On this episode of the Post Podcast Cottonwood Extension District agent, Stacy Campbell shares information about the upcoming Ellis County Fair.

<a href="https://postpodcast.podbean.com/">For more about the Post Podcast, including a full list of episodes and episode transcripts click here.</a>

<div><iframe title="As harvest continues Ellis County Fair preparations underway" allowtransparency="true" height="300" width="100%" style="border: none; min-width: min(100%, 430px);" scrolling="no" data-name="pb-iframe-player" src="https://www.podbean.com/player-v2/?i=hsbkp-1259bd3-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 Cottonwood Extension District agent, Stacy Campbell shares information about the upcoming Ellis County Fair. <a href="https://postpodcast.podbean.com/">For more about the Post Podcast, including a full list of episodes and episode transcripts click here.</a>

🎙Post Podcast: As harvest continues Ellis County Fair preparations underway

On this episode of the Post Podcast Grow Hays executive director Doug Williams shares updates on their Microfactory project.

<div><iframe title="Microfactory project development continues" allowtransparency="true" height="300" width="100%" style="border: none; min-width: min(100%, 430px);" scrolling="no" data-name="pb-iframe-player" src="https://www.podbean.com/player-v2/?i=sxbz7-12530c5-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 Grow Hays executive director Doug Williams shares updates on their Microfactory project. <a href="https://postpodcast.podbean.com/">For more about the Post Podcast, including a full list of episodes and episode transcripts click here.</a>

🎙Post Podcast: Microfactory project development continues

On this episode of the Post Podcast, Fort Hays State University's Glen McNeil shares information about fresh veggies on National Fresh Veggie Day.

<div><iframe title="Fresh veggies day an opportunity to explore new foods" 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=mqmcv-12530b7-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, Fort Hays State University's Glen McNeil shares information about fresh veggies on National Fresh Veggie Day. <a href="https://postpodcast.podbean.com/">For more about the Post Podcast, including a full list of episodes and episode transcripts click here.</a>

🎙Post Podcast: Fresh veggies day an opportunity to explore new foods

By JAMES BELL 
Hays Post

As a shortage of child care continues to affect families
across Ellis County and beyond, the Hays Chamber has continued taking a
leading role alongside a Child Care Task Force in the effort to address the issue. 

This week attendees of their membership lunch will hear updates on those
efforts at noon on June 24 at the Rose Garden Banquet Hall, 2350 E. Eighth.

“We've been working on this since about September of last
year,” said Sarah Wasinger, Hays Chamber president and CEO. “A lot of things
have been in the works since then.”

Along with local updates, Jennifer Burgardt, community outreach
and engagement coordinator at Child Care Aware of Kansas, will speak about the
status of child care in general across the state and nation.

During the meeting, Wasinger said ideas to foster more child-care
options will be discussed, including having local businesses create internal daycare
options.

“That pay-to-play model really looks like a business stepping up and saying, ‘This is such a big issue that we would actually invest
some of our money to allocate some spots for child care just for our business,’”
Wasinger said. “So, if you've gotten to the point where you feel like that's
a need for your business, we want to hear from you.”

She said benefits for child care providers provided by local
businesses are also being explored that could offset the cost of running a
facility, including giving discounts on services that could be utilized to make child care in a home or through a center easier.

While efforts are underway to address the lack of services,
she said the situation may get worse, before it gets better.

“We've got almost probably 10 providers, from what we're
aware of at this point, who might be closing their doors by the end of the
summer,” Wasinger said. “We're already at the bare minimum of providers and
when you hear numbers like that, they're staggering.”

The effect of those closures, along with the ongoing shortage,
can have a substantial impact on the larger area economy.

“The ripple effect is definitely significant when we look at just one person and how that can change the climate of
an organization not being there," Wasinger said. "So, I'm definitely looking at solving this
from a holistic point of view.”

A survey conducted by the task force in the last months of
2021 highlighted the scope of the problem, finding more than 700 children were in
need of care. Further, about 150 people would reenter the workforce if affordable, dependable daycare options were available.

Those workers could significantly affect a tight labor market
in Ellis County. The Labor Market Information Services division of the
Kansas Department of Labor and the Bureau of Labor Statistics reported a 1.3
percent unemployment rate in April in Ellis County, the latest data to be released.

“Everyone's still hiring right now, for the most part,”
Wasinger said. “If you don't have a help wanted sign up, congratulations to
you, you found the secret. But you know, that's definitely more of the abnormal
versus normal.”

Those that have solved the problem in their business –
or have an idea how to do so – are encouraged to participate in the upcoming
session or the ongoing Child Care Task Force meetings.

“Our hope is that we might be able to have someone from that
community just kind of give us a high-level view of what their solutions
started to look like, maybe some things that they've done and how can we maybe
mirror what other communities have done.”

“It's not necessarily about reinventing the wheel, but
looking at our own scope of what the issue looks like in Ellis County,” she said. “And if some of those solutions have places where they fit here, we
definitely want to implement them.”

Ideas for solving the situation, she said, could come from
anywhere.

“If you are thinking of anything that maybe we haven't
talked about yet, and you were like, ‘Well, maybe it's obvious to me, but it
should be obvious to them,’” she said. “Maybe it's not obvious to us. So please
let us know. You don't even have to be a part of the task force to share ideas, and
we would love to connect with people who maybe have just thought about
different ways that we can solve this.”

<a href="https://hayschamber.com/events/membership-lunch-18">To
sign up for the membership lunch, visit the Hays Chamber’s website,
hayschamber.com.</a> RSVP’s are requested and meals are $12 per person.

“We think that the more people that can come to this lunch, to
help bring more focus and highlight this need, this issue as our community, is
going to be a really good benefit,” Wasinger said. “We know everyone's busy
over the summer, but I definitely encourage everybody to get involved as much
as they're able to.”

And for those more directly interested in running a child care
facility, she encourages participation in the monthly task force meeting.

The next meeting is scheduled for June 20 at the Hays
Welcome Center, 2700 Vine.

“If you kind of dragged your feet, or maybe you just didn't
have time,” Wasinger said, “we're starting to get to that point where now is
really the time to get involved. We are going to be getting very creative on
our next steps.”

“We've identified some issues and some needs. Now we're
trying to get into that solution mode,” she said. “If you want to be
on the train that is getting us there, and your business is willing to possibly
commit some resources to make that happen, please definitely reach out to me
at the Chamber, whether it's by phone call, by email or feel free to set up an
appointment to sit down and visit one-on-one as to how that could look as a
partnership for your business and for the task force.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/3/1647281893666.jpeg" alt="File photo" />
 <figcaption>File photo</figcaption>
 </figure>By JAMES BELL 
Hays PostAs a shortage of child care continues to affect families
across Ellis County and beyond, the Hays Chamber has continued taking a
leading role alongside a Child Care Task Force in the effort to address the issue. This week attendees of their membership lunch will hear updates on those
efforts at noon on June 24 at the Rose Garden Banquet Hall, 2350 E. Eighth.“We've been working on this since about September of last
year,” said Sarah Wasinger, Hays Chamber president and CEO. “A lot of things
have been in the works since then.”Along with local updates, Jennifer Burgardt, community outreach
and engagement coordinator at Child Care Aware of Kansas, will speak about the
status of child care in general across the state and nation.During the meeting, Wasinger said ideas to foster more child-care
options will be discussed, including having local businesses create internal daycare
options.<div><iframe title="Hays Chamber to host childcare informational meeting" 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=6f95h-1251063-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>“That pay-to-play model really looks like a business stepping up and saying, ‘This is such a big issue that we would actually invest
some of our money to allocate some spots for child care just for our business,’”
Wasinger said. “So, if you've gotten to the point where you feel like that's
a need for your business, we want to hear from you.”She said benefits for child care providers provided by local
businesses are also being explored that could offset the cost of running a
facility, including giving discounts on services that could be utilized to make child care in a home or through a center easier.While efforts are underway to address the lack of services,
she said the situation may get worse, before it gets better.“We've got almost probably 10 providers, from what we're
aware of at this point, who might be closing their doors by the end of the
summer,” Wasinger said. “We're already at the bare minimum of providers and
when you hear numbers like that, they're staggering.”The effect of those closures, along with the ongoing shortage,
can have a substantial impact on the larger area economy.“The ripple effect is definitely significant when we look at just one person and how that can change the climate of
an organization not being there," Wasinger said. "So, I'm definitely looking at solving this
from a holistic point of view.”A survey conducted by the task force in the last months of
2021 highlighted the scope of the problem, finding more than 700 children were in
need of care. Further, about 150 people would reenter the workforce if affordable, dependable daycare options were available.Those workers could significantly affect a tight labor market
in Ellis County. The Labor Market Information Services division of the
Kansas Department of Labor and the Bureau of Labor Statistics reported a 1.3
percent unemployment rate in April in Ellis County, the latest data to be released.“Everyone's still hiring right now, for the most part,”
Wasinger said. “If you don't have a help wanted sign up, congratulations to
you, you found the secret. But you know, that's definitely more of the abnormal
versus normal.”Those that have solved the problem in their business –
or have an idea how to do so – are encouraged to participate in the upcoming
session or the ongoing Child Care Task Force meetings.“Our hope is that we might be able to have someone from that
community just kind of give us a high-level view of what their solutions
started to look like, maybe some things that they've done and how can we maybe
mirror what other communities have done.”“It's not necessarily about reinventing the wheel, but
looking at our own scope of what the issue looks like in Ellis County,” she said. “And if some of those solutions have places where they fit here, we
definitely want to implement them.”Ideas for solving the situation, she said, could come from
anywhere.“If you are thinking of anything that maybe we haven't
talked about yet, and you were like, ‘Well, maybe it's obvious to me, but it
should be obvious to them,’” she said. “Maybe it's not obvious to us. So please
let us know. You don't even have to be a part of the task force to share ideas, and
we would love to connect with people who maybe have just thought about
different ways that we can solve this.”<a href="https://hayschamber.com/events/membership-lunch-18">To
sign up for the membership lunch, visit the Hays Chamber’s website,
hayschamber.com.</a> RSVP’s are requested and meals are $12 per person.“We think that the more people that can come to this lunch, to
help bring more focus and highlight this need, this issue as our community, is
going to be a really good benefit,” Wasinger said. “We know everyone's busy
over the summer, but I definitely encourage everybody to get involved as much
as they're able to.”And for those more directly interested in running a child care
facility, she encourages participation in the monthly task force meeting.The next meeting is scheduled for June 20 at the Hays
Welcome Center, 2700 Vine.“If you kind of dragged your feet, or maybe you just didn't
have time,” Wasinger said, “we're starting to get to that point where now is
really the time to get involved. We are going to be getting very creative on
our next steps.”“We've identified some issues and some needs. Now we're
trying to get into that solution mode,” she said. “If you want to be
on the train that is getting us there, and your business is willing to possibly
commit some resources to make that happen, please definitely reach out to me
at the Chamber, whether it's by phone call, by email or feel free to set up an
appointment to sit down and visit one-on-one as to how that could look as a
partnership for your business and for the task force.”

🎙 Hays Chamber to host child care informational meeting

On this episode of the Post Podcast, Hays Arts Council executive director Brenda Meder shares details about the coming Hays Summer Art Walk.

<div><iframe title="Summer art walk set for 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=tsd5d-125104e-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 Arts Council executive director Brenda Meder shares details about the coming Hays Summer Art Walk. <a href="https://postpodcast.podbean.com/">For more about the Post Podcast, including a full list of episodes and episode transcripts click here.</a>

🎙Post Podcast: Summer art walk set for Friday

A new initiative from the Heartland Community Foundation
looks for a new perspective on the future of the area – youth.

Members of the Youth Action Council will help inform the future
of the area, by developing ideas and sharing their perspectives as they begin
meeting later this summer.

“This has kind of been brewing for a while,” said Sarah Meitner,
Heartland Community Foundation executive director. “And it really stems from
the feedback that we were getting from the teenagers in our area in the past.”

She said&nbsp; $40,000
was awarded to teenage-led projects during a regular grant cycle over a year ago. This led to a realization of how
involved in shaping the future some area youth wanted to be.

“They were coming to us and applying for grant money to do
those projects, and when I added it all up, it was just staggering,” Meitner
said. “The amount that the kids were coming in and asking for, which is amazing,
just kind of tells me that there was already discussion in the schools with
some of the teenagers or possibly the Scout Troops because it was also Eagle Scouts
that were considering Heartland and grant opportunities when they were looking
for funding.”

And so, last August, the foundation hosted Teen Talkback to
get a feel for what they see as community needs.

“That sort of kicked it off,” Meitner said. “We’ve had some
projects that came out of that, but I wanted to have something a little bit
more regular — something that would meet regularly. [I wanted something] a little bit more formal and
would follow the steps of a leadership program a little bit like
what Leadership Hays does, but in a teen format.”

The result is what she calls a community engagement program.

Participants submitted applications in April. Those who were selected to participate were notified in May. She said she was “blown
away” by the ideas that came from the applications.

“So, I'm really looking forward to getting this group of
kids in a room,” she said.

So far, 23 participants were selected, 10 from Ellis, 11
from Rooks and two from Trego counties. Meitner said she hopes to find more participants from
Trego County.

“We wanted representation from all of the area high
schools, and there are seven in the Heartland area,” Meitner said. “They are going
to all come together as a Heartland group in August for orientation. We'll
start learning about community foundations and what it means to be
engaged in your community. Then [we will be] doing some of those personality type things
that you do at leadership programs to [gain] some self-awareness.”

“And then after that, they're going to meet as individual
counties for the next few months to keep learning about what their
own county needs are,” she continued.

The groups will do more than just develop ideas. During
the foundation’s fall grant cycle, the groups will be given the opportunity to
review applications and allocate some funds.

“I'm going to pull four or five grant applications per county
and let that group of kids review them and then allocate some funds,” Meitner
said. “That way they are kind of given the power to decide how might these
granting situations look and what projects are most important.”

A retreat is planned in January, and they will be given opportunities to begin their own projects.

“I’ve applied for some funding from the Hansen Foundation
to give them some seed money,” Meitner said. “I don't know for sure exactly how
much of that they're going to get yet, but the hope is they'll each get a
nice little chunk of money to come up with projects that they think are important and they want to lead.”

While the money is intended to help launch the projects,
the youth will also need to secure funds on their own.

“They're going to need to do a little bit of fundraising,”
Meitner said.

She said she had already been in touch with some local
companies that have agreed to hear funding requests from the group, but Meitner is
also hopeful others will step up.

While the group will likely look at immediate needs, Meitner
also hopes it can be the basis of long-term planning for the area.

“The long-term impact of this, because we're working on a
project that they feel is important and that they put their hearts into and that
they work on, is it will tether them to this region," Meitner said.

 "Whether they go on to K-State or they move on or leave Kansas altogether, they will still have that
project that they did here at home. Who knows how that might bring them
back someday.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/6/1655231832596.jpeg" alt="Area youth discuss the future of the area during a Heartland Community Foundation Strategic Doing event last August. Photo by Cristina Janney/Hays Post" />
 <figcaption>Area youth discuss the future of the area during a Heartland Community Foundation Strategic Doing event last August. Photo by Cristina Janney/Hays Post</figcaption>
 </figure>By JAMES BELL Hays PostA new initiative from the Heartland Community Foundation
looks for a new perspective on the future of the area – youth.Members of the Youth Action Council will help inform the future
of the area, by developing ideas and sharing their perspectives as they begin
meeting later this summer.“This has kind of been brewing for a while,” said Sarah Meitner,
Heartland Community Foundation executive director. “And it really stems from
the feedback that we were getting from the teenagers in our area in the past.”She said&nbsp; $40,000
was awarded to teenage-led projects during a regular grant cycle over a year ago. This led to a realization of how
involved in shaping the future some area youth wanted to be.“They were coming to us and applying for grant money to do
those projects, and when I added it all up, it was just staggering,” Meitner
said. “The amount that the kids were coming in and asking for, which is amazing,
just kind of tells me that there was already discussion in the schools with
some of the teenagers or possibly the Scout Troops because it was also Eagle Scouts
that were considering Heartland and grant opportunities when they were looking
for funding.”<div><iframe title="New group seeks youth perspective on area needs" 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=jw779-124e62c-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>And so, last August, the foundation hosted Teen Talkback to
get a feel for what they see as community needs.“That sort of kicked it off,” Meitner said. “We’ve had some
projects that came out of that, but I wanted to have something a little bit
more regular — something that would meet regularly. [I wanted something] a little bit more formal and
would follow the steps of a leadership program a little bit like
what Leadership Hays does, but in a teen format.”The result is what she calls a community engagement program.Participants submitted applications in April. Those who were selected to participate were notified in May. She said she was “blown
away” by the ideas that came from the applications.“So, I'm really looking forward to getting this group of
kids in a room,” she said.So far, 23 participants were selected, 10 from Ellis, 11
from Rooks and two from Trego counties. Meitner said she hopes to find more participants from
Trego County.“We wanted representation from all of the area high
schools, and there are seven in the Heartland area,” Meitner said. “They are going
to all come together as a Heartland group in August for orientation. We'll
start learning about community foundations and what it means to be
engaged in your community. Then [we will be] doing some of those personality type things
that you do at leadership programs to [gain] some self-awareness.”“And then after that, they're going to meet as individual
counties for the next few months to keep learning about what their
own county needs are,” she continued.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/3/1584391794153.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>The groups will do more than just develop ideas. During
the foundation’s fall grant cycle, the groups will be given the opportunity to
review applications and allocate some funds.“I'm going to pull four or five grant applications per county
and let that group of kids review them and then allocate some funds,” Meitner
said. “That way they are kind of given the power to decide how might these
granting situations look and what projects are most important.”A retreat is planned in January, and they will be given opportunities to begin their own projects.“I’ve applied for some funding from the Hansen Foundation
to give them some seed money,” Meitner said. “I don't know for sure exactly how
much of that they're going to get yet, but the hope is they'll each get a
nice little chunk of money to come up with projects that they think are important and they want to lead.”While the money is intended to help launch the projects,
the youth will also need to secure funds on their own.“They're going to need to do a little bit of fundraising,”
Meitner said.She said she had already been in touch with some local
companies that have agreed to hear funding requests from the group, but Meitner is
also hopeful others will step up.While the group will likely look at immediate needs, Meitner
also hopes it can be the basis of long-term planning for the area.“The long-term impact of this, because we're working on a
project that they feel is important and that they put their hearts into and that
they work on, is it will tether them to this region," Meitner said. "Whether they go on to K-State or they move on or leave Kansas altogether, they will still have that
project that they did here at home. Who knows how that might bring them
back someday.”

🎙 From the mouths of babes; New group seeks different perspective on area needs

On this episode of the Post Podcast, Hays Public Library communications coordinator Callie Kolacny shares information about upcoming activities.

<div><iframe title="As summer heats up so do Hays Public Library activities" 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=jafkk-124e2e0-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 Public Library communications coordinator Callie Kolacny shares information about upcoming activities.<a href="https://postpodcast.podbean.com/">For more about the Post Podcast, including a full list of episodes and episode transcripts click here.</a>

🎙Post Podcast: As summer heats up so do Hays Public Library activities

The Hays City Band will again be filling downtown Hays with
music with three concerts scheduled for June.

The first concert is scheduled for 7:30 p.m. Tuesday in the Downtown
Pavillion in Union Pacific Park, 10th and Main.

Concerts will follow weekly at the same time and place for
the following two Tuesdays. 

Rehearsals for the City Band have commenced, but director
Matt Rome said all are welcome to join at any time.

“City band is well underway for our 2022 season,” he said. “But
don’t let that stop you from coming out if you’re hearing about it for the
first time.”

He said it is common for participants to perform in only one
or two concerts as people come and go during the summer.

“We have people that will play the entire season. They’ll
play every rehearsal and every concert,” Rome said. “But of course, there’s
vacations, family trips, and so we work around that. The name of the game is no
stress. It’s light. It’s fun. We just want to get people playing again.

“And so if maybe you can only make the last week, great, we’ll
take you for that,” he continued. “Or if you want to play more, certainly happy
to do that, too.”

For those that wish to play, no advance registration is required.

“They’re more than welcome to just show up,” Rome said. If
an instrument is needed, he said players could reach out in advance, “otherwise,
if you own your own instrument, just bring it on over. We’ve got music for you.
We’ve got folders. Be glad to have you.”

The band members come from a diverse group of area residents,
from advanced junior high students to seniors.

“It really is the full gamut,” Rome said. “We have amateur
to professional and everything in between. So it’s a really cool vibe in the
rehearsal hall.”

And any level of ability is welcome, and no notice is
required.

“It’s all a testament to the music scene in Hays and how
diverse and how strong it is,” Rome said. “It’s great, and it’s a pleasure to
be a part of it. I love that we’re able to keep this tradition going and look
forward to seeing where it’s going to go by the end of the month.”

Rehearsals are scheduled for 7 to 9 p.m. June 13, 20
and 27 at Hays Middle School, 201 W. 29th.

“If you’re a little gunshy and thinking, ‘Yeah, I haven’t
played in years,’ just come on out and try it,” Rome said. “After the first
rehearsal, a couple people had come up to me and said, ‘You know, I forgot what
this was like. But it’s kind of fun to do it again.’ ”

Performances will include city band standards, but each
concert will feature different music.

“I’m sticking to that kind of concert band repertoire
idea throughout,” Rome said. “We will substitute pieces in and out as the season
goes on. So some of the sets will remain constant. But the idea is, we’ll have
new things each week if someone were to come out and listen to all three.”

The concerts are free and open to the public, and he said they
are a great way to explore music.

“The beauty of what I think is summer bands and city band
tradition is. It is lighter. It’s not the snobby, nose-in-the-air concert fare
that you must only clap at certain times,” Rome said. “Bring the kids, bring
lawn chairs out. Just have a good time and enjoy some great music. It’s just relaxed
for everybody, players and audience alike. And I think that it’s a really,
really great experience.”

This year’s theme, he said, is Past meets Present and also
features a diverse lineup.

“I’ve tried to pick a variety of just good concert band
repertoire, some staples, some classics, written as early as the 60s,” Rome
said. “And then some modern compositions by a variety of composers that have
been written as recently ... as 2018.

“We’re playing the whole spectrum of music,” he continued. “And
so I just thought that it fit the group. We’ve got a wide spectrum of players,
and so the repertoire should reflect that.

“So, if you just want to come out, hear some great band
literature, please do come out and support these musicians,” Rome said. “They
sound fabulous.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/6/1623075342039.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>By JAMES BELL Hays PostThe Hays City Band will again be filling downtown Hays with
music with three concerts scheduled for June.The first concert is scheduled for 7:30 p.m. Tuesday in the Downtown
Pavillion in Union Pacific Park, 10th and Main.Concerts will follow weekly at the same time and place for
the following two Tuesdays. Rehearsals for the City Band have commenced, but director
Matt Rome said all are welcome to join at any time.“City band is well underway for our 2022 season,” he said. “But
don’t let that stop you from coming out if you’re hearing about it for the
first time.”<div><iframe title="Hays City Band returns for 2022" 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=44i5b-1249a83-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>He said it is common for participants to perform in only one
or two concerts as people come and go during the summer.“We have people that will play the entire season. They’ll
play every rehearsal and every concert,” Rome said. “But of course, there’s
vacations, family trips, and so we work around that. The name of the game is no
stress. It’s light. It’s fun. We just want to get people playing again.“And so if maybe you can only make the last week, great, we’ll
take you for that,” he continued. “Or if you want to play more, certainly happy
to do that, too.”For those that wish to play, no advance registration is required.“They’re more than welcome to just show up,” Rome said. If
an instrument is needed, he said players could reach out in advance, “otherwise,
if you own your own instrument, just bring it on over. We’ve got music for you.
We’ve got folders. Be glad to have you.”The band members come from a diverse group of area residents,
from advanced junior high students to seniors.“It really is the full gamut,” Rome said. “We have amateur
to professional and everything in between. So it’s a really cool vibe in the
rehearsal hall.”And any level of ability is welcome, and no notice is
required.“It’s all a testament to the music scene in Hays and how
diverse and how strong it is,” Rome said. “It’s great, and it’s a pleasure to
be a part of it. I love that we’re able to keep this tradition going and look
forward to seeing where it’s going to go by the end of the month.”Rehearsals are scheduled for 7 to 9 p.m. June 13, 20
and 27 at Hays Middle School, 201 W. 29th.“If you’re a little gunshy and thinking, ‘Yeah, I haven’t
played in years,’ just come on out and try it,” Rome said. “After the first
rehearsal, a couple people had come up to me and said, ‘You know, I forgot what
this was like. But it’s kind of fun to do it again.’ ”<h2>Hays City Band concert lineup locked in</h2><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/5/1620767739463.jpg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Performances will include city band standards, but each
concert will feature different music.“I’m sticking to that kind of concert band repertoire
idea throughout,” Rome said. “We will substitute pieces in and out as the season
goes on. So some of the sets will remain constant. But the idea is, we’ll have
new things each week if someone were to come out and listen to all three.”The concerts are free and open to the public, and he said they
are a great way to explore music.“The beauty of what I think is summer bands and city band
tradition is. It is lighter. It’s not the snobby, nose-in-the-air concert fare
that you must only clap at certain times,” Rome said. “Bring the kids, bring
lawn chairs out. Just have a good time and enjoy some great music. It’s just relaxed
for everybody, players and audience alike. And I think that it’s a really,
really great experience.”This year’s theme, he said, is Past meets Present and also
features a diverse lineup.“I’ve tried to pick a variety of just good concert band
repertoire, some staples, some classics, written as early as the 60s,” Rome
said. “And then some modern compositions by a variety of composers that have
been written as recently ... as 2018.“We’re playing the whole spectrum of music,” he continued. “And
so I just thought that it fit the group. We’ve got a wide spectrum of players,
and so the repertoire should reflect that.“So, if you just want to come out, hear some great band
literature, please do come out and support these musicians,” Rome said. “They
sound fabulous.”

🎙 Hays City Band brings musical diversity to summer concert series

Although graduations are over and Fort Hays State University students are settling into summer break, the university will stay busy as camps, classes and
activities continue throughout the season.

Among the summer activities and returning for its 75th season,<a href="https://www.fhsu.edu/music-and-theatre/musiccamp/"> the High Plains Music
Camp</a>, scheduled for July 10-16, will once again bring music students from
across the plains to Hays.

During the camp, recitals will be hosted Monday through Saturday, showcasing
the work the students and staff put in during the week.

<a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/492ee1e8-09a8-4abf-9c02-124f8c7712d7">The
Hispanic College Institue,</a> which gave students a preview of college life, took
place the first week of June.

<a href="https://sternberg.fhsu.edu/education-outreach/science-camps/index.html">And
the Sternberg Museum will also host a series of Summer Camps at locations
across the U.S.</a> alongside local events.

“If you’ve not been to the Sternberg museums website to see the variety of
camps, they are spectacular,” said Tisa Mason, FHSU president.

The museum will remain open through the summer, welcoming guests from across
the region and beyond to the city.

“It’s great for our community because they’ll be going to the restaurants
and hopefully doing a little shopping locally,” Mason said.

<a href="https://www.fhsu.edu/smei/camps/">Science and Math Institute camps,</a>
including a math camp, will return this summer.

“What I really think is great is that the students get to use math to solve
problems and then create their own businesses,” Mason said. “How great to take
young people who have math skills and start having them think about business
planning and entrepreneurship.”

A math camp and camp Norstar, a program to explore rocketry and
nanotechnology, is also scheduled.

Athletes of all stripes will also have the opportunity to explore FHSU
through ongoing athletic camps.

“We’ve got everything from football, cheerleading men and women’s
basketball, wrestling, volleyball, men and women’s soccer,” Mason said. “It’s
just a great opportunity.”

While not in store for this summer, she said $5 million in funding from the
Kansas Legislature would allow air conditioning installation in Gross Memorial
Colesium, expanding those opportunities even more during future years.

“That’ll change opportunities for summer camps and conferences and hosting
different regional events there as well,” Mason said. “So we’re excited about
that.”

And while special activities create spurts of activity on campus, a few
classes will be ongoing. And preparations for next year will also advance,
including new student orientations.

“For incoming freshmen and transfer students, that will happen all
throughout June and July,” Mason said. “We’re excited about that.”

And as the fall semester approaches, efforts will be underway to prepare.

“We’re excited our housing contracts are filling up,” Mason said. “So, if
people are thinking about living on campus, now’s the time to check into that (as) we continue to enroll students.”

And with a program in place that allows students from across the region to
take advantage of in-state tuition rates, she said more out-of-state students would
descend upon Hays in the coming months.

“There are lots of opportunities, both online and on-campus,” Mason said. “We
started that new regional tuition … and we’re seeing increases in students from
out of state that are going to come and live in our community. Again, good for
businesses, as well as we’re just thrilled to have those students on our
campus.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/9/1630727435520.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>By JAMES BELL Hays PostAlthough graduations are over and Fort Hays State University students are settling into summer break, the university will stay busy as camps, classes and
activities continue throughout the season.Among the summer activities and returning for its 75th season,<a href="https://www.fhsu.edu/music-and-theatre/musiccamp/"> the High Plains Music
Camp</a>, scheduled for July 10-16, will once again bring music students from
across the plains to Hays.During the camp, recitals will be hosted Monday through Saturday, showcasing
the work the students and staff put in during the week.<a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/492ee1e8-09a8-4abf-9c02-124f8c7712d7">The
Hispanic College Institue,</a> which gave students a preview of college life, took
place the first week of June.<div><iframe title="School is out, but FHSU busy as ever" 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=j85n4-12499af-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://sternberg.fhsu.edu/education-outreach/science-camps/index.html">And
the Sternberg Museum will also host a series of Summer Camps at locations
across the U.S.</a> alongside local events.“If you’ve not been to the Sternberg museums website to see the variety of
camps, they are spectacular,” said Tisa Mason, FHSU president.The museum will remain open through the summer, welcoming guests from across
the region and beyond to the city.“It’s great for our community because they’ll be going to the restaurants
and hopefully doing a little shopping locally,” Mason said.<a href="https://www.fhsu.edu/smei/camps/">Science and Math Institute camps,</a>
including a math camp, will return this summer.“What I really think is great is that the students get to use math to solve
problems and then create their own businesses,” Mason said. “How great to take
young people who have math skills and start having them think about business
planning and entrepreneurship.”A math camp and camp Norstar, a program to explore rocketry and
nanotechnology, is also scheduled.Athletes of all stripes will also have the opportunity to explore FHSU
through ongoing athletic camps.“We’ve got everything from football, cheerleading men and women’s
basketball, wrestling, volleyball, men and women’s soccer,” Mason said. “It’s
just a great opportunity.”While not in store for this summer, she said $5 million in funding from the
Kansas Legislature would allow air conditioning installation in Gross Memorial
Colesium, expanding those opportunities even more during future years.“That’ll change opportunities for summer camps and conferences and hosting
different regional events there as well,” Mason said. “So we’re excited about
that.”And while special activities create spurts of activity on campus, a few
classes will be ongoing. And preparations for next year will also advance,
including new student orientations.“For incoming freshmen and transfer students, that will happen all
throughout June and July,” Mason said. “We’re excited about that.”And as the fall semester approaches, efforts will be underway to prepare.“We’re excited our housing contracts are filling up,” Mason said. “So, if
people are thinking about living on campus, now’s the time to check into that (as) we continue to enroll students.”And with a program in place that allows students from across the region to
take advantage of in-state tuition rates, she said more out-of-state students would
descend upon Hays in the coming months.“There are lots of opportunities, both online and on-campus,” Mason said. “We
started that new regional tuition … and we’re seeing increases in students from
out of state that are going to come and live in our community. Again, good for
businesses, as well as we’re just thrilled to have those students on our
campus.”

🎙 School's out for summer ... but FHSU remains a flurry of activity

On this episode of the Post Podcast Ellis County Sheriff Scott Braun shares information about riding UTV's on Ellis County roads.

<div><iframe title="Ellis Co. Sheriff Braun shares UTV information for county riders" 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=ipiwn-1240227-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 Ellis County Sheriff Scott Braun shares information about riding UTV's on Ellis County roads. <a href="https://postpodcast.podbean.com/">For more about the Post Podcast, including a full list of episodes and episode transcripts click here.</a>

🎙Post Podcast: Ellis Co. Sheriff Braun shares UTV information for county riders

The Hays Arts Council’s Summer Art Walk will return this
month, bringing various art and music to locations throughout downtown Hays.

The event is scheduled from 6:30 to 9:30 p.m. June 17.

“It’s going to be a really lovely event,” said Hays Arts
Council Executive Director Brenda Meder. “I’ve got two great exhibits planned
for our main gallery space.”

One of those exhibits will be artist Wendy Tan.

“Her ceramic work is brilliant,” Meder said. “But she’s been
focusing more on the sculpture.”

Her ceramic work was in the Smokey Hill Art Exhibition, but her
paintings will be in the gallery for this event.

The gallery will feature work from Fort Hays State
University graduate student Bethany Panhorst.

“It’s going to be a really cool exhibition,” Meder said. “I
love what Bethany does.”

The gallery will also feature illustrations from Kathleen
Kuchar on display and work from the center’s summer youth art classes.

Along with the art displays, the evening will also bring
music to downtown as the Hays Chamber’s Young Professionals organization will host
a free public concert at 7:30 p.m. featuring Anthony and the Animals in the
Downtown Hays Pavilion in Union Pacific Park, 10th and Main.

“I’m thrilled to have it,” Meder said. “There’s nothing more
‘arts’ than music and dance.”

“This is kind of our big shebang for the year," said Thomas
Graham, Hays Chamber’s Young Professionals committee chair. “We want to put
something on for the community everybody can come out and enjoy.

“We’re really excited,” he continued. “It’s really organized
just to be, for the family and for the community.”

Food trucks and snow cones will also be available, he said.

While activities are coming together for the Summer Art Walk,
Meder said all artists are welcome to participate.

“We don’t care what your art form is, if it’s original work
that you create, even if it’s more like in the fine craft area or something, that’s
OK,” Meder said. “People love seeing a variety. If you want to come out and
just perform on the streets that night, great. But if you line something up and
are a musician performing someplace, let me know in advance, and we will get
that on the list.”

To be listed on the print program, she said artists or
businesses must get the information to the council before June 7, but it is not
required.

That schedule will be available on the Hays Arts Council’s
website the week of the event.

“We want to amass an assortment of artists because it’s
really a special evening and who doesn’t love a good summer night in downtown
Hays,” Meder said.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/6/1623877479116.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>By JAMES BELL Hays PostThe Hays Arts Council’s Summer Art Walk will return this
month, bringing various art and music to locations throughout downtown Hays.The event is scheduled from 6:30 to 9:30 p.m. June 17.“It’s going to be a really lovely event,” said Hays Arts
Council Executive Director Brenda Meder. “I’ve got two great exhibits planned
for our main gallery space.”One of those exhibits will be artist Wendy Tan.“Her ceramic work is brilliant,” Meder said. “But she’s been
focusing more on the sculpture.”Her ceramic work was in the Smokey Hill Art Exhibition, but her
paintings will be in the gallery for this event.<div><iframe title="Hays Young Professionals plan June Street dance" 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=baqmz-122f542-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 gallery will feature work from Fort Hays State
University graduate student Bethany Panhorst.“It’s going to be a really cool exhibition,” Meder said. “I
love what Bethany does.”The gallery will also feature illustrations from Kathleen
Kuchar on display and work from the center’s summer youth art classes.Along with the art displays, the evening will also bring
music to downtown as the Hays Chamber’s Young Professionals organization will host
a free public concert at 7:30 p.m. featuring Anthony and the Animals in the
Downtown Hays Pavilion in Union Pacific Park, 10th and Main.“I’m thrilled to have it,” Meder said. “There’s nothing more
‘arts’ than music and dance.”<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/6/1654287013287.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>“This is kind of our big shebang for the year," said Thomas
Graham, Hays Chamber’s Young Professionals committee chair. “We want to put
something on for the community everybody can come out and enjoy.“We’re really excited,” he continued. “It’s really organized
just to be, for the family and for the community.”Food trucks and snow cones will also be available, he said.While activities are coming together for the Summer Art Walk,
Meder said all artists are welcome to participate.“We don’t care what your art form is, if it’s original work
that you create, even if it’s more like in the fine craft area or something, that’s
OK,” Meder said. “People love seeing a variety. If you want to come out and
just perform on the streets that night, great. But if you line something up and
are a musician performing someplace, let me know in advance, and we will get
that on the list.”To be listed on the print program, she said artists or
businesses must get the information to the council before June 7, but it is not
required.That schedule will be available on the Hays Arts Council’s
website the week of the event.“We want to amass an assortment of artists because it’s
really a special evening and who doesn’t love a good summer night in downtown
Hays,” Meder said.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/6/1654286964385.png" alt="Courtesy Hays Arts Council" />
 <figcaption>Courtesy Hays Arts Council</figcaption>
 </figure>

Summer Art Walk returns to downtown Hays June 17

On this episode of the Post Podcast Grow Hays executive director Doug Williams shares updates on housing and other developments in Ellis County.&nbsp;

<div><iframe title="Ellis Co. housing development construction continues" allowtransparency="true" height="300" width="100%" style="border: none; min-width: min(100%, 430px);" scrolling="no" data-name="pb-iframe-player" src="https://www.podbean.com/player-v2/?i=hbfq9-1240252-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 Grow Hays executive director Doug Williams shares updates on housing and other developments in Ellis County.&nbsp; <a href="https://postpodcast.podbean.com/">For more about the Post Podcast, including a full list of episodes and episode transcripts click here.</a>

🎙Post Podcast: Ellis Co. housing development construction continues

On this episode of the Post Podcast Ellis County Historical Society curator Adam Conkey and intern Molly Banks share information about the George Sternberg gun collection, currently on display.

<div><iframe title="Sternberg gun collection on display at the Ellis Co. Historical Society" 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=qsiff-124023a-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 Ellis County Historical Society curator Adam Conkey and intern Molly Banks share information about the George Sternberg gun collection, currently on display. <a href="https://postpodcast.podbean.com/">For more about the Post Podcast, including a full list of episodes and episode transcripts click here.</a>

🎙Post Podcast: Sternberg gun collection on display at the Ellis Co. Historical Society

On this episode of the Post Podcast Grow Hays executive director Doug Williams shares information about the need to fund quality of life projects in Ellis County.

<div><iframe title="Quality of life services play important part of population recruitment and retainment" 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=hy6b5-1237ec9-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 Grow Hays executive director Doug Williams shares information about the need to fund quality of life projects in Ellis County.<a href="https://postpodcast.podbean.com/">For more about the Post Podcast, including a full list of episodes and episode transcripts click here.</a>

🎙Post Podcast: Quality of life services help recruit and retain population

<div><iframe title="Hays Fire warns of summer fire dangers" 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=bej9w-1237ebd-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://postpodcast.podbean.com/">For more about the Post Podcast, including a full list of episodes and episode transcripts click here.</a>

🎙Post Podcast: Hays Fire warns of summer fire dangers

On this episode of the Post Podcast, Cottonwood Extension District agent Stacy Campbell shares information about the upcoming Wheat Plot Field Day.

<div><iframe title="Extension district prepares for Wheat Plot Field Day" 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=yb9jj-12366c8-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, Cottonwood Extension District agent Stacy Campbell shares information about the upcoming Wheat Plot Field Day.

🎙Post Podcast: Extension district prepares for Wheat Plot Field Day

As work continues to organize and catalog the entire collection of the Ellis County Historical Society, its board of trustees voted this week to save the former Presbyterian Church at the corner of Main and Seventh.

The future of the building had remained a point of debate for the organization after the last permanent director, Lee Dobratz, unveiled a plan in 2019 that would have seen the building demolished and replaced with a new structure on the society’s grounds.

That plan was estimated to cost over $14 million and presented a solution to<a href="https://archive.hayspost.com/2019/07/31/ellis-county-historical-society-museum-closing-temporarily/"> replace the deteriorating facility wrought with water damage and mold after it was closed to the public in June of 2019.</a>

<a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/5edaa8d7ebfb13423b271e8a">Dobratz resigned in April 2020. </a>

<a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/b9828fea-e8ae-4cb0-8cdf-fe1760f225e0">With an infusion of new board members and under the leadership of interim director Amanda Rupp this year, the society has taken on a new focus. First, it is working to bring the society’s entire collection back together in one location. And then the process of cataloging, sorting and removing items with little historical significance to the county begins.</a>

But until the board’s vote Monday, the church building’s future remained uncertain.

“They’ve decided that we are going to keep the building, and we are going to start a campaign to renovate it and utilize it,” Rupp said.

The action reflects the overwhelming desire of the community to save the building.

“One board member puts it; 'There’s a lot more community support behind that project than to tear down and build something new for the historical society,' ” Rupp said.

She also said that revitalizing the building was “a little bit more doable” than the larger-scale plans presented in 2019. 

Now that the building’s future is secure, Rupp said efforts to find funding for the project would begin.

“We’re going to start working on a capital campaign that we hope to launch at the end of the summer,” she said.

<a href="https://archive.hayspost.com/2019/07/31/ellis-county-historical-society-museum-closing-temporarily/">While the effort is new, the current board and staff members will benefit from the work of earlier efforts to mitigate the building’s damage.</a>

“The prior boards have done a lot of the footwork,” Rupp said. “They’ve done feasibility studies. So we know exactly — from reputable architect companies and mediation companies — what needs to be done and close to what dollar amounts needed to happen there.

“We’ve got half of the work done for us.”

<a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/36713cde-0b98-41e4-b09f-e7091c8c0460">As the bigger plan comes into focus, she said an anonymous donation would help renovate enough space in the building for offices, allowing staff to work on-site. Currently, the society’s offices are in the Eagle Plaza, 1011 W. 27th.</a>

“We’d like to be at home, and not necessarily open to the public, in that red brick building,” Rupp said. “We can be there on-site to have the gallery in the stone church open more often if we have our offices on site.”

And as the future of the facility solidifies, staff continues the effort to catalog the collection, using a new computer system Rupp proposed in February.

Rupp said that board members raised the $10,000 price tag for the system in only three months.

“We have new computers in place, and the new software system is being combined with our old data,” she said. “And we’re going to start moving on entering some of our collections this summer.”

Also, this summer, the society’s stone church will be open to the public to display the George Sternberg firearms collection —&nbsp;for the first time in nearly 20 years.

Rupp said the collection has been in storage since it was transferred to the society when the Sternberg Museum shifted to focus on natural history and moved to its current location in 1999.

“This collection is magnificent,” she said. “He’s collected from all over the world.”

The exhibition will be open from 1 to 4 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays from Memorial Day to Labor Day.

A model of Fort Hays that was previously on display at Historic Fort Hays will also be on display.

“If you are an Ellis County Society member, you get in for free,” Rupp said. “If you are not, there is an entry fee of $10. And children under 12 years old are free. But you can always buy a membership when you walk in the door. So, you and your wife and your children can all get in for free all summer long for $25 instead of $10 apiece.”

However, this Saturday, the society plans to waive the entrance fee as they kick off the summer.

“I really encourage people to come and look, even if you’re not into guns or weapons,” Rupp said. “It’s an impressive collection. There’s going to be over 300 pieces on display and some rare pieces.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/5/1653503352813.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>By JAMES BELL Hays PostAs work continues to organize and catalog the entire collection of the Ellis County Historical Society, its board of trustees voted this week to save the former Presbyterian Church at the corner of Main and Seventh.The future of the building had remained a point of debate for the organization after the last permanent director, Lee Dobratz, unveiled a plan in 2019 that would have seen the building demolished and replaced with a new structure on the society’s grounds.That plan was estimated to cost over $14 million and presented a solution to<a href="https://archive.hayspost.com/2019/07/31/ellis-county-historical-society-museum-closing-temporarily/"> replace the deteriorating facility wrought with water damage and mold after it was closed to the public in June of 2019.</a><div><iframe title="As reorganization continues Ellis County Historical Society votes to save historic church" 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=8p54k-1235152-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/5edaa8d7ebfb13423b271e8a">Dobratz resigned in April 2020. </a><a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/b9828fea-e8ae-4cb0-8cdf-fe1760f225e0">With an infusion of new board members and under the leadership of interim director Amanda Rupp this year, the society has taken on a new focus. First, it is working to bring the society’s entire collection back together in one location. And then the process of cataloging, sorting and removing items with little historical significance to the county begins.</a>But until the board’s vote Monday, the church building’s future remained uncertain.“They’ve decided that we are going to keep the building, and we are going to start a campaign to renovate it and utilize it,” Rupp said.The action reflects the overwhelming desire of the community to save the building.“One board member puts it; 'There’s a lot more community support behind that project than to tear down and build something new for the historical society,' ” Rupp said.She also said that revitalizing the building was “a little bit more doable” than the larger-scale plans presented in 2019. “So, we’re all excited.”<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/5/1653503337583.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Now that the building’s future is secure, Rupp said efforts to find funding for the project would begin.“We’re going to start working on a capital campaign that we hope to launch at the end of the summer,” she said.<a href="https://archive.hayspost.com/2019/07/31/ellis-county-historical-society-museum-closing-temporarily/">While the effort is new, the current board and staff members will benefit from the work of earlier efforts to mitigate the building’s damage.</a>“The prior boards have done a lot of the footwork,” Rupp said. “They’ve done feasibility studies. So we know exactly — from reputable architect companies and mediation companies — what needs to be done and close to what dollar amounts needed to happen there.“We’ve got half of the work done for us.”<a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/36713cde-0b98-41e4-b09f-e7091c8c0460">As the bigger plan comes into focus, she said an anonymous donation would help renovate enough space in the building for offices, allowing staff to work on-site. Currently, the society’s offices are in the Eagle Plaza, 1011 W. 27th.</a>“We’d like to be at home, and not necessarily open to the public, in that red brick building,” Rupp said. “We can be there on-site to have the gallery in the stone church open more often if we have our offices on site.”And as the future of the facility solidifies, staff continues the effort to catalog the collection, using a new computer system Rupp proposed in February.Rupp said that board members raised the $10,000 price tag for the system in only three months.“We have new computers in place, and the new software system is being combined with our old data,” she said. “And we’re going to start moving on entering some of our collections this summer.”<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/5/1653503381018.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Also, this summer, the society’s stone church will be open to the public to display the George Sternberg firearms collection —&nbsp;for the first time in nearly 20 years.Rupp said the collection has been in storage since it was transferred to the society when the Sternberg Museum shifted to focus on natural history and moved to its current location in 1999.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/5/1653503392191.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>“This collection is magnificent,” she said. “He’s collected from all over the world.”The exhibition will be open from 1 to 4 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays from Memorial Day to Labor Day.A model of Fort Hays that was previously on display at Historic Fort Hays will also be on display.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/5/1653503415637.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>“If you are an Ellis County Society member, you get in for free,” Rupp said. “If you are not, there is an entry fee of $10. And children under 12 years old are free. But you can always buy a membership when you walk in the door. So, you and your wife and your children can all get in for free all summer long for $25 instead of $10 apiece.”However, this Saturday, the society plans to waive the entrance fee as they kick off the summer.“I really encourage people to come and look, even if you’re not into guns or weapons,” Rupp said. “It’s an impressive collection. There’s going to be over 300 pieces on display and some rare pieces.”<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/5/1653503403647.jpeg" alt="" />
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 </figure>

🎙As reorganization continues, Ellis County Historical Society votes to save historic church

<div><iframe title="Hays Chamber to present Dale Carnegie training" 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=fjsaf-1235143-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://postpodcast.podbean.com/">For more about the Post Podcast, including a full list of episodes and episode transcripts click here.</a>

🎙Post Podcast: Hays Chamber to present Dale Carnegie training

Bringing back its annual Summer Youth Art Program, the Hays Arts
Council, 112 E. 11th, is again ready to engage children with various art
forms throughout the season.

This year's theme is Sizzlin' Summer 2022.

“We've
got a lot of amazing classes again this year,” said Hays Arts Council Executive
Director Brenda Meder. 

Returning
among this year’s courses are some annual favorites as well as first-time
offerings, all taught by a diverse group of area artists.

The
first courses begin June 6 and include acting and theater classes. 

“We've
got three different classes, and two of them start early this summer,” Meder
said. “We like to do those early because it does get hot.”

Hannah Dreiling,
a longtime instructor of the class, will return to teach both the opening
Acting and The Theater classes — and plans to return the classes to the stage.

“This
year, [Dreiling] wanted to go back into the 12 Street Auditorium,” Meder said. “After
two years of being at the Downtown Pavilion, nothing feels better than a
theater. … There's still something magical about a theater.”

Both
sessions will run from June 6 to 9 and June 13 to 17.

Catherine
Trieschmann Miller will teach the third theater class, Dramatic Arts Workshop
from June 20 to 24.

Along
with the acting and theater classes, visual, literary and craft classes will
also kick off on June 6 with Summer Fun, where children will kick off the
summer with painting, collage and printmaking using wood paper and found
materials. Along with the June 6 opening one-day session another will be hosted
on June 13. Those classes will be taught by Grace Splichal.

Another one-day
class, Patriotic Pride, is scheduled for July 1, and will give the students an
opportunity to create patriotic-themed projects using paint, wood, stamps and
markers.

Those one-day
courses, Meder said, are great for children with tight summer schedules, but
the center also has planned several multiday sessions.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/6/1623877479116.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>By JAMES BELL 
Hays PostBringing back its annual Summer Youth Art Program, the Hays Arts
Council, 112 E. 11th, is again ready to engage children with various art
forms throughout the season.This year's theme is Sizzlin' Summer 2022.“We've
got a lot of amazing classes again this year,” said Hays Arts Council Executive
Director Brenda Meder. Returning
among this year’s courses are some annual favorites as well as first-time
offerings, all taught by a diverse group of area artists.<div><iframe title="Hays Arts Council summer classes 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=pfy2g-1232968-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
first courses begin June 6 and include acting and theater classes. “We've
got three different classes, and two of them start early this summer,” Meder
said. “We like to do those early because it does get hot.”Hannah Dreiling,
a longtime instructor of the class, will return to teach both the opening
Acting and The Theater classes — and plans to return the classes to the stage.“This
year, [Dreiling] wanted to go back into the 12 Street Auditorium,” Meder said. “After
two years of being at the Downtown Pavilion, nothing feels better than a
theater. … There's still something magical about a theater.”Both
sessions will run from June 6 to 9 and June 13 to 17.Catherine
Trieschmann Miller will teach the third theater class, Dramatic Arts Workshop
from June 20 to 24.Along
with the acting and theater classes, visual, literary and craft classes will
also kick off on June 6 with Summer Fun, where children will kick off the
summer with painting, collage and printmaking using wood paper and found
materials. Along with the June 6 opening one-day session another will be hosted
on June 13. Those classes will be taught by Grace Splichal.Another one-day
class, Patriotic Pride, is scheduled for July 1, and will give the students an
opportunity to create patriotic-themed projects using paint, wood, stamps and
markers.Those one-day
courses, Meder said, are great for children with tight summer schedules, but
the center also has planned several multiday sessions.“Like the
Art and Imagination class that Grace is also teaching,” Meder said. “And
there's classes in drawing and painting. And then Mitch Sommers, who's been
doing our Stained Glass classes forever, will be back with one of those.”That
course is scheduled from June 27 to 30.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/5/1621625981132.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Throughout
the month of June, four two-day Call of the Wild classes will be offered. Sommers
and Splichal are set as instructors for those classes.”He's
retired and a volunteer for Sternberg and so he has access to the critters,” Meder
said. “So, we've got a session on snakes, turtles, frogs, and lizards. You get
to see those animals, but then talk about them and have a little bit of
knowledge. But then that first day and all of the second day, are then
also devoted to doing art created around those critters.”From
July 6 to 8, Jackie Leiker is set to teach Get Some Perspective, a course
designed for upper elementary-age students to learn the basics of drawing with perspective.
Fashion
Fun will also return with veteran instructor Linda Hohman from July 18 to 21.Drawing
and Painting will run from June 20 to 23. And Down on the Farm, featuring farm
animal-themed projects will be offered from July 5 to 7.And Let’s
Write a Book,will be taught by the area writer and illustrator of "Millie’s
Garden" —&nbsp;Kathleen Kuchar and Joyce Frey.“We had
the big exhibition and had that on display and her illustrations have been
around,” Meder said. “I snagged those two ladies and talked him into doing a three-day
workshop two hours for each of three days.“Those
two instructors are going to help the students develop their stories and do
illustrations,” she continued. “And we're going to print up very simple books
that then they will share with their family on the last day of class. And we're
planning on hopefully having those up during the summer Artwalk, which will
follow just two days after that class closes.”<a href="https://haysartscouncil.org/summer-classes">For more about the Summer Youth
Art Program, including a class list and registration form, visit the Hays Arts
Council’s website, haysartscouncil.org.</a><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/6/1592495640022.png" alt="" />
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 </figure>