-player" src="https://www.podbean.com/player-v2/?i=szna3-1487a7b-pb&from=pb6admin&square=1&share=1&download=1&rtl=0&fonts=Arial&skin=f6f6f6&font-color=auto&logo_link=podcast_page&btn-skin=3267a3&size=450" loading="lazy" allowfullscreen=""></iframe></div>By JAMES BELL Hays PostThe <a href="https://hayslibrary.org/">Hays Public Library</a> and the<a href="https://hayschamber.com/"> Hays Chamber</a> will soon team up to bring a discussion of the book "<a href="https://13waysinc.com/product/13-ways-to-kill-your-community/">13 Ways to Kill Your Community."&nbsp;</a>The work by Doug Griffiths and Kelly Clemmer shares information on ways to strengthen and grow smaller communities by highlighting fundamental mistakes in community development.&nbsp;At 8 a.m. Sept. 12 and running every following Tuesday until Oct. 10, a book discussion will tackle three chapters of the work in order to spark conversation about the needs of the community.&nbsp;“This conversation is for anybody who cares about their community and wants to, look at some of our challenges and make a difference,” said Brandon Hines, Hays Public Library director.&nbsp;&nbsp;He said the work is an easy read, and the conversation is more important than the material.&nbsp;“I think when you look at building a strong community, [you should have] things that really speak to the different pockets of people that you have, so they feel like they're welcomed and encouraged to stay,” said Sarah Wasinger, Hays Chamber president and CEO. "This is just kind of a nice, organic way to have an actual conversation.”&nbsp;Each chapter of the book centers on a specific community concern, and each session will discuss the topic area, like water access, attracting business and engaging youth. These three are topics in the first session.&nbsp;“When they talk about engaging youth, what you’re&nbsp;really talking about is engaging younger families, younger professionals, as they move into town,” Hines said.The author “talks about board memberships. A lot of times, you don't see anybody on a board that's under 40 or 50 years old ... that turns young folks off when they're not engaged with these decisions.”&nbsp;Breaking into sessions helps foster discussion, Wasinger said. It allows for a diversity of thought from participants and helps keep young professionals in Ellis County.&nbsp;“When you don't talk to youth to see what things are important to them, it's very easy for them to want to locate somewhere else,” she said. "We need to be embracing those things and finding ways to keep them grounded here in Hays, not grounded in a bad term, but anchored in Hays and Ellis County.”&nbsp;The library has two copies of the book in stock.&nbsp;

🎙 Hays Chamber, Library team up for discussion of '13 Ways to Kill Your Community'

On this episode of the&nbsp;<a href="https://hayspost.com/category/post-podcast" target="_blank">Post Podcast</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.hfehays.org/" target="_blank">Holy Family Elementary</a> principal Mandy Meagher and assistant principal Gene Flax discuss the beginning of the school year with The Morning Blend's Jeff Leiker.&nbsp;&nbsp;

<div><iframe title="Holy Family Elementary year begins" allowtransparency="true" height="600" width="100%" style="border: none; min-width: min(100%, 430px);height:600px;" scrolling="no" data-name="pb-iframe-player" src="https://www.podbean.com/player-v2/?i=5wj33-14874d5-pb&from=pb6admin&square=1&share=1&download=1&rtl=0&fonts=Arial&skin=f6f6f6&font-color=auto&logo_link=podcast_page&btn-skin=3267a3&size=600" loading="lazy" allowfullscreen=""></iframe></div>On this episode of the&nbsp;<a href="https://hayspost.com/category/post-podcast" target="_blank">Post Podcast</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.hfehays.org/" target="_blank">Holy Family Elementary</a> principal Mandy Meagher and assistant principal Gene Flax discuss the beginning of the school year with The Morning Blend's Jeff Leiker.&nbsp;&nbsp;

🎙 Post Podcast: Holy Family Elementary year begins

Grow Hays, in association with the Network Kansas E-Community Partnership, announces the ‘Think Like an Entrepreneur’ - Ice House Entrepreneurship Program offered in Ellis County starting September 20. Sessions will be&nbsp;held over eight weeks, Wednesdays September 20 through November 8.

 The goal of the course is to teach participants to develop an entrepreneurial mindset.

Taught by Kris Munsch, a certified Ice House facilitator, this interactive 8-week program provides practical entrepreneurial lessons through first-hand experiences of successful, real-life entrepreneurs. Based on the book,&nbsp;Who Owns the Ice House, this curriculum consists of case studies along with individual assignments, assessments, and discussion topics. This popular course is offered only a handful of times per year across the state and Grow Hays is excited to have local Kris Munsch teaching the course.

"To think like an entrepreneur, you need to begin at the beginning.&nbsp;The beginning is "what is a mindset?"&nbsp; I believe we need that understanding, a foundational building block of self.&nbsp; From there, we can seek, explore, and build our path,, Kris Munsch, Ice House facilitator.

The program fee runs $150 for adults and $75 for students and covers catered meals. We are offering an early bird price of $100 if signed up and paid by September 8th.&nbsp;Registration is limited, and in-county attendees will have priority to fill the course. Out of county attendees are welcome to register but may be put on a waiting list. The deadline to register is Thursday, September 15.

To register for the&nbsp;Think Like an Entrepreneur&nbsp;program online, visit:&nbsp;&nbsp;

<a href="https://briefspace.app.proximity.space/join?mcids=64de641b71b25051644396" target="_blank">https://briefspace.app.proximity.space/join?mcids=64de641b71b25051644396</a>

For an early bird discount rate, use discount code ICEHOUSE2023, and STUDENT2023 for the student discount code.

For more information contact Ernee Sly at 785.628.3102 or&nbsp;<a href="mailto:ernee@growhays.com">ernee@growhays.com</a>.

Think Like an Entrepreneur Program

BriefSpace- 219 West 10th in Hays – 6:00 – 8:30 p.m.

Week #1&nbsp;– Wednesday, September 20 – Power of Choice

Week #2&nbsp;– Wednesday, September 27 – Recognizing Opportunity

Week #3&nbsp;– Wednesday, October 4 – Ideas into Action

Week #4&nbsp;– Wednesday, October 11 – Pursuit of Knowledge

Week #5&nbsp;– Wednesday, October 18 – Creating Wealth

Week #6&nbsp;– Wednesday, October 25 – Building Your Brand

Week #7&nbsp;– Wednesday, November 1– Creating Community

Week #8&nbsp;– Wednesday, November 8 – The Power of Persistence

For more information about NetWork Kansas or the E-Community Partnership, visit&nbsp;<a href="http://www.networkkansas.com/" target="_blank">www.networkkansas.com</a>. &nbsp;

<div><iframe title="Ice House/Think Like an Entrepreneur launches in Sept. at Grow Hays" allowtransparency="true" height="150" width="100%" style="border: none; min-width: min(100%, 430px);height:150px;" scrolling="no" data-name="pb-iframe-player" src="https://www.podbean.com/player-v2/?i=ain5a-14849a7-pb&from=pb6admin&share=1&download=1&rtl=0&fonts=Arial&skin=f6f6f6&font-color=auto&logo_link=podcast_page&btn-skin=3267a3&size=315" loading="lazy"></iframe></div>Grow HaysGrow Hays, in association with the Network Kansas E-Community Partnership, announces the ‘Think Like an Entrepreneur’ - Ice House Entrepreneurship Program offered in Ellis County starting September 20. Sessions will be&nbsp;held over eight weeks, Wednesdays September 20 through November 8. The goal of the course is to teach participants to develop an entrepreneurial mindset.Taught by Kris Munsch, a certified Ice House facilitator, this interactive 8-week program provides practical entrepreneurial lessons through first-hand experiences of successful, real-life entrepreneurs. Based on the book,&nbsp;Who Owns the Ice House, this curriculum consists of case studies along with individual assignments, assessments, and discussion topics. This popular course is offered only a handful of times per year across the state and Grow Hays is excited to have local Kris Munsch teaching the course.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/8/1692366620024.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>"To think like an entrepreneur, you need to begin at the beginning.&nbsp;The beginning is "what is a mindset?"&nbsp; I believe we need that understanding, a foundational building block of self.&nbsp; From there, we can seek, explore, and build our path,, Kris Munsch, Ice House facilitator.The program fee runs $150 for adults and $75 for students and covers catered meals. We are offering an early bird price of $100 if signed up and paid by September 8th.&nbsp;Registration is limited, and in-county attendees will have priority to fill the course. Out of county attendees are welcome to register but may be put on a waiting list. The deadline to register is Thursday, September 15.To register for the&nbsp;Think Like an Entrepreneur&nbsp;program online, visit:&nbsp;&nbsp;<a href="https://briefspace.app.proximity.space/join?mcids=64de641b71b25051644396" target="_blank">https://briefspace.app.proximity.space/join?mcids=64de641b71b25051644396</a>For an early bird discount rate, use discount code ICEHOUSE2023, and STUDENT2023 for the student discount code.For more information contact Ernee Sly at 785.628.3102 or&nbsp;<a href="mailto:ernee@growhays.com">ernee@growhays.com</a>.Think Like an Entrepreneur ProgramBriefSpace- 219 West 10th in Hays – 6:00 – 8:30 p.m.Week #1&nbsp;– Wednesday, September 20 – Power of ChoiceWeek #2&nbsp;– Wednesday, September 27 – Recognizing OpportunityWeek #3&nbsp;– Wednesday, October 4 – Ideas into ActionWeek #4&nbsp;– Wednesday, October 11 – Pursuit of KnowledgeWeek #5&nbsp;– Wednesday, October 18 – Creating WealthWeek #6&nbsp;– Wednesday, October 25 – Building Your BrandWeek #7&nbsp;– Wednesday, November 1– Creating CommunityWeek #8&nbsp;– Wednesday, November 8 – The Power of PersistenceFor more information about NetWork Kansas or the E-Community Partnership, visit&nbsp;<a href="http://www.networkkansas.com/" target="_blank">www.networkkansas.com</a>. &nbsp;

🎙 Ice House/Think Like an Entrepreneur launches in Sept. at Grow Hays

On this episode of the&nbsp;<a href="https://hayspost.com/category/post-podcast" target="_blank">Post Podcast</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.usd489.com/">USD 489</a> Hays Superintendent Ron Wilson discusses the beginning of the school year.&nbsp;&nbsp;

<div><iframe title="USD 489 kicks off academic year" allowtransparency="true" height="600" width="100%" style="border: none; min-width: min(100%, 430px);height:600px;" scrolling="no" data-name="pb-iframe-player" src="https://www.podbean.com/player-v2/?i=nzgk8-14833a4-pb&from=pb6admin&square=1&share=1&download=1&rtl=0&fonts=Arial&skin=f6f6f6&font-color=auto&logo_link=podcast_page&btn-skin=3267a3&size=600" loading="lazy" allowfullscreen=""></iframe></div>On this episode of the&nbsp;<a href="https://hayspost.com/category/post-podcast" target="_blank">Post Podcast</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.usd489.com/">USD 489</a> Hays Superintendent Ron Wilson discusses the beginning of the school year.&nbsp;&nbsp;

🎙 Post Podcast: USD 489 kicks off academic year

From kindergarten to high school, students in Hays have
returned to their classrooms.

To celebrate the beginning of the year, Holy Family Elementary and Thomas More Prep-Marian have
planned the Back 2 School Bash from 6 to 9 p.m. Friday at Holy Family, 1800 Milner.

While the annual event typically brings hundreds of students
and families together on the TMP-M campus, in celebration of the 25th anniversary
of Holy Family, the elementary school will host the event, said Tracy Perrett,
Holy Family Elementary administrative assistant.

“It's a free event,” she said. And “anybody from the
community is welcome to join.”

The event allows parents and students to get reacquainted
for the year as they enjoy the festivities, Perrett said.

“It's going to be a fun-filled night again,” said Joe
Roth, TMP Advancement Office assistant.

“Astra Bank is
providing hot dogs and chips for us. Knights of Columbus is providing
watermelon, and the TMP-M students in the Key Club will be helping us with cotton
candy,"&nbsp;Perrett said. 

The TMP Booster Club also will offer popcorn, and snow cones
will be available.

“We will have a band, DOC, playing for us,” Perrett said. “We're
super excited about that. That's another new change.”

Activities for children will include bouncy houses, laser
tag and access to the playground and basketball court. 

“They can just run wild,” Perrett said.

“And then, along with everything else…I think the next
biggest thing that we've got is old TMP Marion football uniforms,” Roth said.

TMP-M head football coach “Grant
Stevenson, this year, was going through all the storage stuff and decided that ‘Hey,
we're going to sell these at The Back 2 School Bash.’ So if you played or knew
somebody who played in the last, I think, 30 years' worth of jerseys, and you'd
like memorabilia from that, please come on out and check those out and swipe
up your jersey.”

Funds from those jersey sales will be given to the football
team for future equipment purchases, he said.

“We also have raffles,” Perrett said. “A lot of the teachers
have decided to donate things…So when the students get there, they can register
for the raffles, and then we will pick a student for each prize.”

While the event is hosted by the schools, community sponsors
make it possible, Roth said.

“It's always great that we have the businesses and
individuals out there in the community that give their monetary donations, but
also just a big shout out and thank you to all of our volunteers that help out
with this,” he said.

“Whether it's the football and volleyball teams that are
going to be manning the bouncy houses and the laser tag, or the parents that
are going to bring different balls and games and help us set up and set up, and teardown is a big one, just a big, big thank you to anybody who's donated
anything, any items, monetary or just their time to help us out with this.”

Perrett said everyone is welcome to attend, even if they
have no affiliation with the schools.

“We encourage you to bring friends, family. Anyone is
welcome,” she said. “We want you to come and visit our school and see what
we're all about.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/8/1692214339391.jpeg" alt="Courtesy photo" />
 <figcaption>Courtesy photo</figcaption>
 </figure>By JAMES BELL Hays PostFrom kindergarten to high school, students in Hays have
returned to their classrooms.To celebrate the beginning of the year, Holy Family Elementary and Thomas More Prep-Marian have
planned the Back 2 School Bash from 6 to 9 p.m. Friday at Holy Family, 1800 Milner.While the annual event typically brings hundreds of students
and families together on the TMP-M campus, in celebration of the 25th anniversary
of Holy Family, the elementary school will host the event, said Tracy Perrett,
Holy Family Elementary administrative assistant.“It's a free event,” she said. And “anybody from the
community is welcome to join.”The event allows parents and students to get reacquainted
for the year as they enjoy the festivities, Perrett said.<div><iframe title="Hays Catholic schools celebrate new year with annual Back 2 School Bash" allowtransparency="true" height="150" width="100%" style="border: none; min-width: min(100%, 430px);height:150px;" scrolling="no" data-name="pb-iframe-player" src="https://www.podbean.com/player-v2/?i=6infh-1481633-pb&from=pb6admin&share=1&download=1&rtl=0&fonts=Arial&skin=f6f6f6&font-color=auto&logo_link=podcast_page&btn-skin=3267a3&size=315" loading="lazy"></iframe></div>“It's going to be a fun-filled night again,” said Joe
Roth, TMP Advancement Office assistant.The event will offer free food.“Astra Bank is
providing hot dogs and chips for us. Knights of Columbus is providing
watermelon, and the TMP-M students in the Key Club will be helping us with cotton
candy,"&nbsp;Perrett said. The TMP Booster Club also will offer popcorn, and snow cones
will be available.“We will have a band, DOC, playing for us,” Perrett said. “We're
super excited about that. That's another new change.”Activities for children will include bouncy houses, laser
tag and access to the playground and basketball court. “They can just run wild,” Perrett said.“And then, along with everything else…I think the next
biggest thing that we've got is old TMP Marion football uniforms,” Roth said.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/8/1692214371245.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>TMP-M head football coach “Grant
Stevenson, this year, was going through all the storage stuff and decided that ‘Hey,
we're going to sell these at The Back 2 School Bash.’ So if you played or knew
somebody who played in the last, I think, 30 years' worth of jerseys, and you'd
like memorabilia from that, please come on out and check those out and swipe
up your jersey.”Funds from those jersey sales will be given to the football
team for future equipment purchases, he said.“We also have raffles,” Perrett said. “A lot of the teachers
have decided to donate things…So when the students get there, they can register
for the raffles, and then we will pick a student for each prize.”While the event is hosted by the schools, community sponsors
make it possible, Roth said.“It's always great that we have the businesses and
individuals out there in the community that give their monetary donations, but
also just a big shout out and thank you to all of our volunteers that help out
with this,” he said.“Whether it's the football and volleyball teams that are
going to be manning the bouncy houses and the laser tag, or the parents that
are going to bring different balls and games and help us set up and set up, and teardown is a big one, just a big, big thank you to anybody who's donated
anything, any items, monetary or just their time to help us out with this.”Perrett said everyone is welcome to attend, even if they
have no affiliation with the schools.“We encourage you to bring friends, family. Anyone is
welcome,” she said. “We want you to come and visit our school and see what
we're all about.”<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/8/1692214390313.jpeg" alt="Courtesy photo" />
 <figcaption>Courtesy photo</figcaption>
 </figure>

🎙 Hays Catholic schools celebrate new year with annual Back 2 School Bash 

On this episode of the&nbsp;<a href="https://hayspost.com/category/post-podcast" target="_blank">Post Podcast</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.ellisco.net/97/Health" target="_blank">Ellis County Public Health</a> director Kim Reel and <a href="https://www.treetopsecurity.com/" target="_blank">Tree Top Security</a> owner Dallas Haselhorst discuss the Russ Tuttle Stop Trafficking Project presentation scheduled in Hays on Sept. 17.&nbsp;&nbsp;

<div><iframe title="Stop Trafficking Project presentation scheduled in Hays Sept. 17" allowtransparency="true" height="600" width="100%" style="border: none; min-width: min(100%, 430px);height:600px;" scrolling="no" data-name="pb-iframe-player" src="https://www.podbean.com/player-v2/?i=vrwjn-1481743-pb&from=pb6admin&square=1&share=1&download=1&rtl=0&fonts=Arial&skin=f6f6f6&font-color=auto&logo_link=podcast_page&btn-skin=3267a3&size=600" loading="lazy" allowfullscreen=""></iframe></div>On this episode of the&nbsp;<a href="https://hayspost.com/category/post-podcast" target="_blank">Post Podcast</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.ellisco.net/97/Health" target="_blank">Ellis County Public Health</a> director Kim Reel and <a href="https://www.treetopsecurity.com/" target="_blank">Tree Top Security</a> owner Dallas Haselhorst discuss the Russ Tuttle Stop Trafficking Project presentation scheduled in Hays on Sept. 17.&nbsp;&nbsp;

🎙 Post Podcast: Stop Trafficking Project presentation scheduled in Hays Sept. 17

On this episode of the&nbsp;<a href="https://hayspost.com/category/post-podcast" target="_blank">Post Podcast</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://hayschamber.com/" target="_blank">Hays Chamber</a> president and CEO Sarah Wasinger and vice president of membership Leigh Purdy discuss the 2024 Hays Community Guide.&nbsp;&nbsp;

<div><iframe title="Feature opportunities in 2024 Hays Community Guide available now" allowtransparency="true" height="600" width="100%" style="border: none; min-width: min(100%, 430px);height:600px;" scrolling="no" data-name="pb-iframe-player" src="https://www.podbean.com/player-v2/?i=ghmqz-147ffc5-pb&from=pb6admin&square=1&share=1&download=1&rtl=0&fonts=Arial&skin=f6f6f6&font-color=auto&logo_link=podcast_page&btn-skin=3267a3&size=600" loading="lazy" allowfullscreen=""></iframe></div>On this episode of the&nbsp;<a href="https://hayspost.com/category/post-podcast" target="_blank">Post Podcast</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://hayschamber.com/" target="_blank">Hays Chamber</a> president and CEO Sarah Wasinger and vice president of membership Leigh Purdy discuss the 2024 Hays Community Guide.&nbsp;&nbsp;

🎙 Post Podcast: Feature opportunities in 2024 Hays Community Guide available now

The Hays
Public Library’s Community Threads program is set to return in 2023, giving
area residents an opportunity to receive gently used clothing and accessories
free of charge.

During
regular library hours Saturday and Sunday, anyone interested in taking advantage of
the program can view items available at the library at 1205 Main.

Donations
will be accepted through today. Donations will be accepted at the library’s
front desk.

The last
Community Threads program was offered in 2021, said Hays Public Library communications
coordinator Callie Kolacny.

“It can
be shoes, clothes, coats, hats, gloves, accessories, some jewelry, things like
that, that you want to donate, we'll take all of that kind of stuff,” she said.


The
program, however, is not for household items.

“We
especially want people to donate children's items, children's clothes, because
those seem to be the things that the people that come in want the most,”
Kolacny said.

Following
the completion of donations, she said library staff would sort the items to be
made available to the public.

“Our
staff will do a great job of getting everything organized,” Kolacny said. “It's really easy to find what you might be looking for, and we're excited to do
this again this year.”

There
are no requirements to participate.

“Just
come fill bags, get whatever you need,” she said. “This is an opportunity to
come and get whatever you want for free. ... We will not be asking about financial
ability, nothing like that. Just come in and get what you want, take it and
enjoy it.”

Donations
will be available to view and pick up in the Schmidt Gallery. 

“Everything
will be all organized and nice,” Kolacny said.

<div><iframe title="Hays Public Library brings back Community Threads program for 2023" allowtransparency="true" height="150" width="100%" style="border: none; min-width: min(100%, 430px);height:150px;" scrolling="no" data-name="pb-iframe-player" src="https://www.podbean.com/player-v2/?i=p94ty-147e3ab-pb&from=pb6admin&share=1&download=1&rtl=0&fonts=Arial&skin=f6f6f6&font-color=auto&logo_link=podcast_page&btn-skin=3267a3&size=315" loading="lazy"></iframe></div>By JAMES BELL Hays PostThe Hays
Public Library’s Community Threads program is set to return in 2023, giving
area residents an opportunity to receive gently used clothing and accessories
free of charge.During
regular library hours Saturday and Sunday, anyone interested in taking advantage of
the program can view items available at the library at 1205 Main.Donations
will be accepted through today. Donations will be accepted at the library’s
front desk.The last
Community Threads program was offered in 2021, said Hays Public Library communications
coordinator Callie Kolacny.“It can
be shoes, clothes, coats, hats, gloves, accessories, some jewelry, things like
that, that you want to donate, we'll take all of that kind of stuff,” she said.
The
program, however, is not for household items.“We
especially want people to donate children's items, children's clothes, because
those seem to be the things that the people that come in want the most,”
Kolacny said.Following
the completion of donations, she said library staff would sort the items to be
made available to the public.“Our
staff will do a great job of getting everything organized,” Kolacny said. “It's really easy to find what you might be looking for, and we're excited to do
this again this year.”There
are no requirements to participate.“Just
come fill bags, get whatever you need,” she said. “This is an opportunity to
come and get whatever you want for free. ... We will not be asking about financial
ability, nothing like that. Just come in and get what you want, take it and
enjoy it.”Donations
will be available to view and pick up in the Schmidt Gallery. “Everything
will be all organized and nice,” Kolacny said.

🎙 Hays Public Library's Community Threads program offers free clothes this weekend

On this episode of the&nbsp;<a href="https://hayspost.com/category/post-podcast" target="_blank">Post Podcast</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.growhays.com/" target="_blank">Grow Hays</a> executive director Doug Williams shares updates on the Tallgrass Addition.&nbsp;&nbsp;

<div><iframe title="Tallgrass Addition phase two construction underway" allowtransparency="true" height="600" width="100%" style="border: none; min-width: min(100%, 430px);height:600px;" scrolling="no" data-name="pb-iframe-player" src="https://www.podbean.com/player-v2/?i=u7rsg-147b134-pb&from=pb6admin&square=1&share=1&download=1&rtl=0&fonts=Arial&skin=f6f6f6&font-color=auto&logo_link=podcast_page&btn-skin=3267a3&size=600" loading="lazy" allowfullscreen=""></iframe></div>On this episode of the&nbsp;<a href="https://hayspost.com/category/post-podcast" target="_blank">Post Podcast</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.growhays.com/" target="_blank">Grow Hays</a> executive director Doug Williams shares updates on the Tallgrass Addition.&nbsp;&nbsp;

🎙 Post Podcast: Tallgrass Addition phase two construction underway

On this episode of the&nbsp;<a href="https://hayspost.com/category/post-podcast" target="_blank">Post Podcast</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://cottonwood.k-state.edu/">Cottonwood Extension District</a> Family and Community Wellness agent Monique Koerner discusses the upcoming Stay Strong, Stay Healthy program.

<a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/3fc32c22-ab00-4770-acef-654ba07cd1cf" target="_blank">Read about Stay Strong, Stay Healthy by clicking here.</a>

<div><iframe title="Stay Strong, Stay Healthy begins Aug. 29 in Hays" allowtransparency="true" height="150" width="100%" style="border: none; min-width: min(100%, 430px);height:150px;" scrolling="no" data-name="pb-iframe-player" src="https://www.podbean.com/player-v2/?i=85ci4-147b16c-pb&from=pb6admin&share=1&download=1&rtl=0&fonts=Arial&skin=f6f6f6&font-color=auto&logo_link=podcast_page&btn-skin=3267a3&size=315" loading="lazy"></iframe></div>On this episode of the&nbsp;<a href="https://hayspost.com/category/post-podcast" target="_blank">Post Podcast</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://cottonwood.k-state.edu/">Cottonwood Extension District</a> Family and Community Wellness agent Monique Koerner discusses the upcoming Stay Strong, Stay Healthy program.<a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/3fc32c22-ab00-4770-acef-654ba07cd1cf" target="_blank">Read about Stay Strong, Stay Healthy by clicking here.</a>

🎙 Post Podcast: Stay Strong, Stay Healthy begins Aug. 29 in Hays

VICTORIA—Area residents are set to gather Friday for the
40th annual Herzogfest.

The two-day event will feature traditional festivities, along
with musical performances, a 5K run/walk, a parade, market and car show.

Food vendors are set to open at 11 a.m., with a keg tapping
at noon, featuring The Zog, a brew made for the event by Defiance Brewing Co.

“It’s a German pilsner beer that he crafted especially for
the Herzogfest, and then we worked with them and came up with the name of the
Zog,” said Jennifer Pfeifer, Herzogfest vice president. “Our nickname is kind
of like Zog, and so, that fit for the beer.”

“And then followed by that at 1 p.m., we'll have some Beer
Olympics throughout the afternoon,” said Brenton Hoffman, Herzogfest president.
“Horseshoes will start at 6. And free live music by Austin Dixon will come on at
7 p.m. The 50/50 raffle winner is between that and our headliner, The Lowdown
Drifters, at 9 p.m.

Saturday’s events begin with the 5K run/walk at 7:30 a.m.

“After that, at 9 a.m. we'll be bringing back our parade,” Pfeifer
said. 

No registration for the parade is required.

“Just show up to be part of it,” Pfeifer said. 

The Heritage Market will also start at 9 a.m. on the
festival grounds, and at 10 a.m., the Herzog Hot Rod Car, Truck and Tractor Show
will begin.

Other events Saturday include a cornhole tournament at 10 a.m.,
along with free activities for children at Kinderfest.

Valve Cover races are set for noon, and bingo at the VFW is
set for 4 p.m.

“We'll start our Polka mass, followed by our Polka dance at
5 p.m.,” Pfeifer said.

Moving into the evening, at 6 p.m., a presentation of the
color guard and national anthem will be performed, with a Stein Hoist to follow
at 6:30 p.m.

“Around seven, our first musical talent of the night will
take the stage, and that will be the Wes Cossman Band,” Pfeifer said. “We will
have another 50/50 raffle between then and at 9 p.m. The Huser Brother Band
will take the stage.

During the last 40 years, Hoffman said changes to the event
have been made, but with the notable anniversary, the Herzogfest committee is
looking to the event’s roots.

“We're trying to get back to that original tradition with
all the German food vendors and just making it as free as possible as an event,”
he said.

And while the committee directs the efforts, Pfiefer said the
community pulls together for the event.

“Lots of different community groups will be vendors for
food or help us with other things like setup and clean up,” she said. “We really
appreciate the community members stepping up to help us put on a great event
because we're just a committee of 10, folks. We really need the support.”

More help is always appreciated, Hoffman said.

Marking the 40th anniversary, special merchandise will be
available.

“We'll have shirts, we have special 40th anniversary Stein's,
buttons, a lot of a lot of various things,” Pfeifer said, “koozies, hats, a lot
of fun things you can pick up to really celebrate the 40th anniversary of the
Herzogfest.”

While the events are sure to be fun for participants young
and old, Pfiefer said the event is about bringing the community together.

“A big goal of Herzogfest is just to keep the German
heritage alive and celebrate that and keep the event free and introduce or
bring lots of people into town with various different activities for people to
participate in and enjoy,” Pfeifer said.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/8/1660536302239.jpeg" alt="File photo" />
 <figcaption>File photo</figcaption>
 </figure>By JAMES BELL Hays PostVICTORIA—Area residents are set to gather Friday for the
40th annual Herzogfest.The two-day event will feature traditional festivities, along
with musical performances, a 5K run/walk, a parade, market and car show.Food vendors are set to open at 11 a.m., with a keg tapping
at noon, featuring The Zog, a brew made for the event by Defiance Brewing Co.“It’s a German pilsner beer that he crafted especially for
the Herzogfest, and then we worked with them and came up with the name of the
Zog,” said Jennifer Pfeifer, Herzogfest vice president. “Our nickname is kind
of like Zog, and so, that fit for the beer.”<div><iframe title="40th annual Herzogfest kicks off Friday" allowtransparency="true" height="150" width="100%" style="border: none; min-width: min(100%, 430px);height:150px;" scrolling="no" data-name="pb-iframe-player" src="https://www.podbean.com/player-v2/?i=eenur-1479906-pb&from=pb6admin&share=1&download=1&rtl=0&fonts=Arial&skin=f6f6f6&font-color=auto&logo_link=podcast_page&btn-skin=3267a3&size=315" loading="lazy"></iframe></div>“And then followed by that at 1 p.m., we'll have some Beer
Olympics throughout the afternoon,” said Brenton Hoffman, Herzogfest president.
“Horseshoes will start at 6. And free live music by Austin Dixon will come on at
7 p.m. The 50/50 raffle winner is between that and our headliner, The Lowdown
Drifters, at 9 p.m.Saturday’s events begin with the 5K run/walk at 7:30 a.m.“After that, at 9 a.m. we'll be bringing back our parade,” Pfeifer
said. No registration for the parade is required.“Just show up to be part of it,” Pfeifer said. The Heritage Market will also start at 9 a.m. on the
festival grounds, and at 10 a.m., the Herzog Hot Rod Car, Truck and Tractor Show
will begin.Other events Saturday include a cornhole tournament at 10 a.m.,
along with free activities for children at Kinderfest.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/8/1691684260916.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Valve Cover races are set for noon, and bingo at the VFW is
set for 4 p.m.“We'll start our Polka mass, followed by our Polka dance at
5 p.m.,” Pfeifer said.Moving into the evening, at 6 p.m., a presentation of the
color guard and national anthem will be performed, with a Stein Hoist to follow
at 6:30 p.m.“Around seven, our first musical talent of the night will
take the stage, and that will be the Wes Cossman Band,” Pfeifer said. “We will
have another 50/50 raffle between then and at 9 p.m. The Huser Brother Band
will take the stage.During the last 40 years, Hoffman said changes to the event
have been made, but with the notable anniversary, the Herzogfest committee is
looking to the event’s roots.“We're trying to get back to that original tradition with
all the German food vendors and just making it as free as possible as an event,”
he said.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/8/1660537026924.jpeg" alt="File photo" />
 <figcaption>File photo</figcaption>
 </figure>And while the committee directs the efforts, Pfiefer said the
community pulls together for the event.“Lots of different community groups will be vendors for
food or help us with other things like setup and clean up,” she said. “We really
appreciate the community members stepping up to help us put on a great event
because we're just a committee of 10, folks. We really need the support.”More help is always appreciated, Hoffman said.Marking the 40th anniversary, special merchandise will be
available.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/8/1660537006583.jpeg" alt="File photo" />
 <figcaption>File photo</figcaption>
 </figure>“We'll have shirts, we have special 40th anniversary Stein's,
buttons, a lot of a lot of various things,” Pfeifer said, “koozies, hats, a lot
of fun things you can pick up to really celebrate the 40th anniversary of the
Herzogfest.”While the events are sure to be fun for participants young
and old, Pfiefer said the event is about bringing the community together.“A big goal of Herzogfest is just to keep the German
heritage alive and celebrate that and keep the event free and introduce or
bring lots of people into town with various different activities for people to
participate in and enjoy,” Pfeifer said.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/8/1660535933653.jpeg" alt="File photo" />
 <figcaption>File photo</figcaption>
 </figure>

🎙 'Es ist wunderbar:' 40th annual Herzogfest kicks off Friday in Victoria

Fort Hays State University will honor six outstanding alumni and friends during its upcoming Homecoming celebration September 28-30. Visit&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuhomecoming.com/">FHSUhomecoming.com</a>&nbsp;to learn more about how these award winners will be celebrated during FHSU's Homecoming.

"Selecting Homecoming candidates from Fort Hays State University's vast pool of deserving candidates challenges us each year," said FHSU Alumni Director Carolyn Tatro.

"This year's award recipients demonstrate an admirable commitment to their local communities and our university. We hope the public will join us in celebrating these amazing Tigers during Homecoming 2023," she adds.

Visit <a href="https://link.mediaoutreach.meltwater.com/ls/click?upn=-2BFJoAhsjp8losQfY8t-2BZtO-2F0MXqVFmcr8VE1BLH-2BIoVHPbNJJSWO5VoUYI9qjzlFN4N1YFdLTWEyZfw-2BsFpnbxN2VeRpab1kCwkiPZj3T61eoKhcTbVHXb3DYWRYB3QPAtTMCEvTtgbVjSYxY0EMLg-3D-3Di_IJ_scuE6QATIAo5tLVPwSgAru2c-2BhK2yoyXg2bmw7NiE0fAh1KPMZMELOQP7nofz6yYQ-2Bqf093MhwFAtRepL8jHlz54IAfPLuFjTL9o8QdaXZuZ89uG8p7HAdjtWBhgDXVbaObyzKjCC4VlLGFVM4d6fw5jZ1ViYrbCfvLpmPz0GC4gFti-2FmZWuC5x47nYLPjrnN-2FNy1ZV7ixuT70-2Bg2kuahjIEZNxuFMBOmX9YIEn6jhmi3mdWtwDo3PHa982z6ARzeN9NMe40-2Bn46NlWzBkbBgbxC9-2BgvzwQ0GBGSWcpYujWVFU3IJxewSmD2iJ9-2Bx8MmReUVCixPE0UtiK3ESielETZTmU0jds1p2v0D-2FwgDKTZIBJHlu32K949rGtblPHepROl-2FUQgbLWlFV4TXzQQ3ug-3D-3D" target="_blank">FHSUhomecoming.com/awards</a>&nbsp;to learn more about the award criteria by which these distinguished individuals were chosen.

Dr. Sandra “Sandy” Billinger&nbsp;’02, Roeland Park, Kansas

Sandra "Sandy" Billinger's journey to becoming a world-renowned, award-winning researcher began in 1993. During an average day working as a dental assistant, Billinger, pregnant with her first son, experienced a life-changing accident that propelled her to shift gears.&nbsp;

Now unable to fulfill her previous role's duties, Billinger came to Fort Hays State University to pursue a new career. As a single mother of two and a non-traditional student beginning her undergraduate studies at age 29, Billinger entered her studies with a full plate. However, she quickly excelled in her research after finding her home as a pre-physical therapy student in the Department of Health and Human Performance.

Dr. Greg Kandt, her advisor at FHSU, recommended that Billinger switch her focus from cardiovascular research interests to stroke research. At the time, many people believed that exercise after a stroke worsened patients' conditions; however, after learning more, Billinger made it her life purpose to dispel that misconception.

Her hard work earned the praise of faculty members, who named Billinger the 2002 Outstanding Student of the Year for the College of Health and Behavioral Sciences. She was also nominated for the Torch Award, given to outstanding seniors in recognition of leadership and academic excellence.

Billinger made her next big move after graduating from FHSU when she relocated her family to Kansas City to pursue a Ph.D. at the University of Kansas Medical Center (KUMC). Billinger earned a master's in physical therapy and a doctorate in rehabilitation science. She then began working as a faculty member in the Department of Physical Therapy. Billinger is currently a professor and vice chair of stroke translational research in the Department of Neurology at KUMC.

As a researcher, Billinger has acquired multi-million-dollar National Institutes of Health (NIH) grants, published more than 100 scientific papers in more than 15 academic publications, and has conducted one of the leading NIH-funded studies in stroke rehabilitation. In addition to her scholarly work, she instructs graduate and postdoctoral laboratory courses to help her students produce high-level medical research.

Currently, Billinger is leading several NIH-funded studies investigating the connections between cardiovascular and brain health relating to stroke recovery and Alzheimer's disease. She maintains several professional affiliations, including the American Stroke Association, American Physical Therapy Association, and the Kansas Physical Therapy Association.

Her strides in neurovascular research, instruction, and determination to help others through her work exemplify how an education from Fort Hays State can provide a lifetime of success and community enrichment.

Billinger lives in Kansas City with her family.

Dr. Judd Choate&nbsp;'93, Denver, Colorado

Hays native, Dr. Judd Choate, was destined to attend Fort Hays State University. Growing up as the son of the late Dr. Jerry Choate, a longtime director of the Sternberg Museum and a biology professor at FHSU, he attended the university from 1988-1992, majoring in political science and minoring in geography, studying with Dr. Larry Gould and Dr. Paul Phillips. Choate's path as a political science major at FHSU led to his eventual position as election director for the state of Colorado.

While at FHSU, Choate regularly contributed to The University Leader and was involved in the American Democracy Project and the Model UN. Some of his pieces for the Leader covered student life, but Choate never shied away from more controversial, national topics. Upon graduating summa cum laude from FHSU, Dr. Choate completed his master's and Ph.D. at Purdue University.

In 1997, Choate became an assistant professor of political science at Baker University and then at the University of Nebraska. In 2001, Choate was hired by the Nebraska Supreme Court to direct the Nebraska minority and justice task force, leading to the nation's first statewide report on discrimination in a state court system. That same year, Choate published a book on congressional behavior entitled "Torn and Frayed: Congressional Norms and Party Switching in an Era of Reform."

Choate then completed his Juris Doctorate at the University of Colorado in 2006, focusing on election law. Upon graduation, he clerked for the 10th Circuit Court of Appeals and the Colorado Supreme Court. After a stint at a private law firm, Choate was hired as Colorado's election director in 2009.&nbsp;

Since 2009, Colorado has become a model for election administration. Prior to his work, the state's percentage-registered-of-eligible-population was 25th in the country, and the state's overall turnout was 20th. In the 2020 presidential election, over 92% of Colorado's eligible population was registered to vote, and Colorado's turnout of 76% was the country's second highest.

Choate has served as the National Association of State Election Directors president and was president of the Electronic Registration Information Center board when it was formed in 2012. He has also earned numerous accolades in his 15 years serving as Colorado election director, most notably the U.S. Attorney's Award for leading U.S. efforts on election security in the 2020 presidential election.

Choate's career exemplifies how political science majors at Fort Hays State University can craft a life of public service and make tangible contributions to their communities by leveraging their education. Judd Choate began at FHSU as his father's son, only to become one of the country's most important election officials.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Dr. Judd Choate resides in Denver with his wife Lyn, their daughter Jacqueline and Leo, the dog. Judd's mom, Fi Choate, lives two blocks away, and his father, Dr. Jerry Choate, passed away in 2009.

Dr. Kendall Krug&nbsp;'83, Hays, Kansas

From a young age, Dr. Kendall Krug strove to serve others. A general science major who graduated cum laude from Fort Hays State University in 1983, Krug set the foundation for his nearly 40-year career as an optometrist.

Hoping to help others as a physician, Krug pursued an optometry degree at the Southern College of Optometry in Memphis. Through his studies, he developed an interest in assisting blind and low-vision patients, which led him to receive additional low-vision rehabilitation training at the New York Lighthouse for the Blind.

Krug returned to Hays after passing his national and state boards, earning his Kansas optometry license, and began spearheading several projects impacting area residents. Krug's expertise was critical in establishing and staffing the first hospital-based low-vision rehabilitation program in Kansas utilizing occupational therapy for visually impaired patients at St. Francis Hospital and Medical Center in Topeka.

Following his passion for helping blind and visually impaired adult patients, Krug began helping students facing similar struggles. He worked on a team that developed KanLOVKids, a low-vision program for the Kansas School of the Blind, to help students receive vision evaluations in their home school districts. The World Health Organization recognized the program as the top vision project in North America for World Sight Day in 2014. &nbsp;

For 30 years, Krug demonstrated his dedication to vision care by providing the same level of commitment to his primary care patients at his Hays practice.

Working in his practice and with low-vision patients earned Krug numerous accolades over his decades-long career from the Kansas Optometric Association, the Kansas Association for the Blind and Visually Impaired, and the American Optometric Association, among others. However, accolades only scratch the surface of Krug's success and community involvement.

Krug often shares the critical pieces of his success as a lecturer for the Fort Hays State Doctorate of Nursing Practice (DNP) students, Envision University, and the KU Area Health Education Center. Throughout the years, Krug devoted additional time to mentoring FHSU's pre-optometry students, with 20 now working as practicing optometrists or furthering their education in optometry school.

Undeniably, Krug touched lives through his advocacy, patient care, and philanthropy. He provided years of experience and betterment to the Hays area by leveraging his education at FHSU in his professional career.

He and his wife, Dr. Katrina Hess, reside in Hays. They have two children, Russell and Laura, who are both FHSU graduates.

<a></a>Chris Dinkel&nbsp;'10, Louisville, Kentucky

Chris Dinkel proves how much one can accomplish in a short amount of time with a degree from Fort Hays State University. In under a decade, Dinkel has earned his place at an esteemed New York law firm and has established himself as a high-achieving legal professional.

Beginning as an undergraduate studying theological and historical studies at Oral Roberts University in Tulsa, Oklahoma, Dinkel proved his dedication to his studies by graduating magna cum laude in 2008. Dinkel, a Hays native and lifelong learner at heart, heard about Fort Hays State and decided it was the perfect place to build upon the knowledge he gained as an undergraduate student.

In pursuit of a master's in history, Dinkel excelled at FHSU, earning the Outstanding Thesis accolade for his piece, "Moon Rocks and Mediations: Cooperation and Competition in Space Race Diplomacy." He held his head high as he graduated in 2010 with honors and an immaculate 4.0 GPA. The relationships he built at Fort Hays State University deepened as an adjunct instructor, a role he held for more than six years.

Although he enjoyed educating students at FHSU, Dinkel was not done learning himself. He returned to school to earn a Juris Doctorate at Columbia Law School in New York City. Dinkel's eight-year break as a student made him eager to immerse himself in all this new school offered. He wasted no time getting involved in fellowships, student organizations, and assistantships. The tenacity Dinkel demonstrated at Columbia landed him a job post-grad at the New York office of the prestigious international law firm Jones Day and two federal judicial clerkships.

Calling his time at Jones Day a success would be an understatement. Among his many accomplishments, Dinkel played an integral role in&nbsp;Glacier Northwest v. Teamsters, which his team argued and won before the United States Supreme Court in January 2023. Dinkel's research and writing contributed to every phase of the process and earned him a place on the briefs and the opportunity to attend the oral argument in Washington, D.C.

In August, Dinkel will leave his position at the firm to clerk for two highly distinguished federal judges. Dinkel will serve as a judicial clerk for Judge Benjamin Beaton in the Western District of Kentucky for a year and then with Judge Raymond Kethledge in the Sixth Circuit Court of Appeals in Michigan the following year.

After only two years as an official legal professional, Dinkel proves that no matter what stage of your career, an education at Fort Hays State helps its graduates shape their futures.

He and his wife, Ervis, live in Kentucky with their two children, William (Liam) and Arabella (Ari).

<a></a>Kelly Nuckolls&nbsp;'13, Fayetteville, Arkansas

The connections that develop between students and faculty at Fort Hays State University are as meaningful as the education gained. Meeting former political science chair and professor Dr. Shala Mills inspired Kelly Nuckolls to pursue a career in food insecurity advocacy.

Sitting in Dr. Mills' first-ever offering of Food &amp; Politics, Nuckolls began considering the political, ecological, and economic facets of food insecurity she had never considered. As a political science major, Nuckolls understood that by starting locally in her community, she could make a difference in the lives of those facing food insecurity.

With Dr. Mills' mentorship, Nuckolls helped establish the Tiger Food Pantry on campus, a resource that continues to supplement FHSU students' nutritional needs more than a decade later. Her efforts didn't stop at creating this valuable on-campus resource, however. Through her work in the Center for Civic Leadership at FHSU, Nuckolls became immersed in tying Fort Hays State to several statewide and national hunger initiatives, including the Kansas Hunger Dialogue and Universities Fighting World Hunger.

An active student at FHSU, Nuckolls was inducted into the Mortar Board national collegiate honor society and Pi Sigma Alpha, the national political science honor society. She became a voice for fellow students through her role in the Student Government Association as an Arts, Humanities, and Social Sciences senator.

After graduating from FHSU in 2013, Nuckolls received her Juris Doctorate from Drake University Law School, where she continued her service commitments and became a staff member and executive editor for the Drake Journal of Agricultural Law.

Wanting to learn more about agricultural law and policy's impacts on food insecurity, Nuckolls attended the University of Arkansas, where she was admitted into their prestigious Master of Law (LL.M.) in Agricultural and food law program.

Her accomplishments have led her back to the University of Arkansas School of Law, where she serves as its assistant director and visiting law professor for the LL.M. in the agricultural and food law program. Prior to that, Nuckolls worked at the National Sustainable Agriculture Coalition, a nonprofit advocacy organization in Washington, D.C.

Less than a decade after graduating from FHSU, Nuckolls has built tremendous food and agricultural law expertise and has impacted federal policy. She uses the knowledge gained at FHSU and beyond to empower others to advocate for positive change in our food system policies nationwide.

She resides in Arkansas with her husband, Luke, and is expecting her first child later this year.

<a></a>Dr. Eugene "Gene" Fleharty, Friend of FHSU, Hays, Kansas

The word "friend" falls short of describing the impact of Dr. Eugene "Gene" Fleharty's contributions to Fort Hays State and its community over his 37 years of service. His sustained involvement demonstrates that one does not have to graduate from Fort Hays State University to provide unwavering support to its community and students.

Growing up in Hastings, Nebraska, some of Fleharty's earliest memories as a nature enthusiast came from observing native birds and wildlife on his family's farm north of town. His father, a chemistry professor at Hastings College and family homestead farmer, firmly believed in marrying one's passion with their education and urged Fleharty to build upon that interest at college.

This advice earned Fleharty more than his undergraduate degree in biology and mathematics. While attending Hastings College, he met and fell in love with his wife, Jo Ann, with whom he recently celebrated 67 years of marriage. The couple moved to Albuquerque after Fleharty graduated from Hastings College, where he earned his master's degree in biology at the University of New Mexico in 1958 and his doctorate in 1962.

A meaningful mentorship with his graduate advisor shaped Fleharty's philosophy in instruction. When he was hired as a biology instructor at Fort Hays State University, he intended to instill the same personal lessons and knowledge his advisor shared with him to his students.

Alongside Dr. Gary Hulett, Fleharty helped create "Can Man Survive?" a course exploring the interactions of humans and the environment. Students enrolled in droves, sometimes more than 150 per section, to learn more about humans' impact on the environment. To this day, many express how the course changed their life.

His work as a department chair for 11 years and as a professor earned him several on-campus awards, including the Pilot Award in 1991 and the President's Distinguished Scholar Award in 1990. However, more meaningful to Fleharty than any award was the opportunity to help his students as a professor and mentor and the ability to sponsor 52 graduate students earning their master's degrees.

Fleharty retired in 1999 but remained committed to helping Fort Hays State University and its students. To connect with past students, he volunteered for the FHSU Foundation to request scholarship donations by phone. Years later, donations still roll in from those touched by Fleharty's genuine conversations as a volunteer.

Following retirement, Fleharty extended his philanthropy beyond volunteer work by establishing several funds assisting FHSU students. Fleharty and his brothers generously provided funding to build new bleachers for the FHSU softball complex. A few years later, he and Jo Ann decided to make another transformational gift for the softball program and donated additional funding for new artificial turf. The field was dedicated as the "Fleharty Family Field" earlier this year in honor of these contributions to the sport's future at FHSU. Fleharty's name also accompanies a biology scholarship and a fellowship benefiting graduate students in an assistantship.

Fleharty lives in Hays with his wife, Jo Ann. They have two children, Debra and Chris, four grandchildren, and five great-grandchildren.

He wished to share a personal message, which is included below.

As I look back on my life at 88 years old, certain people have profoundly impacted me, to whom I want to express my gratitude.

First and foremost, I want to thank my students. It was an absolute privilege to stand by their side during both the successes and failures of their endeavors. Watching them grow and learn was an incredible experience I will always cherish. I am unbelievably proud to have played a small part in that success.

To my colleagues, I want to thank you from the bottom of my heart. Without naming everyone who has touched my life, I'd like to thank Dr. Gary Hulett and Dr. Virgil Howe. Their friendship, partnership, and advice were priceless to me.