<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> president and CEO Sarah Wasinger and Hays Public Library communications coordinator Callie Kolacny discuss the upcoming Book Club sessions featuring <a href="https://www.amazon.com/When-Everyone-Leads-Toughest-Challenges/dp/1885167903" target="_blank">When everyone leads the toughest challenges get seen and solved.</a></i>

<div><iframe title="Hays Chamber and Library team up for Leadership Book Club" 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=6n2a4-14159ce-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://hayschamber.com/" target="_blank">Hays Chamber</a> president and CEO Sarah Wasinger and Hays Public Library communications coordinator Callie Kolacny discuss the upcoming Book Club sessions featuring <a href="https://www.amazon.com/When-Everyone-Leads-Toughest-Challenges/dp/1885167903" target="_blank">When everyone leads the toughest challenges get seen and solved.</a></i></p>

🎙 Post Podcast: Hays Chamber and Library team up for Leadership Book Club

On this episode of the&nbsp;<a href="https://postpodcast.podbean.com/">Post Podcast</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.fhsu.edu/" target="_blank">Fort Hays State University</a>'s Drew Gannon shares ways to take advantage of summer for health.&nbsp;&nbsp;

<div><iframe title="Warmer weather presents outdoor fitness opportunities" 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=6bpcs-1411f2c-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>On this episode of the&nbsp;<a href="https://postpodcast.podbean.com/">Post Podcast</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.fhsu.edu/" target="_blank">Fort Hays State University</a>'s Drew Gannon shares ways to take advantage of summer for health.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

🎙 Post Podcast: Warmer weather presents outdoor fitness opportunities

&nbsp;On this episode of the&nbsp;<a href="https://postpodcast.podbean.com/">Post Podcast</a>, the <a href="https://hayschamber.com/" target="_blank">Hays Chamber</a>s' new vice president of membership, Leigh Purdy and president and CEO Sarah Wasinger discuss the role of the position in the community.

Read more at <a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/a76cf850-6657-4e4a-9f35-922b8ee324c1" target="_blank">Hays Chamber announces new VP of membership</a>.

<div><iframe title="🎙 Post Podcast: Hays Chambers welcomes new VP of membership" 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=e7vx8-140f0eb-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=300" allowfullscreen=""></iframe></div><p>&nbsp;On this episode of the&nbsp;<a href="https://postpodcast.podbean.com/">Post Podcast</a>, the <a href="https://hayschamber.com/" target="_blank">Hays Chamber</a>s' new vice president of membership, Leigh Purdy and president and CEO Sarah Wasinger discuss the role of the position in the community.</p><p>Read more at <a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/a76cf850-6657-4e4a-9f35-922b8ee324c1" target="_blank">Hays Chamber announces new VP of membership</a>.</p>

🎙 Post Podcast: Hays Chambers welcomes new VP of membership

On this episode of the&nbsp;<a href="https://postpodcast.podbean.com/">Post Podcast</a>,<a href="https://www.hfehays.org/"> Holy Family Elementary</a> principal Rachel Wentling discusses the end of the school year and the preparations for next year.

<div><iframe title="Holy Family Elementary wraps school year" 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=cggbj-140cf68-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" allowfullscreen=""></iframe></div><p>On this episode of the&nbsp;<a href="https://postpodcast.podbean.com/">Post Podcast</a>,<a href="https://www.hfehays.org/"> Holy Family Elementary</a> principal Rachel Wentling discusses the end of the school year and the preparations for next year.</p>

🎙 Post Podcast: Holy Family Elementary wraps school year

On this episode of the&nbsp;<a href="https://postpodcast.podbean.com/">Post Podcast</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.growhays.com/" target="_blank">Grow Hays</a> executive director Doug Williams shares updates on area projects.&nbsp;&nbsp;

<p>On this episode of the&nbsp;<a href="https://postpodcast.podbean.com/">Post Podcast</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.growhays.com/" target="_blank">Grow Hays</a> executive director Doug Williams shares updates on area projects.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p><div><iframe title="Grow Hays director shares area project updates" 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=ch9rf-1408cd7-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>

🎙 Post Podcast: Grow Hays director shares area project updates

As the Cottonwood Extension District
completed its Walk Kansas programing, a part of the program will be featured at
an upcoming community event.

MED instead of MEDS, a program
that helps introduce the health benefits of a Mediterranean diet, will be
featured at noon, May 24, at the extension district office at 601 Main.

<b>“</b>We have had
some good discussions after the webinars and taste-tested a few recipes,” said family
and consumer wellness agent Monique Koerner.

The program was featured in watch
parties during Walk Kansas, and Koerner said she hopes to spur additional
interest with the upcoming session.

“To kind
of wrap up Walk Kansas, we're going to be doing a Mediterranean taste-testing
party,” she said. “The MED instead of MEDS program is basically focusing on
your diet.”

The program
helps participants focus on healthy eating, which can stave off the need for
medical interventions.

“Some of
those things that they have included is, for instance, eating lots of fruits
and vegetables,” Koerner said. “Research shows that if you have nine or more servings
of fruits and vegetables, it results in a 60 percent reduction in
cardiovascular disease.”

She said
the significant impact could be a motivator to try the diet.

“More
aspects of the program are eating whole grains, eating more fish and seafood,
eating nuts and seeds for snacks, replacing solid fats with olive oil, using
herbs and spices,” Koerner said. “And then, of course, they also throw in there
things like physical activity, enjoying your meals, really focusing on family
and friends and slowing down the mindful eating and then limiting sugar.”

The
webinars provided different focuses, with practical ways to incorporate a Mediterranean
diet.

“Sometimes
it can be overwhelming when we think about having to change our whole diet,”
Koerner said. “But really, you can take bits and pieces out of this. And I
think it's important to maybe try smaller steps along the way rather than
trying to overhaul everything in our lives all at once. Because then it gets
overwhelming. And we tend to slide back into our old routines.”

Overall
the program provided a continuum for users to follow.

<b>“I</b>t's not
that you have to do this or have to do that,” Koerner said. “It's a look at
your whole menu and where could you maybe stick a few more, fish meals, or
maybe switch up your snacks to eat a fruit or a vegetable or nuts or seeds, rather
than some of those sweet treats.”

“It's
eat more of this and less of this. So, it's not like you have to cut a certain
thing out of your diet. And I think That's where we kind of get into trouble
too. If we remove all of the good things out of our diet, or we remove certain
food crew or something we like, then we tend to fall back the other way, when
we have a little bit of stress or some little hiccup in life happens.”

Other topics
include meal planning, using leftovers, reducing food waste and portion sizes, she
said.

And Koerner
will present some of the best “tips, tricks and hacks,” she said during the
upcoming event.

RSVPs
are required and can be made by contacting the Cottonwood Extension District at
(785) 628-9430.

<div><iframe title="Area residents offered opportunity to explore MED instead of Meds" 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=f7bpj-140736f-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=300" allowfullscreen=""></iframe></div><p><b>By JAMES BELL</b><br><i>Hays Post</i></p><p>As the Cottonwood Extension District
completed its Walk Kansas programing, a part of the program will be featured at
an upcoming community event.</p><p>MED instead of MEDS, a program
that helps introduce the health benefits of a Mediterranean diet, will be
featured at noon, May 24, at the extension district office at 601 Main.</p><p><b>“</b>We have had
some good discussions after the webinars and taste-tested a few recipes,” said family
and consumer wellness agent Monique Koerner.</p><p>The program was featured in watch
parties during Walk Kansas, and Koerner said she hopes to spur additional
interest with the upcoming session.</p><p>“To kind
of wrap up Walk Kansas, we're going to be doing a Mediterranean taste-testing
party,” she said. “The MED instead of MEDS program is basically focusing on
your diet.”</p><p>The program
helps participants focus on healthy eating, which can stave off the need for
medical interventions.</p><figure>
                        <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/5/1683829012182.jpeg" alt="Courtesy image" />
                        <figcaption>Courtesy image</figcaption>
                    </figure><p>“Some of
those things that they have included is, for instance, eating lots of fruits
and vegetables,” Koerner said. “Research shows that if you have nine or more servings
of fruits and vegetables, it results in a 60 percent reduction in
cardiovascular disease.”</p><p>She said
the significant impact could be a motivator to try the diet.</p><p>“More
aspects of the program are eating whole grains, eating more fish and seafood,
eating nuts and seeds for snacks, replacing solid fats with olive oil, using
herbs and spices,” Koerner said. “And then, of course, they also throw in there
things like physical activity, enjoying your meals, really focusing on family
and friends and slowing down the mindful eating and then limiting sugar.”</p><p>The
webinars provided different focuses, with practical ways to incorporate a Mediterranean
diet.</p><p>“Sometimes
it can be overwhelming when we think about having to change our whole diet,”
Koerner said. “But really, you can take bits and pieces out of this. And I
think it's important to maybe try smaller steps along the way rather than
trying to overhaul everything in our lives all at once. Because then it gets
overwhelming. And we tend to slide back into our old routines.”</p><p>Overall
the program provided a continuum for users to follow.</p><p><b>“I</b>t's not
that you have to do this or have to do that,” Koerner said. “It's a look at
your whole menu and where could you maybe stick a few more, fish meals, or
maybe switch up your snacks to eat a fruit or a vegetable or nuts or seeds, rather
than some of those sweet treats.”</p><p>“It's
eat more of this and less of this. So, it's not like you have to cut a certain
thing out of your diet. And I think That's where we kind of get into trouble
too. If we remove all of the good things out of our diet, or we remove certain
food crew or something we like, then we tend to fall back the other way, when
we have a little bit of stress or some little hiccup in life happens.”</p><p>Other topics
include meal planning, using leftovers, reducing food waste and portion sizes, she
said.</p><p>And Koerner
will present some of the best “tips, tricks and hacks,” she said during the
upcoming event.</p><p>RSVPs
are required and can be made by contacting the Cottonwood Extension District at
(785) 628-9430.</p><figure>
                        <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/5/1683828383563.jpg" alt="Courtesy Pixabay" />
                        <figcaption>Courtesy Pixabay</figcaption>
                    </figure>

🎙 Area residents offered opportunity to explore MED instead of MEDS

On this episode of the&nbsp;<a href="https://postpodcast.podbean.com/">Post Podcast&nbsp;</a><a href="https://www.fhsu.edu/" target="_blank">Fort Hays State University</a>&nbsp;professor of finance Tom Johansen and Alumni Association alumni engagement strategist Carolyn Tatro discuss the FHSU <a href="https://www.bloomberg.com/professional/solution/bloomberg-terminal/" target="_blank">Bloomberg Terminals.</a>&nbsp;

<a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/de9a0ea1-8a21-4c96-8e55-5b5279f9e3d5">Read more- Anonymous donations provide Bloomberg Terminals to FHSU</a>

<div><iframe title="Bloomberg terminals help give FHSU students real world experience" 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=xf8fx-1407354-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>On this episode of the&nbsp;<a href="https://postpodcast.podbean.com/">Post Podcast&nbsp;</a><a href="https://www.fhsu.edu/" target="_blank">Fort Hays State University</a>&nbsp;professor of finance Tom Johansen and Alumni Association alumni engagement strategist Carolyn Tatro discuss the FHSU <a href="https://www.bloomberg.com/professional/solution/bloomberg-terminal/" target="_blank">Bloomberg Terminals.</a>&nbsp;</p><p><a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/de9a0ea1-8a21-4c96-8e55-5b5279f9e3d5">Read more- Anonymous donations provide Bloomberg Terminals to FHSU</a></p>

🎙 Post Podcast: Bloomberg terminals help give FHSU students real world experience

On this episode of the&nbsp;<a href="https://postpodcast.podbean.com/">Post Podcast&nbsp;</a><a href="https://www.fhsu.edu/" target="_blank">Fort Hays State University </a>president Tisa Mason and chief communication officer, Scott Cason discuss the President's Innovation Grants.&nbsp;&nbsp;

<div><iframe title="FHSU President’s Innovation Grants announced" 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=nxs2w-13fdc11-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>On this episode of the&nbsp;<a href="https://postpodcast.podbean.com/">Post Podcast&nbsp;</a><a href="https://www.fhsu.edu/" target="_blank">Fort Hays State University </a>president Tisa Mason and chief communication officer, Scott Cason discuss the President's Innovation Grants.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

🎙 Post Podcast: FHSU President's Innovation Grants announced

On this episode of the&nbsp;<a href="https://postpodcast.podbean.com/">Post Podcast&nbsp;</a><a href="https://www.growhays.com/" target="_blank">Grow Hays</a> executive director Doug Williams discusses the Grow Hays 2022 Annual Report.&nbsp;&nbsp;

<div><iframe title="Grow Hays 2022 annual report out now" 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=exj77-13fdbb7-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>On this episode of the&nbsp;<a href="https://postpodcast.podbean.com/">Post Podcast&nbsp;</a><a href="https://www.growhays.com/" target="_blank">Grow Hays</a> executive director Doug Williams discusses the Grow Hays 2022 Annual Report.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

🎙 Post Podcast: Grow Hays 2022 annual report out now

On this episode of the&nbsp;<a href="https://postpodcast.podbean.com/">Post Podcast&nbsp;</a><a href="https://www.usd489.com/o/hays-high" target="_blank">Hays High</a> assistant principal Fred Winter discuss end-of-the-year plans at the school.&nbsp;&nbsp;

<div><iframe title="Hays High prepares for graduation as school year wraps" 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=7pv7s-13fdd06-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>On this episode of the&nbsp;<a href="https://postpodcast.podbean.com/">Post Podcast&nbsp;</a><a href="https://www.usd489.com/o/hays-high" target="_blank">Hays High</a> assistant principal Fred Winter discuss end-of-the-year plans at the school.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

🎙 Post Podcast: Hays High prepares for graduation as school year wraps

<i>On this episode of Forward Ever: Leading in Challenging Times, host Gary Shorman speaks with First Care Clinic medical director Christine Fisher.</i><br>

<div><iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/uYEFnAY2uu8" 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 First Care Clinic medical director Christine Fisher.</i><br></p>

🎤 Forward Ever: First Care Clinic medical director Christine Fisher

Last
week six area residents were presented with the opportunity to share their business
ideas with a panel of judges at <a href="https://www.growhays.com/">Grow Hays</a>’ Pitch It event.

Six
ideas were presented during the event at BriefSpace, the Grow Hays-operated
co-working space in downtown Hays.

“It
was a great event. It really came off better than I ever would have thought,”
said Doug Williams, Grow Hays executive director. “We had some great
participants and some young people with good ideas and good work ethics. And it
was really great to see.”

“The
event was&nbsp;a competition for prospective startups or existing business
owners to present their business idea to three judges and an audience,” according
to a release from Grow Hays. “The six ‘pitches’ consisted of a five-minute oral
presentation followed by three minutes of Q and A similar to a ‘Shark Tank’
presentation.”

Judges
included <a href="https://www.networkkansas.com/">Network Kansas</a>’ Christy Preston, <a href="https://www.kansassbdc.net/">Kansas Small Business Development
Center</a>’s Laurie Pieper and Ameriprise Financial Services’ Michael Schaeffer.

“Prizes were funded by the Robert E. Schmidt Entrepreneurship
Series sponsored by <a href="https://schmidtfoundation.net/">Robert E. and Patricia A. Schmidt Foundation </a>and Network
Kansas,” according to Grow Hays.

Initially, two cash prizes were set to be awarded, but during the event, Network Kansas
decided to include a third-place prize of $250.&nbsp;

Taking
first place was Trevor Fischer with his idea for TKO, Total Knock Out Fighting
Arcade. As envisioned, the business would be a location that
includes training support and a space for those interested in learning and
developing arcade fighting game skills.

While
his idea came out on top, Fisher said he only developed it for the event recently.

“I didn't
really know about this until about a month and a half ago, and I kind of had a
vague idea of something, I think, could really have a positive impact in the community, especially for the high school and college-age people,” he said.

Fisher
said arcade fighting games have helped bring him closer to friends and
associates and could be a benefit to others.

“That's
just something I wanted to expand on in the Hays community and give people an
opportunity to get that sense of community and feeling love, improving, and
just grow stronger together,” Fisher said.

And while
the idea took the top prize, launching the concept would require a bit more
work.

“I might need a little bit more for what I'm looking to do, but it's a good start,” Fisher said. “A $1,000 isn't really anything to
scoff at, so here's hoping that one day my idea comes to fruition.”

Taking the second-place prize was another conceptual idea, RanchEd.
Presented by Tanner Werth, the platform would be a system to help ag producers
connect to resources.

Third place was awarded to Wyatt Kirkpatrick and Carter
Lang with Pressure Pros, an already existing business in Hays.

While the competition was open to the general public, all participants
were high-school to college age.

“That's what's really kind of
cool when you see this stuff, as you've got some young people who are actually
out there doing things,” Williams said. “A couple of guys who had a power washing
business that is out there, doing jobs, power washing fences, or driveways, or
whatever it might be.&nbsp; A lot of them are actually out doing what
they are presenting for

 “It's exciting to
see that as we continue to try and build this culture locally of
entrepreneurship because we feel it's so important. It's really great to see that
there are actually kids and people out there doing things, starting businesses
and serving needs within the community.”

Williams said a culture of entrepreneurship
is vital to maintaining a growing and stable area economy.

“When we
look at our community, and we talk about the economic environment today,
really in a lot of places, we really are not in a position to recruit a company
to our community that's going to employ 200 people,” Williams said. “We just
don't have the people.”

But when
a business grows organically, it will mold to meet a community's needs and take
advantage of resources that are available.

“Entrepreneurship
becomes very important because we need to grow our own and have companies that
can start small, and then grow organically over time and add people
incrementally as opposed to these big one-time hits,” Williams said. “We'd love
to have them, but I just don't know how we would handle these large one-time
hits. Entrepreneurship becomes very important.”

He
added the area is lucky to have resources that create homegrown businesses.

“We're
very fortunate in Ellis County,” Williams said. "<a href="https://www.fhsu.edu/">Fort Hays State </a>has a lot of
entrepreneurial type of activities ..."

<figure>
                        <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/5/1683051876709.jpeg" alt="Chris Henderson opens his pitch for DJ service <a href="https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100067864911624&amp;locale=hi_IN">True2You</a> with a short performance. Photo by James Bell/Hays Post" />
                        <figcaption>Chris Henderson opens his pitch for DJ service <a href="https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100067864911624&amp;locale=hi_IN">True2You</a> with a short performance. Photo by James Bell/Hays Post</figcaption>
                    </figure><p><b>By JAMES BELL</b><br><i>Hays Post</i></p><p>Last
week six area residents were presented with the opportunity to share their business
ideas with a panel of judges at <a href="https://www.growhays.com/">Grow Hays</a>’ Pitch It event.</p><p>Six
ideas were presented during the event at BriefSpace, the Grow Hays-operated
co-working space in downtown Hays.</p><div><iframe title="Grow Hays Pitch It event generates entrepreneurial ideas" 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=3gf56-13f9cdc-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"></iframe></div><p>“It
was a great event. It really came off better than I ever would have thought,”
said Doug Williams, Grow Hays executive director. “We had some great
participants and some young people with good ideas and good work ethics. And it
was really great to see.”</p><p>“The
event was&nbsp;a competition for prospective startups or existing business
owners to present their business idea to three judges and an audience,” according
to a release from Grow Hays. “The six ‘pitches’ consisted of a five-minute oral
presentation followed by three minutes of Q and A similar to a ‘Shark Tank’
presentation.”</p><figure>
                        <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/5/1683051725322.jpeg" alt="Pitch It judges and participants&nbsp;Photo by James Bell/Hays Post" />
                        <figcaption>Pitch It judges and participants&nbsp;Photo by James Bell/Hays Post</figcaption>
                    </figure><p>Judges
included <a href="https://www.networkkansas.com/">Network Kansas</a>’ Christy Preston, <a href="https://www.kansassbdc.net/">Kansas Small Business Development
Center</a>’s Laurie Pieper and Ameriprise Financial Services’ Michael Schaeffer.</p><p>“Prizes were funded by the Robert E. Schmidt Entrepreneurship
Series sponsored by <a href="https://schmidtfoundation.net/">Robert E. and Patricia A. Schmidt Foundation </a>and Network
Kansas,” according to Grow Hays.</p><p>Initially, two cash prizes were set to be awarded, but during the event, Network Kansas
decided to include a third-place prize of $250.&nbsp;</p><figure>
                        <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/5/1683051752221.jpeg" alt="Pitch It event winner Trevor Fischer with Grow Hays executive director Doug Willaims (left) and director of business development and special projects James Robben (right).&nbsp;Photo by James Bell/Hays Post" />
                        <figcaption>Pitch It event winner Trevor Fischer with Grow Hays executive director Doug Willaims (left) and director of business development and special projects James Robben (right).&nbsp;Photo by James Bell/Hays Post</figcaption>
                    </figure><p>Taking
first place was Trevor Fischer with his idea for TKO, Total Knock Out Fighting
Arcade. As envisioned, the business would be a location that
includes training support and a space for those interested in learning and
developing arcade fighting game skills.</p><p>He
was awarded a $1,000 cash prize.</p><p>While
his idea came out on top, Fisher said he only developed it for the event recently.</p><p>“I didn't
really know about this until about a month and a half ago, and I kind of had a
vague idea of something, I think, could really have a positive impact in the community, especially for the high school and college-age people,” he said.</p><p>Fisher
said arcade fighting games have helped bring him closer to friends and
associates and could be a benefit to others.</p><figure>
                        <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/5/1683051814549.jpeg" alt="Pitch It winner Trevor Fischer describes his idea,&nbsp;TKO, Total Knock Out Fighting Arcade, to the judges.&nbsp;Photo by James Bell/Hays Post" />
                        <figcaption>Pitch It winner Trevor Fischer describes his idea,&nbsp;TKO, Total Knock Out Fighting Arcade, to the judges.&nbsp;Photo by James Bell/Hays Post</figcaption>
                    </figure><p>“That's
just something I wanted to expand on in the Hays community and give people an
opportunity to get that sense of community and feeling love, improving, and
just grow stronger together,” Fisher said.</p><p>And while
the idea took the top prize, launching the concept would require a bit more
work.</p><p>“I might need a little bit more for what I'm looking to do, but it's a good start,” Fisher said. “A $1,000 isn't really anything to
scoff at, so here's hoping that one day my idea comes to fruition.”</p><p>Taking the second-place prize was another conceptual idea, RanchEd.
Presented by Tanner Werth, the platform would be a system to help ag producers
connect to resources.</p><figure>
                        <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/5/1683051850635.jpeg" alt="Second-place winner Tanner Werth describes his idea, RanchEd.&nbsp;Photo by James Bell/Hays Post" />
                        <figcaption>Second-place winner Tanner Werth describes his idea, RanchEd.&nbsp;Photo by James Bell/Hays Post</figcaption>
                    </figure><p>Third place was awarded to Wyatt Kirkpatrick and Carter
Lang with Pressure Pros, an already existing business in Hays.</p><figure>
                        <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/5/1683051838005.jpeg" alt="Third-place winners Wyatt Kirkpatrick and Carter Lang describe their business idea to expand Pressure Pros.&nbsp;Photo by James Bell/Hays Post" />
                        <figcaption>Third-place winners Wyatt Kirkpatrick and Carter Lang describe their business idea to expand Pressure Pros.&nbsp;Photo by James Bell/Hays Post</figcaption>
                    </figure><p>While the competition was open to the general public, all participants
were high-school to college age.</p><p>“That's what's really kind of
cool when you see this stuff, as you've got some young people who are actually
out there doing things,” Williams said. “A couple of guys who had a power washing
business that is out there, doing jobs, power washing fences, or driveways, or
whatever it might be.&nbsp; A lot of them are actually out doing what
they are presenting for</p><p> “It's exciting to
see that as we continue to try and build this culture locally of
entrepreneurship because we feel it's so important. It's really great to see that
there are actually kids and people out there doing things, starting businesses
and serving needs within the community.”</p><figure>
                        <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/5/1683051861963.jpeg" alt="Edgar Garcia speaks about his idea, Your Future Leaders.&nbsp;Photo by James Bell/Hays Post" />
                        <figcaption>Edgar Garcia speaks about his idea, Your Future Leaders.&nbsp;Photo by James Bell/Hays Post</figcaption>
                    </figure><p>Williams said a culture of entrepreneurship
is vital to maintaining a growing and stable area economy.</p><p>“When we
look at our community, and we talk about the economic environment today,
really in a lot of places, we really are not in a position to recruit a company
to our community that's going to employ 200 people,” Williams said. “We just
don't have the people.”</p><p>But when
a business grows organically, it will mold to meet a community's needs and take
advantage of resources that are available.</p><p>“Entrepreneurship
becomes very important because we need to grow our own and have companies that
can start small, and then grow organically over time and add people
incrementally as opposed to these big one-time hits,” Williams said. “We'd love
to have them, but I just don't know how we would handle these large one-time
hits. Entrepreneurship becomes very important.”</p><p>He
added the area is lucky to have resources that create homegrown businesses.</p><p>“We're
very fortunate in Ellis County,” Williams said. "<a href="https://www.fhsu.edu/">Fort Hays State </a>has a lot of
entrepreneurial type of activities ..."</p><figure>
                        <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/5/1683051787803.jpeg" alt="Pitch It participants await the judges' decision.&nbsp;Photo by James Bell/Hays Post" />
                        <figcaption>Pitch It participants await the judges' decision.&nbsp;Photo by James Bell/Hays Post</figcaption>
                    </figure><figure>
                        <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/5/1683051886883.jpeg" alt="Evyn Cox describes her idea, Between Us Kids.&nbsp;Photo by James Bell/Hays Post" />
                        <figcaption>Evyn Cox describes her idea, Between Us Kids.&nbsp;Photo by James Bell/Hays Post</figcaption>
                    </figure>

🎙 Grow Hays' Pitch It event generates entrepreneurial ideas

The Fort
Hays State University Department of Music and Theatre is wrapping up its year
with a series of concerts.

Kicking
off the events this week was the New Music Festival, which began Friday and will
conclude Saturday with an “evening of the music of Katherine Bergman,”
according to an FHSU announcement.

“Bergman&nbsp;is a
Minnesota-based composer who draws on environmentalism and literature to create
music described as hypnotic and visceral,” the announcement said. “She has
received commissions and performances from leading ensembles throughout the
United States and abroad.”&nbsp;

The New Music Festival
concert is set for 7:30 p.m. Saturday in the Beach/Schmidt Performing Arts
Center.

Her performance will feature the world premiere of&nbsp;“An
Absence of Silence”&nbsp;for violin, cello, piano and bass clarinet,
commissioned by the FHSU New Music Ensemble, comprised of FHSU instructors that “share
a passion for the music of living composers.”

At 2:30 p.m. Sunday, FHSU senior Kathryn Walters will
perform her senior vocal performance in Palmer Hall.

FHSU choirs will next take the stage for the annual Choirs
Concert at 7:30 p.m. on Tuesday in the
Beach/Schmidt Performing Arts Center.

“We call it our Masterworks Concert
and start off with the Fort Hays Singers doing a folksy eight-movement piece
called Southern Grace,” said FHSU director of choral activities, Terry Crull. 

The Smoky Hill Choral will
follow with Schubert's famous Mass in G, he said.

“And then the Concert Choir is
going to finish with one of my favorite works, 'Frostiana,' the poetry of Robert
Frost, set by Randall Thompson, one of my favorite composers,” Crull said. 

He said the concert will run less
than 90 minutes and is a “nice concert, great way to end the year.”

The FHSU Bands Concert will
take the stage at 7:30 p.m. Thursday under the direction of Peter Lillpopp, director
of bands, in the Beach/Schmidt Performing Arts Center.

And wrapping up the week the calendar
is the Junior Music Recital of Jackson Scott and Julia Long in Palmer Hall at
7:30 p.m. Friday.

For the full FHSU Department
of Music and Theatre calendar, visit the <a href="https://www.fhsu.edu/music-and-theatre/arts-calendar">FHSU website</a>.

<figure>
                        <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/1/1578078090893.jpeg" alt="" />
                        <figcaption></figcaption>
                    </figure><p><b>By JAMES BELL</b><br><i>Hays Post</i></p><div><iframe title="FHSU Music and Theater wraps year with a week of events" 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=2sudy-13f44f9-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"></iframe></div><p>The Fort
Hays State University Department of Music and Theatre is wrapping up its year
with a series of concerts.</p><p>Kicking
off the events this week was the New Music Festival, which began Friday and will
conclude Saturday with an “evening of the music of Katherine Bergman,”
according to an FHSU announcement.</p><p>“Bergman&nbsp;is a
Minnesota-based composer who draws on environmentalism and literature to create
music described as hypnotic and visceral,” the announcement said. “She has
received commissions and performances from leading ensembles throughout the
United States and abroad.”&nbsp;</p><p>The New Music Festival
concert is set for 7:30 p.m. Saturday in the Beach/Schmidt Performing Arts
Center.</p><p>Her performance will feature the world premiere of&nbsp;“An
Absence of Silence”&nbsp;for violin, cello, piano and bass clarinet,
commissioned by the FHSU New Music Ensemble, comprised of FHSU instructors that “share
a passion for the music of living composers.”</p><p>At 2:30 p.m. Sunday, FHSU senior Kathryn Walters will
perform her senior vocal performance in Palmer Hall.</p><p>FHSU choirs will next take the stage for the annual Choirs
Concert at 7:30 p.m. on Tuesday in the
Beach/Schmidt Performing Arts Center.</p><p>“We call it our Masterworks Concert
and start off with the Fort Hays Singers doing a folksy eight-movement piece
called Southern Grace,” said FHSU director of choral activities, Terry Crull. </p><p>The Smoky Hill Choral will
follow with Schubert's famous Mass in G, he said.</p><p>“And then the Concert Choir is
going to finish with one of my favorite works, 'Frostiana,' the poetry of Robert
Frost, set by Randall Thompson, one of my favorite composers,” Crull said. </p><p>He said the concert will run less
than 90 minutes and is a “nice concert, great way to end the year.”</p><p>The FHSU Bands Concert will
take the stage at 7:30 p.m. Thursday under the direction of Peter Lillpopp, director
of bands, in the Beach/Schmidt Performing Arts Center.</p><p>And wrapping up the week the calendar
is the Junior Music Recital of Jackson Scott and Julia Long in Palmer Hall at
7:30 p.m. Friday.</p><p>For the full FHSU Department
of Music and Theatre calendar, visit the <a href="https://www.fhsu.edu/music-and-theatre/arts-calendar">FHSU website</a>.</p>

🎙 New Music Festival underway as FHSU Music, Theatre wraps year with performance-filled week

<i>On this episode of Forward Ever: Leading in Challenging Times host Gary Shorman speaks with Ellis County Historical Society executive director Amanda Rupp.</i>

<div><iframe title="Forward Ever: Ellis Co. Historical Society director Amanda Rupp" 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=69n9d-13f4124-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"></iframe></div><p><i>On this episode of Forward Ever: Leading in Challenging Times host Gary Shorman speaks with Ellis County Historical Society executive director Amanda Rupp.</i></p>

🎤 Forward Ever: Ellis Co. Historical Society director Amanda Rupp

&nbsp; On this episode of the <a href="https://postpodcast.podbean.com/">Post Podcast&nbsp;</a><a href="https://www.hctks.com/" target="_blank">Hays Community Theatre's</a>&nbsp;<a href="https://www.folger.edu/explore/shakespeares-works/the-comedy-of-errors/" target="_blank"><i>Comedy of Errors</i></a> director Adam Conkey shares details of the upcoming performance.&nbsp;&nbsp;

<div><iframe title="Hays Community Theatre set to perform Shakespeare’s Comedy of Errors April 27-29" 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=a5a3s-13f176d-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><figure>
                        <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/4/1682524767191.jpeg" alt="" />
                        <figcaption></figcaption>
                    </figure><p>&nbsp; On this episode of the <a href="https://postpodcast.podbean.com/">Post Podcast&nbsp;</a><a href="https://www.hctks.com/" target="_blank">Hays Community Theatre's</a>&nbsp;<a href="https://www.folger.edu/explore/shakespeares-works/the-comedy-of-errors/" target="_blank"><i>Comedy of Errors</i></a> director Adam Conkey shares details of the upcoming performance.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

🎙 Post Podcast: Hays Community Theatre set to perform Shakespeare's 'Comedy of Errors'

The
annual spring Art Walk is again set to return to downtown Hays on April 29. 

Following
the format adopted during the pandemic, the event is scheduled from 10 a.m. to
4 p.m. with participants throughout downtown and beyond.

“Going
from 10 to four instead of a three-hour evening does give people more time to
get around,” said Arts Council executive director Brenda Meder.

The
expanded time frame allows participants to explore exhibitions outside the core
downtown area more easily.

“Plus,
it's a really awesome way to support, in general, the downtown,” Meder said.
“When people are down there all day looking around at the art, they're also
going to hit a restaurant or coffee shop or wine bar, they're going to hit some
of the little awesome boutique stores that we have in downtown Hays that
usually can't be on the Artwalk just for space constraints.”

Again
anchoring the Spring Art Walk is the Smoky Hill Exhibition inside the Hays
Arts Center, 112 E. 11th.

This
year will mark the 54th anniversary of the exhibition, the oldest juried fine
art exhibition in the state. Cash awards totaling $3,000 are set to be given
out.

“It's a
big deal,” Meder said. “And, in fact, we'll have a patron reception the night
before.”

While
various artistic stylings will be available during the day, Meder said it will
also mark the first opportunity to view interior expansion going on work at the
<a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/01a6c66f-a594-456c-ac04-bc6172a512fe">First Care Clinic</a>, 1301 Main. 

“They've
got all the major construction work and things done,” Meder said. “And they
said this is a great time to share our space and let people see what we're
going to be about. So, it's not open for their business yet, but they're going
to be on the Artwalk. And so that's really cool.”

The day
will also be an opportunity to explore the recently opened <a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/96919371-593d-482a-8dec-5e5b23ed7638">Blue Light Body Arts</a>, after moving and reopening under a new name.

“If
you've always wanted to check it out, or maybe talk to somebody and just see what
goes on, they're going to be open that day 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. with some great
art,” Meder said.

Participants can find a full list of the participating locations on the Hays Arts Council's website,&nbsp;<a href="https://haysartscouncil.org/">haysartscouncil.org</a>,&nbsp;where she said a printable form can be found.

"You can
just print it out on good old paper if you want to walk around with it," Meder said. "Otherwise, pull it up on your device as you're trekking around the community."

With it, Meder said, "You will be able to plan your strategy. And check out all these locations
by the end of this weekend. So you've got a whole week to see what's going on."

 And with the full day of events, she said it is an opportunity to experience the Art Walk with those that may traditionally struggle with large crowds.

"This
has such a spread of time, and there is no congestion anywhere because of the
way the day is set up," Meder said. "Still tons and tons of visitors. But there's never some
major congestion. And so this is a good day for everyone to come out and enjoy
our downtown overall. But where the arts are the focus and the foundation of a
really wonderful day for our community."

<figure>
                        <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/4/1682447351615.jpeg" alt="" />
                        <figcaption></figcaption>
                    </figure><p><b>By JAMES BELL</b><br><i>Hays Post</i></p><p>The
annual spring Art Walk is again set to return to downtown Hays on April 29. </p><p>Following
the format adopted during the pandemic, the event is scheduled from 10 a.m. to
4 p.m. with participants throughout downtown and beyond.</p><p>“Going
from 10 to four instead of a three-hour evening does give people more time to
get around,” said Arts Council executive director Brenda Meder.</p><div><iframe title="Hays Art Council’s Spring Art Walk returns for full day event April 29" 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=xsv6p-13f01de-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><p>The
expanded time frame allows participants to explore exhibitions outside the core
downtown area more easily.</p><p>“Plus,
it's a really awesome way to support, in general, the downtown,” Meder said.
“When people are down there all day looking around at the art, they're also
going to hit a restaurant or coffee shop or wine bar, they're going to hit some
of the little awesome boutique stores that we have in downtown Hays that
usually can't be on the Artwalk just for space constraints.”</p><p>Again
anchoring the Spring Art Walk is the Smoky Hill Exhibition inside the Hays
Arts Center, 112 E. 11th.</p><figure>
                        <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/4/1682447401416.jpeg" alt="" />
                        <figcaption></figcaption>
                    </figure><p>This
year will mark the 54th anniversary of the exhibition, the oldest juried fine
art exhibition in the state. Cash awards totaling $3,000 are set to be given
out.</p><p>“It's a
big deal,” Meder said. “And, in fact, we'll have a patron reception the night
before.”</p><p>While
various artistic stylings will be available during the day, Meder said it will
also mark the first opportunity to view interior expansion going on work at the
<a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/01a6c66f-a594-456c-ac04-bc6172a512fe">First Care Clinic</a>, 1301 Main. </p><p>“They've
got all the major construction work and things done,” Meder said. “And they
said this is a great time to share our space and let people see what we're
going to be about. So, it's not open for their business yet, but they're going
to be on the Artwalk. And so that's really cool.”</p><figure>
                        <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/4/1682447417903.jpeg" alt="" />
                        <figcaption></figcaption>
                    </figure><p>The day
will also be an opportunity to explore the recently opened <a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/96919371-593d-482a-8dec-5e5b23ed7638">Blue Light Body Arts</a>, after moving and reopening under a new name.</p><p>“If
you've always wanted to check it out, or maybe talk to somebody and just see what
goes on, they're going to be open that day 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. with some great
art,” Meder said.</p><figure>
                        <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/4/1682448117682.jpeg" alt="" />
                        <figcaption></figcaption>
                    </figure><p>Participants can find a full list of the participating locations on the Hays Arts Council's website,&nbsp;<a href="https://haysartscouncil.org/">haysartscouncil.org</a>,&nbsp;where she said a printable form can be found.</p><p>"You can
just print it out on good old paper if you want to walk around with it," Meder said. "Otherwise, pull it up on your device as you're trekking around the community."</p><p>With it, Meder said, "You will be able to plan your strategy. And check out all these locations
by the end of this weekend. So you've got a whole week to see what's going on."</p><figure>
                        <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/4/1682447384261.jpeg" alt="" />
                        <figcaption></figcaption>
                    </figure><p> And with the full day of events, she said it is an opportunity to experience the Art Walk with those that may traditionally struggle with large crowds.</p><p>"This
has such a spread of time, and there is no congestion anywhere because of the
way the day is set up," Meder said. "Still tons and tons of visitors. But there's never some
major congestion. And so this is a good day for everyone to come out and enjoy
our downtown overall. But where the arts are the focus and the foundation of a
really wonderful day for our community."</p><figure>
                        <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/4/1682447369980.jpeg" alt="" />
                        <figcaption></figcaption>
                    </figure><figure>
                        <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/4/1682447337931.jpeg" alt="" />
                        <figcaption></figcaption>
                    </figure>

🎙 Hays Art Council's Spring Art Walk returns for full-day event April 29

<i>On this episode of the <a href="https://postpodcast.podbean.com/e/first-care-expands-in-downtown-hays-supports-chamber-auction/">Post Podcast</a> <a href="https://www.firstcareclinic.com/" target="_blank">First Care Clinic</a> CEO Eric Flax and <a href="https://hayschamber.com/" target="_blank">Hays Chamber</a> CEO Sarah Wasinger discuss First Care, their expansion efforts and sponsorship of the upcoming Chamber auction.</i>

<a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/a39d594d-7c74-4d0b-ab1e-56b5b0ad5d65" target="_blank">First Care Clinic announces new chief executive officer</a><br><a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/bfe05465-f772-4016-bbde-e34f2754635e" target="_blank">First Care Clinic acquires Hess Clinic</a><br><a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/db133474-6b2a-4bb4-96aa-175a62bbb50e" target="_blank">First Care to open pharmacy, express care in downtown Hays</a>

<div><iframe title="First Care expands in downtown Hays; supports Chamber auction" 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=mwdwa-13ee879-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 <a href="https://postpodcast.podbean.com/e/first-care-expands-in-downtown-hays-supports-chamber-auction/">Post Podcast</a> <a href="https://www.firstcareclinic.com/" target="_blank">First Care Clinic</a> CEO Eric Flax and <a href="https://hayschamber.com/" target="_blank">Hays Chamber</a> CEO Sarah Wasinger discuss First Care, their expansion efforts and sponsorship of the upcoming Chamber auction.</i></p><h2>Related stories:</h2><p><a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/a39d594d-7c74-4d0b-ab1e-56b5b0ad5d65" target="_blank">First Care Clinic announces new chief executive officer</a><br><a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/bfe05465-f772-4016-bbde-e34f2754635e" target="_blank">First Care Clinic acquires Hess Clinic</a><br><a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/db133474-6b2a-4bb4-96aa-175a62bbb50e" target="_blank">First Care to open pharmacy, express care in downtown Hays</a></p>

🎙 Post Podcast: First Care expands in downtown Hays; supports Chamber auction

On this episode of the Post Podcast Ellis County Sheriff Scott Braun shares information about recent scam activity in the area along with prevention tips.

<div><iframe title="Ellis County Sheriff shares information about recent scam activity in the area" 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=2kc54-13d67b6-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>On this episode of the Post Podcast Ellis County Sheriff Scott Braun shares information about recent scam activity in the area along with prevention tips.</p>

🎙 Post Podcast: Ellis County Sheriff shares information about recent scam activity in the area

On this episode of the <a href="https://postpodcast.podbean.com/">Post Podcast</a>&nbsp;<a href="https://www.growhays.com/" target="_blank">Grow Hays</a> executive director, Doug Williams shares information about local governments as economic drivers.&nbsp;&nbsp;

<div><iframe title="Area governments work to increase economic development" 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=7h22g-13eb539-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>On this episode of the <a href="https://postpodcast.podbean.com/">Post Podcast</a>&nbsp;<a href="https://www.growhays.com/" target="_blank">Grow Hays</a> executive director, Doug Williams shares information about local governments as economic drivers.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

🎙 Post Podcast: Area governments work to increase economic development

&nbsp;On this episode of the <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, Jessica Phelan</a> discusses the importance of Vitamin D.&nbsp;&nbsp;

<div><iframe title="A guide to Vitamin D" 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=uhruf-13eb5c7-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>&nbsp;On this episode of the <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, Jessica Phelan</a> discusses the importance of Vitamin D.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

🎙 Post Podcast: A guide to Vitamin D

<i>On this episode of the <a href="https://postpodcast.podbean.com/">Post Podcast</a>, Ellis County Emergency Manager <a href="https://www.ellisco.net/directory.aspx?EID=167">Lyle Pantle</a> shares severe weather safety information.</i>

<div><iframe title="Stay safe during severe weather with these 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=uyh4z-13ea16b-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 <a href="https://postpodcast.podbean.com/">Post Podcast</a>, Ellis County Emergency Manager <a href="https://www.ellisco.net/directory.aspx?EID=167">Lyle Pantle</a> shares severe weather safety information.</i></p>

🎙 Post Podcast: Stay safe during severe weather with these tips

<i>On this episode of Forward Ever: Leading in Challenging Times, host Gary Shorman speaks with Kansas Forest Service,&nbsp;<a href="https://mesonet.k-state.edu/about/staff/">Kansas State University Meteorologist Chip Redm</a>ond</i>

<div><iframe title="Forward Ever: K-State Meteorologist Chip Redman" 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=vp5vy-13ea180-pb&from=pb6admin&share=1&download=1&rtl=0&fonts=Arial&skin=3267a3&font-color=auto&logo_link=podcast_page&btn-skin=f6f6f6&size=315"></iframe></div><p><i>On this episode of Forward Ever: Leading in Challenging Times, host Gary Shorman speaks with Kansas Forest Service,&nbsp;<a href="https://mesonet.k-state.edu/about/staff/">Kansas State University Meteorologist Chip Redm</a>ond</i></p>

🎤 Forward Ever: Kan. Forest Service Meteorologist Chip Redmond

On this episode of the <a href="https://postpodcast.podbean.com/">Post Podcast</a>&nbsp;<a href="https://www.usd489.com/">USD 489</a>&nbsp;<a href="https://www.usd489.com/o/hvs">Hays Virtual School</a> Director Olivia Rice shares details from their upcoming graduation.

<div><iframe title="USD 489 Virtual School readies for graduation" 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=dw9re-13ea149-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=450" allowfullscreen=""></iframe></div><p>On this episode of the <a href="https://postpodcast.podbean.com/">Post Podcast</a>&nbsp;<a href="https://www.usd489.com/">USD 489</a>&nbsp;<a href="https://www.usd489.com/o/hvs">Hays Virtual School</a> Director Olivia Rice shares details from their upcoming graduation.</p>

🎙 Post Podcast: USD 489 Virtual School readies for graduation

This weekend, Thomas More Prep-Marian students are set to hit the stage for their production of William Shakespeare's <i>A Midsummer Night's Dream.</i>

And while the over 400-year-old play is a well-known staple, this performance will feature an Art Deco twist and has been adapted for the annual TMP-M play.

"It's a 'twist on an old story,' " said Travis Grizzell, director and TMP-M&nbsp;English, drama, debate and forensics instructor. "We are
setting it in the 1920s, the Jazz Age, with all the guys in the three-piece
suits and the flapper girls. It takes place in Athens, Greece, and we got the
1920s theme kind of rolling with Art Deco set design and a lot of fun stuff in
that way."

He said while the language used by Shakespeare can sometimes be difficult for young performers, the story remains timeless and universal.

"It's not exactly a language or a script that we're used to," Grizzell said. But "once we get up on the stage and moving, I use the analogy that Shakespeare is kind of like opera, even if you don't get all the language, if it's done right, you pretty well get the gist of it.

"For 400 or so years, he had this great talent for finding out what motivates us and how we're affected with emotions and circumstances and conflict," he continued. "And it translates well to just about any time period because it's just about that human condition."

Along with adapting the visuals to Art Deco, the script was adapted for length. Grizzell said the show will run around an hour and 45 minutes and will be presented without an intermission.

While some of Shakespeare's work can be "heavy" he said this play resonates with youth.

"<i>A Midsummer Night's Dream</i> is fun," Grizzell said. "It's a bunch of fairies. It's young lovers. And it plays really well with high school students because these young lovers are so emotional, and it's a lot like<i> Romeo and Juliet</i>&nbsp;in that they are force-fed that 'I'm in love. I know because I've seen him, and I've known him for 15 minutes, that kind of thing.' And it all plays out. It's a happy ending. It's not a tragedy. And it's just fun and relatable."

Nearly 40 TMP-M students have worked to bring the performance to the stage, including longtime performers and those taking the stage for the first time.

"It's
just been an absolute blast with this group rehearsing and getting ready for Shakespeare," Grizzell said.&nbsp;

He said it is especially rewarding watching students grow from that anxiousness into convincing performers.

"From my perspective, and my assistant director,&nbsp;Wendy Richmeier, we saw when we were handing out the script, and they're glossily eyed, and they're like, 'Dude, there's no way we can do this,' " Grizzell said.

But from those initial impressions, he said the students took to the play and made it their own.

"Some of these students, they absolutely bloom and take off," Grizzell said. "And we've got some amazing kids doing some amazing stuff.

"These kids, some of them really, they dig in, they prioritize, and they work their little tails off to make this stuff happen," Grizzell said. "And that is a huge project. And it culminates in the span of three days, and then they're done. So it's a cool thing. It really is."

The result is a show anyone can enjoy, he said.

"If you go multiple times, or if you just check it out once, I can almost guarantee you won't totally regret going. You'll have a good time," Grizzell said. "You'll feel good about supporting the art, supporting the students, and you'll be cultured now because you've been exposed to 'The Bard' Mr. Shakespeare."

Performances of&nbsp;<i>A Midsummer Night's Dream</i>&nbsp;are set to be performed in the school's Dreiling Theater at 7 p.m. Friday and Saturday and 2 p.m. Sunday.

Tickets are available now on the school's website, <a href="https://www.tmp-m.org/o/tmpm/page/midsummernightsdream">tmp-m.org</a>, or at the door for $8.

<figure>
                        <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/4/1681928476740.jpeg" alt="Courtesy Image" />
                        <figcaption>Courtesy Image</figcaption>
                    </figure><figure>
                        <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/4/1681927657739.jpeg" alt="Courtesy Image" />
                        <figcaption>Courtesy Image</figcaption>
                    </figure><p><b>By JAMES BELL</b><br><i>Hays Post</i></p><p>This weekend, Thomas More Prep-Marian students are set to hit the stage for their production of William Shakespeare's <i>A Midsummer Night's Dream.</i></p><p>And while the over 400-year-old play is a well-known staple, this performance will feature an Art Deco twist and has been adapted for the annual TMP-M play.</p><p>"It's a 'twist on an old story,' " said Travis Grizzell, director and TMP-M&nbsp;English, drama, debate and forensics instructor. "We are
setting it in the 1920s, the Jazz Age, with all the guys in the three-piece
suits and the flapper girls. It takes place in Athens, Greece, and we got the
1920s theme kind of rolling with Art Deco set design and a lot of fun stuff in
that way."</p><div><iframe title="Iconic Shakespeare play gets Art Deco treatment during TMP-M spring production" 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=5424v-13e8a56-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=450" allowfullscreen=""></iframe></div><p>He said while the language used by Shakespeare can sometimes be difficult for young performers, the story remains timeless and universal.</p><p>"It's not exactly a language or a script that we're used to," Grizzell said. But "once we get up on the stage and moving, I use the analogy that Shakespeare is kind of like opera, even if you don't get all the language, if it's done right, you pretty well get the gist of it.</p><p>"For 400 or so years, he had this great talent for finding out what motivates us and how we're affected with emotions and circumstances and conflict," he continued. "And it translates well to just about any time period because it's just about that human condition."</p><p>Along with adapting the visuals to Art Deco, the script was adapted for length. Grizzell said the show will run around an hour and 45 minutes and will be presented without an intermission.</p><figure>
                        <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/4/1681928489540.jpeg" alt="Courtesy Image" />
                        <figcaption>Courtesy Image</figcaption>
                    </figure><p>While some of Shakespeare's work can be "heavy" he said this play resonates with youth.</p><p>"<i>A Midsummer Night's Dream</i> is fun," Grizzell said. "It's a bunch of fairies. It's young lovers. And it plays really well with high school students because these young lovers are so emotional, and it's a lot like<i> Romeo and Juliet</i>&nbsp;in that they are force-fed that 'I'm in love. I know because I've seen him, and I've known him for 15 minutes, that kind of thing.' And it all plays out. It's a happy ending. It's not a tragedy. And it's just fun and relatable."</p><p>Nearly 40 TMP-M students have worked to bring the performance to the stage, including longtime performers and those taking the stage for the first time.</p><p>"It's
just been an absolute blast with this group rehearsing and getting ready for Shakespeare," Grizzell said.&nbsp;</p><p>He said it is especially rewarding watching students grow from that anxiousness into convincing performers.</p><p>"From my perspective, and my assistant director,&nbsp;Wendy Richmeier, we saw when we were handing out the script, and they're glossily eyed, and they're like, 'Dude, there's no way we can do this,' " Grizzell said.</p><p>But from those initial impressions, he said the students took to the play and made it their own.</p><figure>
                        <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/4/1681928500416.jpeg" alt="Courtesy Image" />
                        <figcaption>Courtesy Image</figcaption>
                    </figure><p>"Some of these students, they absolutely bloom and take off," Grizzell said. "And we've got some amazing kids doing some amazing stuff.</p><p>"These kids, some of them really, they dig in, they prioritize, and they work their little tails off to make this stuff happen," Grizzell said. "And that is a huge project. And it culminates in the span of three days, and then they're done. So it's a cool thing. It really is."</p><p>The result is a show anyone can enjoy, he said.</p><p>"If you go multiple times, or if you just check it out once, I can almost guarantee you won't totally regret going. You'll have a good time," Grizzell said. "You'll feel good about supporting the art, supporting the students, and you'll be cultured now because you've been exposed to 'The Bard' Mr. Shakespeare."</p><p>Performances of&nbsp;<i>A Midsummer Night's Dream</i>&nbsp;are set to be performed in the school's Dreiling Theater at 7 p.m. Friday and Saturday and 2 p.m. Sunday.</p><p>Tickets are available now on the school's website, <a href="https://www.tmp-m.org/o/tmpm/page/midsummernightsdream">tmp-m.org</a>, or at the door for $8.</p>

🎙 Iconic Shakespeare play gets Art Deco treatment during TMP-M spring production

<i>On this episode of the Post Podcast Fort Hays State University Rodeo team members Morgan Kessler and Kayler Getz discuss the upcoming FHSU Rodeo, set for April 20-22.</i>

<div><iframe title="FHSU Rodeo moves to new location for annual event" 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=u5vux-13e8809-pb&from=pb6admin&share=1&download=1&rtl=0&fonts=Arial&skin=3267a3&font-color=auto&logo_link=podcast_page&btn-skin=3267a3&size=315"></iframe></div><p><i>On this episode of the Post Podcast Fort Hays State University Rodeo team members Morgan Kessler and Kayler Getz discuss the upcoming FHSU Rodeo, set for April 20-22.</i></p>