By JAMES
BELL 
Hays Post

The Hays
Chamber’s Education Appreciation Dinner is set for 5 p.m. Tuesday, Aug. 29 this year,
giving area teachers and administrators a night to sit back, relax and mingle
with their peers from across Ellis County at the Rose Garden Banquet Hall, 2350 E. Eighth St. Hays.

This year’s
event marks its 35th anniversary.

“We're
excited to do it every year because of the fantastic educators that we have
right here in Ellis County,” said Hays Chamber president and CEO Sarah
Wasinger. “The point of this event is always to, of course, show our gratitude
to all of the men and women who roll up their sleeves on a daily basis to
educate our county's youth and also to welcome those who are new to the
profession, perhaps, or those who are relocating to Ellis County to be
educators.”

She said about 200 people attend the free event each year.

Along
with the dinner, prizes will be awarded at the event, and the first 200 guests will
receive a swag bag featuring branded items from dinner sponsors.

“If
you're a business out there and you want to get involved or be a part of
it, there's a whole bunch of different ways to do that,” Wasinger said.

Sponsorship information is available
on the Hays Chamber website, <a href="https://hayschamber.com/">hayschamber.com.</a>
Branded items for the dinner from sponsors are due to the Chamber by Aug. 14.

“It's
always a fun evening. It's great to see all the educators really getting back
together after hopefully doing a little bit of unwinding over this summer,”
Wasinger said.

<div><iframe title="Education Appreciation Dinner set for Aug. 29" 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=iwzm3-146f02d-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>By JAMES
BELL 
Hays PostThe Hays
Chamber’s Education Appreciation Dinner is set for 5 p.m. Tuesday, Aug. 29 this year,
giving area teachers and administrators a night to sit back, relax and mingle
with their peers from across Ellis County at the Rose Garden Banquet Hall, 2350 E. Eighth St. Hays.This year’s
event marks its 35th anniversary.“We're
excited to do it every year because of the fantastic educators that we have
right here in Ellis County,” said Hays Chamber president and CEO Sarah
Wasinger. “The point of this event is always to, of course, show our gratitude
to all of the men and women who roll up their sleeves on a daily basis to
educate our county's youth and also to welcome those who are new to the
profession, perhaps, or those who are relocating to Ellis County to be
educators.”She said about 200 people attend the free event each year.Along
with the dinner, prizes will be awarded at the event, and the first 200 guests will
receive a swag bag featuring branded items from dinner sponsors.Sponsorships
are still available.“If
you're a business out there and you want to get involved or be a part of
it, there's a whole bunch of different ways to do that,” Wasinger said.Sponsorship information is available
on the Hays Chamber website, <a href="https://hayschamber.com/">hayschamber.com.</a>
Branded items for the dinner from sponsors are due to the Chamber by Aug. 14.“It's
always a fun evening. It's great to see all the educators really getting back
together after hopefully doing a little bit of unwinding over this summer,”
Wasinger said.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/8/1690998839877.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>

🎙 Education Appreciation Dinner set for Aug. 29

Sixth annual event to bring people from around the U.S. to Lake Wilson for a weekend filled with live music, festive atmosphere and scenic views

RUSSELL
COUNTY—Once again, Bluegrass music will fill the air at Wilson Lake during the
sixth-annual Lovegrass Music Festival.

Scheduled
Aug. 10 through 12, the event brings people from across the U.S. together to
celebrate and enjoy traditional music, nature and camaraderie formed around the
truly American art form. 

Located in
the Hill Creek area, near the Lake Wilson Marina, executive director Aimee
Riegel said six headline acts will be featured Friday and Saturday, along with
a band performing on the water Saturday.

The
event kicks off Thursday with a social event, with an open mic at 6 p.m. and a
jam session at 9:30 p.m.

“If you
play an instrument, bring it out,” Riegel said. “We'd like to do some pickin’
and grinnin’.”

Friday
and Saturday morning will then feature educational workshops.

Friday
night’s concert will feature Arkansas-based Arkansauce. Front Porch
and John Depew with Andrew Morris will begin at 5 p.m.

Arkansauce
“came out last year for the first time, and they were a crowd favorite,” Riegel
said.

Saturday
afternoon Old Fangled will perform from a pontoon in a nearby cove below the
festival grounds.

The
night’s concert will feature Emporia-based Fireside Collective with the Whisky
Mash Band and Weda Skirts as openers, starting at 5 p.m. as well.

Together
the bands will represent the spectrum of the Bluegrass style.

“We have
anything from a kind of more of like a progressive type Bluegrass, where they
get a little bit more into the instrumental type jamming to harmony singing,”
Riegel said.

The
event is free to attend, but registration is requested through the Lovegrass
website, <a href="https://www.lovegrassmusicfestival.com/">lovegrassmusicfestival.com.</a> A full schedule of events is also available.

And
support for the non-profit is appreciated, Riegel said.

“If you
feel like you would want to give a certain amount for your ticket, you can do
that online,” she said. “That keeps us sustainable.”

Registration
also helps the organization collect demographic information that assists with
procuring grant funding.

With the
music-filled weekend, Riegel said she hopes to provide further access to live
music in the area.

“That's
why we do this,” she said. “We want to let everyone access live music,
especially in rural areas.”

Strengthening
the northwest Kansas economy is also important to the organization.

While
the weekend is the keynote event, Riegel said planning, fundraisers and other
concerts happen throughout the year.

“Each
year, we have to start fresh,” she said. “Our fundraising efforts start now for
next year's events.”

“And any
money that we make during this festival will go toward next year and future events.”

Funds
are supplemented by a volunteer workforce.

“I think
right now we have around 40 to 50 volunteers to help us out,” Riegel said. “We
give them free breakfast every morning, kind of a fun family-type event there.
And some other free perks like camping for free in our primitive camping areas.”

<a href="https://www.lovegrassmusicfestival.com/">Signup information can also be
found on the Lovegrass website.</a>

“We have
people of all ages, all different cultures,” Riegel said.&nbsp; "It is super fun.
We just have this really great vibe and family feel.”

“We love
people who want to come out and lend a hand and join our Lovegrass crew. It
takes an army to put something on like this, especially for setup and teardown…
but it's all worth it in the long run. It's such fun, and we really appreciate
those that lend a hand to us.”

<h2>Sixth annual event to bring people from around the U.S. to Lake Wilson for a weekend filled with live music, festive atmosphere and scenic views</h2><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/7/1690561948116.jpeg" alt="Courtesy photo" />
 <figcaption>Courtesy photo</figcaption>
 </figure><div><iframe title="Sixth annual Lovegrass Music Festival to bring people from around the U.S. to Lake Wilson for a weekend filled with live music, festive atmosphere and scenic views" 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=qtrzb-1468d85-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 PostRUSSELL
COUNTY—Once again, Bluegrass music will fill the air at Wilson Lake during the
sixth-annual Lovegrass Music Festival.Scheduled
Aug. 10 through 12, the event brings people from across the U.S. together to
celebrate and enjoy traditional music, nature and camaraderie formed around the
truly American art form. Located in
the Hill Creek area, near the Lake Wilson Marina, executive director Aimee
Riegel said six headline acts will be featured Friday and Saturday, along with
a band performing on the water Saturday.The
event kicks off Thursday with a social event, with an open mic at 6 p.m. and a
jam session at 9:30 p.m.“If you
play an instrument, bring it out,” Riegel said. “We'd like to do some pickin’
and grinnin’.”Friday
and Saturday morning will then feature educational workshops.<div><iframe src="https://www.facebook.com/plugins/video.php?height=314&href=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2Flovegrassmusicfestival%2Fvideos%2F692507852716298%2F&show_text=false&width=560&t=0" width="560" height="314" style="border:none;overflow:hidden" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="true" allow="autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowFullScreen="true"></iframe></div>Friday
night’s concert will feature Arkansas-based Arkansauce. Front Porch
and John Depew with Andrew Morris will begin at 5 p.m.Arkansauce
“came out last year for the first time, and they were a crowd favorite,” Riegel
said.Saturday
afternoon Old Fangled will perform from a pontoon in a nearby cove below the
festival grounds.The
night’s concert will feature Emporia-based Fireside Collective with the Whisky
Mash Band and Weda Skirts as openers, starting at 5 p.m. as well.Together
the bands will represent the spectrum of the Bluegrass style.“We have
anything from a kind of more of like a progressive type Bluegrass, where they
get a little bit more into the instrumental type jamming to harmony singing,”
Riegel said.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/7/1690562206290.jpeg" alt="Courtesy photo" />
 <figcaption>Courtesy photo</figcaption>
 </figure>The
event is free to attend, but registration is requested through the Lovegrass
website, <a href="https://www.lovegrassmusicfestival.com/">lovegrassmusicfestival.com.</a> A full schedule of events is also available.And
support for the non-profit is appreciated, Riegel said.“If you
feel like you would want to give a certain amount for your ticket, you can do
that online,” she said. “That keeps us sustainable.”Registration
also helps the organization collect demographic information that assists with
procuring grant funding.With the
music-filled weekend, Riegel said she hopes to provide further access to live
music in the area.“That's
why we do this,” she said. “We want to let everyone access live music,
especially in rural areas.”Strengthening
the northwest Kansas economy is also important to the organization.While
the weekend is the keynote event, Riegel said planning, fundraisers and other
concerts happen throughout the year.“Each
year, we have to start fresh,” she said. “Our fundraising efforts start now for
next year's events.”“And any
money that we make during this festival will go toward next year and future events.”<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/7/1690562291420.jpeg" alt="Courtesy photo" />
 <figcaption>Courtesy photo</figcaption>
 </figure>Funds
are supplemented by a volunteer workforce.“I think
right now we have around 40 to 50 volunteers to help us out,” Riegel said. “We
give them free breakfast every morning, kind of a fun family-type event there.
And some other free perks like camping for free in our primitive camping areas.”<a href="https://www.lovegrassmusicfestival.com/">Signup information can also be
found on the Lovegrass website.</a>“We have
people of all ages, all different cultures,” Riegel said.&nbsp; "It is super fun.
We just have this really great vibe and family feel.”“We love
people who want to come out and lend a hand and join our Lovegrass crew. It
takes an army to put something on like this, especially for setup and teardown…
but it's all worth it in the long run. It's such fun, and we really appreciate
those that lend a hand to us.”

🎙 Bluegrass fans to gather for Lovegrass Music Festival Aug. 10-12

Since 1967 the current Forsyth Library building on the Fort
Hays State University campus has been a resource for students and the
community. But as storage and consumption of information changed significantly
with the advent of the internet, the building struggled to keep up.

But now, a major renovation looks to address that concern.

Beginning in the summer of 2024, work will begin on a $25
million overhaul of the facility, with an expected completion in 2026.

“If you think about the way we interact with information and
how that has changed, the building was never designed for that,” said Ginger
Williams, Dean of Library Services at Forsyth Library.

While the construction work is nearly a year away, planning
has been ongoing.

“We are wrapping up the design phase right now. I would say
it's about 98 percent set at this point,” Williams said.

The revamped facility will continue as a book repository,
but other features and services will be added.

“I think when you step inside the renovated building a few
years from now, you're not going to recognize Forsyth Library anymore as it is
today,” Williams said.

While minor renovations have adapted the building to fill
needs over the years, this project will bring together the facility, giving it
a “cohesive look,” she said.

“We are really going to have the main floor transformed into
a very active zone,” Williams said. “We're excited to bring in a cafe. We're
excited to really feature the Writing Center.”

And looking back at the building’s historic purpose, books
will also return to the first floor.

“We actually talked to students, and they said they want to
see books and know that they're in a library,” Williams said.

Feedback from students also indicated a desire for more collaborative
workspaces.

“Students have always had a need to find a place to study,”
Williams said. “And I think we are going to see students just streaming in for
all of the new study rooms.”

Natural lighting and books will be on full display in those
rooms.

“That's what they told us,” Williams said. “Because that
signals to them that this is a place I'm supposed to study, I'm supposed to get
my work done. And it signals it's really time to get down to business.”

Programming is also top of mind as the plans come together.

“We are actually designing a really great event space that
will be appropriate for lectures and other community events,” Williams said. “It's
really hard to fathom if you haven't seen the plans, the scope of change that is
coming to that building.”

The Institute for New Media Studies will also be inserted
into the building alongside a media lab, the Makerspace and an audio booth.

“It'll be kind of a technology corridor,” Williams said.

Those features will be made more prominent through the
redesign.

“Right now, the downstairs is not prime real estate at all,”
Williams said. “It's pretty drab, but we're doing a lot of intentional work to
make it exciting down there.”

A new amphitheater staircase will flow from the main
entrance to the MakerSpace. Another hole will be cut, making the Institute for
New Media Studies visible from the main floor.

Supporting the renovated facility, the project will also
update building systems, like HVAC and electrical infrastructure.

“This is no small thing,” said Alumni Office alumni director
Carolyn Tatro. “A major renovation of a building is truly something that is
hard to kind of swallow.”

But the majority of the project has already been paid for by
a $19 million grant from the National Institute for Standards and Technology.

Their contribution will help with the renovation and ongoing
maintenance costs in the future, she said.

Support for the remaining $6 million needed for the project
is ongoing.

“This is a great opportunity to show passion for the library,
passion for what students are doing,” Tatro said. “We were fortunate to receive
this federal grant. And, you know, we are grateful for Senator Moran for
helping the university secure this money, but it's going to take a little bit
more effort.”

Part of the fundraising will include naming opportunities in
the facility.

“We're lucky that we have one namespace so far, the Larry
and Lyn Fenwick Reading Room, that'll be a major improvement to our special
collections and university archives,” Williams said. “We've never had a true
reading room before. And so they're giving us our first one.”

That space will be appropriately climate controlled and
provide everything that rare materials need, she said.

While the work is ongoing, some services may relocate to
other buildings to remain available. Williams said they will provide updates on
the library website, <a href="https://www.fhsu.edu/library/">fhsu.edu/library</a>.

Williams said the project will help better serve the
students and the community, even as life transitions more online daily.

“Libraries are more necessary now than I think they ever
have been,” she said. “We're swimming in information right now, and we all need
help figuring out how to manage that and how to access it.”

“We love being that academic hub and that center of
intellectual discourse, and we want to bring people together to talk about
things that are tough to talk about, but find a way to do that peacefully and
with all the information we can.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/7/1690568744571.jpeg" alt="Photo by James Bell/Hays Post" />
 <figcaption>Photo by James Bell/Hays Post</figcaption>
 </figure>By JAMES BELL Hays PostSince 1967 the current Forsyth Library building on the Fort
Hays State University campus has been a resource for students and the
community. But as storage and consumption of information changed significantly
with the advent of the internet, the building struggled to keep up.But now, a major renovation looks to address that concern.Beginning in the summer of 2024, work will begin on a $25
million overhaul of the facility, with an expected completion in 2026.“If you think about the way we interact with information and
how that has changed, the building was never designed for that,” said Ginger
Williams, Dean of Library Services at Forsyth Library.<div><iframe title="FHSU Forsyth Library remodel to revamp and reimagine campus learning center" 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=gr4ze-1465e3b-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>While the construction work is nearly a year away, planning
has been ongoing.“We are wrapping up the design phase right now. I would say
it's about 98 percent set at this point,” Williams said.The revamped facility will continue as a book repository,
but other features and services will be added.“I think when you step inside the renovated building a few
years from now, you're not going to recognize Forsyth Library anymore as it is
today,” Williams said.While minor renovations have adapted the building to fill
needs over the years, this project will bring together the facility, giving it
a “cohesive look,” she said.“We are really going to have the main floor transformed into
a very active zone,” Williams said. “We're excited to bring in a cafe. We're
excited to really feature the Writing Center.”And looking back at the building’s historic purpose, books
will also return to the first floor.“We actually talked to students, and they said they want to
see books and know that they're in a library,” Williams said.Feedback from students also indicated a desire for more collaborative
workspaces.“Students have always had a need to find a place to study,”
Williams said. “And I think we are going to see students just streaming in for
all of the new study rooms.”Natural lighting and books will be on full display in those
rooms.“That's what they told us,” Williams said. “Because that
signals to them that this is a place I'm supposed to study, I'm supposed to get
my work done. And it signals it's really time to get down to business.”Programming is also top of mind as the plans come together.“We are actually designing a really great event space that
will be appropriate for lectures and other community events,” Williams said. “It's
really hard to fathom if you haven't seen the plans, the scope of change that is
coming to that building.”The Institute for New Media Studies will also be inserted
into the building alongside a media lab, the Makerspace and an audio booth.“It'll be kind of a technology corridor,” Williams said.Those features will be made more prominent through the
redesign.“Right now, the downstairs is not prime real estate at all,”
Williams said. “It's pretty drab, but we're doing a lot of intentional work to
make it exciting down there.”A new amphitheater staircase will flow from the main
entrance to the MakerSpace. Another hole will be cut, making the Institute for
New Media Studies visible from the main floor.Supporting the renovated facility, the project will also
update building systems, like HVAC and electrical infrastructure.<h2>A major renovation with a major cost</h2><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/7/1690568710360.jpeg" alt="Photo by James Bell/Hays Post" />
 <figcaption>Photo by James Bell/Hays Post</figcaption>
 </figure>“This is no small thing,” said Alumni Office alumni director
Carolyn Tatro. “A major renovation of a building is truly something that is
hard to kind of swallow.”But the majority of the project has already been paid for by
a $19 million grant from the National Institute for Standards and Technology.Their contribution will help with the renovation and ongoing
maintenance costs in the future, she said.Support for the remaining $6 million needed for the project
is ongoing.“This is a great opportunity to show passion for the library,
passion for what students are doing,” Tatro said. “We were fortunate to receive
this federal grant. And, you know, we are grateful for Senator Moran for
helping the university secure this money, but it's going to take a little bit
more effort.”Part of the fundraising will include naming opportunities in
the facility.“We're lucky that we have one namespace so far, the Larry
and Lyn Fenwick Reading Room, that'll be a major improvement to our special
collections and university archives,” Williams said. “We've never had a true
reading room before. And so they're giving us our first one.”That space will be appropriately climate controlled and
provide everything that rare materials need, she said.While the work is ongoing, some services may relocate to
other buildings to remain available. Williams said they will provide updates on
the library website, <a href="https://www.fhsu.edu/library/">fhsu.edu/library</a>.Williams said the project will help better serve the
students and the community, even as life transitions more online daily.“Libraries are more necessary now than I think they ever
have been,” she said. “We're swimming in information right now, and we all need
help figuring out how to manage that and how to access it.”“We love being that academic hub and that center of
intellectual discourse, and we want to bring people together to talk about
things that are tough to talk about, but find a way to do that peacefully and
with all the information we can.”

🎙 FHSU Forsyth Library remodel to revamp and reimagine campus learning center

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 budget process for city and county governments in the area.&nbsp;&nbsp;

<div><iframe title="City, county governments preparing 2024 budgets" 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=zsghn-1468df2-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> executive director Doug Williams discusses the budget process for city and county governments in the area.&nbsp;&nbsp;

🎙 Post Podcast: City, county governments preparing 2024 budgets

On this episode of the&nbsp;<a href="https://postpodcast.podbean.com/">Post Podcast</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.haysusa.com/232/Fire-Department" target="_blank">Hays Fire Department</a> Deputy Chief Shane Preston shares summer and back-to-school safety tips, along with updates from the department.&nbsp;&nbsp;

<div><iframe title="Back-to-school safety tips from the Hays Fire Department" 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=rtx5x-1466401-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.haysusa.com/232/Fire-Department" target="_blank">Hays Fire Department</a> Deputy Chief Shane Preston shares summer and back-to-school safety tips, along with updates from the department.&nbsp;&nbsp;

🎙 Post Podcast: Back-to-school safety tips

On this episode of the&nbsp;<a href="https://postpodcast.podbean.com/">Post Podcast</a>,&nbsp;The Morning Blend's Jeff Leiker speaks with Buzz the Entertainer about his upcoming Hays performance.

<div><iframe title="Buzz the Entertainer set to perform in Hays Aug. 5" 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=9gft4-146451b-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;The Morning Blend's Jeff Leiker speaks with Buzz the Entertainer about his upcoming Hays performance.

🎙 Post Podcast: Buzz the Entertainer set to perform in Hays Aug. 5

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.

<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>