By JAMES BELL 
Hays Post

They may be “crazy, kooky and goofy,”
but Travis Grizzell, director of The Hays Community Theatre's production of&nbsp;The Addams Family, a new musical comedy, said
they have been a staple of pop culture for decades not because of their
peculiar antics, but rather what they share with the audience.

“They have the same problems
the rest of us have with all our strange, kooky families,” he said.

And as the world awaits the release of the recently
announced next season of the popular Netflix show Wednesday, local
performers will bring the family to life at 7 p.m. July 27, 28 and 29 in the Beach/Schmidt
Performing Arts Center on the Fort Hays State University campus.

“It's the good old Addams
Family, but as many iterations of the Addams Family as there are, this is a new
one for the musical,” Grizzell said.

The story follows the oldest
daughter, Wednesday, after falling in love and looking to get married “despite
her best efforts,” he said. 

“They are all scared to tell
mom (Morticia), and so the plot revolves around her boyfriend and her and
(father) Gomez trying to skirt around this marriage issue.”

“It's characters that
multiple generations now love, in new circumstances and some musical and dance
numbers too,” Grizzell said.

Bringing the show together are
performers and cast members from all walks of life volunteering their time,
some new and some seasoned veterans of the organization.

“And they're an absolutely
phenomenal group,” Grizzell said. They are talented…they are gamers, and they are
hilarious. They get the humor, they play off each other well, the chemistry is
good, and it's going to be a fun show.”

The show is family-friendly
but will be enjoyable for young and old alike.

“It's good family fun, but
there's a little ‘wink,’ a little adult humor there,” Grizzell said.

And with the staying power in
pop culture and the large cast, he said he expects a good turnout.

“With the old TV show and the
early '90s movies, which are the best, and the new animated series and then the Wednesday
series on Netflix, there's every generation you can think of that has been
exposed to the Addams Family,” Grizzell said. “It's got name recognition.”

The theatre also keeps the
price low, $15, to help everyone in the community experience performances
featuring their neighbors, family and friends.

“You can come see people you
might recognize in a really different way,” Grizzell said.

That familiarity is part of
the “novelty” of community theatre.

“It's ‘Oh,
that's my teacher up there. Oh, my gosh, that's my plumber. That's my banker.
Oh, the guy from the radio booth. He's doing sound, or I know her, she's my dance
teacher,’ you see all walks of life,” Grizzell said.

And
while it may be a diverse group of community members, one thing brings them all
together.

“They are
like-minded, and they like creating something," Grizzell said. "They see the benefit of giving
performance opportunities and artistic outlets."

Tickets are available at the door or online on the Hays Community Theatre website,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.hctks.com/">hctks.com.</a>

Direction:&nbsp;Travis Grizzell Assistant Director:&nbsp;Pamela Grizzell Musical Direction:&nbsp;Madelyn Seiler

Gomez Addams&nbsp;– Jerrett Leiker Morticia Addams&nbsp;– Codi Fenwick Uncle Fester&nbsp;– Andy Stanton Grandma&nbsp;– Jerri Ann Leiker Wednesday Addams&nbsp;– Natalie Loftus Pugsley Addams&nbsp;– Jack Stoecklein Lurch&nbsp;– Jeseph Barnes Mal Beineke&nbsp;– Quinton McGuire Alice Beineke&nbsp;– Maggie Brull Lucas Beineke&nbsp;– Lane Werth Caveman&nbsp;– Avery Koehn Pirate&nbsp;– Jazmine Lynd Pilgrim&nbsp;– Breanna Seiler Puritan&nbsp;– Kendra Ryan Prisoner&nbsp;– Caitlyn Sahlfeld Knight&nbsp;– Shiloh Gaschler Princess&nbsp;– Scarlett Wittkorn Egyptian&nbsp;– Victoria Heimann Cousin It&nbsp;– Zachary Leiker Barbershop Crooner&nbsp;– Zachariah Hurd William Shakespeare&nbsp;– Adam Conkey Mardi Gras Dancer&nbsp;– Olivia Werth Conquistador&nbsp;– Gene Stramel Flapper Girl&nbsp;– Kiki Gonzales Elizabethan Woman&nbsp;– Ella Fenwick&nbsp; Marie Antoinette&nbsp;– Claire Nickerson WWII Soldier&nbsp;– Connor Werth Musketeer&nbsp;– Madicyn Urban 1910 Motorist&nbsp;– Allison Goertzen German Polka Dancer&nbsp;– Brooke Leiker Capuchin Priest&nbsp;– Rose Windholz Nun&nbsp;– Alexis Ryan Saloon Girl&nbsp;– Maggie Baalmann Fisherman&nbsp;– Rowen Johnson Safari Guide&nbsp;– Kendall Seiler Ballerina&nbsp;– Savannah Wittkorn Colonial Girl&nbsp;– Gracie Long Cowgirl&nbsp;– Gracelyn Inlow French Revolutionary&nbsp;– Kati Davis-Abbott Miner&nbsp;- Kennedy Smith Spanish Dancer&nbsp;- Elizabeth Noble

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/7/1690253062445.jpeg" alt="Photo by James Bell" />
 <figcaption>Photo by James Bell</figcaption>
 </figure>By JAMES BELL 
Hays PostThey may be “crazy, kooky and goofy,”
but Travis Grizzell, director of The Hays Community Theatre's production of&nbsp;The Addams Family, a new musical comedy, said
they have been a staple of pop culture for decades not because of their
peculiar antics, but rather what they share with the audience.“They have the same problems
the rest of us have with all our strange, kooky families,” he said.And as the world awaits the release of the recently
announced next season of the popular Netflix show Wednesday, local
performers will bring the family to life at 7 p.m. July 27, 28 and 29 in the Beach/Schmidt
Performing Arts Center on the Fort Hays State University campus.<div><iframe title="Hays Community Theatre to present ‘The Addams Family’ a new musical comedy" 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=7y85c-14630b7-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 the good old Addams
Family, but as many iterations of the Addams Family as there are, this is a new
one for the musical,” Grizzell said.The story follows the oldest
daughter, Wednesday, after falling in love and looking to get married “despite
her best efforts,” he said. “They are all scared to tell
mom (Morticia), and so the plot revolves around her boyfriend and her and
(father) Gomez trying to skirt around this marriage issue.”<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/7/1690253468300.jpeg" alt="Photo by James Bell" />
 <figcaption>Photo by James Bell</figcaption>
 </figure>“It's characters that
multiple generations now love, in new circumstances and some musical and dance
numbers too,” Grizzell said.Bringing the show together are
performers and cast members from all walks of life volunteering their time,
some new and some seasoned veterans of the organization.“And they're an absolutely
phenomenal group,” Grizzell said. They are talented…they are gamers, and they are
hilarious. They get the humor, they play off each other well, the chemistry is
good, and it's going to be a fun show.”<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/7/1690253491252.jpeg" alt="Photo by James Bell" />
 <figcaption>Photo by James Bell</figcaption>
 </figure>The show is family-friendly
but will be enjoyable for young and old alike.“It's good family fun, but
there's a little ‘wink,’ a little adult humor there,” Grizzell said.And with the staying power in
pop culture and the large cast, he said he expects a good turnout.“With the old TV show and the
early '90s movies, which are the best, and the new animated series and then the Wednesday
series on Netflix, there's every generation you can think of that has been
exposed to the Addams Family,” Grizzell said. “It's got name recognition.”<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/7/1690253512910.jpeg" alt="Photo by James Bell" />
 <figcaption>Photo by James Bell</figcaption>
 </figure>The theatre also keeps the
price low, $15, to help everyone in the community experience performances
featuring their neighbors, family and friends.“You can come see people you
might recognize in a really different way,” Grizzell said.That familiarity is part of
the “novelty” of community theatre.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/7/1690253535940.jpeg" alt="Photo by James Bell" />
 <figcaption>Photo by James Bell</figcaption>
 </figure>“It's ‘Oh,
that's my teacher up there. Oh, my gosh, that's my plumber. That's my banker.
Oh, the guy from the radio booth. He's doing sound, or I know her, she's my dance
teacher,’ you see all walks of life,” Grizzell said.And
while it may be a diverse group of community members, one thing brings them all
together.“They are
like-minded, and they like creating something," Grizzell said. "They see the benefit of giving
performance opportunities and artistic outlets."Tickets are available at the door or online on the Hays Community Theatre website,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.hctks.com/">hctks.com.</a><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/7/1690253558630.jpeg" alt="Photo by James Bell" />
 <figcaption>Photo by James Bell</figcaption>
 </figure>Cast:Direction:&nbsp;Travis Grizzell Assistant Director:&nbsp;Pamela Grizzell Musical Direction:&nbsp;Madelyn SeilerGomez Addams&nbsp;– Jerrett Leiker Morticia Addams&nbsp;– Codi Fenwick Uncle Fester&nbsp;– Andy Stanton Grandma&nbsp;– Jerri Ann Leiker Wednesday Addams&nbsp;– Natalie Loftus Pugsley Addams&nbsp;– Jack Stoecklein Lurch&nbsp;– Jeseph Barnes Mal Beineke&nbsp;– Quinton McGuire Alice Beineke&nbsp;– Maggie Brull Lucas Beineke&nbsp;– Lane Werth Caveman&nbsp;– Avery Koehn Pirate&nbsp;– Jazmine Lynd Pilgrim&nbsp;– Breanna Seiler Puritan&nbsp;– Kendra Ryan Prisoner&nbsp;– Caitlyn Sahlfeld Knight&nbsp;– Shiloh Gaschler Princess&nbsp;– Scarlett Wittkorn Egyptian&nbsp;– Victoria Heimann Cousin It&nbsp;– Zachary Leiker Barbershop Crooner&nbsp;– Zachariah Hurd William Shakespeare&nbsp;– Adam Conkey Mardi Gras Dancer&nbsp;– Olivia Werth Conquistador&nbsp;– Gene Stramel Flapper Girl&nbsp;– Kiki Gonzales Elizabethan Woman&nbsp;– Ella Fenwick&nbsp; Marie Antoinette&nbsp;– Claire Nickerson WWII Soldier&nbsp;– Connor Werth Musketeer&nbsp;– Madicyn Urban 1910 Motorist&nbsp;– Allison Goertzen German Polka Dancer&nbsp;– Brooke Leiker Capuchin Priest&nbsp;– Rose Windholz Nun&nbsp;– Alexis Ryan Saloon Girl&nbsp;– Maggie Baalmann Fisherman&nbsp;– Rowen Johnson Safari Guide&nbsp;– Kendall Seiler Ballerina&nbsp;– Savannah Wittkorn Colonial Girl&nbsp;– Gracie Long Cowgirl&nbsp;– Gracelyn Inlow French Revolutionary&nbsp;– Kati Davis-Abbott Miner&nbsp;- Kennedy Smith Spanish Dancer&nbsp;- Elizabeth Noble

🎙 Hays Community Theatre to present ‘The Addams Family,’ a new musical comedy

On this episode of the&nbsp;<a href="https://postpodcast.podbean.com/">Post Podcast</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.growhays.com/" target="_blank">Grow Hays</a> executive director Doug Williams discusses the City of Hays' purchase of land near 27th and Main.&nbsp;

Find out more about the purchase at <a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/d2112629-d845-4997-a401-f12ff7fa06e5" target="_blank">City land purchase may be home to new Hays police station.</a>

<div><iframe title="City of Hays buys land near 27th and Main" 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=vb38y-145ff6d-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://postpodcast.podbean.com/">Post Podcast</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.growhays.com/" target="_blank">Grow Hays</a> executive director Doug Williams discusses the City of Hays' purchase of land near 27th and Main.&nbsp;Find out more about the purchase at <a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/d2112629-d845-4997-a401-f12ff7fa06e5" target="_blank">City land purchase may be home to new Hays police station.</a>

🎙 Post Podcast: City of Hays buys land near 27th and Main

Fort Hays State University recently celebrated its
expanded partnerships in China with visits to commencement ceremonies as
students wrapped up their academic year.

The four-stop tour also marked the first trip to the
partner schools since 2019.

The FHSU delegation included President Tisa Mason and
Provost Jill Arensdorf along with Joe Bain, FHSU general council, Phil
Whittkorn, academic partnership director, Haley Williams, global affairs
operations director, and Jing Wang, Sias-FHSU presidential scholar.

“We were able to visit our two longest and largest
partnership schools there, which is where we held the commencements at Sias
University and Shenyang Normal University,” Williams said.

They also made a stop at a brand-new partner school, Wuxi
University.

Altogether Williams said the Chinese partnership programs
serve about 4,000 students in various fields.

“Many of them are business majors,” she said. “We also have
Organizational Leadership, Health Studies and Global Business English. (They)
were primarily the ones that we saw graduate when we were there this spring.”

The majority of those students at Sias and Shenyang University
receive lessons from FHSU instructors in person for a third of their academic journey
while at their home university.

“I think something else that's really profound and is a kind
of a trademark thing for Fort Hays is we send about 40 faculty to live and
teach in China every year,” Williams said. “And so that's a huge part of what
our office does in supporting them just through the visa process and
integrating into living in teaching in China.”

“Of course, their academic department plays a huge role as
well as in supporting them. It is a really unique model that we have, and
it's had a huge impact.”

“That's all by design,” said FHSU chief communications
officer Scott Cason. “Since the inception of this program, what they have
wanted was American-style education in the classroom.”

“So our model, when it was developed, was pretty unique.
It's still kind of, I think, the standard model for how you deliver courses in a
country like China. These are not courses out of a box. This is an emulation of
the FHSU experience that they would get on our campus here.”

“Really, the vision of that…was East Meets West education,”
Williams said. “It's fulfilling the Fort Hays mission statement to develop,
engage global citizen leaders. And so, we're doing that in a very unique way.”

FHSU’s partnerships in China date back 23 years with Sias University.


The partnership with Wuxi University is just getting started
with 73 students with recruitment for next year underway.

Students from that program will spend their fourth year on
the FHSU campus.

“Hays is such a wonderful, small, safe community that a lot
of times when Chinese students come here, they really find Hays to bring a new
sense of home for them,” Williams said. “And they really enjoy their experience
of living and learning in our community and on our campus.

Along with the universities, the delegation met with Educare International
Incorporated.

“This partnership began about five years ago and is really a
unique model that has been just a wonderful working relationship and
partnership for Fort Hays,” Williams said.

Their model is non-degree seeking and helps expedite degrees
from other English-speaking universities around the world.

“They recruit these students to Fort Hays to take a couple
of courses to help save money,” Williams said.

During the trip, the delegation also attended a residential
life conference and visited the Soybean Innovation Center, which receives soybeans
directly from Kansas.

“It was cool to be able to support what the commerce in
Kansas is doing there,” Williams said.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/7/1689802890642.jpeg" alt="Courtesy photo&nbsp;" />
 <figcaption>Courtesy photo&nbsp;</figcaption>
 </figure>By JAMES BELL 
Hays PostFort Hays State University recently celebrated its
expanded partnerships in China with visits to commencement ceremonies as
students wrapped up their academic year.The four-stop tour also marked the first trip to the
partner schools since 2019.<div><iframe title="East meets West: FHSU celebrates, expands global partnerships during commencement trip to China" 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=isiuh-145ff43-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>The FHSU delegation included President Tisa Mason and
Provost Jill Arensdorf along with Joe Bain, FHSU general council, Phil
Whittkorn, academic partnership director, Haley Williams, global affairs
operations director, and Jing Wang, Sias-FHSU presidential scholar.“We were able to visit our two longest and largest
partnership schools there, which is where we held the commencements at Sias
University and Shenyang Normal University,” Williams said.They also made a stop at a brand-new partner school, Wuxi
University.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/7/1689802992907.jpeg" alt="Courtesy photo&nbsp;" />
 <figcaption>Courtesy photo&nbsp;</figcaption>
 </figure>Altogether Williams said the Chinese partnership programs
serve about 4,000 students in various fields.“Many of them are business majors,” she said. “We also have
Organizational Leadership, Health Studies and Global Business English. (They)
were primarily the ones that we saw graduate when we were there this spring.”The majority of those students at Sias and Shenyang University
receive lessons from FHSU instructors in person for a third of their academic journey
while at their home university.“I think something else that's really profound and is a kind
of a trademark thing for Fort Hays is we send about 40 faculty to live and
teach in China every year,” Williams said. “And so that's a huge part of what
our office does in supporting them just through the visa process and
integrating into living in teaching in China.”“Of course, their academic department plays a huge role as
well as in supporting them. It is a really unique model that we have, and
it's had a huge impact.”“That's all by design,” said FHSU chief communications
officer Scott Cason. “Since the inception of this program, what they have
wanted was American-style education in the classroom.”<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/7/1689803011071.jpeg" alt="Courtesy photo&nbsp;" />
 <figcaption>Courtesy photo&nbsp;</figcaption>
 </figure>“So our model, when it was developed, was pretty unique.
It's still kind of, I think, the standard model for how you deliver courses in a
country like China. These are not courses out of a box. This is an emulation of
the FHSU experience that they would get on our campus here.”“Really, the vision of that…was East Meets West education,”
Williams said. “It's fulfilling the Fort Hays mission statement to develop,
engage global citizen leaders. And so, we're doing that in a very unique way.”FHSU’s partnerships in China date back 23 years with Sias University.
The partnership with Wuxi University is just getting started
with 73 students with recruitment for next year underway.Students from that program will spend their fourth year on
the FHSU campus.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/7/1689803029700.jpeg" alt="Courtesy photo&nbsp;" />
 <figcaption>Courtesy photo&nbsp;</figcaption>
 </figure>“Hays is such a wonderful, small, safe community that a lot
of times when Chinese students come here, they really find Hays to bring a new
sense of home for them,” Williams said. “And they really enjoy their experience
of living and learning in our community and on our campus.Along with the universities, the delegation met with Educare International
Incorporated.“This partnership began about five years ago and is really a
unique model that has been just a wonderful working relationship and
partnership for Fort Hays,” Williams said.Their model is non-degree seeking and helps expedite degrees
from other English-speaking universities around the world.“They recruit these students to Fort Hays to take a couple
of courses to help save money,” Williams said.During the trip, the delegation also attended a residential
life conference and visited the Soybean Innovation Center, which receives soybeans
directly from Kansas.“It was cool to be able to support what the commerce in
Kansas is doing there,” Williams said.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/7/1689803048363.jpeg" alt="Courtesy photo&nbsp;" />
 <figcaption>Courtesy photo&nbsp;</figcaption>
 </figure>

🎙 East meets West: FHSU celebrates, expands global partnerships during commencement trip to China

On this episode of the&nbsp;<a href="https://postpodcast.podbean.com/">Post Podcast</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://haysartscouncil.org/" target="_blank">Hays Arts Council</a> executive director Brenda Meder discusses current happenings at the Hays Arts Center as preparations begin for the Fall Art Walk.&nbsp;&nbsp;

<div><iframe title="Hays Arts Council begins Fall Art Walk preparations" 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=kztav-145fed2-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://postpodcast.podbean.com/">Post Podcast</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://haysartscouncil.org/" target="_blank">Hays Arts Council</a> executive director Brenda Meder discusses current happenings at the Hays Arts Center as preparations begin for the Fall Art Walk.&nbsp;&nbsp;

🎙 Post Podcast: Hays Arts Council begins Fall Art Walk preparations

Jay Harris, K-State Cottonwood Extension District director,
recently added new responsibilities to his position after accepting the duties
of Horticulture Agent filling the long-time role for the first time in two
years.

He said the district board of directors were “pretty excited”
to have someone in the position after they were unable to fill the job with an
outside hire.

In the new job, Harris will serve the community with their
questions on trees, lawns and gardens.

He will also serve as the coordinator for the Extension Master Gardener Program. The program
has been serving area residents since 1996.

“Master gardeners do a lot of
good things for the public,” Harris said. “These are volunteers that take the
time to do some pretty extensive training.”

The next round of training is
set to begin in September.

“The
biggest thing is being there for people,” Harris said.

Since
assuming the position, he said he has been educating residents on their
trees in the midst of the ongoing excessive drought.

“We've
been in such a drought for a couple of years,” Harris said. “And even though
we've been getting rain, our trees are so far behind in the growth they're
showing dead spots and some fertility issues.”

The
Master Gardener program also maintains demonstration gardens throughout the
area. 

There are
two located at the Ag Experiment Station and one at the Old Fort Hays, he said.

Year-round the program helps residents with questions and provides assistance to all
types of horticulture issues with participants required to complete 40 hours of
volunteer service the first year and 20 each year after.

“The
volunteer service needs to be educational,” Harris said. “It's not truly labor
hours going out and working in the gardens. It is actually helping do some of
the educational part of extensions’ goal and our mission.”

Two
upcoming events will highlight that educational mission.

Today Iris Day will be during Bazaar on the Bricks. They will be providing Iris
bulbs for a suggested donation of $1.

On Aug.
23, the Master Gardeners will conduct a garden tour from 5 to 7:30 p.m. in conjunction with the
Hays Art Council’s Fall Art Walk at the demonstration gardens and at their
perennial garden at the district office at 601 Main.

It is a “good way for the
public to come out and see what Master Gardeners are doing,” Harris said.

Following
the events in September, training for the newest Master Gardeners will begin and
include people from all walks of life, Harris said.

“They do this extensive
training,” he said, in order to help out people with all sorts of questions and
assist with projects throughout the community.

To become a Master Gardner,
Harris said requirements include a high school diploma a desire to “get their
hands dirty” and “a love of gardening.” 

For more information about the Master Gardner program, visit the Cottonwood Extension District's website,<a href="https://cottonwood.k-state.edu/lawn-garden/MasterGardeners.html">&nbsp;cottonwood.k-state.edu</a>.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/7/1689958422362.jpeg" alt="Photo by James Bell/Hays Post" />
 <figcaption>Photo by James Bell/Hays Post</figcaption>
 </figure>By JAMES BELL 
Hays PostJay Harris, K-State Cottonwood Extension District director,
recently added new responsibilities to his position after accepting the duties
of Horticulture Agent filling the long-time role for the first time in two
years.He said the district board of directors were “pretty excited”
to have someone in the position after they were unable to fill the job with an
outside hire.In the new job, Harris will serve the community with their
questions on trees, lawns and gardens.<div><iframe title="Cottonwood director assumes horticulture agent, Master Gardener coordinator position" allowtransparency="true" height="300" width="100%" style="border: none; min-width: min(100%, 430px);height:300px;" scrolling="no" data-name="pb-iframe-player" src="https://www.podbean.com/player-v2/?i=5ewcw-145ed33-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=300" loading="lazy" allowfullscreen=""></iframe></div>He will also serve as the coordinator for the Extension Master Gardener Program. The program
has been serving area residents since 1996.“Master gardeners do a lot of
good things for the public,” Harris said. “These are volunteers that take the
time to do some pretty extensive training.”The next round of training is
set to begin in September.“The
biggest thing is being there for people,” Harris said.Since
assuming the position, he said he has been educating residents on their
trees in the midst of the ongoing excessive drought.“We've
been in such a drought for a couple of years,” Harris said. “And even though
we've been getting rain, our trees are so far behind in the growth they're
showing dead spots and some fertility issues.”The
Master Gardener program also maintains demonstration gardens throughout the
area. There are
two located at the Ag Experiment Station and one at the Old Fort Hays, he said.Year-round the program helps residents with questions and provides assistance to all
types of horticulture issues with participants required to complete 40 hours of
volunteer service the first year and 20 each year after.“The
volunteer service needs to be educational,” Harris said. “It's not truly labor
hours going out and working in the gardens. It is actually helping do some of
the educational part of extensions’ goal and our mission.”Two
upcoming events will highlight that educational mission.Today Iris Day will be during Bazaar on the Bricks. They will be providing Iris
bulbs for a suggested donation of $1.On Aug.
23, the Master Gardeners will conduct a garden tour from 5 to 7:30 p.m. in conjunction with the
Hays Art Council’s Fall Art Walk at the demonstration gardens and at their
perennial garden at the district office at 601 Main.It is a “good way for the
public to come out and see what Master Gardeners are doing,” Harris said.An ice cream truck also will be on site.Following
the events in September, training for the newest Master Gardeners will begin and
include people from all walks of life, Harris said.“They do this extensive
training,” he said, in order to help out people with all sorts of questions and
assist with projects throughout the community.To become a Master Gardner,
Harris said requirements include a high school diploma a desire to “get their
hands dirty” and “a love of gardening.” For more information about the Master Gardner program, visit the Cottonwood Extension District's website,<a href="https://cottonwood.k-state.edu/lawn-garden/MasterGardeners.html">&nbsp;cottonwood.k-state.edu</a>.

🎙 Cottonwood director assumes horticulture agent, Master Gardener coordinator position

On this episode of the&nbsp;<a href="https://postpodcast.podbean.com/">Post Podcast</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.fhsu.edu/hhp/faculty-and-staff/" target="_blank">Fort Hays State University's Jessica Phelan</a>&nbsp;discusses dietary guidelines and nutrition tips with The Morning Blend's Jeff Leiker.&nbsp;&nbsp;

<div><iframe title="Making sense of dietary guidelines and nutrition" 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=i45dd-145eaeb-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://postpodcast.podbean.com/">Post Podcast</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.fhsu.edu/hhp/faculty-and-staff/" target="_blank">Fort Hays State University's Jessica Phelan</a>&nbsp;discusses dietary guidelines and nutrition tips with The Morning Blend's Jeff Leiker.&nbsp;&nbsp;

🎙 Post Podcast: Making sense of dietary guidelines and nutrition

On this episode of the&nbsp;<a href="https://hayspost.com/category/post-podcast" target="_blank">Post Podcast</a>,&nbsp;Ellis County EMS director Danita Schroeder discuss the department's upcoming food drive for the Community Assistance Center.

<div><iframe title="Ellis Co. EMS plans food drive" 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=x8n42-145d1c5-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;Ellis County EMS director Danita Schroeder discuss the department's upcoming food drive for the Community Assistance Center.

🎙 Post Podcast: Ellis Co. EMS plans food drive

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> vice president of marketing and communications Mariah Legleiter discusses the Hays Young Professionals.&nbsp;&nbsp;

<div><iframe title="Hays Young Professionals helps create connections" 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=57mby-145b86b-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> vice president of marketing and communications Mariah Legleiter discusses the Hays Young Professionals.&nbsp;&nbsp;

🎙 Post Podcast: Hays Young Professionals helps create connections

On this episode of the&nbsp;<a href="https://postpodcast.podbean.com/">Post Podcast</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.growhays.com/" target="_blank">Grow Hays</a>&nbsp;executive director Doug Williams discusses the role and potential uses of STAR Bonds.

<div><iframe title="Grow Hays exec. dir. discusses STAR Bonds" 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=z2b5j-1457509-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://postpodcast.podbean.com/">Post Podcast</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.growhays.com/" target="_blank">Grow Hays</a>&nbsp;executive director Doug Williams discusses the role and potential uses of STAR Bonds.

🎙 Post Podcast: Grow Hays exec. dir. discusses STAR Bonds

On this episode of Forward Ever: Leading in Challenging Times, host Gary Shorman speaks with Melinda Merrill on&nbsp;Wilson's Czech Festival.

For more information about the 2023 Czech Fest, including a full calendar of events, visit&nbsp;<a href="https://wilsonczechfest.com/">wilsonczechfest.com.</a>

-The original version of this identified Melinda Merrill as Director of the Czech Festival.&nbsp; The festival has wonderful volunteer committee that is co-chaired by Susan Kriley and Kate Schiermeyer. 

<div><iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/1JfYJm30qLA" 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 Melinda Merrill on&nbsp;Wilson's Czech Festival.For more information about the 2023 Czech Fest, including a full calendar of events, visit&nbsp;<a href="https://wilsonczechfest.com/">wilsonczechfest.com.</a>-The original version of this identified Melinda Merrill as Director of the Czech Festival.&nbsp; The festival has wonderful volunteer committee that is co-chaired by Susan Kriley and Kate Schiermeyer.

Correction: Forward Ever: Melinda Merrill on Wilson's Czech Fest 

On this episode of the&nbsp;<a href="https://hayspost.com/category/post-podcast" target="_blank">Post Podcast</a>,&nbsp;Roger Leigleiter and Allen Mccoy speak with the KAYS Morning Blend host Jeff Leiker about the&nbsp;McCracken Rodeo.

<div><iframe title="McCracken Rodeo 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=muhff-14561c7-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;Roger Leigleiter and Allen Mccoy speak with the KAYS Morning Blend host Jeff Leiker about the&nbsp;McCracken Rodeo.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/7/1689023935974.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>

🎙 Post Podcast: McCracken Rodeo underway

Even the extreme heat bearing down on Kansas could not stop
the smiles and laughter as student-athletes, cheerleaders, band members and
staff descended upon Hays in anticipation of the 50th-annual Shrine Bowl.

The football game is set for a 7 p.m. kickoff on Lewis Field
Stadium on the Fort Hays State University campus, but events will begin long
before, with a Hays Chamber and Nex Tech Wireless event planned to open the
weekend at 9 a.m. Friday at the Nex-Tech Wireless office at 1101 E. 43rd

“We really want to bring the locals out and let them know
what we're doing and kind of get everything cranked up a little bit here in
Hays,” said Shrine Bowl of Kansas executive director B.J. Harris.

The Kansas Shrine Bowl Golf Tournament also will begin at 9
a.m. Friday.

“That's one of our big events,” Harris said. 

More than 1,200 people will then attend a sold-out Birthday
Banquetat 5:30 p.m. in the FHSU Memorial Union.

“Our keynote speaker will be Paul Coffman,” Harris said. “He's
a western Kansas guy who went on to have a lot of success in the NFL and is in
the Ring of Honor for the Green Bay Packers. In fact, he can't stay for the
game because he's got to go play golf in the Green Bay Packers Hall of Fame Golf
Tournament on Sunday.”

Along with his notable football career, Coffman participated
in the first Shrine Bowl in 1974.

Saturday morning events will start with a Shriner's Parade on
Main from 17th to Fourth Street.

“The Parade Marshal for that parade will be Barry Sanders,
who was going into the Kansas Shrine Bowl Hall of Fame later that night,” Harris
said. “We're very excited to have Barry in town. He played the 1986 Kansas Shrine
Bowl and then obviously went on to have an NFL Hall of Fame career.”

Outside of the well-known participant, he said a Shrine
Parade is “something to behold.”

“Everything you think about the Shrine, you get to see in
action,” Harris said. “In that parade, the funny cars, the little things they
do. Guys spraying people with water. It's just a completely different parade
than kind of your typical parade.”

Following the parade, a pep rally is planned in Municipal Park.

“We want to encourage people to come down there,” Harris said.
“The boys will be signing autographs for the fans and for their families, and
we'll sell them programs and things.”

That afternoon an alumni kickoff event is planned at the
Fort Tavern and Patio Bar, 109 W. Seventh.

“We’ve got a lot of guys coming back, a couple of NFL
players that have played in our game that are coming back for this game, and an
NFL coach is going to be attending this who played their game as well,” Harris said.

“We're trying to get them to come back and share that with
us. Because when you live it at 18 years old, you kind of forget about it. And
we want those guys to understand we're still doing it 50 years later. We're
still doing what you did in 1973.”

The last event before kickoff is tailgating on the east lawn
outside the stadium and will feature family-friendly activities.

“And then in the pregame festivities, we will induct Barry
Sanders and coach Doug Burkholder in the Kansas Shrine Bowl Hall of Fame right
before kickoff, and then the 50th Kansas Shrine Bowl will be underway,” Harris
said.

While the community events will center around the game, the larger
goal is one of philanthropy.

“We try to say we want to have fun and help kids while
having fun,” Harris said. “That's what Shriners have been doing for a long,
long time. Over 100 years, actually, as in philanthropy.”

“Ultimately, the background and the foundation of everything
we do is for the kids, and you'll hear that if you're out in the game, you'll
hear it from the kids from our band, you'll hear it from the kids, from our
cheerleaders, you'll hear it on breakdowns from our football players.”

And he said the game has a larger mission than just the
events.

“We try to make sure that they understand that it's for
bigger than them,” Harris said. “One of the things I love about our game is
it's one of the few times that you're going to play a football game where the
outcome really doesn't matter. In fact, last year we ended in a tie. And
that was a good example of it really is just for the kids who are out there to
play and put on a show and raise as much money as possible.”

Making it all possible are players, students and staff from
around the state after year-long planning.

“It actually starts during the football season,” Harris
said. “As far as our players are concerned, in about week five, coaches can start
nominating the players they think are worthy for the Kansas Shrine Bowl.”

“We'll do all those nominations, usually at around 400 to
450 nominations from across the state,” Harris said. “We narrow that down to 80
players, 40 on the west and 40 on the east.”

Those selections are made up of choices from 30-50 media outlets
throughout the state before a selection committee narrows the field further.

“It's kind of convoluted, but I think it gives us the best
spread,” Harris said. “We look at it geographically as much as possible to try
to get good representation throughout the state of Kansas as well. But it
really does come down to the media selection and then the coaches making their
picks.”

Alongside the players, students also gather to perform in
band and cheerleading.

We have an 185-strong band and an almost 200-strong
cheerleading squad, Harris said.

“When they perform at halftime, there'll be almost 400 high
school band and cheerleaders on the field performing a joint routine which is
just very special and a nice example of the arts in our state of Kansas,” he
said.

With participants from across Kansas set to participate in
the events, Hays will be well represented.

“We've got a couple of players from Hays High School,”
Harris said, “and we also got the head coach from Hays High School.”

Tony Crough will serve as head coach for the West squad
after serving as an assistant coach last year.

“That was voted on by the guys who are with him all year
last year,” Harris said. “They felt that he would be the best leader, and it
was very serendipitous it was in his hometown here, where he's coaching.”

“And Tony played in our game in 1999, as well, so he's a
former player, and now he's going to be a former head coach.”

Thomas More Prep-Marian Kade Harris also&nbsp;will help as
manager this year after suffering a knee injury that sidelined him from the
game.

While the organization does much of the leg work to bring
the events to their host communities, Harris said city and FHSU officials have
been instrumental in planning and organizing this year’s event.

“We rely a lot on our local host cities,” Harris said.

He said Janet Kuhn, Hays Convention and Visitors Bureau, along
with executive director Melissa Dixon were key to this year’s events.

He also noted FHSU officials were vital to the effort.

“It's an intimate enough campus that everything's fairly
close, and it allows us to put a lot more stuff on campus this year because of
that,” Harris said.

While the weekend exhibition is for a good cause, for the
coaches and players, the game is serious business for those players and coaches
involved.

“You get football coaches around a football field, they're
going to be football coaches,” Harris said. “So that first, and that's fine.
That's what we want them to do.”

But it’s all in good fun, he said, with lots of good-natured
heckling behind the scenes as they prepare for the game.

“When they get here on Saturday, and the ball goes up the
air, it's a football game. They want to win, and they want to put the best
product forward,” Harris said. “It's real football when it comes to Saturday,
for sure.”

Most importantly, everyone involved is part of a long-term
legacy of giving to children in need.

“We're celebrating a big, big moment this year with our 50th,”
Harris said. “Since 1974, they've been playing a football game to raise money
for Shriners Children's (hospital), and since that time, we've raised over $3.7
million for the hospital system, and getting Kansas kids to the hospital to get
treatment.”

“And we'll see some of those patients throughout the week
here and see the impact that we're making on those lives and try to convey that
to our players as well. But ultimately, our goal is to raise and make the
biggest impact possible.”

<a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/1d2adea0-5fc9-44d5-81c0-eb0b59f14a2b">RELATED STORY: Hays High, TMP well represented at Shrine Bowl</a>

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/7/1689176149142.jpeg" alt="Photo by James Bell/Hays Post" />
 <figcaption>Photo by James Bell/Hays Post</figcaption>
 </figure><div><iframe title="Football and more: Students and staff arrive in Hays for 50th Shrine Bowl" 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=armub-1454ad1-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 PostEven the extreme heat bearing down on Kansas could not stop
the smiles and laughter as student-athletes, cheerleaders, band members and
staff descended upon Hays in anticipation of the 50th-annual Shrine Bowl.The football game is set for a 7 p.m. kickoff on Lewis Field
Stadium on the Fort Hays State University campus, but events will begin long
before, with a Hays Chamber and Nex Tech Wireless event planned to open the
weekend at 9 a.m. Friday at the Nex-Tech Wireless office at 1101 E. 43rd“We really want to bring the locals out and let them know
what we're doing and kind of get everything cranked up a little bit here in
Hays,” said Shrine Bowl of Kansas executive director B.J. Harris.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/7/1689176280334.jpeg" alt="Photo by James Bell/Hays Post" />
 <figcaption>Photo by James Bell/Hays Post</figcaption>
 </figure>The Kansas Shrine Bowl Golf Tournament also will begin at 9
a.m. Friday.“That's one of our big events,” Harris said. More than 1,200 people will then attend a sold-out Birthday
Banquetat 5:30 p.m. in the FHSU Memorial Union.“Our keynote speaker will be Paul Coffman,” Harris said. “He's
a western Kansas guy who went on to have a lot of success in the NFL and is in
the Ring of Honor for the Green Bay Packers. In fact, he can't stay for the
game because he's got to go play golf in the Green Bay Packers Hall of Fame Golf
Tournament on Sunday.”Along with his notable football career, Coffman participated
in the first Shrine Bowl in 1974.Saturday morning events will start with a Shriner's Parade on
Main from 17th to Fourth Street.“The Parade Marshal for that parade will be Barry Sanders,
who was going into the Kansas Shrine Bowl Hall of Fame later that night,” Harris
said. “We're very excited to have Barry in town. He played the 1986 Kansas Shrine
Bowl and then obviously went on to have an NFL Hall of Fame career.”Outside of the well-known participant, he said a Shrine
Parade is “something to behold.”“Everything you think about the Shrine, you get to see in
action,” Harris said. “In that parade, the funny cars, the little things they
do. Guys spraying people with water. It's just a completely different parade
than kind of your typical parade.”Following the parade, a pep rally is planned in Municipal Park.“We want to encourage people to come down there,” Harris said.
“The boys will be signing autographs for the fans and for their families, and
we'll sell them programs and things.”That afternoon an alumni kickoff event is planned at the
Fort Tavern and Patio Bar, 109 W. Seventh.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/7/1689176288703.jpeg" alt="Photo by James Bell/Hays Post" />
 <figcaption>Photo by James Bell/Hays Post</figcaption>
 </figure>“We’ve got a lot of guys coming back, a couple of NFL
players that have played in our game that are coming back for this game, and an
NFL coach is going to be attending this who played their game as well,” Harris said.“We're trying to get them to come back and share that with
us. Because when you live it at 18 years old, you kind of forget about it. And
we want those guys to understand we're still doing it 50 years later. We're
still doing what you did in 1973.”The last event before kickoff is tailgating on the east lawn
outside the stadium and will feature family-friendly activities.“And then in the pregame festivities, we will induct Barry
Sanders and coach Doug Burkholder in the Kansas Shrine Bowl Hall of Fame right
before kickoff, and then the 50th Kansas Shrine Bowl will be underway,” Harris
said.While the community events will center around the game, the larger
goal is one of philanthropy.“We try to say we want to have fun and help kids while
having fun,” Harris said. “That's what Shriners have been doing for a long,
long time. Over 100 years, actually, as in philanthropy.”“Ultimately, the background and the foundation of everything
we do is for the kids, and you'll hear that if you're out in the game, you'll
hear it from the kids from our band, you'll hear it from the kids, from our
cheerleaders, you'll hear it on breakdowns from our football players.”And he said the game has a larger mission than just the
events.“We try to make sure that they understand that it's for
bigger than them,” Harris said. “One of the things I love about our game is
it's one of the few times that you're going to play a football game where the
outcome really doesn't matter. In fact, last year we ended in a tie. And
that was a good example of it really is just for the kids who are out there to
play and put on a show and raise as much money as possible.”Making it all possible are players, students and staff from
around the state after year-long planning.“It actually starts during the football season,” Harris
said. “As far as our players are concerned, in about week five, coaches can start
nominating the players they think are worthy for the Kansas Shrine Bowl.”Players are 2023 high school graduates.“We'll do all those nominations, usually at around 400 to
450 nominations from across the state,” Harris said. “We narrow that down to 80
players, 40 on the west and 40 on the east.”Those selections are made up of choices from 30-50 media outlets
throughout the state before a selection committee narrows the field further.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/7/1689176131919.jpeg" alt="Photo by James Bell/Hays Post" />
 <figcaption>Photo by James Bell/Hays Post</figcaption>
 </figure>“It's kind of convoluted, but I think it gives us the best
spread,” Harris said. “We look at it geographically as much as possible to try
to get good representation throughout the state of Kansas as well. But it
really does come down to the media selection and then the coaches making their
picks.”Alongside the players, students also gather to perform in
band and cheerleading.We have an 185-strong band and an almost 200-strong
cheerleading squad, Harris said.“When they perform at halftime, there'll be almost 400 high
school band and cheerleaders on the field performing a joint routine which is
just very special and a nice example of the arts in our state of Kansas,” he
said.With participants from across Kansas set to participate in
the events, Hays will be well represented.“We've got a couple of players from Hays High School,”
Harris said, “and we also got the head coach from Hays High School.”Tony Crough will serve as head coach for the West squad
after serving as an assistant coach last year.“That was voted on by the guys who are with him all year
last year,” Harris said. “They felt that he would be the best leader, and it
was very serendipitous it was in his hometown here, where he's coaching.”“And Tony played in our game in 1999, as well, so he's a
former player, and now he's going to be a former head coach.”Thomas More Prep-Marian Kade Harris also&nbsp;will help as
manager this year after suffering a knee injury that sidelined him from the
game.While the organization does much of the leg work to bring
the events to their host communities, Harris said city and FHSU officials have
been instrumental in planning and organizing this year’s event.“We rely a lot on our local host cities,” Harris said.He said Janet Kuhn, Hays Convention and Visitors Bureau, along
with executive director Melissa Dixon were key to this year’s events.“They got us here,” Harris said.He also noted FHSU officials were vital to the effort.“It's an intimate enough campus that everything's fairly
close, and it allows us to put a lot more stuff on campus this year because of
that,” Harris said.While the weekend exhibition is for a good cause, for the
coaches and players, the game is serious business for those players and coaches
involved.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/7/1689176259206.jpeg" alt="Photo by James Bell/Hays Post" />
 <figcaption>Photo by James Bell/Hays Post</figcaption>
 </figure>“You get football coaches around a football field, they're
going to be football coaches,” Harris said. “So that first, and that's fine.
That's what we want them to do.”But it’s all in good fun, he said, with lots of good-natured
heckling behind the scenes as they prepare for the game.“When they get here on Saturday, and the ball goes up the
air, it's a football game. They want to win, and they want to put the best
product forward,” Harris said. “It's real football when it comes to Saturday,
for sure.”Most importantly, everyone involved is part of a long-term
legacy of giving to children in need.“We're celebrating a big, big moment this year with our 50th,”
Harris said. “Since 1974, they've been playing a football game to raise money
for Shriners Children's (hospital), and since that time, we've raised over $3.7
million for the hospital system, and getting Kansas kids to the hospital to get
treatment.”“And we'll see some of those patients throughout the week
here and see the impact that we're making on those lives and try to convey that
to our players as well. But ultimately, our goal is to raise and make the
biggest impact possible.”<a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/1d2adea0-5fc9-44d5-81c0-eb0b59f14a2b">RELATED STORY: Hays High, TMP well represented at Shrine Bowl</a><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/7/1689176164049.jpeg" alt="Photo by James Bell/Hays Post" />
 <figcaption>Photo by James Bell/Hays Post</figcaption>
 </figure>

🎙 Football and more: Students, staff arrive in Hays for 50th Kansas Shrine Bowl

On this episode of the <a href="https://hayspost.com/category/post-podcast" target="_blank">Post Podcast</a>, <a href="https://hayschamber.com/" target="_blank">Hays Chamber</a> president and CEO Sarah Wasinger discusses recent efforts to address the shortage of childcare providers in Ellis County.&nbsp;&nbsp;

On this episode of the <a href="https://hayspost.com/category/post-podcast" target="_blank">Post Podcast</a>, <a href="https://hayschamber.com/" target="_blank">Hays Chamber</a> president and CEO Sarah Wasinger discusses recent efforts to address the shortage of childcare providers in Ellis County.&nbsp;&nbsp;<div><iframe title="Hays Chamber continues work to alleviate shortage of Ellis Co. childcare" 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=7e62h-1454a88-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>

🎙 Post Podcast: Hays Chamber continues work to alleviate shortage of Ellis Co. childcare

On this episode of the&nbsp;<a href="https://postpodcast.podbean.com/">Post Podcast</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.growhays.com/" target="_blank">Grow Hays</a>&nbsp;executive director Doug Williams&nbsp;discusses Fort Hays State University President Tisa Mason joining their board of directors while above-ground work begins on the Microfactory project.

Read more about the Microfactory project:&nbsp; <a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/4b0833de-8582-4800-b0ce-7f4ea9baf6d7">Lt. Gov. Toland: Grow Hays Microfactory an 'idea whose time has come'</a>

<div><iframe title="As above ground work on Microfactory begins FHSU President joins board" 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=u9ivu-14537ad-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://postpodcast.podbean.com/">Post Podcast</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.growhays.com/" target="_blank">Grow Hays</a>&nbsp;executive director Doug Williams&nbsp;discusses Fort Hays State University President Tisa Mason joining their board of directors while above-ground work begins on the Microfactory project.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/10/1665167255581.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Read more about the Microfactory project:&nbsp; <a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/4b0833de-8582-4800-b0ce-7f4ea9baf6d7">Lt. Gov. Toland: Grow Hays Microfactory an 'idea whose time has come'</a>

🎙 Post Podcast: As above ground work on Microfactory begins FHSU President joins board

On this episode of the&nbsp;<a href="https://postpodcast.podbean.com/">Post Podcast</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://hayslibrary.org/" target="_blank">Hays Public Library</a>&nbsp;communications coordinator Callie Kolacny&nbsp;shares updates from the Hays Public Library.

<div><iframe title="Busy summer continues at Hays Public Library" 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=f37ha-145252c-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://postpodcast.podbean.com/">Post Podcast</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://hayslibrary.org/" target="_blank">Hays Public Library</a>&nbsp;communications coordinator Callie Kolacny&nbsp;shares updates from the Hays Public Library.

🎙 Post Podcast: Busy summer continues at Hays Public Library

On this episode of Forward Ever: Leading in Challenging Times, host Gary Shorman speaks with Seth Kastle, assistant professor of Leadership Studies and Military Program Innovation director at Fort Hays State University, about his background and the ways FHSU works to connect with members of the U.S. Miltary.

<div><iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/Qcrm085RnVc" 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 Seth Kastle, assistant professor of Leadership Studies and Military Program Innovation director at Fort Hays State University, about his background and the ways FHSU works to connect with members of the U.S. Miltary.

Forward Ever: FHSU Military Program Innovation director Seth Kastle

On this episode of the&nbsp;<a href="https://postpodcast.podbean.com/">Post Podcast</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.ellisco.net/directory.aspx?eid=24" target="_blank">Ellis County Sheriff Scott Braun</a> discusses the Fourth of July and safety tips for the annual<a href="https://tourdiekapellen.com/" target="_blank"> Tour Die Kapellen.&nbsp;</a>

<a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/2257965f-a647-47c7-944a-faa63c9843cc">Read more about the event by clicking here.</a>

<div><iframe title="Ellis Co. Sheriff shares safety tips as Tour Die Kapellen approaches" 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=er4q8-144d270-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://postpodcast.podbean.com/">Post Podcast</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.ellisco.net/directory.aspx?eid=24" target="_blank">Ellis County Sheriff Scott Braun</a> discusses the Fourth of July and safety tips for the annual<a href="https://tourdiekapellen.com/" target="_blank"> Tour Die Kapellen.&nbsp;</a><a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/2257965f-a647-47c7-944a-faa63c9843cc">Read more about the event by clicking here.</a>

🎙 Post Podcast: Ellis Co. Sheriff shares safety tips as Tour Die Kapellen approaches

On this episode of the&nbsp;<a href="https://postpodcast.podbean.com/">Post Podcast</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://tourdiekapellen.com/" target="_blank">Tour Die Kapellen</a> organizer Kathy Rome discusses the upcoming event with the <a href="https://radio.securenetsystems.net/cwa/KAYS" target="_blank">KAYS</a> Morning Blend's Jeff Leiker.

<div><iframe title="Ellis Co. Tour Die Kapellen set for Saturday" 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=niskf-1449fab-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://postpodcast.podbean.com/">Post Podcast</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://tourdiekapellen.com/" target="_blank">Tour Die Kapellen</a> organizer Kathy Rome discusses the upcoming event with the <a href="https://radio.securenetsystems.net/cwa/KAYS" target="_blank">KAYS</a> Morning Blend's Jeff Leiker.<a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/2257965f-a647-47c7-944a-faa63c9843cc">Read more about the event by clicking here.</a>

🎙 Post Podcast: Ellis Co. Tour Die Kapellen set for Saturday

On this episode of the Post Podcast, Hays Arts Council executive director Brenda Meder shares updates from the Arts Center.

<div><iframe title="Hays Arts Council offering free exhibitions during summer" allowtransparency="true" height="150" 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=wuyfm-14449cf-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"></iframe></div>On this episode of the Post Podcast, Hays Arts Council executive director Brenda Meder shares updates from the Arts Center.

🎙 Post Podcast: Hays Arts Council offering free exhibitions during summer

On this episode of the&nbsp;<a href="https://postpodcast.podbean.com/">Post Podcast</a>,&nbsp;Cottonwood Extension District agents Monique Koerner and Tamara Robertson discuss the 2023 Ellis County Fair.

<div><iframe title="Ellis County Fair preparations underway" 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=2hi39-1441672-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" allowfullscreen=""></iframe></div>On this episode of the&nbsp;<a href="https://postpodcast.podbean.com/">Post Podcast</a>,&nbsp;Cottonwood Extension District agents Monique Koerner and Tamara Robertson discuss the 2023 Ellis County Fair.

🎙 Post Podcast: Ellis County Fair preparations underway

On this episode of the&nbsp;<a href="https://postpodcast.podbean.com/">Post Podcast</a>,&nbsp;Hays Post Reporter Jonathan Zweygardt discusses recent actions by the Ellis County Commission with Commissioner Michael Berges.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Read more about the decision to cut townships at <a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/f9d4812c-a10d-4f11-9856-f3673ebe6a7b" target="_blank">hayspost.com/posts/f9d4812c-a10d-4f11-9856-f3673ebe6a7b.</a>

<div><iframe title="Ellis County Commission votes to cut number of townships" 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=j7cr6-143f41b-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" allowfullscreen=""></iframe></div>On this episode of the&nbsp;<a href="https://postpodcast.podbean.com/">Post Podcast</a>,&nbsp;Hays Post Reporter Jonathan Zweygardt discusses recent actions by the Ellis County Commission with Commissioner Michael Berges.&nbsp;&nbsp;Read more about the decision to cut townships at <a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/f9d4812c-a10d-4f11-9856-f3673ebe6a7b" target="_blank">hayspost.com/posts/f9d4812c-a10d-4f11-9856-f3673ebe6a7b.</a>

🎙 Post Podcast:  Ellis County Commission votes to cut number of townships

On this episode of the&nbsp;<a href="https://postpodcast.podbean.com/">Post Podcast</a>,&nbsp;Hays Post reporter Becky Kiser discusses the ongoing fight over the water rights from the R9 ranch with city manager Toby Dougherty and city commissioner Mason Ruder.

<div><iframe title="Fight over water from the R9 ranch continues" 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=auztt-143f452-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" allowfullscreen=""></iframe></div>On this episode of the&nbsp;<a href="https://postpodcast.podbean.com/">Post Podcast</a>,&nbsp;Hays Post reporter Becky Kiser discusses the ongoing fight over the water rights from the R9 ranch with city manager Toby Dougherty and city commissioner Mason Ruder.

🎙 Post Podcast: Fight over water from the R9 ranch continues

You may leave northwest
Kansas, but northwest Kansas can’t leave you.

Nashville-based
singer/songwriter and Ellis County native Blaine Younger has recently explored
his time growing up in the area with his latest song Heartland.

“I grew up right there in
Victoria, Kansas, went to school there,” Younger said. 

Being involved with music his
entire life, he explored the region, taking the stage at “every bar and county
fair and festival,” including Wild West Fest and Country Stampede.

But much like the person
longed for in Heartland, Younger felt compelled to follow his dreams and
pursue opportunities elsewhere.

“We are out here. And it is a
big deal to be out here,” Younger said. “And I'm learning and surrounded by the
greatest musicians and songwriters in the world every day. And it's pretty
cool.”

While his focus has been on
songwriting, he took to performing Heartland himself, marking his
first release in 13 years.

“People ask me, ‘Why are you
releasing music now?’” Younger said. “I think deep down every songwriter is
still an artist, and they want to say things and say things their way and the
way they would portray it and emote it. So that still is more exciting to me.”

But while he still performs and
writes music, he continues chasing the goal of one day having a song he wrote rise
to the top of the hit county charts.

“We're getting there and
meeting a lot of people that I would never thought and playing a lot of places
that I've never thought I'd play in my life,” Younger said.

“They're both equally great,
but I just had more success so far on the artist side, and that is fun.”

While there may be more opportunities
in Nashville, he retains a life similar to the one he knew growing up, living
in a quiet city suburb.

“I still
crave small-town livin’ and simple life,” Younger said. “It's different, but
they both have their perks. Being out here, you're so plugged into the industry,
and you really do feel like you're three minutes, or a song away, from maybe a change
in your life. You've got those connections, and you're showing your face and
networking in the clubs.”

“But as
far as personal living, I have a family now. And we're lucky to be out in a
cool suburb of Nashville, and we love it out here. But I still do prefer the
small-town simple living over the city life for sure.”

He reflects
on that small-town life with Heartland.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/8/1660754177628.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/6/1687548235682.jpeg" alt="Blaine Younger (Courtesy photo)" />
 <figcaption>Blaine Younger (Courtesy photo)</figcaption>
 </figure>By JAMES BELL Hays PostYou may leave northwest
Kansas, but northwest Kansas can’t leave you.Nashville-based
singer/songwriter and Ellis County native Blaine Younger has recently explored
his time growing up in the area with his latest song Heartland.“I grew up right there in
Victoria, Kansas, went to school there,” Younger said. Being involved with music his
entire life, he explored the region, taking the stage at “every bar and county
fair and festival,” including Wild West Fest and Country Stampede.<div><iframe title="Ellis Co. native brings heartland sound to Nashville" 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=tayb8-143e6e3-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" allowfullscreen=""></iframe></div>But much like the person
longed for in Heartland, Younger felt compelled to follow his dreams and
pursue opportunities elsewhere.“We are out here. And it is a
big deal to be out here,” Younger said. “And I'm learning and surrounded by the
greatest musicians and songwriters in the world every day. And it's pretty
cool.”While his focus has been on
songwriting, he took to performing Heartland himself, marking his
first release in 13 years. “People ask me, ‘Why are you
releasing music now?’” Younger said. “I think deep down every songwriter is
still an artist, and they want to say things and say things their way and the
way they would portray it and emote it. So that still is more exciting to me.”But while he still performs and
writes music, he continues chasing the goal of one day having a song he wrote rise
to the top of the hit county charts.“We're getting there and
meeting a lot of people that I would never thought and playing a lot of places
that I've never thought I'd play in my life,” Younger said.“They're both equally great,
but I just had more success so far on the artist side, and that is fun.”While there may be more opportunities
in Nashville, he retains a life similar to the one he knew growing up, living
in a quiet city suburb.“I still
crave small-town livin’ and simple life,” Younger said. “It's different, but
they both have their perks. Being out here, you're so plugged into the industry,
and you really do feel like you're three minutes, or a song away, from maybe a change
in your life. You've got those connections, and you're showing your face and
networking in the clubs.”“But as
far as personal living, I have a family now. And we're lucky to be out in a
cool suburb of Nashville, and we love it out here. But I still do prefer the
small-town simple living over the city life for sure.”He reflects
on that small-town life with Heartland. <div><iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/Q443XlGVlVM" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe></div>“I just
thought of the kind of play on words, ‘When are you going to let your heart
land,’ and it started there. And then I just started strumming,” Younger said. “The
first line is ‘When you coming back to the hometown?’ “It
comes off as a love song and this guy in the middle of Kansas wondering, you
know his love ran off to chase her dreams and it's like, ‘When are you going to
come back because I do think we belong together.’ And he's very hopeful that
one day she'll come back.”But the
song also has a deeper message for those like him that have left their hometown
to achieve their goals.“I think
the inspiration was more like ‘Man, go chase your dream and do all you can,’”
Younger said. “It's tough out here. There are highs and lows. But no matter
what happens, you're inspiring somebody. You're making somebody smile. And if
it doesn't work out, there's always a place back home where people love you,
family and friends. And there's always another place to land.”Musically
the song is a mix of Mellencamp, Steve Earle and Red Dirt Country.It “rocks
pretty good, but it's still got a country lyric too, and a good story,” Younger
said.He hopes his story helps
inspire others to take the leap.For him,
Nashville connections may help build a songwriting career, but for those
looking to perform, artists now have an avenue to “hit it” anywhere, he said.“These
days, everybody's doing it on their own,” Younger said. “Especially with social
media, and just about getting out and promoting yourself and playing and getting
in front of people and writing great music and pushing your song. So, I almost
think it can be done no matter where you are these days.”“If
there's any songwriters or musicians back home, it's all possible. You just got
to go get it,” Younger said.To hear Heartland visit <a href="https://onerpm.link/934622213335">onerpm.link/934622213335</a>. Younger can also be found on social media, including <a href="https://www.facebook.com/blaineyoungermusic/">Facebook</a> and <a href="https://www.instagram.com/blaineyoungermusic/">Instagram.</a><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/6/1687548221445.jpeg" alt="Blaine Younger&nbsp; (Courtesy photo)" />
 <figcaption>Blaine Younger&nbsp; (Courtesy photo)</figcaption>
 </figure>