On Sept. 17, area car enthusiasts will again come together in
Hays for the Thunder on the Plains Car, Truck and Cycle Show. 

But the show will offer much more than just vehicles on
display. In its seventh year, the event will host various family-friendly events,
starting the night before the show.

“We're actually starting on Friday night,” said organizer
Jackie Lang. “We have a cruise night, where we’re meeting at 27th and Vine in
the parking lot by the Convention and Visitors Bureau.”

After gathering, attendees will cruise together down to
municipal park where Crazy Horse 2.0 is set to perform. 

“We'll have a dance, and there will be a food vendor
available,” Lang said. “Hopefully, we'll have a good crowd there, and people
can enjoy the night.”

On Saturday, the show begins with registration beginning
at 8 a.m. Elite Realty/Nations Auction, 700 W. 48th, with other events planned
throughout the day.

On-site will be a beer garden, hosted by Soroptimist&nbsp;International
of&nbsp;Hays, the Hays Toy Show, inflatables, Pfonz Smokehouse, Sunshine
Kitchen and Snow Cone Express. A live auction is planned for 1 p.m. and awards
at 3 p.m.

“Our major auction item is the refurbished 7Up cooler,”
said organizer Shelby Doty. “It's an old-style 7Up cooler that some of our
folks have refurbished into a bar. It's got a refrigerator in it
and shelving.”

The cooler was displayed at Thirsty's, 2704 Vine, in recent
weeks.

“It's cool. It's really cool,” Lang said. “It's also on our
website.”

Doty said they again have brought in judges from across
Kansas for the judging.

Those judges will give cash awards and trophies, including
$500 for Best of Show car or truck and $200 for Best of Show motorcycle. In total, twenty-seven class, awards are planned along with an award for furthest
distance traveled.

“We do have cash awards,” Doty said. “We've got trophies
this year. ... So dust your cars off and your trucks and get them out of the
garage and come on out.”

“Best of Show for car truck will get $500,” Lang said. “Motorcycle
gets $200, so it's worth it to bring your car out.”

While the day will be filled with fun and camaraderie, the
event also serves a good cause.

“One of our main objectives is to raise money,” Lang said. “We
have a lot of really great sponsors that allow us to do that.”

Sponsors provided both cash and in-kind donations, she said.
The items will be auctioned off during Saturday's events.

“We've got lots of great items,” Lang said. “So far for the
auction, we've got a meat package, we've got a really, really nice Polaris
cooler that one of our sponsors has donated. We've gotten some grills.”

Since the first event in 2017, she said the car show has
donated over $54,000 to local organizations. 

“That's our main objective is to raise money to give back to
the community,” Lang said.

Among those recipients last year was an NCK Tech student.

“Something new that we did establish this past year is a
scholarship to a Hays High or TMP student that plans to attend NCK Tech,” Doty
said. “Our recipient this past year was Cameron Roth, who received a $1,000
scholarship to NCK. So we're pretty proud of that. And I think he's excited as
well.”

After the show, the event site will host a classic car
auction.

“Mark Ottley at Elite Realty and Auction is allowing us to
host our car show there again this year,” Lang said. “After our event is over,
he and his staff are looking to have a classic car auction of their own at that
location. So I guess if anybody has a car out there that they've been wanting
to, or thinking about maybe selling, reach out to them and see if they can't
help you.”

For more information or to register in advance for the Thunder
on the Plains Car, Truck and Cycle Show, visit&nbsp;<a href="https://www.thunderontheplainsks.com/">thunderontheplainsks.com.</a>

<figure>
                        <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/9/1599072426200.jpeg" alt="File photo" />
                        <figcaption>File photo</figcaption>
                    </figure><p><b>By JAMES BELL</b><br><i>Hays Post</i></p><p>On Sept. 17, area car enthusiasts will again come together in
Hays for the Thunder on the Plains Car, Truck and Cycle Show. </p><p>But the show will offer much more than just vehicles on
display. In its seventh year, the event will host various family-friendly events,
starting the night before the show.</p><p>“We're actually starting on Friday night,” said organizer
Jackie Lang. “We have a cruise night, where we’re meeting at 27th and Vine in
the parking lot by the Convention and Visitors Bureau.”</p><p>After gathering, attendees will cruise together down to
municipal park where Crazy Horse 2.0 is set to perform. </p><div><iframe title="Thunder on the Plains returns to Hays Sept. 17" 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=mxfjk-12afaad-pb&from=pb6admin&square=1&share=1&download=1&rtl=0&fonts=Arial&skin=3267a3&font-color=auto&logo_link=podcast_page&btn-skin=3267a3&size=300" allowfullscreen=""></iframe></div><p>“We'll have a dance, and there will be a food vendor
available,” Lang said. “Hopefully, we'll have a good crowd there, and people
can enjoy the night.”</p><p>On Saturday, the show begins with registration beginning
at 8 a.m. Elite Realty/Nations Auction, 700 W. 48th, with other events planned
throughout the day.</p><p>On-site will be a beer garden, hosted by Soroptimist&nbsp;International
of&nbsp;Hays, the Hays Toy Show, inflatables, Pfonz Smokehouse, Sunshine
Kitchen and Snow Cone Express. A live auction is planned for 1 p.m. and awards
at 3 p.m.</p><p>“Our major auction item is the refurbished 7Up cooler,”
said organizer Shelby Doty. “It's an old-style 7Up cooler that some of our
folks have refurbished into a bar. It's got a refrigerator in it
and shelving.”</p><p>The cooler was displayed at Thirsty's, 2704 Vine, in recent
weeks.</p><p>“It's cool. It's really cool,” Lang said. “It's also on our
website.”</p><p>Doty said they again have brought in judges from across
Kansas for the judging.</p><p>Those judges will give cash awards and trophies, including
$500 for Best of Show car or truck and $200 for Best of Show motorcycle. In total, twenty-seven class, awards are planned along with an award for furthest
distance traveled.</p><p>“We do have cash awards,” Doty said. “We've got trophies
this year. ... So dust your cars off and your trucks and get them out of the
garage and come on out.”</p><figure>
                        <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/9/1599072410075.jpeg" alt="File photo" />
                        <figcaption>File photo</figcaption>
                    </figure><p>“Best of Show for car truck will get $500,” Lang said. “Motorcycle
gets $200, so it's worth it to bring your car out.”</p><p>While the day will be filled with fun and camaraderie, the
event also serves a good cause.</p><p>“One of our main objectives is to raise money,” Lang said. “We
have a lot of really great sponsors that allow us to do that.”</p><p>Sponsors provided both cash and in-kind donations, she said.
The items will be auctioned off during Saturday's events.</p><p>“We've got lots of great items,” Lang said. “So far for the
auction, we've got a meat package, we've got a really, really nice Polaris
cooler that one of our sponsors has donated. We've gotten some grills.”</p><p>Since the first event in 2017, she said the car show has
donated over $54,000 to local organizations. </p><p>“That's our main objective is to raise money to give back to
the community,” Lang said.</p><p>Among those recipients last year was an NCK Tech student.</p><p>“Something new that we did establish this past year is a
scholarship to a Hays High or TMP student that plans to attend NCK Tech,” Doty
said. “Our recipient this past year was Cameron Roth, who received a $1,000
scholarship to NCK. So we're pretty proud of that. And I think he's excited as
well.”</p><p>After the show, the event site will host a classic car
auction.</p><p>“Mark Ottley at Elite Realty and Auction is allowing us to
host our car show there again this year,” Lang said. “After our event is over,
he and his staff are looking to have a classic car auction of their own at that
location. So I guess if anybody has a car out there that they've been wanting
to, or thinking about maybe selling, reach out to them and see if they can't
help you.”</p><p>For more information or to register in advance for the Thunder
on the Plains Car, Truck and Cycle Show, visit&nbsp;<a href="https://www.thunderontheplainsks.com/">thunderontheplainsks.com.</a></p><figure>
                        <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/9/1599072437941.jpeg" alt="File photo" />
                        <figcaption>File photo</figcaption>
                    </figure>

🎙 Thunder on the Plains rumbles into Hays this month

<i>On this episode of the Post Podcast Grow Hays executive director Doug Williams shares updates on proposed childcare and housing developments in Hays.</i><br>

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

<p><i>On this episode of the Post Podcast Grow Hays executive director Doug Williams shares updates on proposed childcare and housing developments in Hays.</i><br></p><div><iframe title="New childcare, housing developments proposed in Hays" 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=cr2wx-12b3e3a-pb&from=pb6admin&square=1&share=1&download=1&rtl=0&fonts=Arial&skin=3267a3&font-color=auto&logo_link=podcast_page&btn-skin=3267a3&size=300" allowfullscreen=""></iframe></div><p><a href="https://postpodcast.podbean.com/">For more about the Post Podcast, including a full list of episodes and episode transcripts click here.</a></p>

🎙 Post Podcast: New childcare, housing developments proposed in Hays

<i>On this episode of the Post Podcast Heartland Community Foundation executive director Sarah Meitner stops by to share updates from the foundation.</i><br>

<p><i>On this episode of the Post Podcast Heartland Community Foundation executive director Sarah Meitner stops by to share updates from the foundation.</i><br></p><div><iframe title="Heartland Community Foundation establishes new funds" 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=vrx75-12b3e2f-pb&from=pb6admin&square=1&share=1&download=1&rtl=0&fonts=Arial&skin=3267a3&font-color=auto&logo_link=podcast_page&btn-skin=3267a3&size=300" allowfullscreen=""></iframe></div><p><a href="https://postpodcast.podbean.com/">For more about the Post Podcast, including a full list of episodes and episode transcripts click here.</a></p>

🎙Post Podcast: Heartland Community Foundation establishes new funds

The Hays Chamber is beginning one of its largest projects of the year, compiling next year’s Community Guide.

The annual product helps keep the community connected, and even as area residents frequently go online to find area businesses and events, it remains a popular product.

“It is a tool circulated 12,000 different times every year, at least in hardcopy form,” said Hays Chamber president and CEO Sarah Wasinger.

This year’s guide will include the standard listings but will also incorporate some new features.

“There's pretty much anything you can think of in there,” said Mariah Legleiter, Hays Chamber vice president of marketing and communications. “We have several things going into it this year, including a couple new things. We call out specific businesses like hotels, motels, and lodging options and restaurants. We have a section in there for senior living accommodations and grocery stores and transportation options.”

This year's edition will also feature a special events spread that will showcase area providers for weddings, baby showers, anniversary parties, family reunions or any event with a big group of people.

“It's places that you can go to have catering, a space for everyone to meet flowers, linens, decorations, DJ services, and music,” Legleiter said. “I mean, really, it's just anything that you would need to plan a party. You can go to that spread and find our members that do that.”

Wasinger said the chamber frequently receives those types of business inquiries.

“And so, we love being able to showcase our members in that regard, but just in general,” she said.

For new residents or those looking for a local provider for an item or service, the guide can fill that need.

“It's a piece that means different things to different people,” Wasinger said. "So our good friends at the Hays Convention and Visitor's Bureau, whenever they're doing a welcome packet for a convention that's in town, they're actually including that piece in there. When we have our ag appreciation or education appreciation events, or our annual chamber banquet, whenever we have those events, we also put that publication.”

It also helps showcase the services offered in Hays and Ellis County in one location that serves as a marketing tool for the area.

“We frequently have our businesses reach out to us saying, ‘Hey, we've got a couple of people that were interviewing this next week, would we be able to get some welcome packets to showcase all the different things that are available, so they can feel comfortable with the community as well as the business that they're looking at going to for work,’” Wasinger said.

As the chamber wraps the production work for next year’s guide, Legleiter said ads must be received by Nov. 21 as production commences.

“I am quickly putting things together and kind of coming up with the layout,” she said. “And right now, I'm in the very beginning stages of getting it off the ground and going for this for 2023.”

She said for those needing ad design help, the chamber could assist as well.

“If folks need help designing their ad space, Mariah is equipped to do that,” Wasinger said. “And it's OK to use the same ad from one year to the next. It doesn't have to be something new.”

For those advertisers and members in the guide and for the community that uses it, Wasinger said the final product highlights the area.

“What I love is it really showcases the depth and breadth of our county,” Wasinger said. “You can look at different options, whether it's shopping, arts. We have a quality-of-life section that showcases why Hays and Ellis County are such great places to live, work and play.”

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

<div><iframe title="Work begins on the 2023 Hays Chamber Community Guide" 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=9cjik-12afa2d-pb&from=pb6admin&square=1&share=1&download=1&rtl=0&fonts=Arial&skin=3267a3&font-color=auto&logo_link=podcast_page&btn-skin=3267a3&size=300" allowfullscreen=""></iframe></div><p><b>By JAMES BELL</b><br><i>Hays Post</i></p><p>The Hays Chamber is beginning one of its largest projects of the year, compiling next year’s Community Guide.</p><p>The annual product helps keep the community connected, and even as area residents frequently go online to find area businesses and events, it remains a popular product.</p><p>“It is a tool circulated 12,000 different times every year, at least in hardcopy form,” said Hays Chamber president and CEO Sarah Wasinger.</p><p>This year’s guide will include the standard listings but will also incorporate some new features.</p><p>“There's pretty much anything you can think of in there,” said Mariah Legleiter, Hays Chamber vice president of marketing and communications. “We have several things going into it this year, including a couple new things. We call out specific businesses like hotels, motels, and lodging options and restaurants. We have a section in there for senior living accommodations and grocery stores and transportation options.”</p><p>This year's edition will also feature a special events spread that will showcase area providers for weddings, baby showers, anniversary parties, family reunions or any event with a big group of people.</p><p>“It's places that you can go to have catering, a space for everyone to meet flowers, linens, decorations, DJ services, and music,” Legleiter said. “I mean, really, it's just anything that you would need to plan a party. You can go to that spread and find our members that do that.”</p><p>Wasinger said the chamber frequently receives those types of business inquiries.</p><p>“And so, we love being able to showcase our members in that regard, but just in general,” she said.</p><p>For new residents or those looking for a local provider for an item or service, the guide can fill that need.</p><p>“It's a piece that means different things to different people,” Wasinger said. "So our good friends at the Hays Convention and Visitor's Bureau, whenever they're doing a welcome packet for a convention that's in town, they're actually including that piece in there. When we have our ag appreciation or education appreciation events, or our annual chamber banquet, whenever we have those events, we also put that publication.”</p><p>It also helps showcase the services offered in Hays and Ellis County in one location that serves as a marketing tool for the area.</p><p>“We frequently have our businesses reach out to us saying, ‘Hey, we've got a couple of people that were interviewing this next week, would we be able to get some welcome packets to showcase all the different things that are available, so they can feel comfortable with the community as well as the business that they're looking at going to for work,’” Wasinger said.</p><p>As the chamber wraps the production work for next year’s guide, Legleiter said ads must be received by Nov. 21 as production commences.</p><p>“I am quickly putting things together and kind of coming up with the layout,” she said. “And right now, I'm in the very beginning stages of getting it off the ground and going for this for 2023.”</p><p>She said for those needing ad design help, the chamber could assist as well.</p><p>“If folks need help designing their ad space, Mariah is equipped to do that,” Wasinger said. “And it's OK to use the same ad from one year to the next. It doesn't have to be something new.”</p><p>For those advertisers and members in the guide and for the community that uses it, Wasinger said the final product highlights the area.</p><p>“What I love is it really showcases the depth and breadth of our county,” Wasinger said. “You can look at different options, whether it's shopping, arts. We have a quality-of-life section that showcases why Hays and Ellis County are such great places to live, work and play.”</p><p>For more information about the Hays Chamber’s Community Guide, visit hayschamber.com.</p>

🎙 Work begins on 2023 Hays Chamber Community Guide

In a continued effort to strengthen its connection to the community, the Ellis County Historical Society will host a free family event to celebrate the end of the season.

The Family Day is scheduled from noon to 4 p.m. Saturday and will serve as the closing reception for the Big Bang Firearm Exhibit, which features the George Sternberg firearm collection.

"We will, of course, have the exhibit open free of charge to everyone in the community," said Ellis County Historical Society Executive Director Amanda Rupp. "We will have all of our outbuildings open as well — the firehouse, the Volga-German house and the harness shop."

According to the event announcement, other events planned include:

A local food truck is also planned to be on site during the events.

The activities are a part of an effort by the society to become more visible in the community.

"Each time we do this ... engage the public and show that we're out there, it energizes us even more," Rupp said.

For more information about the Family Day, visit the Ellis County Historical Society website,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.echshays.org/">echshays.org.</a>

<figure>
                        <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/5/1653503337583.jpeg" alt="" />
                        <figcaption></figcaption>
                    </figure><p><b>By JAMES BELL</b><br><i>Hays Post</i></p><p>In a continued effort to strengthen its connection to the community, the Ellis County Historical Society will host a free family event to celebrate the end of the season.</p><p>The Family Day is scheduled from noon to 4 p.m. Saturday and will serve as the closing reception for the Big Bang Firearm Exhibit, which features the George Sternberg firearm collection.</p><div><iframe title="Ellis County Historical Society wraps season with Family Day events" 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=d38x2-12b2898-pb&from=pb6admin&square=1&share=1&download=1&rtl=0&fonts=Arial&skin=3267a3&font-color=auto&logo_link=podcast_page&btn-skin=3267a3&size=300" allowfullscreen=""></iframe></div><p>"We will, of course, have the exhibit open free of charge to everyone in the community," said Ellis County Historical Society Executive Director Amanda Rupp. "We will have all of our outbuildings open as well — the firehouse, the Volga-German house and the harness shop."</p><p>According to the event announcement, other events planned include:</p><ul>
                        <li>"Jeff Davidson, Western History Entertainer, will perform shows at 1 p.m. and 3:15 p.m. Jeff’s performance is sponsored by a Dane G. Hansen NW Kansas Arts Grant and Classic Quality Body Shop. With a mix of live music and history, Jeff will traipse the Kansas plains with you and prove that “winning the west was not for the faint of heart.”</li><li>Before hibernation season sets upon us, visit with our friends from the Sternberg Museum who will bring live reptiles to our campus from 2 to 3 p.m. for your enjoyment and excitement.<br></li><li>Kids of all ages will be eager to visit Grace Splichal’s art booth to create a covered wagon and explore how pioneers packed for their road trips. Remember to pick up your copy of “Travel on the Trail” a learn and color booklet for the whole family.<br></li><li>Young and old will want to test their skill at the inflatable ax throwing game sponsored by The Fort.<br></li><li>In honor of summer’s best, we have included water events – water gun fights, a water balloon sling shot, and panning for gold, all sponsored in part by Classic Quality Body Shop and Orscheln’s.<br></li><li>Don’t forget to purchase your gun raffle tickets either at the event or before from any Board Member, call 785-628-2624 or go online at director@echshays.org. Two winners will be drawn from the hopper at 4 p.m. for the prizes of a Henry Big Boy Steel Rifle and an Uberti 1873 Cattleman Pistol."<br></li>
                    </ul><p>A local food truck is also planned to be on site during the events.</p><p>The activities are a part of an effort by the society to become more visible in the community.</p><p>"Each time we do this ... engage the public and show that we're out there, it energizes us even more," Rupp said.</p><p>For more information about the Family Day, visit the Ellis County Historical Society website,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.echshays.org/">echshays.org.</a></p>

🎙 Ellis County Historical Society wraps season with Family Day events

<i>On this episode of the Post Podcast, USD 489 Superintendent Ron Wilson shares updates from the Hays Public School district.&nbsp;</i>

<p><i>On this episode of the Post Podcast, USD 489 Superintendent Ron Wilson shares updates from the Hays Public School district.&nbsp;</i></p><div><iframe title="USD 489 settling into school year" 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=ae3t7-12b281d-pb&from=pb6admin&square=1&share=1&download=1&rtl=0&fonts=Arial&skin=3267a3&font-color=auto&logo_link=podcast_page&btn-skin=3267a3&size=300" allowfullscreen=""></iframe></div><p><a href="https://postpodcast.podbean.com/">For more about the Post Podcast, including a full list of episodes and episode transcripts click here.</a></p>

🎙Post Podcast: USD 489 settling into school year

<i>On this episode of the Post Podcast Grow Hays, Executive Director Doug Williams shares information about an RHID planned for downtown Hays.</i>

<p><i>On this episode of the Post Podcast Grow Hays, Executive Director Doug Williams shares information about an RHID planned for downtown Hays.</i></p><div><iframe title="Grow Hays’ latest RHID presented to USD 489 Board of Education" 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=v6yhu-12ab137-pb&from=pb6admin&square=1&share=1&download=1&rtl=0&fonts=Arial&skin=3267a3&font-color=auto&logo_link=podcast_page&btn-skin=3267a3&size=300" allowfullscreen=""></iframe></div><p><a href="https://postpodcast.podbean.com/">For more about the Post Podcast, including a full list of episodes and episode transcripts click here.</a></p>

🎙Post Podcast: Grow Hays’ latest RHID presented to USD 489 Board of Education

<i>On this episode of the Post Podcast, Cottonwood extension district agent Stacy Campbell shares information about the impacts and resources available to ag producers during the ongoing drought.</i><br>

<p><i>On this episode of the Post Podcast, Cottonwood extension district agent Stacy Campbell shares information about the impacts and resources available to ag producers during the ongoing drought.</i><br></p><div><iframe title="Cottonwood extension district offers resources for producers dealing with drought" 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=ay3bk-12a9c3a-pb&from=pb6admin&square=1&share=1&download=1&rtl=0&fonts=Arial&skin=3267a3&font-color=auto&logo_link=podcast_page&btn-skin=3267a3&size=300" allowfullscreen=""></iframe></div><p><a href="https://postpodcast.podbean.com/">For more about the Post Podcast, including a full list of episodes and episode transcripts click here.</a></p>

🎙Post Podcast: Cottonwood Extension offers resources for dealing with drought

<i>On this episode of the Post Podcast, Hays Chamber president and CEO Sarah Wasinger along with Brookdale Senior Living sales manager Brandon Taylor discuss the impact and availability of retirement communities.</i><br>

<p><i>On this episode of the Post Podcast, Hays Chamber president and CEO Sarah Wasinger along with Brookdale Senior Living sales manager Brandon Taylor discuss the impact and availability of retirement communities.</i><br></p><div><iframe title="Senior group living influences area economy" 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=ydtif-12a9c29-pb&from=pb6admin&square=1&share=1&download=1&rtl=0&fonts=Arial&skin=3267a3&font-color=auto&logo_link=podcast_page&btn-skin=3267a3&size=300" allowfullscreen=""></iframe></div><p><a href="https://postpodcast.podbean.com/">For more about the Post Podcast, including a full list of episodes and episode transcripts click here.</a></p>

🎙Post Podcast: Senior group living influences area economy

This Friday, area residents will
once again converge in downtown Hays for the 37th annual Hays Arts
Council Fall Art Walk.

Among the many businesses and
organizations participating, the event will feature painted works, sculpture,
photography music and food — with core hours scheduled from
6:30 to 9:30 p.m.

“It's
going to be awesome,” said Hays Arts Council Executive Director Brenda Meder. “I
think we've got 19 locations on the walk, and some of them have really large, major features. And some of them have smaller, more intimate features.”

Along
with the variety of visual work on display, the Hays Symphony Orchestra will also
kick off its season with an outdoor concert in the downtown pavilion from
7:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.

“Get to the
Art Walk early, get stuff done, and then enjoy at least some of the
concert,” Meder said. “And then there's still plenty of time when it's done, or
halfway through to go do more things.”

A chalk
station will also be set up nearby allowing children of all ages to create
their own art while the symphony performs.

“There's
always just some great art that ends up over there,” Meder said. “And it's fun
that people have the opportunity to be creative.”

Along
with the symphony, music will be a prominent part of the evening at other locations
including the Hays Public Library hosting Matt Detherage, the Paisley Pear Wine
Bar and Bistro featuring The Church Ladies (Unsupervised), and Salon 1007 hosting jazz musician Danny Zhang. &nbsp;

“There's
really some great things going on in that aspect of the arts as well,” Meder
said.

The
musical performances complement the typical variety of businesses participating
with visual artists.

At the
Hays Arts Center, two exhibitions from a recent Kansas transplant will be on
display.

“Rodney
Wood is a fabulous artist whose work is often described as magical realism or
emotional realism,” Meder said. “They're very straightforward and realistic.
But there's this mystery, this intrigue.
They're sort of this almost like a surreal element in some of it.”

While
Wood has been a longtime resident of Colorado, he is no stranger to the Hays
Art Walk, having showcased his art car Spell Bound during the Spring Art Walk
last year.

“He's
thinking about bringing some of his art cars up as well,” Meder said. “He was
the director of the art car museum in Trinidad. Big art car museum, but he's
also been with other galleries.”

She said
he has been a longtime artist and gallery director and brings part of his
large collection to Hays featuring original works along with reproductions of
pieces currently held by collectors.

“One of
the exhibitions that we'll be having is called <i>Humanimals,” </i>Meder said. “It
is this wonderful collection of work, where some of his delightfully
extraordinary friends have inspired him to create works that feature creatures
from the animal kingdom, but in settings that are very human,”

That
will be in the hall, she said, but in the front gallery will be all original
paintings.

“They're
absolutely fascinating,” Meder said. “And the subject matter is diverse and
varied.

“It's a
lot of exploration of the human condition and feelings,” she continued. “There's
a curiosity, even elements of survival skills, but a lot of enigma and mystery
in the course of his paintings. People are going to like this.”

Even though
he has only been in Kansas this year, Meder said she wanted to showcase his
work as quickly as possible “so we could be the first one in Kansas to exhibit
his work and showcase a style of a conceptual approach to the work that we
hadn't seen before.”

Along
with <i>Humanimals, </i>Wood will also present <i>Windfalls of Passion.</i>

The Arts
Center will also stage <i>Intaglio: Below the Surface, </i>that includes prints
from Michael Jilg and Phil Epp in the back gallery.

“It's going
to look striking back there,” Meder said. “They are both pros at what they do.
I couldn't be prouder of the three artists that will be featured at the Arts
Council for the Art Walk.”

While
the core Art Walk is set from 6:30 to 9:30 p.m., some shows will run
different hours to allow for distance outside of the core of downtown,
including two exhibitions on the Fort Hays State University campus.

“And
then I also want to let people know that on Saturday, there are a number of the
locations that are open anyway, on Saturdays, they will still have their art
features up,” Meder said. “So, if you can't get out Friday night, or you want
to go back and see something again, we will have hours for that.”

<figure>
                        <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/8/1661282353687.jpeg" alt="" />
                        <figcaption></figcaption>
                    </figure><p><b>By JAMES BELL</b><br><i>Hays Post</i></p><p>This Friday, area residents will
once again converge in downtown Hays for the 37th annual Hays Arts
Council Fall Art Walk.</p><p>Among the many businesses and
organizations participating, the event will feature painted works, sculpture,
photography music and food — with core hours scheduled from
6:30 to 9:30 p.m.</p><p>“It's
going to be awesome,” said Hays Arts Council Executive Director Brenda Meder. “I
think we've got 19 locations on the walk, and some of them have really large, major features. And some of them have smaller, more intimate features.”</p><div><iframe title="Art, music and fun to fill downtown Hays 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=eeep8-12a5925-pb&from=pb6admin&square=1&share=1&download=1&rtl=0&fonts=Arial&skin=3267a3&font-color=auto&logo_link=podcast_page&btn-skin=3267a3&size=300" allowfullscreen=""></iframe></div><p>Along
with the variety of visual work on display, the Hays Symphony Orchestra will also
kick off its season with an outdoor concert in the downtown pavilion from
7:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.</p><p>“Get to the
Art Walk early, get stuff done, and then enjoy at least some of the
concert,” Meder said. “And then there's still plenty of time when it's done, or
halfway through to go do more things.”</p><p>A chalk
station will also be set up nearby allowing children of all ages to create
their own art while the symphony performs.</p><figure>
                        <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/8/1661282374241.jpeg" alt="" />
                        <figcaption></figcaption>
                    </figure><p>“There's
always just some great art that ends up over there,” Meder said. “And it's fun
that people have the opportunity to be creative.”</p><p>Along
with the symphony, music will be a prominent part of the evening at other locations
including the Hays Public Library hosting Matt Detherage, the Paisley Pear Wine
Bar and Bistro featuring The Church Ladies (Unsupervised), and Salon 1007 hosting jazz musician Danny Zhang. &nbsp;</p><p>“There's
really some great things going on in that aspect of the arts as well,” Meder
said.</p><p>The
musical performances complement the typical variety of businesses participating
with visual artists.</p><figure>
                        <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/8/1661282389173.jpeg" alt="" />
                        <figcaption></figcaption>
                    </figure><p>At the
Hays Arts Center, two exhibitions from a recent Kansas transplant will be on
display.</p><p>“Rodney
Wood is a fabulous artist whose work is often described as magical realism or
emotional realism,” Meder said. “They're very straightforward and realistic.
But there's this mystery, this intrigue.
They're sort of this almost like a surreal element in some of it.”</p><p>“They
are just mesmerizing.”</p><figure>
                        <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/8/1661190067413.png" alt="" />
                        <figcaption></figcaption>
                    </figure><p>While
Wood has been a longtime resident of Colorado, he is no stranger to the Hays
Art Walk, having showcased his art car Spell Bound during the Spring Art Walk
last year.</p><p>“He's
thinking about bringing some of his art cars up as well,” Meder said. “He was
the director of the art car museum in Trinidad. Big art car museum, but he's
also been with other galleries.”</p><p>She said
he has been a longtime artist and gallery director and brings part of his
large collection to Hays featuring original works along with reproductions of
pieces currently held by collectors.</p><p>“One of
the exhibitions that we'll be having is called <i>Humanimals,” </i>Meder said. “It
is this wonderful collection of work, where some of his delightfully
extraordinary friends have inspired him to create works that feature creatures
from the animal kingdom, but in settings that are very human,”</p><p>That
will be in the hall, she said, but in the front gallery will be all original
paintings.</p><p>“They're
absolutely fascinating,” Meder said. “And the subject matter is diverse and
varied.</p><figure>
                        <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/8/1661282405288.jpeg" alt="" />
                        <figcaption></figcaption>
                    </figure><p>“It's a
lot of exploration of the human condition and feelings,” she continued. “There's
a curiosity, even elements of survival skills, but a lot of enigma and mystery
in the course of his paintings. People are going to like this.”</p><p>Even though
he has only been in Kansas this year, Meder said she wanted to showcase his
work as quickly as possible “so we could be the first one in Kansas to exhibit
his work and showcase a style of a conceptual approach to the work that we
hadn't seen before.”</p><p>Along
with <i>Humanimals, </i>Wood will also present <i>Windfalls of Passion.</i></p><p>The Arts
Center will also stage <i>Intaglio: Below the Surface, </i>that includes prints
from Michael Jilg and Phil Epp in the back gallery.</p><figure>
                        <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/8/1661282420984.jpeg" alt="" />
                        <figcaption></figcaption>
                    </figure><p>“It's going
to look striking back there,” Meder said. “They are both pros at what they do.
I couldn't be prouder of the three artists that will be featured at the Arts
Council for the Art Walk.”</p><p>While
the core Art Walk is set from 6:30 to 9:30 p.m., some shows will run
different hours to allow for distance outside of the core of downtown,
including two exhibitions on the Fort Hays State University campus.</p><p>“And
then I also want to let people know that on Saturday, there are a number of the
locations that are open anyway, on Saturdays, they will still have their art
features up,” Meder said. “So, if you can't get out Friday night, or you want
to go back and see something again, we will have hours for that.”</p><figure>
                        <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/8/1661282337739.jpeg" alt="" />
                        <figcaption></figcaption>
                    </figure>

🎙 Art, music and fun to fill downtown Hays Friday

<i>On this episode of the Post Podcast Holy Family Elementary principal, Rachel Wentling and assistant principal Gene Flax share updates from the school as the year begins.</i><br>

<p><i>On this episode of the Post Podcast Holy Family Elementary principal, Rachel Wentling and assistant principal Gene Flax share updates from the school as the year begins.</i><br></p><div><iframe title="Students and staff settle in for academic year at Holy Family Elementary" 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=2dt65-12a6fcb-pb&from=pb6admin&square=1&share=1&download=1&rtl=0&fonts=Arial&skin=3267a3&font-color=auto&logo_link=podcast_page&btn-skin=3267a3&size=300" allowfullscreen=""></iframe></div><p><a href="https://postpodcast.podbean.com/">For more about the Post Podcast, including a full list of episodes and episode transcripts click here.</a></p>

🎙Post Podcast: Students and staff settle in for academic year at Holy Family Elementary

<i>On this episode of the Post Podcast Grow Hays executive director Doug Williams shares information about a Hays housing report.</i>

<p><i>On this episode of the Post Podcast Grow Hays executive director Doug Williams shares information about a Hays housing report.</i></p><div><iframe title="Hays housing report to be released soon, discussed at Grow Hays Quarterly Luncheon" 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=v69d2-12a232a-pb&from=pb6admin&square=1&share=1&download=1&rtl=0&fonts=Arial&skin=3267a3&font-color=auto&logo_link=podcast_page&btn-skin=3267a3&size=300" allowfullscreen=""></iframe></div><p><a href="https://postpodcast.podbean.com/">For more about the Post Podcast, including a full list of episodes and episode transcripts click here.</a></p>

🎙Post Podcast: Hays housing report subject of Grow Hays Quarterly Luncheon

<i>On this episode of the Post Podcast Ellis County Fire Chief and County Administrator, Darin Myers shares tips for keeping safe through preventative measures.</i>

<p><i>On this episode of the Post Podcast Ellis County Fire Chief and County Administrator, Darin Myers shares tips for keeping safe through preventative measures.</i></p><div><iframe title="Return to school marks good opportunity to check fire prevention equipment" 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=tbws4-12a2306-pb&from=pb6admin&square=1&share=1&download=1&rtl=0&fonts=Arial&skin=3267a3&font-color=auto&logo_link=podcast_page&btn-skin=3267a3&size=300" allowfullscreen=""></iframe></div><p><a href="https://postpodcast.podbean.com/">For more about the Post Podcast, including a full list of episodes and episode transcripts click here.</a></p>

🎙Post Podcast: Return to school marks good opportunity to check fire prevention equipment

<i>On this episode of the Post Podcast&nbsp;&nbsp;Fort Hays State University's Glen McNeil share some tasty facts about some of these favorite menu items.</i><br>

<p><i>On this episode of the Post Podcast&nbsp;&nbsp;Fort Hays State University's Glen McNeil share some tasty facts about some of these favorite menu items.</i><br></p><div><iframe title="Fajitas, red wine and ice cream pie combine into one tasty 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=94jdn-12a22e9-pb&from=pb6admin&square=1&share=1&download=1&rtl=0&fonts=Arial&skin=3267a3&font-color=auto&logo_link=podcast_page&btn-skin=3267a3&size=300" allowfullscreen=""></iframe></div><p><a href="https://postpodcast.podbean.com/">For more about the Post Podcast, including a full list of episodes and episode transcripts click here.</a></p>

🎙Post Podcast: Fajitas, red wine and ice cream pie combine into one tasty day

<i>On this episode of the Post Podcast Hays Chamber president and CEO Sarah Wasinger along with Rose Garden Banquet Hall owner Kim Barnes discuss the upcoming Education Appreciation Dinner.</i><br>

<div><iframe title="Hays Chamber Education Appreciation Dinner set for August 30" allowtransparency="true" height="300" width="100%" style="border: none; min-width: min(100%, 430px);" scrolling="no" data-name="pb-iframe-player" src="https://www.podbean.com/player-v2/?i=j6429-12a0663-pb&from=pb6admin&square=1&share=1&download=1&rtl=0&fonts=Arial&skin=3267a3&font-color=auto&logo_link=podcast_page&btn-skin=3267a3&size=300" allowfullscreen=""></iframe></div><p><i>On this episode of the Post Podcast Hays Chamber president and CEO Sarah Wasinger along with Rose Garden Banquet Hall owner Kim Barnes discuss the upcoming Education Appreciation Dinner.</i><br></p><p><a href="https://postpodcast.podbean.com/">For more about the Post Podcast, including a full list of episodes and episode transcripts click here.</a></p>

🎙Post Podcast: Hays Chamber Education Appreciation Dinner set for August 30

<i>On this episode of the Post Podcast Thomas More Prep-Marian's Kim Stoecklein and Joe Roth Share details of the upcoming Back 2 School Bash.</i><br>

<div><iframe title="Hays Catholic schools kick off year with Back 2 School Bash" 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=yv66v-129daa8-pb&from=pb6admin&square=1&share=1&download=1&rtl=0&fonts=Arial&skin=3267a3&font-color=auto&logo_link=podcast_page&btn-skin=3267a3&size=300" allowfullscreen=""></iframe></div><p><i>On this episode of the Post Podcast Thomas More Prep-Marian's Kim Stoecklein and Joe Roth Share details of the upcoming Back 2 School Bash.</i><br></p><p><a href="https://postpodcast.podbean.com/">For more about the Post Podcast, including a full list of episodes and episode transcripts click here.</a></p>

🎙Post Podcast: Hays Catholic schools kick off year with Back 2 School Bash

<i>On this episode of the Post Podcast, Grow Hays executive director Doug Williams shares details about the upcoming Think Like an Entrepreneur series.</i><br>

<div><iframe title="Grow Hays plans third Think Like an Entrepreneur series" 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=ad7kb-12986db-pb&from=pb6admin&square=1&share=1&download=1&rtl=0&fonts=Arial&skin=3267a3&font-color=auto&logo_link=podcast_page&btn-skin=3267a3&size=300" allowfullscreen=""></iframe></div><p><i>On this episode of the Post Podcast, Grow Hays executive director Doug Williams shares details about the upcoming Think Like an Entrepreneur series.</i><br></p><p><a href="https://postpodcast.podbean.com/">For more about the Post Podcast, including a full list of episodes and episode transcripts click here.</a></p>

🎙Post Podcast: Grow Hays plans third Think Like an Entrepreneur series

<i>On this episode of the Post Podcast, Fort Hays State University Alumni Association engagement specialist Carolyn Tatro and Hays Convention and Visitors Bureau executive director Melissa Dixon share information about the Community Cruise.</i><br>

<div><iframe title="Community Cruise strengthens FHSU, Hays connection" 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=vtpgh-129701b-pb&from=pb6admin&square=1&share=1&download=1&rtl=0&fonts=Arial&skin=3267a3&font-color=auto&logo_link=podcast_page&btn-skin=3267a3&size=300" allowfullscreen=""></iframe></div><p><i>On this episode of the Post Podcast, Fort Hays State University Alumni Association engagement specialist Carolyn Tatro and Hays Convention and Visitors Bureau executive director Melissa Dixon share information about the Community Cruise.</i><br></p><p><a href="https://postpodcast.podbean.com/">For more about the Post Podcast, including a full list of episodes and episode transcripts click here.</a></p>

🎙Post Podcast: Community Cruise strengthens FHSU, Hays connection

In an effort to connect Fort Hays State University students to a community with high demand for new employees, the university will soon host a part-time job fair.

The event is scheduled from 2:30&nbsp; to 4 p.m., Aug. 24, in the Memorial Union on the FHSU campus.

"We want to invite any businesses and organizations who are trying to hire, especially students for part-time positions to participate," said&nbsp;Lisa Karlin, Fort Hays State University career and internships advisor. "There's no cost to attend, but they do have to register."

She said space will be limited and registration is required by Aug. 19. 

"But I would say registering, the earlier, the better," Karlin said.

For those employers that participate, she recommends having applications and organizational materials ready for students to review.

"If they have any kind of nice display, they can bring that, but they don't have to. They can just bring representatives, and we'll have a table for them," Karlin said.

In the current hiring landscape, full of digital applications and Zoom meetings, she said job fairs remain a great way to find and attract local talent.

&nbsp;"It's just a really good opportunity to interact one on one with students," Karlin said. "And it's great for the students too because they have a chance to find out what jobs are available in the community and have that interaction without kind of that scary 'have to go into a business and apply.' "

To register, organizations can use the FHSU student career platform — Handshake.

They can also contact the Career Services office directly at (785) 628-4260 or by email at careers@fhsu.edu.&nbsp;

The Handshake system can be used year-round to connect with students looking for employment.

"It's very easy," Karlin said. "And employers, if they're interested in don't have a Handshake account and contact our office, we can help them get set up.

"Once they've done that, they can actually post jobs themselves, which is nice," she continued. "If an employer does not hire often for permanent positions, maybe just part-time or internships, and they don't really want to have to create an account they can actually just work with our office and we'll post those positions for them."

Along with helping students find potential employers, the office also works to connect businesses with interns.

"We have interns in the community all the time," Karlin said. "In fact, this summer, I think we have about seven in the Hays community. And then we have about 10 outside of Hays through a certain program that we offer throughout the year."

And with numerous other businesses securing internships on their own, it remains a way to recruit future help.

"It's a great way for them to get that hands-on experience and to make connections," Karlin said. "And so if an employer is interested in hosting a student intern, certainly contact career services because we can help them get connected."

<figure>
                        <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/8/1659382922756.jpeg" alt="" />
                        <figcaption></figcaption>
                    </figure><p><b>By JAMES BELL</b><br><i>Hays Post</i></p><p>In an effort to connect Fort Hays State University students to a community with high demand for new employees, the university will soon host a part-time job fair.</p><p>The event is scheduled from 2:30&nbsp; to 4 p.m., Aug. 24, in the Memorial Union on the FHSU campus.</p><p>"We want to invite any businesses and organizations who are trying to hire, especially students for part-time positions to participate," said&nbsp;Lisa Karlin, Fort Hays State University career and internships advisor. "There's no cost to attend, but they do have to register."</p><p>She said space will be limited and registration is required by Aug. 19. </p><p>"But I would say registering, the earlier, the better," Karlin said.</p><div><iframe title="FHSU job fair connects area business to potential workforce" allowtransparency="true" height="315" 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=tezd2-128fe98-pb&from=pb6admin&share=1&download=1&rtl=0&fonts=Arial&skin=3267a3&font-color=auto&logo_link=podcast_page&btn-skin=3267a3&size=315" allowfullscreen=""></iframe></div><p>For those employers that participate, she recommends having applications and organizational materials ready for students to review.</p><p>"If they have any kind of nice display, they can bring that, but they don't have to. They can just bring representatives, and we'll have a table for them," Karlin said.</p><p>In the current hiring landscape, full of digital applications and Zoom meetings, she said job fairs remain a great way to find and attract local talent.</p><p>&nbsp;"It's just a really good opportunity to interact one on one with students," Karlin said. "And it's great for the students too because they have a chance to find out what jobs are available in the community and have that interaction without kind of that scary 'have to go into a business and apply.' "</p><p>To register, organizations can use the FHSU student career platform — Handshake.</p><p>They can also contact the Career Services office directly at (785) 628-4260 or by email at careers@fhsu.edu.&nbsp;</p><p>The Handshake system can be used year-round to connect with students looking for employment.</p><p>"It's very easy," Karlin said. "And employers, if they're interested in don't have a Handshake account and contact our office, we can help them get set up.</p><p>"Once they've done that, they can actually post jobs themselves, which is nice," she continued. "If an employer does not hire often for permanent positions, maybe just part-time or internships, and they don't really want to have to create an account they can actually just work with our office and we'll post those positions for them."</p><p>Along with helping students find potential employers, the office also works to connect businesses with interns.</p><p>"We have interns in the community all the time," Karlin said. "In fact, this summer, I think we have about seven in the Hays community. And then we have about 10 outside of Hays through a certain program that we offer throughout the year."</p><p>And with numerous other businesses securing internships on their own, it remains a way to recruit future help.</p><p>"It's a great way for them to get that hands-on experience and to make connections," Karlin said. "And so if an employer is interested in hosting a student intern, certainly contact career services because we can help them get connected."</p>

🎙 FHSU job fair connects area business to potential workforce

<i>On this episode of the Post Podcast, Grow Hays executive director Doug Williams shares insights from recent tours of Ellis County's largest employers.</i><br>

<div><iframe title="Ellis County’s largest employers continue to help drive local economy" 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=mtj5v-12870e1-pb&from=pb6admin&square=1&share=1&download=1&rtl=0&fonts=Arial&skin=3267a3&font-color=auto&logo_link=podcast_page&btn-skin=3267a3&size=300" allowfullscreen=""></iframe></div><p><i>On this episode of the Post Podcast, Grow Hays executive director Doug Williams shares insights from recent tours of Ellis County's largest employers.</i><br></p><p><a href="https://postpodcast.podbean.com/">For more about the Post Podcast, including a full list of episodes and episode transcripts click here.</a></p>

🎙Post Podcast: Ellis County’s largest employers continue to help drive local economy

<i>On this episode of the Post Podcast Hays Fire Department Deputy Chief Shane Preston stops by to share safety tips for the school year.</i><br>

<div><iframe title="Help keep school age children safe with these tips" 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=9wncy-12870d2-pb&from=pb6admin&square=1&share=1&download=1&rtl=0&fonts=Arial&skin=3267a3&font-color=auto&logo_link=podcast_page&btn-skin=3267a3&size=300" allowfullscreen=""></iframe></div><p><i>On this episode of the Post Podcast Hays Fire Department Deputy Chief Shane Preston stops by to share safety tips for the school year.</i><br></p><p><a href="https://postpodcast.podbean.com/">For more about the Post Podcast, including a full list of episodes and episode transcripts click here.</a></p>

🎙Post Podcast: Help keep school age children safe with these tips

<i>On this episode of the Post Podcast, Cottonwood Extension District agent Stacy Campbell shares updates from the district.&nbsp;</i>

<div><iframe title="Extension district wheat test plot results released" 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=yxim2-128592d-pb&from=pb6admin&square=1&share=1&download=1&rtl=0&fonts=Arial&skin=3267a3&font-color=auto&logo_link=podcast_page&btn-skin=3267a3&size=300" allowfullscreen=""></iframe></div><p><i>On this episode of the Post Podcast, Cottonwood Extension District agent Stacy Campbell shares updates from the district.&nbsp;</i></p><p><a href="https://postpodcast.podbean.com/">For more about the Post Podcast, including a full list of episodes and episode transcripts click here.</a></p>

🎙Post Podcast: Extension district wheat test plot results released

<i>On this episode of the Post Podcast, Hays Chamber president and CEO Sarah Wasinger, shares details of the 2022 Community Cruise.</i>

<div><iframe title="Area leaders tour FHSU campus" 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=k6y3r-1283319-pb&from=pb6admin&square=1&share=1&download=1&rtl=0&fonts=Arial&skin=3267a3&font-color=auto&logo_link=podcast_page&btn-skin=3267a3&size=300" allowfullscreen=""></iframe></div><p><i>On this episode of the Post Podcast, Hays Chamber president and CEO Sarah Wasinger, shares details of the 2022 Community Cruise.</i></p><p><a href="https://postpodcast.podbean.com/">For more about the Post Podcast, including a full list of episodes and episode transcripts click here.</a></p>

🎙Post Podcast: Area leaders tour FHSU campus

This weekend, residents will have the opportunity to travel to the magical land of Oz as the Hays Community Theatre presents, <i>The Wizard of Oz, </i>the classic story of a Kansas girl’s adventures in a faraway land.

The production will feature more than 40 local actors, singers, and dancers of all ages taking the stage at 7 p.m. Thursday through Saturday in the Beach/Schmidt Performing Arts Center in Sheridan Hall on the Fort Hays State University campus.

Wendy Richmeier, director said the musical follows much of the classic movie but includes scenes cut from the 40s film.&nbsp;

"It's very similar," Richmeier said. "We start out in the black and white mindset. And then we go to the vivid color when Dorothy lands in Munchkin land and through her adventure in Munchkin land to see the Wizard to get back home. And then it goes back to our black and white as we did in the movie."

She said during the show the audience will see some similarities and some differences to the film, but being a live production creates an exciting new experience, even for those that know the story.

"This is an aesthetic show," Richmeier said. "We want to keep it as close to the Wizard of Oz that everybody knows and loves as much as possible. Of course, it is theater. We have some limitations, but when we can put an amazing show out there that everybody knows and loves, we're super excited."

And this year, she said, there was increased interest in the community theatre.

"This has been the summer to participate again," she said. 

That participation includes a variety of people from the community, creating an event for the community.

"We are a community theater, and that's what we do is we produce our shows for our community to come enjoy," Richmeier said. "The thing that I love about community theater is we are here for the community. Not everybody can be in a business organization or in a shotgun club. But we have a place for anyone and everyone that wants to do something or be part of our production."

"Parts of theater are not just the performing," she continued. "It takes all hands on deck to build set to paint set to create the set to create costuming, to put costuming together to create props, to just move things around on stage."

And for those interested in becoming involved, she said they welcome anyone and everyone.

 "The best thing to do if you want to give it a try is check out our website," Richmeier said. "And then also go to our Facebook page, Twitter, we're out everywhere. We have an email, give us a shout, and someone will get back to you. Or just show up at one of our productions. Talk to one of our stage crew, one of our directors or one of our board members."

And as the cast presents the show from the FHSU campus, the location is not the only tie to the university as FHSU's "First Dog" Gracie Mason will play the part of Toto.

"That was a bit of a challenge," Richmeier said. "We wanted to use a live dog and I've never used a live animal before. But I'll tell you what, it is so fun having her on stage and the support that Fort Hays has given. It's gonna be a great show."

For all those making the show possible, she said she is grateful.

"I just want to give a shout-out to everybody that has taken part in this production in any aspect," Richmeier said. "It takes a lot to put a show together. It's not just one person sitting in a chair shouting out, do this do that, they have to have their hearts in it. And this has been a great production. I hope everybody comes out to see everybody's heart that's been in the show."

Tickets are now on sale at the Hays Community Theatre website, <a href="http://hctks.com/">hctks.com</a>, or at the door for $15.

All seats purchased in advance are reserved.

<figure>
                        <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/7/1658800899137.jpeg" alt="Photo by James Bell/Hays Post" />
                        <figcaption>Photo by James Bell/Hays Post</figcaption>
                    </figure><p><b>By JAMES BELL</b><br><i>Hays Post</i></p><p>This weekend, residents will have the opportunity to travel to the magical land of Oz as the Hays Community Theatre presents, <i>The Wizard of Oz, </i>the classic story of a Kansas girl’s adventures in a faraway land.</p><p>The production will feature more than 40 local actors, singers, and dancers of all ages taking the stage at 7 p.m. Thursday through Saturday in the Beach/Schmidt Performing Arts Center in Sheridan Hall on the Fort Hays State University campus.</p><p>Wendy Richmeier, director said the musical follows much of the classic movie but includes scenes cut from the 40s film.&nbsp;</p><p>"It's very similar," Richmeier said. "We start out in the black and white mindset. And then we go to the vivid color when Dorothy lands in Munchkin land and through her adventure in Munchkin land to see the Wizard to get back home. And then it goes back to our black and white as we did in the movie."</p><div><iframe title="Hays Community Theatre Presents ‘Wizard of Oz’ this weekend" 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=dvqdz-1281f80-pb&from=pb6admin&square=1&share=1&download=1&rtl=0&fonts=Arial&skin=3267a3&font-color=auto&logo_link=podcast_page&btn-skin=3267a3&size=300" allowfullscreen=""></iframe></div><p>She said during the show the audience will see some similarities and some differences to the film, but being a live production creates an exciting new experience, even for those that know the story.</p><p>"This is an aesthetic show," Richmeier said. "We want to keep it as close to the Wizard of Oz that everybody knows and loves as much as possible. Of course, it is theater. We have some limitations, but when we can put an amazing show out there that everybody knows and loves, we're super excited."</p><p>And this year, she said, there was increased interest in the community theatre.</p><p>"This has been the summer to participate again," she said. </p><p>That participation includes a variety of people from the community, creating an event for the community.</p><p>"We are a community theater, and that's what we do is we produce our shows for our community to come enjoy," Richmeier said. "The thing that I love about community theater is we are here for the community. Not everybody can be in a business organization or in a shotgun club. But we have a place for anyone and everyone that wants to do something or be part of our production."</p><figure>
                        <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/7/1658800921934.jpeg" alt="Photo by James Bell/Hays Post" />
                        <figcaption>Photo by James Bell/Hays Post</figcaption>
                    </figure><p>"Parts of theater are not just the performing," she continued. "It takes all hands on deck to build set to paint set to create the set to create costuming, to put costuming together to create props, to just move things around on stage."</p><p>And for those interested in becoming involved, she said they welcome anyone and everyone.</p><p> "The best thing to do if you want to give it a try is check out our website," Richmeier said. "And then also go to our Facebook page, Twitter, we're out everywhere. We have an email, give us a shout, and someone will get back to you. Or just show up at one of our productions. Talk to one of our stage crew, one of our directors or one of our board members."</p><p>And as the cast presents the show from the FHSU campus, the location is not the only tie to the university as FHSU's "First Dog" Gracie Mason will play the part of Toto.</p><figure>
                        <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/7/1658800948611.jpeg" alt="Photo by James Bell/Hays Post" />
                        <figcaption>Photo by James Bell/Hays Post</figcaption>
                    </figure><p>"That was a bit of a challenge," Richmeier said. "We wanted to use a live dog and I've never used a live animal before. But I'll tell you what, it is so fun having her on stage and the support that Fort Hays has given. It's gonna be a great show."</p><p>For all those making the show possible, she said she is grateful.</p><p>"I just want to give a shout-out to everybody that has taken part in this production in any aspect," Richmeier said. "It takes a lot to put a show together. It's not just one person sitting in a chair shouting out, do this do that, they have to have their hearts in it. And this has been a great production. I hope everybody comes out to see everybody's heart that's been in the show."</p><p>Tickets are now on sale at the Hays Community Theatre website, <a href="http://hctks.com/">hctks.com</a>, or at the door for $15.</p><p>All seats purchased in advance are reserved.</p><figure>
                        <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/7/1658800857626.jpeg" alt="Photo by James Bell/Hays Post" />
                        <figcaption>Photo by James Bell/Hays Post</figcaption>
                    </figure>

🎙 Hays Community Theatre Presents ‘Wizard of Oz’ this weekend

<i>On this episode of the Post Podcast, Grow Hays executive director Doug Williams shares information about the impact of continued low unemployment rates across northwest Kansas.</i>

<div><iframe title="Low area unemployment continues to impact economies" 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=vjr7t-12819ce-pb&from=pb6admin&square=1&share=1&download=1&rtl=0&fonts=Arial&skin=3267a3&font-color=auto&logo_link=podcast_page&btn-skin=3267a3&size=450" allowfullscreen=""></iframe></div><p><i>On this episode of the Post Podcast, Grow Hays executive director Doug Williams shares information about the impact of continued low unemployment rates across northwest Kansas.</i></p><p><a href="https://postpodcast.podbean.com/">For more about the Post Podcast, including a full list of episodes and episode transcripts click here.</a></p>