Registration
is open now for the K-State Research and Extension’s Walk Kansas program.

The annual
eight-week activity challenge is designed to encourage activity in children and
adults, set to begin on March 26.

“We try
to change things up a little bit each year,” said Cottonwood Extension District Family and Community Wellness agent Monique Koerner. 

This
year, participants can select from several team challenges, from 435 to 1,200 miles.

&nbsp;“Typically, it's a group activity,” Koerner
said. “So, people get teams of four to six people together – you can also do it
solo as well – but there are typically three different trails that people can
choose from based on the activity challenge that they want for those eight
weeks.”

Whether
in a team or solo, she said the goal of the program is to help participants stay
healthy.

“Staying
active and having healthy eating habits can actually reduce our chances of
developing some of those chronic diseases, heart disease, diabetes, those types
of things,” Koerner said. “As we get older, it's important to focus a little
bit more on those things and maybe be more intentional. And so I think that's
what Walk Kansas brings to the table.”

The
program has a dedicated website, <a href="https://www.walkkansasonline.org/">walkkansasonline.org</a>,
where participants register and track the progress of area teams.

“You can
watch your trail on the map as well,” Koerner said. &nbsp;“So, it just makes it a little more fun when
you're doing it together as a team and can choose a trail and watch your
progress on the map and see what other teams are doing.”

There's
a whole health breakdown on it as well with tabs for physical activity
guidelines, basics of exercise and strength training, healthy eating guidelines
including nutritional recipes, stress management, relationship and memory improvement
tips, she said.

While
the website has various tools for encouraging healthy behaviors, only tracking
walk time or steps is required.

“You
also get the weekly newsletter, and you'll have access to all the events I have
planned,” Koerner said. ”And in Ellis County, you'll have access to the online
tracking system, and there's also an app too, so you can sync your devices. So,
that makes it super easy to keep track of your activity.”

Along with the statewide program, the Cottonwood
District participants will have the opportunity to attend a six-week virtual learning series focused on Mediterranean-style eating patterns.

“It's
called Med instead of meds,” Koerner said. “It's just focusing on healthier
eating habits rather than using medications to stay healthy.”

“I'll be
doing some programming around Walk Kansas as well. What we decided to do was
some watch parties and walk parties. The watch parties will meet up at the
office and watch the webinars on Mediterranean-style eating habits, and then
we'll also take some walks together.”

Registration
is not locked into a location, and participants from outside Kansas are welcome,
but participants will be able to see area activities after selecting an Extension
district.

In the
Cottonwood District, the program will wrap up with a taste of what participants learned.

“We will
have like a taste testing event at the end of the program in May, where we'll
be able to gather and mix some of the recipes and see what they taste like,”
Koerner said.

<div><iframe title="Registration open for Walk Kansas" 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=d3yhp-13b25aa-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>Registration
is open now for the K-State Research and Extension’s Walk Kansas program.</p><p>The annual
eight-week activity challenge is designed to encourage activity in children and
adults, set to begin on March 26.</p><p>“We try
to change things up a little bit each year,” said Cottonwood Extension District Family and Community Wellness agent Monique Koerner. </p><p>This
year, participants can select from several team challenges, from 435 to 1,200 miles.</p><p>&nbsp;“Typically, it's a group activity,” Koerner
said. “So, people get teams of four to six people together – you can also do it
solo as well – but there are typically three different trails that people can
choose from based on the activity challenge that they want for those eight
weeks.”</p><p>Whether
in a team or solo, she said the goal of the program is to help participants stay
healthy.</p><p>“Staying
active and having healthy eating habits can actually reduce our chances of
developing some of those chronic diseases, heart disease, diabetes, those types
of things,” Koerner said. “As we get older, it's important to focus a little
bit more on those things and maybe be more intentional. And so I think that's
what Walk Kansas brings to the table.”</p><p>The
program has a dedicated website, <a href="https://www.walkkansasonline.org/">walkkansasonline.org</a>,
where participants register and track the progress of area teams.</p><p>“You can
watch your trail on the map as well,” Koerner said. &nbsp;“So, it just makes it a little more fun when
you're doing it together as a team and can choose a trail and watch your
progress on the map and see what other teams are doing.”</p><p>There's
a whole health breakdown on it as well with tabs for physical activity
guidelines, basics of exercise and strength training, healthy eating guidelines
including nutritional recipes, stress management, relationship and memory improvement
tips, she said.</p><p>While
the website has various tools for encouraging healthy behaviors, only tracking
walk time or steps is required.</p><p>Registration
is $10. </p><p>“You
also get the weekly newsletter, and you'll have access to all the events I have
planned,” Koerner said. ”And in Ellis County, you'll have access to the online
tracking system, and there's also an app too, so you can sync your devices. So,
that makes it super easy to keep track of your activity.”</p><p>Along with the statewide program, the Cottonwood
District participants will have the opportunity to attend a six-week virtual learning series focused on Mediterranean-style eating patterns.</p><p>“It's
called Med instead of meds,” Koerner said. “It's just focusing on healthier
eating habits rather than using medications to stay healthy.”</p><p>“I'll be
doing some programming around Walk Kansas as well. What we decided to do was
some watch parties and walk parties. The watch parties will meet up at the
office and watch the webinars on Mediterranean-style eating habits, and then
we'll also take some walks together.”</p><p>Registration
is not locked into a location, and participants from outside Kansas are welcome,
but participants will be able to see area activities after selecting an Extension
district.</p><p>In the
Cottonwood District, the program will wrap up with a taste of what participants learned.</p><p>“We will
have like a taste testing event at the end of the program in May, where we'll
be able to gather and mix some of the recipes and see what they taste like,”
Koerner said.</p>

🎙 Walk Kansas registration open now

<i>On this episode of the Post Podcast Grow Hays executive director, Doug Williams recounts information shared during a recent visit of "13 Ways to Kill Your Community" author Doug Griffiths.</i>

<div><iframe title="’13 Ways to Kill Your Community’ author tours Hays; shares thoughts" 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=m9b7w-13b2527-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 recounts information shared during a recent visit of "13 Ways to Kill Your Community" author Doug Griffiths.</i></p>

🎙 Post Podcast: '13 Ways to Kill Your Community’ author tours Hays; shares thoughts

<i>On this episode of the Post Podcast Fort Hays State University Alumni Association Alumni Engagement Strategist Carolyn Tatro and FHSU Career Advisor Lisa Karlin share information about connecting students with the area business community.</i>

<div><iframe title="FHSU Alumni Association connects business community to university workforce" 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=pdqaw-13b2513-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 Alumni Association Alumni Engagement Strategist Carolyn Tatro and FHSU Career Advisor Lisa Karlin share information about connecting students with the area business community.</i></p>

🎙 Post Podcast: FHSU Alumni Association connects business community to university workforce

<a>The Hays Chamber’s 14th annual golf tournament is again set
for the beginning of May, and preparations for the fundraiser are already well
underway.</a>

The tournament will be hosted at the Smoky
Hill Country Club, 3303 Hall, on May 5, with registration beginning at 8 a.m.

“For those of you who may not
be a club member, this is the perfect opportunity to go play on the beautiful
course,” said Hays Chamber President and CEO Sarah Wasinger. “It's an 18-hole
tournament, and we have teams of four that participate.

“It's a
great day,” she said. “It's pretty all-inclusive. We start at eight o'clock in
the morning with registration, and then we'll have doughnuts available and coffee and juice.”

Lunch
this year, Wasinger said, will be different than previous years and feature cheeseburgers
and hot appetizers through the afternoon.

“Of
course, you can't have a golf tournament in western Kansas probably without a
few kegs of beer,” she said. “So, there will be beer on the course. And then we
have it under good authority that Smoky Hill Country Club will have a couple
of bar carts going around. So, lots of fun to be had.”

Team
registration fees will be $600 per team or $150 per individual, she said.

“If you
want to get a team together yourself that wants everybody to pay individually,
we can definitely do that, too,” Wasinger said.

While the event remains a popular
annual tradition for the community, it also serves a practical purpose as the
largest fundraising event of the year for the chamber.

“It's no
secret our chamber is funded by membership dues and non-dues revenue, such as
sponsorships and advertising, and things of that nature,” Wasinger said. “This
golf tournament actually serves as our largest fundraiser of the year. And to
put it in perspective for you, it actually really helps us get about 10 percent
of our operating budget.”

The importance
of the day to the chamber's operations also creates a focus on developing an
event that appeals to a wide spectrum of the community.

“One of
our goals to continue to be sustainable in the future is to really just build
on this event, which is why we have a multifaceted event,” Wasinger said. “We
want to be providing value for our members throughout the year. And this is
just one of the more fun ways to kind of get involved.”

Making
that goal possible, she said, are Hays Chamber ambassadors and sponsorships
from area businesses and organizations, including title sponsor Nex-Tech
Wireless.

“We are
very involved in all of the communities that we serve,” said&nbsp;Tasha Eichman, Nex-Tech Wireless brand
manager and chamber ambassador. “This is just a really fun event.
Our entire team looks forward to it every year. You'll see lots of volunteers
from Nex-Tech Wireless out and about. … We love supporting them, and it's a
great opportunity to interact with other local businesses.”

While event
planning continues, she said the ambassadors are in the community soliciting further
support from area businesses.

“We've
done some really popular stuff in the past,” Eichman said. “The business
community has been great about donating and helping us get some great items in
our silent auction. So, we're working on that behind the scenes right now.”

“They will
be out in full force,” Wasinger said. “So, if you have people contacting you,
chances are it's to see if you want to contribute something to that auction.
And a lot of people will say, ‘Well, my business doesn't necessarily have
something traditional to donate, what should I consider doing?’ If you want to
do cash or a check, our ambassadors are willing to go out to some of our other
local businesses to purchase items on your behalf. Or we can just do gift cards
from other businesses or things of that nature. So, it doesn't necessarily have
to be something tied to your business that can be a gift basket full of goodies
from other places across town.”

Historically, the tournament sells
out, she said, and registration is open now. &nbsp;

"We released that registration form in our newsletter for March,”
Wasinger said. “That can be found at Hayschamber.com. We would like to have
those in by April 17. … We save spots according to the teams that pay. So, if
you're wanting to make sure that your team gets registered, feel free to fill
out that form and go ahead and make the payment. We can do that in a variety of
different ways. You can do cash, check or credit card, and then feel free to
call us at the office if you have any questions. That number is (785) 628-8201.”

<figure>
                        <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/7/1657539165039.jpg" alt="" />
                        <figcaption></figcaption>
                    </figure><div><iframe title="Preparations underway for Hays Chamber’s annual Golf Tournament" 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=veimr-13b0c90-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><a>The Hays Chamber’s 14th annual golf tournament is again set
for the beginning of May, and preparations for the fundraiser are already well
underway.</a></p><p>The tournament will be hosted at the Smoky
Hill Country Club, 3303 Hall, on May 5, with registration beginning at 8 a.m.</p><p>“For those of you who may not
be a club member, this is the perfect opportunity to go play on the beautiful
course,” said Hays Chamber President and CEO Sarah Wasinger. “It's an 18-hole
tournament, and we have teams of four that participate.</p><p>“It's a
great day,” she said. “It's pretty all-inclusive. We start at eight o'clock in
the morning with registration, and then we'll have doughnuts available and coffee and juice.”</p><p>Lunch
this year, Wasinger said, will be different than previous years and feature cheeseburgers
and hot appetizers through the afternoon.</p><p>“Of
course, you can't have a golf tournament in western Kansas probably without a
few kegs of beer,” she said. “So, there will be beer on the course. And then we
have it under good authority that Smoky Hill Country Club will have a couple
of bar carts going around. So, lots of fun to be had.”</p><p>Team
registration fees will be $600 per team or $150 per individual, she said.</p><p>“If you
want to get a team together yourself that wants everybody to pay individually,
we can definitely do that, too,” Wasinger said.</p><p>While the event remains a popular
annual tradition for the community, it also serves a practical purpose as the
largest fundraising event of the year for the chamber.</p><p>“It's no
secret our chamber is funded by membership dues and non-dues revenue, such as
sponsorships and advertising, and things of that nature,” Wasinger said. “This
golf tournament actually serves as our largest fundraiser of the year. And to
put it in perspective for you, it actually really helps us get about 10 percent
of our operating budget.”</p><p>The importance
of the day to the chamber's operations also creates a focus on developing an
event that appeals to a wide spectrum of the community.</p><p>“One of
our goals to continue to be sustainable in the future is to really just build
on this event, which is why we have a multifaceted event,” Wasinger said. “We
want to be providing value for our members throughout the year. And this is
just one of the more fun ways to kind of get involved.”</p><p>Making
that goal possible, she said, are Hays Chamber ambassadors and sponsorships
from area businesses and organizations, including title sponsor Nex-Tech
Wireless.</p><p>“We are
very involved in all of the communities that we serve,” said&nbsp;Tasha Eichman, Nex-Tech Wireless brand
manager and chamber ambassador. “This is just a really fun event.
Our entire team looks forward to it every year. You'll see lots of volunteers
from Nex-Tech Wireless out and about. … We love supporting them, and it's a
great opportunity to interact with other local businesses.”</p><p>While event
planning continues, she said the ambassadors are in the community soliciting further
support from area businesses.</p><p>“We've
done some really popular stuff in the past,” Eichman said. “The business
community has been great about donating and helping us get some great items in
our silent auction. So, we're working on that behind the scenes right now.”</p><p>“They will
be out in full force,” Wasinger said. “So, if you have people contacting you,
chances are it's to see if you want to contribute something to that auction.
And a lot of people will say, ‘Well, my business doesn't necessarily have
something traditional to donate, what should I consider doing?’ If you want to
do cash or a check, our ambassadors are willing to go out to some of our other
local businesses to purchase items on your behalf. Or we can just do gift cards
from other businesses or things of that nature. So, it doesn't necessarily have
to be something tied to your business that can be a gift basket full of goodies
from other places across town.”</p><p>Historically, the tournament sells
out, she said, and registration is open now. &nbsp;</p><p>"We released that registration form in our newsletter for March,”
Wasinger said. “That can be found at Hayschamber.com. We would like to have
those in by April 17. … We save spots according to the teams that pay. So, if
you're wanting to make sure that your team gets registered, feel free to fill
out that form and go ahead and make the payment. We can do that in a variety of
different ways. You can do cash, check or credit card, and then feel free to
call us at the office if you have any questions. That number is (785) 628-8201.”</p>

🎙 Preparations underway for Hays Chamber’s annual golf tournament

<i>On this episode of Forward Ever: Leading in Challenging Times, host Gary Shorman speaks with Dare2tri executive director Keri Serota.</i>

<div><iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/_mCgRqySF6Q" 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 Dare2tri executive director Keri Serota.</i></p>

🎤 Forward Ever: Dare2tri executive director Keri Serota

<i>On this episode of the Post Podcast West Central Kansas Special Education Cooperative assistant director of special education Lindy McDaniel, along with students Wyatt and Michael discuss Westside school's family-style lunches.</i>

<div><iframe title="Westside’s family-style lunch brings students, community together" 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=n7cmj-13b0bc3-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 West Central Kansas Special Education Cooperative assistant director of special education Lindy McDaniel, along with students Wyatt and Michael discuss Westside school's family-style lunches.</i></p>

🎙 Post Podcast: Westside’s family-style lunch brings students, community together

<i>On this episode of the Post Podcast Hays Police Department Lt. Brandon Wright shares severe weather safety tips.</i>

<div><iframe title="Spring weather brings severe weather threats; now is the time to prepare" 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=9mczv-13afb10-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><i>On this episode of the Post Podcast Hays Police Department Lt. Brandon Wright shares severe weather safety tips.</i></p>

🎙 Post Podcast: Spring weather brings severe weather threats; now is the time to prepare

<i>On this episode of the Post Podcast, Thomas More Prep-Marian students Jensen Brull, Emma Wasinger and sponsor Jennie Helget discuss the Monarch Music program.</i>

<div><iframe title="Student-led Monarch Music continues providing music for mass" 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=bk4iv-13acd30-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, Thomas More Prep-Marian students Jensen Brull, Emma Wasinger and sponsor Jennie Helget discuss the Monarch Music program.</i></p>

🎙 Post Podcast: Student-led Monarch Music continues providing music for mass

The tale of red-haired orphan Anne Shirley will come to 12th
Street Auditorium as Hays High School presents <i>Anne of Green Gables</i> at 7
p.m. on March 9 through 11.

“Lucille
Maude Montgomery’s classic 1905 novel has been adapted for the stage by
award-winning playwright Joseph Robinette and is under the direction of Bill Gasper,”
according to a press release announcing the production.

“It's a
really it's a coming of age story, I feel like and it's just a lot of fun,”
said Addy Brull, who plays the titular character. “It's such an amazing show.
It's family-friendly and everybody is sure to love it.”

“In a nutshell, it is a
coming-of-age story in which a young girl (Anne Shirley) overcomes the
adversity of losing her parents, living in an orphanage, and bouncing from one
harsh family to another to achieve success,” Gasper said. “It stresses the
importance of independence, family, nature, faith, and education. Taking place
in the early 20th century, the book explores the strict gender roles of that
period and how Anne defies those stereotypes to prove she is equal to her male
counterparts.”

The
story has been adapted for stage and film numerous times since its
publication, and Gasper, in his 17th year directing the Spring Play
at Hays High, said he had been considering <i>Anne of Green Gables </i>for
previous productions, but this year decided to “give it a go.”

“I'm glad I did,” he said. “It's simply a great story.”

But mounting the classic
tale required considerable effort, including finding a large cast that includes
23 students on stage and another 6 students behind the scenes.

“It
takes a village,” said Devlyn Jochum,
who plays Marilla Cuthbert. “We have a
gal doing our costumes… people all need different costumes from a specific time
period. That's quite difficult to do. We have people in charge of building and
painting our sets, in charge of stocking those sets with props and things. And
then of course, we're responsible for learning lines. We have people working
lights and the soundboard.”

“Everything
has to work pretty smoothly, but once it does, it's really fun.”

“It’s one of the largest casts I’ve had in a
while, which presents its own set of challenges,” Gasper said. “Overall though,
I couldn’t be more pleased with the effort and the outstanding performances
taking place on the stage. Parents, relatives and community members should be
very proud of the talent that exists at Hays High School.”

After months of work, Spencer Mills-Kulmula, who plays Rachel Lynde,
said the production has nearly come together as they continue dress rehearsals.

“It's
flowing nicely,” Mills-Kulmula said. “There's still some kinks, which is how it
goes for everything. But we're working those out.”

“We're
definitely getting really good at our characterization right now,” Brull said. “I
feel like what we're doing the most of is just smoothing out our character to
get it fully ready for the show.”

“And I
would say that genuinely the best part of putting on something like this, making
the audience believe what they're seeing and being so immersed into that scene,”
Mills-Kulmula said. “Yeah, it's really coming along nicely.”

The performance will be a “highlight reel” of all the most memorable moments from the book,
Gasper said as they move quickly from scene to scene and from season to season.

“Robinette does a nice
job in keeping things moving and relatively cohesive, especially since it
covers several years of Anne's life,” he said.

Tickets are $8 and are available
now at <a href="http://www.ticketsource.us/hays-high-school">ticketsource.us/hays-high-school</a>, the Hays High School office, and
at the door the night of the performance.

The full cast of Hays High's production of Anne of Green Gables includes:

Anne
Shirley.......................................................... Addy
Brull<br>Matthew
Cuthbert................................................. Caleb
King<br>Marilla
Cuthbert............................................. Devlyn
Jochum<br>Rachel
Lynde...................................... Spenser
Mills-Kumala<br>Diana
Barry......................................... Jordan
Aschenbrenner<br>Mrs.
Barry/Mrs. Neville..................................... Allie
Conner<br>Girl
On Street/Minnie May Barry...................... Olivia
Pince<br>Josie
Pye.................................................... Katelyn
Willemsen<br>Mrs.
Blewett/Ruby Gillis............................... Calliope
Green<br>Moody
MacPherson................................................ Atlas
Seib<br>Jane
Andrews.............................................. Skyler
Rodriguez<br>Gilbert
Blythe.................................................... Caleb
Johnson<br>Mr.
Phillips/Jerry Buote/Rev. Allan.............. Connor
Werth<br>Charlie
Sloan/Mr. Sadler.................................... Oscar
Flores<br>Rev.
Bentley/President Queen’s Academy.... Calvin
Moore<br>Station
Master/Tommy Sloane.................. Bryton
Unsworth<br>Jimmy
Glover....................................................... Cade
Becker<br>Miss
Susan Stacy/Carrie Sloane.................. Elizabeth
Noble<br>Prissy
Andrew/Aunt Josephine Barry........ Clare
Tholstrop<br>Miss
Rogerson/Mrs. Allan............................ Rose
Windholz<br>Bessie
Wright/Mary Jo....................................... Maddie
Meis<br>Girls
On Street/Tillie Boulter..................... Allison
Goertzen<br>Violinist
“Going Home”.......................................... Evyn
Cox

<b>PRODUCTION CREW<br></b>Production
Assistant/Sound................. Hannah
Eikenberry<br>Stage
Manager..................................................... Ry
Houchen<br>Stage.......................................................................... Anna
Zerr<br>Lights.................................................................. Jaxon
Fleenor

<figure>
                        <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/3/1677780186546.jpeg" alt="Hays High School will present the classic story, “Anne of Green Gables” at 7 p.m. on March 9-11 at 12th Street Auditorium. Cast members are:  Front – Skyler Rodriguez, Spenser Mills-Kulmula, Caleb King, Addy Brull, Devlyn Jochum, Jordan Aschenbrenner, Katelyn Willemsen. Second – Olivia Pince, Allison Goertzen, Rose Windholz, Clare Tholstrup, Cade Becker, Atlas Seib, Bryton Unsworth, Elizabeth Noble, Calliope Green. Back – Maddie Meis, Oscar Flores, Allie Conner, Calvin Moore, Caleb Johnson, Connor Werth. Courtesy photo." />
                        <figcaption>Hays High School will present the classic story, “Anne of Green Gables” at 7 p.m. on March 9-11 at 12th Street Auditorium. Cast members are:  Front – Skyler Rodriguez, Spenser Mills-Kulmula, Caleb King, Addy Brull, Devlyn Jochum, Jordan Aschenbrenner, Katelyn Willemsen. Second – Olivia Pince, Allison Goertzen, Rose Windholz, Clare Tholstrup, Cade Becker, Atlas Seib, Bryton Unsworth, Elizabeth Noble, Calliope Green. Back – Maddie Meis, Oscar Flores, Allie Conner, Calvin Moore, Caleb Johnson, Connor Werth. Courtesy photo.</figcaption>
                    </figure><div><iframe title="Hays High to present ‘Anne of Green Gables’ March 9-11" 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=t5dpq-13a69d4-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 tale of red-haired orphan Anne Shirley will come to 12th
Street Auditorium as Hays High School presents <i>Anne of Green Gables</i> at 7
p.m. on March 9 through 11.</p><p>“Lucille
Maude Montgomery’s classic 1905 novel has been adapted for the stage by
award-winning playwright Joseph Robinette and is under the direction of Bill Gasper,”
according to a press release announcing the production.</p><p>“It's a
really it's a coming of age story, I feel like and it's just a lot of fun,”
said Addy Brull, who plays the titular character. “It's such an amazing show.
It's family-friendly and everybody is sure to love it.”</p><p>“In a nutshell, it is a
coming-of-age story in which a young girl (Anne Shirley) overcomes the
adversity of losing her parents, living in an orphanage, and bouncing from one
harsh family to another to achieve success,” Gasper said. “It stresses the
importance of independence, family, nature, faith, and education. Taking place
in the early 20th century, the book explores the strict gender roles of that
period and how Anne defies those stereotypes to prove she is equal to her male
counterparts.”</p><figure>
                        <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/3/1677780239173.jpeg" alt="One of most iconic moments from L.M. Montgomery’s book is depicted on stage when Diana (Jordan Aschenbrenner) gets drunk after Anne (Addy Brull) mistakenly serves her currant wine instead of raspberry cordial. Courtesy photo." />
                        <figcaption>One of most iconic moments from L.M. Montgomery’s book is depicted on stage when Diana (Jordan Aschenbrenner) gets drunk after Anne (Addy Brull) mistakenly serves her currant wine instead of raspberry cordial. Courtesy photo.</figcaption>
                    </figure><p>The
story has been adapted for stage and film numerous times since its
publication, and Gasper, in his 17th year directing the Spring Play
at Hays High, said he had been considering <i>Anne of Green Gables </i>for
previous productions, but this year decided to “give it a go.”</p><p>“I'm glad I did,” he said. “It's simply a great story.”</p><p>But mounting the classic
tale required considerable effort, including finding a large cast that includes
23 students on stage and another 6 students behind the scenes.</p><p>“It
takes a village,” said Devlyn Jochum,
who plays Marilla Cuthbert. “We have a
gal doing our costumes… people all need different costumes from a specific time
period. That's quite difficult to do. We have people in charge of building and
painting our sets, in charge of stocking those sets with props and things. And
then of course, we're responsible for learning lines. We have people working
lights and the soundboard.”</p><p>“Everything
has to work pretty smoothly, but once it does, it's really fun.”</p><figure>
                        <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/3/1677780256607.jpeg" alt="Marilla (Devlyn Jochum) look on as Anne (Addy Brull) apologizes for her previous display of temper to Rachel Lynde (Spenser Mills-Kulmala). Courtesy photo." />
                        <figcaption>Marilla (Devlyn Jochum) look on as Anne (Addy Brull) apologizes for her previous display of temper to Rachel Lynde (Spenser Mills-Kulmala). Courtesy photo.</figcaption>
                    </figure><p>“It’s one of the largest casts I’ve had in a
while, which presents its own set of challenges,” Gasper said. “Overall though,
I couldn’t be more pleased with the effort and the outstanding performances
taking place on the stage. Parents, relatives and community members should be
very proud of the talent that exists at Hays High School.”</p><p>After months of work, Spencer Mills-Kulmula, who plays Rachel Lynde,
said the production has nearly come together as they continue dress rehearsals.</p><p>“It's
flowing nicely,” Mills-Kulmula said. “There's still some kinks, which is how it
goes for everything. But we're working those out.”</p><p>“We're
definitely getting really good at our characterization right now,” Brull said. “I
feel like what we're doing the most of is just smoothing out our character to
get it fully ready for the show.”</p><p>“And I
would say that genuinely the best part of putting on something like this, making
the audience believe what they're seeing and being so immersed into that scene,”
Mills-Kulmula said. “Yeah, it's really coming along nicely.”</p><p>The performance will be a “highlight reel” of all the most memorable moments from the book,
Gasper said as they move quickly from scene to scene and from season to season.</p><div><iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/vRb1CjrWTbM" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe></div><p>“Robinette does a nice
job in keeping things moving and relatively cohesive, especially since it
covers several years of Anne's life,” he said.</p><p>Tickets are $8 and are available
now at <a href="http://www.ticketsource.us/hays-high-school">ticketsource.us/hays-high-school</a>, the Hays High School office, and
at the door the night of the performance.</p><figure>
                        <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/3/1677780284805.jpeg" alt="While at Sunday school, the girls of Avonlea (Elizabeth Noble, Allison Goertzen, Maddie Meis, Clare Tholstrup, Skyler Rodriguez, Calliope Green and Katelyn Willemsen) gossip about the new girl, Anne Shirley. Courtesy photo." />
                        <figcaption>While at Sunday school, the girls of Avonlea (Elizabeth Noble, Allison Goertzen, Maddie Meis, Clare Tholstrup, Skyler Rodriguez, Calliope Green and Katelyn Willemsen) gossip about the new girl, Anne Shirley. Courtesy photo.</figcaption>
                    </figure><h2>The full cast of Hays High's production of Anne of Green Gables includes:</h2><p>Anne
Shirley.......................................................... Addy
Brull<br>Matthew
Cuthbert................................................. Caleb
King<br>Marilla
Cuthbert............................................. Devlyn
Jochum<br>Rachel
Lynde...................................... Spenser
Mills-Kumala<br>Diana
Barry......................................... Jordan
Aschenbrenner<br>Mrs.
Barry/Mrs. Neville..................................... Allie
Conner<br>Girl
On Street/Minnie May Barry...................... Olivia
Pince<br>Josie
Pye.................................................... Katelyn
Willemsen<br>Mrs.
Blewett/Ruby Gillis............................... Calliope
Green<br>Moody
MacPherson................................................ Atlas
Seib<br>Jane
Andrews.............................................. Skyler
Rodriguez<br>Gilbert
Blythe.................................................... Caleb
Johnson<br>Mr.
Phillips/Jerry Buote/Rev. Allan.............. Connor
Werth<br>Charlie
Sloan/Mr. Sadler.................................... Oscar
Flores<br>Rev.
Bentley/President Queen’s Academy.... Calvin
Moore<br>Station
Master/Tommy Sloane.................. Bryton
Unsworth<br>Jimmy
Glover....................................................... Cade
Becker<br>Miss
Susan Stacy/Carrie Sloane.................. Elizabeth
Noble<br>Prissy
Andrew/Aunt Josephine Barry........ Clare
Tholstrop<br>Miss
Rogerson/Mrs. Allan............................ Rose
Windholz<br>Bessie
Wright/Mary Jo....................................... Maddie
Meis<br>Girls
On Street/Tillie Boulter..................... Allison
Goertzen<br>Violinist
“Going Home”.......................................... Evyn
Cox</p><p><b>PRODUCTION CREW<br></b>Production
Assistant/Sound................. Hannah
Eikenberry<br>Stage
Manager..................................................... Ry
Houchen<br>Stage.......................................................................... Anna
Zerr<br>Lights.................................................................. Jaxon
Fleenor</p><figure>
                        <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/3/1677780305950.jpeg" alt="Gilbert Blythe (Caleb Johnson) teases Anne (Addy Brull) by playing keep-away with her school work, which leads to yet another incident that lands her in trouble. Courtesy photo." />
                        <figcaption>Gilbert Blythe (Caleb Johnson) teases Anne (Addy Brull) by playing keep-away with her school work, which leads to yet another incident that lands her in trouble. Courtesy photo.</figcaption>
                    </figure>

🎙 Hays High to present ‘Anne of Green Gables’ March 9-11

<i>On this episode of the Post Podcat Holy Family Elementary principal Rachel Wentling discusses the upcoming State of the Catholic Schools address set for March 6.</i>

<div><iframe title="State of the Hays catholic school address set for Monday" 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=75h47-13a8a6c-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 Podcat Holy Family Elementary principal Rachel Wentling discusses the upcoming State of the Catholic Schools address set for March 6.</i></p>

🎙 Post Podcast: State of the Hays catholic school address set for Monday

<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>