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

<div><iframe title="Ellis County Fair preparations underway" allowtransparency="true" height="450" width="100%" style="border: none; min-width: min(100%, 430px);" scrolling="no" data-name="pb-iframe-player" src="https://www.podbean.com/player-v2/?i=2hi39-1441672-pb&from=pb6admin&square=1&share=1&download=1&rtl=0&fonts=Arial&skin=f6f6f6&font-color=auto&logo_link=podcast_page&btn-skin=3267a3&size=450" allowfullscreen=""></iframe></div><p><i>On this episode of the&nbsp;<a href="https://postpodcast.podbean.com/">Post Podcast</a>,&nbsp;Cottonwood Extension District agents Monique Koerner and Tamara Robertson discuss the 2023 Ellis County Fair.</i></p>

🎙 Post Podcast: Ellis County Fair preparations underway

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

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

<div><iframe title="Ellis County Commission votes to cut number of townships" allowtransparency="true" height="450" width="100%" style="border: none; min-width: min(100%, 430px);" scrolling="no" data-name="pb-iframe-player" src="https://www.podbean.com/player-v2/?i=j7cr6-143f41b-pb&from=pb6admin&square=1&share=1&download=1&rtl=0&fonts=Arial&skin=f6f6f6&font-color=auto&logo_link=podcast_page&btn-skin=3267a3&size=450" allowfullscreen=""></iframe></div><p><i>On this episode of the&nbsp;<a href="https://postpodcast.podbean.com/">Post Podcast</a>,&nbsp;Hays Post Reporter Jonathan Zweygardt discusses recent actions by the Ellis County Commission with Commissioner Michael Berges.&nbsp;&nbsp;</i></p><p>Read more about the decision to cut townships at <a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/f9d4812c-a10d-4f11-9856-f3673ebe6a7b" target="_blank">hayspost.com/posts/f9d4812c-a10d-4f11-9856-f3673ebe6a7b.</a></p>

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

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

<div><iframe title="Fight over water from the R9 ranch continues" allowtransparency="true" height="450" width="100%" style="border: none; min-width: min(100%, 430px);" scrolling="no" data-name="pb-iframe-player" src="https://www.podbean.com/player-v2/?i=auztt-143f452-pb&from=pb6admin&square=1&share=1&download=1&rtl=0&fonts=Arial&skin=f6f6f6&font-color=auto&logo_link=podcast_page&btn-skin=3267a3&size=450" allowfullscreen=""></iframe></div><p><i>On this episode of the&nbsp;<a href="https://postpodcast.podbean.com/">Post Podcast</a>,&nbsp;Hays Post reporter Becky Kiser discusses the ongoing fight over the water rights from the R9 ranch with city manager Toby Dougherty and city commissioner Mason Ruder.</i></p>

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

He reflects
on that small-town life with <i>Heartland. </i>

“I just
thought of the kind of play on words, ‘When are you going to let your heart
land,’ and it started there. And then I just started strumming,” Younger said. “The
first line is ‘When you coming back to the hometown?’ 

“It
comes off as a love song and this guy in the middle of Kansas wondering, you
know his love ran off to chase her dreams and it's like, ‘When are you going to
come back because I do think we belong together.’ And he's very hopeful that
one day she'll come back.”

But the
song also has a deeper message for those like him that have left their hometown
to achieve their goals.

“I think
the inspiration was more like ‘Man, go chase your dream and do all you can,’”
Younger said. “It's tough out here. There are highs and lows. But no matter
what happens, you're inspiring somebody. You're making somebody smile. And if
it doesn't work out, there's always a place back home where people love you,
family and friends. And there's always another place to land.”

Musically
the song is a mix of Mellencamp, Steve Earle and Red Dirt Country.

It “rocks
pretty good, but it's still got a country lyric too, and a good story,” Younger
said.

He hopes his story helps
inspire others to take the leap.

For him,
Nashville connections may help build a songwriting career, but for those
looking to perform, artists now have an avenue to “hit it” anywhere, he said.

“These
days, everybody's doing it on their own,” Younger said. “Especially with social
media, and just about getting out and promoting yourself and playing and getting
in front of people and writing great music and pushing your song. So, I almost
think it can be done no matter where you are these days.”

“If
there's any songwriters or musicians back home, it's all possible. You just got
to go get it,” Younger said.

To hear <i>Heartland</i> visit <a href="https://onerpm.link/934622213335">onerpm.link/934622213335</a>. 

Younger can also be found on social media, including <a href="https://www.facebook.com/blaineyoungermusic/">Facebook</a> and <a href="https://www.instagram.com/blaineyoungermusic/">Instagram.</a>

<figure>
                        <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/8/1660754177628.jpeg" alt="" />
                        <figcaption></figcaption>
                    </figure><figure>
                        <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/6/1687548235682.jpeg" alt="Blaine Younger  (Courtesy photo)" />
                        <figcaption>Blaine Younger  (Courtesy photo)</figcaption>
                    </figure><p><b>By JAMES BELL</b><br>Hays Post</p><p>You may leave northwest
Kansas, but northwest Kansas can’t leave you.</p><p>Nashville-based
singer/songwriter and Ellis County native Blaine Younger has recently explored
his time growing up in the area with his latest song <i>Heartland.</i></p><p>“I grew up right there in
Victoria, Kansas, went to school there,” Younger said. </p><p>Being involved with music his
entire life, he explored the region, taking the stage at “every bar and county
fair and festival,” including Wild West Fest and Country Stampede.</p><div><iframe title="Ellis Co. native brings heartland sound to Nashville" allowtransparency="true" height="450" width="100%" style="border: none; min-width: min(100%, 430px);" scrolling="no" data-name="pb-iframe-player" src="https://www.podbean.com/player-v2/?i=tayb8-143e6e3-pb&from=pb6admin&square=1&share=1&download=1&rtl=0&fonts=Arial&skin=f6f6f6&font-color=auto&logo_link=podcast_page&btn-skin=3267a3&size=450" allowfullscreen=""></iframe></div><p>But much like the person
longed for in <i>Heartland, </i>Younger felt compelled to follow his dreams and
pursue opportunities elsewhere.</p><p>“We are out here. And it is a
big deal to be out here,” Younger said. “And I'm learning and surrounded by the
greatest musicians and songwriters in the world every day. And it's pretty
cool.”</p><p>While his focus has been on
songwriting, he took to performing <i>Heartland</i> himself, marking<i> </i>his
first release in 13 years.<i> </i></p><p>“People ask me, ‘Why are you
releasing music now?’” Younger said. “I think deep down every songwriter is
still an artist, and they want to say things and say things their way and the
way they would portray it and emote it. So that still is more exciting to me.”</p><p>But while he still performs and
writes music, he continues chasing the goal of one day having a song he wrote rise
to the top of the hit county charts.</p><p>“We're getting there and
meeting a lot of people that I would never thought and playing a lot of places
that I've never thought I'd play in my life,” Younger said.</p><p>“They're both equally great,
but I just had more success so far on the artist side, and that is fun.”</p><p>While there may be more opportunities
in Nashville, he retains a life similar to the one he knew growing up, living
in a quiet city suburb.</p><p>“I still
crave small-town livin’ and simple life,” Younger said. “It's different, but
they both have their perks. Being out here, you're so plugged into the industry,
and you really do feel like you're three minutes, or a song away, from maybe a change
in your life. You've got those connections, and you're showing your face and
networking in the clubs.”</p><p>“But as
far as personal living, I have a family now. And we're lucky to be out in a
cool suburb of Nashville, and we love it out here. But I still do prefer the
small-town simple living over the city life for sure.”</p><p>He reflects
on that small-town life with <i>Heartland. </i></p><div><iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/Q443XlGVlVM" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe></div><p>“I just
thought of the kind of play on words, ‘When are you going to let your heart
land,’ and it started there. And then I just started strumming,” Younger said. “The
first line is ‘When you coming back to the hometown?’ </p><p>“It
comes off as a love song and this guy in the middle of Kansas wondering, you
know his love ran off to chase her dreams and it's like, ‘When are you going to
come back because I do think we belong together.’ And he's very hopeful that
one day she'll come back.”</p><p>But the
song also has a deeper message for those like him that have left their hometown
to achieve their goals.</p><p>“I think
the inspiration was more like ‘Man, go chase your dream and do all you can,’”
Younger said. “It's tough out here. There are highs and lows. But no matter
what happens, you're inspiring somebody. You're making somebody smile. And if
it doesn't work out, there's always a place back home where people love you,
family and friends. And there's always another place to land.”</p><p>Musically
the song is a mix of Mellencamp, Steve Earle and Red Dirt Country.</p><p>It “rocks
pretty good, but it's still got a country lyric too, and a good story,” Younger
said.</p><p>He hopes his story helps
inspire others to take the leap.</p><p>For him,
Nashville connections may help build a songwriting career, but for those
looking to perform, artists now have an avenue to “hit it” anywhere, he said.</p><p>“These
days, everybody's doing it on their own,” Younger said. “Especially with social
media, and just about getting out and promoting yourself and playing and getting
in front of people and writing great music and pushing your song. So, I almost
think it can be done no matter where you are these days.”</p><p>“If
there's any songwriters or musicians back home, it's all possible. You just got
to go get it,” Younger said.</p><p>To hear <i>Heartland</i> visit <a href="https://onerpm.link/934622213335">onerpm.link/934622213335</a>. </p><p>Younger can also be found on social media, including <a href="https://www.facebook.com/blaineyoungermusic/">Facebook</a> and <a href="https://www.instagram.com/blaineyoungermusic/">Instagram.</a></p><figure>
                        <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/6/1687548221445.jpeg" alt="Blaine Younger&nbsp; (Courtesy photo)" />
                        <figcaption>Blaine Younger&nbsp; (Courtesy photo)</figcaption>
                    </figure>

🎙 NWester: Ellis County native brings 'Heartland' sound to Nashville

<i>On this episode of the&nbsp;<a href="https://postpodcast.podbean.com/">Post Podcast</a>, <a href="https://www.growhays.com/" target="_blank">Grow Hays</a> executive director Doug Williams discusses the ongoing battle over the water rights from the R9 Ranch and the economic impacts.&nbsp;&nbsp;</i>

<div><iframe title="Grow Hays director discusses the economics of water rights in NW Kan." allowtransparency="true" height="450" width="100%" style="border: none; min-width: min(100%, 430px);" scrolling="no" data-name="pb-iframe-player" src="https://www.podbean.com/player-v2/?i=pehcy-143f436-pb&from=pb6admin&square=1&share=1&download=1&rtl=0&fonts=Arial&skin=f6f6f6&font-color=auto&logo_link=podcast_page&btn-skin=3267a3&size=450" allowfullscreen=""></iframe></div><p><i>On this episode of the&nbsp;<a href="https://postpodcast.podbean.com/">Post Podcast</a>, <a href="https://www.growhays.com/" target="_blank">Grow Hays</a> executive director Doug Williams discusses the ongoing battle over the water rights from the R9 Ranch and the economic impacts.&nbsp;&nbsp;</i></p>

🎙 Post Podcast: Grow Hays director discusses the economics of water rights in NW Kan.

<i>On this episode of the&nbsp;<a href="https://postpodcast.podbean.com/">Post Podcast</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.haysusa.com/369/Police" target="_blank">Hays Police Department</a> Community Service Officer Ethan Henderson shares tips to keep pets safe during high summer temperatures.&nbsp;&nbsp;</i>

<div><iframe title="As high summer temperatures move in pet safety a concern" allowtransparency="true" height="450" width="100%" style="border: none; min-width: min(100%, 430px);" scrolling="no" data-name="pb-iframe-player" src="https://www.podbean.com/player-v2/?i=65csc-143f398-pb&from=pb6admin&square=1&share=1&download=1&rtl=0&fonts=Arial&skin=f6f6f6&font-color=auto&logo_link=podcast_page&btn-skin=3267a3&size=450" allowfullscreen=""></iframe></div><p><i>On this episode of the&nbsp;<a href="https://postpodcast.podbean.com/">Post Podcast</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.haysusa.com/369/Police" target="_blank">Hays Police Department</a> Community Service Officer Ethan Henderson shares tips to keep pets safe during high summer temperatures.&nbsp;&nbsp;</i></p>

🎙 Post Podcast: As high summer temperatures move in pet safety a concern

<i>On this episode of the&nbsp;<a href="https://postpodcast.podbean.com/">Post Podcast</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.ellisco.net/directory.aspx?EID=167" target="_blank">Ellis County Emergency Manager Lyle Pantle</a> discusses fireworks regulations in unincorporated parts of Ellis County and tips to stay safe this Fourth of July holiday.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</i>

<div><iframe title="Ellis Co. Emergency Mgr. discuses fireworks regulations, safety tips" allowtransparency="true" height="600" width="100%" style="border: none; min-width: min(100%, 430px);" scrolling="no" data-name="pb-iframe-player" src="https://www.podbean.com/player-v2/?i=yydmw-143bc75-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" allowfullscreen=""></iframe></div><p><i>On this episode of the&nbsp;<a href="https://postpodcast.podbean.com/">Post Podcast</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.ellisco.net/directory.aspx?EID=167" target="_blank">Ellis County Emergency Manager Lyle Pantle</a> discusses fireworks regulations in unincorporated parts of Ellis County and tips to stay safe this Fourth of July holiday.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</i></p>

🎙 Post Podcast: Ellis Co. Emergency Mgr. discuses fireworks regulations, safety tips

<i>On this episode of the&nbsp;<a href="https://postpodcast.podbean.com/">Post Podcast</a>,&nbsp;

The Morning Blend's Jeff Leiker speaks with event coordinator Sandi Maier and board member Kathy Cossaart about the 2023 <a href="https://wildwestfestival.com/" target="_blank">Wild West Festival</a>.&nbsp;&nbsp;</i>

<div><iframe title="Final preparations for Wild West Fest underway" allowtransparency="true" height="600" width="100%" style="border: none; min-width: min(100%, 430px);" scrolling="no" data-name="pb-iframe-player" src="https://www.podbean.com/player-v2/?i=uyx8e-143a41c-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" allowfullscreen=""></iframe></div><p><i>On this episode of the&nbsp;<a href="https://postpodcast.podbean.com/">Post Podcast</a>,&nbsp;

The Morning Blend's Jeff Leiker speaks with event coordinator Sandi Maier and board member Kathy Cossaart about the 2023 <a href="https://wildwestfestival.com/" target="_blank">Wild West Festival</a>.&nbsp;&nbsp;</i></p>

🎙 Post Podcast: Final preparations for Wild West Fest underway

<i>On this episode of the&nbsp;<a href="https://postpodcast.podbean.com/">Post Podcast</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://hayschamber.com/" target="_blank">Hays Chamber</a>&nbsp;president and CEO Sarah Wasinger and vice president of membership Leigh Purdy discuss their upgraded <a href="https://members.hayschamber.com/list" target="_blank">business directory</a> and this week's chamber events.&nbsp;&nbsp;</i>

<div><iframe title="Hays Chamber upgrades online business directory" allowtransparency="true" height="600" width="100%" style="border: none; min-width: min(100%, 430px);" scrolling="no" data-name="pb-iframe-player" src="https://www.podbean.com/player-v2/?i=38m62-1438fb4-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" allowfullscreen=""></iframe></div><p><i>On this episode of the&nbsp;<a href="https://postpodcast.podbean.com/">Post Podcast</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://hayschamber.com/" target="_blank">Hays Chamber</a>&nbsp;president and CEO Sarah Wasinger and vice president of membership Leigh Purdy discuss their upgraded <a href="https://members.hayschamber.com/list" target="_blank">business directory</a> and this week's chamber events.&nbsp;&nbsp;</i></p>

🎙 Post Podcast: Hays Chamber upgrades online business directory

<i>On this episode of the&nbsp;<a href="https://postpodcast.podbean.com/">Post Podcast</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.growhays.com/">Grow Hays</a>&nbsp;executive director Doug Williams discusses the annual local government budget request process for Grow Hays and other area agencies.</i>

<div><iframe title="Grow Hays, other area agencies submit budget requests to local governments" allowtransparency="true" height="600" width="100%" style="border: none; min-width: min(100%, 430px);" scrolling="no" data-name="pb-iframe-player" src="https://www.podbean.com/player-v2/?i=8dm3w-1436904-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" allowfullscreen=""></iframe></div><p><i>On this episode of the&nbsp;<a href="https://postpodcast.podbean.com/">Post Podcast</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.growhays.com/">Grow Hays</a>&nbsp;executive director Doug Williams discusses the annual local government budget request process for Grow Hays and other area agencies.</i></p>

🎙 Post Podcast: Grow Hays, other area agencies submit budget requests to local governments

<i>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 the importance of staying hydrated.&nbsp;&nbsp;</i>

<div><iframe title="Staying hydrated important during summer heat" allowtransparency="true" height="600" width="100%" style="border: none; min-width: min(100%, 430px);" scrolling="no" data-name="pb-iframe-player" src="https://www.podbean.com/player-v2/?i=t2ddv-1436922-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" allowfullscreen=""></iframe></div><p><i>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 the importance of staying hydrated.&nbsp;&nbsp;</i></p>

🎙 Post Podcast: Staying hydrated important during summer heat

<i>On this episode of Forward Ever: Leading in Challenging Times, host Gary Shorman speaks with&nbsp;NCK Tech President Eric Burks about the FHSU, NW Tech partnership.</i>

Read more at:<a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/23cfebb0-2081-4160-8c8e-13e4f5b58b85"> Governor Kelly to be at FHSU Wed. to sign strategic affiliation bill</a>

<div><iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/-ohljgf9vuk" 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&nbsp;NCK Tech President Eric Burks about the FHSU, NW Tech partnership.</i></p><p>Read more at:<a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/23cfebb0-2081-4160-8c8e-13e4f5b58b85"> Governor Kelly to be at FHSU Wed. to sign strategic affiliation bill</a></p>

🎤 Forward Ever: NCK Tech President Eric Burks discusses FHSU, NW Tech partnership

<i>On this episode of the&nbsp;<a href="https://postpodcast.podbean.com/">Post Podcast</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.theredjumpsuitapparatus.com/" target="_blank">The Red Jumpsuit Apparatus</a> lead singer Ronnie Winter speaks with The Morning Blend's Jeff Liker about their upcoming performance in Hays and more.&nbsp;&nbsp;</i>

<p><i>On this episode of the&nbsp;<a href="https://postpodcast.podbean.com/">Post Podcast</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.theredjumpsuitapparatus.com/" target="_blank">The Red Jumpsuit Apparatus</a> lead singer Ronnie Winter speaks with The Morning Blend's Jeff Liker about their upcoming performance in Hays and more.&nbsp;&nbsp;</i></p><div><iframe title="The Red Jumpsuit Apparatus to play in downtown Hays June 17" allowtransparency="true" height="600" width="100%" style="border: none; min-width: min(100%, 430px);" scrolling="no" data-name="pb-iframe-player" src="https://www.podbean.com/player-v2/?i=nrwfn-1434a31-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" allowfullscreen=""></iframe></div>

🎙 Post Podcast: The Red Jumpsuit Apparatus to play in downtown Hays June 17

The 50th anniversary of Paper Moon, a movie that featured Hays
locations and residents along with other area communities, will be a prominent feature
of the Hays Arts Council Summer Art Walk, set for Friday.

The Hays Arts Center will present the Paper Moon 50th
Anniversary Showcase in the Arts Center Annex at 1010 Main and display articles
and memorabilia from the movie and pieces of history from the area filming, originally
assembled during the 30th-anniversary celebration during the Art Walk hours from
6:30 to 9:30 p.m.

“Paper Moon was an Academy Award-winning film that was based
out of Hays,” said Hays Arts Council executive director Brenda Meder. “A lot of
filming wasn't done in Hays, but Hays was home base. And there were scenes that
were filmed in Hays.”

Hays was also the location of the Midwest premiere, followed
by a reception at the Hays Arts Council.

“A lot of movies aren't shot out here in western Kansas,
especially Academy Award-winning ones,” Meder said. “And so, it was a big deal.”

The display will also feature items from the development of
the subsequent TV series, featuring a young Jodie Foster, also shot on location
around Hays.

“A lot of people don't know about that so much,” Meder said. "It was only one season long, and probably in large part to the fact that it
premiered on ABC opposite the Waltons on CBS in their third year.”

She said the local viewership was also limited at the
time due to no ABC affiliate signal in the area, but many locals and locations
were featured in the series.

“We'll have a lot of things from the television series as
well,” Meder said. “Lots of shots locally including crossing the old swinging bridge,
and there were scenes filmed in the Alpha Gamma Delta house and all really all
over down at Vincent, at the church and in the school in the Grant's Villa. So,
a lot of really cool things.”

And a beer brewed for the event by Defiance Brewing Company
also will be offered.

“Defiance created a new beer called Trixie Delight, which is
the name of Madeline Kahn’s character in the movie,” Meder said. “Samples of
that are going to be getting served in the annex for 21 and over to
commemorate.”

Along with Friday night events in conjunction with the art walk, opportunities are planned to view the film in Hays as well as a movie
memorabilia open house in McCracken.

“We're really excited to share that McCracken is doing some
great things all day on Saturday, they've got a barbecue picnic, kind of a
luncheon, and they've got some very cool artifacts,” Meder said. “They featured so prominently in it.”

The McCracken Historical Society open house is planned from
9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Friday and Saturday.

Free showings of the film are planned at 7 p.m. Saturday and
2 p.m. Sunday in the Beach/Schmidt Performing Arts Center on the Fort Hays
State University campus, 600 Main.

For more about the Paper Moon anniversary events, visit <a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/304180c9-8b92-47f3-b06d-70c5048c8764">Hays,
McCracken to celebrate 50th Anniversary of 'Paper Moon' June 16-18</a>.

Art Walk locations planned throughout Hays

While the film celebration will be a highlight of the Art
Walk, installations across downtown and beyond will offer many opportunities to
see art of all stripes throughout the evening.

New to the Art Walk this year is <a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/494d469c-fd58-4c88-9317-9c5e6071a68f">STEM
Harvest</a> at 507 Main.

“I'm really excited about that,” Meder said. “Dallas Haselhorst and Dacia have been wanting to be part of the art walks, and they're finally at
a place with the STEM Harvest suite finished in there [to do so]. 

Because they're a technological organization, in so many
ways, with the STEM programming, engineering, science and technology, she said they are going to
be doing a showcase on the AI revolution, and having some art images and exploring
how those are generated through different artificial intelligence models, she said.

“I think it'll be a really interesting opportunity for
people to get a better understanding of what is this artificial intelligence
stuff that they talk about,” Meder said.

Due to their location further south on Main, she said they
will open at 5:30 p.m.

“It'll give people a chance to hit that first and work your
way back,” Meder said.

And for those looking to extend the Art Walk experience, Paisley
Pear Wine Bar and Bistro, 1100 Main, will feature the Engle Detherage Trio from
7 to 10 p.m.

Pack the Pavilion brings food, music and fun to downtown

In addition to the Summer Art Walk festivities, the Hays
Young Professionals will again host an event in the Downtown Pavilion at 10th
and Main from 5:30 to 9:30 p.m.

“In previous years, we've had the Community Street Dance. It's the same event, different name this year,” said Meredith Malatin, chairwoman of
the Hays Young Professionals Networking and Engagement Committee. "We'll have a
DJ, a couple of food trucks, and games, we just want to get people out in the
community to come downtown for the Artwalk and then stick around and cool off in the
pavilion.”

“We want people of all ages to come stop by, it's going to
be free to attend,” said Hays Chamber vice president of membership Leigh Purdy.
“And just pop in and out. It doesn't have to be you staying for the whole time,
it's just going to be food, fun and music.”

“Kevin [Bartlett] with Midnight Productions will be playing
for us. There’s a couple of hours he'll have his photo backdrop. He'll interact
with the crowd, and they can suggest songs, so if there's something that you
specifically want to hear, he'll do it for you.”

“I just hope everyone can come to join us to take part
in everything,” Meder said. “It's all free Friday night unless you buy some art
or some food along the way. But otherwise, it's just there for the community
to enjoy and celebrate all the good stuff we have around here. It's gonna be a
good time.”

For more about the 2023 Hays Arts Council’s Summer Art Walk, visit
their website <a href="https://haysartscouncil.org/">haysartscouncil.org.</a>

<figure>
                        <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/6/1686773653192.jpeg" alt="Photo by James Bell" />
                        <figcaption>Photo by James Bell</figcaption>
                    </figure><div><iframe title="Paper Moon anniversary celebration headlines Summer Art Walk Friday" allowtransparency="true" height="150" width="100%" style="border: none; min-width: min(100%, 430px);" scrolling="no" data-name="pb-iframe-player" src="https://www.podbean.com/player-v2/?i=j9faj-14335ca-pb&from=pb6admin&share=1&download=1&rtl=0&fonts=Arial&skin=f6f6f6&font-color=auto&logo_link=podcast_page&btn-skin=3267a3&size=315"></iframe></div><p><b>By JAMES BELL</b><br><i>Hays Post</i></p><p>The 50th anniversary of Paper Moon, a movie that featured Hays
locations and residents along with other area communities, will be a prominent feature
of the Hays Arts Council Summer Art Walk, set for Friday.</p><p>The Hays Arts Center will present the Paper Moon 50th
Anniversary Showcase in the Arts Center Annex at 1010 Main and display articles
and memorabilia from the movie and pieces of history from the area filming, originally
assembled during the 30th-anniversary celebration during the Art Walk hours from
6:30 to 9:30 p.m.</p><p>“Paper Moon was an Academy Award-winning film that was based
out of Hays,” said Hays Arts Council executive director Brenda Meder. “A lot of
filming wasn't done in Hays, but Hays was home base. And there were scenes that
were filmed in Hays.”</p><figure>
                        <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/6/1686773726157.jpeg" alt="Photo by James Bell" />
                        <figcaption>Photo by James Bell</figcaption>
                    </figure><p>Hays was also the location of the Midwest premiere, followed
by a reception at the Hays Arts Council.</p><p>“A lot of movies aren't shot out here in western Kansas,
especially Academy Award-winning ones,” Meder said. “And so, it was a big deal.”</p><p>The display will also feature items from the development of
the subsequent TV series, featuring a young Jodie Foster, also shot on location
around Hays.</p><p>“A lot of people don't know about that so much,” Meder said. "It was only one season long, and probably in large part to the fact that it
premiered on ABC opposite the Waltons on CBS in their third year.”</p><figure>
                        <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/6/1686773785910.jpeg" alt="Photo by James Bell" />
                        <figcaption>Photo by James Bell</figcaption>
                    </figure><p>She said the local viewership was also limited at the
time due to no ABC affiliate signal in the area, but many locals and locations
were featured in the series.</p><p>“We'll have a lot of things from the television series as
well,” Meder said. “Lots of shots locally including crossing the old swinging bridge,
and there were scenes filmed in the Alpha Gamma Delta house and all really all
over down at Vincent, at the church and in the school in the Grant's Villa. So,
a lot of really cool things.”</p><p>And a beer brewed for the event by Defiance Brewing Company
also will be offered.</p><p>“Defiance created a new beer called Trixie Delight, which is
the name of Madeline Kahn’s character in the movie,” Meder said. “Samples of
that are going to be getting served in the annex for 21 and over to
commemorate.”</p><p>Along with Friday night events in conjunction with the art walk, opportunities are planned to view the film in Hays as well as a movie
memorabilia open house in McCracken.</p><p>“We're really excited to share that McCracken is doing some
great things all day on Saturday, they've got a barbecue picnic, kind of a
luncheon, and they've got some very cool artifacts,” Meder said. “They featured so prominently in it.”</p><p>The McCracken Historical Society open house is planned from
9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Friday and Saturday.</p><p>Free showings of the film are planned at 7 p.m. Saturday and
2 p.m. Sunday in the Beach/Schmidt Performing Arts Center on the Fort Hays
State University campus, 600 Main.</p><p>For more about the Paper Moon anniversary events, visit <a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/304180c9-8b92-47f3-b06d-70c5048c8764">Hays,
McCracken to celebrate 50th Anniversary of 'Paper Moon' June 16-18</a>.</p><h2>Art Walk locations planned throughout Hays</h2><figure>
                        <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/6/1686773682744.jpeg" alt="Photo by James Bell" />
                        <figcaption>Photo by James Bell</figcaption>
                    </figure><p>While the film celebration will be a highlight of the Art
Walk, installations across downtown and beyond will offer many opportunities to
see art of all stripes throughout the evening.</p><p>New to the Art Walk this year is <a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/494d469c-fd58-4c88-9317-9c5e6071a68f">STEM
Harvest</a> at 507 Main.</p><p>“I'm really excited about that,” Meder said. “Dallas Haselhorst and Dacia have been wanting to be part of the art walks, and they're finally at
a place with the STEM Harvest suite finished in there [to do so]. </p><figure>
                        <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/6/1686776622220.jpeg" alt="" />
                        <figcaption></figcaption>
                    </figure><p>Because they're a technological organization, in so many
ways, with the STEM programming, engineering, science and technology, she said they are going to
be doing a showcase on the AI revolution, and having some art images and exploring
how those are generated through different artificial intelligence models, she said.</p><p>“I think it'll be a really interesting opportunity for
people to get a better understanding of what is this artificial intelligence
stuff that they talk about,” Meder said.</p><p>Due to their location further south on Main, she said they
will open at 5:30 p.m.</p><figure>
                        <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/6/1686773696715.jpeg" alt="Photo by James Bell" />
                        <figcaption>Photo by James Bell</figcaption>
                    </figure><p>“It'll give people a chance to hit that first and work your
way back,” Meder said.</p><p>And for those looking to extend the Art Walk experience, Paisley
Pear Wine Bar and Bistro, 1100 Main, will feature the Engle Detherage Trio from
7 to 10 p.m.</p><h2>Pack the Pavilion brings food, music and fun to downtown</h2><figure>
                        <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/7/1594154454880.jpeg" alt="File photo" />
                        <figcaption>File photo</figcaption>
                    </figure><div><iframe title="Hays Young Professionals to host Pack the Pavilion June 16" allowtransparency="true" height="150" width="100%" style="border: none; min-width: min(100%, 430px);" scrolling="no" data-name="pb-iframe-player" src="https://www.podbean.com/player-v2/?i=7cft4-14335ad-pb&from=pb6admin&share=1&download=1&rtl=0&fonts=Arial&skin=f6f6f6&font-color=auto&logo_link=podcast_page&btn-skin=3267a3&size=315"></iframe></div><p>In addition to the Summer Art Walk festivities, the Hays
Young Professionals will again host an event in the Downtown Pavilion at 10th
and Main from 5:30 to 9:30 p.m.</p><p>“In previous years, we've had the Community Street Dance. It's the same event, different name this year,” said Meredith Malatin, chairwoman of
the Hays Young Professionals Networking and Engagement Committee. "We'll have a
DJ, a couple of food trucks, and games, we just want to get people out in the
community to come downtown for the Artwalk and then stick around and cool off in the
pavilion.”</p><p>“We want people of all ages to come stop by, it's going to
be free to attend,” said Hays Chamber vice president of membership Leigh Purdy.
“And just pop in and out. It doesn't have to be you staying for the whole time,
it's just going to be food, fun and music.”</p><p>“Kevin [Bartlett] with Midnight Productions will be playing
for us. There’s a couple of hours he'll have his photo backdrop. He'll interact
with the crowd, and they can suggest songs, so if there's something that you
specifically want to hear, he'll do it for you.”</p><p>“I just hope everyone can come to join us to take part
in everything,” Meder said. “It's all free Friday night unless you buy some art
or some food along the way. But otherwise, it's just there for the community
to enjoy and celebrate all the good stuff we have around here. It's gonna be a
good time.”</p><p>For more about the 2023 Hays Arts Council’s Summer Art Walk, visit
their website <a href="https://haysartscouncil.org/">haysartscouncil.org.</a></p>

🎙Paper Moon anniversary celebration headlines Summer Art Walk Friday

<i>On this episode of the&nbsp;<a href="https://postpodcast.podbean.com/">Post Podcast</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://hayschamber.com/" target="_blank">Hays Chamber</a> vice president of membership Leigh Purdy and &nbsp;Jeremy McGuire, Group Sales Advisor for Blue Cross Blue Shield of Kansas, discuss the Chamber Blue of Kansas Association Health Plan enrollment process.&nbsp;&nbsp;</i>

<div><iframe title="Hays Chamber insurance enrollment process underway" allowtransparency="true" height="600" width="100%" style="border: none; min-width: min(100%, 430px);" scrolling="no" data-name="pb-iframe-player" src="https://www.podbean.com/player-v2/?i=rngy7-143356e-pb&from=pb6admin&square=1&share=1&download=1&rtl=0&fonts=Arial&skin=3267a3&font-color=auto&logo_link=podcast_page&btn-skin=3267a3&size=600" allowfullscreen=""></iframe></div><p><i>On this episode of the&nbsp;<a href="https://postpodcast.podbean.com/">Post Podcast</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://hayschamber.com/" target="_blank">Hays Chamber</a> vice president of membership Leigh Purdy and &nbsp;Jeremy McGuire, Group Sales Advisor for Blue Cross Blue Shield of Kansas, discuss the Chamber Blue of Kansas Association Health Plan enrollment process.&nbsp;&nbsp;</i></p>

🎙 Post Podcast: Hays Chamber insurance enrollment process underway

<i>On this episode of the&nbsp;<a href="https://postpodcast.podbean.com/">Post Podcast</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://heartlandcommunityfoundation.org/" target="_blank">Heartland Community Foundation</a> executive director Sarah Meitner discusses their latest round of grant awards, a rebrand and the importance of foundations to western Kansas, including the <a href="https://pattersonfamilyfoundation.org/" target="_blank">Patterson Family Foundation.</a></i>

<div><iframe title="Heartland Community Foundation prepares to announce grant recipients" allowtransparency="true" height="600" width="100%" style="border: none; min-width: min(100%, 430px);" scrolling="no" data-name="pb-iframe-player" src="https://www.podbean.com/player-v2/?i=y9y2r-1431daa-pb&from=pb6admin&square=1&share=1&download=1&rtl=0&fonts=Arial&skin=3267a3&font-color=auto&logo_link=podcast_page&btn-skin=3267a3&size=600" allowfullscreen=""></iframe></div><p><i>On this episode of the&nbsp;<a href="https://postpodcast.podbean.com/">Post Podcast</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://heartlandcommunityfoundation.org/" target="_blank">Heartland Community Foundation</a> executive director Sarah Meitner discusses their latest round of grant awards, a rebrand and the importance of foundations to western Kansas, including the <a href="https://pattersonfamilyfoundation.org/" target="_blank">Patterson Family Foundation.</a></i></p>

🎙 Post Podcast: Heartland Community Foundation prepares to announce grant recipients

<i>On this episode of the&nbsp;<a href="https://postpodcast.podbean.com/">Post Podcast</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://hayslibrary.org/" target="_blank">Hays Public Library</a> communications coordinator Callie Kolacny shares information about the Summer Reading Challenge and upcoming library events.&nbsp;&nbsp;</i>

<p><i>On this episode of the&nbsp;<a href="https://postpodcast.podbean.com/">Post Podcast</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://hayslibrary.org/" target="_blank">Hays Public Library</a> communications coordinator Callie Kolacny shares information about the Summer Reading Challenge and upcoming library events.&nbsp;&nbsp;</i></p><div><iframe title="Hays Public Library’s Summer Reading Challenge underway" allowtransparency="true" height="300" width="100%" style="border: none; min-width: min(100%, 430px);" scrolling="no" data-name="pb-iframe-player" src="https://www.podbean.com/player-v2/?i=hux8n-1430a05-pb&from=pb6admin&square=1&share=1&download=1&rtl=0&fonts=Arial&skin=3267a3&font-color=auto&logo_link=podcast_page&btn-skin=3267a3&size=300" allowfullscreen=""></iframe></div>

🎙 Post Podcast: Hays Public Library's Summer Reading Challenge underway

<i>On this episode of the&nbsp;<a href="https://postpodcast.podbean.com/">Post Podcast</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.growhays.com/">Grow Hays</a>&nbsp;director of business recruitment and development David Clingan discusses The MicroFactory, a business development project in Hays.&nbsp;&nbsp;</i>

<a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/df16c2ba-b93d-4a92-896d-adca67d19692">Grow Hays Microfactory receives Schmidt Foundation grant</a>

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

<a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/1b126893-dbb2-4065-be9e-17f523104d93">Groundbreaking for Hays Microfactory set for next week</a>

<a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/218d9147-4128-4b12-8d10-a1b698e1b1c7">$2.6 million BASE grant awarded to proposed Hays microfactory</a>

<figure>
                        <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/10/1665167255581.png" alt="" />
                        <figcaption></figcaption>
                    </figure><div><iframe title="Work continues at site of Hays Microfactory" allowtransparency="true" height="450" width="100%" style="border: none; min-width: min(100%, 430px);" scrolling="no" data-name="pb-iframe-player" src="https://www.podbean.com/player-v2/?i=6hmg8-142d86b-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=450" allowfullscreen=""></iframe></div><p><i>On this episode of the&nbsp;<a href="https://postpodcast.podbean.com/">Post Podcast</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.growhays.com/">Grow Hays</a>&nbsp;director of business recruitment and development David Clingan discusses The MicroFactory, a business development project in Hays.&nbsp;&nbsp;</i></p><h2>Read more about the project:</h2><p><a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/df16c2ba-b93d-4a92-896d-adca67d19692">Grow Hays Microfactory receives Schmidt Foundation grant</a></p><p><a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/4b0833de-8582-4800-b0ce-7f4ea9baf6d7">Lt. Gov. Toland: Grow Hays Microfactory an 'idea whose time has come'</a></p><p><a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/1b126893-dbb2-4065-be9e-17f523104d93">Groundbreaking for Hays Microfactory set for next week</a></p><p><a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/218d9147-4128-4b12-8d10-a1b698e1b1c7">$2.6 million BASE grant awarded to proposed Hays microfactory</a></p>

🎙 Post Podcast: Work continues at site of Hays MicroFactory

<i>On this episode of the&nbsp;<a href="https://postpodcast.podbean.com/">Post Podcast</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsualumni.com/" target="_blank">Fort Hays State University Alumni Association</a> alumni engagement strategist Carolyn Tatro, discusses summer activities at the Alumni Association.&nbsp;&nbsp;</i>

<div><iframe title="FHSU Alumni Association works to connect alumni through summer" allowtransparency="true" height="450" width="100%" style="border: none; min-width: min(100%, 430px);" scrolling="no" data-name="pb-iframe-player" src="https://www.podbean.com/player-v2/?i=bfrt4-142d90d-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=450" allowfullscreen=""></iframe></div><p><i>On this episode of the&nbsp;<a href="https://postpodcast.podbean.com/">Post Podcast</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsualumni.com/" target="_blank">Fort Hays State University Alumni Association</a> alumni engagement strategist Carolyn Tatro, discusses summer activities at the Alumni Association.&nbsp;&nbsp;</i></p>

🎙 Post Podcast: FHSU Alumni Association works to connect alumni through summer

<b>By JAMES BELL</b><br>
<i>Hays Post</i>

Launched at the beginning of 2023, 7eight5.com looks to put
a spotlight on local musicians, bands and performances.

Co-founded by Harrison Brent and Chelsea Kaundart, the website
features written news, photos, and podcasts in an effort to provide an
immersive dive into the local music scene.

“<a>The goal
of 7eight5.com is to be able to highlight, not just the music events in the in
the area, but to highlight, local bands, area bands, and also larger bands that
are coming through.”</a>

Giving a voice to the local music community, he
said, helps the bands get the exposure the bigger names acts receive as they
perform in the area.

“I would love to get those people that go to
those shows then come to the local shows, come to the smaller shows, especially
like the ones with the Rose Garden or Bad Times, the Sip and Spin, the Brass
Rail or whenever they have it,” Brent said. “See what you might like. You never
know who the next artist is that's going to get big.”

And while the website began focusing on Hays,
it has quickly expanded to cover a larger geographic area.

“In the last couple of months, we've really
kind of expanded into Dodge City, Wichita, Lawrence in Kansas City,” Brent
said.

“Wherever there's music, we'd like to be there.”

Those efforts are thanks to contributions from
people in those cities.

“I think that's really helping to expand not
just the smaller shows, but also like bigger shows as well,” Brent said. “And
we've also got some added some writers that are specifically writing content.”

Along with written content, the site also
recently added The Connoisseur Provocateur Podcast, in addition to their own Lot 25 Podcast.

As the website has developed, Brent also said
they had completed a transition to an online magazine format but continue to
offer an ongoing calendar of music events.

“They're not all there, unfortunately, right
now,” Brent said. “That's something that's going to take some time and some
buffing out to do. But we'll get there, and hopefully, the audiences that enjoy
music will be able to come to 7eight5 for any local music content to be
informed and to see what's going on.”

Moving forward, he hopes to bring on more collaborators in an effort to expand their coverage.

“We're not going to be able to cover everything,”
Brent said. “When we started the original concept, the original idea was to be
kind of a collective for anybody that has some interest in music, be it journalism,
podcast or photography, to be able to submit stuff and get it published with a
focus on the local community and local music scene.”

Already the website has been creating
a buzz across the industry that has driven others to reach out to contribute.

“Which is really cool because I feel a lot
better about people that want to actually help and be a part of it, as opposed
to me coming to them and saying, ‘Oh, hey, can you help with this?’” Brent
said.

While everyone currently contributes without pay,
he hopes one day, the website will generate revenue and give the group the
ability to offer compensation for their offerings.

“The current goal is just build up and build up a community of people who want to give back to this music to the community and to
the music scene,” Brent said.

And so far, he said
feedback from the efforts has been encouraging.

“Everybody that has been (on the website) has
been very positive and excited for what we have to offer,” Brent said.

For those interested in contributing to the website, email&nbsp;the7eight5@gmail.com.

<figure>
                        <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/6/1686339474453.jpeg" alt="" />
                        <figcaption></figcaption>
                    </figure><p><b>By JAMES BELL</b><br>
<i>Hays Post</i></p><p>Launched at the beginning of 2023, 7eight5.com looks to put
a spotlight on local musicians, bands and performances.</p><p>Co-founded by Harrison Brent and Chelsea Kaundart, the website
features written news, photos, and podcasts in an effort to provide an
immersive dive into the local music scene.</p><p>“<a>The goal
of 7eight5.com is to be able to highlight, not just the music events in the in
the area, but to highlight, local bands, area bands, and also larger bands that
are coming through.”</a></p><p>Giving a voice to the local music community, he
said, helps the bands get the exposure the bigger names acts receive as they
perform in the area.</p><div><iframe title="7eight5.com amplifies local music scene with a focus on Kansas artists" allowtransparency="true" height="450" width="100%" style="border: none; min-width: min(100%, 430px);" scrolling="no" data-name="pb-iframe-player" src="https://www.podbean.com/player-v2/?i=q9ujw-142d970-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=450" allowfullscreen=""></iframe></div><p>“I would love to get those people that go to
those shows then come to the local shows, come to the smaller shows, especially
like the ones with the Rose Garden or Bad Times, the Sip and Spin, the Brass
Rail or whenever they have it,” Brent said. “See what you might like. You never
know who the next artist is that's going to get big.”</p><p>And while the website began focusing on Hays,
it has quickly expanded to cover a larger geographic area.</p><p>“In the last couple of months, we've really
kind of expanded into Dodge City, Wichita, Lawrence in Kansas City,” Brent
said.</p><p>“Wherever there's music, we'd like to be there.”</p><p>Those efforts are thanks to contributions from
people in those cities.</p><p>“I think that's really helping to expand not
just the smaller shows, but also like bigger shows as well,” Brent said. “And
we've also got some added some writers that are specifically writing content.”</p><p>Along with written content, the site also
recently added The Connoisseur Provocateur Podcast, in addition to their own Lot 25 Podcast.</p><p>As the website has developed, Brent also said
they had completed a transition to an online magazine format but continue to
offer an ongoing calendar of music events.</p><figure>
                        <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/6/1686346721965.jpeg" alt="Harrison Brent (Courtesy photo)" />
                        <figcaption>Harrison Brent (Courtesy photo)</figcaption>
                    </figure><p>“They're not all there, unfortunately, right
now,” Brent said. “That's something that's going to take some time and some
buffing out to do. But we'll get there, and hopefully, the audiences that enjoy
music will be able to come to 7eight5 for any local music content to be
informed and to see what's going on.”</p><p>Moving forward, he hopes to bring on more collaborators in an effort to expand their coverage.</p><p>“We're not going to be able to cover everything,”
Brent said. “When we started the original concept, the original idea was to be
kind of a collective for anybody that has some interest in music, be it journalism,
podcast or photography, to be able to submit stuff and get it published with a
focus on the local community and local music scene.”</p><p>Already the website has been creating
a buzz across the industry that has driven others to reach out to contribute.</p><p>“Which is really cool because I feel a lot
better about people that want to actually help and be a part of it, as opposed
to me coming to them and saying, ‘Oh, hey, can you help with this?’” Brent
said.</p><figure>
                        <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/6/1686346777500.jpeg" alt="Chelsea Kaundart&nbsp; (Courtesy photo)" />
                        <figcaption>Chelsea Kaundart&nbsp; (Courtesy photo)</figcaption>
                    </figure><p>While everyone currently contributes without pay,
he hopes one day, the website will generate revenue and give the group the
ability to offer compensation for their offerings.</p><p>“The current goal is just build up and build up a community of people who want to give back to this music to the community and to
the music scene,” Brent said.</p><p>And so far, he said
feedback from the efforts has been encouraging.</p><p>“Everybody that has been (on the website) has
been very positive and excited for what we have to offer,” Brent said.</p><p>For those interested in contributing to the website, email&nbsp;the7eight5@gmail.com.</p><p><i>Cover image courtesy Pixabay.</i></p>

🎙 7eight5.com amplifies local music scene with a focus on Kansas artists

<i>On this episode of Forward Ever: Leading in Challenging Times, host Gary Shorman speaks with Kayla Cullens and Roberta Myers to discuss the situation at Wilson schools&nbsp; USD 112 and the upcoming vote to disorganize the district.</i>

<div><iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/2OW7zkj0BEM" 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 Kayla Cullens and Roberta Myers to discuss the situation at Wilson schools&nbsp; USD 112 and the upcoming vote to disorganize the district.</i></p><figure>
                        <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/6/1686337406551.png" alt="" />
                        <figcaption></figcaption>
                    </figure>

Forward Ever: USD 112 disorganization vote part 1

<i>On this episode of the&nbsp;<a href="https://postpodcast.podbean.com/">Post Podcast</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.growhays.com/">Grow Hays</a>&nbsp;</i>executive director Doug Williams discusses The Grove, a housing project in Hays designed for senior living.

<div><iframe title="The Grove to provide ’right-sized’ homes for seniors in Hays" allowtransparency="true" height="450" width="100%" style="border: none; min-width: min(100%, 430px);" scrolling="no" data-name="pb-iframe-player" src="https://www.podbean.com/player-v2/?i=435bc-14276c9-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=450" allowfullscreen=""></iframe></div><p><i>On this episode of the&nbsp;<a href="https://postpodcast.podbean.com/">Post Podcast</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.growhays.com/">Grow Hays</a>&nbsp;</i>executive director Doug Williams discusses The Grove, a housing project in Hays designed for senior living.</p>

🎙 Post Podcast: The Grove to provide 'right-sized' homes for seniors in Hays

🎤 Forward Ever: State Library of Kansas director of reference Cindy Roupe

As work continues inside the home of the <a href="https://www.echshays.org/">Ellis County Historical Society</a>, 100 W.
Seventh, the group will give visitors an opportunity to see two exhibits for
free during extended summer hours.

Executive Director Amanda Rupp said she is very excited to have the museum open to the public seven days a week. 

“We are
going to be usually open almost every day, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., and then even on
Thursdays, we're going to be open until 7 p.m.," Rupp said. “If you'd like to
come to do some research and you work during the day, [you can] come to visit us during
the evening hours. We're even going to be open Saturdays and Sundays.
Sundays, we will be from 1 to 5 p.m.”

The
extended hours are thanks, in part, to additional staff, including Patty Nicholas, she
said.

<b>“</b>I was
able to hire a part-time archivist assistant, and she has been putting those
into our new Past Perfect system,” Rupp said. “So now, if you come down, and
you want to look up some family history, she's going to be able to assist you
in going through the things that we have in archives.”

She said
Court Docket books being entered now – dating back to the 1860-70s – are
particularly noteworthy.

“All
written in hand, that nice calligraphy, they are docket books about notices to
appear or criminal actions, they vary from the city of Hays to other
townships in the county,” Rupp said. “Some of them are pretty interesting to
read if you can read the calligraphy, but she's going to put those in our
system so that you don't have to thumb through them all by hand.”

Nicholas
has a history with the Fort Hays State University Forsyth Library, the Hays
Public Library and Historic Fort Hays, Rupp said.

“She's
really in her element,” Rupp said. "She knows archives in and out and how to put
those systems into order so that they can be useful to other people. I'm
excited about having her ...”

Now that
the society has been working on the archives, they plan to start going through artifacts
that will be put into a storage area to accommodate work on the upstairs of the
building.

Work on a disabled-accessible bathroom is near completion, and work on an accessible entrance is expected
later this year.

“Hopefully,
mid-fall, I think, is when they can get there with their crews,” Rupp said. “So
yeah, we just keep on moving. You blink your eyes. You're going to miss it.”

<a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/9acd7c52-251f-4e4b-90ae-281f2a884f22">That
work is being funded in part with a Heritage Trust Fund Grant awarded to the
society from the Kansas State Historic Society.</a> 

HVAC
replacement is also expected to begin this year.

Two area
students also will serve the society as interns during the summer, along with
their four staff members. The society will utilize community volunteers during work nights every
second Tuesday of the month from 6 to 8 p.m.

“One of
them is returning from last year, and she was a senior this year at Fort Hays State,”
Rupp said. “Another one is a high school student here through Hays. They both come to us through the <a href="https://www.nex-generation.org/">Next
Generation Roundup for Youth</a>
programs.”

While the new staff acclimates to their positions and
repair work is underway, the society will host two exhibitions over the summer,
including a traveling exhibit from Salina’s Smoky Hill Museum.

“It is supposed to be about
the notorious – I don't want to say outlaws – notorious people of the plains in
the Wild West era of this area,” Rupp said.

The Sternberg Firearms
Collection will again be on display, with some additions to last summer’s exhibition.

“The Sternberg Firearms Collection
got so much attention last summer that we have decided to keep it up,” Rupp
said. “It had been in storage for so long, why not keep showing it around?”

The society’s outbuildings will
be available to view as well.

“We want to get the
excitement going for our community and see what we have to offer, so please
come down and visit us,” Rupp said. “Even if you only have 30 minutes and you
want to get the kids out of the house for a minute.”

<figure>
                        <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/6/1685640084520.jpeg" alt="Photo by James Bell/Hays Post" />
                        <figcaption>Photo by James Bell/Hays Post</figcaption>
                    </figure><p><b>By JAMES BELL</b><br><i>Hays Post</i></p><p>As work continues inside the home of the <a href="https://www.echshays.org/">Ellis County Historical Society</a>, 100 W.
Seventh, the group will give visitors an opportunity to see two exhibits for
free during extended summer hours.</p><p>Executive Director Amanda Rupp said she is very excited to have the museum open to the public seven days a week. </p><div><iframe title="Ellis County Historical Society summer exhibit ushers in expanded hours" allowtransparency="true" height="450" width="100%" style="border: none; min-width: min(100%, 430px);" scrolling="no" data-name="pb-iframe-player" src="https://www.podbean.com/player-v2/?i=9er77-1420ffa-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=450" allowfullscreen=""></iframe></div><p>“We are
going to be usually open almost every day, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., and then even on
Thursdays, we're going to be open until 7 p.m.," Rupp said. “If you'd like to
come to do some research and you work during the day, [you can] come to visit us during
the evening hours. We're even going to be open Saturdays and Sundays.
Sundays, we will be from 1 to 5 p.m.”</p><p>The
extended hours are thanks, in part, to additional staff, including Patty Nicholas, she
said.</p><p><b>“</b>I was
able to hire a part-time archivist assistant, and she has been putting those
into our new Past Perfect system,” Rupp said. “So now, if you come down, and
you want to look up some family history, she's going to be able to assist you
in going through the things that we have in archives.”</p><p>She said
Court Docket books being entered now – dating back to the 1860-70s – are
particularly noteworthy.</p><figure>
                        <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/6/1685640154774.jpeg" alt="The "Notorious" exhibition is open now at the Ellis County Historical Society. Photo by James Bell/Hays Post." />
                        <figcaption>The "Notorious" exhibition is open now at the Ellis County Historical Society. Photo by James Bell/Hays Post.</figcaption>
                    </figure><p>“All
written in hand, that nice calligraphy, they are docket books about notices to
appear or criminal actions, they vary from the city of Hays to other
townships in the county,” Rupp said. “Some of them are pretty interesting to
read if you can read the calligraphy, but she's going to put those in our
system so that you don't have to thumb through them all by hand.”</p><p>Nicholas
has a history with the Fort Hays State University Forsyth Library, the Hays
Public Library and Historic Fort Hays, Rupp said.</p><p>“She's
really in her element,” Rupp said. "She knows archives in and out and how to put
those systems into order so that they can be useful to other people. I'm
excited about having her ...”</p><p>Now that
the society has been working on the archives, they plan to start going through artifacts
that will be put into a storage area to accommodate work on the upstairs of the
building.</p><p>Work on a disabled-accessible bathroom is near completion, and work on an accessible entrance is expected
later this year.</p><p>“Hopefully,
mid-fall, I think, is when they can get there with their crews,” Rupp said. “So
yeah, we just keep on moving. You blink your eyes. You're going to miss it.”</p><figure>
                        <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/6/1685640116082.jpeg" alt="Photo by James Bell/Hays Post" />
                        <figcaption>Photo by James Bell/Hays Post</figcaption>
                    </figure><p><a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/9acd7c52-251f-4e4b-90ae-281f2a884f22">That
work is being funded in part with a Heritage Trust Fund Grant awarded to the
society from the Kansas State Historic Society.</a> </p><p>HVAC
replacement is also expected to begin this year.</p><p>Two area
students also will serve the society as interns during the summer, along with
their four staff members. The society will utilize community volunteers during work nights every
second Tuesday of the month from 6 to 8 p.m.</p><p>“One of
them is returning from last year, and she was a senior this year at Fort Hays State,”
Rupp said. “Another one is a high school student here through Hays. They both come to us through the <a href="https://www.nex-generation.org/">Next
Generation Roundup for Youth</a>
programs.”</p><figure>
                        <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/6/1685641275637.jpeg" alt="Photo by James Bell/Hays Post" />
                        <figcaption>Photo by James Bell/Hays Post</figcaption>
                    </figure><p>While the new staff acclimates to their positions and
repair work is underway, the society will host two exhibitions over the summer,
including a traveling exhibit from Salina’s Smoky Hill Museum.</p><p>“It is supposed to be about
the notorious – I don't want to say outlaws – notorious people of the plains in
the Wild West era of this area,” Rupp said.</p><p>The Sternberg Firearms
Collection will again be on display, with some additions to last summer’s exhibition.</p><figure>
                        <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/5/1653503381018.jpeg" alt="Photo by James Bell/Hays Post" />
                        <figcaption>Photo by James Bell/Hays Post</figcaption>
                    </figure><p>“The Sternberg Firearms Collection
got so much attention last summer that we have decided to keep it up,” Rupp
said. “It had been in storage for so long, why not keep showing it around?”</p><p>The society’s outbuildings will
be available to view as well.</p><figure>
                        <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/6/1685640289439.jpeg" alt="Photo by James Bell/Hays Post" />
                        <figcaption>Photo by James Bell/Hays Post</figcaption>
                    </figure><p>The summer exhibitions are
free to view.</p><p>“We want to get the
excitement going for our community and see what we have to offer, so please
come down and visit us,” Rupp said. “Even if you only have 30 minutes and you
want to get the kids out of the house for a minute.”</p>

🎙 Ellis County Historical Society summer exhibit ushers in expanded hours

The Hays City Band will return this summer,
bringing musicians young and old together for a series of concerts downtown.

“It
doesn't matter if you're a person who regularly plays or if you've got an
instrument that's been sitting in a closet collecting dust, no better time to
break it out and make sure that thing still works,” said director Matt Rome,
who during the school year serves as the Hays High School band director.

Work in
other district buildings will drive rehearsals to his regular practice location.

“The
high school is where we're going to be hosting rehearsals this year,” Rome
said. “Last year, those of you may remember, we had to be at his middle school as
they were ripping the AC unit out of my ceiling. So no falling debris this time.
That'll be fun.”

And
returning to Hays High allows participants to use their band instruments, for
those in need, especially larger instruments like tubas, he said.

Like
previous years, practices will be from 7 to 9 p.m. Mondays through June.

Performances
are set for 7:30 p.m. Tuesdays on June 13, 20 and 27 in the downtown Hays pavilion
and run for around an hour.

“I just
really want to encourage anyone and everyone who's maybe been on the fence,
maybe you've come out to a concert or something and thought it might be fun to
join in, please do,” Rome said. “Just give it a shot. The beautiful thing about
the city band is it really is comprised of everything from amateurs and
students in the area all the way up to teachers and professionals. And then, of
course, everything in between.”

And
while attending the entire season of practices and performances is ideal, he
said, those who can participate for a limited time are also welcome.

So far,
those pledging to attend have created a good blend of performers from the
community.

“I think
we've got a really good mix of college students, high school students, and a handful
of middle school students are even stepping up,” Rome said. “A bunch of Fort
Hays faculty I've talked to, and it sounds like they're in. I mean, it just
sounds like it's going to be a really, really good band. And I just want as
many people to experience that as we can.”

He said
the music selections reflect the ability typical of an advanced middle school
student.

“We kind
of know that advanced middle school into like high school repertoire, we might
have one or two things that stretch just a little beyond that, but most of its going
to sit in that in that kind of range.”

“And
like last summer, what I've tried to do is pick just a really broad variety of band
literature, written as early as 1909,” Rome said. “And then up to, in fact, I
think we'll play a couple that were copywritten in 2022.

“So, a
really wide variety of really diverse variety of music, some classics, some new
things, but like I said, really trying to stick into that, that kind of generic
high school level of, of repertoire so that hopefully nobody's too stressed out
trying to sit in.”

For the
listener, that level of music also means it is enjoyable to most audiences. And
with the performances set in the pavilion, attendees will find a relaxed
atmosphere to enjoy the selections.

“People
can bring their lawn chairs and just relax and enjoy an evening of some really
quality, but easy listening band music,” Rome said.

And
while Rome will serve as the principal director, he said others will join in.

“I'm
happy to step off the podium and give some other people the chance to do that,”
Rome said.

Among those others that will take the podium are Hays High principal
Shawn Henderson, TMP band director Hector Hernandez and members of the FHSU
faculty.

If you have questions, he said he can be contacted via email at <a href="mailto:mrome2@usd489.com">mrome2@usd489.com</a>, otherwise, performers
can simply attend the rehearsals.

The Hays
High School band room can be accessed by parking in the main student parking
lot in front of the building.

“I'll
have signs to guide you in, but there's a door directly in, so you don't have
to go through the building,” Rome said.

<div><iframe title="Strike up the band: Area musicians to gather for summer sessions" allowtransparency="true" height="450" width="100%" style="border: none; min-width: min(100%, 430px);" scrolling="no" data-name="pb-iframe-player" src="https://www.podbean.com/player-v2/?i=js8bx-1411ff3-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=450" allowfullscreen=""></iframe></div><figure>
                        <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/7/1594154454880.jpeg" alt="The Downtown Pavillion at 10th and Main will host the upcoming Hays City Band concerts in June. File photo" />
                        <figcaption>The Downtown Pavillion at 10th and Main will host the upcoming Hays City Band concerts in June. File photo</figcaption>
                    </figure><p><b>By JAMES BELL</b><br><i>Hays Post</i></p><p>The Hays City Band will return this summer,
bringing musicians young and old together for a series of concerts downtown.</p><p>“It
doesn't matter if you're a person who regularly plays or if you've got an
instrument that's been sitting in a closet collecting dust, no better time to
break it out and make sure that thing still works,” said director Matt Rome,
who during the school year serves as the Hays High School band director.</p><p>Work in
other district buildings will drive rehearsals to his regular practice location.</p><p>“The
high school is where we're going to be hosting rehearsals this year,” Rome
said. “Last year, those of you may remember, we had to be at his middle school as
they were ripping the AC unit out of my ceiling. So no falling debris this time.
That'll be fun.”</p><p>And
returning to Hays High allows participants to use their band instruments, for
those in need, especially larger instruments like tubas, he said.</p><p>Like
previous years, practices will be from 7 to 9 p.m. Mondays through June.</p><p>Performances
are set for 7:30 p.m. Tuesdays on June 13, 20 and 27 in the downtown Hays pavilion
and run for around an hour.</p><p>“I just
really want to encourage anyone and everyone who's maybe been on the fence,
maybe you've come out to a concert or something and thought it might be fun to
join in, please do,” Rome said. “Just give it a shot. The beautiful thing about
the city band is it really is comprised of everything from amateurs and
students in the area all the way up to teachers and professionals. And then, of
course, everything in between.”</p><p>And
while attending the entire season of practices and performances is ideal, he
said, those who can participate for a limited time are also welcome.</p><p>So far,
those pledging to attend have created a good blend of performers from the
community.</p><p>“I think
we've got a really good mix of college students, high school students, and a handful
of middle school students are even stepping up,” Rome said. “A bunch of Fort
Hays faculty I've talked to, and it sounds like they're in. I mean, it just
sounds like it's going to be a really, really good band. And I just want as
many people to experience that as we can.”</p><p>He said
the music selections reflect the ability typical of an advanced middle school
student.</p><p>“We kind
of know that advanced middle school into like high school repertoire, we might
have one or two things that stretch just a little beyond that, but most of its going
to sit in that in that kind of range.”</p><p>“And
like last summer, what I've tried to do is pick just a really broad variety of band
literature, written as early as 1909,” Rome said. “And then up to, in fact, I
think we'll play a couple that were copywritten in 2022.</p><p>“So, a
really wide variety of really diverse variety of music, some classics, some new
things, but like I said, really trying to stick into that, that kind of generic
high school level of, of repertoire so that hopefully nobody's too stressed out
trying to sit in.”</p><p>For the
listener, that level of music also means it is enjoyable to most audiences. And
with the performances set in the pavilion, attendees will find a relaxed
atmosphere to enjoy the selections.</p><p>“People
can bring their lawn chairs and just relax and enjoy an evening of some really
quality, but easy listening band music,” Rome said.</p><p>And
while Rome will serve as the principal director, he said others will join in.</p><p>“I'm
happy to step off the podium and give some other people the chance to do that,”
Rome said.</p><p>Among those others that will take the podium are Hays High principal
Shawn Henderson, TMP band director Hector Hernandez and members of the FHSU
faculty.</p><p>If you have questions, he said he can be contacted via email at <a href="mailto:mrome2@usd489.com">mrome2@usd489.com</a>, otherwise, performers
can simply attend the rehearsals.</p><p>The Hays
High School band room can be accessed by parking in the main student parking
lot in front of the building.</p><p>“I'll
have signs to guide you in, but there's a door directly in, so you don't have
to go through the building,” Rome said.</p>