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/y4JGASRaiKc"></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

By CRISTINA JANNEY Hays Post

The Hays Art Center is featuring three exhibits now through Nov. 22.

"Intuitive" features the work of former Fort Hays State University art instructor Kathleen Kuchar and Ron Michael, FHSU grad and director of the Birger Sandzén Memorial Gallery in Lindsborg.

Meder said she thought the energy and process of both artists is very similar.

Kuchar's art consists of large color abstract canvasses. Whereas Michael's pieces are earthenware pots and sculptures using wood, stone and metal.

"When you look at some of the patterning and shapes and that organic and very intuitive style, from the title, this is something they both have," Brenda Meder, Hays Arts Center director, said. "I love the way it works together."

Michael's sculptures, vessels and disks are inspired by surfaces, forms, and other stuff found in nature. When creating pieces, he embraces an organic quality, weathered aesthetic, imperfection, texture, asymmetry, sense of mystery and humor, he said in his artist's statement.

"You can see his shapes are very of the earth and organic," Meder said.

His ceramic pieces include a high percentage of Kansas clay formed using hand-built or wheel-thrown techniques. He often brushes or sifts a colored Mason stain on the wet clay to add differing colors.

"Intuitive&nbsp;is the perfect title for this show," Kuchar said in her artist's statement. "That’s how I work!  Typically, I start out with a general idea and let it go from there.

"The work takes on a life of its own as I add, subtract and make changes. When to stop is the question. Usually, the painting tells me it is finished when the colors work together, the shapes are just right, and I like the way it looks."

&nbsp;Kuchar is also a member of the Society of Layerist in Multi-Media, and pieces created by her and other society members for the "About Trees" project are also on display at the art center in the gallery hallway.

Thirty-three small canvases from Kansas and regional members are on display. As the title indicates, all of the artists have depicted trees on small canvases in different ways.

The purpose of the society is to serve as a network for artists who express a holistic perspective, in which everything relates to everything else, across time and space. Layered art can be done in any medium, but it shares a unifying intention, according to the society.

Konnor Splichal, senior in ceramics at FHSU, is exhibiting "Beyond Dusk," his BFA exhibition in the art center's rear gallery.

In addition to ceramic vessels, Splichal has created several electrified pieces from small table lamps, to hanging fixtures, to 3-foot tall luminaries.

Splichal, who is a Thomas More Prep-Marian graduate, said in his artists statement "By exploring the connection between ceramics and interior design, I see how they affect our everyday lives. Bringing both natural and man-made elements into my work, I form relationships between nature and fine art."

The subtle contrast of color and light reflect the Kansas landscape, he said.

"I strive to remind my audience of the world around them, as well as the natural beauty that God has created in his eyes," Splichal said.

<a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/622ae520-cc6e-4ae6-8c74-8f551869cc69">The Hays Arts Center will accept entries for the 5 State Photography exhibit until Nov. 8. </a>The fine art competition will accept 8-by-10 photographs from artists from Kansas, Nebraska, Oklahoma and Colorado created during the last three years.

Follow the link below for this year's competition details, entry forms, 
and the complete gallery of last year’s exhibited photographs - <a href="https://l.facebook.com/l.php?u=https%3A%2F%2Fhaysartscouncil.org%2Ffive-state%3Ffbclid%3DIwAR1gGkjiEgaug4f1FZ_2yM0VZuyk_QkXkbrur1b3b-YRScceEBxd5OeHaHY&amp;h=AT1ZSJHM2IT8MIExXJlJxUYHHJQMgXVcdmjzfepPg96vt_wPH8jKTiaZNutGOzaxo4BXpe9L55HHnm-msvuEwy0SZSyV2Y50GUdQbBsbmihc2X_Pl6Lf5HRk8rCsLKCa0aAI&amp;__tn__=-UK-R&amp;c[0]=AT0aUk8qdsXfVhflsvXrCybSGzmH-vn03OI12IitM_xMW_cDV3DDOcNA1l1GSUV-1wmkxHla5Zfi6ps2MPccTW2WZ3jtzoGIFbAgoOLAtPehFhwgs24YX7qeM_09xBSXYzZ_AAYZrrWkYuSUrFbmh1VJwNOmHuuECcNxOPKlvM_in09hBdCAabz-6FvbjuWJqn7MG8Bjz1GvZw" target="_blank">https://haysartscouncil.org/five-state</a>

The exhibition will anchor the Hays Arts Council Winter Art Walk on Dec. 3.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/10/1666300983020.jpeg" alt="Paintings by Kathleen Kuchar and sculptures and vessels by Ron Michael are part of the "Intuitive" exhibit featured now at the Hays Arts Center. Photo by Cristina Janney/Hays Post " />
 <figcaption>Paintings by Kathleen Kuchar and sculptures and vessels by Ron Michael are part of the "Intuitive" exhibit featured now at the Hays Arts Center. Photo by Cristina Janney/Hays Post </figcaption>
 </figure>By CRISTINA JANNEY Hays PostThe Hays Art Center is featuring three exhibits now through Nov. 22. "Intuitive" features the work of former Fort Hays State University art instructor Kathleen Kuchar and Ron Michael, FHSU grad and director of the Birger Sandzén Memorial Gallery in Lindsborg.Meder said she thought the energy and process of both artists is very similar. Kuchar's art consists of large color abstract canvasses. Whereas Michael's pieces are earthenware pots and sculptures using wood, stone and metal.<div><iframe title="Hays Arts Center features 3 exhibits, including ceramics, multi-media art" 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=jut5k-12f4a2e-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>"When you look at some of the patterning and shapes and that organic and very intuitive style, from the title, this is something they both have," Brenda Meder, Hays Arts Center director, said. "I love the way it works together."Michael's sculptures, vessels and disks are inspired by surfaces, forms, and other stuff found in nature. When creating pieces, he embraces an organic quality, weathered aesthetic, imperfection, texture, asymmetry, sense of mystery and humor, he said in his artist's statement.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/10/1666301166666.jpeg" alt="Ron Michael of Lindsborg uses a mix of native Kansas clay for his vessels. Photo By Brenda Meder/Hays Arts Center " />
 <figcaption>Ron Michael of Lindsborg uses a mix of native Kansas clay for his vessels. Photo By Brenda Meder/Hays Arts Center </figcaption>
 </figure>"You can see his shapes are very of the earth and organic," Meder said. His ceramic pieces include a high percentage of Kansas clay formed using hand-built or wheel-thrown techniques. He often brushes or sifts a colored Mason stain on the wet clay to add differing colors."Intuitive&nbsp;is the perfect title for this show," Kuchar said in her artist's statement. "That’s how I work! Typically, I start out with a general idea and let it go from there."The work takes on a life of its own as I add, subtract and make changes. When to stop is the question. Usually, the painting tells me it is finished when the colors work together, the shapes are just right, and I like the way it looks."<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/10/1666301302230.jpeg" alt="The Society of Layerist in Multi-Media's "About Trees" project. Photo by Brenda Meder/Hays Arts Council " />
 <figcaption>The Society of Layerist in Multi-Media's "About Trees" project. Photo by Brenda Meder/Hays Arts Council </figcaption>
 </figure><h2>'About Trees'</h2>&nbsp;Kuchar is also a member of the Society of Layerist in Multi-Media, and pieces created by her and other society members for the "About Trees" project are also on display at the art center in the gallery hallway.Thirty-three small canvases from Kansas and regional members are on display. As the title indicates, all of the artists have depicted trees on small canvases in different ways. The purpose of the society is to serve as a network for artists who express a holistic perspective, in which everything relates to everything else, across time and space. Layered art can be done in any medium, but it shares a unifying intention, according to the society.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/10/1666301743774.jpeg" alt="Lamps and wall vases are a part of Konnor Splichal's BFA exhibit "Beyond Dusk." Photo by Cristina Janney/Hays Post " />
 <figcaption>Lamps and wall vases are a part of Konnor Splichal's BFA exhibit "Beyond Dusk." Photo by Cristina Janney/Hays Post </figcaption>
 </figure><h2>'Beyond Dusk'</h2>Konnor Splichal, senior in ceramics at FHSU, is exhibiting "Beyond Dusk," his BFA exhibition in the art center's rear gallery.In addition to ceramic vessels, Splichal has created several electrified pieces from small table lamps, to hanging fixtures, to 3-foot tall luminaries.Splichal, who is a Thomas More Prep-Marian graduate, said in his artists statement "By exploring the connection between ceramics and interior design, I see how they affect our everyday lives. Bringing both natural and man-made elements into my work, I form relationships between nature and fine art."The subtle contrast of color and light reflect the Kansas landscape, he said.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/10/1666301873961.jpeg" alt="A lamp and vessels in Konnor Splichal's exhibit "Beyond Dusk." Photo by Brenda Meder/Hays Arts Council. " />
 <figcaption>A lamp and vessels in Konnor Splichal's exhibit "Beyond Dusk." Photo by Brenda Meder/Hays Arts Council. </figcaption>
 </figure>"I strive to remind my audience of the world around them, as well as the natural beauty that God has created in his eyes," Splichal said.Splichal will graduate in December.<h2>5 State Photography contest</h2><a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/622ae520-cc6e-4ae6-8c74-8f551869cc69">The Hays Arts Center will accept entries for the 5 State Photography exhibit until Nov. 8. </a>The fine art competition will accept 8-by-10 photographs from artists from Kansas, Nebraska, Oklahoma and Colorado created during the last three years.Follow the link below for this year's competition details, entry forms, 
and the complete gallery of last year’s exhibited photographs - <a href="https://l.facebook.com/l.php?u=https%3A%2F%2Fhaysartscouncil.org%2Ffive-state%3Ffbclid%3DIwAR1gGkjiEgaug4f1FZ_2yM0VZuyk_QkXkbrur1b3b-YRScceEBxd5OeHaHY&amp;h=AT1ZSJHM2IT8MIExXJlJxUYHHJQMgXVcdmjzfepPg96vt_wPH8jKTiaZNutGOzaxo4BXpe9L55HHnm-msvuEwy0SZSyV2Y50GUdQbBsbmihc2X_Pl6Lf5HRk8rCsLKCa0aAI&amp;__tn__=-UK-R&amp;c[0]=AT0aUk8qdsXfVhflsvXrCybSGzmH-vn03OI12IitM_xMW_cDV3DDOcNA1l1GSUV-1wmkxHla5Zfi6ps2MPccTW2WZ3jtzoGIFbAgoOLAtPehFhwgs24YX7qeM_09xBSXYzZ_AAYZrrWkYuSUrFbmh1VJwNOmHuuECcNxOPKlvM_in09hBdCAabz-6FvbjuWJqn7MG8Bjz1GvZw" target="_blank">https://haysartscouncil.org/five-state</a>The exhibition will anchor the Hays Arts Council Winter Art Walk on Dec. 3.

🎙 Hays Arts Center features 3 exhibits, including ceramics, multi-media art

On this episode of the Post Podcast Wilson Elementary principal, Anita Schieve shares information about the district's first parent-teacher conference of the year.

<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 Wilson Elementary principal, Anita Schieve shares information about the district's first parent-teacher conference of the year.<div><iframe title="USD 489 prepares for parent-teacher conferences" 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=pv78y-12f4a0a-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><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: USD 489 prepares for first parent-teacher conference of the year

On this episode of the Post Podcast Glen McNeil shares information about the impacts of diet on bone health.

On this episode of the Post Podcast Glen McNeil shares information about the impacts of diet on bone health.<div><iframe title="Healthy diet helps create healthy bones" 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=at8m4-12f49ff-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><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: Healthy diet helps create healthy bones

On this episode of Forward Ever: Leading in Challenging Times host Gary Shorman speaks with American Cancer Society chief patient officer Arif Kamal.

On this episode of Forward Ever: Leading in Challenging Times host Gary Shorman speaks with American Cancer Society chief patient officer Arif Kamal. <div><iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/IeNjfIjMO0M" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen></iframe></div>

🎤 Forward Ever: American Cancer Society chief patient officer Arif Kamal

On this episode of the Post Podcast, Hays Chamber president and CEO Sarah Wasinger and administrative assistant Crystal Young share information about the Ag Appreciation Dinner.

On this episode of the Post Podcast, Hays Chamber president and CEO Sarah Wasinger and administrative assistant Crystal Young share information about the Ag Appreciation Dinner. <div><iframe title="Preparations underway for Hays Chamber Ag Appreciation dinner" 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=zve8b-12ef4d3-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><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: Preparations underway for Hays Chamber Ag Appreciation Dinner

Fort Hays State University Concert
Choirs will take the stage Friday for the first FHSU music event of the year.

Under the direction of professor of music and director of choral activities&nbsp;Terry Crull, the free concert begins at 7:30 p.m. in
the Beach/Schmidt Performing Arts Center, 600 Park.

“It's
going to be a fun concert,” Crull said. “We're calling it Take Me to the Water because
this summer, when I was looking at potential pieces, I found a great gospel,
spiritual arrangement by Rollo Dilworth, an upcoming arranger called Take Me
to the Water, and it features Wait in the Water and Down by the Riverside,
two old spiritual hymns.”

All
selections, he said, feature water, rivers or lakes as a theme.

“We've
got River Run. We've got Walking on the Green Grass, which happens
if you get rain,” Crull said. “And Wade in the Water by the Fort Hays
Singers and At the River, a hymn arrangement, Flow Gently Sweet Afton
a folk song from Scotland. And just every title has something to do in some way
or other with water or rain or rivers.”

The
concert will start with the FHSU Concert Choir singing the Fort Hays alma
mater and then Take Me to the Water.

Following
the adult community group, the Smokey Hill Chorale will offer four songs. The
Fort Hays Singers will take the stage after.

They
will offer songs prepared for the evening but also selections from their
recent trip to the Renaissance Festival in Bonner Springs.

“We went
in costume and sang a couple of performances on a beautiful warm day with lots
of people at the Renaissance Festival,” Crull said. “We had a good trip and a
fun stay.”

The
Concert Choir will wrap the concert with several songs dealing with water.

Their
selections will include, To the Old Mill, “about a guy who met a girl 20 years
ago and he didn't make work of it, so now she married somebody else, and he's
still waiting at the mill to grind his meal, and he's turned old and gray,”
Crull said.

“That
can be a nice fun folk story,” he continued, “And Water Night, a great piece for
choral singers by Eric Whitacre. … That was one of his first ones, a big hit Water
Night. Interesting text and beautiful music.”

“So
that'll be, I think, an entertaining concert,” Crull said. “Something for
everybody. ... Fun
spirituals and folk songs for people who just want to hear a great story put to
music. That's what we do, we tell stories.”

While
the concert marks the first of the year for the students, some of the
performers will be familiar to the audience as FHSU students return alongside
new recruits. &nbsp;

Crull estimates
that about half of the choir are music majors, with the others made up of
students from across campus.

“You
don't have to be a music major to be in either group,” Crull said. “Although,
in the Fort Hays Singers, which was the top ensemble, most of them are majors
or music ed majors. Not all of them, but most of them.”

“It's
just a fun group to watch, perform, and to hear perform,” Crull said. “And so,
I invite everybody to come on out and hear us.”

<div><iframe title="FHSU music department kicks-off season with Choirs Concert Friday" 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=fcbc2-12ee344-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>By JAMES BELL Hays PostFort Hays State University Concert
Choirs will take the stage Friday for the first FHSU music event of the year.Under the direction of professor of music and director of choral activities&nbsp;Terry Crull, the free concert begins at 7:30 p.m. in
the Beach/Schmidt Performing Arts Center, 600 Park.“It's
going to be a fun concert,” Crull said. “We're calling it Take Me to the Water because
this summer, when I was looking at potential pieces, I found a great gospel,
spiritual arrangement by Rollo Dilworth, an upcoming arranger called Take Me
to the Water, and it features Wait in the Water and Down by the Riverside,
two old spiritual hymns.”All
selections, he said, feature water, rivers or lakes as a theme.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/3/1583259164034.jpeg" alt="Courtesy photo" />
 <figcaption>Courtesy photo</figcaption>
 </figure>“We've
got River Run. We've got Walking on the Green Grass, which happens
if you get rain,” Crull said. “And Wade in the Water by the Fort Hays
Singers and At the River, a hymn arrangement, Flow Gently Sweet Afton
a folk song from Scotland. And just every title has something to do in some way
or other with water or rain or rivers.”The
concert will start with the FHSU Concert Choir singing the Fort Hays alma
mater and then Take Me to the Water.Following
the adult community group, the Smokey Hill Chorale will offer four songs. The
Fort Hays Singers will take the stage after.They
will offer songs prepared for the evening but also selections from their
recent trip to the Renaissance Festival in Bonner Springs.“We went
in costume and sang a couple of performances on a beautiful warm day with lots
of people at the Renaissance Festival,” Crull said. “We had a good trip and a
fun stay.”The
Concert Choir will wrap the concert with several songs dealing with water.Their
selections will include, To the Old Mill, “about a guy who met a girl 20 years
ago and he didn't make work of it, so now she married somebody else, and he's
still waiting at the mill to grind his meal, and he's turned old and gray,”
Crull said. “That
can be a nice fun folk story,” he continued, “And Water Night, a great piece for
choral singers by Eric Whitacre. … That was one of his first ones, a big hit Water
Night. Interesting text and beautiful music.”“So
that'll be, I think, an entertaining concert,” Crull said. “Something for
everybody. ... Fun
spirituals and folk songs for people who just want to hear a great story put to
music. That's what we do, we tell stories.”While
the concert marks the first of the year for the students, some of the
performers will be familiar to the audience as FHSU students return alongside
new recruits. &nbsp;Crull estimates
that about half of the choir are music majors, with the others made up of
students from across campus.“You
don't have to be a music major to be in either group,” Crull said. “Although,
in the Fort Hays Singers, which was the top ensemble, most of them are majors
or music ed majors. Not all of them, but most of them.”Many are
from Hays, he said.“It's
just a fun group to watch, perform, and to hear perform,” Crull said. “And so,
I invite everybody to come on out and hear us.”

🎙 FHSU music department kicks off season with Choirs Concert Friday

As cybersecurity
threats continue to grow, Fort Hays State University has launched a program that
hopes to help alleviate the damaging nature of online attacks and take advantage of the market opportunity in the growing cybersecurity
industry. 

“This entire initiative is really aligned with the Fort Hays
State spirit of we see a problem, how can we contribute to solving it,” said Melissa
Hunsicker-Walburn, informatics chair and associate professor.

She said the effort came from the
concept of creating something that makes cybersecurity relevant and impactful
to the Kansas economy and aligns with the Kansas Board of Regents' desire to
increase economic prosperity in the state.

Specifically, the effort will
contribute to protecting small businesses that lack the resources of
major companies. 

“We
recognize that small businesses are often underserved or less than ideally
attentive to its cybersecurity posture,” Hunsicker-Walburn said. “And so, recognizing that there are a lot of
small and medium-sized businesses in Kansas ... that those businesses have, for whatever reason, tended not to really give
priority to their cybersecurity posture, how could we in our cybersecurity
program and our cybersecurity strengths at Fort Hays State, contribute to
making that an improved situation?”

The
answer, she said, led to the development of the institute.

“It's a two-track
kind of venture,” Hunsicker-Walburn said. “The
one track would be matching our students with small businesses to help advance
small business security posture.”

The
services would be delivered through “micro-internships,” she said. Those
internships would be limited in time and scope and project-oriented.

“A
student can be dispatched to go to a micro-internship, help a business with a
problem or help a business become aware of some of their problems,” Hunsicker-Walburn
said. “The student gets experience, they get real-world experience, they also get the soft skills of interacting with a small
business and learning more about what that environment looks like in real-time.
And then, of course, the small business comes out improved, and hopefully more
secure, and a viable part of the Kansas economy as a result.”

The benefactor
would also benefit from the experience of the internship coordinator and assistant
professor of informatics, Jason Zeller.

“He is
the one who has mapped the internships to the curriculum to know that a student
doing this type of work for business needs to have had these kinds of things,
and he will have them vetted them for their skill,” Hunsicker-Walburn
said. “And so, there's additional quality assurance
that comes from [Zeller’s] involvement in what we’re doing.”

The internships are slated to launch in January. Hunsicker-Walburn said about 15 pilot projects are already being vetted.

The
second part of the program, the tech incubator, will help guide those in the
area with technology-based ideas to create viable business opportunities.

“If
somebody out there has a has the tech acumen and a great idea, but they're they
don't know how to do a business plan, or they don't really know how to seek
capital, or they don't know how to protect their intellectual property that
they have in their idea itself they would apply to be a business or venture in
residence,” Hunsicker-Walburn said. 

From there, she said the department would draw from faculty and community expertise and
create its incubation team. And then, over a month’s long effort, the team
would work to guide the project to the market.

“We
really actually hope to have new venture creation and job growth and job
creation in this area of tech and cybersecurity,” Hunsicker-Walburn
said.

That
portion of the project is slated to launch next summer.

Ultimately, the&nbsp;Cybersecurity Institute and Technology Incubator will be overseen by a full-time director. The search to fill the position will being soon,&nbsp;Hunsicker-Walburn said.

"We're
really pretty excited about the possibilities here," she said. "We think that there's going
to be a lot that we learned through the iterative
processes. We were just joking yesterday with President Mason that there's no
manual here — we're writing it. But that's also very exciting to be able to
possibly get a model for something like this, that then we can also use to help other rural areas that face the same challenges that we are
trying to solve."

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/1/1578078123829.jpeg" alt="Hammond Hall on the Fort Hays State University campus is home to the Informatics Department. File Photo." />
 <figcaption>Hammond Hall on the Fort Hays State University campus is home to the Informatics Department. File Photo.</figcaption>
 </figure>By JAMES BELL Hays PostAs cybersecurity
threats continue to grow, Fort Hays State University has launched a program that
hopes to help alleviate the damaging nature of online attacks and take advantage of the market opportunity in the growing cybersecurity
industry. “This entire initiative is really aligned with the Fort Hays
State spirit of we see a problem, how can we contribute to solving it,” said Melissa
Hunsicker-Walburn, informatics chair and associate professor.She said the effort came from the
concept of creating something that makes cybersecurity relevant and impactful
to the Kansas economy and aligns with the Kansas Board of Regents' desire to
increase economic prosperity in the state.Specifically, the effort will
contribute to protecting small businesses that lack the resources of
major companies. “We
recognize that small businesses are often underserved or less than ideally
attentive to its cybersecurity posture,” Hunsicker-Walburn said. “And so, recognizing that there are a lot of
small and medium-sized businesses in Kansas ... that those businesses have, for whatever reason, tended not to really give
priority to their cybersecurity posture, how could we in our cybersecurity
program and our cybersecurity strengths at Fort Hays State, contribute to
making that an improved situation?”The
answer, she said, led to the development of the institute.<div><iframe title="FHSU creates Cybersecurity Institute and Technology Incubator" 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=yyyt3-12eadf8-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>“It's a two-track
kind of venture,” Hunsicker-Walburn said. “The
one track would be matching our students with small businesses to help advance
small business security posture.”The
services would be delivered through “micro-internships,” she said. Those
internships would be limited in time and scope and project-oriented.“A
student can be dispatched to go to a micro-internship, help a business with a
problem or help a business become aware of some of their problems,” Hunsicker-Walburn
said. “The student gets experience, they get real-world experience, they also get the soft skills of interacting with a small
business and learning more about what that environment looks like in real-time.
And then, of course, the small business comes out improved, and hopefully more
secure, and a viable part of the Kansas economy as a result.”The benefactor
would also benefit from the experience of the internship coordinator and assistant
professor of informatics, Jason Zeller.“He is
the one who has mapped the internships to the curriculum to know that a student
doing this type of work for business needs to have had these kinds of things,
and he will have them vetted them for their skill,” Hunsicker-Walburn
said. “And so, there's additional quality assurance
that comes from [Zeller’s] involvement in what we’re doing.”The internships are slated to launch in January. Hunsicker-Walburn said about 15 pilot projects are already being vetted.The
second part of the program, the tech incubator, will help guide those in the
area with technology-based ideas to create viable business opportunities.“If
somebody out there has a has the tech acumen and a great idea, but they're they
don't know how to do a business plan, or they don't really know how to seek
capital, or they don't know how to protect their intellectual property that
they have in their idea itself they would apply to be a business or venture in
residence,” Hunsicker-Walburn said. From there, she said the department would draw from faculty and community expertise and
create its incubation team. And then, over a month’s long effort, the team
would work to guide the project to the market.“We
really actually hope to have new venture creation and job growth and job
creation in this area of tech and cybersecurity,” Hunsicker-Walburn
said.That
portion of the project is slated to launch next summer.Ultimately, the&nbsp;Cybersecurity Institute and Technology Incubator will be overseen by a full-time director. The search to fill the position will being soon,&nbsp;Hunsicker-Walburn said."We're
really pretty excited about the possibilities here," she said. "We think that there's going
to be a lot that we learned through the iterative
processes. We were just joking yesterday with President Mason that there's no
manual here — we're writing it. But that's also very exciting to be able to
possibly get a model for something like this, that then we can also use to help other rural areas that face the same challenges that we are
trying to solve."

🎙 FHSU creates Cybersecurity Institute and Technology Incubator 

On this episode of the Post Podcast Grow Hays executive director Doug Williams shares information about the Microfactory groundbreaking.

On this episode of the Post Podcast Grow Hays executive director Doug Williams shares information about the Microfactory groundbreaking.<div><iframe title="Lt. Gov. Toland praises Ellis Co. Microfactory" 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=wpz29-12eabaa-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><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: Lt. Gov. Toland praises Ellis Co. Microfactory, economic development

On this episode of the Post Podcast Fort Hays State University Alumni Association engagement specialist Carolyn Tatro recaps Homecoming and discusses ways FHSU alums stay connected all year long.

On this episode of the Post Podcast Fort Hays State University Alumni Association engagement specialist Carolyn Tatro recaps Homecoming and discusses ways FHSU alums stay connected all year long.<div><iframe title="FHSU Alumni Association works to keep alums connected year round" 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=ipqt2-12eabc4-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><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: FHSU Alumni Association works to keep alums connected year round

<a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/499e1837-6d3f-4de9-b670-e37057633022">After taking the reins of the Center for Life Experiences this
summer,</a> Executive Director Darian Schlegel has worked to expand the
organization’s programming beyond the three support groups that have helped
guide areas residents through grief and loss for decades.

That expanded programming has included hands-on activities and
the addition of support groups that deal with other traumatic experiences, like
divorce and the onset of life-changing physical ailments.

"We're really excited,” Schlegel said. “Actually, we got a lot of stuff going on, and
hopefully, we can get the community involved.”

In the months since taking over the organization, she said
the group has readjusted its mission to include more people than ever.

“We've kind of done a little rebranding at CFLE in the past
couple of months, where we're trying to do different branches of grief,”
Schlegel said. “We can experience grief outside of losing somebody to death.
And that can be through losing part of your family through divorce, or when
kids get separated from their families and enter the foster care system,
they're losing that part of their family as well. So that's a type of grief. So
we're trying to hit those different types of grief as well.”

One of the ways the organization has added to its programming
is through limited-time support series that tackle challenges facing those of
all ages and backgrounds.

“Every six to eight weeks, we do a different support group
focused on something that the community tells us that we need,” Schlegel said. 

Fostering Connections was the first and is currently
underway. The series is for children that have experienced the foster care
system.

“That is a place where kids with similar experiences can
just get to know each other and maybe even build some friendships,” Schlegel
said. “And because kids within the foster care system, it would be nice for
them to have somebody else who has kind of a similar experience, just so they
have that connection there.”

The next series will begin in November and is for those
affected by neurocognitive decline. 

“So that's like Alzheimer's disease, or even just dementia,
that type of thing,” Schlegel said. “If you have grandparents going through it,
and you want to come, maybe a parent, or if you're experiencing it yourself,
you can also come, so it's kind of open to that.”

While historically the organization has helped attendees
with grief related to loss, she said the effects of neurocognitive decline can
be equally traumatic.

“You're grieving for losing that ability that you used to
have with being able to fully mentally function,” Schlegel said. “And you're
also grieving that part of your maybe grandparent or parent who can't
necessarily remember those moments that you do with them.”

Along with the support series, the organization has launched
the CFLE Book Circle, where participants work through difficult emotional
situations while reading through a relevant book, and It’s Good to Talk, a
social support session for parents.

“It's Good to Talk starts on the 26th, and we meet from 5 p.m.
to 6:15-6:30 p.m.,” Schlegel said. “It's for parents with children on the
spectrum, or experience seeing any kind of neurodivergent, where parents can
just come and talk about how to use maybe disciplinary strategies that aren't
necessarily working for other kids and how to best learn how to help them
regulate their emotions and stuff like that.”

And a hands-on session, Bonding Through Creativity, is set
for Nov. 9.

“We're trying to give kids an opportunity to use a creative
outlet to process their emotions,” Schlegel said. “So CFLE has partnered with
the Niche Art Studio downtown (at 707) Main Street, and that will offer a place where
kids can do a create a painting, and they can take it home with them.

“But throughout that process, we'll have to stop and let
paint dry and so on, so we'll be talking about maybe struggles at school, how
to describe some emotions, and how do we come to our parents to talk about it
when we're upset, or mad or sad, and different types of things like that,
because creative outlets are good for children, and we want to offer as much of
that as possible to them,” she continued.

Changes at the organization were not limited to in-person
sessions. Its digital home, cflehope.org, also received a significant renovation.

“They can look at our events, look at the descriptions. They
can also register for events on there,” Schlegel said. “And that will give them
all the information they need from us.”

In celebration of the recent efforts, she said a ribbon
cutting is planned at 4 p.m. Oct. 20 at its location at 103 E. 27th St., Ste. C.

“We're going to be talking a little bit about our new
programs and kind of where we hope to see CFLE grow,” Schlegel said. “And
then the ribbon cutting will proceed after that.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/10/1665769317522.jpg" alt="Photo courtesy Pixabay" />
 <figcaption>Photo courtesy Pixabay</figcaption>
 </figure>By JAMES BELL Hays Post<a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/499e1837-6d3f-4de9-b670-e37057633022">After taking the reins of the Center for Life Experiences this
summer,</a> Executive Director Darian Schlegel has worked to expand the
organization’s programming beyond the three support groups that have helped
guide areas residents through grief and loss for decades. That expanded programming has included hands-on activities and
the addition of support groups that deal with other traumatic experiences, like
divorce and the onset of life-changing physical ailments."We're really excited,” Schlegel said. “Actually, we got a lot of stuff going on, and
hopefully, we can get the community involved.”<div><iframe title="Center for Life Experiences adds support groups to lineup" 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=ym8aa-12eac07-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>In the months since taking over the organization, she said
the group has readjusted its mission to include more people than ever.“We've kind of done a little rebranding at CFLE in the past
couple of months, where we're trying to do different branches of grief,”
Schlegel said. “We can experience grief outside of losing somebody to death.
And that can be through losing part of your family through divorce, or when
kids get separated from their families and enter the foster care system,
they're losing that part of their family as well. So that's a type of grief. So
we're trying to hit those different types of grief as well.”One of the ways the organization has added to its programming
is through limited-time support series that tackle challenges facing those of
all ages and backgrounds.“Every six to eight weeks, we do a different support group
focused on something that the community tells us that we need,” Schlegel said. Fostering Connections was the first and is currently
underway. The series is for children that have experienced the foster care
system.“That is a place where kids with similar experiences can
just get to know each other and maybe even build some friendships,” Schlegel
said. “And because kids within the foster care system, it would be nice for
them to have somebody else who has kind of a similar experience, just so they
have that connection there.”The next series will begin in November and is for those
affected by neurocognitive decline. “So that's like Alzheimer's disease, or even just dementia,
that type of thing,” Schlegel said. “If you have grandparents going through it,
and you want to come, maybe a parent, or if you're experiencing it yourself,
you can also come, so it's kind of open to that.”While historically the organization has helped attendees
with grief related to loss, she said the effects of neurocognitive decline can
be equally traumatic.“You're grieving for losing that ability that you used to
have with being able to fully mentally function,” Schlegel said. “And you're
also grieving that part of your maybe grandparent or parent who can't
necessarily remember those moments that you do with them.”Along with the support series, the organization has launched
the CFLE Book Circle, where participants work through difficult emotional
situations while reading through a relevant book, and It’s Good to Talk, a
social support session for parents.“It's Good to Talk starts on the 26th, and we meet from 5 p.m.
to 6:15-6:30 p.m.,” Schlegel said. “It's for parents with children on the
spectrum, or experience seeing any kind of neurodivergent, where parents can
just come and talk about how to use maybe disciplinary strategies that aren't
necessarily working for other kids and how to best learn how to help them
regulate their emotions and stuff like that.”And a hands-on session, Bonding Through Creativity, is set
for Nov. 9.“We're trying to give kids an opportunity to use a creative
outlet to process their emotions,” Schlegel said. “So CFLE has partnered with
the Niche Art Studio downtown (at 707) Main Street, and that will offer a place where
kids can do a create a painting, and they can take it home with them.“But throughout that process, we'll have to stop and let
paint dry and so on, so we'll be talking about maybe struggles at school, how
to describe some emotions, and how do we come to our parents to talk about it
when we're upset, or mad or sad, and different types of things like that,
because creative outlets are good for children, and we want to offer as much of
that as possible to them,” she continued.Changes at the organization were not limited to in-person
sessions. Its digital home, cflehope.org, also received a significant renovation.“They can look at our events, look at the descriptions. They
can also register for events on there,” Schlegel said. “And that will give them
all the information they need from us.”In celebration of the recent efforts, she said a ribbon
cutting is planned at 4 p.m. Oct. 20 at its location at 103 E. 27th St., Ste. C.“We're going to be talking a little bit about our new
programs and kind of where we hope to see CFLE grow,” Schlegel said. “And
then the ribbon cutting will proceed after that.”

🎙 Center for Life Experiences adds support groups to lineup

On this episode of the Post Podcast Cottonwood Extension District Family and Community Wellness agent, Monique Koerner shares information about the Keys to Aging program.

On this episode of the Post Podcast Cottonwood Extension District Family and Community Wellness agent, Monique Koerner shares information about the Keys to Aging program.<div><iframe title="Cottonwood extension district offers tips for healthy aging" 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=e57j2-12e9112-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><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: Cottonwood extension district offers tips for healthy aging

On this episode of the Post Podcast Holy Family IT director Duff Watson shares information about recent technology upgrades in Hays Catholic Schools.

On this episode of the Post Podcast Holy Family IT director Duff Watson shares information about recent technology upgrades in Hays Catholic Schools. <div><iframe title="Technology upgrades benefit Holy Family Elementary students" 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=ems8i-12e5f00-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><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: Technology upgrades benefit Holy Family Elementary students

<div><iframe title="Hays Library continues free tutoring for area students" 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=buif4-12e484b-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><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: Hays Public Library continues free tutoring for area students

Grow&nbsp;Hays Inc. will hold a groundbreaking ceremony for the Grow Hays MicroFactory at 10 a.m. Thursday at Ninth and Commerce Parkway in Hays. Lt. Gov. David Toland and local representatives will be in attendance.

“The Grow Hays MicroFactory will be an incubator for small and startup manufacturing companies" said Doug Williams, executive director of Grow Hays Inc. "The facility&nbsp;will be designed specifically to meet the needs of manufacturers with various&nbsp;amounts of space allocated to tenants as needed. Rental rates for the space will be well below market rates to ensure that these businesses have every opportunity to succeed and grow."

The project is being funded via grants and funding from the State of Kansas BASE Grant program, <a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/b37f8cb5-ca02-4a76-b372-231a57c726c2">The Patterson Family Foundation, </a>Heart of America Development Corporation, and the Northwest Kansas Economic Innovation Center.&nbsp;

<div><iframe title="Groundbreaking for Hays microfactory set for next week" 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=q87yy-12e194f-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>Grow HaysGrow&nbsp;Hays Inc. will hold a groundbreaking ceremony for the Grow Hays MicroFactory at 10 a.m. Thursday at Ninth and Commerce Parkway in Hays. Lt. Gov. David Toland and local representatives will be in attendance.“The Grow Hays MicroFactory will be an incubator for small and startup manufacturing companies" said Doug Williams, executive director of Grow Hays Inc. "The facility&nbsp;will be designed specifically to meet the needs of manufacturers with various&nbsp;amounts of space allocated to tenants as needed. Rental rates for the space will be well below market rates to ensure that these businesses have every opportunity to succeed and grow."The project is being funded via grants and funding from the State of Kansas BASE Grant program, <a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/b37f8cb5-ca02-4a76-b372-231a57c726c2">The Patterson Family Foundation, </a>Heart of America Development Corporation, and the Northwest Kansas Economic Innovation Center.&nbsp;<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/10/1665167255581.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>

🎙 Groundbreaking for Hays microfactory set for next week

Beginning Friday, three of Hays’ most beloved annual traditions will combine into one busy Hays weekend.

<a target="_blank" href="https://hayspost.com/posts/d0efa892-5fcb-4849-95c6-ab79dd99c528">Hays High homecoming festivities began on Monday and will culminate with Hays High football facing Dodge City at 7 p.m. Friday on Fort Hays State University’s Lewis Field.</a>

<a target="_blank" href="https://hayspost.com/posts/421edd4a-0395-4d03-aa71-0931e910e2dc">FHSU homecoming activities are set to begin Thursday and will wrap up as FHSU football faces Washburn, with pregame ceremonies kicking off at 6:30 p.m.</a>

“There are lots of events on campus for the students and the campus community,” said Carolyn Tatro, FHSU Alumni Association alumni engagement strategist. “But I would definitely say a lot of Homecoming, really, it gets started on Thursday.”

The Homecoming Golf Tournament will begin the day at 8:30 a.m. at Smoky Hill County Club, 3303 Hall. Lunch with FHSU Football Head Coach Chris Brown follows at noon.

The Tiger Bonfire is scheduled for 7:30 p.m. on the east lawn of the Robbins Center. Food trucks are planned to be available during the event.

On Friday, the Half-Century Luncheon, class reunions and the Alumni and Friends Banquet will bring FHSU alumni together.

“I think one of my favorite things about the Alumni Awards is that we're picking people that have done some really amazing things, some of them we've never heard about, but we're really impressed by them,” Tatro said. “We just don't talk about them a lot, and we're so impressed by their stories.”

<a target="_blank" href="https://hayspost.com/posts/2eb5c7ba-cedc-4f96-9e48-81646a047c1a">Honorees at the banquet include, John Allen Jr., Judith Sims Billings, Mike McCarthy, Donald Richardson, Tory Blew and Brandon Penny.</a>

As both academic institutions continue celebrating students and alumni, Hays’ annual celebration of history, heritage and homecoming — Oktoberfest — will present two full days of events.

This year’s Oktoberfest carries the special distinction of being the 50th anniversary.

“Not everybody is lucky enough to say that they've got any successful event that's been going 50 years,” Hays Convention and Visitors Bureau Executive Director Melissa Dixon said.

The festivities begin with the opening ceremony at 10:30 a.m. in Municipal Park at First and Main and the ceremonial tapping of the keg.

Until 7 p.m., attendees will have various activities and food options available that reflect the Volga German heritage, including a Stein Hoist, Deutsch Hops Contest and the OktoberFEAST Contest.&nbsp;

Music will also be featured throughout the day.

“Of course, we're gonna have the Joe Dolezal band doing polka,” Dixon said. “But we're also going to have some country bands so people can hang around and dance. Rice County Line will be there. And then also Jimmy D and the Fabulous Destinations.”

Area vendors and groups will also be a large part of the festivities.

“We do have a lot of student organizations that are gonna be down there doing fundraisers,” Dixon said. “And I like the fact that when Oktoberfest started, years and years and years ago, it was a big harvest celebration. All the villages came around all the church ladies made their goodies to raise money for their churches. And a lot of that is still in place.”

“Friday's vendors are reserved, their spots are reserved for nonprofits,” she continued. “So everything's really going to a good cause. You'll see some of your favorite civic organizations down there, and churches and student organizations raising funds. And then on the big picture, the Oktoberfest committee uses the funds raised Oktoberfest for scholarships for students who have Volga German backgrounds.”

Saturday’s family-friendly downtown events begin with the FHSU Homecoming Parade at 11 a.m., with an Oktoberfest Day 2 Welcome set for 11:45 a.m.

“Saturday, they really want to make it family-friendly,” Dixon said. “There are lots of games for kids that day. ... It really is for all ages.”

<a target="_blank" href="https://hayspost.com/posts/ca82a1d7-c587-4972-9812-a7c2f76ecb31">Then at noon, the “World’s Largest Bierock” will be presented.</a>

"We kicked around different items that may create some interest or fun, like a brat eating contest," Tom Bird, Oktoberfest vendor committee chair, said in June. "But when I started researching bierocks and found that it was more specific to the Volga Germans, in particular, western Kansas ... I thought, well, that would be unique."

He said the unique Volga German food is closely tied to the region and will be a draw to area residents.

“I'm excited to see how it goes,” Dixon said. “It has its own tent. The tent is already ready and it's really big.”

A cornhole tournament is planned at noon, along with children’s events, including Jammin Randy, a German Freeze Game, Pumpkin Pass and a Pumpkin Rolling Contest.

Oktoberfest will close at 6 p.m., just as FHSU Tailgating ramps up in the East Lawn of Lewis field after starting at 5 p.m.

“Then at halftime is when we will find out who our new homecoming king and queen will be,” Tatro said. “So, definitely stick around for that.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/10/1633287176851.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>By JAMES BELL Hays PostBeginning Friday, three of Hays’ most beloved annual traditions will combine into one busy Hays weekend.<a target="_blank" href="https://hayspost.com/posts/d0efa892-5fcb-4849-95c6-ab79dd99c528">Hays High homecoming festivities began on Monday and will culminate with Hays High football facing Dodge City at 7 p.m. Friday on Fort Hays State University’s Lewis Field.</a><a target="_blank" href="https://hayspost.com/posts/421edd4a-0395-4d03-aa71-0931e910e2dc">FHSU homecoming activities are set to begin Thursday and will wrap up as FHSU football faces Washburn, with pregame ceremonies kicking off at 6:30 p.m.</a><div><iframe title="Hays Oktoberfest 2022 begins Friday" 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=avm9i-12de6bc-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>“There are lots of events on campus for the students and the campus community,” said Carolyn Tatro, FHSU Alumni Association alumni engagement strategist. “But I would definitely say a lot of Homecoming, really, it gets started on Thursday.”The Homecoming Golf Tournament will begin the day at 8:30 a.m. at Smoky Hill County Club, 3303 Hall. Lunch with FHSU Football Head Coach Chris Brown follows at noon.The Tiger Bonfire is scheduled for 7:30 p.m. on the east lawn of the Robbins Center. Food trucks are planned to be available during the event.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/10/1664993386413.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>On Friday, the Half-Century Luncheon, class reunions and the Alumni and Friends Banquet will bring FHSU alumni together.“I think one of my favorite things about the Alumni Awards is that we're picking people that have done some really amazing things, some of them we've never heard about, but we're really impressed by them,” Tatro said. “We just don't talk about them a lot, and we're so impressed by their stories.”<a target="_blank" href="https://hayspost.com/posts/2eb5c7ba-cedc-4f96-9e48-81646a047c1a">Honorees at the banquet include, John Allen Jr., Judith Sims Billings, Mike McCarthy, Donald Richardson, Tory Blew and Brandon Penny.</a><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/10/1664993400868.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>As both academic institutions continue celebrating students and alumni, Hays’ annual celebration of history, heritage and homecoming — Oktoberfest — will present two full days of events.This year’s Oktoberfest carries the special distinction of being the 50th anniversary.“Not everybody is lucky enough to say that they've got any successful event that's been going 50 years,” Hays Convention and Visitors Bureau Executive Director Melissa Dixon said.The festivities begin with the opening ceremony at 10:30 a.m. in Municipal Park at First and Main and the ceremonial tapping of the keg.Until 7 p.m., attendees will have various activities and food options available that reflect the Volga German heritage, including a Stein Hoist, Deutsch Hops Contest and the OktoberFEAST Contest.&nbsp;Music will also be featured throughout the day.“Of course, we're gonna have the Joe Dolezal band doing polka,” Dixon said. “But we're also going to have some country bands so people can hang around and dance. Rice County Line will be there. And then also Jimmy D and the Fabulous Destinations.”Area vendors and groups will also be a large part of the festivities.“We do have a lot of student organizations that are gonna be down there doing fundraisers,” Dixon said. “And I like the fact that when Oktoberfest started, years and years and years ago, it was a big harvest celebration. All the villages came around all the church ladies made their goodies to raise money for their churches. And a lot of that is still in place.”<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/10/1633286822622.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>“Friday's vendors are reserved, their spots are reserved for nonprofits,” she continued. “So everything's really going to a good cause. You'll see some of your favorite civic organizations down there, and churches and student organizations raising funds. And then on the big picture, the Oktoberfest committee uses the funds raised Oktoberfest for scholarships for students who have Volga German backgrounds.”Saturday’s family-friendly downtown events begin with the FHSU Homecoming Parade at 11 a.m., with an Oktoberfest Day 2 Welcome set for 11:45 a.m.“Saturday, they really want to make it family-friendly,” Dixon said. “There are lots of games for kids that day. ... It really is for all ages.”<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/10/1633289147182.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure><a target="_blank" href="https://hayspost.com/posts/ca82a1d7-c587-4972-9812-a7c2f76ecb31">Then at noon, the “World’s Largest Bierock” will be presented.</a>"We kicked around different items that may create some interest or fun, like a brat eating contest," Tom Bird, Oktoberfest vendor committee chair, said in June. "But when I started researching bierocks and found that it was more specific to the Volga Germans, in particular, western Kansas ... I thought, well, that would be unique."He said the unique Volga German food is closely tied to the region and will be a draw to area residents.“I'm excited to see how it goes,” Dixon said. “It has its own tent. The tent is already ready and it's really big.”A cornhole tournament is planned at noon, along with children’s events, including Jammin Randy, a German Freeze Game, Pumpkin Pass and a Pumpkin Rolling Contest.Oktoberfest will close at 6 p.m., just as FHSU Tailgating ramps up in the East Lawn of Lewis field after starting at 5 p.m.Kickoff is scheduled for 7 p.m.“Then at halftime is when we will find out who our new homecoming king and queen will be,” Tatro said. “So, definitely stick around for that.”<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/10/1633289112717.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>

🎙 Traditions combine for event-filled weekend in Hays

'We don't practice these kinds of conversations ... You can listen'

Middle school can be a difficult time under the best of circumstances, but when mental health concerns are left unaddressed, it can create lifelong negative impacts.

In an effort to improve the mental health of middle school students, Leadership Hays 2022 created Green Ribbon Hays. The event features a free hour-long community discussion that will provide resources, increase awareness and inspire hope at 6:30 p.m. Oct. 11 in the Dreiling Theater at Thomas More Prep-Marian High School, 1701 Hall.

During the event, participants will be led by area pastor and motivational speaker Patrick McGinnis, who will share lessons on empathy, understanding and finding connection in others.

McGinnis said a primary goal of the event is finding ways to “cross the bridge” to meaningful conversations.

“Whether you're talking to a sixth grader, seventh or eighth grader, or whether you're talking to each other, we know that mental health and its impact is all around us all the time,” he said. “And we just struggle with how do we actually talk about it.

“That night will be me strategizing with people, empowering people on how you can start conversations, and then maybe a few tools to help them along the way,” he continued. “But mostly, it'll be about how do you create a space where you can actually have a meaningful conversation with people. And so, when they're hurting, or when they're struggling, or when they become aware of when they need the support. Then also giving them a space where they can share and, and some basic active listening skills.”

McGinnis said the goal is empowering people to find within themselves the ability to make a difference in terms of mental health.

“The answer to helping our kids and helping each other is having those conversations,” he said. “If we can share in people's lives a little bit better, and then learn a few skills on how to do that so that we're not so scared of it, then the community as a whole can make an impact. We, as individuals, can make an impact, and we open up our ears and our eyes. People need to be seen whether you're in seventh grade or whether you're 50. People need to be heard.”

McGinnis said that finding that ability and creating trust in the conversations is especially important for children.

“I don't know that I could say it strongly enough,” he said. “Those are formative years; they always have been formative years. Most of us have had our experiences that those ages are highly emotional, tough years — or can be very tough years. And knowing where you fit and knowing that you have a voice has always been the case there.”

And with a heavy reliance on distance communication in the modern world, McGinnis said teaching youth about the importance of those conversations is more important than ever.

The community event is free and open to the public, but a second event is planned from 8 to 11 a.m. Oct. 12 at Hays Middle School, with only sixth through eighth students from Hays schools in attendance.

“The student sessions will follow the same theme of mental wellness through empathy, understanding, and connection,” according to the event announcement.

“My whole goal in what we do on that day is to let kids know that they have the ability to make a difference in other kids lives just like we do,” McGinnis said. “And empower them with some of those same skills.”

Green Ribbon Hays was an idea formed through Leadership Hays 2022, organized and supported by the Hays Chamber.

About 16 to 20 people to go through the course each year to learn how to motivate people to support their community, said Kyle Carlin, a member of the latest class. The session includes training with the Kansas Leadership Center in Wichita on what it takes to have an impact on your community.

“Through this process, or through the Leadership Hays project, one of the end results for each class is to develop a project that will have a lasting impact on the community, especially for impacting youth,” Carlin said. “For our class, we were talking through some different ideas for what our project was going to be.”

Ultimately, he said the group saw an opportunity to support middle school-aged students.

“So, we turned our focus towards the mental health of those students,” Carlin said. “And so, came up with this idea for presentations that will help the students, but then also help the community and other the parents in the community have these conversations to support this age range.”

Creating the event was also thanks to the support of several area organizations.

“The 2022 Class of Leadership Hays has worked closely with FHSU NAMI on Campus, FHSU Psychology Club, Ken Windholz, Patrick McGinnis, administrators of Hays Middle School, TMP-Marian and Holy Family Elementary, and the Hays Chamber of Commerce,” according to the event announcement.&nbsp;

McGinnis said he hopes students and parents can take advantage of the sessions to learn how to be more connected to others in the community.

“I would encourage anybody to be there,” he said. “Because the thing is … we don't practice these kinds of conversations, whether at work or anything else. We don't necessarily discuss this stuff.”

Learning how to communicate those emotions, thoughts and feelings better can then be used in other conversations.

“This can happen in the school, this can happen with your counselor, this can happen with a teacher. But this can also happen in the lunchroom between two students,” McGinnis said. “You can be aware of those that are hurting, and then carve out time and space, to have that kind of conversation, help people be seen, help them be heard, help them to be to know they're connected because that's a core need in all of us. We need to know that people understand this. And we can do that. I mean, literally, you can help people do that with a five-minute conversation. You can listen.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/10/1664818466800.jpg" alt="Photo courtesy Pixabay" />
 <figcaption>Photo courtesy Pixabay</figcaption>
 </figure><h2>'We don't practice these kinds of conversations ... You can listen'</h2>By JAMES BELL Hays PostMiddle school can be a difficult time under the best of circumstances, but when mental health concerns are left unaddressed, it can create lifelong negative impacts.In an effort to improve the mental health of middle school students, Leadership Hays 2022 created Green Ribbon Hays. The event features a free hour-long community discussion that will provide resources, increase awareness and inspire hope at 6:30 p.m. Oct. 11 in the Dreiling Theater at Thomas More Prep-Marian High School, 1701 Hall.During the event, participants will be led by area pastor and motivational speaker Patrick McGinnis, who will share lessons on empathy, understanding and finding connection in others.McGinnis said a primary goal of the event is finding ways to “cross the bridge” to meaningful conversations.<div><iframe title="Improving mental heath for middle schoolers topic of upcoming 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=ix9bt-12db93c-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>“Whether you're talking to a sixth grader, seventh or eighth grader, or whether you're talking to each other, we know that mental health and its impact is all around us all the time,” he said. “And we just struggle with how do we actually talk about it.“That night will be me strategizing with people, empowering people on how you can start conversations, and then maybe a few tools to help them along the way,” he continued. “But mostly, it'll be about how do you create a space where you can actually have a meaningful conversation with people. And so, when they're hurting, or when they're struggling, or when they become aware of when they need the support. Then also giving them a space where they can share and, and some basic active listening skills.”McGinnis said the goal is empowering people to find within themselves the ability to make a difference in terms of mental health.“The answer to helping our kids and helping each other is having those conversations,” he said. “If we can share in people's lives a little bit better, and then learn a few skills on how to do that so that we're not so scared of it, then the community as a whole can make an impact. We, as individuals, can make an impact, and we open up our ears and our eyes. People need to be seen whether you're in seventh grade or whether you're 50. People need to be heard.”McGinnis said that finding that ability and creating trust in the conversations is especially important for children.“I don't know that I could say it strongly enough,” he said. “Those are formative years; they always have been formative years. Most of us have had our experiences that those ages are highly emotional, tough years — or can be very tough years. And knowing where you fit and knowing that you have a voice has always been the case there.”And with a heavy reliance on distance communication in the modern world, McGinnis said teaching youth about the importance of those conversations is more important than ever.The community event is free and open to the public, but a second event is planned from 8 to 11 a.m. Oct. 12 at Hays Middle School, with only sixth through eighth students from Hays schools in attendance.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/10/1664826939110.png" alt="2022 Class of Leadership Hays – Green Ribbon Hays – From Left to Right: Front Row: Natalie Ellis, Laurie Kennedy, Ashley Rohr. Second Row: Whitney Gerstner, Ashleigh Walker, Stephanie Burkholder, Jessica Moore, Sabree Larsen, Niki Hall, Cale Farber. Back Row: Ricardo Zamora, Cody Chaffin, Kevin Koenigsman, Kyle Carlin, Chris Prater, James Cory (Courtesy photo)" />
 <figcaption>2022 Class of Leadership Hays – Green Ribbon Hays – From Left to Right: Front Row: Natalie Ellis, Laurie Kennedy, Ashley Rohr. Second Row: Whitney Gerstner, Ashleigh Walker, Stephanie Burkholder, Jessica Moore, Sabree Larsen, Niki Hall, Cale Farber. Back Row: Ricardo Zamora, Cody Chaffin, Kevin Koenigsman, Kyle Carlin, Chris Prater, James Cory (Courtesy photo)</figcaption>
 </figure>“The student sessions will follow the same theme of mental wellness through empathy, understanding, and connection,” according to the event announcement.“My whole goal in what we do on that day is to let kids know that they have the ability to make a difference in other kids lives just like we do,” McGinnis said. “And empower them with some of those same skills.”Green Ribbon Hays was an idea formed through Leadership Hays 2022, organized and supported by the Hays Chamber.About 16 to 20 people to go through the course each year to learn how to motivate people to support their community, said Kyle Carlin, a member of the latest class. The session includes training with the Kansas Leadership Center in Wichita on what it takes to have an impact on your community.“Through this process, or through the Leadership Hays project, one of the end results for each class is to develop a project that will have a lasting impact on the community, especially for impacting youth,” Carlin said. “For our class, we were talking through some different ideas for what our project was going to be.”Ultimately, he said the group saw an opportunity to support middle school-aged students.“So, we turned our focus towards the mental health of those students,” Carlin said. “And so, came up with this idea for presentations that will help the students, but then also help the community and other the parents in the community have these conversations to support this age range.”Creating the event was also thanks to the support of several area organizations.“The 2022 Class of Leadership Hays has worked closely with FHSU NAMI on Campus, FHSU Psychology Club, Ken Windholz, Patrick McGinnis, administrators of Hays Middle School, TMP-Marian and Holy Family Elementary, and the Hays Chamber of Commerce,” according to the event announcement.&nbsp;McGinnis said he hopes students and parents can take advantage of the sessions to learn how to be more connected to others in the community.“I would encourage anybody to be there,” he said. “Because the thing is … we don't practice these kinds of conversations, whether at work or anything else. We don't necessarily discuss this stuff.”Learning how to communicate those emotions, thoughts and feelings better can then be used in other conversations.“This can happen in the school, this can happen with your counselor, this can happen with a teacher. But this can also happen in the lunchroom between two students,” McGinnis said. “You can be aware of those that are hurting, and then carve out time and space, to have that kind of conversation, help people be seen, help them be heard, help them to be to know they're connected because that's a core need in all of us. We need to know that people understand this. And we can do that. I mean, literally, you can help people do that with a five-minute conversation. You can listen.”<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/10/1664826955960.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>

🎙 Leadership Hays group looks to improve youth mental health

On this episode of the Post Podcast Ellis County Sheriff Scott Braun shares winter safety preparation tips.

On this episode of the Post Podcast Ellis County Sheriff Scott Braun shares winter safety preparation tips. <div><iframe title="Ellis Co. Sheriff: Now is a good time to prepare winter safety measures" 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=x7kig-12de5ed-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><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: Ellis Co. Sheriff shares winter safety tips

On this episode of the Post Podcast Hays Chamber vice president of membership Rhonda Meyerhoff and vice president of marketing and communication Mariah Legleiter stop by to share information about the relaunched Chamber referral program.

For more about the Post Podcast, including a full list of episodes and episode transcripts click here.

On this episode of the Post Podcast Hays Chamber vice president of membership Rhonda Meyerhoff and vice president of marketing and communication Mariah Legleiter stop by to share information about the relaunched Chamber referral program.<div><iframe title="Hays Chamber restarts referral program" 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=ma6d9-12dd1a2-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>For more about the Post Podcast, including a full list of episodes and episode transcripts click here.

🎙 Post Podcast: Hays Chamber restarts referral program

As life continues moving
online, the ongoing threat from bad actors continues to grow in frequency and
insidiousness.

While technology becomes
more ubiquitous, remaining safe often comes down to understanding how scammers
operate and how they collect information that will ultimately be used to damage
or steal from the owner.

Local cybersecurity
expert and owner of TreeTop Security Dallas Haselhorst is set to offer three
free training sessions in Hays in October, which is Cybersecurity Awareness
month.

The events are open to
the public and benefits home and business users.

The first hour-long event
is scheduled at 5:30 p.m. Oct. 5 at the Hays Public Library, 1205 Main. Two
other events are scheduled for noon Oct. 12 and 5:30 p.m. Oct. 18 at BriefSpace, 219 W. 10th.

Hays Public Library Communications Coordinator Callie Kolacny said events like this one are important for the community.

"There are so many scams out there that we
thought partnering with TreeTop Security to bring this program to the library
was a great idea,” Kolacny said. “We have patrons who come here to use the
wifi and public computers, so to give them an opportunity to learn more about
how to stay safe online seems like a good fit."

Grow Hays Executive
Director Doug Williams also said cybersecurity is an important topic for many.

“Information systems have become the lifeblood of many
businesses, and protecting those systems is essential to the survival of those
businesses,” Williams said. “Grow Hays is committed to ensuring that local
businesses understand the importance of cybersecurity and the role it plays in
protecting their critical business information.”

The month was designated
as Cybersecurity Awareness Month in 2004 and has grown in importance since.

“The
Department of Homeland Security is initially who started it,” Haselhorst said. “It
started off as just kind of a U.S.-based thing, and they quickly determined that this
isn't just us, this is the world.”

Back then, he said, the
importance of having a dedicated month to raise cybersecurity awareness seemed of little significance — now, it cannot be overstated.

“At the time, it didn't seem
like that big of a deal,” Haselhorst said. “And now, obviously, it's something
that affects every business, every individual, and if it's not part of your day-to-day,
brace yourself, because it may be coming.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/9/1664478114230.jpg" alt="Image courtesy Pixabay." />
 <figcaption>Image courtesy Pixabay.</figcaption>
 </figure>By JAMES BELL Hays PostAs life continues moving
online, the ongoing threat from bad actors continues to grow in frequency and
insidiousness.While technology becomes
more ubiquitous, remaining safe often comes down to understanding how scammers
operate and how they collect information that will ultimately be used to damage
or steal from the owner.Local cybersecurity
expert and owner of TreeTop Security Dallas Haselhorst is set to offer three
free training sessions in Hays in October, which is Cybersecurity Awareness
month.<div><iframe width="100%" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/ApYrJ2SPJ9o" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen></iframe></div>The events are open to
the public and benefits home and business users.The first hour-long event
is scheduled at 5:30 p.m. Oct. 5 at the Hays Public Library, 1205 Main. Two
other events are scheduled for noon Oct. 12 and 5:30 p.m. Oct. 18 at BriefSpace, 219 W. 10th.Hays Public Library Communications Coordinator Callie Kolacny said events like this one are important for the community."There are so many scams out there that we
thought partnering with TreeTop Security to bring this program to the library
was a great idea,” Kolacny said. “We have patrons who come here to use the
wifi and public computers, so to give them an opportunity to learn more about
how to stay safe online seems like a good fit."Grow Hays Executive
Director Doug Williams also said cybersecurity is an important topic for many.“Information systems have become the lifeblood of many
businesses, and protecting those systems is essential to the survival of those
businesses,” Williams said. “Grow Hays is committed to ensuring that local
businesses understand the importance of cybersecurity and the role it plays in
protecting their critical business information.”The month was designated
as Cybersecurity Awareness Month in 2004 and has grown in importance since.“The
Department of Homeland Security is initially who started it,” Haselhorst said. “It
started off as just kind of a U.S.-based thing, and they quickly determined that this
isn't just us, this is the world.”<div><iframe title="AN OUNCE OF PREVENTION: Cybersecurity awareness events help locals understand online threats" 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=sfuy8-12d8386-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>Back then, he said, the
importance of having a dedicated month to raise cybersecurity awareness seemed of little significance — now, it cannot be overstated.“At the time, it didn't seem
like that big of a deal,” Haselhorst said. “And now, obviously, it's something
that affects every business, every individual, and if it's not part of your day-to-day,
brace yourself, because it may be coming.”Key to keeping people safe
from online threats is prevention, and a primary mission in October is to share
information about online dangers and how to avoid them.“It's a whole month
dedicated to the media and lots of folks like myself, professionals in the
industry, getting together and making sure that everybody is aware of
different topics that could affect them,” Haselhorst said. “From a
cybersecurity standpoint, whether that's ransomware, phishing emails, you name
it, it kind of goes over the full gamut of cybersecurity and making sure that
everybody's aware that it can happen to them.”Each year a theme is selected
for the month. This year’s theme is See Yourself in Cyber.“While cybersecurity may seem
like a complex subject, ultimately, it’s really all about people,” according to
the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security
Agency website. “This October will focus on the “people” part of
cybersecurity, providing information and resources to help educate CISA
partners and the public and ensure all individuals and organizations make smart
decisions whether on the job, at home or at school – now and in the future.”During the month, the CISA will promote
four key actions that can keep people safer online:<ul>
 <li>Enable
 Multi-Factor Authentication</li><li>Use&nbsp;Strong
 Passwords</li><li>Recognize
 and Report Phishing</li><li>Update
 Your Software</li>
 </ul>Making people aware of
the threat and how to protect themselves is a vital part of stopping threats
before they happen, Haselhorst said and can especially be impactful to small businesses.“Education
and free education on top of that is really your best resource,” he said. “I
can't tell you the number of businesses that we work with where somebody says, ‘Hey,
this looks odd.’ And the reason why they say that that looks really odd is
because they've had training that helps them indicate that there's just
something really off about this email.”For those that cannot
make the scheduled events, Haselhorst said TreeTop Security works to bring the
presentation to any organization that is interested in protecting their digital
assets.“Back
in 2019, we had put together some cybersecurity awareness training … and some
associated materials and kind of gave that away for anyone in the world to
really take and take back to their community and their businesses.”That information has since
been used to protect people and businesses across the world, he said.“We continue to update
it, every six months, sometimes every year, and release that, in accordance
with Cybersecurity Awareness Month,” Haselhorst said.Whether attending a
session or learning about cybersecurity through independent research, he said understanding
online threats should be a priority for everyone.“It is one of the best
things that you can do,” Haselhorst said. “If you say, ‘Well, I don't have $1,000s
to spend on security right now.’ You will after something happens,
unfortunately. But the biggest thing is just get in there, get some education.
It's not gimmicky. We're not pitching anything. It is things that every home
user, every business user, can use in their day-to-day.”