<i>On this episode of the&nbsp;<a href="https://hayspost.com/category/post-podcast" target="_blank">Post Podcast</a>,&nbsp;Hays Post reporter Becky Kiser speaks with The Chamber in Hays, Kansas, President and CEO Sarah Wasinger and Manager of Education and Outreach from High Plains Mental Health Center Kaley Conner about the upcoming first session of the Child Care Provider Quarterly Professional Development Series, set for 6 p.m. Oct. 26.</i>

<div><iframe title="First Hays Child Care Provider Professional Development Series set for Oct. 26" 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=3wudr-14d22be-pb&from=pb6admin&square=1&share=1&download=1&rtl=0&fonts=Arial&skin=3267a3&font-color=auto&logo_link=podcast_page&btn-skin=60a0c8&size=600" loading="lazy" allowfullscreen=""></iframe></div><p><i>On this episode of the&nbsp;<a href="https://hayspost.com/category/post-podcast" target="_blank">Post Podcast</a>,&nbsp;Hays Post reporter Becky Kiser speaks with The Chamber in Hays, Kansas, President and CEO Sarah Wasinger and Manager of Education and Outreach from High Plains Mental Health Center Kaley Conner about the upcoming first session of the Child Care Provider Quarterly Professional Development Series, set for 6 p.m. Oct. 26.</i></p>

🎙 Post Podcast: Child Care Provider Professional Development Series set for Oct. 26

<i>On this episode of the&nbsp;<a href="https://hayspost.com/category/post-podcast" target="_blank">Post Podcast</a>,&nbsp;Hays Post reporter Becky Kiser speaks with Thomas More Prep-Marian Counsoler Dave Zachman about college and career prep.</i>

<div><iframe title="For Hays Catholic School students college, career prep starts year one" 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=hwi7t-14d225a-pb&from=pb6admin&square=1&share=1&download=1&rtl=0&fonts=Arial&skin=3267a3&font-color=auto&logo_link=podcast_page&btn-skin=60a0c8&size=600" loading="lazy" allowfullscreen=""></iframe></div><p><i>On this episode of the&nbsp;<a href="https://hayspost.com/category/post-podcast" target="_blank">Post Podcast</a>,&nbsp;Hays Post reporter Becky Kiser speaks with Thomas More Prep-Marian Counsoler Dave Zachman about college and career prep.</i></p>

🎙 Post Podcast: For Hays Catholic School students college, career prep starts year one

<i>On this episode of the&nbsp;<a href="https://hayspost.com/category/post-podcast" target="_blank">Post Podcast</a>,&nbsp;Hays Post Reporter Cristina Janney discusses the ongoing development in the Heart of America Tallgrass Addition with Grow Hays Executive Director Doug Williams.</i>

<div><iframe title="Development continues in Hays Tallgrass Addition" 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=x2w5m-14d1004-pb&from=pb6admin&square=1&share=1&download=1&rtl=0&fonts=Arial&skin=3267a3&font-color=auto&logo_link=podcast_page&btn-skin=60a0c8&size=600" loading="lazy" allowfullscreen=""></iframe></div><p><i>On this episode of the&nbsp;<a href="https://hayspost.com/category/post-podcast" target="_blank">Post Podcast</a>,&nbsp;Hays Post Reporter Cristina Janney discusses the ongoing development in the Heart of America Tallgrass Addition with Grow Hays Executive Director Doug Williams.</i></p>

🎙 Post Podcast: Development continues in Hays Tallgrass Addition

<i>On this episode of the&nbsp;<a href="https://hayspost.com/category/post-podcast" target="_blank">Post Podcast</a>, Hays Post Reporter Becky Kiser discusses housing projects in Hays with City Manager Toby Dougherty and Vice Mayor Shaun Musil.&nbsp;&nbsp;</i>

<div><iframe title="Hays City Commission approves plat for The Grove housing project" 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=bnebc-14d0fec-pb&from=pb6admin&square=1&share=1&download=1&rtl=0&fonts=Arial&skin=3267a3&font-color=auto&logo_link=podcast_page&btn-skin=60a0c8&size=600" loading="lazy" allowfullscreen=""></iframe></div><p><i>On this episode of the&nbsp;<a href="https://hayspost.com/category/post-podcast" target="_blank">Post Podcast</a>, Hays Post Reporter Becky Kiser discusses housing projects in Hays with City Manager Toby Dougherty and Vice Mayor Shaun Musil.&nbsp;&nbsp;</i></p>

🎙 Post Podcast: Hays City Commission approves plat for The Grove housing project

<i>On this episode of Forward Ever: Leading in Challenging Times host Gary Shorman speaks with Historian and author Leo Oliva about the history of railroads in Kansas and his upcoming presentations.</i>

<div><iframe title="Forward Ever: Kansas railroad historian Leo Oliva" 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=gsjwt-14cf260-pb&from=pb6admin&share=1&download=1&rtl=0&fonts=Arial&skin=3267a3&font-color=auto&logo_link=podcast_page&btn-skin=60a0c8&size=315" loading="lazy"></iframe></div><p><i>On this episode of Forward Ever: Leading in Challenging Times host Gary Shorman speaks with Historian and author Leo Oliva about the history of railroads in Kansas and his upcoming presentations.</i></p>

Forward Ever: Kansas railroad historian Leo Oliva

<i>On this episode of the&nbsp;<a href="https://hayspost.com/category/post-podcast" target="_blank">Post Podcast</a>,&nbsp;Hays Post reporter Becky Kiser speaks with Fort Hays State University Alumni Director Carolyn Tatro and Assistant Director of Student Success Hugo Perez about first-generation student success.</i>

<div><iframe title="FHSU works to create successful first generation college students" 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=6th7d-14d0f8f-pb&from=pb6admin&square=1&share=1&download=1&rtl=0&fonts=Arial&skin=3267a3&font-color=auto&logo_link=podcast_page&btn-skin=60a0c8&size=600" loading="lazy" allowfullscreen=""></iframe></div><p><i>On this episode of the&nbsp;<a href="https://hayspost.com/category/post-podcast" target="_blank">Post Podcast</a>,&nbsp;Hays Post reporter Becky Kiser speaks with Fort Hays State University Alumni Director Carolyn Tatro and Assistant Director of Student Success Hugo Perez about first-generation student success.</i></p>

🎙 Post Podcast: FHSU works to create successful first generation college students

<i>On this episode of the&nbsp;<a href="https://hayspost.com/category/post-podcast" target="_blank">Post Podcast</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.fhsu.edu/" target="_blank">Fort Hays State University's</a> chief communications officer Scott Cason and financial assistance counselor Robyn Brungardt, discuss changes to the Free Application for Federal Student Aid application process.</i>

<div><iframe title="Changes coming to student financial aid application process" 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=6g6r7-14cd1ec-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><p><i>On this episode of the&nbsp;<a href="https://hayspost.com/category/post-podcast" target="_blank">Post Podcast</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.fhsu.edu/" target="_blank">Fort Hays State University's</a> chief communications officer Scott Cason and financial assistance counselor Robyn Brungardt, discuss changes to the Free Application for Federal Student Aid application process.</i></p>

🎙 Post Podcast: Changes coming to student financial aid application process

<i>On this episode of the&nbsp;<a href="https://hayspost.com/category/post-podcast" target="_blank">Post Podcast</a>,&nbsp;94.3FM/1400AM The Morning Blend host Jeff Leiker discusses the upcoming Cottonwood Extension District regional community visit with Family and Community Wellness Agent Monique Koerner.</i>

<div><iframe title="Cottonwood Extension District prepares for regional community visit" 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=7hz99-14d0f5e-pb&from=pb6admin&square=1&share=1&download=1&rtl=0&fonts=Arial&skin=3267a3&font-color=auto&logo_link=podcast_page&btn-skin=60a0c8&size=600" loading="lazy" allowfullscreen=""></iframe></div><p><i>On this episode of the&nbsp;<a href="https://hayspost.com/category/post-podcast" target="_blank">Post Podcast</a>,&nbsp;94.3FM/1400AM The Morning Blend host Jeff Leiker discusses the upcoming Cottonwood Extension District regional community visit with Family and Community Wellness Agent Monique Koerner.</i></p>

🎙 Post Podcast: Cottonwood Extension District prepares for regional community visit

<i>On this episode of the <a href="https://hayspost.com/category/post-podcast" target="_blank">Post Podcast</a>, <a href="https://heartlandcommunityfoundation.org/" target="_blank">Heartland Community Foundation</a> executive director Sarah Meitner discusses succession planning with Hays Post reporter Becky Kiser.</i>

<div><iframe title="Heartland Community Foundation works to help area residents with succession planning" 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=m42ws-14cb530-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><p><i>On this episode of the <a href="https://hayspost.com/category/post-podcast" target="_blank">Post Podcast</a>, <a href="https://heartlandcommunityfoundation.org/" target="_blank">Heartland Community Foundation</a> executive director Sarah Meitner discusses succession planning with Hays Post reporter Becky Kiser.</i></p>

🎙 Post Podcast: Heartland Community Foundation raises awareness of succession planning

<i>On this episode of the&nbsp;<a href="https://hayspost.com/category/post-podcast" target="_blank">Post Podcast</a>,&nbsp;94.3 FM/1400AM KAYS The Morning Blend host Jeff Leiker discusses Halloween safety and Domestic Violence Awareness month with Hays Police Deputy Chief Brian Dawson.</i>

<div><iframe title="HPD discusses Halloween safety, domestic violence awareness month" 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=pbcti-14d0f3f-pb&from=pb6admin&square=1&share=1&download=1&rtl=0&fonts=Arial&skin=3267a3&font-color=auto&logo_link=podcast_page&btn-skin=60a0c8&size=600" loading="lazy" allowfullscreen=""></iframe></div><p><i>On this episode of the&nbsp;<a href="https://hayspost.com/category/post-podcast" target="_blank">Post Podcast</a>,&nbsp;94.3 FM/1400AM KAYS The Morning Blend host Jeff Leiker discusses Halloween safety and Domestic Violence Awareness month with Hays Police Deputy Chief Brian Dawson.</i></p>

🎙 Post Podcast: HPD discusses Halloween safety, domestic violence awareness month

<i>On this episode of the <a href="https://hayspost.com/category/post-podcast" target="_blank">Post Podcast</a>, Hays Post reporter Becky Kiser discusses the upcoming AI Content Generation Workshop with <a href="https://hayschamber.com/" target="_blank">Hays Chamber</a> president and CEO Sarah Wasinger and Nex-Tech digital media supervisor Aubree Broyles.</i>

<div><iframe title="Hays Chamber, Nex-Tech bring AI training to Hays" 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=y3acj-14c80c6-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><p><i>On this episode of the <a href="https://hayspost.com/category/post-podcast" target="_blank">Post Podcast</a>, Hays Post reporter Becky Kiser discusses the upcoming AI Content Generation Workshop with <a href="https://hayschamber.com/" target="_blank">Hays Chamber</a> president and CEO Sarah Wasinger and Nex-Tech digital media supervisor Aubree Broyles.</i></p>

🎙 Post Podcast: Hays Chamber, Nex-Tech bring AI training to Hays

<i>On this episode of Forward Ever: Leading in Challenging Times, host Gary Shorman speaks with small game coordinator at Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks, Kent Fricke, about the decision to cancel fall turkey hunting season in Kansas.</i>

<div><iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/W4KBYcSHtVo?si=VbaOHkwfjpLKQDE1" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe></div><p><i>On this episode of Forward Ever: Leading in Challenging Times, host Gary Shorman speaks with small game coordinator at Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks, Kent Fricke, about the decision to cancel fall turkey hunting season in Kansas.</i></p>

Forward Ever: KDWP's Kent Fricke discusses canceling turkey hunting season

<i>On this episode of the&nbsp;<a href="https://hayspost.com/category/post-podcast" target="_blank">Post Podcast</a>,&nbsp;KAYS 94.3/1400 Morning Blend host Jeff Leiker speaks with Fort Hays State University director of choral activities, Terry Crull about the upcoming production of "A Gentleman's Guide to Love and Murder."</i>

<div><iframe title="FHSU to present ’A Gentleman’s Guide to Love and Murder’" 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=y69i2-14c1a1d-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><p><i>On this episode of the&nbsp;<a href="https://hayspost.com/category/post-podcast" target="_blank">Post Podcast</a>,&nbsp;KAYS 94.3/1400 Morning Blend host Jeff Leiker speaks with Fort Hays State University director of choral activities, Terry Crull about the upcoming production of "A Gentleman's Guide to Love and Murder."</i></p>

🎙 Post Podcast: FHSU to present 'A Gentleman's Guide to Love and Murder'

<i>On this episode of the&nbsp;<a href="https://hayspost.com/category/post-podcast" target="_blank">Post Podcast</a>,</i><i>&nbsp;<a href="https://www.downtownhays.com/" target="_blank">Downtown Hays Development Corporation </a>executive director Julie Rider discusses upcoming holiday events with Hays Post reporter Becky Kiser.</i>

<div><iframe title="Downtown Hays Dev. Corp. plans for holiday events" 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=5yjrh-14c19fb-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><p><i>On this episode of the&nbsp;<a href="https://hayspost.com/category/post-podcast" target="_blank">Post Podcast</a>,</i><i>&nbsp;<a href="https://www.downtownhays.com/" target="_blank">Downtown Hays Development Corporation </a>executive director Julie Rider discusses upcoming holiday events with Hays Post reporter Becky Kiser.</i></p>

🎙 Post Podcast: Downtown Hays Dev. Corp. plans for holiday events

<i>On this episode of the&nbsp;<a href="https://hayspost.com/category/post-podcast" target="_blank">Post Podcast</a>,&nbsp;Hays Post Reporter Becky Kiser recaps the first quarter of the school year with Thomas More Prep-Marian principal Chad Meitner.</i>

<div><iframe title="TMP-M principal recaps first quarter" 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=unwrq-14c19e5-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><p><i>On this episode of the&nbsp;<a href="https://hayspost.com/category/post-podcast" target="_blank">Post Podcast</a>,&nbsp;Hays Post Reporter Becky Kiser recaps the first quarter of the school year with Thomas More Prep-Marian principal Chad Meitner.</i></p>

🎙 Post Podcast: TMP-M principal recaps first quarter

<i>&nbsp;On this episode of the <a href="https://hayspost.com/category/post-podcast" target="_blank">Post Podcast</a>, <a href="https://www.growhays.com/" target="_blank">Grow Hays</a> executive director Doug Williams discusses franchise systems following their Trispectives presentation.&nbsp;&nbsp;</i>

<div><iframe title="Grow Hays gives look into franchise systems" 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=pymhk-14bc620-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><p><i>&nbsp;On this episode of the <a href="https://hayspost.com/category/post-podcast" target="_blank">Post Podcast</a>, <a href="https://www.growhays.com/" target="_blank">Grow Hays</a> executive director Doug Williams discusses franchise systems following their Trispectives presentation.&nbsp;&nbsp;</i></p>

🎙 Post Podcast: Grow Hays gives look into franchise systems

<i>On this episode of Forward Ever: Leading in Challenging Times, host Gary Shorman speaks with the inaugural Limestone Preservation Award winners Jack and Kathie Crispin.</i><br>

<div><iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/nP_jN_9URlU?si=ZqqKxZsG0lsSpv39" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe></div><p><i>On this episode of Forward Ever: Leading in Challenging Times, host Gary Shorman speaks with the inaugural Limestone Preservation Award winners Jack and Kathie Crispin.</i><br></p>

🎤 Forward Ever: Post Rock Limestone Preservation Award winners Jack, Kathie Crispin

<i>&nbsp;On this episode of the <a href="https://hayspost.com/category/post-podcast" target="_blank">Post Podcast</a>, Hays Post reporter Becky Kiser discusses recently completed leadership training with <a href="https://hayschamber.com/" target="_blank">Hays Chamber</a> vice president of membership Leigh Purdy and president and CEO Sarah Wasinger.&nbsp;&nbsp;</i>

<div><iframe title="Hays Chamber leaders bring leadership training to Ellis County" allowtransparency="true" height="300" width="100%" style="border: none; min-width: min(100%, 430px);height:300px;" scrolling="no" data-name="pb-iframe-player" src="https://www.podbean.com/player-v2/?i=hrxxt-14b47d8-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><p><i>&nbsp;On this episode of the <a href="https://hayspost.com/category/post-podcast" target="_blank">Post Podcast</a>, Hays Post reporter Becky Kiser discusses recently completed leadership training with <a href="https://hayschamber.com/" target="_blank">Hays Chamber</a> vice president of membership Leigh Purdy and president and CEO Sarah Wasinger.&nbsp;&nbsp;</i></p>

🎙 Post Podcast: Hays Chamber leaders bring leadership training to Ellis County

<b>By BECKY KISER</b><br><i>Hays Post</i>

Nominations are already open for the annual Hays Chamber Banquet Awards.

It's a month earlier than usual, said Sara Wasinger, CEO/president.

"We started in October last year," she said.

"This year, we just want to give people enough time and really make sure folks have plenty of days and opportunities to submit nominations."

• City of Hays Small Business Achievement Award<br>• eyeSMILE Vision + Dental Helping Hands Award<br>• Golden Belt Bank Hall of Fame Award<br>• Grow Hays Robert E. Schmidt Entrepreneur of the Year Award<br>• Nex-Tech Citizen of the Year Award<br>• Nex-Tech Wireless Businesswoman of the Year Award<br>• Vyve Broadband Rising Star Award<br>• Werth Wealth Management Member Investor of the Year Award

The eight awards will be presented during the Jan. 30, 2024 annual banquet to local businesses, organizations, and individuals who have made outstanding contributions to the community.

Nominations may be made on the Chamber's website, <a href="https://hayschamber.com/sites/default/files/annual_chamber_awards_banquet_nomination_form_-_fillable.pdf">hayschamber.com</a>, through Oct. 31. Previous award winners are also listed online.

"It's one of our favorite events," Wasinger said.

The awards come as a surprise to the nominees, and there've been some "white lies" told to make sure the honoree would be attending the banquet.

"I get a little red-faced thinking about some of the 'extended truths' and 'big white lies' I've told," Wasinger laughed.

Last year she and her chamber staff told Hays psychologist Kyle Carlin, director of the West Central Kansas Special Education Cooperative, "that someone he knew and loved and appreciated was getting an award so we could get him there."

Carlin was then surprised when his own name was announced as winner of the 2023 Helping Hands award.&nbsp;

"He kept shaking his finger at me from the stage," Wasinger said. "I'll never forget that look on his face."

<figure>
                        <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/1/1580316763283.jpeg" alt="" />
                        <figcaption></figcaption>
                    </figure><p><b>By BECKY KISER</b><br><i>Hays Post</i></p><p>Nominations are already open for the annual Hays Chamber Banquet Awards.</p><p>It's a month earlier than usual, said Sara Wasinger, CEO/president.</p><p>"We started in October last year," she said.</p><p>"This year, we just want to give people enough time and really make sure folks have plenty of days and opportunities to submit nominations."</p><div><iframe title="Hays Chamber looks ahead to annual awards banquet" allowtransparency="true" height="300" width="100%" style="border: none; min-width: min(100%, 430px);height:300px;" scrolling="no" data-name="pb-iframe-player" src="https://www.podbean.com/player-v2/?from=embed&i=2unkf-14a709e-pb&square=1&share=1&download=1&fonts=Arial&skin=f6f6f6&font-color=auto&rtl=0&logo_link=podcast_page&btn-skin=3267a3&size=300" loading="lazy" allowfullscreen=""></iframe></div><p>Awards to be given in 2024 are:</p><p>• City of Hays Small Business Achievement Award<br>• eyeSMILE Vision + Dental Helping Hands Award<br>• Golden Belt Bank Hall of Fame Award<br>• Grow Hays Robert E. Schmidt Entrepreneur of the Year Award<br>• Nex-Tech Citizen of the Year Award<br>• Nex-Tech Wireless Businesswoman of the Year Award<br>• Vyve Broadband Rising Star Award<br>• Werth Wealth Management Member Investor of the Year Award</p><p>The eight awards will be presented during the Jan. 30, 2024 annual banquet to local businesses, organizations, and individuals who have made outstanding contributions to the community.</p><p>Nominations may be made on the Chamber's website, <a href="https://hayschamber.com/sites/default/files/annual_chamber_awards_banquet_nomination_form_-_fillable.pdf">hayschamber.com</a>, through Oct. 31. Previous award winners are also listed online.</p><p>"It's one of our favorite events," Wasinger said.</p><p>The awards come as a surprise to the nominees, and there've been some "white lies" told to make sure the honoree would be attending the banquet.</p><p>"I get a little red-faced thinking about some of the 'extended truths' and 'big white lies' I've told," Wasinger laughed.</p><p>Last year she and her chamber staff told Hays psychologist Kyle Carlin, director of the West Central Kansas Special Education Cooperative, "that someone he knew and loved and appreciated was getting an award so we could get him there."</p><p>Carlin was then surprised when his own name was announced as winner of the 2023 Helping Hands award.&nbsp;</p><p>"He kept shaking his finger at me from the stage," Wasinger said. "I'll never forget that look on his face."</p>

🎙 Nominations open now for 2024 Hays Chamber Banquet Awards    

The Cottonwood Extension District is looking to help give support
and guidance to those caring for others suffering from Alzheimer’s and dementia
during two upcoming presentations.

From 6:30 p.m. to 8 p.m. Oct. 10, Family and Community
Wellness agent Monique Koerner will discuss the KSRE Alzheimer’s 101 program
and from 6:30 p.m. to 8 p.m. Oct 11, Jill Wechsler, care coordinator at Clinkscales
Elder Law Practice offers a presentation over the behaviors of dementia patients,
along with a panel discussion with experienced caregivers.

Both events will be hosted in the Cottonwood Extension District
office at 601 Main but will be offered online as well.

“We just hope to just raise some awareness over this topic
as well as provide some education,” Koerner said.

For Koerner, knowing how difficult caring for someone
suffering from degenerative disease hits close to home. Her father was diagnosed
with Pick’s disease.

“I understand that concept of losing the person before you
lose the person,” she said. “I also saw the toll that it took on my mother with
losing him not once but twice. And so, I'm so happy to be a part of this and be
able to provide some education and support to our community around this topic.”

For those close to someone with dementia, Koerner said the
situation can be frustrating, as caregivers deal with out-of-the-ordinary
behaviors for the person.

The panel featured in the dementia presentation will feature
participants from A Different Mindset, a support group that meets online every
second Thursday of the month at 2:30 p.m., led by Micki Armstrong.

Armstrong also has a personal connection to dementia. Her
mother suffered from Alzheimer’s for 15 years.

Dementia is an all-encompassing term for many diseases, and
all are welcome to join the group, she said.

“Every person is different,” she said. “My mother's reaction
to certain things may not be the same as somebody else's mother. And so that's
the frustrating part. Because there's no set therapy that's going to be the
same for everybody.”

To sign up for the support group, email
maacarmstrong@gmail.com.

“It can be frustrating. You can feel very alone,” Armstrong
said. “It can be just overwhelming at times. And so having people who have been
in those shoes and who understand what you're going through is very, very
beneficial.”

For the caregiver, self-care is important, and a supportive
group can be help, she said.

“We know that if the caregiver doesn't take care of himself,
that person could easily get sick themselves or even possibly pass away before
the affected person does,” Armstrong said. “So, that's why we want to make sure
that our caregivers are healthy and have an outlet to express their frustration
and let them know that they're not alone in this in this journey.”

To register to attend the Cottonwood Extension District
sessions in person or via Zoom, call (785) 628-9430.

<figure>
                        <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/9/1695410308572.jpg" alt="Photo courtesy Pixabay" />
                        <figcaption>Photo courtesy Pixabay</figcaption>
                    </figure><div><iframe title="Alzheimer’s, dementia presentations scheduled for Oct. 10-11" 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=aftu4-14b136a-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><p><b>By JAMES BELL</b><br><i>Hays Post</i></p><p>The Cottonwood Extension District is looking to help give support
and guidance to those caring for others suffering from Alzheimer’s and dementia
during two upcoming presentations.</p><p>From 6:30 p.m. to 8 p.m. Oct. 10, Family and Community
Wellness agent Monique Koerner will discuss the KSRE Alzheimer’s 101 program
and from 6:30 p.m. to 8 p.m. Oct 11, Jill Wechsler, care coordinator at Clinkscales
Elder Law Practice offers a presentation over the behaviors of dementia patients,
along with a panel discussion with experienced caregivers.</p><p>Both events will be hosted in the Cottonwood Extension District
office at 601 Main but will be offered online as well.</p><p>“We just hope to just raise some awareness over this topic
as well as provide some education,” Koerner said.</p><p>For Koerner, knowing how difficult caring for someone
suffering from degenerative disease hits close to home. Her father was diagnosed
with Pick’s disease.</p><p>“I understand that concept of losing the person before you
lose the person,” she said. “I also saw the toll that it took on my mother with
losing him not once but twice. And so, I'm so happy to be a part of this and be
able to provide some education and support to our community around this topic.”</p><p>For those close to someone with dementia, Koerner said the
situation can be frustrating, as caregivers deal with out-of-the-ordinary
behaviors for the person.</p><p>The panel featured in the dementia presentation will feature
participants from A Different Mindset, a support group that meets online every
second Thursday of the month at 2:30 p.m., led by Micki Armstrong.</p><p>Armstrong also has a personal connection to dementia. Her
mother suffered from Alzheimer’s for 15 years.</p><p>Dementia is an all-encompassing term for many diseases, and
all are welcome to join the group, she said.</p><figure>
                        <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/9/1695417910638.jpeg" alt="" />
                        <figcaption></figcaption>
                    </figure><p>“Every person is different,” she said. “My mother's reaction
to certain things may not be the same as somebody else's mother. And so that's
the frustrating part. Because there's no set therapy that's going to be the
same for everybody.”</p><p>To sign up for the support group, email
maacarmstrong@gmail.com.</p><p>“It can be frustrating. You can feel very alone,” Armstrong
said. “It can be just overwhelming at times. And so having people who have been
in those shoes and who understand what you're going through is very, very
beneficial.”</p><p>For the caregiver, self-care is important, and a supportive
group can be help, she said.</p><p>“We know that if the caregiver doesn't take care of himself,
that person could easily get sick themselves or even possibly pass away before
the affected person does,” Armstrong said. “So, that's why we want to make sure
that our caregivers are healthy and have an outlet to express their frustration
and let them know that they're not alone in this in this journey.”</p><p>To register to attend the Cottonwood Extension District
sessions in person or via Zoom, call (785) 628-9430.</p>

🎙 Alzheimer’s, dementia presentations scheduled for Oct. 10-11

<i>On this episode of the&nbsp;<a href="https://hayspost.com/category/post-podcast" target="_blank">Post Podcast</a>,&nbsp;Grow Hays executive director Doug Williams discusses the development of a 24/7 travel plaza in Hays and potential future development north of I-70 in Hays.</i>

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🎙 Post Podcast: Planned 24/7 location continues development north of I-70 in Hays

<i>On this episode of the&nbsp;<a href="https://hayspost.com/category/post-podcast" target="_blank">Post Podcast</a>,&nbsp;The Morning Blend's Jeff Leiker discusses the role of carbohydrates in the diet with Fort Hays State University's Jessica Phelan.</i>

<div><iframe title="Carbohydrates an important part of the diet" 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=2bnm2-14b134a-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><p><i>On this episode of the&nbsp;<a href="https://hayspost.com/category/post-podcast" target="_blank">Post Podcast</a>,&nbsp;The Morning Blend's Jeff Leiker discusses the role of carbohydrates in the diet with Fort Hays State University's Jessica Phelan.</i></p>

🎙 Post Podcast: Carbohydrates an important part of the diet

<i>On this episode of the&nbsp;<a href="https://hayspost.com/category/post-podcast" target="_blank">Post Podcast</a>,&nbsp;Ellis County Fire Department chief Darin Myers discusses plans to celebrate the department's 50th year with The Morning Blends' Jeff Leiker.</i>

<div><iframe title="Ellis County Fire Department celebrates 50 years" 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=xwkms-14b133d-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><p><i>On this episode of the&nbsp;<a href="https://hayspost.com/category/post-podcast" target="_blank">Post Podcast</a>,&nbsp;Ellis County Fire Department chief Darin Myers discusses plans to celebrate the department's 50th year with The Morning Blends' Jeff Leiker.</i></p>

🎙 Post Podcast: Ellis County Fire Department celebrates 50 years

<i>On this episode of the&nbsp;<a href="https://hayspost.com/category/post-podcast" target="_blank">Post Podcast</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.usd489.com/o/hays-high" target="_blank">Hays High</a> StuCo president Brin and vice-president Addie discuss StuCo and Homecoming preparations.&nbsp;&nbsp;</i>

<div><iframe title="Hays High StuCo helps with Homecoming" 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=z44ju-14b130d-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><p><i>On this episode of the&nbsp;<a href="https://hayspost.com/category/post-podcast" target="_blank">Post Podcast</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.usd489.com/o/hays-high" target="_blank">Hays High</a> StuCo president Brin and vice-president Addie discuss StuCo and Homecoming preparations.&nbsp;&nbsp;</i></p>

🎙 Post Podcast: Hays High StuCo helps with Homecoming

<i>On this episode of the&nbsp;<a href="https://hayspost.com/category/post-podcast" target="_blank">Post Podcast</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://hayspost.com/" target="_blank">Hays Post</a> reporter Jonathan Zweygardt speaks with Ellis County administrator Darin Myers and commissioner Michael Berges about the Public Works building project.&nbsp;&nbsp;</i>

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