On this episode of the Post Podcast, Cottonwood Extension District agent Monique Koerner introduces 4-H Youth Development agent Tamara Robertson.

<div><iframe title="Cottonwood Extension District hires new 4-H Youth Development agent" 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=ev3ug-133dfc6-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>On this episode of the Post Podcast, Cottonwood Extension District agent Monique Koerner introduces 4-H Youth Development agent Tamara Robertson.

🎙 Post Podcast: Cottonwood Extension District hires new 4-H Youth Development agent

On this episode of the Post Podcast, Hays Police Department Lt. Tim Greenwood shares ways to stay safe while shopping for gifts this holiday season.

<div><iframe title="Stay safe while holiday shopping with these tips from the Hays Police Department" 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=5k6aa-133dfaa-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>On this episode of the Post Podcast, Hays Police Department Lt. Tim Greenwood shares ways to stay safe while shopping for gifts this holiday season.

🎙 Post Podcast: Stay safe while holiday shopping with these tips from the Hays Police Department

On this episode of Forward Ever: Leading in Challenging Times host Gary Shorman speaks with Kansas Governor Laura Kelly.

<div><iframe title="Forward Ever: Kansas Gov. Laura Kelly" 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=4pmny-133dea0-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>On this episode of Forward Ever: Leading in Challenging Times host Gary Shorman speaks with Kansas Governor Laura Kelly.

🎤 Forward Ever: Kansas Gov. Laura Kelly

On this episode of the Post Podcast, Glen McNeil shares information about holiday snacking during our Nutrition, Health and Wellness report.

<div><iframe title="Holiday treats okay, when eaten in moderation" 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=nkwkg-133c0ce-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>On this episode of the Post Podcast, Glen McNeil shares information about holiday snacking during our Nutrition, Health and Wellness report.

🎙 Post Podcast: Holiday treats OK — in moderation

On this episode of the Post Podcast Hays Public Library Communications Coordinator, Callie Kolacny shares information about upcoming library activities and events.

<div><iframe title="Hays Public Library wraps year with family friendly events" 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=un3kf-133965b-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>On this episode of the Post Podcast Hays Public Library Communications Coordinator, Callie Kolacny shares information about upcoming library activities and events.

🎙 Post Podcast: Hays Public Library wraps year with family friendly events

This weekend, Fort Hays State University is set to celebrate
the accomplishments of more than 1,100 fall graduates through in-person and online ceremonies
over two days.

“It's the culmination of a lot
of blood, sweat and tears and the joy you see on the faces of those folks as
they walk across the stage and shake President (Tisa) Mason's hand, and then they
embrace their families,” said Scott Cason, chief communications officer. “There's
nothing quite like it. It really reinforces the good work we do at Fort Hays
State University.”

At
9 a.m. Friday in Gross Memorial Coliseum, the ceremony for undergraduate,
master’s and Ed.S. candidates from the Robbins College of Business and
Entrepreneurship, the College of Health and Behavioral Sciences, and the Werth
College of Science, Technology and Mathematics is set to take place.

At 11 a.m., graduates from the College of Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences
and College of Education undergraduate, master’s and Ed.S. candidates will
take the stage.

On
Saturday, the university is set to honor graduate students in a virtual
ceremony at 9 a.m. and undergraduates at 11 a.m.

“One of the things we learned really from the COVID experience was, we had to break our one major
ceremony into several smaller ones, just to make it, we thought safer and
things like that, so there was a model that really worked for us,” Cason said.
“And so we're going to do it again.”

This year’s fall commencement
marks only the second time FHSU has had a December graduation ceremony.

“We're doing it again, it was
so successful last year,” Cason said. “We break into several ceremonies that
are smaller, more intimate, and they're quicker. It's not quite the huge event
that it once was.”

“This enables us to pretty
much get folks in and out of a ceremony within an hour,” he said. “So,
it's been really well received. We're going to keep with that model again, here
in the fall, and then again in the spring.”

And adding the virtual event allows the thousands of
students that attend FHSU online to be celebrated as well.

“Adding virtual ceremonies, as
we've done recently, helps for those folks who can't make it,” Cason said. “But
there's always a great story about somebody. Often it's somebody who's a member
of the military service who finds a way to get back and participate in the
ceremonies. But we try to offer as many options as we can ... to
give everybody we can as much of a commencement celebration as we can.”

The graduation ceremonies
will be broadcast on FHSU’s Tiger Media Network, <a href="http://tmn.fhsu.edu/">tmn.fhsu.edu.</a>

“With the way we’ve broken up our ceremonies, it’s a lot easier to watch,” Cason said.
“You can go right to your ceremony and watch it right there, get in and out. It
really lends itself to folks who don't have all the time in the world to sit on
their YouTube channel.”

For those attending in person, he said it is easier than ever to find parking near the coliseum, but shuttles will again run from other campus parking areas.

“Faculty
and staff are encouraged to park on campus and make the trip to cross Big
Creek over to Gross Memorial from campus parking,” Cason said. “The biggest
challenge I think we have is that transition space between the ceremonies when
folks get out of the parking lot and open up the spaces for the next group
coming in. We really encourage folks not to linger too long.”

For
more information about the commencement ceremonies, visit <a href="https://www.fhsu.edu/commencement/">fhsu.edu/commencement</a>.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/12/1639768586894.jpeg" alt="File photo" />
 <figcaption>File photo</figcaption>
 </figure><div><iframe title="FHSU to celebrate Fall graduates this weekend" 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=w9mkx-133966f-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>By JAMES BELL Hays PostThis weekend, Fort Hays State University is set to celebrate
the accomplishments of more than 1,100 fall graduates through in-person and online ceremonies
over two days.“It's the culmination of a lot
of blood, sweat and tears and the joy you see on the faces of those folks as
they walk across the stage and shake President (Tisa) Mason's hand, and then they
embrace their families,” said Scott Cason, chief communications officer. “There's
nothing quite like it. It really reinforces the good work we do at Fort Hays
State University.”At
9 a.m. Friday in Gross Memorial Coliseum, the ceremony for undergraduate,
master’s and Ed.S. candidates from the Robbins College of Business and
Entrepreneurship, the College of Health and Behavioral Sciences, and the Werth
College of Science, Technology and Mathematics is set to take place.At 11 a.m., graduates from the College of Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences
and College of Education undergraduate, master’s and Ed.S. candidates will
take the stage.On
Saturday, the university is set to honor graduate students in a virtual
ceremony at 9 a.m. and undergraduates at 11 a.m.“One of the things we learned really from the COVID experience was, we had to break our one major
ceremony into several smaller ones, just to make it, we thought safer and
things like that, so there was a model that really worked for us,” Cason said.
“And so we're going to do it again.”This year’s fall commencement
marks only the second time FHSU has had a December graduation ceremony.“We're doing it again, it was
so successful last year,” Cason said. “We break into several ceremonies that
are smaller, more intimate, and they're quicker. It's not quite the huge event
that it once was.”“This enables us to pretty
much get folks in and out of a ceremony within an hour,” he said. “So,
it's been really well received. We're going to keep with that model again, here
in the fall, and then again in the spring.”And adding the virtual event allows the thousands of
students that attend FHSU online to be celebrated as well.“Adding virtual ceremonies, as
we've done recently, helps for those folks who can't make it,” Cason said. “But
there's always a great story about somebody. Often it's somebody who's a member
of the military service who finds a way to get back and participate in the
ceremonies. But we try to offer as many options as we can ... to
give everybody we can as much of a commencement celebration as we can.”<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/12/1639774136591.jpeg" alt="File photo" />
 <figcaption>File photo</figcaption>
 </figure>The graduation ceremonies
will be broadcast on FHSU’s Tiger Media Network, <a href="http://tmn.fhsu.edu/">tmn.fhsu.edu.</a>“With the way we’ve broken up our ceremonies, it’s a lot easier to watch,” Cason said.
“You can go right to your ceremony and watch it right there, get in and out. It
really lends itself to folks who don't have all the time in the world to sit on
their YouTube channel.”For those attending in person, he said it is easier than ever to find parking near the coliseum, but shuttles will again run from other campus parking areas.“Faculty
and staff are encouraged to park on campus and make the trip to cross Big
Creek over to Gross Memorial from campus parking,” Cason said. “The biggest
challenge I think we have is that transition space between the ceremonies when
folks get out of the parking lot and open up the spaces for the next group
coming in. We really encourage folks not to linger too long.”For
more information about the commencement ceremonies, visit <a href="https://www.fhsu.edu/commencement/">fhsu.edu/commencement</a>. <figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/12/1575759417336.jpeg" alt="File photo" />
 <figcaption>File photo</figcaption>
 </figure>

🎙 Fort Hays State to celebrate fall graduates this weekend

On this episode of the Post Podcast, Hays Chamber president and CEO Sarah Wasinger and vice president of membership Rhonda Meyerhoff share the importance of shopping local during the holiday season.

<div><iframe title="As area shoppers search for Christmas gifts Hays Chamber promotes shopping locally" 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=5yq34-133961c-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>On this episode of the Post Podcast, Hays Chamber president and CEO Sarah Wasinger and vice president of membership Rhonda Meyerhoff share the importance of shopping local during the holiday season.

🎙 Post Podcast: As area shoppers search for Christmas gifts Hays Chamber promotes shopping locally

On this episode of Forward Ever: Leading in Challenging Times host Gary Shorman speaks with Kidney donor and Hays Middle School assistant principal Shauna Zweifel.

<div><iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/oruRTdNgg2U" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen></iframe></div>On this episode of Forward Ever: Leading in Challenging Times host Gary Shorman speaks with Kidney donor and Hays Middle School assistant principal Shauna Zweifel.

🎤 Forward Ever: Kidney donor, Hays assistant principal Shauna Zweifel

On this episode of Forward Ever: Leading in Challenging Times host Gary Shorman speaks with Teacher, coach and author Rick Keltner.

<div><iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/rr0JlNypUF0" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen></iframe></div>On this episode of Forward Ever: Leading in Challenging Times host Gary Shorman speaks with Teacher, coach and author Rick Keltner.

🎤 Forward Ever: Teacher, coach and author Rick Keltner

On this episode of the Post Podcast, Fort Hays State University dean of the College of Education Paul Adams shares information about FHSU Christmas festivities.

<div><iframe title="FHSU Christmas traditions return for 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=ymjy8-1327d28-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>On this episode of the Post Podcast, Fort Hays State University dean of the College of Education Paul Adams shares information about FHSU Christmas festivities.

🎙 Post Podcast: FHSU Christmas traditions return for 2022

On this episode of the Post Podcast Hays Chamber President and CEO Sarah Wasinger, and Kaley Conner, Manager, Outreach, Education and Marketing at High Plains Mental Health Center discuss mental health during the holiday season.

<div><iframe title="Help available for those dealing with the ’Holiday Blues’" 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=dpyuf-13268e6-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>On this episode of the Post Podcast Hays Chamber President and CEO Sarah Wasinger, and Kaley Conner, Manager, Outreach, Education and Marketing at High Plains Mental Health Center discuss mental health during the holiday season.

🎙 Post Podcast: Help available for those dealing with the ’Holiday Blues’

By JAMES BELL 
Hays Post

As area families make plans for this holiday season, nonprofit
organizations look to gather funds that will be used for projects throughout
the following year during “the giving season.”

The end of the year has historically been when the overwhelming
majority of donations to nonprofits are received, with days like Giving
Tuesday, the first Tuesday after Thanksgiving, and National Philanthropy Day driving awareness.

“Eighty percent of charitable giving happens during the
months of November and December,” said Heartland Community Foundation Executive Director Sarah Meitner.

She said while many give as a part of their seasonal traditions,
there is a more practical measure for some.

“One, it's just the spirit of the holidays, and people are
feeling more generous,” Meitner said. “But from a practical sense to, of
course, there's maybe some tax liabilities that people are facing, and they
might want to lower that taxable income and make it a charitable gift. And
that's a great way to do it.”

This year looks to be no different, but as residents deal
with rising prices due to inflation and the continued economic uncertainty brought
by it, those organizations are hoping donors can continue giving at levels
similar to, or higher than in the past as those non-profits struggle to deal
with those same economic factors.

Meitner said while she understands the impact on personal budgets,
she hopes residents understand the importance to the community of those
donations and look to give what they can.

“I would still encourage you to do something,” Meitner said.
“Still model that for your kids. Still set that aside.”

Grow Hays Executive Director Doug Williams said it is also
important for the community to understand while large gifts may be more noteworthy,
small donations can have a significant impact as well.

“It's not about the celebration and the notoriety of giving
a large gift. It's about the actual giving and what that gift does,” Williams
said. “It's not that the large gifts are not great, and it does some amazing
things – I mean, we've got some amazing things at Hays Med, wings of the
hospital that wouldn't be there if it wasn't for people who really stepped up and
made those contributions – but most people can't do that. But people can
participate. And the level of participation is not as important as the actual
active participation and the giving of whatever they can.”

And for those new to donating to non-profit organizations, organizations
like the Heartland Community Foundation and Grow Hays can help.

“At Heartland, we have a number of different fund types, but
one we have a donor-advised fund, and this allows a donor to direct money for
charitable giving at the very end of the year when they might not quite know
where they want that money to go yet, but they can direct it designated as
charitable giving, take that deduction on their tax in their taxable income.
And then they can decide later where it goes,” Meitner said.

After the money is in the fund, she said she can help guide
the final decision on where those dollars would go. 

“They can have that discussion with myself or with one of our
board members and things about what projects in town they might want to steer
that money toward. We have great relationships with our non-profit directors in
town, and that then allows us to kind of know a little bit about what they have
going on. And so, when people might not know where they want their money to go,
we can be a resource. We can let them know about some of those projects.”

Williams said Grow Hays could also be a resource for making charitable
giving choices.

“We would be happy to talk to anybody regarding what we know
about these organizations,” Williams said. “We all have causes that are kind of
near and dear to us. It might be domestic violence, it might be children or
whatever the case might be. And so, a little bit of research can go a long way
on knowing which of those organizations might fit your personal mission as to
who you want to support.”

He said a popular choice in Ellis County is the United Way.
As an umbrella organization, they give to other area non-profit organizations.
As an organization with a large footprint, they can then combine those small
donations into powerful action.

“I think all of them will tell you that there's no gift
that's too small,” Williams said. “Obviously, they have budgets, and they have
dollars they need to raise, but steady contributions from a large group can be
very meaningful. … I think sometimes people say, ‘Well, I can only give X amount
of dollars.’ That's not the important thing, the important thing is the gesture
and the act of giving. And if we all do a little bit, it becomes a big deal.”

Last year, Heartland Community Foundation gave out about
$350,000 to other local nonprofits, Meitner said, but it is important to note that
money cannot be used for operating costs.

“So, our nonprofits depend on their holiday appeals,” she
said. “You might get the letters in the mail, their holiday appeal time to
really make up the difference for closing those gaps for their operating
budget. Looking ahead for the coming year, it's vital to their being able to
keep the lights on and the doors open to do the good work that they're doing.”

Alongside the philanthropic work of area non-profits, Williams
said there is an impact on the greater area economy.

“It's that buy local mentality, support local,” he said. “That's
what we want to do as much as possible, and for the most part, I think our
community is doing a great job of doing that. I think we have strong supporters
of many of these organizations. And fortunately, we have good people who will
step up.”

Those efforts then create a more inclusive and supportive
community.

“When you give locally, and to some of the organizations
we've been talking about, the vast majority end up going to where you would
hope they go as a donor, to helping people,” Williams said. “And that's what
really matters at the end of the day, helping people, helping victims of
domestic violence, helping people who are homeless, helping people who have
lost their job and they've been evicted from their apartment or about to get
evicted from their apartment. That's what matters in a community because you
don't want people to suffer needlessly if it can be avoided.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/11/1669498962377.jpg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>By JAMES BELL 
Hays PostAs area families make plans for this holiday season, nonprofit
organizations look to gather funds that will be used for projects throughout
the following year during “the giving season.”The end of the year has historically been when the overwhelming
majority of donations to nonprofits are received, with days like Giving
Tuesday, the first Tuesday after Thanksgiving, and National Philanthropy Day driving awareness.“Eighty percent of charitable giving happens during the
months of November and December,” said Heartland Community Foundation Executive Director Sarah Meitner.<div><iframe title="As Giving Tuesday approaches area non-profits look to community for support" 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=tfrda-1323c34-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>She said while many give as a part of their seasonal traditions,
there is a more practical measure for some.“One, it's just the spirit of the holidays, and people are
feeling more generous,” Meitner said. “But from a practical sense to, of
course, there's maybe some tax liabilities that people are facing, and they
might want to lower that taxable income and make it a charitable gift. And
that's a great way to do it.”This year looks to be no different, but as residents deal
with rising prices due to inflation and the continued economic uncertainty brought
by it, those organizations are hoping donors can continue giving at levels
similar to, or higher than in the past as those non-profits struggle to deal
with those same economic factors.Meitner said while she understands the impact on personal budgets,
she hopes residents understand the importance to the community of those
donations and look to give what they can.“I would still encourage you to do something,” Meitner said.
“Still model that for your kids. Still set that aside.”Grow Hays Executive Director Doug Williams said it is also
important for the community to understand while large gifts may be more noteworthy,
small donations can have a significant impact as well.“It's not about the celebration and the notoriety of giving
a large gift. It's about the actual giving and what that gift does,” Williams
said. “It's not that the large gifts are not great, and it does some amazing
things – I mean, we've got some amazing things at Hays Med, wings of the
hospital that wouldn't be there if it wasn't for people who really stepped up and
made those contributions – but most people can't do that. But people can
participate. And the level of participation is not as important as the actual
active participation and the giving of whatever they can.”And for those new to donating to non-profit organizations, organizations
like the Heartland Community Foundation and Grow Hays can help.“At Heartland, we have a number of different fund types, but
one we have a donor-advised fund, and this allows a donor to direct money for
charitable giving at the very end of the year when they might not quite know
where they want that money to go yet, but they can direct it designated as
charitable giving, take that deduction on their tax in their taxable income.
And then they can decide later where it goes,” Meitner said.After the money is in the fund, she said she can help guide
the final decision on where those dollars would go. “They can have that discussion with myself or with one of our
board members and things about what projects in town they might want to steer
that money toward. We have great relationships with our non-profit directors in
town, and that then allows us to kind of know a little bit about what they have
going on. And so, when people might not know where they want their money to go,
we can be a resource. We can let them know about some of those projects.”Williams said Grow Hays could also be a resource for making charitable
giving choices.“We would be happy to talk to anybody regarding what we know
about these organizations,” Williams said. “We all have causes that are kind of
near and dear to us. It might be domestic violence, it might be children or
whatever the case might be. And so, a little bit of research can go a long way
on knowing which of those organizations might fit your personal mission as to
who you want to support.”He said a popular choice in Ellis County is the United Way.
As an umbrella organization, they give to other area non-profit organizations.
As an organization with a large footprint, they can then combine those small
donations into powerful action.“I think all of them will tell you that there's no gift
that's too small,” Williams said. “Obviously, they have budgets, and they have
dollars they need to raise, but steady contributions from a large group can be
very meaningful. … I think sometimes people say, ‘Well, I can only give X amount
of dollars.’ That's not the important thing, the important thing is the gesture
and the act of giving. And if we all do a little bit, it becomes a big deal.”Last year, Heartland Community Foundation gave out about
$350,000 to other local nonprofits, Meitner said, but it is important to note that
money cannot be used for operating costs.“So, our nonprofits depend on their holiday appeals,” she
said. “You might get the letters in the mail, their holiday appeal time to
really make up the difference for closing those gaps for their operating
budget. Looking ahead for the coming year, it's vital to their being able to
keep the lights on and the doors open to do the good work that they're doing.”Alongside the philanthropic work of area non-profits, Williams
said there is an impact on the greater area economy.“It's that buy local mentality, support local,” he said. “That's
what we want to do as much as possible, and for the most part, I think our
community is doing a great job of doing that. I think we have strong supporters
of many of these organizations. And fortunately, we have good people who will
step up.”Those efforts then create a more inclusive and supportive
community.“When you give locally, and to some of the organizations
we've been talking about, the vast majority end up going to where you would
hope they go as a donor, to helping people,” Williams said. “And that's what
really matters at the end of the day, helping people, helping victims of
domestic violence, helping people who are homeless, helping people who have
lost their job and they've been evicted from their apartment or about to get
evicted from their apartment. That's what matters in a community because you
don't want people to suffer needlessly if it can be avoided.”Cover image courtesy Pixabay.

🎙 Giving Tuesday: Nonprofits look to community for support

The turkey has been carved, and soon Christmas trees will be lit and holiday
festivities will pepper calendars. 

Among those favorite annual traditions in Hays is the Hays Arts Council’s Winter Art Walk, which will once
again provide area residents to enjoy local artists at locations inside shops
and restaurants across downtown Hays and beyond.

The event will run from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Dec. 3. The day
follows the format developed during the pandemic to allow attendees to explore
the installations along with downtown shops and restaurants while avoiding the
crowds that form during the Friday night schedule, a hallmark of other arts
walks throughout the year.

“We
moved them to the Saturday to dilute the audience a little bit, let people feel
very comfortable being out,” said Hays Arts Council Executive Director Brenda
Meder. “But then you realize that it's such a great time to be downtown. You
know that our downtown's beautiful. We have incredible retail places and other
merchants and spaces that look festive. 

"And it's just a lovely experience — great restaurants and coffee houses and the whole nine yards.”

She said
the daylong event, while more work for the arts council, is a boon for the
city.

“I know
it's a good thing for our community. People can come downtown and spend more
time, look at whatever art you want, and then go have coffee, then go to this
place that's not even on the art walk. But they're open because it's Saturday,
and you'll shop there,” Meder said. “And then maybe go back and look at
something else, or head down to the college and catch that exhibit before it
closes it too.”

It's a great way to settle into the community and enjoy arts and
culture, retail and business establishments while not feeling rushed to see all
the art walk locations, she said.

“Chestnut Street Kitchens
is on the Winter Art Walk. Again, I'm so excited that they were back on that. They're a fabulous place to go during the holidays. And they are going to be
hosting some middle school art from here in our community.”

The Five
State Photography competition will again anchor this year’s Winter Artwalk,
marking its 39th year.

“One of
the big key features is the anchor and is the reason that we get a lot of out-of-town
visitors that day,” Meder said. “That's why it's cool to have our downtown to
celebrate not just for our own community but for these guests that come in. And
I want them to take advantage of that.”

This year, the popular multistate competition received 549 entries. Only 150
made it to the exhibition.

April
Watson, photography curator at the Nelson Atkins Museum of Art, was selected as
the judge for this year’s exhibition. 

With so
much work coming in, Meder said that many otherwise deserving entries would not
make the show.

“This
year's competition is so steep, there's going to be a lot of truly not just
good work, but really brilliant work that just won't make it into the show,”
Meder said. “It's one person's opinion. We hire a qualified judge of integrity
and reputation. … And so, I know we're going to get a wonderful show. But I
also know that a lot of brilliant work will never see the light of day.”

The
sting of rejection might remain for those not selected, but she said the high
level of competition would create an exceptional show for visitors as they
explore the locations and partake in other Hays amenities.

“There's
just going to be a lot of fun options, but the heart and soul of that day will
be the Winter Artwalk anchored by that big Five State Photography,” Meder said.
“So we really do want to get people to get that on your calendar. It's going to
be a wonderful day.” 

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/6/1623877479116.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>By JAMES BELL Hays PostThe turkey has been carved, and soon Christmas trees will be lit and holiday
festivities will pepper calendars. Among those favorite annual traditions in Hays is the Hays Arts Council’s Winter Art Walk, which will once
again provide area residents to enjoy local artists at locations inside shops
and restaurants across downtown Hays and beyond.The event will run from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Dec. 3. The day
follows the format developed during the pandemic to allow attendees to explore
the installations along with downtown shops and restaurants while avoiding the
crowds that form during the Friday night schedule, a hallmark of other arts
walks throughout the year.“We
moved them to the Saturday to dilute the audience a little bit, let people feel
very comfortable being out,” said Hays Arts Council Executive Director Brenda
Meder. “But then you realize that it's such a great time to be downtown. You
know that our downtown's beautiful. We have incredible retail places and other
merchants and spaces that look festive. "And it's just a lovely experience — great restaurants and coffee houses and the whole nine yards.”<div><iframe title="Hays Arts Council readies for 2022 Winter Art Walk" 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=69c54-13208ba-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>She said
the daylong event, while more work for the arts council, is a boon for the
city.“I know
it's a good thing for our community. People can come downtown and spend more
time, look at whatever art you want, and then go have coffee, then go to this
place that's not even on the art walk. But they're open because it's Saturday,
and you'll shop there,” Meder said. “And then maybe go back and look at
something else, or head down to the college and catch that exhibit before it
closes it too.”It's a great way to settle into the community and enjoy arts and
culture, retail and business establishments while not feeling rushed to see all
the art walk locations, she said.“Chestnut Street Kitchens
is on the Winter Art Walk. Again, I'm so excited that they were back on that. They're a fabulous place to go during the holidays. And they are going to be
hosting some middle school art from here in our community.”<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/12/1638486703873.jpeg" alt="2021 Five State Photography entries.&nbsp;" />
 <figcaption>2021 Five State Photography entries.&nbsp;</figcaption>
 </figure>The Five
State Photography competition will again anchor this year’s Winter Artwalk,
marking its 39th year.“One of
the big key features is the anchor and is the reason that we get a lot of out-of-town
visitors that day,” Meder said. “That's why it's cool to have our downtown to
celebrate not just for our own community but for these guests that come in. And
I want them to take advantage of that.”This year, the popular multistate competition received 549 entries. Only 150
made it to the exhibition.April
Watson, photography curator at the Nelson Atkins Museum of Art, was selected as
the judge for this year’s exhibition. With so
much work coming in, Meder said that many otherwise deserving entries would not
make the show.“This
year's competition is so steep, there's going to be a lot of truly not just
good work, but really brilliant work that just won't make it into the show,”
Meder said. “It's one person's opinion. We hire a qualified judge of integrity
and reputation. … And so, I know we're going to get a wonderful show. But I
also know that a lot of brilliant work will never see the light of day.”The
sting of rejection might remain for those not selected, but she said the high
level of competition would create an exceptional show for visitors as they
explore the locations and partake in other Hays amenities.“There's
just going to be a lot of fun options, but the heart and soul of that day will
be the Winter Artwalk anchored by that big Five State Photography,” Meder said.
“So we really do want to get people to get that on your calendar. It's going to
be a wonderful day.”

🎙 Hays Arts Council readies for 2022 Winter Art Walk

Downtown Hays will soon be completely decorated for the Christmas season after the Annual Frostfest Tree Lighting ceremony at 5 p.m. Nov. 26 at the Downtown Pavilion, 10th and Main.

During the event, attendees will be treated to coca and carolers along with a visit from "someone extra special," according to the event details.

The Hays Public Library will also participate again this year with a reading of the library mascot, Chilly the Penguin's, new book planned during the event.

And the library bookmobile will also be on site.

New to the festivities this year, following the downtown event, Tree Top Security Dallas Haselhorst will host a Hometown Holiday just down the street, in the south parking lot of 507 Main from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m.

"We're hoping to bring some folks on down and have a little bit of a holiday spirit there as well at our newly revamped building," Haselhorst said. "There will be lots of special characters and lots of things for the kiddos to do."

The free event will feature cookie decorating, ornament crafts, a station to send letters to Santa and more.

"So a little bit of everything," Haselhorst said. "Victoria's school is actually coming over to do some Christmas carols for us."

He said he was happy to engage with the community to create a fun holiday event.

And while work continues to get the building ready for tenants, including his own Tree Top Security and STEM Harvest, he said creating an event like this downtown was very much a part of the reasoning behind purchasing and revamping the building that had been the longtime home of the Hays Daily News.

"We're we're signing the contract and everything else to purchase the building, and my wife looks over me and she's like, 'Hey, now we can do this,' " Haselhorst said.

He said being a part of the community, and especially downtown Hays was always a desire of the longtime Hays business owner.

"There's a ton of amazing things going on there already," Haselhorst said. "So hey, maybe we can join in on the fun, kick this up a notch and,&nbsp; make it really, really special and work with a lot of the businesses and the folks and the energetic people that are already doing amazing things there."

Fort Hays State University will also kick off its holiday events from 5 to 8 p.m. Nov. 29, with a tree lighting in front of Sheridan Hall.

"The university’s Dickens Carolers will perform," according to the event announcement. "A variety of activities will follow the tree lighting, including crafts and cookie decorating, a coloring page contest, kids’ train rides, and photos with Santa Claus. The first 200 people will have the opportunity to receive a holiday-themed FHSU long-sleeved T-shirt and coffee/ hot chocolate from Breathe Coffee."

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/11/1669242213018.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>By JAMES BELL Hays PostDowntown Hays will soon be completely decorated for the Christmas season after the Annual Frostfest Tree Lighting ceremony at 5 p.m. Nov. 26 at the Downtown Pavilion, 10th and Main.During the event, attendees will be treated to coca and carolers along with a visit from "someone extra special," according to the event details.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/11/1669231777516.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>The Hays Public Library will also participate again this year with a reading of the library mascot, Chilly the Penguin's, new book planned during the event.And the library bookmobile will also be on site.New to the festivities this year, following the downtown event, Tree Top Security Dallas Haselhorst will host a Hometown Holiday just down the street, in the south parking lot of 507 Main from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/11/1669231743922.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>"We're hoping to bring some folks on down and have a little bit of a holiday spirit there as well at our newly revamped building," Haselhorst said. "There will be lots of special characters and lots of things for the kiddos to do."The free event will feature cookie decorating, ornament crafts, a station to send letters to Santa and more."So a little bit of everything," Haselhorst said. "Victoria's school is actually coming over to do some Christmas carols for us."He said he was happy to engage with the community to create a fun holiday event.And while work continues to get the building ready for tenants, including his own Tree Top Security and STEM Harvest, he said creating an event like this downtown was very much a part of the reasoning behind purchasing and revamping the building that had been the longtime home of the Hays Daily News.<div><iframe title="Christmas season kicks off in Hays with tree lightings and more" 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=qttmt-13208b1-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>"We're we're signing the contract and everything else to purchase the building, and my wife looks over me and she's like, 'Hey, now we can do this,' " Haselhorst said.He said being a part of the community, and especially downtown Hays was always a desire of the longtime Hays business owner."There's a ton of amazing things going on there already," Haselhorst said. "So hey, maybe we can join in on the fun, kick this up a notch and,&nbsp; make it really, really special and work with a lot of the businesses and the folks and the energetic people that are already doing amazing things there."<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/11/1669234066383.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Fort Hays State University will also kick off its holiday events from 5 to 8 p.m. Nov. 29, with a tree lighting in front of Sheridan Hall."The university’s Dickens Carolers will perform," according to the event announcement. "A variety of activities will follow the tree lighting, including crafts and cookie decorating, a coloring page contest, kids’ train rides, and photos with Santa Claus. The first 200 people will have the opportunity to receive a holiday-themed FHSU long-sleeved T-shirt and coffee/ hot chocolate from Breathe Coffee."<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/12/1638566107135.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>

🎙 Christmas season kicks off in Hays with tree lightings and more

On this episode of Forward Ever: Leading in Challenging Times host Gary Shorman speaks with Tree Top Security and STEM Harvest owner Dallas Haselhorst.

On this episode of Forward Ever: Leading in Challenging Times host Gary Shorman speaks with Tree Top Security and STEM Harvest owner Dallas Haselhorst.<div><iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/6ODSqp4YVT0" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen></iframe></div>

🎤 Forward Ever: Tree Top Security and STEM Harvest owner Dallas Haselhorst

&nbsp; On this week's Tiger Talk, Voice of the Tigers Gerard Wellbrock speaks with Fort Hays State University Head Women's Basketball Coach Tony Hobson and Head Men's Basketball Coach Mark Johnson.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <iframe width="560" height="315" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/oNMdPLWZsxA"></iframe>
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>&nbsp; On this week's Tiger Talk, Voice of the Tigers Gerard Wellbrock speaks with Fort Hays State University Head Women's Basketball Coach Tony Hobson and Head Men's Basketball Coach Mark Johnson.&nbsp;

🎥🏀 Watch This Week's Tiger Talk

By JAMES BELL 
Hays Post

Development of the Hays Chamber’s 2023 Community Guide is
underway, with a deadline for entry of Nov. 21.

Set for release during the chamber’s annual awards banquet, the 12,000
printed booklets will help Ellis County residents and visitors find the many
unique events and locations in the area.

“It has
anything from retail to restaurants, many of our nonprofits are actually
featured in there as well,” said Hays Chamber President and CEO Sarah Wasinger.
“We think western Kansas is very unique and special. … We also have things that
we can explore, like the Sternberg Museum, or the fact that we have a pretty
wonderful environment for things like our waterpark, and tennis courts and
pickleball courts. All the fun things.”

She said the guide can be a great
tool to explore all that Hays and Ellis County have to offer.

“People
visiting from out of town use this as a wonderful tool,” Wasinger said, “but
we think it's a great tool for people who even live here.”

She said
when she first joined the chamber four years ago, she was surprised by the entries in the guide — even as a lifelong Hays resident.

“You can
even re-explore and reconnect with your own community just by looking at this
publication,” Wasinger said. “And I think that's what makes it special too.”

As a
literal guide to attractions and happenings, she said it can also serve as a
tool to highlight life in Ellis County.

“It's
meant to be kind of a multi-blended publication where we even put it in
recruitment packets for businesses that are recruiting,” Wasinger said. “They
can actually connect with our chamber and request those packets, we put them
together, and then they can hand them out to people who are looking at moving
into Hays and Ellis County.”

“We
really feel like we have a compelling story to tell as a community and the nice
thing about this piece is it covers our diversity and our range,” she
continued.

For those area businesses and
organizations looking to be included in this year’s guide, Wasinger said there
are several options available.

“We
actually have some very affordable ways for them to kind of become a part of
this piece,” she said.

“We have
different features that are going to be three inches by three inches in size, and
our businesses can actually participate with that for as little as $250.”

The
pricing of inclusion from there depends on the level of Chamber membership and
placement size.

“If they
would like to find out kind of where they rank with their discount and level of
membership, we do have those flyers currently on the website, they can kind of
start looking at that piece, and then call us or visit us in person, or we'd be
happy to come to your location,” Wasinger said.

The
chamber can also help with designing the spot. 

“Our
team, of course, does a lot of the design work,” Wasinger said. “And then our
friends at the Hays Convention and Visitor's Bureau, Melissa Dixon and Brandon
Cooley help us do some photography, as well as some of the writing for that
and great things happen when people collaborate.”

“It's
definitely something that I look forward to, kind of stretching my creative
muscle and really getting into it,” said Hays Chamber Vice President of
Marketing and Communications Mariah
Legleiter. 

Wasinger
said the business or organization shares its creative vision and the
spot can be designed from there.

Along
with the printed booklets, she said the guide is also used online.

“If you've
got an ad in the publication, you'll have your ad linked to your direct
location for your website, or Facebook, depending on how your business wants to
do that,” Wasinger said. “And then our friends at Grow Hays, the Hays Convention
and Visitors Bureau and the Downtown Development Corporation, all four of our
organizations actually had this linked to this publication too, directly on our
website.”

“So,
it's not just those 12,000 impressions,” she continued. “We think it's probably
closer to something like maybe even 20,000 by the time you look at all the
different traffic that is going to those locations in those sites.”

For more information about the Hays
Chamber’s Community Guides, visit the Hays Chamber’s website hayschamber.com

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/11/1668284047515.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>By JAMES BELL 
Hays PostDevelopment of the Hays Chamber’s 2023 Community Guide is
underway, with a deadline for entry of Nov. 21.Set for release during the chamber’s annual awards banquet, the 12,000
printed booklets will help Ellis County residents and visitors find the many
unique events and locations in the area.“It has
anything from retail to restaurants, many of our nonprofits are actually
featured in there as well,” said Hays Chamber President and CEO Sarah Wasinger.
“We think western Kansas is very unique and special. … We also have things that
we can explore, like the Sternberg Museum, or the fact that we have a pretty
wonderful environment for things like our waterpark, and tennis courts and
pickleball courts. All the fun things.”<div><iframe title="Hays community guide production underway" allowtransparency="true" height="600" width="100%" style="border: none; min-width: min(100%, 430px);" scrolling="no" data-name="pb-iframe-player" src="https://www.podbean.com/player-v2/?i=iv8sx-131177a-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>She said the guide can be a great
tool to explore all that Hays and Ellis County have to offer.“People
visiting from out of town use this as a wonderful tool,” Wasinger said, “but
we think it's a great tool for people who even live here.”She said
when she first joined the chamber four years ago, she was surprised by the entries in the guide — even as a lifelong Hays resident.“You can
even re-explore and reconnect with your own community just by looking at this
publication,” Wasinger said. “And I think that's what makes it special too.”As a
literal guide to attractions and happenings, she said it can also serve as a
tool to highlight life in Ellis County.“It's
meant to be kind of a multi-blended publication where we even put it in
recruitment packets for businesses that are recruiting,” Wasinger said. “They
can actually connect with our chamber and request those packets, we put them
together, and then they can hand them out to people who are looking at moving
into Hays and Ellis County.”“We
really feel like we have a compelling story to tell as a community and the nice
thing about this piece is it covers our diversity and our range,” she
continued.For those area businesses and
organizations looking to be included in this year’s guide, Wasinger said there
are several options available.“We
actually have some very affordable ways for them to kind of become a part of
this piece,” she said. “We have
different features that are going to be three inches by three inches in size, and
our businesses can actually participate with that for as little as $250.”The
pricing of inclusion from there depends on the level of Chamber membership and
placement size.“If they
would like to find out kind of where they rank with their discount and level of
membership, we do have those flyers currently on the website, they can kind of
start looking at that piece, and then call us or visit us in person, or we'd be
happy to come to your location,” Wasinger said.The
chamber can also help with designing the spot. “Our
team, of course, does a lot of the design work,” Wasinger said. “And then our
friends at the Hays Convention and Visitor's Bureau, Melissa Dixon and Brandon
Cooley help us do some photography, as well as some of the writing for that
and great things happen when people collaborate.”“It's
definitely something that I look forward to, kind of stretching my creative
muscle and really getting into it,” said Hays Chamber Vice President of
Marketing and Communications Mariah
Legleiter. Wasinger
said the business or organization shares its creative vision and the
spot can be designed from there.Along
with the printed booklets, she said the guide is also used online.“If you've
got an ad in the publication, you'll have your ad linked to your direct
location for your website, or Facebook, depending on how your business wants to
do that,” Wasinger said. “And then our friends at Grow Hays, the Hays Convention
and Visitors Bureau and the Downtown Development Corporation, all four of our
organizations actually had this linked to this publication too, directly on our
website.”“So,
it's not just those 12,000 impressions,” she continued. “We think it's probably
closer to something like maybe even 20,000 by the time you look at all the
different traffic that is going to those locations in those sites.”For more information about the Hays
Chamber’s Community Guides, visit the Hays Chamber’s website hayschamber.com

Hays community guide production underway; entry deadline approaching

On this episode of the Post Podcast Grow Hays executive director, Doug Williams discusses recent business development in Ellis County.

<a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/e72721bf-17fe-43d1-a428-8eb7c32185ff">For more about the Post Podcast, including a full list of episodes and episode transcripts click here.</a>

On this episode of the Post Podcast Grow Hays executive director, Doug Williams discusses recent business development in Ellis County.<div><iframe title="New Ellis Co. businesses reflect ever evolving area economy" 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=437uz-1311577-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><a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/e72721bf-17fe-43d1-a428-8eb7c32185ff">For more about the Post Podcast, including a full list of episodes and episode transcripts click here.</a>

🎙 Post Podcast: New Ellis Co. businesses reflect ever evolving area economy

Rarely is a reason required to enjoy a brownie, but when
that treat helps students learn about what humanity has discovered beyond our planetary
confines, it might taste a bit sweeter.

Thursday marks the last day Holy Family Elementary School
will accept orders for the annual Gifts in a Jar fundraiser.

Proceeds from this year’s sales will help send the school’s fourth
grade students on a field trip to Hutchinson to visit the Cosmosphere in the spring
during the student’s studies of space, said fourth grade teacher Maddy Quimby.

“The students love it,” Quimby said. “We love it, too.”

While the day will help the students learn about space as
they explore some of the most notable artifacts from human spaceflight history,
the effort contains valuable lessons, said fourth grade teacher Teresa Schrant.

“Maddie teaches science, and I teach social studies, so with
the social studies lesson, we talk about business profit, assembly lines and
such,” Schrant said. “And we use this project to raise our money to buy tickets
for the customer sphere, which is the science part of our project.”

Like in previous years, two mixes will be for sale — a brownie
mix and a soup mix.

“It's the same recipes we've used in the past,” Quimby said.
“They are family favorites. They make good gifts in this holiday season. One of
each is the perfect balance, soup and brownies.”

After the jars are made, orders will be ready for delivery
on the Monday before Thanksgiving, Schrant said.

“We'll pack them on the 21st assembly line style, Quimby
said. “And then if they order through a student, the student will deliver it to
them, or they can stop by the school and pick them up.”

She said the school’s 47 fourth graders would participate
with a bit of guidance.

“Thankfully, we have parents to help us out, too,” Quimby said.

“We ran two lines of brownie assembly on either side of the
table that takes, I would say, probably about 20 students to do that,” Schrant said.
“And then we run an assembly line to put the spice mixes together for the
noodle soup. And then we have kids filling jars with noodles and cutting
ribbons, and taping directions onto the jars. So, it's pretty busy.”

Quimby said the community is also essential to the school's
fundraisers throughout the year.

“We always appreciate the community and their support of the
school and all of the many fundraisers that we do,” she said. “We couldn't do
without the community support.”

Orders can be placed through the students. Order forms are
also available in the school newsletter.

“And they could probably call the office too and be able to
get an order,” Quimby said. 

“We started sales just last week,” Schrant said. “And we
need to close that out on Thursday because kids are not in school on Friday. We
have an in-service. … That gives us a week to round everything up to get all our
ingredients in our jars and have things ready to go on the 21st.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/11/1668028416073.jpeg" alt="Courtesy Photo" />
 <figcaption>Courtesy Photo</figcaption>
 </figure>By JAMES BELL Hays PostRarely is a reason required to enjoy a brownie, but when
that treat helps students learn about what humanity has discovered beyond our planetary
confines, it might taste a bit sweeter.Thursday marks the last day Holy Family Elementary School
will accept orders for the annual Gifts in a Jar fundraiser.Proceeds from this year’s sales will help send the school’s fourth
grade students on a field trip to Hutchinson to visit the Cosmosphere in the spring
during the student’s studies of space, said fourth grade teacher Maddy Quimby.<div><iframe title="SOUP, BROWNIES AND SPACE: Holy Family Elementary Fundraiser to send students to Cosmosphere" 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=4amfw-130dbf4-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>“The students love it,” Quimby said. “We love it, too.”While the day will help the students learn about space as
they explore some of the most notable artifacts from human spaceflight history,
the effort contains valuable lessons, said fourth grade teacher Teresa Schrant.“Maddie teaches science, and I teach social studies, so with
the social studies lesson, we talk about business profit, assembly lines and
such,” Schrant said. “And we use this project to raise our money to buy tickets
for the customer sphere, which is the science part of our project.”<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/6/1591121929614.png" alt="The Cosmosphere in Hutchinson houses the Apollo 13 command module and many other iconic relics from the history of space travel. Courtesy the Cosmosphere" />
 <figcaption>The Cosmosphere in Hutchinson houses the Apollo 13 command module and many other iconic relics from the history of space travel. Courtesy the Cosmosphere</figcaption>
 </figure>Like in previous years, two mixes will be for sale — a brownie
mix and a soup mix.“It's the same recipes we've used in the past,” Quimby said.
“They are family favorites. They make good gifts in this holiday season. One of
each is the perfect balance, soup and brownies.”After the jars are made, orders will be ready for delivery
on the Monday before Thanksgiving, Schrant said.“We'll pack them on the 21st assembly line style, Quimby
said. “And then if they order through a student, the student will deliver it to
them, or they can stop by the school and pick them up.”She said the school’s 47 fourth graders would participate
with a bit of guidance.“Thankfully, we have parents to help us out, too,” Quimby said.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/11/1668028456406.jpeg" alt="Courtesy Photo" />
 <figcaption>Courtesy Photo</figcaption>
 </figure>“We ran two lines of brownie assembly on either side of the
table that takes, I would say, probably about 20 students to do that,” Schrant said.
“And then we run an assembly line to put the spice mixes together for the
noodle soup. And then we have kids filling jars with noodles and cutting
ribbons, and taping directions onto the jars. So, it's pretty busy.”Quimby said the community is also essential to the school's
fundraisers throughout the year.“We always appreciate the community and their support of the
school and all of the many fundraisers that we do,” she said. “We couldn't do
without the community support.”Orders can be placed through the students. Order forms are
also available in the school newsletter.“And they could probably call the office too and be able to
get an order,” Quimby said. Jars cost $12.“We started sales just last week,” Schrant said. “And we
need to close that out on Thursday because kids are not in school on Friday. We
have an in-service. … That gives us a week to round everything up to get all our
ingredients in our jars and have things ready to go on the 21st.”<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/11/1667931286946.jpg" alt="Cover image courtesy Pixabay" />
 <figcaption>Cover image courtesy Pixabay</figcaption>
 </figure>

🎙 SOUP, BROWNIES AND SPACE: Holy Family Elementary Fundraiser to send students to Cosmosphere

As multiple
efforts to alleviate the extremely tight local housing market remain in various
stages of development, home construction continues in the Tallgrass addition, northwest of 22nd and Wheatland in Hays.

The project is set to soon cross a significant milestone as the first of four phases will
quickly be completed, and work on a new phase will begin. 

“Right now,
there are 14 homes that are occupied by homeowners, there's roughly 18 or 19
homes at various levels of construction, and then another three or four will be
started here soon,” said Grow Hays Executive Director Doug Williams. “There
were 36 lots in that first phase, and so pretty quickly it's going to be all
built out. And they've started construction on the next cul-de-sac, which will
have 18 buildable lots.”

Infrastructure
for the next home construction phase is expected to be completed by the end
of the year.

When
completed, 75 homes will be located in the addition, supported financially by a
Rural Housing Incentive District and a donation of land from the Heart of
America Development Corporation.

So far,
four area developers have built homes in the addition, all sold under the
required $225,000 price.

“The
ultimate benefactor in all of this is the homeowner,” Williams said. “They're
buying a home at what arguably is $25,000 to $40,000, under what it might sell
for in our current market. And they have no special assessments on their home, which is typical in new construction areas. You've got the market
value for a lot like that, it's probably around $30,000, currently in Hays. And
you would have special assessments that would run for 15 or 20 years at $175 to
$200 a month.

“So it’s
really a great opportunity for homeowners to purchase a home and, and be able
to live out there in a more cost-effective manner,” he continued. “And it's
been terrific. The only challenge we've really had is building them fast
enough because everything out there that has been built is sold long before it
was finished.”

And
while housing is quickly filling the developed plots, Williams said Heart of
America had purchased the 21 acres to the north for development as well. 

“They
will have further plans of developing that, as well as developing the stretch
along Wheatland drive, which is the entrance into NCK Technical College, they
will be developing that as well,” Williams said. “So, things will continue to
happen out there. And if you look around Hays, Ellis or Victoria anywhere,
there are not many buildable lots. So, we are we are really needing to develop
some buildable lots. And that's what Heart of America is doing.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/11/1667693163285.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>By JAMES BELL Hays PostAs multiple
efforts to alleviate the extremely tight local housing market remain in various
stages of development, home construction continues in the Tallgrass addition, northwest of 22nd and Wheatland in Hays.The project is set to soon cross a significant milestone as the first of four phases will
quickly be completed, and work on a new phase will begin. <div><iframe title="Development continues at Hays housing project location" 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=86i86-13015cf-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>“Right now,
there are 14 homes that are occupied by homeowners, there's roughly 18 or 19
homes at various levels of construction, and then another three or four will be
started here soon,” said Grow Hays Executive Director Doug Williams. “There
were 36 lots in that first phase, and so pretty quickly it's going to be all
built out. And they've started construction on the next cul-de-sac, which will
have 18 buildable lots.”Infrastructure
for the next home construction phase is expected to be completed by the end
of the year.When
completed, 75 homes will be located in the addition, supported financially by a
Rural Housing Incentive District and a donation of land from the Heart of
America Development Corporation.So far,
four area developers have built homes in the addition, all sold under the
required $225,000 price.“The
ultimate benefactor in all of this is the homeowner,” Williams said. “They're
buying a home at what arguably is $25,000 to $40,000, under what it might sell
for in our current market. And they have no special assessments on their home, which is typical in new construction areas. You've got the market
value for a lot like that, it's probably around $30,000, currently in Hays. And
you would have special assessments that would run for 15 or 20 years at $175 to
$200 a month.“So it’s
really a great opportunity for homeowners to purchase a home and, and be able
to live out there in a more cost-effective manner,” he continued. “And it's
been terrific. The only challenge we've really had is building them fast
enough because everything out there that has been built is sold long before it
was finished.”And
while housing is quickly filling the developed plots, Williams said Heart of
America had purchased the 21 acres to the north for development as well. “They
will have further plans of developing that, as well as developing the stretch
along Wheatland drive, which is the entrance into NCK Technical College, they
will be developing that as well,” Williams said. “So, things will continue to
happen out there. And if you look around Hays, Ellis or Victoria anywhere,
there are not many buildable lots. So, we are we are really needing to develop
some buildable lots. And that's what Heart of America is doing.”

🎙 Development continues in Hays Tallgrass addition

On this week's Tiger Talk, Voice of the Tigers Gerard Wellbrock speaks with Fort Hays State University Head Football Coach Chris Brown about the latest in FHSU Football.

<figure>
 <iframe width="560" height="315" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/SQzqDVejB8E"></iframe>
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>On this week's Tiger Talk, Voice of the Tigers Gerard Wellbrock speaks with Fort Hays State University Head Football Coach Chris Brown about the latest in FHSU Football.

🎥🏈 Watch This Week's Tiger Talk

As the holiday season quickly approaches, the Hays Chamber’s
Young Professionals wants to ensure those living in area assisted living
and skilled nursing facilities receive a holiday message.

Starting at 10 am. Nov. 12, the group will host the Holiday
Cheer Community Card Decorating Event at the Hays Public Library, 1205 Main.

“They actually just started this event last year for the
first time,” said Hays Chamber President and CEO Sarah Wasinger. “They really
wanted to find a way to connect with our elderly community who, at that point in
time, through COVID, were still kind of locked down.”

She said the group was able to share “some
extra joy and cheer to some of those folks in those facilities.”

This year, they are inviting the public, young and old, to gather
Saturday to the family-friendly event.

“Even if you're a young professional and you don't have
children, that's OK, you can still come in, find your kid at heart and help
come decorate some cards,” Wasinger said.

Last year, she said, the group decorated around 350 cards.

“That was actually enough cards to give one to every
individual who was in one of our assisted living facilities in Hays,” Wasinger
said. “But they also were able to do some over in Ellis.

“The goal would be to, of course, make sure that we have a
card for every person this year as well,” she added. 

The event will run until the cards are completed, but she
said attendees are welcome to complete more than one card during the day.

Funding for supplies for the event was provided by the Hays
Kiwanis Club.

“You can … make a couple of cards and really just, go crazy,”
Wasinger said. “We have a lot of different supplies that we purchased last week,
and they'll have all the cards pre-cut. And then really creativity just gets to
kind of take flight, and they can kind of just do whatever they want to do.”

Light snacks and refreshments will be served during the
event.

Along with the card-decorating event, Wasinger said the Hays
Young Professionals frequently work to create family-friendly events for Ellis
County residents.

“They just do a great job,” she said. “For those who may not
be familiar with the Hays Young Professionals, they are a group of 21 to 40
years of age … but so if you have not engaged with them, this would be a great
event to just kind of get your feet wet and figure out what they're all about.”

The YP group also has connection lunches — usually the third
Tuesday of every month excluding November and December.

“They also have different social hours to where you can kind
of engage and connect with folks,” Wasinger said.

“They've got a couple of different committees as well,” she
continued. “There's a Networking and Engagement Committee that focuses
on creating events such as these to give the folks a chance to
come out and meet other young professionals, but also just really be able to
kind of get involved in the business community. And then they also have a Membership
Development committee that focuses on giving opportunities for leadership ... (and) providing professional development.”

Along with the committees, leadership is comprised of
the Advisory Council.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/11/1667850495441.jpg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>By JAMES BELL Hays PostAs the holiday season quickly approaches, the Hays Chamber’s
Young Professionals wants to ensure those living in area assisted living
and skilled nursing facilities receive a holiday message.Starting at 10 am. Nov. 12, the group will host the Holiday
Cheer Community Card Decorating Event at the Hays Public Library, 1205 Main.“They actually just started this event last year for the
first time,” said Hays Chamber President and CEO Sarah Wasinger. “They really
wanted to find a way to connect with our elderly community who, at that point in
time, through COVID, were still kind of locked down.”<div><iframe title="Hays Young Professionals to share holiday cheer with card decorating even" 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=is4xt-13095d8-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>She said the group was able to share “some
extra joy and cheer to some of those folks in those facilities.”This year, they are inviting the public, young and old, to gather
Saturday to the family-friendly event.“Even if you're a young professional and you don't have
children, that's OK, you can still come in, find your kid at heart and help
come decorate some cards,” Wasinger said.Last year, she said, the group decorated around 350 cards.“That was actually enough cards to give one to every
individual who was in one of our assisted living facilities in Hays,” Wasinger
said. “But they also were able to do some over in Ellis.“The goal would be to, of course, make sure that we have a
card for every person this year as well,” she added. The event will run until the cards are completed, but she
said attendees are welcome to complete more than one card during the day.Funding for supplies for the event was provided by the Hays
Kiwanis Club.“You can … make a couple of cards and really just, go crazy,”
Wasinger said. “We have a lot of different supplies that we purchased last week,
and they'll have all the cards pre-cut. And then really creativity just gets to
kind of take flight, and they can kind of just do whatever they want to do.”Light snacks and refreshments will be served during the
event.Along with the card-decorating event, Wasinger said the Hays
Young Professionals frequently work to create family-friendly events for Ellis
County residents.“They just do a great job,” she said. “For those who may not
be familiar with the Hays Young Professionals, they are a group of 21 to 40
years of age … but so if you have not engaged with them, this would be a great
event to just kind of get your feet wet and figure out what they're all about.”The YP group also has connection lunches — usually the third
Tuesday of every month excluding November and December.“They also have different social hours to where you can kind
of engage and connect with folks,” Wasinger said.“They've got a couple of different committees as well,” she
continued. “There's a Networking and Engagement Committee that focuses
on creating events such as these to give the folks a chance to
come out and meet other young professionals, but also just really be able to
kind of get involved in the business community. And then they also have a Membership
Development committee that focuses on giving opportunities for leadership ... (and) providing professional development.”Along with the committees, leadership is comprised of
the Advisory Council.“They meet once a month, and they the ones who
help set the policy for the group and ... approve
different events or anything new that is going on,” Wasinger said. “We
absolutely love them. They are such a champion for our chamber.“And really, it's a great place to get started. If
you're not familiar with being a part of the chamber, come in as a young
professional ... get your feet wet, and then see what else
there is to take advantage of what the events that the chamber has throughout
the year.”