<i>On this episode of the Post Podcast Grow Hays executive director Doug Williams shares STAR bonds and potential uses in Ellis County.</i>

<div><iframe title="STAR bonds: Grow Hays director discusses concept and implementation" 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=s68s3-13a89e7-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 Post Podcast Grow Hays executive director Doug Williams shares STAR bonds and potential uses in Ellis County.</i></p>

🎙 Post Podcast: STAR bonds: Grow Hays director discusses concept and implementation

<i>On this episode of the Post Podcast, Sunflower Insurance Solutions owner Courtney Dale shares the latest in Medicate enrollment news.</i>

<div><iframe title="Evaluating Medicare packages can save significant money" 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=ajc5x-13a89cb-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 Post Podcast, Sunflower Insurance Solutions owner Courtney Dale shares the latest in Medicate enrollment news.</i></p>

🎙 Post Podcast: Evaluating Medicare packages can save significant money

The Fort Hays State University Department
of Music and Theatre is preparing for a busy week as various ensembles and
groups will take the stage the first full week of March.

Kicking off a busy month for the
students, last Friday was opening night for <i>Don’t Dress for Dinner, </i>with further
performances at 7:30 p.m. Saturday and 2:30 p.m. Sunday in the Felten/Start
Theatre in Malloy Hall on the FHSU campus, 510 S. Campus Drive.

The play by Marc Camoletti and adapted by Robin
Hawdon features Bernard as he “plans a romantic weekend with his chic mistress
in his charming farmhouse, while his wife, Jacqueline, is away,” according to
the FHSU website. “He hired a cordon bleu chef to cook and invited his best
friend, Robert, to provide the alibi,” and asks,&nbsp;“What could possibly go
wrong? ... A night of hilarious confusion ensues.”

At 7:30 p.m. Tuesday, the Smokey Hill chorale, FHSU Singers and
Concert Choir will perform at the St. Joseph Church, 201 W. 13th, under the direction of FHSU choral activities director Terry Crull.

“That will be at St. John's Catholic Church because there's an Encore
event in Beach/Schmidt, and of course, they can't go somewhere else,” Crull
said. “So rather than try and find another date, which is next to impossible, we
said let's go to St. Joseph Catholic Church. It’s going to be beautiful there.”

At 7:30 p.m. Wednesday in the Felten/Start Theatre, the
FHSU Percussion Ensemble will perform, including numbers they recently
performed as a selected ensemble at the Kansas Music Educators Association 2023
In-service workshop. &nbsp;

“Ryan Pearson is our percussion instructor, and he's got a full stable of
horses there that just play well,” Crull said.

At 7:30 Thursday, the FHSU bands will
perform their Spring Concert under the direction of Peter Lillpopp in the Beach/Schmidt
Performing Arts Center,&nbsp;600
Park.

Northwestern College Symphonic
Band Concert

Wrapping up the week, Northwestern
College’s Symphonic Band will perform at 7:30 p.m. Friday in the Beach/Schmidt
Performing Arts Center.

“They're on their spring break
tour, and their organizer … called me and said, ‘Hey, we lost the stop between
Colorado Springs and Omaha, can we come there?’ ” Crull said.

The week’s events are free,
excluding the play, and open to the public.

“The only thing that's not free is
the play because you have to pay royalties to put on a play, and we don’t lump
it into student activities fees,” Crull said. “It's $800 to $1,500 per show to
do the fall musical. So that's why we sell tickets. So, the play is tickets,
but our concerts, Hays Symphony Orchestra, our choirs, our bands, all of our
recitals and things, they're all free.”

The concerts allow the students to
perform in front of an audience and can help entice students to the university
along with the collaboration between ensembles, made possible by the department’s
size, Crull said.

“We support each other quite a bit,”
he said. “We're a small enough department, that's one of our big recruiting
positives. We say you come here, and you can do a lot of different things.

“And you'll step on stage right
away. I mean, you could get a role as a freshman, maybe not the big lead, but if
you go to a big school, you have to wait till all the graduate students get out
of there before you're an upperclassman, and you get your chance. Otherwise,
you might be just in the chorus, but you can get really good experience in jazz
band and in our top bands, and so (it’s a) pretty well-rounded program. We're
proud of it. And our kids work hard.”

<div><iframe title="FHSU Music and Theatre prepares for upcoming productions" 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=zw5a9-13a89f3-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><b>By JAMES BELL</b><br><i>Hays Post</i></p><p>The Fort Hays State University Department
of Music and Theatre is preparing for a busy week as various ensembles and
groups will take the stage the first full week of March.</p><h2>Don’t Dress for Dinner</h2><p>Kicking off a busy month for the
students, last Friday was opening night for <i>Don’t Dress for Dinner, </i>with further
performances at 7:30 p.m. Saturday and 2:30 p.m. Sunday in the Felten/Start
Theatre in Malloy Hall on the FHSU campus, 510 S. Campus Drive.</p><p>The play by Marc Camoletti and adapted by Robin
Hawdon features Bernard as he “plans a romantic weekend with his chic mistress
in his charming farmhouse, while his wife, Jacqueline, is away,” according to
the FHSU website. “He hired a cordon bleu chef to cook and invited his best
friend, Robert, to provide the alibi,” and asks,&nbsp;“What could possibly go
wrong? ... A night of hilarious confusion ensues.”</p><h2>Choirs Concert</h2><p>At 7:30 p.m. Tuesday, the Smokey Hill chorale, FHSU Singers and
Concert Choir will perform at the St. Joseph Church, 201 W. 13th, under the direction of FHSU choral activities director Terry Crull.</p><p>“That will be at St. John's Catholic Church because there's an Encore
event in Beach/Schmidt, and of course, they can't go somewhere else,” Crull
said. “So rather than try and find another date, which is next to impossible, we
said let's go to St. Joseph Catholic Church. It’s going to be beautiful there.”</p><h2>Percussion Ensemble Spring Recital</h2><p>At 7:30 p.m. Wednesday in the Felten/Start Theatre, the
FHSU Percussion Ensemble will perform, including numbers they recently
performed as a selected ensemble at the Kansas Music Educators Association 2023
In-service workshop. &nbsp;</p><p>“Ryan Pearson is our percussion instructor, and he's got a full stable of
horses there that just play well,” Crull said.</p><h2>Bands Spring Concert</h2><p>At 7:30 Thursday, the FHSU bands will
perform their Spring Concert under the direction of Peter Lillpopp in the Beach/Schmidt
Performing Arts Center,&nbsp;600
Park.</p><h2>Northwestern College Symphonic
Band Concert</h2><p>Wrapping up the week, Northwestern
College’s Symphonic Band will perform at 7:30 p.m. Friday in the Beach/Schmidt
Performing Arts Center.</p><p>“They're on their spring break
tour, and their organizer … called me and said, ‘Hey, we lost the stop between
Colorado Springs and Omaha, can we come there?’ ” Crull said.</p><p>The week’s events are free,
excluding the play, and open to the public.</p><p>“The only thing that's not free is
the play because you have to pay royalties to put on a play, and we don’t lump
it into student activities fees,” Crull said. “It's $800 to $1,500 per show to
do the fall musical. So that's why we sell tickets. So, the play is tickets,
but our concerts, Hays Symphony Orchestra, our choirs, our bands, all of our
recitals and things, they're all free.”</p><p>The concerts allow the students to
perform in front of an audience and can help entice students to the university
along with the collaboration between ensembles, made possible by the department’s
size, Crull said.</p><p>“We support each other quite a bit,”
he said. “We're a small enough department, that's one of our big recruiting
positives. We say you come here, and you can do a lot of different things.</p><p>“And you'll step on stage right
away. I mean, you could get a role as a freshman, maybe not the big lead, but if
you go to a big school, you have to wait till all the graduate students get out
of there before you're an upperclassman, and you get your chance. Otherwise,
you might be just in the chorus, but you can get really good experience in jazz
band and in our top bands, and so (it’s a) pretty well-rounded program. We're
proud of it. And our kids work hard.”</p>

🎙 FHSU Music and Theatre prepares for performance-filled week

<i>On this episode of the Post Podcast Fort Hays State University sports information director, Ryan Prickett shares updates from winter and spring sports.</i>

<div><iframe title="As FHSU winter sports wrap up, spring sports celebrating early successes" 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=hnti7-13a890a-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><i>On this episode of the Post Podcast Fort Hays State University sports information director, Ryan Prickett shares updates from winter and spring sports.</i></p>

🎙 Post Podcast: As FHSU winter sports wrap up, spring sports celebrating early successes

<i>On this episode of the Post Podcast, Early Childhood Connections coordinator Beth Hansen shares information about the USD 489 Preschool Roundup, scheduled for March 2.</i>

<div><iframe title="USD 489 Preschool Roundup set for March 2" 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=f8gxv-13a68cb-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><i>On this episode of the Post Podcast, Early Childhood Connections coordinator Beth Hansen shares information about the USD 489 Preschool Roundup, scheduled for March 2.</i></p>

🎙 Post Podcast: USD 489 Preschool Roundup set for March 2

<i>On this episode of the Post Podcast Ellis County Sheriff Scott Braun discusses the sheriff's department.</i>

<div><iframe title="Ellis County Sheriff Scott Braun shares updates from the department" 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=ey5iu-13a536a-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><i>On this episode of the Post Podcast Ellis County Sheriff Scott Braun discusses the sheriff's department.</i></p>

🎙 Post Podcast: Ellis County Sheriff Scott Braun shares updates from the department

The Hays
Community Theatre, 121 E Eighth, is preparing for a busy spring as work
begins on two upcoming productions along with their summer musical.

This
year’s summer musical, <i>The Addams Family, </i>won’t be performed until July,
but this weekend, cast hopefuls will begin the audition process.

“Our
practices usually start at the beginning of June,” said board member Adam
Conkey. “So, this is a summer-intensive thing.”

Auditions
are scheduled for 2 p.m. March 4, 11 and 12.

He said practices
entail a few hours in the evenings until the performances on July 27, 28 and 29
in the Beach/Schmidt Performing Art Center on the Fort Hays State University
campus, 600 Park.

“This
will involve a lot of choreography,” Conkey said. “It will involve singing and
dancing, so get your shoes on.”

He said
the cast could be may be as large as 30, but the more that want to participate
the better.

“If you
don't want to audition for a show, it helps us to have people in the background
backstage, pushing props around and figuring out how the set needs to be moved,”
Conkey said. “Those are always handy positions as well.”

While work begins for the summer
production, two spring events are planned as well, including a unique version
of Hamlet, and the second annual Drag Show.

“This is
this is this is a kind of a special Hamlet, this is emo Hamlet in early 2000's
Shakespearean tragedy,” Conkey said. “It's a take on Hamlet as a lead played by
a female. So Hamlet is Ham Let and this is, set in a period where scene and emo
music are part of the feel of it.”

Conkey
will serve as director for the performance.

“I
wanted it to be a tragedy, but one of those kind of dark comedies almost where
it's, it's funny how terrible it is, how sad it is,” he said. “So that's the
direction I'm going with it.”

The search
for performers for that production will also begin soon, Conkey said, with junior
high-age children to seniors needed.

Auditions
are set from 1 p.m. to 7 p.m. March 5 and from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. March 6.

“Also,
if you want to send in a video of yourself to hctks.com showing a Shakespearean
sonnet that you're reading, that'll work just as well,” Conkey said.

Rehearsals
are set to begin March 12 and run Sundays through Thursdays from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m.

Performances
are set for 7 p.m. April 27, 28 and 29 of April at the Community Theatre. 

“It's
gonna be a fun take,” Conkey said.

“This is
an over-the-top experience,” Conkey said of the upcoming second annual Drag Show
set for 8 p.m. April 1. “I've never experienced an audience for anything quite
like this. ... I'm also calling for performers for this as well.”

He said last year they had over 10 performers playing multiple characters
and hopes to find even more this year.

“Lots of fun coming up here at the
community theater, so for events and anything happening, make sure to see us at<a href="https://www.hctks.com/">
hctks.com</a> or follow us on <a href="https://www.facebook.com/hayscommunitytheatre">Facebook</a>,” Conkey said.

<div><iframe title="Hays Community Theatre preparing for three upcoming shows" 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=uk46v-13a39b0-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><b>By JAMES BELL</b><br><i>Hays Post</i></p><p>The Hays
Community Theatre, 121 E Eighth, is preparing for a busy spring as work
begins on two upcoming productions along with their summer musical.</p><p>This
year’s summer musical, <i>The Addams Family, </i>won’t be performed until July,
but this weekend, cast hopefuls will begin the audition process.</p><p>“Our
practices usually start at the beginning of June,” said board member Adam
Conkey. “So, this is a summer-intensive thing.”</p><p>Auditions
are scheduled for 2 p.m. March 4, 11 and 12.</p><figure>
                        <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/2/1677607416485.jpeg" alt="" />
                        <figcaption></figcaption>
                    </figure><p>He said practices
entail a few hours in the evenings until the performances on July 27, 28 and 29
in the Beach/Schmidt Performing Art Center on the Fort Hays State University
campus, 600 Park.</p><p>“This
will involve a lot of choreography,” Conkey said. “It will involve singing and
dancing, so get your shoes on.”</p><p>He said
the cast could be may be as large as 30, but the more that want to participate
the better.</p><p>“If you
don't want to audition for a show, it helps us to have people in the background
backstage, pushing props around and figuring out how the set needs to be moved,”
Conkey said. “Those are always handy positions as well.”</p><p>While work begins for the summer
production, two spring events are planned as well, including a unique version
of Hamlet, and the second annual Drag Show.</p><p>“This is
this is this is a kind of a special Hamlet, this is emo Hamlet in early 2000's
Shakespearean tragedy,” Conkey said. “It's a take on Hamlet as a lead played by
a female. So Hamlet is Ham Let and this is, set in a period where scene and emo
music are part of the feel of it.”</p><p>Conkey
will serve as director for the performance.</p><p>“I
wanted it to be a tragedy, but one of those kind of dark comedies almost where
it's, it's funny how terrible it is, how sad it is,” he said. “So that's the
direction I'm going with it.”</p><p>The search
for performers for that production will also begin soon, Conkey said, with junior
high-age children to seniors needed.</p><p>Auditions
are set from 1 p.m. to 7 p.m. March 5 and from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. March 6.</p><p>“Also,
if you want to send in a video of yourself to hctks.com showing a Shakespearean
sonnet that you're reading, that'll work just as well,” Conkey said.</p><p>Rehearsals
are set to begin March 12 and run Sundays through Thursdays from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m.</p><p>Performances
are set for 7 p.m. April 27, 28 and 29 of April at the Community Theatre. </p><p>“It's
gonna be a fun take,” Conkey said.</p><figure>
                        <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/2/1677607404086.jpeg" alt="" />
                        <figcaption></figcaption>
                    </figure><h2>But first ...</h2><p>“This is
an over-the-top experience,” Conkey said of the upcoming second annual Drag Show
set for 8 p.m. April 1. “I've never experienced an audience for anything quite
like this. ... I'm also calling for performers for this as well.”</p><p>He said last year they had over 10 performers playing multiple characters
and hopes to find even more this year.</p><p>“Lots of fun coming up here at the
community theater, so for events and anything happening, make sure to see us at<a href="https://www.hctks.com/">
hctks.com</a> or follow us on <a href="https://www.facebook.com/hayscommunitytheatre">Facebook</a>,” Conkey said.</p>

🎙 Hays Community Theatre preparing for three upcoming shows

<i>On this episode of the Post Podcast, Hays Chamber president and CEO Sarah Wasinger shares updates from the Ellis County child care task force.&nbsp;</i>

<i>The task force's next meeting is set for 4 p.m. Feb. 28 at the Hays Welcome Center, 2700 Vine.&nbsp;</i>

<div><iframe title="Ellis Co. child care task force continues working to alleviate provider shortage" 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=jyre9-13a1ce8-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><i>On this episode of the Post Podcast, Hays Chamber president and CEO Sarah Wasinger shares updates from the Ellis County child care task force.&nbsp;</i></p><p><i>The task force's next meeting is set for 4 p.m. Feb. 28 at the Hays Welcome Center, 2700 Vine.&nbsp;</i></p>

🎙 Post Podcast: Task force continues working to alleviate child care shortage

<i>On this episode of the Post Podcast, Grow Hays Executive Director Doug Williams shares updates from the Tallgrass Housing addition, BriefSpace and more.</i>

<div><iframe title="Tallgrass housing development pushes into next phase" 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=rjqgx-139ea36-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><i>On this episode of the Post Podcast, Grow Hays Executive Director Doug Williams shares updates from the Tallgrass Housing addition, BriefSpace and more.</i></p>

🎙 Post Podcast: Tallgrass housing development pushes into next phase

<i>On this episode of Forward Ever: Leading in Challenging Times, host Gary Shorman speaks with Camber Children's Mental Health Hays executive director Sarah Berens.</i>

<div><iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/-EDJebsfoSA" 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 Camber Children's Mental Health Hays executive director Sarah Berens.</i></p>

🎤 Forward Ever: Camber Hays executive director Sarah Berens

Hays USD 489 will once again begin shepherding new students and parents into the district during the annual Kindergarten Roundup, set to begin at 6:30 p.m. Monday in Hays High School, Gym B.

The event gives is an opportunity for district administrators to share with parents the information needed to enroll children in the district, Wilson Elementary principal Anita Schieve said.

"First, we want to give you information about every school and just about kindergarten in general," she said. "We also want to talk to you about what the requirements are for a student to get enrolled in kindergarten, like what appointments you need to have scheduled and what forms you'll need to fill out."

Those forms include pre-enrollment information and school choice for the student.

"We also have some tours scheduled at every individual elementary, so that if you don't know which school yet, and you haven't been in any of the schools, you can come and visit us see the school," Schieve said.

The tours are scheduled during different parts of the day, and often offer an opportunity to meet building staff as well.

"Those online forms need to be completed before or by March 10," Scheive said.

Parents will be notified of their child's placement in early April.

Schieve said the district tries to accommodate every placement request, and it's rare that the child would be placed in their second-choice school.

Decisions on placement consider various factors, including an already existing connection to a particular school and available space.

For children to enter the district, they must be 5 years old by Aug. 31 and while the district does not screen students for required skills, to help prepare students to enter the district, Schieve said the development of social skills is important.

"We talk
a lot about helping teach kids some of those soft skills," she said. "Play games with them
so that they can feel they can practice taking turns handling frustration, and losing. It's important to learn how to lose and how to compromise."

To build those skills, Schieve said parents should set up playdates
with other children their age so they can learn how to compromise, help them
name feelings and show empathy. 

"Talk them through that," she said. "How could we help make this better, help them learn how to apologize, help
them recognize that sometimes things happen that we can't control.

"Just handling some of those social situations are huge for managing and
navigating kindergarten."

<figure>
                        <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/2/1677097470001.jpg" alt="Courtesy Pixabay" />
                        <figcaption>Courtesy Pixabay</figcaption>
                    </figure><div><iframe title="Hays USD 489 Kindergarten Roundup set for Feb. 27" 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=wgc8j-139beae-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><b>By JAMES BELL</b><br><i>Hays Post</i></p><p>Hays USD 489 will once again begin shepherding new students and parents into the district during the annual Kindergarten Roundup, set to begin at 6:30 p.m. Monday in Hays High School, Gym B.</p><p>The event gives is an opportunity for district administrators to share with parents the information needed to enroll children in the district, Wilson Elementary principal Anita Schieve said.</p><p>"First, we want to give you information about every school and just about kindergarten in general," she said. "We also want to talk to you about what the requirements are for a student to get enrolled in kindergarten, like what appointments you need to have scheduled and what forms you'll need to fill out."</p><p>Those forms include pre-enrollment information and school choice for the student.</p><p>"We also have some tours scheduled at every individual elementary, so that if you don't know which school yet, and you haven't been in any of the schools, you can come and visit us see the school," Schieve said.</p><p>The tours are scheduled during different parts of the day, and often offer an opportunity to meet building staff as well.</p><p>"Those online forms need to be completed before or by March 10," Scheive said.</p><p>Parents will be notified of their child's placement in early April.</p><p>Schieve said the district tries to accommodate every placement request, and it's rare that the child would be placed in their second-choice school.</p><p>Decisions on placement consider various factors, including an already existing connection to a particular school and available space.</p><p>For children to enter the district, they must be 5 years old by Aug. 31 and while the district does not screen students for required skills, to help prepare students to enter the district, Schieve said the development of social skills is important.</p><p>"We talk
a lot about helping teach kids some of those soft skills," she said. "Play games with them
so that they can feel they can practice taking turns handling frustration, and losing. It's important to learn how to lose and how to compromise."</p><p>To build those skills, Schieve said parents should set up playdates
with other children their age so they can learn how to compromise, help them
name feelings and show empathy. </p><p>"Talk them through that," she said. "How could we help make this better, help them learn how to apologize, help
them recognize that sometimes things happen that we can't control.</p><p>"Just handling some of those social situations are huge for managing and
navigating kindergarten."</p>

🎙 Hays USD 489 Kindergarten Roundup set for next week

<i>On this episode of the Post Podcast Hays Fire Department Chief Ryan Hagans shares information about the annual hydrant flushing in Hays.</i>

<div><iframe title="Hays Fire Department’s annual hydrant flushing to begin soon" 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=35vwx-139be40-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><i>On this episode of the Post Podcast Hays Fire Department Chief Ryan Hagans shares information about the annual hydrant flushing in Hays.</i></p>

🎙 Post Podcast: Hays Fire Department's annual hydrant flushing to begin soon

<i>On this episode of the Post Podcast, Thomas More Prep-Marian Junior High assistant principal Melissa Schoepf discuss the move of sixth grade from Holy Family to TMP-M.</i>

<div><iframe title="Transition of Sixth grade from Holy Family Elementary to TMP-Marian continues" 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=wn2yn-139a401-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><i>On this episode of the Post Podcast, Thomas More Prep-Marian Junior High assistant principal Melissa Schoepf discuss the move of sixth grade from Holy Family to TMP-M.</i></p>

🎙 Post Podcast: Transition of sixth grade from Holy Family Elementary to TMP-Marian continues

<i>On this episode of the Post Podcast Hays Chamber vice president of membership Rhonda Meyerhoff and Homestead of Hays director Kathy Deines share information about the 2023 Chamber's Stepping Out event.</i>

<div><iframe title="Hays Chamber’s Stepping Out day set for March 9" 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=kj2wp-1398a72-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><i>On this episode of the Post Podcast Hays Chamber vice president of membership Rhonda Meyerhoff and Homestead of Hays director Kathy Deines share information about the 2023 Chamber's Stepping Out event.</i></p>

🎙 Post Podcast: Hays Chamber’s Stepping Out day set for March 9

<i>On this episode of the Post Podcast, Grow Hays executive director Doug Williams shares information about recent donations to the Microfactory project and their importance to the area.</i>

<i>The full announcement from Grow Hays:</i>

Grow Hays Inc., a nonprofit organization aimed at advancing the economic health and vitality of Ellis County, has received a grant in the amount of $500,000 from the Robert E. and Patricia A. Schmidt Foundation. The funds will be used for upgrades to heating and cooling systems, enhanced accessibility for the movement of raw materials, and for construction of exterior storage for finished goods in the 30Ninth and 9th &amp; Commerce Parkway in Hays.

The MicroFactory will serve as an incubator for small manufacturers and startups, providing a low-cost, highly efficient environment for those companies to grow and prosper. &nbsp;

“The Schmidt Foundation continues Bob and Pat Schmidt’s legacy of providing resources to organizations working to make our community an amazing place to live,"&nbsp;said Grow Hays Executive Director Doug Williams."&nbsp; We are thankful for their support on this highly impactful project.”&nbsp;

“The Schmidt Foundation is pleased to provide support for the Grow Hays MicroFactory. This facility will provide a highly efficient environment for manufacturing startups in our community for decades,” said Gary Shorman, president of the Schmidt Foundation. &nbsp;

Williams added, “The improvements these funds will support will create a more comfortable and efficient work environment for the companies that occupy the MicroFactory, increasing the opportunity for their success.”

For more information, call Grow Hays Inc. at 785.628.3102.

<div><iframe title="Schmidt Foundation donates $500,000 to Grow Hays Microfactory" 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=pyd6a-13954d6-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><i>On this episode of the Post Podcast, Grow Hays executive director Doug Williams shares information about recent donations to the Microfactory project and their importance to the area.</i></p><p><i>The full announcement from Grow Hays:</i></p><p>Grow Hays Inc., a nonprofit organization aimed at advancing the economic health and vitality of Ellis County, has received a grant in the amount of $500,000 from the Robert E. and Patricia A. Schmidt Foundation. The funds will be used for upgrades to heating and cooling systems, enhanced accessibility for the movement of raw materials, and for construction of exterior storage for finished goods in the 30Ninth and 9th &amp; Commerce Parkway in Hays.</p><p>The MicroFactory will serve as an incubator for small manufacturers and startups, providing a low-cost, highly efficient environment for those companies to grow and prosper. &nbsp;</p><p>“The Schmidt Foundation continues Bob and Pat Schmidt’s legacy of providing resources to organizations working to make our community an amazing place to live,"&nbsp;said Grow Hays Executive Director Doug Williams."&nbsp; We are thankful for their support on this highly impactful project.”&nbsp;</p><p>“The Schmidt Foundation is pleased to provide support for the Grow Hays MicroFactory. This facility will provide a highly efficient environment for manufacturing startups in our community for decades,” said Gary Shorman, president of the Schmidt Foundation. &nbsp;</p><p>Williams added, “The improvements these funds will support will create a more comfortable and efficient work environment for the companies that occupy the MicroFactory, increasing the opportunity for their success.”</p><p>For more information, call Grow Hays Inc. at 785.628.3102.</p>

🎙 Post Podcast: Schmidt Foundation donates $500,000 to Grow Hays Microfactory

This week, fourth graders at Holy Family Elementary in Hays will once
again celebrate Shrove Tuesday with their annual pancake races.

“This is
the 34th annual pancake race,” said Holy Family Elementary teacher Maddy
Quimby. “As a former Holy Family student and now teacher, I remember racing
when I was in fourth grade. This is a fun tradition that we do year after
year. The students we all go out on the playground, and Mrs. Teresa Schrant cooks
up pancakes, and they have their frying pans and their aprons and we do a
traditional pancake race.”

Schrant
said while the tradition is has been a favorite activity for the students over
decades, the tradition dates back much further.

<b>“</b>Because
the people of England were not supposed to eat eggs, milk or fats during Lent,
they used them all up ahead of time, so they would make pancakes with it,”
Schrandt said.

According
to the official rules, you have to have your hair tied back, you have to
wear a dress, and you have to wear an apron, she said.

“But we
don't adhere to those rules, because we like the boys to be able to run,”
Schrant said. “So, they just have to have an apron and a frying pan. We have
all kinds of frying pans coming in — we have itty bitty ones, we have big cast
iron ones.”

No
matter the size of the pan, “they have to start with a flip,” Quimby said. “And
then they run a certain distance down and around an obstacle and they come back
and they have to end with a flip and catch it in order for their time to stop.”

After a
few cycles of racing, the winner is determined in a final round.

“The kids
really look forward to it. And the winners get an engraved spatula to show off,”
Schrant said.

“It's
something that the fourth graders look forward to from when they're young,”
Quimby said. “Only the
fourth grade gets to participate. Everybody else gets to watch. And I just
think it's really fun. All of the younger kids, especially if they've had older
siblings, (have) something to look forward to. And then the older kids kind of get to
reminisce about when they were racers.”

That nostalgia
also reflects in many of the parents, she said.

“We have
a lot of parents who raced as students coming back and racing with their
children,” Quimby said. 

"We do
have to tell the parents to not take it so seriously, because we have had scabs
and bruises,” Schrant said.

“And
broken teeth and dental work,” Quimby added. “Sometimes the parents are more competitive than the kid.”

<div><iframe title="Holy Family Elementary set for 34th annual pancake races" 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=rrjmc-13934f9-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><b>By JAMES BELL</b><br><i>Hays Post</i></p><p>This week, fourth graders at Holy Family Elementary in Hays will once
again celebrate Shrove Tuesday with their annual pancake races.</p><p>“This is
the 34th annual pancake race,” said Holy Family Elementary teacher Maddy
Quimby. “As a former Holy Family student and now teacher, I remember racing
when I was in fourth grade. This is a fun tradition that we do year after
year. The students we all go out on the playground, and Mrs. Teresa Schrant cooks
up pancakes, and they have their frying pans and their aprons and we do a
traditional pancake race.”</p><p>Schrant
said while the tradition is has been a favorite activity for the students over
decades, the tradition dates back much further.</p><p><b>“</b>Because
the people of England were not supposed to eat eggs, milk or fats during Lent,
they used them all up ahead of time, so they would make pancakes with it,”
Schrandt said.</p><p>According
to the official rules, you have to have your hair tied back, you have to
wear a dress, and you have to wear an apron, she said.</p><p>“But we
don't adhere to those rules, because we like the boys to be able to run,”
Schrant said. “So, they just have to have an apron and a frying pan. We have
all kinds of frying pans coming in — we have itty bitty ones, we have big cast
iron ones.”</p><p>No
matter the size of the pan, “they have to start with a flip,” Quimby said. “And
then they run a certain distance down and around an obstacle and they come back
and they have to end with a flip and catch it in order for their time to stop.”</p><p>After a
few cycles of racing, the winner is determined in a final round.</p><p>“The kids
really look forward to it. And the winners get an engraved spatula to show off,”
Schrant said.</p><p>“It's
something that the fourth graders look forward to from when they're young,”
Quimby said. “Only the
fourth grade gets to participate. Everybody else gets to watch. And I just
think it's really fun. All of the younger kids, especially if they've had older
siblings, (have) something to look forward to. And then the older kids kind of get to
reminisce about when they were racers.”</p><p>That nostalgia
also reflects in many of the parents, she said.</p><p>“We have
a lot of parents who raced as students coming back and racing with their
children,” Quimby said. </p><p>"We do
have to tell the parents to not take it so seriously, because we have had scabs
and bruises,” Schrant said.</p><p>“And
broken teeth and dental work,” Quimby added. “Sometimes the parents are more competitive than the kid.”</p>

🎙 Holy Family to celebrate Shrove Tuesday with annual pancake races

<i>On this episode of Forward Ever: Leading in Challenging Times host Gary Shorman speaks with Kansas Attorney General Kris Kobach.</i>

<div><iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/gw26U8Rwnc0" 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 Kansas Attorney General Kris Kobach.</i></p>

🎤 Forward Ever: Kan. Attorney General Kris Kobach

<i>On this episode of the Post Podcast Fort Hays State University's Glen McNeil shares information about almonds, wine and fat, all celebrated on Feb. 16.</i>

<p><i>On this episode of the Post Podcast Fort Hays State University's Glen McNeil shares information about almonds, wine and fat, all celebrated on Feb. 16.</i></p><div><iframe title="Almonds, wine and fat celebrated during ’Fat Thursday’" 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=q83y2-1393534-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: Almonds, wine and fat celebrated during 'Fat Thursday'

<i>On this episode of the Post Podcast Ellis County Emergency Medical Services director Danita Schroeder shares information about the department's cardiac event training.</i>

<div><iframe title="Ellis County EMS helps residents train to assit during cardiac events" 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=gsg4y-1391a57-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><i>On this episode of the Post Podcast Ellis County Emergency Medical Services director Danita Schroeder shares information about the department's cardiac event training.</i></p>

🎙 Post Podcast: Ellis County EMS helps residents train to assist during cardiac events

<i>On this episode of the Post Podcast Hays Chamber president and CEO Sarah Wasinger along with vice president of membership Rhonda Meyerhoff share information about recent community activities and projects.</i>

<div><iframe title="Hays Chamber shares information about recent community projects" 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=frqzh-138f844-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><i>On this episode of the Post Podcast Hays Chamber president and CEO Sarah Wasinger along with vice president of membership Rhonda Meyerhoff share information about recent community activities and projects.</i></p>

🎙 Post Podcast: Hays Chamber shares information about recent community projects

On this episode of the Post Podcast Hays Public Library communications coordinator Callie Kolacny and outreach coordinator Jake Mishoulam share information about recent activities and events.

<div><iframe title="Bookmobile, community events help bring Hays library directly to community" 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=3yu4m-138d9f2-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>On this episode of the Post Podcast Hays Public Library communications coordinator Callie Kolacny and outreach coordinator Jake Mishoulam share information about recent activities and events.</p>

🎙 Post Podcast: Bookmobile, community events help bring Hays library directly to community

<i>On this episode of the Post Podcast, Heartland Community Foundation Sarah Meitner shares updates from the foundation about Match Month and details of a Big Give Day freewill dinner going on throughout Feb. 13 at Thirsty's Brew Pub and Grill in Hays.</i>

<figure>
                        <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/2/1676307411104.jpeg" alt="" />
                        <figcaption></figcaption>
                    </figure><p><i>On this episode of the Post Podcast, Heartland Community Foundation Sarah Meitner shares updates from the foundation about Match Month and details of a Big Give Day freewill dinner going on throughout Feb. 13 at Thirsty's Brew Pub and Grill in Hays.</i></p><div><iframe title="Free-will taco bar available at Thirsty’s during Big Give Day Feb. 13" 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=yanf3-138d209-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>

🎙 Post Podcast: Freewill taco bar available at Thirsty's during Big Give Day Feb. 13

<i>On this episode of the Post Podcast Grow Hays executive director Doug Williams discusses the City of Hays' Braun property plan.&nbsp;</i><br>

<div><iframe title="Grow Hays director discusses the city of Hays’ Braun property plan" 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=ya5wg-1389209-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 Post Podcast Grow Hays executive director Doug Williams discusses the City of Hays' Braun property plan.&nbsp;</i><br></p>

🎙 Post Podcast: Grow Hays director discusses the city of Hays' Braun property plan

<i>On this episode of the Post Podcast Hays Police Department Lt. Jeff Ridgeway discusses the We Tip program.</i><br>

<a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/2918d977-0c75-4956-91b2-b81c64cc3e02">Read more about the We Tip program at hayspost.com.</a>

<div><iframe title="Hays Police Department implements We Tip program" 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=ysr3w-13891cd-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 Post Podcast Hays Police Department Lt. Jeff Ridgeway discusses the We Tip program.</i><br></p><p><a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/2918d977-0c75-4956-91b2-b81c64cc3e02">Read more about the We Tip program at hayspost.com.</a></p>

🎙 Post Podcast: Hays Police Department implements We Tip program

<b>By CRISTINA JANNEY<br></b><i>Hays Post</i>

Fort Hays State University recently hosted a forum on global affairs and civic engagement at the college and guested explained how the university is attempting to improve those opportunities.

"As I think everyone is aware, education is in a unique spot now, and we have to collaborate more. We have to find new partnerships and new pathways to move forward," said Haley Williams, FHSU Global Affairs operations director.

About a year ago, the global affairs office was reorganized, Williams said. That office in the past had focused on global partnerships.

"Our challenge was to begin thinking bigger and broader," she said, "on how we bring global opportunities to everyone that intersects with Fort Hays. It's not just about partnerships. It's about 'How I am developing as a globally engaged citizen here.' "

Luciana Mendoza of Paraguay is a student in international business and economics and works in the Office of Global Affairs.

Mendoza said becoming a global citizen is more than just learning another language.

"The word that comes to me is expansion," she said. "I would say it's expanding your thoughts, your mindset, your perspective on how other people live, on how other cultures think and really bringing yourself into other the shoes of these people."

She encourages Americans to take opportunities here to create opportunities for people in other countries even if they can't travel abroad.

"We are global citizens," she said. "We are citizens of the world."

Ryan Stanley, FHSU student body president, studied abroad.

"The world is so much bigger than your circle," he said. "Primarily [being a global citizen] is having the ability to step out of your circle."

<a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/a3736bdf-8ec8-459f-b046-066abe5b8d87">Brittney Squire, Forsyth Library Outreach Specialist, said the recently launched&nbsp;Cybersecurity Institute and Technology Incubator at FHSU will give students opportunities for internships.&nbsp;</a>

She talked about other opportunities for civic engagement.

In celebration of Global Engagement Day, FHSU took a small group to the Wetlands Education Center, where they built birdhouses for the center.

The university also offers Experiential Learning Innovation Grants for faculty, which are used to encourage faculty to offer hands-on learning. In the past year, the program had a record of 12 grants awarded.&nbsp;

In the fall, the university will be host to a Community-Engaged Teaching, Research and Service conference.

The American Democracy Project is a student-led program that allows students to engage in politics on campus.

The university also offers two certificates that are linked to community engagement. They include a community-engaged art certificate through the art department and a rural studies certificate that is offered through the history department. The university also will be launching a global scholar program.

The Campus Community Collaborative is in its third year, Squire said. It's a 10-member group that is dedicated to strengthening partnerships between the campus and the community.

Jeni McRay, assistant provost, said the university is trying to implement sustained involvement in global learning. She said the college is trying to create opportunities for FHSU students and faculty to go abroad and for international faculty and students to come to FHSU.

Todd Moore, chairman of the department of geosciences, is also the chairman of the FHSU sustainability task force.&nbsp;

He said the task force is going to focus on three main areas—curriculum, engagement and institution.&nbsp;

The university already offers a sustainability certificate.

"The goal is to expose students to the many dimensions of sustainability and empower them with the knowledge and skills that will be required to join the workforce and address the many global problems we have," Moore said.

Student organizations are being encouraged to get involved in the local community and contribute to that community.

The university is working on a project called the Five Rooms Project. Each room or area will address one of the five Es of sustainability, Moore said.

The five Es of sustainability are:<br>• Economy<br>• Ecogoloy<br>• Equity<br>• Education<br>• Evaluation

The people involved in each of these areas will be tasked with brainstorming actionable goals that the university will work toward in the upcoming year.&nbsp;

"Hopefully, this will just be a stepping stone, and we will grow that program and include more rooms," he said.&nbsp;

<a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/20e78b28-c53b-4be2-8ea1-6a2f0512f5d1">Forty-four FHSU students representing 10 countries and multiple degree programs competed in the first sustainability-themed entrepreneurial competition, the EPI²C Challenge, during the fall semester.</a>

Mendoza was part of a team that created a business called&nbsp;UPpreciate, which focused on upcycled student residence hall room furnishings. That business plan won second place in the competition.

She and another team member were among 20 teams selected from 500 entries to pitch the&nbsp;UPpreciate plan in a national competition in Chicago.

Williams said Mendoza is already an experienced global citizen, but this opportunity has even further expanded her reach.

"In Global Affairs our heartbeat really is to take Fort Hays to the world and bring the world to Fort Hays," she said.

Williams said more than 40 countries are represented at the university. The university's newest global partners are in Cambodia and Senegal.

"Even if you never have a chance to travel aboard, the world is right here at Fort Hays," she said. "So find an international student or faculty member or crossborder faculty and interact with them. That alone is a learning opportunity."

Students may soon have an online way to go global. The university is working on a virtual global internship program, Williams said during an interview for the Hays Post Podcast. An example of this might be a student working with a nonprofit in a Third World country.

McRay said everyone on campus can find ways to connect. The university needs to continue to make faculty and students aware of those opportunities, she said.

"We need to make sure we are cultivating local, national, regional and international partnerships," she said, "and we are continually partnering with other people to figure out ways we can serve."

<figure>
                        <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/6/1623104185951.jpeg" alt="Photo by James Bell/Hays Post" />
                        <figcaption>Photo by James Bell/Hays Post</figcaption>
                    </figure><p><b>By CRISTINA JANNEY<br></b><i>Hays Post</i></p><p>Fort Hays State University recently hosted a forum on global affairs and civic engagement at the college and guested explained how the university is attempting to improve those opportunities.</p><p>"As I think everyone is aware, education is in a unique spot now, and we have to collaborate more. We have to find new partnerships and new pathways to move forward," said Haley Williams, FHSU Global Affairs operations director.</p><p>About a year ago, the global affairs office was reorganized, Williams said. That office in the past had focused on global partnerships.</p><div><iframe title="FHSU seeks to create global citizens with focus on sustainability" 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=u6haw-1386877-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>"Our challenge was to begin thinking bigger and broader," she said, "on how we bring global opportunities to everyone that intersects with Fort Hays. It's not just about partnerships. It's about 'How I am developing as a globally engaged citizen here.' "</p><p>Luciana Mendoza of Paraguay is a student in international business and economics and works in the Office of Global Affairs.</p><p>Mendoza said becoming a global citizen is more than just learning another language.</p><p>"The word that comes to me is expansion," she said. "I would say it's expanding your thoughts, your mindset, your perspective on how other people live, on how other cultures think and really bringing yourself into other the shoes of these people."</p><p>She encourages Americans to take opportunities here to create opportunities for people in other countries even if they can't travel abroad.</p><p>"We are global citizens," she said. "We are citizens of the world."</p><p>Ryan Stanley, FHSU student body president, studied abroad.</p><p>"The world is so much bigger than your circle," he said. "Primarily [being a global citizen] is having the ability to step out of your circle."</p><p><a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/a3736bdf-8ec8-459f-b046-066abe5b8d87">Brittney Squire, Forsyth Library Outreach Specialist, said the recently launched&nbsp;Cybersecurity Institute and Technology Incubator at FHSU will give students opportunities for internships.&nbsp;</a></p><p>She talked about other opportunities for civic engagement.</p><p>In celebration of Global Engagement Day, FHSU took a small group to the Wetlands Education Center, where they built birdhouses for the center.</p><p>The university also offers Experiential Learning Innovation Grants for faculty, which are used to encourage faculty to offer hands-on learning. In the past year, the program had a record of 12 grants awarded.&nbsp;</p><p>In the fall, the university will be host to a Community-Engaged Teaching, Research and Service conference.</p><p>The American Democracy Project is a student-led program that allows students to engage in politics on campus.</p><p>The university also offers two certificates that are linked to community engagement. They include a community-engaged art certificate through the art department and a rural studies certificate that is offered through the history department. The university also will be launching a global scholar program.</p><p>The Campus Community Collaborative is in its third year, Squire said. It's a 10-member group that is dedicated to strengthening partnerships between the campus and the community.</p><p>Jeni McRay, assistant provost, said the university is trying to implement sustained involvement in global learning. She said the college is trying to create opportunities for FHSU students and faculty to go abroad and for international faculty and students to come to FHSU.</p><p>Todd Moore, chairman of the department of geosciences, is also the chairman of the FHSU sustainability task force.&nbsp;</p><p>He said the task force is going to focus on three main areas—curriculum, engagement and institution.&nbsp;</p><p>The university already offers a sustainability certificate.</p><p>"The goal is to expose students to the many dimensions of sustainability and empower them with the knowledge and skills that will be required to join the workforce and address the many global problems we have," Moore said.</p><p>Student organizations are being encouraged to get involved in the local community and contribute to that community.</p><p>The university is working on a project called the Five Rooms Project. Each room or area will address one of the five Es of sustainability, Moore said.</p><p>The five Es of sustainability are:<br>• Economy<br>• Ecogoloy<br>• Equity<br>• Education<br>• Evaluation</p><p>The people involved in each of these areas will be tasked with brainstorming actionable goals that the university will work toward in the upcoming year.&nbsp;</p><p>"Hopefully, this will just be a stepping stone, and we will grow that program and include more rooms," he said.&nbsp;</p><p><a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/20e78b28-c53b-4be2-8ea1-6a2f0512f5d1">Forty-four FHSU students representing 10 countries and multiple degree programs competed in the first sustainability-themed entrepreneurial competition, the EPI²C Challenge, during the fall semester.</a></p><p>Mendoza was part of a team that created a business called&nbsp;UPpreciate, which focused on upcycled student residence hall room furnishings. That business plan won second place in the competition.</p><p>She and another team member were among 20 teams selected from 500 entries to pitch the&nbsp;UPpreciate plan in a national competition in Chicago.</p><p>Williams said Mendoza is already an experienced global citizen, but this opportunity has even further expanded her reach.</p><p>"In Global Affairs our heartbeat really is to take Fort Hays to the world and bring the world to Fort Hays," she said.</p><p>Williams said more than 40 countries are represented at the university. The university's newest global partners are in Cambodia and Senegal.</p><p>"Even if you never have a chance to travel aboard, the world is right here at Fort Hays," she said. "So find an international student or faculty member or crossborder faculty and interact with them. That alone is a learning opportunity."</p><p>Students may soon have an online way to go global. The university is working on a virtual global internship program, Williams said during an interview for the Hays Post Podcast. An example of this might be a student working with a nonprofit in a Third World country.</p><p>McRay said everyone on campus can find ways to connect. The university needs to continue to make faculty and students aware of those opportunities, she said.</p><p>"We need to make sure we are cultivating local, national, regional and international partnerships," she said, "and we are continually partnering with other people to figure out ways we can serve."</p>