For over half a century, the Hays High Plains
Barbershop Chapter has been entertaining area residents with their unique stylings
of barbershop favorites.

At 2 and 7 p.m. April 15, the group will
continue that legacy with "It’s a Grand Night For Singing" at the Beach/Schmidt
Performing Arts Center on the Fort Hays State University campus, 600 Park.

Both concerts will feature<b>&nbsp;</b>barbershop
harmony from Hays High Plains Barbershop Chorus, Tumbleweeds Chorus, FHSU
Singers and Vocal Spectrum.

“This is
a must-see show,” said Don Barber, a member since the group’s
inception. “It
really is if you like music at all. And it's a real family-oriented show. You
never hear any off-color, anything like that. It's just a pure family show and
wonderful, wonderful music.”

And with limited exposure to live barbershop , the annual concert provides a special
opportunity to explore a distinct musical style.

“It’s an
absolutely great thing for young people that love music to come see and enjoy a
different style of music than they normally hear,” said member Vance Chartier.
“Especially the ones that are singing in their
local choirs in schools.”

Barber said the
concert will feature large and small ensembles during the two-hour show.

“We have
two local quartets in our chapter that will perform, and we're going to perform,”
Barber said. “We'll open the show, and we have a couple of quartets that are
going to perform. And we have Dr. Terry Crull’s Fort Hays State choir also
singing in the show in the first half. And then our chorus will open the second
half.

“And
then we bring on the quartet Vocal Spectrum. So, it'll be about, with
everything, right around a two-hour show and Vocal Spectrum, they'll get about
30-35 minutes. So just the most beautiful thing you've ever heard in your life.”

He said
over the years, many of the quartets that have performed at the annual Hays show
have later taken first place in international competition.

“We are their lucky chapter,” Barber said.

The
annual concert marks one of the largest for barbershop music in the area.

“We are
one of the biggest shows for barbershop harmony in the Midwest,” Chartier said.
“And we are well-known across the country as a
very good venue for the quartets to come.”

Some lucky audience members will receive a
special takeaway as well, Chartier said.

“During
the intermission, we do a drawing to give away CDs of the performing quartets
that come in,” he said. “So people have a chance to win that, and that's done by
the ticket stubs that they turn in, so they'll get to take home some music that
they heard.”

Tickets
for the show are unreserved, with doors set to open an hour before the show start.

<b>“</b>So if
you have a favorite seat, if you get there, but pretty early, you'll probably
get the seat where you probably like are in the area,” Barber said. “And if you
get a ticket, you go to either show.”

While
the upcoming annual event will showcase Barbershop music, members of the group
get to experience the style throughout the year — and they are always looking
for new members.

“We always
invite new members at any time we sing,” Chartier said. “We're always looking
for people that sing well and invite them in.”

The group
rehearses at 7:30 p.m. Thursdays in the Trinity Lutheran Church, 2703 Fort.

And he
said there has even been interest in a women’s chapter if a director can be
found.

<b>“W</b>e've got
one of the biggest choruses out in his part of the state,” Barber said. “So
we're very proud of it, and we have guys coming from nine counties.”

“We have
a lot of fun,” Chartier said. “Everybody knows there's nothing better than music,
to keep the heart and everything happy. …. And I will say, having been here seven
years, once I got there, it was like another family.”

“We love it,” Barber said. “We love singing.”

The love
of the art form brings the group together, and while members do not receive compensation,
the group is a non-profit organization that uses revenues to support other area
organizations.

“We're a
nonprofit, charitable, educational organization,” Barber said. “We're tax-exempt because we give a lot of our money away to different charities.”

“We've got members that come from two hours away
to practice with us every week, and like nine counties, so we donate to music
programs all through the area, and also scholarships to colleges in the area,” Chartier
said.

<a href="https://www.eventbrite.com/e/its-a-grand-night-for-singing-tickets-443815081857?fbclid=IwAR0znXfvsVMyBaxwx9edG5TD3-677QEhN8z7vTxcSOI-ktbx_Z8zS-PCTZc">Tickets are available now at select locations
throughout the area and can be found online at Event Bright.</a>

Tickets are $15 in advance or $17 at the door.

<figure>
                        <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/4/1680709640494.jpeg" alt="Hays High Plains Barbershop Chapter will present "It’s a Grand Night For Singing" April 15 in the Beach/Schmidt Performing Arts Center on the Fort Hays State University campus." />
                        <figcaption>Hays High Plains Barbershop Chapter will present "It’s a Grand Night For Singing" April 15 in the Beach/Schmidt Performing Arts Center on the Fort Hays State University campus.</figcaption>
                    </figure><div><iframe title="Hays High Plains Barbershop Chapter to present ’It’s a Grand Night For Singing’ April 15" 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=ajc8g-13d68bf-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>For over half a century, the Hays High Plains
Barbershop Chapter has been entertaining area residents with their unique stylings
of barbershop favorites.</p><p>At 2 and 7 p.m. April 15, the group will
continue that legacy with "It’s a Grand Night For Singing" at the Beach/Schmidt
Performing Arts Center on the Fort Hays State University campus, 600 Park.</p><p>Both concerts will feature<b>&nbsp;</b>barbershop
harmony from Hays High Plains Barbershop Chorus, Tumbleweeds Chorus, FHSU
Singers and Vocal Spectrum.</p><p>“This is
a must-see show,” said Don Barber, a member since the group’s
inception. “It
really is if you like music at all. And it's a real family-oriented show. You
never hear any off-color, anything like that. It's just a pure family show and
wonderful, wonderful music.”</p><p>And with limited exposure to live barbershop , the annual concert provides a special
opportunity to explore a distinct musical style.</p><p>“It’s an
absolutely great thing for young people that love music to come see and enjoy a
different style of music than they normally hear,” said member Vance Chartier.
“Especially the ones that are singing in their
local choirs in schools.”</p><p>Barber said the
concert will feature large and small ensembles during the two-hour show.</p><p>“We have
two local quartets in our chapter that will perform, and we're going to perform,”
Barber said. “We'll open the show, and we have a couple of quartets that are
going to perform. And we have Dr. Terry Crull’s Fort Hays State choir also
singing in the show in the first half. And then our chorus will open the second
half.</p><p>“And
then we bring on the quartet Vocal Spectrum. So, it'll be about, with
everything, right around a two-hour show and Vocal Spectrum, they'll get about
30-35 minutes. So just the most beautiful thing you've ever heard in your life.”</p><p>He said
over the years, many of the quartets that have performed at the annual Hays show
have later taken first place in international competition.</p><p>“We are their lucky chapter,” Barber said.</p><p>The
annual concert marks one of the largest for barbershop music in the area.</p><p>“We are
one of the biggest shows for barbershop harmony in the Midwest,” Chartier said.
“And we are well-known across the country as a
very good venue for the quartets to come.”</p><p>Some lucky audience members will receive a
special takeaway as well, Chartier said.</p><p>“During
the intermission, we do a drawing to give away CDs of the performing quartets
that come in,” he said. “So people have a chance to win that, and that's done by
the ticket stubs that they turn in, so they'll get to take home some music that
they heard.”</p><p>Tickets
for the show are unreserved, with doors set to open an hour before the show start.</p><p><b>“</b>So if
you have a favorite seat, if you get there, but pretty early, you'll probably
get the seat where you probably like are in the area,” Barber said. “And if you
get a ticket, you go to either show.”</p><p>While
the upcoming annual event will showcase Barbershop music, members of the group
get to experience the style throughout the year — and they are always looking
for new members.</p><p>“We always
invite new members at any time we sing,” Chartier said. “We're always looking
for people that sing well and invite them in.”</p><p>The group
rehearses at 7:30 p.m. Thursdays in the Trinity Lutheran Church, 2703 Fort.</p><p>And he
said there has even been interest in a women’s chapter if a director can be
found.</p><p><b>“W</b>e've got
one of the biggest choruses out in his part of the state,” Barber said. “So
we're very proud of it, and we have guys coming from nine counties.”</p><p>“We have
a lot of fun,” Chartier said. “Everybody knows there's nothing better than music,
to keep the heart and everything happy. …. And I will say, having been here seven
years, once I got there, it was like another family.”</p><p>“We love it,” Barber said. “We love singing.”</p><p>The love
of the art form brings the group together, and while members do not receive compensation,
the group is a non-profit organization that uses revenues to support other area
organizations.</p><p>“We're a
nonprofit, charitable, educational organization,” Barber said. “We're tax-exempt because we give a lot of our money away to different charities.”</p><p>“We've got members that come from two hours away
to practice with us every week, and like nine counties, so we donate to music
programs all through the area, and also scholarships to colleges in the area,” Chartier
said.</p><p><a href="https://www.eventbrite.com/e/its-a-grand-night-for-singing-tickets-443815081857?fbclid=IwAR0znXfvsVMyBaxwx9edG5TD3-677QEhN8z7vTxcSOI-ktbx_Z8zS-PCTZc">Tickets are available now at select locations
throughout the area and can be found online at Event Bright.</a></p><p>Tickets are $15 in advance or $17 at the door.</p>

🎙 Hays High Plains Barbershop Chapter set to present ’It’s a Grand Night For Singing’ 

<i>On this episode of Forward Ever: Leading in Challenging Times, host Gary Shorman speaks with Kansas Department of Labor Secretary Amber Schultz.</i>

<div><iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/b3k7JG5uqrk" 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 Department of Labor Secretary Amber Schultz.</i></p>

🎤 Forward Ever: Kansas Sec. of Labor Amber Schultz

<i>On this episode of the Post Podcast Fort Hays State Shooting Sports team members Kyler Niblock and Katie Dettmann discuss recent team activities and accomplishments as they reflect on the history and legacy of the team and it's impact on FHSU.</i>

<div><iframe title="FHSU Shotgun Team success continues building legacy" 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=3hepb-13d8535-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 Fort Hays State Shooting Sports team members Kyler Niblock and Katie Dettmann discuss recent team activities and accomplishments as they reflect on the history and legacy of the team and it's impact on FHSU.</i></p>

🎙 Post Podcast: FHSU Shotgun Team success continues building legacy

<i>On this episode of the Post Podcast Hays Post reported Cristina Janney gets updates from United Way of Ellis County executive director Erica Berges.</i>

<div><iframe title="Updates from the United Way of Ellis County" 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=v8nc6-13d0a47-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 Post reported Cristina Janney gets updates from United Way of Ellis County executive director Erica Berges.</i></p>

🎙 Post Podcast: Updates from the United Way of Ellis County

<i>On this episode of the Post Podcast Grow Hays executive director Doug Williams shares updates on major Grow Hays projects.</i>

<div><iframe title="Grow Hays shares housing, microfactory project updates" 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=8b6mx-13d0a10-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 updates on major Grow Hays projects.</i></p>

🎙 Post Podcast: Grow Hays shares housing, microfactory project updates

<i>On this episode of the Post Podcast USD 489 assistant superintendent and director of curriculum Shanna Dinkel shares updates from the district.</i>

<div><iframe title="In the home stretch of the year USD 489 begins prep for 2023-2024" 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=3949x-13d09e7-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 USD 489 assistant superintendent and director of curriculum Shanna Dinkel shares updates from the district.</i></p>

🎙 Post Podcast: In the home stretch of the year USD 489 begins prep for 2023-2024

<i>On this episode of Forward Ever: Leading in Challenging Times, host Gary Shorman speaks with USA Today Woman of the Year 2023 honoree Jade Piros de Carvalho.</i>

<div><iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/p4fEi-BuxTE" 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 USA Today Woman of the Year 2023 honoree Jade Piros de Carvalho.</i></p>

🎤 Forward Ever: USA Today Woman of the Year 2023 honoree Jade Piros de Carvalho

<i>On this episode of the Post Podcast Amy B. chats with Letters from Home performers, prior to their Friday night performance in downtown Hays.</i>

<div><iframe title="Letters from Home comes to Hays Friday" 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=tu3pa-13cfaa5-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 Amy B. chats with Letters from Home performers, prior to their Friday night performance in downtown Hays.</i></p>

🎙 Post Podcast: Letters from Home comes to Hays Friday

Lovegrass
Music Festival brings ‘experience’ to Defiance Brewing Co. Saturday for free event featuring new beer

At 3
p.m. Saturday, The Lovegrass Music Festival Association and Defiance Brewing,
2050 Old Highway 40, are teaming up to bring a “Lovegrass Experience” to Hays.

The day will
feature food, games, a benefit raffle and area bands to raise awareness and
funds for the annual fall bluegrass music festival at the Wilson Lake State
Park.

“We are
a 501(c)3, and so we're a nonprofit, and we like to keep our festival free,” said
organizer Aimee Riegel.

She said that over the last few years maintaining the festival has been challenging, but it
has continued and grown with events like Saturday’s benefit helping spread awareness
and funds.

“Besides
our festival — which is our main culminating event each year — we have in the
last two years broadened our scope to provide music not just at the lake but
also in other areas, such as Hays. We've done some activities over Wilson at
the Midland Hotel. We are also partnering with Great Bend Alive at the end of
April for an event down there as well.”

While The Lovegrass Music festival
may center on music, Saturday’s event will also feature a popular area
activity.

“Branson
Kyle from the Hays Cornhole League is going to be organizing a cornhole tournament,”
Riegel said. “They're very passionate about this project, and you can sign up
ahead of time.”

The tournament
will kick off the day’s festivities at the brewery’s taproom, with signup beginning
at 3 p.m.

“There
are two different leagues, pro and then social league,” Riegel said. “That's
the first event, and then we've got music kicking off at four o'clock with
three bands.”

Bartlett
will open the musical offerings at 4 p.m., followed by 80 Proof Alice and
Haymakers. Each band will perform for about an hour.

“Both of
those bands are going to be playing for absolutely no charge as a donation to
the festival,” Riegel said. “So, if you come on out, bring some money to tip
the bands. That way, they can make it worth their time.”

She said
she is especially excited to bring Haymakers to Hays.

“They're
doing a fundraiser down in Garden City for the Tumbleweed Festival, (which is) run by
Valerie Smith,” Riegel said. “They're doing that on Friday. And then, funny
enough, they're coming here to do our fundraiser the next day.

“They play
more blues, bluegrass, folk-type music and Americana. They're really
wonderful.” 

Haymakers
are set to take the stage at 7 p.m.

Following
their set, Riegel said they would host a jam session open to everyone.

“If you
have an instrument and you want to come play, we're going to keep the taproom
open as long as there are folks out there that want to play and partake,” she
said. “Come out, bring your guitar, bring your banjo, bring your spoons,
whatever it might be, and join us for some jamming.”

Defiance Brewing Brand Master
Brett Straight said hosting an event like the Lovegrass Experience is a part of
their mission.

“Any
time we get an opportunity to support local music, and live music, we're all
about it,” he said.

And with the upcoming event, they
hope to support the organization.

“What we
were focused on was just being able to provide an experience where people can
come out,” Straight said. “There's no obligation that you have to spend any money.
You can just come out and enjoy the festival, but what we hope is going to
happen is that people are going to purchase the custom-made pint glasses that
we had made.”

Custom
stickers were also designed for the event and will be available. 

“There's
been some wonderful people that donated some great prizes,” Straight said. 

“We really
had an outpouring of sponsorships,” Riegel said. “I think it's really
interesting, considering our festival is in Wilson at Wilson Lake in Russell
County, we usually target those areas for sponsorships for our main festival.
But for the smaller events, I believe, getting the word out and collaborating
with Defiance, and having that known name and recognition has been really
helpful for us to be able to procure certain sponsorships.”

“People
have been really wonderful. And helping this event, I was really blown away,
actually. So, we want to thank all of those that have made this possible, and
especially Defiance. They are going to be helping out too, they've just been
wonderful to work with.”

Part of
the support included the brewing of a beer to match the event.

“We
wanted to try something that is oriented around Bluegrass,” Straight said. “So,
we came up with a Blueberry Pie Gose. It's called Tap That Grass, and we will
be showcasing that on Saturday.”

For more information about the
Lovegrass Music Festival, visit <a href="https://www.lovegrassmusicfestival.com/">lovegrassmusicfestival.com.</a>

<div><iframe title="Defiance Brewing, Lovegrass Music Festival team up for weekend event" 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=v4cwd-13caeae-pb&from=pb6admin&square=1&share=1&download=1&rtl=0&fonts=Arial&skin=3267a3&font-color=auto&logo_link=podcast_page&btn-skin=3267a3&size=300" allowfullscreen=""></iframe></div><figure>
                        <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/3/1680007122524.jpeg" alt="Courtesy photo" />
                        <figcaption>Courtesy photo</figcaption>
                    </figure><h2>Lovegrass
Music Festival brings ‘experience’ to Defiance Brewing Co. Saturday for free event featuring new beer</h2><p><b>By JAMES BELL</b><br><i>Hays Post</i></p><p>At 3
p.m. Saturday, The Lovegrass Music Festival Association and Defiance Brewing,
2050 Old Highway 40, are teaming up to bring a “Lovegrass Experience” to Hays.</p><p>The day will
feature food, games, a benefit raffle and area bands to raise awareness and
funds for the annual fall bluegrass music festival at the Wilson Lake State
Park.</p><p>“We are
a 501(c)3, and so we're a nonprofit, and we like to keep our festival free,” said
organizer Aimee Riegel.</p><p>She said that over the last few years maintaining the festival has been challenging, but it
has continued and grown with events like Saturday’s benefit helping spread awareness
and funds.</p><p>“Besides
our festival — which is our main culminating event each year — we have in the
last two years broadened our scope to provide music not just at the lake but
also in other areas, such as Hays. We've done some activities over Wilson at
the Midland Hotel. We are also partnering with Great Bend Alive at the end of
April for an event down there as well.”</p><p>While The Lovegrass Music festival
may center on music, Saturday’s event will also feature a popular area
activity.</p><figure>
                        <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/3/1680007017649.jpeg" alt="" />
                        <figcaption></figcaption>
                    </figure><p>“Branson
Kyle from the Hays Cornhole League is going to be organizing a cornhole tournament,”
Riegel said. “They're very passionate about this project, and you can sign up
ahead of time.”</p><p>The tournament
will kick off the day’s festivities at the brewery’s taproom, with signup beginning
at 3 p.m.</p><p>“There
are two different leagues, pro and then social league,” Riegel said. “That's
the first event, and then we've got music kicking off at four o'clock with
three bands.”</p><p>Bartlett
will open the musical offerings at 4 p.m., followed by 80 Proof Alice and
Haymakers. Each band will perform for about an hour.</p><p>“Both of
those bands are going to be playing for absolutely no charge as a donation to
the festival,” Riegel said. “So, if you come on out, bring some money to tip
the bands. That way, they can make it worth their time.”</p><p>She said
she is especially excited to bring Haymakers to Hays.</p><p>“They're
doing a fundraiser down in Garden City for the Tumbleweed Festival, (which is) run by
Valerie Smith,” Riegel said. “They're doing that on Friday. And then, funny
enough, they're coming here to do our fundraiser the next day.</p><p>“They play
more blues, bluegrass, folk-type music and Americana. They're really
wonderful.” </p><p>Haymakers
are set to take the stage at 7 p.m.</p><p>Following
their set, Riegel said they would host a jam session open to everyone.</p><p>“If you
have an instrument and you want to come play, we're going to keep the taproom
open as long as there are folks out there that want to play and partake,” she
said. “Come out, bring your guitar, bring your banjo, bring your spoons,
whatever it might be, and join us for some jamming.”</p><figure>
                        <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/3/1680200134811.jpeg" alt="Dustin Arbuckle and Matt Woods perform at the Midland Railroad Hotel in Wilson during a Lovegrass Experience event. (Courtesy photo)" />
                        <figcaption>Dustin Arbuckle and Matt Woods perform at the Midland Railroad Hotel in Wilson during a Lovegrass Experience event. (Courtesy photo)</figcaption>
                    </figure><p>Defiance Brewing Brand Master
Brett Straight said hosting an event like the Lovegrass Experience is a part of
their mission.</p><p>“Any
time we get an opportunity to support local music, and live music, we're all
about it,” he said.</p><p>And with the upcoming event, they
hope to support the organization.</p><p>“What we
were focused on was just being able to provide an experience where people can
come out,” Straight said. “There's no obligation that you have to spend any money.
You can just come out and enjoy the festival, but what we hope is going to
happen is that people are going to purchase the custom-made pint glasses that
we had made.”</p><p>Custom
stickers were also designed for the event and will be available. </p><p>A fundraiser
raffle is also planned.</p><p>“There's
been some wonderful people that donated some great prizes,” Straight said. </p><p>“We really
had an outpouring of sponsorships,” Riegel said. “I think it's really
interesting, considering our festival is in Wilson at Wilson Lake in Russell
County, we usually target those areas for sponsorships for our main festival.
But for the smaller events, I believe, getting the word out and collaborating
with Defiance, and having that known name and recognition has been really
helpful for us to be able to procure certain sponsorships.”</p><p>“People
have been really wonderful. And helping this event, I was really blown away,
actually. So, we want to thank all of those that have made this possible, and
especially Defiance. They are going to be helping out too, they've just been
wonderful to work with.”</p><figure>
                        <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/3/1680200435901.jpeg" alt="" />
                        <figcaption></figcaption>
                    </figure><p>Part of
the support included the brewing of a beer to match the event.</p><p>“We
wanted to try something that is oriented around Bluegrass,” Straight said. “So,
we came up with a Blueberry Pie Gose. It's called Tap That Grass, and we will
be showcasing that on Saturday.”</p><p>For more information about the
Lovegrass Music Festival, visit <a href="https://www.lovegrassmusicfestival.com/">lovegrassmusicfestival.com.</a></p><figure>
                        <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/3/1680200265495.jpeg" alt="Lovegrass Music Festival 2022. (Courtesy photo)" />
                        <figcaption>Lovegrass Music Festival 2022. (Courtesy photo)</figcaption>
                    </figure>

🎙 Beer and Bluegrass on tap this weekend in Hays

<i>On this episode of the Post Podcast Amy B. speaks with Autumn Ragland, lead singer of Ragland, as she shares information about their upcoming performance in Hays.</i>

<div><iframe title="Ragland to perform in downtown Hays Thursday" 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=hxzqx-13cdddc-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 Amy B. speaks with Autumn Ragland, lead singer of Ragland, as she shares information about their upcoming performance in Hays.</i></p>

🎙 Post Podcast: Ragland to perform in downtown Hays Thursday

<i>On this episode of the Post Podcast, USD 489 Public Relations director Chrisy Crough, shares updates from the district as they continue facility updates that will utilize a bond issue passed by voters in 2022.</i>

<div><iframe title="Facility update planning, work continues in USD 489" 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=vwbs5-13ccd5b-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, USD 489 Public Relations director Chrisy Crough, shares updates from the district as they continue facility updates that will utilize a bond issue passed by voters in 2022.</i></p>

🎙 Post Podcast: Facility update planning, work continues in USD 489

On this episode of the Post Podcast Hays Chamber president and CEO Sarah Wasinger and Cottonwood Extension district agent Stacy Campbell, discuss area resources for plants and landscaping in Ellis County.

<div><iframe title="As spring approaches area resources available for plants and landscaping" 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=ykxrt-13cb44f-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 Chamber president and CEO Sarah Wasinger and Cottonwood Extension district agent Stacy Campbell, discuss area resources for plants and landscaping in Ellis County.</p>

🎙 Post Podcast: As spring approaches area resources available for plants and landscaping

Grow Hays, the nonprofit economic development organization serving Ellis County, will soon release its annual report highlighting economic factors in the county. Among insights generated by the report, it highlights a significant increase
in sales tax, valuations and transient guest tax collections.

According to Grow Hays Executive Director Doug Williams, the report shows sales tax for the city of Hays was
up by approximately 7.6 percent compared to the previous year, indicating people are buying more goods and services, and merchants are selling more
products, resulting in a positive economic impact.

The valuations for residential properties were reported up by
12.6 percent compared to the previous year, and the total valuation for the county
increased by 13 percent. Additionally, oil valuations showed a significant increase of
1 percent year over year due to the higher per-barrel price in January 2022, he said.

But Williams pointed out
that a large increase in oil valuation does not necessarily equate to a significant increase in total valuations as oil reflects less than 10 percent of the overall
valuation in the county, which was approximately $458 million.

While the increase in valuations may result in a potential
increase in property taxes, Williams noted that an increase in valuation does
not necessarily equate to a tax hike. He added that a lot of
factors are involved in the calculation of property tax, and it is a
complicated formula.

The transient guest tax collections took a significant jump
as well, increasing by almost 20 percent compared to the previous year. The increase
in the transient guest tax collections indicates that hotels in Hays are doing
well and more people are using them.

Williams also said that the pull factor for Hays
increased from 1.72 to 1.74, which means that more people are coming into the
community from outside and spending money in Hays.

"These 13,000 cars a day that are going by (on Interstate 70)? We want as many of those to stop as we can and spend money here," he said.

Overall, Williams said the annual report showed positive growth in various
sectors, indicating a healthy economic environment in Hays, while other western Kansas economic hubs like Garden City
and Dodge City are experiencing a slight decline.

The region's growth is important to Ellis County's
economy as it affects sales tax revenues, transient guests, tax revenues, and
the overall economy. Williams noted that Hays currently has the second- or third-highest pull factor in the state.

Williams acknowledged that the reason for the growth in Hays
and the decline in Garden City and Dodge City is difficult to pinpoint but
said that having more retail choices and recruiting more retailers will help
maintain the city's high pull factor. The organization is also exploring ways
to get people to stop off the interstate highway, including the implementation
of a Star Bond.

On the housing front, Williams noted that the overall sales
volume of the Hays MLS was down 3.3 percent last year due to a previously overheated
market in 2020 and 2021. However, the MLS average sales price increased by 4 percent,
while the county valuation of residential property increased by about 12 percent.

And while county appraisers often receive criticism, Williams said valuations are determined by a computer algorithm and that evidence-based
appeals are a fair process.

Ellis County saw a slight increase in
housing inventory and days on the market from the previous year with 48
active listings reported at year-end, compared to 40 in 2021. The increase in inventory, however,
did not fully address the supply issues faced by the community. Williams noted
that there is still a shortage of housing, particularly in the $175,000 to $275,000 price
range.

The increase in interest rates also impacted the market,
leading to a slowdown in sales. 

Williams said that it would take time to
resolve the issue, as it requires the development of land, lots and
multifamily units. In addition, challenges related to supply chain and labor
shortages have made the situation even more difficult.

"We still have supply issues," he said. "We don't have enough housing. In our community, we're working diligently to try and fix some of that. But we can use some more, and we're going to continue to try and fix it."

Williams expressed the need for continued diligent planning and
investment in the community to address the housing shortage. 

"I think the next five years in Ellis County are going to be fantastic," Williams said. "If you look at all the large projects are going on and all the things that we've got happening, they're going to be great. But we need to step up to the plate and do some things to do to meet the housing needs and to meet some other needs, the infrastructure needs in not only Hays but in Ellis and Victoria and those places, and use the tools that are available to try and ensure that we take advantage of this."

<a href="https://www.growhays.com/">The report is set to release soon and will be available on the Grow Hays website.</a>

<div><iframe title="Grow Hays annual report highlights Ellis County economic activity in 2022" 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=f9tsw-13bd083-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>Grow Hays, the nonprofit economic development organization serving Ellis County, will soon release its annual report highlighting economic factors in the county. Among insights generated by the report, it highlights a significant increase
in sales tax, valuations and transient guest tax collections.</p><p>According to Grow Hays Executive Director Doug Williams, the report shows sales tax for the city of Hays was
up by approximately 7.6 percent compared to the previous year, indicating people are buying more goods and services, and merchants are selling more
products, resulting in a positive economic impact.</p><p>The valuations for residential properties were reported up by
12.6 percent compared to the previous year, and the total valuation for the county
increased by 13 percent. Additionally, oil valuations showed a significant increase of
1 percent year over year due to the higher per-barrel price in January 2022, he said.</p><figure>
                        <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/11/1574881377018.jpeg" alt="" />
                        <figcaption></figcaption>
                    </figure><p>But Williams pointed out
that a large increase in oil valuation does not necessarily equate to a significant increase in total valuations as oil reflects less than 10 percent of the overall
valuation in the county, which was approximately $458 million.</p><p>While the increase in valuations may result in a potential
increase in property taxes, Williams noted that an increase in valuation does
not necessarily equate to a tax hike. He added that a lot of
factors are involved in the calculation of property tax, and it is a
complicated formula.</p><p>The transient guest tax collections took a significant jump
as well, increasing by almost 20 percent compared to the previous year. The increase
in the transient guest tax collections indicates that hotels in Hays are doing
well and more people are using them.</p><p>Williams also said that the pull factor for Hays
increased from 1.72 to 1.74, which means that more people are coming into the
community from outside and spending money in Hays.</p><p>"These 13,000 cars a day that are going by (on Interstate 70)? We want as many of those to stop as we can and spend money here," he said.</p><p>Overall, Williams said the annual report showed positive growth in various
sectors, indicating a healthy economic environment in Hays, while other western Kansas economic hubs like Garden City
and Dodge City are experiencing a slight decline.</p><figure>
                        <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/12/1640279693304.jpeg" alt="Doug Williams (File photo)" />
                        <figcaption>Doug Williams (File photo)</figcaption>
                    </figure><p>The region's growth is important to Ellis County's
economy as it affects sales tax revenues, transient guests, tax revenues, and
the overall economy. Williams noted that Hays currently has the second- or third-highest pull factor in the state.</p><p>Williams acknowledged that the reason for the growth in Hays
and the decline in Garden City and Dodge City is difficult to pinpoint but
said that having more retail choices and recruiting more retailers will help
maintain the city's high pull factor. The organization is also exploring ways
to get people to stop off the interstate highway, including the implementation
of a Star Bond.</p><p>On the housing front, Williams noted that the overall sales
volume of the Hays MLS was down 3.3 percent last year due to a previously overheated
market in 2020 and 2021. However, the MLS average sales price increased by 4 percent,
while the county valuation of residential property increased by about 12 percent.</p><p>And while county appraisers often receive criticism, Williams said valuations are determined by a computer algorithm and that evidence-based
appeals are a fair process.</p><p>Ellis County saw a slight increase in
housing inventory and days on the market from the previous year with 48
active listings reported at year-end, compared to 40 in 2021. The increase in inventory, however,
did not fully address the supply issues faced by the community. Williams noted
that there is still a shortage of housing, particularly in the $175,000 to $275,000 price
range.</p><p>The increase in interest rates also impacted the market,
leading to a slowdown in sales. </p><p>Williams said that it would take time to
resolve the issue, as it requires the development of land, lots and
multifamily units. In addition, challenges related to supply chain and labor
shortages have made the situation even more difficult.</p><p>"We still have supply issues," he said. "We don't have enough housing. In our community, we're working diligently to try and fix some of that. But we can use some more, and we're going to continue to try and fix it."</p><p>Williams expressed the need for continued diligent planning and
investment in the community to address the housing shortage. </p><p>"I think the next five years in Ellis County are going to be fantastic," Williams said. "If you look at all the large projects are going on and all the things that we've got happening, they're going to be great. But we need to step up to the plate and do some things to do to meet the housing needs and to meet some other needs, the infrastructure needs in not only Hays but in Ellis and Victoria and those places, and use the tools that are available to try and ensure that we take advantage of this."</p><p><a href="https://www.growhays.com/">The report is set to release soon and will be available on the Grow Hays website.</a></p>

🎙 Grow Hays annual report highlights positive economic momentum

Tractor farm safety courses will soon be offered by area
K-State Extension district offices. 

The courses, commonly known as HOSTA, or Hazardous Occupation
Safety Training for Agriculture, are a federal requirement
for 14- and 15-year-old kids who plan to work on a farm that is not family owned
and operated, according to Stacy Campbell, Cottonwood Extension District agent.

Area courses include a session on April 22 in Hill City beginning
at 8 a.m., with pre-registration recommended before April 18 by contacting the
local Extension office.

“We do that every year, usually that last weekend in April,”
Campbell said. “I will be going and
helping teach so I can always take kids from here in Ellis County and could
even pick some kids up from Trego County on the way.”

<a href="https://postpodcast.podbean.com/e/area-extension-districts-plans-tractor-safety-courses-for-youth/">Campbell said the course is a full-day, intense course that
includes instruction on machinery maintenance and safety, instruction on how to
stop bleeding and discussion on how to prevent farm accidents. </a>

“We go over some machinery maintenance and how to check
different things. So it's a full day …intense course, but we give them breaks in
and we kind of recap everything, and they take a test at the end of the day,” he
said.

<a href="https://greatbendpost.com/posts/9c4f797a-3c5c-4d92-8456-7879bda28896">Another
course is scheduled in Russell on the same day at 8:15 a.m., with registration
due by April 14. On April 29, a course is scheduled in Beloit and in Salina on
May 25.</a>

Campbell emphasized the importance of safety in agriculture,
as it is one of the most hazardous occupations out there. 

“It can be tragic,” he said. “Oftentimes, if they would just
shut the machinery off when they're doing something, that would probably
alleviate a lot of things. So, you know, we talk about those types of things and
just try to kind of bring it home to those kids to be safe.”

“We even have somebody in there coming in again this year,
talking about losing their son in a farm accident,” he said. “Just kind of
driving that point home to these kids that they they're not bulletproof. Nobody
is, and accidents do happen.”

The course also includes instruction on how to operate farm
machinery safely, with follow-up with employers after the student has practical
time working with the equipment with supervision.

That training highlights an ongoing focus on safety
in the industry.

“People get complacent," Campbell said. "We know,
unfortunately, in agriculture, quite a few have a fair amount of the injuries
or deaths. ... We talk
about those types of things and just try to kind of bring it home to
those kids to be safe because agriculture is, and will unfortunately, probably
remain, one of the most hazardous occupations out there."

<figure>
                        <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/3/1679689278799.jpg" alt="" />
                        <figcaption></figcaption>
                    </figure><p><b>By JAMES BELL</b><br><i>Hays Post</i></p><p>Tractor farm safety courses will soon be offered by area
K-State Extension district offices. </p><p>The courses, commonly known as HOSTA, or Hazardous Occupation
Safety Training for Agriculture, are a federal requirement
for 14- and 15-year-old kids who plan to work on a farm that is not family owned
and operated, according to Stacy Campbell, Cottonwood Extension District agent.</p><p>Area courses include a session on April 22 in Hill City beginning
at 8 a.m., with pre-registration recommended before April 18 by contacting the
local Extension office.</p><div><iframe title="Area extension districts plans tractor safety courses for youth" 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=ymm9n-13c4e01-pb&from=pb6admin&square=1&share=1&download=1&rtl=0&fonts=Arial&skin=3267a3&font-color=auto&logo_link=podcast_page&btn-skin=3267a3&size=300" allowfullscreen=""></iframe></div><p>The cost of the program is $15.</p><p>“We do that every year, usually that last weekend in April,”
Campbell said. “I will be going and
helping teach so I can always take kids from here in Ellis County and could
even pick some kids up from Trego County on the way.”</p><p><a href="https://postpodcast.podbean.com/e/area-extension-districts-plans-tractor-safety-courses-for-youth/">Campbell said the course is a full-day, intense course that
includes instruction on machinery maintenance and safety, instruction on how to
stop bleeding and discussion on how to prevent farm accidents. </a></p><p>“We go over some machinery maintenance and how to check
different things. So it's a full day …intense course, but we give them breaks in
and we kind of recap everything, and they take a test at the end of the day,” he
said.</p><p><a href="https://greatbendpost.com/posts/9c4f797a-3c5c-4d92-8456-7879bda28896">Another
course is scheduled in Russell on the same day at 8:15 a.m., with registration
due by April 14. On April 29, a course is scheduled in Beloit and in Salina on
May 25.</a></p><p>Campbell emphasized the importance of safety in agriculture,
as it is one of the most hazardous occupations out there. </p><p>“It can be tragic,” he said. “Oftentimes, if they would just
shut the machinery off when they're doing something, that would probably
alleviate a lot of things. So, you know, we talk about those types of things and
just try to kind of bring it home to those kids to be safe.”</p><p>“We even have somebody in there coming in again this year,
talking about losing their son in a farm accident,” he said. “Just kind of
driving that point home to these kids that they they're not bulletproof. Nobody
is, and accidents do happen.”</p><p>The course also includes instruction on how to operate farm
machinery safely, with follow-up with employers after the student has practical
time working with the equipment with supervision.</p><p>That training highlights an ongoing focus on safety
in the industry.</p><p>“People get complacent," Campbell said. "We know,
unfortunately, in agriculture, quite a few have a fair amount of the injuries
or deaths. ... We talk
about those types of things and just try to kind of bring it home to
those kids to be safe because agriculture is, and will unfortunately, probably
remain, one of the most hazardous occupations out there."</p>

🎙 Tractor farm safety courses offered by K-State Extension

<i>On this episode of Forward Ever: Leading in Challenging Times, host Gary Shorman speaks with Fort Hays State University President Tisa Mason.&nbsp;&nbsp;</i>

<div><iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/doPcPDLJu2o" 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 Fort Hays State University President Tisa Mason.&nbsp;&nbsp;</i></p>

🎤 Forward Ever: Fort Hays State University President Tisa Mason

The Hays
Arts Council is preparing for a busy spring season with events planned for area
school children and the community.

Among
those events is the annual Creative Writing Contest, currently underway. 

“That's
actually off in the hands of our judges now,” said Hays Arts Council Executive
Director Brenda Meder. “And bless their hearts that a variety of staff members
from the Fort Hays English department, faculty and staff there take those
entries and judge them.”

As students
await the results of that contest, others are prepping for Famous Figures, a
chance for Ellis County Fifth graders to learn about and perform as a positive
role model from history for the 27th year.

The contest
is limited to two fifth-grade students per classroom and will conclude with a
county-wide competition from 8:20 to 11:45 a.m. May 5 in the Beach/Schmidt Performing
Art Center on the Fort Hays State University campus. Competitor names and their
chosen characters are due to the Arts Council by April 28.

And later this week, area fourth and
fifth graders will have the opportunity to see live productions from the Wichita
Children’s Theater on March 24.

“In the
morning, we will be having … I think we'll have about 175 students in Beach/Schmidt
from fourth and fifth grades with their production of <i>Yankee Doodle</i>,
which is a really wonderful homage to Americana history and significant
movers and shakers.”

Students
from Hays, Ellis, Victoria, Plainville and Russell will be in
attendance.

“And in
the afternoon, we've got <i>The Three Little Kittens</i> for kindergarten and
first graders,” Meder said.

Another
performance will be hosted that at 7 p.m., again in Beach/Schmidt.

“It's
highly entertaining, very audience participatory engagement,” Meder said. “So the kids absolutely love it. And there's a lot of little kids that aren't in
those grades we touch, and we want them to come back with their families or an
older grade where this is still wonderfully suitable, but they're not part of
the mix. 

“There
will be no fee for that. We do pay for these companies, so there's a fee with
that, but we will be offering this as a gift to the community because of the
sponsorship and the support that we've gotten.”

Following
the performance, she said a cast meet-and-greet is scheduled in the lobby.

While the
children’s events approach, work in the gallery for their latest exhibition
is also underway, a Master of Fine Arts Thesis exhibition from Cassie Rebman. 

“It's
going to be a very unique a different kind of big sculptural thesis exhibition,”
Meder said. "Putting together some of what you would think of its disjointed
materials and the way they flow from one item to the next. So I think
that's going to be very cool.”

The
exhibition is scheduled to open with a reception from 6:30 to 9 p.m. March 31.

“And
what's cool about that evening is we're also hosting a professional development
exhibition, again for Fort Hays students in our annex,” Meder said. “While we're talking about great things across the
community, down in the Moss Thorns Gallery is the annual student honors
exhibition. And so all three of those shows celebrating the talent and
creativity and instruction and everything out of Fort Hays State University
will be on full display.”

Moving
through the season, the Art Center will also work to prepare for the Spring Art
Walk, set for 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. April 29. Throughout the day, participating
locations will display various art forms in lobbies and storefronts as hundreds
of area residents explore exhibitions throughout downtown and beyond.

While it
might be more than a month away, Meder said participating artists and businesses
are connecting now.

“We take
all comers, if it is your original creations, we take all comers,” Meder said. “That's
what we want, is to celebrate individual creativity. And so, all you have to do
is hook up with any place across our wonderful community.”

In order
to be included in the printed event announcement, she said, participants have until
April 14.

“Plenty
of time to make this happen,” Meder said. 

<figure>
                        <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/6/1623877479116.jpeg" alt="" />
                        <figcaption></figcaption>
                    </figure><p><b>By JAMES BELL</b><br><i>Hays Post</i></p><p>The Hays
Arts Council is preparing for a busy spring season with events planned for area
school children and the community.</p><p>Among
those events is the annual Creative Writing Contest, currently underway. </p><p>“That's
actually off in the hands of our judges now,” said Hays Arts Council Executive
Director Brenda Meder. “And bless their hearts that a variety of staff members
from the Fort Hays English department, faculty and staff there take those
entries and judge them.”</p><p>The
award ceremony is set for April 30. </p><div><iframe title="Preparations underway for children’s programing at Hays Arts Council" 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=wvdys-13bd074-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>As students
await the results of that contest, others are prepping for Famous Figures, a
chance for Ellis County Fifth graders to learn about and perform as a positive
role model from history for the 27th year.</p><p>The contest
is limited to two fifth-grade students per classroom and will conclude with a
county-wide competition from 8:20 to 11:45 a.m. May 5 in the Beach/Schmidt Performing
Art Center on the Fort Hays State University campus. Competitor names and their
chosen characters are due to the Arts Council by April 28.</p><p>And later this week, area fourth and
fifth graders will have the opportunity to see live productions from the Wichita
Children’s Theater on March 24.</p><p>“In the
morning, we will be having … I think we'll have about 175 students in Beach/Schmidt
from fourth and fifth grades with their production of <i>Yankee Doodle</i>,
which is a really wonderful homage to Americana history and significant
movers and shakers.”</p><p>Students
from Hays, Ellis, Victoria, Plainville and Russell will be in
attendance.</p><p>“And in
the afternoon, we've got <i>The Three Little Kittens</i> for kindergarten and
first graders,” Meder said.</p><p>Another
performance will be hosted that at 7 p.m., again in Beach/Schmidt.</p><p>“It's
highly entertaining, very audience participatory engagement,” Meder said. “So the kids absolutely love it. And there's a lot of little kids that aren't in
those grades we touch, and we want them to come back with their families or an
older grade where this is still wonderfully suitable, but they're not part of
the mix. </p><p>“There
will be no fee for that. We do pay for these companies, so there's a fee with
that, but we will be offering this as a gift to the community because of the
sponsorship and the support that we've gotten.”</p><p>Following
the performance, she said a cast meet-and-greet is scheduled in the lobby.</p><p>While the
children’s events approach, work in the gallery for their latest exhibition
is also underway, a Master of Fine Arts Thesis exhibition from Cassie Rebman. </p><p>“It's
going to be a very unique a different kind of big sculptural thesis exhibition,”
Meder said. "Putting together some of what you would think of its disjointed
materials and the way they flow from one item to the next. So I think
that's going to be very cool.”</p><p>The
exhibition is scheduled to open with a reception from 6:30 to 9 p.m. March 31.</p><p>“And
what's cool about that evening is we're also hosting a professional development
exhibition, again for Fort Hays students in our annex,” Meder said. “While we're talking about great things across the
community, down in the Moss Thorns Gallery is the annual student honors
exhibition. And so all three of those shows celebrating the talent and
creativity and instruction and everything out of Fort Hays State University
will be on full display.”</p><p>Moving
through the season, the Art Center will also work to prepare for the Spring Art
Walk, set for 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. April 29. Throughout the day, participating
locations will display various art forms in lobbies and storefronts as hundreds
of area residents explore exhibitions throughout downtown and beyond.</p><p>While it
might be more than a month away, Meder said participating artists and businesses
are connecting now.</p><p>“We take
all comers, if it is your original creations, we take all comers,” Meder said. “That's
what we want, is to celebrate individual creativity. And so, all you have to do
is hook up with any place across our wonderful community.”</p><p>In order
to be included in the printed event announcement, she said, participants have until
April 14.</p><p>“Plenty
of time to make this happen,” Meder said. </p>

🎙 Spring event preparation underway at Hays Arts Council

It may not look like much now, but work has begun on Hays Fire Department's Fire Station No. Three at 1732 W. 41st.

<a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/798d4bdc-22f4-4f79-9eaf-8f402b9c6af6">Construction of the station was approved by Hays City Commissioners in August,</a>&nbsp;after being designated a city priority in 2021 and funded by the city's share of a 1/4-cent sales tax in Ellis County designated for emergency services.

<a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/2db0f015-316d-4873-aed2-79b21e5874e1">Hays-based Paul Wertenberger Construction was awarded the $5.5 million construction bid in November.</a>

"They started scraping the dirt off and then raising the dirt pad, bringing in new dirt and compacting everything," said Hays Fire Department Chief Ryan Hagans. "This is a big project for us. For me, it's been a long time coming. And we're looking forward to it."

He said with the dirt work well underway, he hopes to see concrete placed in the next few weeks as they shoot for completion in May 2024.

The location and need of the station was due to sustained growth in the city and will allow for quicker response times in northwest Hays and beyond.

"There are several reasons why you put a new station in," Hagans said. And one of the main reasons is we
want to have a fire station or fire engine within one and a half road miles of
every place in town. "

With the growth that the city has seen in the last 20
years the new station gives firefighters better access to new residential and commercial development in the area and north of I-70, he said.

Once the new station is completed, it will serve as the department's headquarters, freeing up space in Station No. 1 in downtown Hays. The building also serves as Hays City Hall.

"We'll be moving our headquarters out of City Hall, which will also free up some
office space for the workers there at City Hall," Hagans said. "And maybe they can actually do
some updates and remodeling their offices as well."

"When that station was put in, that was the center
of town, and it's still a great location." - Hays Fire Chief Ryan Hagans on Hays Fire Station No. 1

While the leadership may move locations, the Main Street station will remain a vital part of the department's operations.

"That
station is in a prime location," Hagans said. "I think we've been in there since the early to mid-'70s and the town has just obviously grown around that station as far as
a central location."

<figure>
                        <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/3/1679511697360.jpeg" alt="Dirt work has begun at 1732 W. 41st in preparation of the construction of a new station for the Hays Fire Department. Photo by James Bell/Hays Post." />
                        <figcaption>Dirt work has begun at 1732 W. 41st in preparation of the construction of a new station for the Hays Fire Department. Photo by James Bell/Hays Post.</figcaption>
                    </figure><p><b>By JAMES BELL</b><br><i>Hays Post</i></p><p>It may not look like much now, but work has begun on Hays Fire Department's Fire Station No. Three at 1732 W. 41st.</p><p><a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/798d4bdc-22f4-4f79-9eaf-8f402b9c6af6">Construction of the station was approved by Hays City Commissioners in August,</a>&nbsp;after being designated a city priority in 2021 and funded by the city's share of a 1/4-cent sales tax in Ellis County designated for emergency services.</p><p><a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/2db0f015-316d-4873-aed2-79b21e5874e1">Hays-based Paul Wertenberger Construction was awarded the $5.5 million construction bid in November.</a></p><div><iframe title="Construction begins at new Hays Fire Station" 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=3gtss-13c37c1-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>"They started scraping the dirt off and then raising the dirt pad, bringing in new dirt and compacting everything," said Hays Fire Department Chief Ryan Hagans. "This is a big project for us. For me, it's been a long time coming. And we're looking forward to it."</p><p>He said with the dirt work well underway, he hopes to see concrete placed in the next few weeks as they shoot for completion in May 2024.</p><p>The location and need of the station was due to sustained growth in the city and will allow for quicker response times in northwest Hays and beyond.</p><p>"There are several reasons why you put a new station in," Hagans said. And one of the main reasons is we
want to have a fire station or fire engine within one and a half road miles of
every place in town. "</p><p>With the growth that the city has seen in the last 20
years the new station gives firefighters better access to new residential and commercial development in the area and north of I-70, he said.</p><figure>
                        <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/11/1669405020958.jpeg" alt="Construction of a third fire station in Hays is scheduled to be completed in May 2024 and become the new headquarters of the Hays Fire Department. (Artist rendering courtesy Hays Fire Department)" />
                        <figcaption>Construction of a third fire station in Hays is scheduled to be completed in May 2024 and become the new headquarters of the Hays Fire Department. (Artist rendering courtesy Hays Fire Department)</figcaption>
                    </figure><p>Once the new station is completed, it will serve as the department's headquarters, freeing up space in Station No. 1 in downtown Hays. The building also serves as Hays City Hall.</p><p>"We'll be moving our headquarters out of City Hall, which will also free up some
office space for the workers there at City Hall," Hagans said. "And maybe they can actually do
some updates and remodeling their offices as well."</p><h2>"When that station was put in, that was the center
of town, and it's still a great location." - Hays Fire Chief Ryan Hagans on Hays Fire Station No. 1</h2><p>While the leadership may move locations, the Main Street station will remain a vital part of the department's operations.</p><p>"That
station is in a prime location," Hagans said. "I think we've been in there since the early to mid-'70s and the town has just obviously grown around that station as far as
a central location."</p><figure>
                        <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/11/1669472800842.jpeg" alt="Location of the third fire station in Hays, currently under construction." />
                        <figcaption>Location of the third fire station in Hays, currently under construction.</figcaption>
                    </figure>

🎙 Hays Fire Station No. 3 construction underway

<i>On this episode of the Post Podcast, Eagle Radio's Amy B. checks in with Chris Thompson of the Eli Young Band, set to perform in Hays on March 30 at the Fox Theater.</i>

<div><iframe title="Eli Young Band to perform in Hays March 30" 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=sek4d-13c36c0-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, Eagle Radio's Amy B. checks in with Chris Thompson of the Eli Young Band, set to perform in Hays on March 30 at the Fox Theater.</i></p>

🎙 Post Podcast: Eli Young Band to perform in Hays March 30

<i>On this episode of the Post Podcast Hays Chamber president and CEO Sarah Wasinger shares updates from the Hays Chamber as they prepare for their upcoming Golf Tournament fundraiser.</i>

<div><iframe title="Hays Chamber Golf Tournament fundraiser preparations underway" allowtransparency="true" height="300" width="100%" style="border: none; min-width: min(100%, 430px);" scrolling="no" data-name="pb-iframe-player" src="https://www.podbean.com/player-v2/?i=3ysax-13c13cd-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 Hays Chamber as they prepare for their upcoming Golf Tournament fundraiser.</i></p>

🎙 Post Podcast: Hays Chamber Golf Tournament fundraiser preparations underway

<i>On this episode of the Post Podcast Holy Family Elementary students discuss the upcoming Stations of the Cross.</i>

<div><iframe title="Preparations underway for Stations of the Cross at Holy Family Elementary in Hays" 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=vnji3-13c027e-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 Holy Family Elementary students discuss the upcoming Stations of the Cross.</i></p>

🎙 Post Podcast: Preparations underway for Stations of the Cross at Holy Family Elementary in Hays

<i>On this episode of the Post Podcast Grow Hays executive director Doug Williams shares information about their soon-to-be-released annual report.</i>

<div><iframe title="Grow Hays annual report highlights Ellis County economic activity in 2022" 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=f9tsw-13bd083-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 information about their soon-to-be-released annual report.</i></p>

🎙 Post Podcast: Grow Hays annual report highlights Ellis County economic activity in 2022

<i>On this episode of the Post Podcast Hays Arts Council executive director Brenda Meder discusses upcoming programming at the Hays Arts Center.</i>

<div><iframe title="Preparations underway for children’s programing at Hays Arts Council" 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=wvdys-13bd074-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 Arts Council executive director Brenda Meder discusses upcoming programming at the Hays Arts Center.</i></p>

🎙 Post Podcast: Preparations underway for children's programing at Hays Arts Council

<i>On this episode of the Post Podcast Ellis County emergency manager Lyle Pantle discusses a recent tornado strike drill in Hays.&nbsp;</i>

<div><iframe title="Tornado strike drill in Hays gives agencies chance to practice disaster scenario" 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=69w9j-13bd062-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 Ellis County emergency manager Lyle Pantle discusses a recent tornado strike drill in Hays.&nbsp;</i></p>

🎙 Post Podcast: Tornado strike drill in Hays gives agencies chance to practice disaster scenario

<i>On this episode of Forward Ever: Leading in Challenging Times, host Gary Shorman speaks with&nbsp;Brian Lang and Shelly Macumber from the Triple 8 Equine Center in Hays.</i>

<div><iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/dOoEdjJVGNw" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe></div><p><i>On this episode of Forward Ever: Leading in Challenging Times, host Gary Shorman speaks with&nbsp;Brian Lang and Shelly Macumber from the Triple 8 Equine Center in Hays.</i></p>

🎤 Forward Ever: Triple 8 Equine Center's Brian Lang and Shelly Macumber

<i>On this episode of the Post Podcast Fort Hays State University's Glen McNeil discusses Salt Awareness Week along with National Orange, Lemon and Artichoke Day.</i>

<div><iframe title="Salt, artichokes, oranges and lemons share a connection; McNeil explains" 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=beuxz-13bb93c-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 Fort Hays State University's Glen McNeil discusses Salt Awareness Week along with National Orange, Lemon and Artichoke Day.</i></p>