The Ellis County Historical Society has been collecting
artifacts and other historical items for several years and that has led to an
overabundance of items that are duplicate and may not fit their mission.

Executive Director Amanda Rupp says they will host a sale on
Saturday as part of the Bazaar on the Bricks in downtown Hays.

<div><iframe title="Post Podcast: Ellis County Historical Society" height="150" width="100%" style="border: none;" scrolling="no" data-name="pb-iframe-player" src="https://www.podbean.com/player-v2/?i=adaaq-1914974-pb&from=pb6admin&share=1&download=1&rtl=0&fonts=Arial&skin=3267a3&font-color=auto&logo_link=podcast_page&btn-skin=60a0c8&size=315" allowfullscreen=""></iframe></div><p>The Ellis County Historical Society has been collecting
artifacts and other historical items for several years and that has led to an
overabundance of items that are duplicate and may not fit their mission.</p><p>Executive Director Amanda Rupp says they will host a sale on
Saturday as part of the Bazaar on the Bricks in downtown Hays.</p>

🎙 Post Podcast: Historical Society offering artifacts for sale

<i>KAYS Morning Blend Host Jeff Leiker chats with Jack Hues, lead singer for Wang Chung. The band will be performing in Dodge City on Friday.</i>

<div><iframe title="Post Podcast: Wang Chung takes the stage with Rick Springfield's &quot;I Want My 80's Tour&quot; in Dodge City, Friday" allowtransparency="true" height="300" width="100%" style="border: none; min-width: min(100%, 430px);height:300px;" scrolling="no" data-name="pb-iframe-player" src="https://www.podbean.com/player-v2/?from=embed&i=dwsmn-190f42a-pb&square=1&share=1&download=1&fonts=Arial&skin=3267a3&font-color=auto&rtl=0&logo_link=podcast_page&btn-skin=60a0c8&size=300" loading="lazy" allowfullscreen=""></iframe></div><p><i>KAYS Morning Blend Host Jeff Leiker chats with Jack Hues, lead singer for Wang Chung. The band will be performing in Dodge City on Friday.</i></p>

🎙 Post Podcast: Wang Chung

<b>By CRISTINA JANNEY<br></b><i>Hays Post</i>

Hays Community Theatre will stage the ABBA hit musical "Mamma Mia!" at 7 p.m. Thursday, Friday and Saturday at the Beach-Schmidt Performing Arts Center on the Fort Hays State University Campus.

"Mamma Mia!" is a jukebox sensation based on a book by Catherine Johnson and music by Benny Andersson and Bjorn Ulvaeus from the band ABBA, said Director Pamela Grizzell.

"If you were a kid in the '70s, the place to go was Stardust Skate Center, and the tunes playing through the air were ABBA. It really touches a generation. They have taken all of the ABBA songs and created a sensational playlist that makes you want to sing along, dance along," she said.

The musical premiered at the Prince Edward Theatre in the West End in 1999.

The film adaptation was released in summer 2008 and starred Meryl Streep, Amanda Seyfried and Pierce Brosnan.

The story opens as friends and family are gathering for the wedding of young Sophie Sheridan. 

Sophie has never met her father and invites several men who had relationships with her mother, Donna, in an attempt to determine which one is her dad.

Her mother doesn't know of Sophie's plan, and it has been a long time since she has seen any of the men from her past.

Bill Gasper, assistant director, said the musical offers a little romance and surprise, and in the end, Donna reunites with her love.

"It's the theme of family, freindship and coming of age and discovering who you really are," Grizzell said.

The cast comprises 33 actors, with Rebecca Cole playing Sophie, the daughter, and Anita Walters playing Donna, the mother.

"We have a lot of senior actors in Hays who don't always have those opportunities to shine," Grizzell said, "and this is like the golden ticket for them. It provides a venue, an outlet for them to show off their craft."

Grizzell said the cast includes actors of all ages, and that is the meaning of community theater.

"I have to give it to the board, who chose this show," she said. "Not only is it something that the audience is going to love, but it also really reflects all the actors' abilities in our community, and it lets everybody get involved."

Gasper said he wanted to echo the praise of the cast.

"This show has a lot of choreography, more than most shows do. ... They have really held together and done a great job on that. Our principal actors are excellent," he said. "They sing well. Our ensemble, I think, sounds phenomenal when they are singing together.&nbsp;

"It is overall a very, very good dynamic show. I have been involved in a lot of productions, and this is really top-notch."

Grizzell said the actors in this production have a lot of insight.&nbsp;

"Because some of them are a little older, they bring life experiences with them," she said. "Monte Smith is the one who comes to mind. He has been with the community theater for a long time and even directed at the high school for a few years. 

"He brings a wealth of knowledge and instinct on where he needs to be and what he needs to do and how he can draw that extra emotion out."

She said several actors in the show have the ability to bring the show to life.

Gasper taught at Hays High School and still directs shows there, but he said he has been a bit overwhelmed by the move from the community theatre venue downtown to the performing arts center.&nbsp;

The crew began teardown on Sunday and has less than a week to fine-tune the sets, audio and lights.

Tickets must be purchased through <a href="https://www.hctks.com/">HCTKS.com</a>&nbsp;or at the door and are $15 each.&nbsp;

The show's music director is Amy Staab, and the director of choreography is Nathan Leiker

<b>Cast list<br>Sophie Sheridan</b>—Rebecca Cole&nbsp;<br><b>Ali</b>—McKynlee Stecklein&nbsp;<br><b>Lisa</b>—Allie Straub<br><b>Donna Sheridan</b>—Anita Walters<br><b>Tanya Chesham-Leigh</b>—Wendy Richmeier<br><b>Rosie Mulligan</b>—Dana Jo Stanton&nbsp;<br><b>Sam Carmichael</b>—Travis Grizzell<br><b>Harry Bright</b>—Andy Stanton<br><b>Bill Austin</b>—Monte Smith<br><b>Sky</b>—Nathan Stecklein<br><b>Pepper</b>—Arron Hardin<br><b>Eddie</b>—Nathan Leiker<br><b>Father</b>—Alexandrios	Everett Robert<br><b>Young Sophie</b>—Victoria Heimann<br><br><b>Ensemble </b>(Local residents)—Mia Baltodano, Sadie Campbell, EJ Fenwick, Lydia Funk, Allison Goertzen, Morgan Greenwood (waitress), Zachary Leiker, Rowan Neeley, Bryler Russell, Madicyn Urban, Olivia Werth&nbsp;<br>

<b>Ensemble </b>(Tourists)	Adam Conkey, Nicole Feyerherm,&nbsp;&nbsp;Jeanne Geist, Lilly Kimberlein, Adrian Normandin,&nbsp; Everett Robert, Holly Trullinger, Katie Vaughn&nbsp;

<figure>
                        <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/7/1753216488723.jpeg" alt="Cast members dance and sing to a reprise of Mamma Mia! at the conclusion of the Hays Community Theatre's performance of the musical "Mamma Mia!" Photo by Bill Gasper/Special to Post" />
                        <figcaption>Cast members dance and sing to a reprise of Mamma Mia! at the conclusion of the Hays Community Theatre's performance of the musical "Mamma Mia!" Photo by Bill Gasper/Special to Post</figcaption>
                    </figure><div><iframe title="Post Podcast: Hays Community Theatre Presents Mamma Mia" allowtransparency="true" height="300" width="100%" style="border: none; min-width: min(100%, 430px);height:300px;" scrolling="no" data-name="pb-iframe-player" src="https://www.podbean.com/player-v2/?from=embed&i=5cb5j-1911222-pb&square=1&share=1&download=1&fonts=Arial&skin=3267a3&font-color=auto&rtl=0&logo_link=podcast_page&btn-skin=60a0c8&size=300" loading="lazy" allowfullscreen=""></iframe></div><p><b>By CRISTINA JANNEY<br></b><i>Hays Post</i></p><p>Hays Community Theatre will stage the ABBA hit musical "Mamma Mia!" at 7 p.m. Thursday, Friday and Saturday at the Beach-Schmidt Performing Arts Center on the Fort Hays State University Campus.</p><p>"Mamma Mia!" is a jukebox sensation based on a book by Catherine Johnson and music by Benny Andersson and Bjorn Ulvaeus from the band ABBA, said Director Pamela Grizzell.</p><p>"If you were a kid in the '70s, the place to go was Stardust Skate Center, and the tunes playing through the air were ABBA. It really touches a generation. They have taken all of the ABBA songs and created a sensational playlist that makes you want to sing along, dance along," she said.</p><figure>
                        <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/7/1753216525539.jpeg" alt="&nbsp;Lisa (Allie Straub) and Ali (McKynlee Stecklein) listen as Sophie (Rebecca Cole) reads from her mom’s diary in Act 1 of Mamma Mia!, which will be presented Thursday-Saturday by Hays Community Theatre at Beach-Schmidt Performing Arts Center.&nbsp;Photo by Bill Gasper/Special to Post" />
                        <figcaption>&nbsp;Lisa (Allie Straub) and Ali (McKynlee Stecklein) listen as Sophie (Rebecca Cole) reads from her mom’s diary in Act 1 of Mamma Mia!, which will be presented Thursday-Saturday by Hays Community Theatre at Beach-Schmidt Performing Arts Center.&nbsp;Photo by Bill Gasper/Special to Post</figcaption>
                    </figure><figure>
                        <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/7/1753216437758.jpeg" alt="&nbsp;Taking a trip down memory lane, Donna and the Dynamos sing “Dancing Queen.” The trio is comprised of Tanya (Wendy Richmeier), Donna (Anita Walters), and Rosie (Dana Jo Stanton).&nbsp;Photo by Bill Gasper/Special to Post" />
                        <figcaption>&nbsp;Taking a trip down memory lane, Donna and the Dynamos sing “Dancing Queen.” The trio is comprised of Tanya (Wendy Richmeier), Donna (Anita Walters), and Rosie (Dana Jo Stanton).&nbsp;Photo by Bill Gasper/Special to Post</figcaption>
                    </figure><p>The musical premiered at the Prince Edward Theatre in the West End in 1999.</p><p>The film adaptation was released in summer 2008 and starred Meryl Streep, Amanda Seyfried and Pierce Brosnan.</p><p>The story opens as friends and family are gathering for the wedding of young Sophie Sheridan. </p><p>Sophie has never met her father and invites several men who had relationships with her mother, Donna, in an attempt to determine which one is her dad.</p><figure>
                        <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/7/1753216476722.jpeg" alt="Expressing her emotions related to the love she once had, Donna (Anita Walters) sings “The Winner Takes It All.”&nbsp;&nbsp;Photo by Bill Gasper/Special to Post" />
                        <figcaption>Expressing her emotions related to the love she once had, Donna (Anita Walters) sings “The Winner Takes It All.”&nbsp;&nbsp;Photo by Bill Gasper/Special to Post</figcaption>
                    </figure><figure>
                        <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/7/1753216209544.jpeg" alt="Tanya (Wendy Richmeier) brushes off the advances of young suitor Pepper (Arron Hardin) during the song “Does Your Mother Know.”&nbsp; Photo by Bill Gasper/Special to Post" />
                        <figcaption>Tanya (Wendy Richmeier) brushes off the advances of young suitor Pepper (Arron Hardin) during the song “Does Your Mother Know.”&nbsp; Photo by Bill Gasper/Special to Post</figcaption>
                    </figure><p>Her mother doesn't know of Sophie's plan, and it has been a long time since she has seen any of the men from her past.</p><p>Bill Gasper, assistant director, said the musical offers a little romance and surprise, and in the end, Donna reunites with her love.</p><p>"It's the theme of family, freindship and coming of age and discovering who you really are," Grizzell said.</p><p>The cast comprises 33 actors, with Rebecca Cole playing Sophie, the daughter, and Anita Walters playing Donna, the mother.</p><figure>
                        <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/7/1753216510988.jpeg" alt="Harry (Andy Stanton) and Donna (Anita Walters) reminisce their past time together in the song “Our Last Summer.”&nbsp;&nbsp;Photo by Bill Gasper/Special to Post" />
                        <figcaption>Harry (Andy Stanton) and Donna (Anita Walters) reminisce their past time together in the song “Our Last Summer.”&nbsp;&nbsp;Photo by Bill Gasper/Special to Post</figcaption>
                    </figure><p>"We have a lot of senior actors in Hays who don't always have those opportunities to shine," Grizzell said, "and this is like the golden ticket for them. It provides a venue, an outlet for them to show off their craft."</p><p>Grizzell said the cast includes actors of all ages, and that is the meaning of community theater.</p><p>"I have to give it to the board, who chose this show," she said. "Not only is it something that the audience is going to love, but it also really reflects all the actors' abilities in our community, and it lets everybody get involved."</p><figure>
                        <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/7/1753216549303.jpeg" alt="Returning from a fishing trip, Rosie (Dana Jo Stanton) and Bill (Monte Smith) are not shy about revealing their feelings for each other.&nbsp;&nbsp;Photo by Bill Gasper/Special to Post" />
                        <figcaption>Returning from a fishing trip, Rosie (Dana Jo Stanton) and Bill (Monte Smith) are not shy about revealing their feelings for each other.&nbsp;&nbsp;Photo by Bill Gasper/Special to Post</figcaption>
                    </figure><figure>
                        <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/7/1753216565405.jpeg" alt="Sophie and Sky are interrupted by a group of party-goers, who arrive on the scene to take Sky away to his bachelor’s party.&nbsp;Photo by Bill Gasper/Special to Post" />
                        <figcaption>Sophie and Sky are interrupted by a group of party-goers, who arrive on the scene to take Sky away to his bachelor’s party.&nbsp;Photo by Bill Gasper/Special to Post</figcaption>
                    </figure><p>Gasper said he wanted to echo the praise of the cast.</p><p>"This show has a lot of choreography, more than most shows do. ... They have really held together and done a great job on that. Our principal actors are excellent," he said. "They sing well. Our ensemble, I think, sounds phenomenal when they are singing together.&nbsp;</p><p>"It is overall a very, very good dynamic show. I have been involved in a lot of productions, and this is really top-notch."</p><p>Grizzell said the actors in this production have a lot of insight.&nbsp;</p><p>"Because some of them are a little older, they bring life experiences with them," she said. "Monte Smith is the one who comes to mind. He has been with the community theater for a long time and even directed at the high school for a few years. </p><p>"He brings a wealth of knowledge and instinct on where he needs to be and what he needs to do and how he can draw that extra emotion out."</p><figure>
                        <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/7/1753216588521.jpeg" alt="On the eve of their wedding, Sophie (Rebecca Cole) and Sky (Nathan Stecklein) sing “Lay All Your Love On Me.”&nbsp;&nbsp;Photo by Bill Gasper/Special to Post" />
                        <figcaption>On the eve of their wedding, Sophie (Rebecca Cole) and Sky (Nathan Stecklein) sing “Lay All Your Love On Me.”&nbsp;&nbsp;Photo by Bill Gasper/Special to Post</figcaption>
                    </figure><figure>
                        <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/7/1753216454756.jpeg" alt="Donna (Anita Walters) considers a proposal from her lost love, Sam, (Travis Grizzell) as he sings “I Do, I Do, I Do, I Do, I Do.”&nbsp;&nbsp;Photo by Bill Gasper/Special to Post" />
                        <figcaption>Donna (Anita Walters) considers a proposal from her lost love, Sam, (Travis Grizzell) as he sings “I Do, I Do, I Do, I Do, I Do.”&nbsp;&nbsp;Photo by Bill Gasper/Special to Post</figcaption>
                    </figure><p>She said several actors in the show have the ability to bring the show to life.</p><p>Gasper taught at Hays High School and still directs shows there, but he said he has been a bit overwhelmed by the move from the community theatre venue downtown to the performing arts center.&nbsp;</p><p>The crew began teardown on Sunday and has less than a week to fine-tune the sets, audio and lights.</p><p>Tickets must be purchased through <a href="https://www.hctks.com/">HCTKS.com</a>&nbsp;or at the door and are $15 each.&nbsp;</p><p>The show's music director is Amy Staab, and the director of choreography is Nathan Leiker</p><p><b>Cast list<br>Sophie Sheridan</b>—Rebecca Cole&nbsp;<br><b>Ali</b>—McKynlee Stecklein&nbsp;<br><b>Lisa</b>—Allie Straub<br><b>Donna Sheridan</b>—Anita Walters<br><b>Tanya Chesham-Leigh</b>—Wendy Richmeier<br><b>Rosie Mulligan</b>—Dana Jo Stanton&nbsp;<br><b>Sam Carmichael</b>—Travis Grizzell<br><b>Harry Bright</b>—Andy Stanton<br><b>Bill Austin</b>—Monte Smith<br><b>Sky</b>—Nathan Stecklein<br><b>Pepper</b>—Arron Hardin<br><b>Eddie</b>—Nathan Leiker<br><b>Father</b>—Alexandrios	Everett Robert<br><b>Young Sophie</b>—Victoria Heimann<br><br><b>Ensemble </b>(Local residents)—Mia Baltodano, Sadie Campbell, EJ Fenwick, Lydia Funk, Allison Goertzen, Morgan Greenwood (waitress), Zachary Leiker, Rowan Neeley, Bryler Russell, Madicyn Urban, Olivia Werth&nbsp;<br></p><p><b>Ensemble </b>(Tourists)	Adam Conkey, Nicole Feyerherm,&nbsp;&nbsp;Jeanne Geist, Lilly Kimberlein, Adrian Normandin,&nbsp; Everett Robert, Holly Trullinger, Katie Vaughn&nbsp;</p>

Hays Community Theatre to present ABBA hit musical 'Mamma Mia!'

On this episode of the Hays Post Podcast, news reporter Becky Kiser talks with Brenda Meder, executive director of the Hays Arts Council about summer art center activities and the upcoming Fall Art Walk on Aug. 22.

<div><iframe title="Post Podcast: Summer activities at the Hays Arts Council" allowtransparency="true" height="300" width="100%" style="border: none; min-width: min(100%, 430px);height:300px;" scrolling="no" data-name="pb-iframe-player" src="https://www.podbean.com/player-v2/?from=embed&i=f9rfr-1908cba-pb&square=1&share=1&download=1&fonts=Arial&skin=3267a3&font-color=auto&rtl=0&logo_link=podcast_page&btn-skin=60a0c8&size=300" loading="lazy" allowfullscreen=""></iframe></div><p>On this episode of the Hays Post Podcast, news reporter Becky Kiser talks with Brenda Meder, executive director of the Hays Arts Council about summer art center activities and the upcoming Fall Art Walk on Aug. 22.</p>

🎙 Post Podcast: Summer activities at the Hays Arts Council

<i>Reporter Cristina Janney speaks with Doug Williams of Grow Hays about the property taxes and ongoing building projects on this episode of the Hays Post Podcast.</i>

Please submit your questions for Doug for future interviews to&nbsp;hayspost@eaglemedia.com.

<figure>
                        <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/4/1650389030295.jpeg" alt="" />
                        <figcaption></figcaption>
                    </figure><div><iframe title="Post Podcast: Grow Hays" allowtransparency="true" height="300" width="100%" style="border: none; min-width: min(100%, 430px);height:300px;" scrolling="no" data-name="pb-iframe-player" src="https://www.podbean.com/player-v2/?from=embed&i=jvgqv-190bc2a-pb&square=1&share=1&download=1&fonts=Arial&skin=3267a3&font-color=auto&rtl=0&logo_link=podcast_page&btn-skin=60a0c8&size=300" loading="lazy" allowfullscreen=""></iframe></div><p><i>Reporter Cristina Janney speaks with Doug Williams of Grow Hays about the property taxes and ongoing building projects on this episode of the Hays Post Podcast.</i></p><p>Please submit your questions for Doug for future interviews to&nbsp;hayspost@eaglemedia.com.</p>

🎙 Post Podcast: Doug Williams of Grow Hays on property taxes

<i>On this episode of the Hays Post Podcast, news reporter Becky Kiser talks with Adam Kober, a former Hays Mason, about the upcoming free health and cancer screening outreach in Hays.&nbsp;</i>

<i>The walk-in clinic is a collaboration between the University of Kansas Cancer Center and the Masonic Cancer Alliance.</i>

It will be held 9 a.m. to noon on Saturday, July 26&nbsp; at the First United Methodist Church, 305 W. 7th.&nbsp;

Screenings will be available for prostate cancer, skin cancer and colorectal cancer. Information will be available about tobacco cessation.&nbsp;

No appointment is necessary and all ages are welcome.&nbsp;

<figure>
                        <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/4/1650389030295.jpeg" alt="<br>" />
                        <figcaption><br></figcaption>
                    </figure><div><iframe title="Post Podcast: Free health and cancer screening clinic in Hays" allowtransparency="true" height="300" width="100%" style="border: none; min-width: min(100%, 430px);height:300px;" scrolling="no" data-name="pb-iframe-player" src="https://www.podbean.com/player-v2/?from=embed&i=acmq9-190a453-pb&square=1&share=1&download=1&fonts=Arial&skin=3267a3&font-color=auto&rtl=0&logo_link=podcast_page&btn-skin=60a0c8&size=300" loading="lazy" allowfullscreen=""></iframe></div><p><i>On this episode of the Hays Post Podcast, news reporter Becky Kiser talks with Adam Kober, a former Hays Mason, about the upcoming free health and cancer screening outreach in Hays.&nbsp;</i></p><p><i>The walk-in clinic is a collaboration between the University of Kansas Cancer Center and the Masonic Cancer Alliance.</i></p><p>It will be held 9 a.m. to noon on Saturday, July 26&nbsp; at the First United Methodist Church, 305 W. 7th.&nbsp;</p><p>Screenings will be available for prostate cancer, skin cancer and colorectal cancer. Information will be available about tobacco cessation.&nbsp;</p><p>No appointment is necessary and all ages are welcome.&nbsp;</p>

🎙 Post Podcast: Free health, cancer screening clinic in Hays

<i>On this episode of Forward Ever: Leading in Challenging Times, host Gary Shorman talks with Jonathan Finch of the National Weather Service in Dodge City.</i>

<div><iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/qB5SqMyOHUU?si=jS62hJlTL-99VeA5" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" referrerpolicy="strict-origin-when-cross-origin" allowfullscreen></iframe></div><p><i>On this episode of Forward Ever: Leading in Challenging Times, host Gary Shorman talks with Jonathan Finch of the National Weather Service in Dodge City.</i></p>

🎤 Forward Ever: Jonathan Finch of National Weather Service

<b>By TONY GUERRERO</b><br><i>Hays Post</i><br>

The Hays Police Department conducted a multi-day active shooter training to prepare officers for high-stress situations.

On Tuesday, Hays police officers were at the permanently closed AMC movie theater,&nbsp;2918 Vine St. On Wednesday, multiple agencies trained at Roosevelt Elementary,&nbsp;2000 MacArthur Road. Hays police officers will be training at the AMC theater again today.

Det. David Gillian is leading the training sessions and said each setting offers different obstacles and challenges that responding officers may encounter.

"The main objective is to ensure that officers are appropriately trained and know how to appropriately respond to an active shooter event," Gillian said.

Gillian told the officers on Wednesday as they debriefed after running a scenario, "We pray that this doesn't happen."

The Hays Police Department worked alongside the city of Ellis Police Department, Victoria Police Department, Fort Hays State University Police, the Ellis County Sheriff's Office and the Department of Wildlife and Parks.

"These events are rapidly evolving. They offer challenges in themselves for one agency to go to, and now you start compiling all the different agencies within Ellis County that would likely respond to, you've got a lot of different moving parts," Gillian said. "It's crucial to train in that type of environment."

Gillian said the training consisted of firing blanks and included actors, some of whom were school staff members.

This is the second year of multi-agency training, following last year's training at Wilson Elementary School.

<div><iframe title="Post Podcast: Hays police, local agencies train for active shooter response" allowtransparency="true" height="300" width="100%" style="border: none; min-width: min(100%, 430px);height:300px;" scrolling="no" data-name="pb-iframe-player" src="https://www.podbean.com/player-v2/?from=embed&i=6xh9y-1908ccb-pb&square=1&share=1&download=1&fonts=Arial&skin=3267a3&font-color=auto&rtl=0&logo_link=podcast_page&btn-skin=60a0c8&size=300" loading="lazy" allowfullscreen=""></iframe></div><figure>
                        <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/7/1752694295599.jpeg" alt="Officers breach a classroom during an active shooter training exercise at Roosevelt Elementary School on Wednesday. In this scenario, an active shooter has been firing inside a classroom, and officers have just shot the perpetrator (right). Photo by Cristina Janney/Hays Post" />
                        <figcaption>Officers breach a classroom during an active shooter training exercise at Roosevelt Elementary School on Wednesday. In this scenario, an active shooter has been firing inside a classroom, and officers have just shot the perpetrator (right). Photo by Cristina Janney/Hays Post</figcaption>
                    </figure><p><b>By TONY GUERRERO</b><br><i>Hays Post</i><br></p><p>The Hays Police Department conducted a multi-day active shooter training to prepare officers for high-stress situations.</p><p>On Tuesday, Hays police officers were at the permanently closed AMC movie theater,&nbsp;2918 Vine St. On Wednesday, multiple agencies trained at Roosevelt Elementary,&nbsp;2000 MacArthur Road. Hays police officers will be training at the AMC theater again today.</p><p>Det. David Gillian is leading the training sessions and said each setting offers different obstacles and challenges that responding officers may encounter.</p><figure>
                        <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/7/1752698632365.jpeg" alt="Officers prepare to breach a classroom with a suspected active shooter inside during training Wednesday at Roosevelt Elementary School. Photo by Cristina Janney/Hays Post" />
                        <figcaption>Officers prepare to breach a classroom with a suspected active shooter inside during training Wednesday at Roosevelt Elementary School. Photo by Cristina Janney/Hays Post</figcaption>
                    </figure><figure>
                        <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/7/1752698143477.jpeg" alt="Officers begin to breach a classroom during active shooter training on Wednesday. Photo by Cristina Janney/Hays Post" />
                        <figcaption>Officers begin to breach a classroom during active shooter training on Wednesday. Photo by Cristina Janney/Hays Post</figcaption>
                    </figure><figure>
                        <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/7/1752697605032.jpeg" alt="An actor portrays an active shooter as area law enforcement officers enter a classroom Wednesday at Roosevelt Elementary School. Photo by Cristina Janney/Hays Post" />
                        <figcaption>An actor portrays an active shooter as area law enforcement officers enter a classroom Wednesday at Roosevelt Elementary School. Photo by Cristina Janney/Hays Post</figcaption>
                    </figure><figure>
                        <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/7/1752694732487.jpeg" alt="Officers respond to shots being fired during an active shooter training Wednesday at Roosevelt Elementary School. Officers used blank rounds to engage actors in multiple scenarios.&nbsp;Photo by Cristina Janney/Hays Post" />
                        <figcaption>Officers respond to shots being fired during an active shooter training Wednesday at Roosevelt Elementary School. Officers used blank rounds to engage actors in multiple scenarios.&nbsp;Photo by Cristina Janney/Hays Post</figcaption>
                    </figure><figure>
                        <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/7/1752696270934.jpeg" alt="Officers subdue an active shooter during a training exercise&nbsp;on Wednesday at Roosevelt Elementary School as actors portray victims lying in a hallway. A training officer in a yellow vest at left observes. Photo by Cristina Janney/Hays Post" />
                        <figcaption>Officers subdue an active shooter during a training exercise&nbsp;on Wednesday at Roosevelt Elementary School as actors portray victims lying in a hallway. A training officer in a yellow vest at left observes. Photo by Cristina Janney/Hays Post</figcaption>
                    </figure><p>"The main objective is to ensure that officers are appropriately trained and know how to appropriately respond to an active shooter event," Gillian said.</p><p>Gillian told the officers on Wednesday as they debriefed after running a scenario, "We pray that this doesn't happen."</p><p>The Hays Police Department worked alongside the city of Ellis Police Department, Victoria Police Department, Fort Hays State University Police, the Ellis County Sheriff's Office and the Department of Wildlife and Parks.</p><p>"These events are rapidly evolving. They offer challenges in themselves for one agency to go to, and now you start compiling all the different agencies within Ellis County that would likely respond to, you've got a lot of different moving parts," Gillian said. "It's crucial to train in that type of environment."</p><figure>
                        <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/7/1752695101666.jpeg" alt="School staff play the role of victims in an active shooter training on Wednesday at Roosevelt Elementary School. The actors were asked to cry out to simulate the chaos that officers would face during a real active shooter incident. Photo by Cristina Janney/Hays Post" />
                        <figcaption>School staff play the role of victims in an active shooter training on Wednesday at Roosevelt Elementary School. The actors were asked to cry out to simulate the chaos that officers would face during a real active shooter incident. Photo by Cristina Janney/Hays Post</figcaption>
                    </figure><figure>
                        <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/7/1752695412138.jpeg" alt="An officer applies a&nbsp;<b>t</b>ourniquet to the leg of a wounded actor during&nbsp;active shooter training on Wednesday at Roosevelt Elementary School. Multiple law enforcement agencies from the area participated in the training. Photo by Cristina Janney/Hays Post" />
                        <figcaption>An officer applies a&nbsp;<b>t</b>ourniquet to the leg of a wounded actor during&nbsp;active shooter training on Wednesday at Roosevelt Elementary School. Multiple law enforcement agencies from the area participated in the training. Photo by Cristina Janney/Hays Post</figcaption>
                    </figure><figure>
                        <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/7/1752696581260.jpeg" alt="Jess Reling, assistant to the superintendent, portrays a victim during active shooter training. Officers were charged with triaging and trying to evacuate victims during the scenarios. Some actors portrayed deceased individuals, and dummies were used to represent children. Photo by Cristina Janney/Hays Post" />
                        <figcaption>Jess Reling, assistant to the superintendent, portrays a victim during active shooter training. Officers were charged with triaging and trying to evacuate victims during the scenarios. Some actors portrayed deceased individuals, and dummies were used to represent children. Photo by Cristina Janney/Hays Post</figcaption>
                    </figure><figure>
                        <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/7/1752698279943.jpeg" alt="An officer evacuates an injured victim as training officers observe during active shooter training Wednesday. Photo by Cristina Janney/Hays Post" />
                        <figcaption>An officer evacuates an injured victim as training officers observe during active shooter training Wednesday. Photo by Cristina Janney/Hays Post</figcaption>
                    </figure><p>Gillian said the training consisted of firing blanks and included actors, some of whom were school staff members.</p><p>This is the second year of multi-agency training, following last year's training at Wilson Elementary School.</p><figure>
                        <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/7/1752697946760.jpeg" alt="An officer helps check a room for additional threats during active shooter training on Wednesday. Photo by Cristina Janney/Hays Post" />
                        <figcaption>An officer helps check a room for additional threats during active shooter training on Wednesday. Photo by Cristina Janney/Hays Post</figcaption>
                    </figure><figure>
                        <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/7/1752696950553.jpeg" alt="A Hays police officer handcuffs a perpetrator as a training officer looks on during an active shooter drill Wednesday at Roosevelt Elementary School. Actors portray injured victims in the background. Photo by Cristina Janney/Hays Post" />
                        <figcaption>A Hays police officer handcuffs a perpetrator as a training officer looks on during an active shooter drill Wednesday at Roosevelt Elementary School. Actors portray injured victims in the background. Photo by Cristina Janney/Hays Post</figcaption>
                    </figure><figure>
                        <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/7/1752698901100.jpeg" alt="Officers debrief after running an active shooter scenario Wednesday at Roosevelt Elementary School. Officers from the Hays Police Department, Ellis Police Department, Victoria Police Department, Fort Hays State University Police, the Ellis County Sheriff's Office and the Department of Wildlife and Parks participated in the training Wednesday. Photo by Cristina Janney/Hays Post" />
                        <figcaption>Officers debrief after running an active shooter scenario Wednesday at Roosevelt Elementary School. Officers from the Hays Police Department, Ellis Police Department, Victoria Police Department, Fort Hays State University Police, the Ellis County Sheriff's Office and the Department of Wildlife and Parks participated in the training Wednesday. Photo by Cristina Janney/Hays Post</figcaption>
                    </figure>

🎙 📷 Hays police, local agencies train for active shooter response

<i>On this episode of the Hays Post Podcast, news reporter Becky Kiser talks with Doug Williams, Grow Hays executive director, about the economic impact of Hays Regional Airport, along with an update about The Grove housing project.</i>

<div><iframe title="Post Podcast: Economic impact of Hays Regional Airport; Update on The Grove" allowtransparency="true" height="300" width="100%" style="border: none; min-width: min(100%, 430px);height:300px;" scrolling="no" data-name="pb-iframe-player" src="https://www.podbean.com/player-v2/?from=embed&i=qc5qr-1902166-pb&square=1&share=1&download=1&fonts=Arial&skin=3267a3&font-color=auto&rtl=0&logo_link=podcast_page&btn-skin=60a0c8&size=300" loading="lazy" allowfullscreen=""></iframe></div><p><i>On this episode of the Hays Post Podcast, news reporter Becky Kiser talks with Doug Williams, Grow Hays executive director, about the economic impact of Hays Regional Airport, along with an update about The Grove housing project.</i></p>

🎙 Post Podcast: Economic impact of Hays Regional Airport; The Grove development update

On this episode of the Hays Post Podcast, news reporter Becky Kiser talks with Monique Koerner, Cottonwood Extension District&nbsp; Family and Community Wellness agent, about upcoming programs for new babysitters ages 10 and older, and the prenatal education program Becoming A Mom.

<div><iframe title="K-State Research and Extension Cottonwood District Prenatal Education Program and Babysitting Clinic" allowtransparency="true" height="300" width="100%" style="border: none; min-width: min(100%, 430px);height:300px;" scrolling="no" data-name="pb-iframe-player" src="https://www.podbean.com/player-v2/?from=embed&i=jhcpx-18ff4ab-pb&square=1&share=1&download=1&fonts=Arial&skin=3267a3&font-color=auto&rtl=0&logo_link=podcast_page&btn-skin=60a0c8&size=300" loading="lazy" allowfullscreen=""></iframe></div><p>On this episode of the Hays Post Podcast, news reporter Becky Kiser talks with Monique Koerner, Cottonwood Extension District&nbsp; Family and Community Wellness agent, about upcoming programs for new babysitters ages 10 and older, and the prenatal education program Becoming A Mom.</p>

🎙Post Podcast: Extension programs for new babysitters and for moms-to-be

On this episode of the Hays Post Podcast, news reporter Becky Kiser talks about the recent grant awards and two new funds at the Heartland Community Foundation with Sarah Meitner, executive director.

<div><iframe title="POST PODCAST: 33 project awards granted by Heartland Community Foundation in spring cycle" allowtransparency="true" height="300" width="100%" style="border: none; min-width: min(100%, 430px);height:300px;" scrolling="no" data-name="pb-iframe-player" src="https://www.podbean.com/player-v2/?from=embed&i=97nsn-18fdca0-pb&square=1&share=1&download=1&fonts=Arial&skin=3267a3&font-color=auto&rtl=0&logo_link=podcast_page&btn-skin=60a0c8&size=300" loading="lazy" allowfullscreen=""></iframe></div><p>On this episode of the Hays Post Podcast, news reporter Becky Kiser talks about the recent grant awards and two new funds at the Heartland Community Foundation with Sarah Meitner, executive director.</p>

🎙POST PODCAST: 33 area project awards granted by Heartland Community Foundation in spring cycle

Grow Hays has announced it has two new tenants for the Microfactory.

The $4.5 million, 30,000-square-foot facility opened in March 2024, but has not had any manufacturing tenants until now.

The Microfactory is designed to be a space that manufacturers can rent at lower than the market rate as they launch new businesses or product lines.

The two new tenants were set to start their leases in July, but the names of those businesses have not yet been released.

One of the tenants is a regional engineering firm that will set up a lab to test soil compaction and concrete, Doug Williams, executive director of Grow Hays, said.

The engineering firm will occupy about 2,500 square feet.

A Canadian manufacturer will be signing a lease in mid-July for 5,000 to 10,000 square feet of the facility.

The facility has about 28,000 square feet of shop space and 2,000 square feet dedicated to offices.

Williams said the facility will not be quite half full once the two new companies are in place.

"We are still working with some others," Williams said. "We had one that did not work out because of insurance. That is one of the challenges in an incubator space like this. You have to have some level of compatibility between your tenants because they are occupying, in essence, the same building."

The facility was partially funded by a $2.6 million base grant from the Kansas Department of Commerce.&nbsp;The Patterson Family Foundation and Robert E. and Patrica Schmidt Foundation each contributed $500,000 to the project. The Innovation Center in Norton bridged the gap with a $750,000 interest-free loan.

Williams emphasized that the city or county did not fund the Microfactory and is not owned by either.

"The city and county haven't invested a dime," Williams said. "They won't invest a dime in this structure. ... There have been no local tax dollars invested in this project.

"The purpose of it is to, in the long term, develop a space where we can generate and build small manufacturers and have them grow," he said. "I struggle because I see negative comments on social media. I struggle to see that this is ever a bad thing. We are a not-for-profit organization.

"We own this space to provide space for prospective tenants who are ultimately employing people and growing their businesses. It costs the local taxpayers nothing, and it's going to pay dividends to this community for the next 50 to 100 years."

Williams said he did not see anything negative about the project, but he has seen some misunderstandings about the project among community members.

Grow Hays is paying property taxes on the building, which will be allocated to the local school capital outlay fund.

"We are offering the space at a small fraction of what it would cost a small manufacturer to build a building or locate elsewhere," Williams said.

He said the idea is that a manufacturer starts in the Microfactory. Then, after three to five years, it grows large enough to move into its own facility.

"It's an annuity that will continue to pay dividends to this community for a long, long time," Williams said.

With an unemployment rate of about 2.7%, Hays lacks the workforce to recruit a large manufacturer.&nbsp;

"We have to take this approach of starting small and building new organizations through entrepreneurship and growth and organic growth as opposed to the smoke-stack business moving in and operating here," Williams said.

Business owners&nbsp;interested in renting space in the Microfactory can contact&nbsp;<a href="https://growhays.com/" target="_blank">Grow Hays</a>&nbsp;at 785-628-3102 to speak with David Clingan, director of recruitment and retention.

<figure>
                        <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/3/1710359203890.jpeg" alt="Microfactory. File photo" />
                        <figcaption>Microfactory. File photo</figcaption>
                    </figure><div><iframe title="Post Podcast: Grow Hays" allowtransparency="true" height="300" width="100%" style="border: none; min-width: min(100%, 430px);height:300px;" scrolling="no" data-name="pb-iframe-player" src="https://www.podbean.com/player-v2/?from=embed&i=8ytk6-18ed266-pb&square=1&share=1&download=1&fonts=Arial&skin=3267a3&font-color=auto&rtl=0&logo_link=podcast_page&btn-skin=60a0c8&size=300" loading="lazy" allowfullscreen=""></iframe></div><p><b>By CRISTINA JANNEY<br></b><i>Hays Post</i></p><p>Grow Hays has announced it has two new tenants for the Microfactory.</p><p>The $4.5 million, 30,000-square-foot facility opened in March 2024, but has not had any manufacturing tenants until now.</p><p>The Microfactory is designed to be a space that manufacturers can rent at lower than the market rate as they launch new businesses or product lines.</p><p>The two new tenants were set to start their leases in July, but the names of those businesses have not yet been released.</p><p>One of the tenants is a regional engineering firm that will set up a lab to test soil compaction and concrete, Doug Williams, executive director of Grow Hays, said.</p><p>The engineering firm will occupy about 2,500 square feet.</p><p>A Canadian manufacturer will be signing a lease in mid-July for 5,000 to 10,000 square feet of the facility.</p><figure>
                        <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/3/1710359455020.jpeg" alt="Microfactory. File photo" />
                        <figcaption>Microfactory. File photo</figcaption>
                    </figure><p>The facility has about 28,000 square feet of shop space and 2,000 square feet dedicated to offices.</p><p>Williams said the facility will not be quite half full once the two new companies are in place.</p><p>"We are still working with some others," Williams said. "We had one that did not work out because of insurance. That is one of the challenges in an incubator space like this. You have to have some level of compatibility between your tenants because they are occupying, in essence, the same building."</p><p>The facility was partially funded by a $2.6 million base grant from the Kansas Department of Commerce.&nbsp;The Patterson Family Foundation and Robert E. and Patrica Schmidt Foundation each contributed $500,000 to the project. The Innovation Center in Norton bridged the gap with a $750,000 interest-free loan.</p><p>Williams emphasized that the city or county did not fund the Microfactory and is not owned by either.</p><p>"The city and county haven't invested a dime," Williams said. "They won't invest a dime in this structure. ... There have been no local tax dollars invested in this project.</p><p>"The purpose of it is to, in the long term, develop a space where we can generate and build small manufacturers and have them grow," he said. "I struggle because I see negative comments on social media. I struggle to see that this is ever a bad thing. We are a not-for-profit organization.</p><p>"We own this space to provide space for prospective tenants who are ultimately employing people and growing their businesses. It costs the local taxpayers nothing, and it's going to pay dividends to this community for the next 50 to 100 years."</p><p>Williams said he did not see anything negative about the project, but he has seen some misunderstandings about the project among community members.</p><p>Grow Hays is paying property taxes on the building, which will be allocated to the local school capital outlay fund.</p><p>"We are offering the space at a small fraction of what it would cost a small manufacturer to build a building or locate elsewhere," Williams said.</p><p>He said the idea is that a manufacturer starts in the Microfactory. Then, after three to five years, it grows large enough to move into its own facility.</p><p>"It's an annuity that will continue to pay dividends to this community for a long, long time," Williams said.</p><p>With an unemployment rate of about 2.7%, Hays lacks the workforce to recruit a large manufacturer.&nbsp;</p><p>"We have to take this approach of starting small and building new organizations through entrepreneurship and growth and organic growth as opposed to the smoke-stack business moving in and operating here," Williams said.</p><p>Business owners&nbsp;interested in renting space in the Microfactory can contact&nbsp;<a href="https://growhays.com/" target="_blank">Grow Hays</a>&nbsp;at 785-628-3102 to speak with David Clingan, director of recruitment and retention.</p>

🎙 Microfactory in Hays announces first two tenants

<i>On this episode of the Hays Post Podcast, news reporter Becky Kiser talks with Bryan VonFeldt, treasurer of The Bricks board of directors about the Downtown Hays Market and the upcoming Bazaar on the Bricks.</i>

<div><iframe title="Post Podcast: 'The Bricks' board treasurer Bryan VonFeldt" allowtransparency="true" height="300" width="100%" style="border: none; min-width: min(100%, 430px);height:300px;" scrolling="no" data-name="pb-iframe-player" src="https://www.podbean.com/player-v2/?from=embed&i=6ucwj-18f23ed-pb&square=1&share=1&download=1&fonts=Arial&skin=3267a3&font-color=auto&rtl=0&logo_link=podcast_page&btn-skin=60a0c8&size=300" loading="lazy" allowfullscreen=""></iframe></div><p><i>On this episode of the Hays Post Podcast, news reporter Becky Kiser talks with Bryan VonFeldt, treasurer of The Bricks board of directors about the Downtown Hays Market and the upcoming Bazaar on the Bricks.</i></p>

🎙 Post Podcast: 'The Bricks' board treasurer on Downtown Market, Bazaar on Bricks

<i>Morning Blend show host Jeff Leiker interviews the Spin Doctors prior to their performance at 9:30 tonight at the Wild West Festival in Municipal Park in Hays.</i>

<a href="https://wildwestfestival.com/">Learn more about the festival at&nbsp;https://wildwestfestival.com/.</a>

<figure>
                        <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/6/1749222209289.jpeg" alt="" />
                        <figcaption></figcaption>
                    </figure><div><iframe title="Post Podcast: Spin Doctors Interview" allowtransparency="true" height="300" width="100%" style="border: none; min-width: min(100%, 430px);height:300px;" scrolling="no" data-name="pb-iframe-player" src="https://www.podbean.com/player-v2/?from=embed&i=s9xnd-18f57f3-pb&square=1&share=1&download=1&fonts=Arial&skin=3267a3&font-color=auto&rtl=0&logo_link=podcast_page&btn-skin=60a0c8&size=300" loading="lazy" allowfullscreen=""></iframe></div><p><i>Morning Blend show host Jeff Leiker interviews the Spin Doctors prior to their performance at 9:30 tonight at the Wild West Festival in Municipal Park in Hays.</i></p><p><a href="https://wildwestfestival.com/">Learn more about the festival at&nbsp;https://wildwestfestival.com/.</a></p>

🎙 Post Podcast: Spin Doctors to perform at tonight's Wild West Festival

<i>Morning Bull show host Dustin Armbruster interviews Drew Baldridge prior to his performance at 9:30 tonight at the Wild West Festival in Municipal Park in Hays.</i>

<figure>
                        <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/6/1749222209289.jpeg" alt="" />
                        <figcaption></figcaption>
                    </figure><div><iframe title="Post Podcast: Drew Baldrige Interview" allowtransparency="true" height="300" width="100%" style="border: none; min-width: min(100%, 430px);height:300px;" scrolling="no" data-name="pb-iframe-player" src="https://www.podbean.com/player-v2/?from=embed&i=bmsm5-18f5455-pb&square=1&share=1&download=1&fonts=Arial&skin=3267a3&font-color=auto&rtl=0&logo_link=podcast_page&btn-skin=60a0c8&size=300" loading="lazy" allowfullscreen=""></iframe>
You</div><p><i>Morning Bull show host Dustin Armbruster interviews Drew Baldridge prior to his performance at 9:30 tonight at the Wild West Festival in Municipal Park in Hays.</i></p><p><a href="https://wildwestfestival.com/">Learn more about the festival at&nbsp;https://wildwestfestival.com/.</a></p>

🎙 Post Podcast: Drew Baldridge to perform at tonight's Wild West Festival

<i>On this episode of Forward Ever: Leading in Challenging Times, host Gary Shorman speaks with Sen. Jerry Moran, R-Kansas, about the Big Beautiful Bill.</i>

<figure>
                        <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/8/1661448577852.jpeg" alt="" />
                        <figcaption></figcaption>
                    </figure><div><iframe title="Forward Ever: Sen. Jerry Moran" allowtransparency="true" height="300" width="100%" style="border: none; min-width: min(100%, 430px);height:300px;" scrolling="no" data-name="pb-iframe-player" src="https://www.podbean.com/player-v2/?from=embed&i=egx63-18f541d-pb&square=1&share=1&download=1&fonts=Arial&skin=3267a3&font-color=auto&rtl=0&logo_link=podcast_page&btn-skin=60a0c8&size=300" loading="lazy" allowfullscreen=""></iframe></div><p><i>On this episode of Forward Ever: Leading in Challenging Times, host Gary Shorman speaks with Sen. Jerry Moran, R-Kansas, about the Big Beautiful Bill.</i></p>

🎤 Forward Ever: Senator Moran on the Big Beautiful Bill

<i>Morning Bull show host Dustin Armbruster interviews Walker Montgomery prior to his performance at 7 tonight at the Wild West Festival in Municipal Park in Hays.</i>

<div><iframe title="Walker Montgomery Wild West Festival Interview" allowtransparency="true" height="300" width="100%" style="border: none; min-width: min(100%, 430px);height:300px;" scrolling="no" data-name="pb-iframe-player" src="https://www.podbean.com/player-v2/?from=embed&i=wuhem-18f2409-pb&square=1&share=1&download=1&fonts=Arial&skin=3267a3&font-color=auto&rtl=0&logo_link=podcast_page&btn-skin=60a0c8&size=300" loading="lazy" allowfullscreen=""></iframe></div><p><i>Morning Bull show host Dustin Armbruster interviews Walker Montgomery prior to his performance at 7 tonight at the Wild West Festival in Municipal Park in Hays.</i></p><p><a href="https://wildwestfestival.com/">Learn more about the festival at&nbsp;https://wildwestfestival.com/.</a></p>

🎙 Post Podcast: Walker Montgomery to perform at tonight's Wild West Festival

Join Eagle Radio of Hays on this holiday trip to Branson, Missouri.

11:30 a.m. Casino or shopping at Legends and lunch

6 p.m. Lambert’s Cafe - dinner and dessert

10 a.m.--"Down Home Country Show" and lunch

5:30 p.m.--Heroes Taste &amp; Taps plated dinner

3:30 p.m.--"David" at the Sight and Sound Theater

7:30 p.m.--"A Christmas Story" dinner and show

8 a.m. Leave Branson and travel home with a few favorite stops and lunch along the way.

We will be staying at the beautiful Stone Castle in Branson, Missouri. It is a wonderful hotel with great amenities, such as a full hot breakfast daily, indoor corridors, two indoor pools and spas, mini fridge, and much more. 

This trip includes three nights lodging, round-trip bus transportation, breakfast at hotel, ALL meals, six shows or activities, all taxes, bus driver tip, and all gratuities on the above items.

Lunch is on your own each day on the trip. All times will be updated at the time of the trip. Lodging, menus, shows and itineraries are subject to change due to reasons beyond our control.

Single $1,295, double $1,195, triple $1,155 and $1,125 quad occupancy.

All the above times are starting show times.

All times will be updated at the time of the trip for when to load the bus.

<h2>Radio of Hays: Branson 2025</h2><p>November 9-12, 2025</p><p>Join Eagle Radio of Hays on this holiday trip to Branson, Missouri.</p><figure>
                        <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/4/1745357466081.jpeg" alt=""A Christmas Story"&nbsp; Courtesy photo" />
                        <figcaption>"A Christmas Story"&nbsp; Courtesy photo</figcaption>
                    </figure><h2>Sunday, Nov. 9, 2025</h2><p>TBA Leave Hays</p><p>11:30 a.m. Casino or shopping at Legends and lunch</p><p>6 p.m. Lambert’s Cafe - dinner and dessert</p><figure>
                        <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/4/1745357353400.jpeg" alt=""David" Sight &amp; Sound theater.&nbsp;Courtesy photo" />
                        <figcaption>"David" Sight &amp; Sound theater.&nbsp;Courtesy photo</figcaption>
                    </figure><h2>Monday, Nov. 10, 2025</h2><p>10 a.m.--"Down Home Country Show" and lunch</p><p>2 p.m.--"Hughes Brothers Christmas" Show</p><p>5:30 p.m.--Heroes Taste &amp; Taps plated dinner</p><p>7:30 p.m.--"Dean-Z Christmas Show"</p><figure>
                        <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/4/1745357382117.jpeg" alt="Dean Z.&nbsp;Courtesy photo" />
                        <figcaption>Dean Z.&nbsp;Courtesy photo</figcaption>
                    </figure><h2>Tuesday, Nov. 11, 2025</h2><p>9 a.m.--Branson Landing or Tanger Outlet</p><p>Lunch at Pickin’ Porch Deli</p><p>Branson Craft Mall</p><p>3:30 p.m.--"David" at the Sight and Sound Theater</p><p>7:30 p.m.--"A Christmas Story" dinner and show</p><p>After Show--Lights of Joy</p><figure>
                        <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/4/1745357405699.jpeg" alt="Courtesy photo" />
                        <figcaption>Courtesy photo</figcaption>
                    </figure><h2>Wednesday, November 12, 2025</h2><p>8 a.m. Leave Branson and travel home with a few favorite stops and lunch along the way.</p><p>Arrive back in Hays at about 7 p.m.</p><p>We will be staying at the beautiful Stone Castle in Branson, Missouri. It is a wonderful hotel with great amenities, such as a full hot breakfast daily, indoor corridors, two indoor pools and spas, mini fridge, and much more. </p><p>This trip includes three nights lodging, round-trip bus transportation, breakfast at hotel, ALL meals, six shows or activities, all taxes, bus driver tip, and all gratuities on the above items.</p><figure>
                        <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/4/1745357428432.jpeg" alt="Courtesy photo" />
                        <figcaption>Courtesy photo</figcaption>
                    </figure><p>Lunch is on your own each day on the trip. All times will be updated at the time of the trip. Lodging, menus, shows and itineraries are subject to change due to reasons beyond our control.</p><p>Single $1,295, double $1,195, triple $1,155 and $1,125 quad occupancy.</p><p>All the above times are starting show times.</p><p>All times will be updated at the time of the trip for when to load the bus.</p>

TRIP FULL: Reserve your seats today for Radio of Hays: Branson 2025

<i>On this episode of the Hays Post Podcast, news reporter Becky Kiser talks about snacking with Jessica Phelan, asst. professor in the Fort Hays State University Department of Health and Human Performance.</i>

<div><iframe title="Post Podcast: Is it a snack or is it a meal?" allowtransparency="true" height="300" width="100%" style="border: none; min-width: min(100%, 430px);height:300px;" scrolling="no" data-name="pb-iframe-player" src="https://www.podbean.com/player-v2/?from=embed&i=p7zb4-18eb629-pb&square=1&share=1&download=1&fonts=Arial&skin=3267a3&font-color=auto&rtl=0&logo_link=podcast_page&btn-skin=60a0c8&size=300" loading="lazy" allowfullscreen=""></iframe></div><p><i>On this episode of the Hays Post Podcast, news reporter Becky Kiser talks about snacking with Jessica Phelan, asst. professor in the Fort Hays State University Department of Health and Human Performance.</i></p>

🎙 Post Podcast: Is it a snack or is it a meal?

<b>By BECKY KISER</b><br><i>Hays Post</i>

Hays city commissioners approved more steps Thursday in the process for two new planned housing developments.

A public hearing was conducted regarding the rehabilitation of the second floor of the building at 1012 Main St. Hays developer Tim Speno, One Twenty Seven Investments LLC, wants to construct three Airbnb apartments.&nbsp;

Commissioners approved a $300,000 Community Development Block Grant application to the Kansas Department of Commerce on Speno's behalf. There is no financial obligation to the city.

Also approved were resolutions certifying legal authority and declaring a building blighted.

A district rezoning request was approved for 2707 Canal Blvd. from commercial general to residential multi-family. Aaron Dreher of AD3 LLC, Hays, plans to build housing  designed for short- or long-term rentals that are fully&nbsp;furnished for traveling nurses or similar business professionals.

Three revisions to the Unified Development Code were approved, which govern accessory structures,&nbsp;such as gazebos or garden sheds.

Proposed are the elimination of&nbsp;<br>• Side and rear setbacks for accessory structures 120 square feet and smaller<br>• Maximum number of two accessory structures that can be placed on a single parcel&nbsp;<br>• Restrictions on the size of accessory structures in agriculture districts, which are on the edge of town.

Commissioners Reese Barrick and Alaina Cunningham were absent from the meeting.&nbsp;

<figure>
                        <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/6/1750263247761.png" alt="Hays developer Tim Speno plans to rehabilitate the second floor of 1012 Main into Airbnb rental units. Courtesy photo" />
                        <figcaption>Hays developer Tim Speno plans to rehabilitate the second floor of 1012 Main into Airbnb rental units. Courtesy photo</figcaption>
                    </figure><div><iframe title="Post Podcast: Hays City commission approves next steps in new housing" allowtransparency="true" height="300" width="100%" style="border: none; min-width: min(100%, 430px);height:300px;" scrolling="no" data-name="pb-iframe-player" src="https://www.podbean.com/player-v2/?from=embed&i=m3jva-18ed263-pb&square=1&share=1&download=1&fonts=Arial&skin=3267a3&font-color=auto&rtl=0&logo_link=podcast_page&btn-skin=60a0c8&size=300" loading="lazy" allowfullscreen=""></iframe></div><p><b>By BECKY KISER</b><br><i>Hays Post</i></p><p>Hays city commissioners approved more steps Thursday in the process for two new planned housing developments.</p><p>A public hearing was conducted regarding the rehabilitation of the second floor of the building at 1012 Main St. Hays developer Tim Speno, One Twenty Seven Investments LLC, wants to construct three Airbnb apartments.&nbsp;</p><p>Commissioners approved a $300,000 Community Development Block Grant application to the Kansas Department of Commerce on Speno's behalf. There is no financial obligation to the city.</p><p>Also approved were resolutions certifying legal authority and declaring a building blighted.</p><figure>
                        <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/5/1747325020538.png" alt="2707 Canal Blvd. City of Hays image" />
                        <figcaption>2707 Canal Blvd. City of Hays image</figcaption>
                    </figure><p>A district rezoning request was approved for 2707 Canal Blvd. from commercial general to residential multi-family. Aaron Dreher of AD3 LLC, Hays, plans to build housing  designed for short- or long-term rentals that are fully&nbsp;furnished for traveling nurses or similar business professionals.</p><p>Three revisions to the Unified Development Code were approved, which govern accessory structures,&nbsp;such as gazebos or garden sheds.</p><p>Proposed are the elimination of&nbsp;<br>• Side and rear setbacks for accessory structures 120 square feet and smaller<br>• Maximum number of two accessory structures that can be placed on a single parcel&nbsp;<br>• Restrictions on the size of accessory structures in agriculture districts, which are on the edge of town.</p><p>Commissioners Reese Barrick and Alaina Cunningham were absent from the meeting.&nbsp;</p><p><br></p>

🎙 Hays City commission approves next steps in new housing

<i>On this episode of the Hays Post Podcast, news reporter Becky Kiser talks about the 2025 area wheat crop and harvest with Stacy Campbell, Cottonwood Extension District agriculture agent</i>.&nbsp;&nbsp;

<div><iframe title="Post Podcast: Local wheat harvest update" allowtransparency="true" height="300" width="100%" style="border: none; min-width: min(100%, 430px);height:300px;" scrolling="no" data-name="pb-iframe-player" src="https://www.podbean.com/player-v2/?from=embed&i=3b6dc-18e6fb2-pb&square=1&share=1&download=1&fonts=Arial&skin=3267a3&font-color=auto&rtl=0&logo_link=podcast_page&btn-skin=60a0c8&size=300" loading="lazy" allowfullscreen=""></iframe></div><p><i>On this episode of the Hays Post Podcast, news reporter Becky Kiser talks about the 2025 area wheat crop and harvest with Stacy Campbell, Cottonwood Extension District agriculture agent</i>.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

🎙 Post Podcast: Local wheat harvest update

<i>Reporter Cristina Janney speaks with Doug Williams of Grow Hays about the High Plains Mental Health Crisis Intervention Center in Hays on this episode of the Hays Post Podcast.</i>

<div><iframe title="Post Podcast: Grow Hays -  High Plains Mental Health - Crisis Intervention Center" allowtransparency="true" height="300" width="100%" style="border: none; min-width: min(100%, 430px);height:300px;" scrolling="no" data-name="pb-iframe-player" src="https://www.podbean.com/player-v2/?from=embed&i=3k5mq-18e19ee-pb&square=1&share=1&download=1&fonts=Arial&skin=3267a3&font-color=auto&rtl=0&logo_link=podcast_page&btn-skin=60a0c8&size=300" loading="lazy" allowfullscreen=""></iframe></div><p><i>Reporter Cristina Janney speaks with Doug Williams of Grow Hays about the High Plains Mental Health Crisis Intervention Center in Hays on this episode of the Hays Post Podcast.</i></p><p>Please submit your questions for Doug for future interviews to&nbsp;hayspost@eaglemedia.com.</p>

 🎙Post Podcast: Williams on Crisis Intervention Center in Hays

<i>Reporter Cristina Janney speaks with nurse practitioner Babe Breit about her advanced practice on this episode of the Hays Post Podcast.</i>

<a href="https://breitclinic.com/">Learn more about her practice on her website.</a>

<div><iframe title="Post Podcast: Breit Advanced Practice Clinic" allowtransparency="true" height="300" width="100%" style="border: none; min-width: min(100%, 430px);height:300px;" scrolling="no" data-name="pb-iframe-player" src="https://www.podbean.com/player-v2/?from=embed&i=a9f8h-18e046e-pb&square=1&share=1&download=1&fonts=Arial&skin=3267a3&font-color=auto&rtl=0&logo_link=podcast_page&btn-skin=60a0c8&size=300" loading="lazy" allowfullscreen=""></iframe></div><p><i>Reporter Cristina Janney speaks with nurse practitioner Babe Breit about her advanced practice on this episode of the Hays Post Podcast.</i></p><p><a href="https://breitclinic.com/">Learn more about her practice on her website.</a></p>

🎙 Post Podcast-Breit Advanced Practice Clinic

<i>On this episode of Forward Ever: Leading in Challenging Times, host Gary Shorman speaks with James Bowden on the new Kernza wheat variety that was developed in Kansas.</i>

<div><iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/4QTsxCp1QbE?si=RGRJXWET7f5HPrA6" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" referrerpolicy="strict-origin-when-cross-origin" allowfullscreen></iframe></div><p><i>On this episode of Forward Ever: Leading in Challenging Times, host Gary Shorman speaks with James Bowden on the new Kernza wheat variety that was developed in Kansas.</i></p>

🎤 Forward Ever: James Bowden on new wheat variety

The construction of the new Hays High School is on budget and on schedule to open in August at the start of the school year.

Nabholz Construction provided an update on the construction project and presented information about a proposed change order for the high school.

Turf has been laid on the athletic fields. Flooring is almost complete in the two gyms, and work on the bleachers is ongoing.

Workers are completing the punch list on areas A and B of the high school. This includes the science labs.

The west wing, which includes parts A and B, the center atrium (area C) and the east wing (areas D and E), is set to be substantially complete by July 7.

The rest of the project is scheduled to be substantially complete by Aug. 13.

Dylan Weddle, Nabholz project manager, presented the board with $111,062 in change orders for the Hays High project at the school board meeting Monday night.

The change orders are still well within the $1 million contingency fund established for the project. With the latest change orders that have been approved, more than $300,000 remains in the high school project's contingency fund, with the project nearing completion.

The change order included modifications to the track and field layout. Superintendent Ron Wilson said after a meeting with coaches, it was decided there wasn't enough room between the pole vault and high jump areas, so the designers moved the pole vault area.

There were similar concerns about the two discus rings being too close together. The change order also included some changes to the sidewalks in the softball and baseball areas.

The board did not approve the $38,000 change order for murals inside the high school.

Weddle said one of these murals in the auxiliary gym is complete. He said Nabholz moved forward with the painting to keep the project on schedule.

He said the murals were not included in the original budget because the designers and the district were undecided about their placement until the project was under construction.

Because the school board did not approve that change order, Nabholz will be responsible for the work that has already been done.

Board member Derek Yarmer said he saw the murals as an unneeded expense.

Yarmer said he thought the district should dedicate the $38,000 to other buildings in the district.

Board President Curt Vainar and Vice President Jayme Goetz said the district could revisit the murals once all of the other bond projects are complete.

Board member Ruth Ruder said, "We are going to have this big, beautiful high school and we're not going to see these murals for a year or two or five years."

Board member Ken Brooks noted the murals will cost more if they are delayed.

He added, "We're cheating them out of money."

He said that is not the way to treat a company that provides good work for the district.

Goetz said, "That's the risk that's involved."

Ruder noted Roosevelt had murals and logos in its new addition. She emphasized that branding is important.

Yarmer argued spending the $38,000 on the murals was going to prevent bathrooms from being repaired in other buildings.

Brooks said no, it was not. The funds for the murals were well within the contingency fund for the high school.

Yarmer said, "We can't the way we are spending money."

The motion to approve the change orders without the murals passed on a vote of 4-3, with Brooks, Ruder and Meagan Zampieri-Lillpopp voting against.

Brooks asked again after the vote what the district was going to do to compensate Nabholz for the mural that had already been completed.

Weddle said Nabholz would not charge the district for the completed mural.

<figure>
                        <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/6/1750190815339.png" alt="The turf has been laid for the new Hays High School football field. The school is scheduled to open in August, in time for the start of the 2025-26 school year. Courtesy photo" />
                        <figcaption>The turf has been laid for the new Hays High School football field. The school is scheduled to open in August, in time for the start of the 2025-26 school year. Courtesy photo</figcaption>
                    </figure><div><iframe title="Post Podcast: USD 489 Hays High on schedule, budget, but without murals" allowtransparency="true" height="300" width="100%" style="border: none; min-width: min(100%, 430px);height:300px;" scrolling="no" data-name="pb-iframe-player" src="https://www.podbean.com/player-v2/?from=embed&i=8s8a3-18dd50f-pb&square=1&share=1&download=1&fonts=Arial&skin=3267a3&font-color=auto&rtl=0&logo_link=podcast_page&btn-skin=60a0c8&size=300" loading="lazy" allowfullscreen=""></iframe>
Podbean Player
</div><p><b>By CRISTINA JANNEY<br></b><i>Hays Post</i></p><p>The construction of the new Hays High School is on budget and on schedule to open in August at the start of the school year.</p><p>Nabholz Construction provided an update on the construction project and presented information about a proposed change order for the high school.</p><p>Turf has been laid on the athletic fields. Flooring is almost complete in the two gyms, and work on the bleachers is ongoing.</p><p>Workers are completing the punch list on areas A and B of the high school. This includes the science labs.</p><figure>
                        <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/6/1750191181442.png" alt="Newly turfed Hays High soccer field.&nbsp;Courtesy photo" />
                        <figcaption>Newly turfed Hays High soccer field.&nbsp;Courtesy photo</figcaption>
                    </figure><figure>
                        <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/6/1750191243670.png" alt="Hays High football field. The home bleachers and atheltic wing can be seen on the right. Courtesy photo" />
                        <figcaption>Hays High football field. The home bleachers and atheltic wing can be seen on the right. Courtesy photo</figcaption>
                    </figure><p>The west wing, which includes parts A and B, the center atrium (area C) and the east wing (areas D and E), is set to be substantially complete by July 7.</p><p>The rest of the project is scheduled to be substantially complete by Aug. 13.</p><h2>High school change order</h2><figure>
                        <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/6/1750191348983.png" alt="Complete bond projects budget. The school board did not approved $38,000 for murals at Hays High School in the latest change order for the project. More than $300,000 remains in the Hays High School contingency fund." />
                        <figcaption>Complete bond projects budget. The school board did not approved $38,000 for murals at Hays High School in the latest change order for the project. More than $300,000 remains in the Hays High School contingency fund.</figcaption>
                    </figure><p>Dylan Weddle, Nabholz project manager, presented the board with $111,062 in change orders for the Hays High project at the school board meeting Monday night.</p><p>The change orders are still well within the $1 million contingency fund established for the project. With the latest change orders that have been approved, more than $300,000 remains in the high school project's contingency fund, with the project nearing completion.</p><p>The change order included modifications to the track and field layout. Superintendent Ron Wilson said after a meeting with coaches, it was decided there wasn't enough room between the pole vault and high jump areas, so the designers moved the pole vault area.</p><p>There were similar concerns about the two discus rings being too close together. The change order also included some changes to the sidewalks in the softball and baseball areas.</p><figure>
                        <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/6/1750191639731.png" alt="Main gym. Courtesy photo" />
                        <figcaption>Main gym. Courtesy photo</figcaption>
                    </figure><figure>
                        <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/6/1750191658330.png" alt="The school board voted&nbsp; Monday to not pay for a change order for murals for the new Hays High School. This mural in the auxillary gym was already completed, and Nabholz Construction will have to eat the cost of the painting. Courtesy photo" />
                        <figcaption>The school board voted&nbsp; Monday to not pay for a change order for murals for the new Hays High School. This mural in the auxillary gym was already completed, and Nabholz Construction will have to eat the cost of the painting. Courtesy photo</figcaption>
                    </figure><p>The board did not approve the $38,000 change order for murals inside the high school.</p><p>Weddle said one of these murals in the auxiliary gym is complete. He said Nabholz moved forward with the painting to keep the project on schedule.</p><p>He said the murals were not included in the original budget because the designers and the district were undecided about their placement until the project was under construction.</p><p>Because the school board did not approve that change order, Nabholz will be responsible for the work that has already been done.</p><p>Board member Derek Yarmer said he saw the murals as an unneeded expense.</p><figure>
                        <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/6/1750191851678.png" alt="The entrances for the new high school have been completed. Courtesy photos" />
                        <figcaption>The entrances for the new high school have been completed. Courtesy photos</figcaption>
                    </figure><p>Yarmer said he thought the district should dedicate the $38,000 to other buildings in the district.</p><p>Board President Curt Vainar and Vice President Jayme Goetz said the district could revisit the murals once all of the other bond projects are complete.</p><p>Board member Ruth Ruder said, "We are going to have this big, beautiful high school and we're not going to see these murals for a year or two or five years."</p><p>Board member Ken Brooks noted the murals will cost more if they are delayed.</p><p>He added, "We're cheating them out of money."</p><p>He said that is not the way to treat a company that provides good work for the district.</p><p>Goetz said, "That's the risk that's involved."</p><figure>
                        <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/6/1750191921975.png" alt="Academic areas in the new high school are nearing completion. On the left is a special education classroom. On the right is a science classroom. Courtesy photos" />
                        <figcaption>Academic areas in the new high school are nearing completion. On the left is a special education classroom. On the right is a science classroom. Courtesy photos</figcaption>
                    </figure><p>Ruder noted Roosevelt had murals and logos in its new addition. She emphasized that branding is important.</p><p>Yarmer argued spending the $38,000 on the murals was going to prevent bathrooms from being repaired in other buildings.</p><p>Brooks said no, it was not. The funds for the murals were well within the contingency fund for the high school.</p><p>"We can have both," Brooks said.</p><p>Yarmer said, "We can't the way we are spending money."</p><p>The motion to approve the change orders without the murals passed on a vote of 4-3, with Brooks, Ruder and Meagan Zampieri-Lillpopp voting against.</p><p>Brooks asked again after the vote what the district was going to do to compensate Nabholz for the mural that had already been completed.</p><p>Yarmer said, "It's free."</p><p>Weddle said Nabholz would not charge the district for the completed mural.</p>