On this episode of the Post Podcast, Hays Post reporter Becky Kiser speaks with Hays Arts Council Executive Director Brenda Meder about the HAC capital campaign, For the HeART of Hays.

<div><iframe title="Post Podcast: 'The Art of Bread' is part of Hays Arts Council's capital campaign" allowtransparency="true" height="150" width="100%" style="border: none; min-width: min(100%, 430px);height:150px;" scrolling="no" data-name="pb-iframe-player" src="https://www.podbean.com/player-v2/?i=kwf54-178075c-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" loading="lazy"></iframe</div>On this episode of the Post Podcast, Hays Post reporter Becky Kiser speaks with Hays Arts Council Executive Director Brenda Meder about the HAC capital campaign, For the HeART of Hays.

🎙Post Podcast: 'The Art of Bread' is part of Hays Arts Council's capital campaign 

On this episode of the Hays&nbsp;<a href="https://hayspost.com/category/post-podcast" target="_blank">Post Podcast</a>, Doug Williams of Grow Hays discusses the MicroFactory with Hays Post reporter Cristina Janney.&nbsp; &nbsp;

<div><iframe title="Post Podcast: Grow Hays Discusses Plans for Hays Micro Factory" 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=pkvep-17803f9-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>On this episode of the Hays&nbsp;<a href="https://hayspost.com/category/post-podcast" target="_blank">Post Podcast</a>, Doug Williams of Grow Hays discusses the MicroFactory with Hays Post reporter Cristina Janney.&nbsp; &nbsp;

🎙 Grow Hays: Future of the MicroFactory

By CRISTINA JANNEY Hays Post

Providing safe housing is the fundamental first step in helping people develop healthy lives after leaving an abusive relationship, the director of Options Domestic and Sexual Violence Services said.

Jennifer Hecker spoke on a recent edition of the Morning Blend on the importance of Options' Housing First Model.

"Housing First is a national model that is based on the idea that once someone is first housed safely, then they're able to address the other issues and problems in their lives," Hecker said.

"The goal is as quickly as possible to move them into safe, permanent housing."

Housing someone addresses the immediate need for safety and provides a quiet space in one's home to heal, Hecker said. It also helps victims begin to regain their independence.

She said domestic violence victims are often forced to leave their abusers and their homes with only the clothes on their backs.

She said the Housing First Model is low-barrier. Victims don't have to prove sobriety or employment.

Issues such as substance abuse disorder or unemployment often lead to homelessness. Until that person can secure safe housing, they can't deal with the root causes of their issues, Hecker said.

People come to the Options Housing First Program in various ways. For example, a person might need emergency shelter and be placed in the Options shelter in Hays.

Once someone is in the shelter, Options workers begin developing a housing plan with that client, Hecker said.

"We help them look for housing that is affordable, safe, healthy, that will pass good inspections and that anyone would be proud to live in," Hecker said.&nbsp;

Finding affordable housing in Hays and other even more rural areas of northwest Kansas can be challenging, Hecker said. The rental market is tight.

"There is not enough affordable low-income housing for people," Hecker said. "That's something we need to address in our community."

Lack of transportation is also an issue in small communities where there's no public transportation, she said.

In addition to transition advocates, Options relies on partnerships with landlords and housing advocacy groups.

"Sometimes our clients lose housing and are evicted from their apartments or rental properties because domestic violence happened there," Hecker said. "Some of what we do is educate landlords about the laws. It is illegal to evict a domestic violence victim from their house because domestic violence happened."

Options offer financial assistance for people who need housing. They can pay back payments. Hecker said often, domestic violence victims' credit histories or rental histories are ruined as a byproduct of their abusers' financial abuse.

Options can pay rent for victims for several months to allow them to get back on their feet. They work with other agencies to assist with security deposits.

Some of these strategies are meant to help domestic violence victims stay in their homes and create more stability for them and their children,&nbsp; Hecker said.

"For the first time in a long time, for a lot of people, it's the first time they've been able to turn on the radio, crank it up loud on a Saturday morning," Hecker said, "and dance around the living room with their kids without feeling fear of waking up the beast."

"You can decide to leave your dishes in the sink overnight and not worry someone is going to drag you by your hair and shove your face in the sink."

She added, "That resilience, that independence, that ability to live and just breathe is so important and a critical part of healing from trauma."

Options cover an 18-county area across northwest Kansas. Leaving their homes to come to an emergency shelter in Hays is not always the best option for victims and their families.

If victims can stay in their homes, kids don't have to change schools, and the victims may be able to keep jobs if they are working. They may also be closer to friends and family who can provide support.

"It really gives folks an opportunity to rebuild their lives and finally, once and for all, stop that isolation they're experiencing," Hecker said.

Homelessness leaves domestic violence victims vulnerable, she said. Hecker recalled a woman who lost custody of her children because she was homeless. Seven years later, she still hasn't regained custody of her children.

Providing safe housing for mothers and children helps break the cycle of abuse, Hecker said.

Community members can assist Options in their work to provide safe housing to domestic violence victims, Hecker said.

She asks landlords to look at the affordability of rents and also consider the safety of domestic violence victims when looking at housing waiting lists.

"Stable housing prevents further violence," Hecker said. "Safe housing can save lives."

She also encouraged other housing assistance agencies to minimize barriers to housing so domestic violence victims can be rehoused quickly.&nbsp;

Hecker said advocacy agencies have changed their philosophy on housing during the last decade to the Housing First Model.

"Ten years ago our philosophy was if get someone into a house and they don't have a job, that's money down the drain," she said. "They're going to come right back. Of course, they're going to come right back because we haven't addressed the issue that brought them to be homeless in the first place.

"I can't imagine dealing with trauma and trying to heal from trauma, and all the while, I'm wondering where am I going to sleep tonight ... where are my children going to sleep tonight," she said. "You can't move forward when that is your biggest need."

Donors can give monetary gifts to Options to support its housing and shelter programs. Options also regularly shares a wish list of items needed for the emergency shelter on its <a href="https://www.facebook.com/OptionsHays">Facebook page.</a>

Options raises about 30 percent of its funds at this time of year. Cash donations fill gaps that are not supported through grants.

If you are a survivor of domestic or sexual violence, you can receive help in a variety of ways from Options Domestic and Sexual Violence Service. The agency serves 18 counties in northwest Kansas.

 You can walk into an Options office at 2716 Plaza, Hays, or&nbsp;1480 W. Fourth, Colby. You can call Options' 24-hour helpline at 1-800-794-4624 or text HOPE to 847411.

The Options website,&nbsp;<a href="https://help4abuse.org/">https://help4abuse.org/</a>, offers a live chat option or video conference with an advocate.

The website has a safe escape button that allows you to close out of the website and erase your cookies quickly, so anyone on the computer after you will not be able to see that you have been on the website.

Options also has a free app for Android and Apple devices called "My Mobile Options."

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/12/1734476007256.jpg" alt="Photo courtesy of Pixabay" />
 <figcaption>Photo courtesy of Pixabay</figcaption>
 </figure><div><iframe title="Options focuses on Housing First Model for domestic violence victims" allowtransparency="true" height="150" width="100%" style="border: none; min-width: min(100%, 430px);height:150px;" scrolling="no" data-name="pb-iframe-player" src="https://www.podbean.com/player-v2/?i=63uue-177a960-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" loading="lazy"></iframe></div>By CRISTINA JANNEY Hays PostProviding safe housing is the fundamental first step in helping people develop healthy lives after leaving an abusive relationship, the director of Options Domestic and Sexual Violence Services said.Jennifer Hecker spoke on a recent edition of the Morning Blend on the importance of Options' Housing First Model."Housing First is a national model that is based on the idea that once someone is first housed safely, then they're able to address the other issues and problems in their lives," Hecker said."The goal is as quickly as possible to move them into safe, permanent housing."Housing someone addresses the immediate need for safety and provides a quiet space in one's home to heal, Hecker said. It also helps victims begin to regain their independence.She said domestic violence victims are often forced to leave their abusers and their homes with only the clothes on their backs.She said the Housing First Model is low-barrier. Victims don't have to prove sobriety or employment.Issues such as substance abuse disorder or unemployment often lead to homelessness. Until that person can secure safe housing, they can't deal with the root causes of their issues, Hecker said.People come to the Options Housing First Program in various ways. For example, a person might need emergency shelter and be placed in the Options shelter in Hays.Once someone is in the shelter, Options workers begin developing a housing plan with that client, Hecker said."We help them look for housing that is affordable, safe, healthy, that will pass good inspections and that anyone would be proud to live in," Hecker said.&nbsp;Finding affordable housing in Hays and other even more rural areas of northwest Kansas can be challenging, Hecker said. The rental market is tight."There is not enough affordable low-income housing for people," Hecker said. "That's something we need to address in our community."Lack of transportation is also an issue in small communities where there's no public transportation, she said.In addition to transition advocates, Options relies on partnerships with landlords and housing advocacy groups."Sometimes our clients lose housing and are evicted from their apartments or rental properties because domestic violence happened there," Hecker said. "Some of what we do is educate landlords about the laws. It is illegal to evict a domestic violence victim from their house because domestic violence happened."Options offer financial assistance for people who need housing. They can pay back payments. Hecker said often, domestic violence victims' credit histories or rental histories are ruined as a byproduct of their abusers' financial abuse.Options can pay rent for victims for several months to allow them to get back on their feet. They work with other agencies to assist with security deposits.Some of these strategies are meant to help domestic violence victims stay in their homes and create more stability for them and their children,&nbsp; Hecker said."For the first time in a long time, for a lot of people, it's the first time they've been able to turn on the radio, crank it up loud on a Saturday morning," Hecker said, "and dance around the living room with their kids without feeling fear of waking up the beast.""You can decide to leave your dishes in the sink overnight and not worry someone is going to drag you by your hair and shove your face in the sink."She added, "That resilience, that independence, that ability to live and just breathe is so important and a critical part of healing from trauma."Options cover an 18-county area across northwest Kansas. Leaving their homes to come to an emergency shelter in Hays is not always the best option for victims and their families.If victims can stay in their homes, kids don't have to change schools, and the victims may be able to keep jobs if they are working. They may also be closer to friends and family who can provide support."It really gives folks an opportunity to rebuild their lives and finally, once and for all, stop that isolation they're experiencing," Hecker said.Homelessness leaves domestic violence victims vulnerable, she said. Hecker recalled a woman who lost custody of her children because she was homeless. Seven years later, she still hasn't regained custody of her children.Providing safe housing for mothers and children helps break the cycle of abuse, Hecker said.Community members can assist Options in their work to provide safe housing to domestic violence victims, Hecker said.She asks landlords to look at the affordability of rents and also consider the safety of domestic violence victims when looking at housing waiting lists."Stable housing prevents further violence," Hecker said. "Safe housing can save lives."She also encouraged other housing assistance agencies to minimize barriers to housing so domestic violence victims can be rehoused quickly.&nbsp;Hecker said advocacy agencies have changed their philosophy on housing during the last decade to the Housing First Model."Ten years ago our philosophy was if get someone into a house and they don't have a job, that's money down the drain," she said. "They're going to come right back. Of course, they're going to come right back because we haven't addressed the issue that brought them to be homeless in the first place."I can't imagine dealing with trauma and trying to heal from trauma, and all the while, I'm wondering where am I going to sleep tonight ... where are my children going to sleep tonight," she said. "You can't move forward when that is your biggest need."Donors can give monetary gifts to Options to support its housing and shelter programs. Options also regularly shares a wish list of items needed for the emergency shelter on its <a href="https://www.facebook.com/OptionsHays">Facebook page.</a>Options raises about 30 percent of its funds at this time of year. Cash donations fill gaps that are not supported through grants.<h2>How to get help</h2>If you are a survivor of domestic or sexual violence, you can receive help in a variety of ways from Options Domestic and Sexual Violence Service. The agency serves 18 counties in northwest Kansas. You can walk into an Options office at 2716 Plaza, Hays, or&nbsp;1480 W. Fourth, Colby. You can call Options' 24-hour helpline at 1-800-794-4624 or text HOPE to 847411.The Options website,&nbsp;<a href="https://help4abuse.org/">https://help4abuse.org/</a>, offers a live chat option or video conference with an advocate.The website has a safe escape button that allows you to close out of the website and erase your cookies quickly, so anyone on the computer after you will not be able to see that you have been on the website.Options also has a free app for Android and Apple devices called "My Mobile Options."

🎙Options focuses on Housing First Model for domestic violence victims

On this episode of the <a href="https://hayspost.com/category/post-podcast" target="_blank">Post Podcast</a>, <a href="http://www.ipifinancialservices.com/" target="_blank">Insurance Planning, Inc.</a> account executives Brian Weimer and Gene Stramel discuss prescription drug programs with Hays Post reporter Cristina Janney.&nbsp; &nbsp;

<div><iframe title="Insurance Planning shares information about prescription drug programs" allowtransparency="true" height="600" width="100%" style="border: none; min-width: min(100%, 430px);height:600px;" scrolling="no" data-name="pb-iframe-player" src="https://www.podbean.com/player-v2/?i=k2pwx-177de38-pb&from=pb6admin&square=1&share=1&download=1&rtl=0&fonts=Arial&skin=3267a3&font-color=auto&logo_link=podcast_page&btn-skin=60a0c8&size=600" loading="lazy" allowfullscreen=""></iframe></div>On this episode of the <a href="https://hayspost.com/category/post-podcast" target="_blank">Post Podcast</a>, <a href="http://www.ipifinancialservices.com/" target="_blank">Insurance Planning, Inc.</a> account executives Brian Weimer and Gene Stramel discuss prescription drug programs with Hays Post reporter Cristina Janney.&nbsp; &nbsp;

🎙 Post Podcast: Insurance Planning shares information about prescription drug programs

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

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/4/1650310171036.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure><div><iframe title="The Post Podcast" allowtransparency="true" height="240" 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=mfxwd-513918-pbblog-playlist&share=1&download=1&rtl=0&fonts=Arial&skin=3267a3&font-color=auto&logo_link=podcast_page&order=episodic&limit=40&filter=tags&tag=all&ss=079545fa78cbd214d90f518dd160ff1e&btn-skin=f6f6f6&size=240" allowfullscreen=""></iframe></div><a href="https://postpodcast.podbean.com/">For more about the Post Podcast, including a full list of episodes and episode transcripts click here.</a>

🎙 The latest from the Post Podcast

&nbsp;Sarah Meitner, executive director of the <a href="https://heartlandcommunityfoundation.org/">Heartland Community Foundation</a> in Hays, was honored as one of 14 Rural Innovators recognized by the White House for their outstanding contributions to rural communities across the United States.

Meitner, the sole Kansan selected for this distinction, participated in the White House Rural Innovators Initiative event on Wednesday, where she highlighted the impactful work happening in northwest Kansas.

Meitner was nominated for the honor by Sara Bloom, quality places manager at the Kansas Department of Commerce, for her leadership in creating inclusive spaces, fostering a culture of charitable giving and supporting local nonprofits.

Central to her nomination was her work on the <a href="https://www.facebook.com/HAYSARCPARK/">Hays ARC Park</a>, a $2.1 million inclusive playground and splash pad that opened in September 2021.

Inspired by her son, Abe, who has Down syndrome, the ARC Park provides a space where children and families of all abilities can play together. The project has since inspired multiple accessible park initiatives across Kansas and beyond — serving as a model for inclusive community development.

The ARC Park has quickly become a community treasure and welcomes thousands of visitors a year from local communities and families passing through Hays.

In addition to her role at the Heartland Community Foundation, Meitner serves as president of the board for <a href="https://arcofcentralplains.org/">The Arc of Central Plains</a>. Work on Phase 3 of the ARC Park continues, with more fundraising dollars needed.

“It was absolutely the coolest experience,” Meitner said, of the White House event. “I was honored to represent Kansas and share the incredible stories of perseverance, humilit, and collaboration from our Heartland communities. While I didn’t feel worthy, I realized the collective work we’re doing together truly makes a difference.”

Under Meitner’s leadership, the Heartland Community Foundation, which serves Ellis, Rooks and Trego counties, has championed initiatives that cultivate a culture of charitable giving, support local nonprofits and create inclusive spaces that empower the next generation of rural leaders.

Notably, the foundation has established the Heartland Youth Action Council, engaging young leaders in philanthropy and community development.

Additionally, the foundation has&nbsp;more than doubled its total assets in four years,&nbsp;a critical step toward ensuring sustainable funding for community projects now and in the future.

Each year, the foundation grants out more than $400,000 to support a wide range of initiatives in Ellis, Rooks and Trego counties, with that number steadily growing.

The Heartland Community Foundation holds endowed funds for more than 60 local nonprofits, connecting donors to causes that align with their passions and helping individuals leave&nbsp;charitable gifts in their estate plans.

The foundation also works with businesses to ensure their charitable giving is both&nbsp;informed and tax-smart.&nbsp;Beyond financial support, the foundation partners with nonprofits to empower their capital projects through fundraising guidance, marketing assistance, grant opportunities and strategic support.

These efforts collectively strengthen the region’s capacity to thrive and ensure a legacy of generosity and growth.

During the White House event, Meitner connected with fellow Rural Innovators, sharing stories of rural challenges and successes.

The recognition ceremony took place in the historic Indian Treaty Room, and the day also included a White House holiday tour, a reception hosted by the USDA, and unique experiences such as visiting the Truman Bowling Alley and underground tunnels.

Reflecting on the experience, Meitner emphasized the strength of rural communities: “The Deputy Secretary for the Department of Agriculture spoke about rural capacity building, but also reminded us that there is already so much capacity happening in rural communities. 

"The innovation and determination I witnessed reinforced the incredible potential we have in northwest Kansas and similar regions.”

Meitner, a Wichita native, has lived in&nbsp;Hays for almost 10 years&nbsp;with her husband, Chad, who is the principal at&nbsp;Thomas More Prep-Marian School, and their five children:&nbsp;Julia, 20, a junior at the University of Notre Dame;&nbsp;Henry, 18, a freshman at Fort Hays State University;&nbsp;Charlie, 15, a sophomore at TMP;&nbsp;Leo, 13, a seventh grader at TMP; and&nbsp;Abe, a fourth grader at Roosevelt Elementary.

For more information about the White House Rural Innovators Initiative and to see the full list of recipients, visit&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.rural.gov/rural-innovators-initiative">www.rural.gov/rural-innovators-initiative</a>.

<figure>
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 </figure><figure>
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 </figure>Submitted&nbsp;Sarah Meitner, executive director of the <a href="https://heartlandcommunityfoundation.org/">Heartland Community Foundation</a> in Hays, was honored as one of 14 Rural Innovators recognized by the White House for their outstanding contributions to rural communities across the United States. Meitner, the sole Kansan selected for this distinction, participated in the White House Rural Innovators Initiative event on Wednesday, where she highlighted the impactful work happening in northwest Kansas.Meitner was nominated for the honor by Sara Bloom, quality places manager at the Kansas Department of Commerce, for her leadership in creating inclusive spaces, fostering a culture of charitable giving and supporting local nonprofits.Central to her nomination was her work on the <a href="https://www.facebook.com/HAYSARCPARK/">Hays ARC Park</a>, a $2.1 million inclusive playground and splash pad that opened in September 2021.Inspired by her son, Abe, who has Down syndrome, the ARC Park provides a space where children and families of all abilities can play together. The project has since inspired multiple accessible park initiatives across Kansas and beyond — serving as a model for inclusive community development.The ARC Park has quickly become a community treasure and welcomes thousands of visitors a year from local communities and families passing through Hays.In addition to her role at the Heartland Community Foundation, Meitner serves as president of the board for <a href="https://arcofcentralplains.org/">The Arc of Central Plains</a>. Work on Phase 3 of the ARC Park continues, with more fundraising dollars needed.“It was absolutely the coolest experience,” Meitner said, of the White House event. “I was honored to represent Kansas and share the incredible stories of perseverance, humilit, and collaboration from our Heartland communities. While I didn’t feel worthy, I realized the collective work we’re doing together truly makes a difference.”Under Meitner’s leadership, the Heartland Community Foundation, which serves Ellis, Rooks and Trego counties, has championed initiatives that cultivate a culture of charitable giving, support local nonprofits and create inclusive spaces that empower the next generation of rural leaders.Notably, the foundation has established the Heartland Youth Action Council, engaging young leaders in philanthropy and community development.Additionally, the foundation has&nbsp;more than doubled its total assets in four years,&nbsp;a critical step toward ensuring sustainable funding for community projects now and in the future.Each year, the foundation grants out more than $400,000 to support a wide range of initiatives in Ellis, Rooks and Trego counties, with that number steadily growing.The Heartland Community Foundation holds endowed funds for more than 60 local nonprofits, connecting donors to causes that align with their passions and helping individuals leave&nbsp;charitable gifts in their estate plans.The foundation also works with businesses to ensure their charitable giving is both&nbsp;informed and tax-smart.&nbsp;Beyond financial support, the foundation partners with nonprofits to empower their capital projects through fundraising guidance, marketing assistance, grant opportunities and strategic support.These efforts collectively strengthen the region’s capacity to thrive and ensure a legacy of generosity and growth.During the White House event, Meitner connected with fellow Rural Innovators, sharing stories of rural challenges and successes.The recognition ceremony took place in the historic Indian Treaty Room, and the day also included a White House holiday tour, a reception hosted by the USDA, and unique experiences such as visiting the Truman Bowling Alley and underground tunnels.Reflecting on the experience, Meitner emphasized the strength of rural communities: “The Deputy Secretary for the Department of Agriculture spoke about rural capacity building, but also reminded us that there is already so much capacity happening in rural communities. "The innovation and determination I witnessed reinforced the incredible potential we have in northwest Kansas and similar regions.”Meitner, a Wichita native, has lived in&nbsp;Hays for almost 10 years&nbsp;with her husband, Chad, who is the principal at&nbsp;Thomas More Prep-Marian School, and their five children:&nbsp;Julia, 20, a junior at the University of Notre Dame;&nbsp;Henry, 18, a freshman at Fort Hays State University;&nbsp;Charlie, 15, a sophomore at TMP;&nbsp;Leo, 13, a seventh grader at TMP; and&nbsp;Abe, a fourth grader at Roosevelt Elementary.For more information about the White House Rural Innovators Initiative and to see the full list of recipients, visit&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.rural.gov/rural-innovators-initiative">www.rural.gov/rural-innovators-initiative</a>.

Heartland Foundation director recognized as Rural Innovator at the White House

A Grow Hays Year in Review luncheon last week highlighted the housing growth in Ellis County last year.

Doug Williams, executive director of Grow Hays, discussed some notable housing additions in the works and other economic indicators during the meeting with local leaders at Brief Space.

Williams said his predictions for housing for 2024 were off.

He estimated Ellis would have 20 single-family home starts, but there were 15. He estimated there would be more than 40 starts for multi-family housing units, but Ellis County had none.

In 2023, Ellis County had 29 single-family home starts, so housing development is down over the prior year.

Williams predicted single-family home prices would remain stable in 2024, depending on the price range. They increased.

Williams once thought a house in Ellis County selling for more than $500,000 would be very rare. However, numerous homes have now sold for more than $1 million.&nbsp;

He also predicted rents would remain stable or slightly rise. Rents have continued to rise, and the rental supply remains very tight, Williams said.

Williams highlighted multiple housing projects that are in the works.

All of the homes in phases one and two of Heart of America Tallgrass, 54 homes, are built and sold.

Six homes are under construction on Wheatland Drive and another six will be started soon.

The majority of the homes have been sold to first-time home buyers, and 16 more have been sold to families new to Hays.

"Once a family buys a home and puts down roots, they're more likely to stay," Williams said. "One of the things this housing development is doing is keeping people here."

Williams expected more Tallgrass buyers to be upsizing or downsizing, but few of the buyers fell into that category.

Thirty-six homes in phase one were limited to a $225,000 maximum sale price, and the next 18 to a $235,000 maximum sale price. Developers bought some homes, but the maximum sale price was only subject to the first sale.

Because the lots are larger, the sale prices for the homes on Wheatland Drive will be above the minimum in the first two phases.

Heart of America is working to develop phase four of the Tallgrass Addition, which includes 21 acres north of the existing development.

The city of Hays has agreed to bond the first three phases of the addition so that the developer can proceed to invest in the fourth phase.

<a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/70507513-a0c4-489b-86c5-f7edf0fdf753">The developer is in the process of rezoning and platting 101 lots in the fourth phase.</a>

A new&nbsp;Reinvestment Housing Incentive District (RHID) will be used for the fourth phase.&nbsp;If approved, the district will capture the incremental real property taxes, less the state's 1.5 mills and 20 mill school levy, for up to 25 years.

Williams credited Heart of America as well as the city in making Hays a leader in housing in the state.

Hays developer Michael Graham is planning to build 48 apartments on the site of the former railroad depot parking lot at 10th and Walnut in downtown Hays.

<a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/dc0fb523-b96d-42bb-b65a-55221db96969">The city has also approved an incentive district for that development.&nbsp;</a>

The district is expected to generate about $1.1 million of revenue during its maximum 25-year term. The revenue would reimburse the developer for an estimated $692,000 in RHID-eligible project costs on a pay-as-you-go basis.

Construction of the first 24 units in the development will begin this spring.&nbsp;

<a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/1cf1f167-3d2b-4a78-9fe7-240b64b595ae">The Hays USD 489 school board has also agreed to enter into a contract with Graham&nbsp;</a><a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/1cf1f167-3d2b-4a78-9fe7-240b64b595ae" target="_blank">to purchase Lincoln Elementary School.&nbsp;</a>The school will close as new elementary school space comes online&nbsp;as part of bond-funded projects.&nbsp;

Graham hopes to renovate the building into 26 to 28 one- and two-bedroom apartments. He also plans to build more housing on the land adjacent to the school.

<a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/e533b2e3-4579-4f87-a183-e605e9b45f54">DP Management is seeking a state grant to help finance development of&nbsp;a 136-unit apartment complex in Hays at&nbsp;at Wheatland Avenue and East 22nd Street.</a>

Forty-eight of the one, two and three-bedroom units would be market-rate housing, while 88 units would be low-income housing.

The city has submitted a letter of support for the grant, and the developer is waiting to see if it is approved.

Dan Hess has finished the construction of infrastructure for 12 lots in south Ellis on Maple. Developers have pulled eight permits to construct homes on those lots.

"We are excited to have activity in Ellis, which hasn't had activity in a long time," Williams said. "The school district enrollment shows they haven't had that activity."

Work is being done on the expansion of the Knight's Addition in Victoria.

"We have people who want to be over there, but we just don't have additional lots," Williams said.

<a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/52b97519-b934-46eb-bdf3-8bd246bf2675">Construction of the&nbsp;Bob and Pat Schmidt Community Center at the Grove. is underway and should be completed in 2025.</a>&nbsp;Multiple donors have been given to support the community center, but Williams said Grow Hays is short of the funding needed for the project. It is still seeking donations.

Work just started on the streets. Housing construction could begin as soon as this summer.

Grow Hays had planned 50 patio homes, eight duplexes and six plexes on the corner.

Grow Hays was able to purchase an additional single-family 2-acre lot that faces Canterbury.

Considering the number of multi-family units proposed in Hays, Grow Hays is now proposing a grouping of two-bedroom, two-bathroom, two-car garage villas for the additional property.

The homes would be about 1,100 square feet with a shared courtyard and be offered at a lower price point than the patio homes, Williams said.

<a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/086b27b6-fc06-490d-91ed-833bbf3e82cd">The MicroFactory, which was completed last March, is still empty.</a>

The MicroFactory, 3000 Ninth in Hays, is meant to be a space manufacturers can rent for a lower-than-market rate as they launch new businesses or product lines.

The $4.5 million, 30,000-square-foot facility was constructed with help from the Kansas Department of Commerce and was supposed to bring new jobs into Hays.

"We're disappointed we haven't got anyone in there yet," Williams said. "We've had a few people we have determined who would not be a good fit that had interest."

It is being marketed locally, regionally and nationally.

Williams compared the MicroFactory to the co-working Brief Space. He said it took awhile for people to understand and buy into the concept.

"This is a kind of co-working space for manufacturers," he said.

Williams said Hays is primarily a white-collar community and needs to grow its manufacturing base.

"I don't know when we say we gotta do something else?" he said. "At this point, we are committed to the people who put up the money for it, both the state and the Schmidt Foundation and Patterson Family Foundation, to try to fulfill the vision of what this facility can be."

"I'm still confident we can get it done. It's just been slow. We were hoping we would open the door, and we'd have all these people flocking in, and it hasn't quite worked like that," Williams said.

Williams said Hays has not done a good job of promoting retail over the last 20 to 25 years.

Retail matters in Hays because the city, Ellis County, and Hays USD 489 all use sales tax as a funding source.

"We are a retail trade center," Williams said. "People come here to shop. When they come here to shop, they eat lunch. They may stay here overnight. That contributes."

He said robust retail is also a quality-of-life issue.

<a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/68c83702-3486-4109-b74f-2a7ee851a4fe">The state of Kansas awarded Grow Hays $4.475 million to establish a retail development north of Interstate 70 in Hays.</a>

The proposed development would be on 9.1 acres directly north of Home Depot. Grow Hays intends to develop a 60,000—to 70,000-square-foot shopping center.&nbsp;

Williams said retail development can be challenging because the rents don't match the construction or land costs. This project seeks to remedy some of those issues.

Williams said he hopes Grow Hays can start the retail development in 2025.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/11/1667693163285.jpeg" alt="File photo" />
 <figcaption>File photo</figcaption>
 </figure><div><iframe title="Grow Hays year in review: Housing still key to growth" allowtransparency="true" height="150" width="100%" style="border: none; min-width: min(100%, 430px);height:150px;" scrolling="no" data-name="pb-iframe-player" src="https://www.podbean.com/player-v2/?i=u2p5x-1766871-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" loading="lazy"></iframe></div>By CRISTINA JANNEY Hays PostA Grow Hays Year in Review luncheon last week highlighted the housing growth in Ellis County last year.Doug Williams, executive director of Grow Hays, discussed some notable housing additions in the works and other economic indicators during the meeting with local leaders at Brief Space.Williams said his predictions for housing for 2024 were off.He estimated Ellis would have 20 single-family home starts, but there were 15. He estimated there would be more than 40 starts for multi-family housing units, but Ellis County had none.In 2023, Ellis County had 29 single-family home starts, so housing development is down over the prior year.Williams predicted single-family home prices would remain stable in 2024, depending on the price range. They increased.Williams once thought a house in Ellis County selling for more than $500,000 would be very rare. However, numerous homes have now sold for more than $1 million.&nbsp;He also predicted rents would remain stable or slightly rise. Rents have continued to rise, and the rental supply remains very tight, Williams said.Williams highlighted multiple housing projects that are in the works.<h2>Tallgrass Addition</h2>All of the homes in phases one and two of Heart of America Tallgrass, 54 homes, are built and sold.Six homes are under construction on Wheatland Drive and another six will be started soon.The majority of the homes have been sold to first-time home buyers, and 16 more have been sold to families new to Hays."Once a family buys a home and puts down roots, they're more likely to stay," Williams said. "One of the things this housing development is doing is keeping people here."Williams expected more Tallgrass buyers to be upsizing or downsizing, but few of the buyers fell into that category.Thirty-six homes in phase one were limited to a $225,000 maximum sale price, and the next 18 to a $235,000 maximum sale price. Developers bought some homes, but the maximum sale price was only subject to the first sale.Because the lots are larger, the sale prices for the homes on Wheatland Drive will be above the minimum in the first two phases.Heart of America is working to develop phase four of the Tallgrass Addition, which includes 21 acres north of the existing development.The city of Hays has agreed to bond the first three phases of the addition so that the developer can proceed to invest in the fourth phase.<a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/70507513-a0c4-489b-86c5-f7edf0fdf753">The developer is in the process of rezoning and platting 101 lots in the fourth phase.</a><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/12/1733437807491.png" alt="Tallgrass Addition phase four" />
 <figcaption>Tallgrass Addition phase four</figcaption>
 </figure>A new&nbsp;Reinvestment Housing Incentive District (RHID) will be used for the fourth phase.&nbsp;If approved, the district will capture the incremental real property taxes, less the state's 1.5 mills and 20 mill school levy, for up to 25 years.Williams credited Heart of America as well as the city in making Hays a leader in housing in the state.<h2>Michael Graham projects</h2><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/12/1733439021108.png" alt="20th and Walnut apartments site" />
 <figcaption>20th and Walnut apartments site</figcaption>
 </figure>Hays developer Michael Graham is planning to build 48 apartments on the site of the former railroad depot parking lot at 10th and Walnut in downtown Hays.<a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/dc0fb523-b96d-42bb-b65a-55221db96969">The city has also approved an incentive district for that development.&nbsp;</a>The district is expected to generate about $1.1 million of revenue during its maximum 25-year term. The revenue would reimburse the developer for an estimated $692,000 in RHID-eligible project costs on a pay-as-you-go basis.Construction of the first 24 units in the development will begin this spring.&nbsp;<a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/1cf1f167-3d2b-4a78-9fe7-240b64b595ae">The Hays USD 489 school board has also agreed to enter into a contract with Graham&nbsp;</a><a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/1cf1f167-3d2b-4a78-9fe7-240b64b595ae" target="_blank">to purchase Lincoln Elementary School.&nbsp;</a>The school will close as new elementary school space comes online&nbsp;as part of bond-funded projects.&nbsp;Graham hopes to renovate the building into 26 to 28 one- and two-bedroom apartments. He also plans to build more housing on the land adjacent to the school.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/12/1733437701777.png" alt="Proposed DP Management&nbsp; apartment complex" />
 <figcaption>Proposed DP Management&nbsp; apartment complex</figcaption>
 </figure><h2>Victory Village</h2><a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/e533b2e3-4579-4f87-a183-e605e9b45f54">DP Management is seeking a state grant to help finance development of&nbsp;a 136-unit apartment complex in Hays at&nbsp;at Wheatland Avenue and East 22nd Street.</a>Forty-eight of the one, two and three-bedroom units would be market-rate housing, while 88 units would be low-income housing.The city has submitted a letter of support for the grant, and the developer is waiting to see if it is approved.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/12/1733440520698.jpeg" alt="Ellis lots" />
 <figcaption>Ellis lots</figcaption>
 </figure><h2>Ellis development</h2>Dan Hess has finished the construction of infrastructure for 12 lots in south Ellis on Maple. Developers have pulled eight permits to construct homes on those lots."We are excited to have activity in Ellis, which hasn't had activity in a long time," Williams said. "The school district enrollment shows they haven't had that activity."Work is being done on the expansion of the Knight's Addition in Victoria."We have people who want to be over there, but we just don't have additional lots," Williams said.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/12/1733440608165.jpeg" alt="Ongoing work on the Bob and Pat Schmidt Community Center at the Grove. Courtesy photo" />
 <figcaption>Ongoing work on the Bob and Pat Schmidt Community Center at the Grove. Courtesy photo</figcaption>
 </figure><h2>The Grove</h2><a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/52b97519-b934-46eb-bdf3-8bd246bf2675">Construction of the&nbsp;Bob and Pat Schmidt Community Center at the Grove. is underway and should be completed in 2025.</a>&nbsp;Multiple donors have been given to support the community center, but Williams said Grow Hays is short of the funding needed for the project. It is still seeking donations.Work just started on the streets. Housing construction could begin as soon as this summer.Grow Hays had planned 50 patio homes, eight duplexes and six plexes on the corner.Grow Hays was able to purchase an additional single-family 2-acre lot that faces Canterbury.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/12/1733440569777.jpeg" alt="Grove villas" />
 <figcaption>Grove villas</figcaption>
 </figure>Considering the number of multi-family units proposed in Hays, Grow Hays is now proposing a grouping of two-bedroom, two-bathroom, two-car garage villas for the additional property.The homes would be about 1,100 square feet with a shared courtyard and be offered at a lower price point than the patio homes, Williams said.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/12/1733439488106.jpeg" alt="MicroFactory in Hays" />
 <figcaption>MicroFactory in Hays</figcaption>
 </figure><h2>MicroFactory</h2><a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/086b27b6-fc06-490d-91ed-833bbf3e82cd">The MicroFactory, which was completed last March, is still empty.</a>The MicroFactory, 3000 Ninth in Hays, is meant to be a space manufacturers can rent for a lower-than-market rate as they launch new businesses or product lines.The $4.5 million, 30,000-square-foot facility was constructed with help from the Kansas Department of Commerce and was supposed to bring new jobs into Hays.Williams said it is Grow Hays' sore toe."We're disappointed we haven't got anyone in there yet," Williams said. "We've had a few people we have determined who would not be a good fit that had interest."It is being marketed locally, regionally and nationally.Williams compared the MicroFactory to the co-working Brief Space. He said it took awhile for people to understand and buy into the concept."This is a kind of co-working space for manufacturers," he said.Williams said Hays is primarily a white-collar community and needs to grow its manufacturing base."I don't know when we say we gotta do something else?" he said. "At this point, we are committed to the people who put up the money for it, both the state and the Schmidt Foundation and Patterson Family Foundation, to try to fulfill the vision of what this facility can be.""I'm still confident we can get it done. It's just been slow. We were hoping we would open the door, and we'd have all these people flocking in, and it hasn't quite worked like that," Williams said.<h2>Retail</h2>Williams said Hays has not done a good job of promoting retail over the last 20 to 25 years.Retail matters in Hays because the city, Ellis County, and Hays USD 489 all use sales tax as a funding source."We are a retail trade center," Williams said. "People come here to shop. When they come here to shop, they eat lunch. They may stay here overnight. That contributes."He said robust retail is also a quality-of-life issue.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/12/1733504474517.jpeg" alt="Proposed site of the Grow Hays shopping center development." />
 <figcaption>Proposed site of the Grow Hays shopping center development.</figcaption>
 </figure><a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/68c83702-3486-4109-b74f-2a7ee851a4fe">The state of Kansas awarded Grow Hays $4.475 million to establish a retail development north of Interstate 70 in Hays.</a>The proposed development would be on 9.1 acres directly north of Home Depot. Grow Hays intends to develop a 60,000—to 70,000-square-foot shopping center.&nbsp;Williams said retail development can be challenging because the rents don't match the construction or land costs. This project seeks to remedy some of those issues.Williams said he hopes Grow Hays can start the retail development in 2025.

🎙Grow Hays year in review: Housing still key to growth

On this episode of the Post Podcast, Hays Post reporter Becky Kiser speaks with Downtown Development Corp. executive director Julie Rider about downtown Hays holiday activities.

<div><iframe title="Downtown Hays ready for holiday season" allowtransparency="true" height="600" width="100%" style="border: none; min-width: min(100%, 430px);height:600px;" scrolling="no" data-name="pb-iframe-player" src="https://www.podbean.com/player-v2/?i=9ha8w-1760dcd-pb&from=pb6admin&square=1&share=1&download=1&rtl=0&fonts=Arial&skin=3267a3&font-color=auto&logo_link=podcast_page&btn-skin=60a0c8&size=600" loading="lazy" allowfullscreen=""></iframe></div>On this episode of the Post Podcast, Hays Post reporter Becky Kiser speaks with Downtown Development Corp. executive director Julie Rider about downtown Hays holiday activities.

🎙 Post Podcast: Downtown Hays ready for holiday season

As the 2024 holiday season commences, Fort Hays State University’s annual toy-building event is approaching quickly.

The 35th Annual Fred Ruda’s Teaming up for Tots event is set to take place on Saturday, Dec. 7, at the Center for Applied Technology at Fort Hays State University. This year, volunteers from the community will build over 180 wooden helicopter toys that will be distributed to children in need in our community.

Students in the Department of Applied Technology have designed the toy and all the processes, jigs, and fixtures needed to produce the toys on a mass scale. Community members are asked to volunteer to run a station. Jobs include but aren’t limited to running machinery, moving pieces from one part of the assembly line to another, gluing and assembling parts, sanding, and applying oil finish to the production toys.

“This is one of the best opportunities for our students to give back to the community,” said Zach Pixler, Assistant Professor of Applied Technology. “Not only do they learn more about the manufacturing process, they get to flex their creative muscles a bit, practice critical thinking skills, and see the positive impact that their hard work has on those around them. This year’s helicopter toy incorporates some different materials, so it’s a challenge for our students. I’m excited to see them all come together on our line!”

Building will commence at 9 a.m. and will be completed by lunchtime. Join us for coffee and donuts before the event and pizza after the build. All ages are welcome. No sign-up is necessary; just bring safety glasses and be ready to build.

For answers to any questions, contact the Department of Applied Technology at 785-628-4211.

<div><iframe title="FHSU’s annual toy building event set for Saturday, Dec. 7" allowtransparency="true" height="600" width="100%" style="border: none; min-width: min(100%, 430px);height:600px;" scrolling="no" data-name="pb-iframe-player" src="https://www.podbean.com/player-v2/?i=f7nu5-175f34c-pb&from=pb6admin&square=1&share=1&download=1&rtl=0&fonts=Arial&skin=3267a3&font-color=auto&logo_link=podcast_page&btn-skin=60a0c8&size=600" loading="lazy" allowfullscreen=""></iframe></div>By FHSU University CommunicationsAs the 2024 holiday season commences, Fort Hays State University’s annual toy-building event is approaching quickly.The 35th Annual Fred Ruda’s Teaming up for Tots event is set to take place on Saturday, Dec. 7, at the Center for Applied Technology at Fort Hays State University. This year, volunteers from the community will build over 180 wooden helicopter toys that will be distributed to children in need in our community.Students in the Department of Applied Technology have designed the toy and all the processes, jigs, and fixtures needed to produce the toys on a mass scale. Community members are asked to volunteer to run a station. Jobs include but aren’t limited to running machinery, moving pieces from one part of the assembly line to another, gluing and assembling parts, sanding, and applying oil finish to the production toys.“This is one of the best opportunities for our students to give back to the community,” said Zach Pixler, Assistant Professor of Applied Technology. “Not only do they learn more about the manufacturing process, they get to flex their creative muscles a bit, practice critical thinking skills, and see the positive impact that their hard work has on those around them. This year’s helicopter toy incorporates some different materials, so it’s a challenge for our students. I’m excited to see them all come together on our line!”Building will commence at 9 a.m. and will be completed by lunchtime. Join us for coffee and donuts before the event and pizza after the build. All ages are welcome. No sign-up is necessary; just bring safety glasses and be ready to build.For answers to any questions, contact the Department of Applied Technology at 785-628-4211.

🎙 Post Podcast: FHSU’s annual toy building event set for Dec. 7

On this episode of the <a href="https://hayspost.com/category/post-podcast" target="_blank">Post Podcast</a>, <a href="http://www.ipifinancialservices.com/" target="_blank">I</a>nsurance Planning, Inc. account executive Taylor Pfannenstiel discusses commercial insurance with The Morning Blend host Jeff Leiker.&nbsp;&nbsp;

<div><iframe title="Insurance Planning, Inc. discusses commercial insurance" 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/?i=4zzxk-174e61a-pb&from=pb6admin&square=1&share=1&download=1&rtl=0&fonts=Arial&skin=3267a3&font-color=auto&logo_link=podcast_page&btn-skin=60a0c8&size=300" loading="lazy" allowfullscreen=""></iframe></div>On this episode of the <a href="https://hayspost.com/category/post-podcast" target="_blank">Post Podcast</a>, <a href="http://www.ipifinancialservices.com/" target="_blank">I</a>nsurance Planning, Inc. account executive Taylor Pfannenstiel discusses commercial insurance with The Morning Blend host Jeff Leiker.&nbsp;&nbsp;

🎙 Post Podcast: Insurance Planning, Inc. discusses commercial insurance

A recent poverty analysis showed Hays has the highest poverty rate in the multi-county region at 18%

Although some have suggested increasing wages would help those who struggle financially, Doug William, director of the the local economic development agency, recently explained the solution to such a problem is not so easy.

"It is a complex issue," Williams said during a recent interview on the Morning Blend on KAYS. "One of my favorite quotes is that for every complex problem, there's a solution that is clear, simple and wrong. I think that applies to this situation very much."

Hays City Commissioner Reese Barrick urged local businesses to increase wages at a recent city commission meeting in response to the poverty data.

“The reality is it would take to get all of Hays outside of poverty and not always struggling week to week and month to month, would people with jobs making $25 an hour,” he said.

He added, “We wouldn’t have to have all of these [nonprofit] organizations if we were able to pay people enough so they were outside of the risk zone every month. …

“If we want a community where everyone can participate and put money back into the community by shopping everywhere, then we have to pay people enough so they can participate. We can take care of the poverty level. It’s really a wage thing.”

In addition to the 18% poverty rate, another 23% of Ellis County residents are classified as Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed, or ALICE. These households are above the federal poverty level but cannot afford their county's basic cost of living. They do not qualify for public assistance.

<a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/17290ca2-a64d-4482-aecd-213534370fcd">SEE RELATED STORY: Ellis County reports highest poverty rate in region</a>

Williams said lower-wage earners would benefit from an increase in wages to $20 per hour.&nbsp;

"That presents challenges for businesses to keep their doors open, to operate at a profitable level, so they can continue to employ people and offer what they offer to a community," he said.

The current minimum wage in Kansas for nontipped employees is $7.25.&nbsp;

The federal government sets the federal minimum wage. States can set higher minimum wages if they choose. Cities in Kansas cannot set minimum wage standards.

 However, Williams noted most workers in Ellis County earn more than the minimum wage because of the demand for labor and the shortage of workers in the area.

The Ellis County unemployment rate in October was 2.7%. Anything less than 4% is considered low.

In response to Barrick's comments, some city workers addressed the Hays City Commission at its Nov. 14 meeting, noting that some city workers did not earn $20 per hour.

Williams said the consequences of raising those workers' hourly wages would potentially be increased taxes.

"Again, there is always this cause and effect, and it's never a simple process," Williams said.

"A $20 across-the-board hourly rate, I'm sure, would be problematic for a lot of businesses," he said.

Mark Hess of Hess Services recently shared a response to Barrick's comments in a letter to the Hays Post, saying increasing wages would drive up costs for products and services in Hays and make it difficult for local businesses to compete in the region.

<a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/7e6275e6-d3b6-4d59-bb6c-f2505d0a65ca">SEE RELATED STORY: Response to City Commissioner Barrick's statement on business wages</a>

"Labor is one of the largest, if not the largest, components of the production of a product," Williams said. "If that cost goes up, they have to pass that on. Does that change their competitive stature within their market?"

Williams said the United States has lost thousands of jobs to other countries where the labor market is much different.

"They can hire people for much less than they can hire people here, and consequently, they can offer their products at a lower price," he said. "That's capitalism.

"That has caused some problems in this country with the loss of manufacturing, but again, it's a very complex situation, and each business is a little bit different."

Williams said the key factor is employees are important to businesses.

"Businesses need to pay what they can to employees to keep them and to offer a fair wage to allow them to have a reasonable lifestyle and provide good value to the business owner," he said.

"There are no simple answers, but an across-the-board blank say everybody's going to go to $20 an hour would probably not be the answer to a problem like this," Williams said.

In the gap are charitable programs and subsidies for people whose income qualifies, Williams said. These can be food banks or rental assistance programs.

"There are many programs like that. Are there enough of them? Probably not," Williams said. "We need to try to help people if we can."

Williams said the poverty data was alarming.

"But I think, by and large, our community does a great job employing people and having good jobs," he said. "Our city and county and school district do a great job of what they do.&nbsp;

"While everybody would like our property taxes to be less, relative to other places in this state, [our property taxes] are actually low."

Although property taxes have increased, those increases are not unique to Hays, Williams said.

Williams said Hays compares favorably to other communities in many ways. Although many think housing costs are high in Hays, they are competitive with peer communities. He said rates tend to be higher, but that is true in most college communities.

"I think we have a lot to be thankful for," Williams said. "Yes, we have work to do. Yes, we have people in the community who struggle. We need to consistently think about how we help those people and allow people to pay those people better, but it has to be a balance."

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/11/1732229270792.jpg" alt="Photo courtesy of Pixabay." />
 <figcaption>Photo courtesy of Pixabay.</figcaption>
 </figure>By CRISTINA JANNEY Hays PostA recent poverty analysis showed Hays has the highest poverty rate in the multi-county region at 18%Although some have suggested increasing wages would help those who struggle financially, Doug William, director of the the local economic development agency, recently explained the solution to such a problem is not so easy."It is a complex issue," Williams said during a recent interview on the Morning Blend on KAYS. "One of my favorite quotes is that for every complex problem, there's a solution that is clear, simple and wrong. I think that applies to this situation very much."<div><iframe title="Poverty issue solution more complex than just minimum wage" allowtransparency="true" height="150" width="100%" style="border: none; min-width: min(100%, 430px);height:150px;" scrolling="no" data-name="pb-iframe-player" src="https://www.podbean.com/player-v2/?i=qwmap-174cb3d-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" loading="lazy"></iframe></div>Hays City Commissioner Reese Barrick urged local businesses to increase wages at a recent city commission meeting in response to the poverty data.“The reality is it would take to get all of Hays outside of poverty and not always struggling week to week and month to month, would people with jobs making $25 an hour,” he said.He added, “We wouldn’t have to have all of these [nonprofit] organizations if we were able to pay people enough so they were outside of the risk zone every month. …“If we want a community where everyone can participate and put money back into the community by shopping everywhere, then we have to pay people enough so they can participate. We can take care of the poverty level. It’s really a wage thing.”In addition to the 18% poverty rate, another 23% of Ellis County residents are classified as Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed, or ALICE. These households are above the federal poverty level but cannot afford their county's basic cost of living. They do not qualify for public assistance.<a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/17290ca2-a64d-4482-aecd-213534370fcd">SEE RELATED STORY: Ellis County reports highest poverty rate in region</a>Williams said lower-wage earners would benefit from an increase in wages to $20 per hour.&nbsp;"That presents challenges for businesses to keep their doors open, to operate at a profitable level, so they can continue to employ people and offer what they offer to a community," he said.The current minimum wage in Kansas for nontipped employees is $7.25.&nbsp;The federal government sets the federal minimum wage. States can set higher minimum wages if they choose. Cities in Kansas cannot set minimum wage standards. However, Williams noted most workers in Ellis County earn more than the minimum wage because of the demand for labor and the shortage of workers in the area.The Ellis County unemployment rate in October was 2.7%. Anything less than 4% is considered low.In response to Barrick's comments, some city workers addressed the Hays City Commission at its Nov. 14 meeting, noting that some city workers did not earn $20 per hour.Williams said the consequences of raising those workers' hourly wages would potentially be increased taxes."Again, there is always this cause and effect, and it's never a simple process," Williams said."A $20 across-the-board hourly rate, I'm sure, would be problematic for a lot of businesses," he said.Mark Hess of Hess Services recently shared a response to Barrick's comments in a letter to the Hays Post, saying increasing wages would drive up costs for products and services in Hays and make it difficult for local businesses to compete in the region.<a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/7e6275e6-d3b6-4d59-bb6c-f2505d0a65ca">SEE RELATED STORY: Response to City Commissioner Barrick's statement on business wages</a>"Labor is one of the largest, if not the largest, components of the production of a product," Williams said. "If that cost goes up, they have to pass that on. Does that change their competitive stature within their market?"Williams said the United States has lost thousands of jobs to other countries where the labor market is much different."They can hire people for much less than they can hire people here, and consequently, they can offer their products at a lower price," he said. "That's capitalism."That has caused some problems in this country with the loss of manufacturing, but again, it's a very complex situation, and each business is a little bit different."Williams said the key factor is employees are important to businesses."Businesses need to pay what they can to employees to keep them and to offer a fair wage to allow them to have a reasonable lifestyle and provide good value to the business owner," he said."There are no simple answers, but an across-the-board blank say everybody's going to go to $20 an hour would probably not be the answer to a problem like this," Williams said.In the gap are charitable programs and subsidies for people whose income qualifies, Williams said. These can be food banks or rental assistance programs."There are many programs like that. Are there enough of them? Probably not," Williams said. "We need to try to help people if we can."Williams said the poverty data was alarming."But I think, by and large, our community does a great job employing people and having good jobs," he said. "Our city and county and school district do a great job of what they do.&nbsp;"While everybody would like our property taxes to be less, relative to other places in this state, [our property taxes] are actually low."Although property taxes have increased, those increases are not unique to Hays, Williams said.Williams said Hays compares favorably to other communities in many ways. Although many think housing costs are high in Hays, they are competitive with peer communities. He said rates tend to be higher, but that is true in most college communities."I think we have a lot to be thankful for," Williams said. "Yes, we have work to do. Yes, we have people in the community who struggle. We need to consistently think about how we help those people and allow people to pay those people better, but it has to be a balance."

Podcast: Poverty issue solution more complex than just minimum wage

On this episode of Forward Ever: Leading in Challenging Times, host Gary Shorman speaks with former legislator, realtor, and Real Men Real Leaders executive director Reynaldo Mesa.

<div><iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/iN_WCBzYk-w?si=ZieSXJsrkZlPaifk" 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>On this episode of Forward Ever: Leading in Challenging Times, host Gary Shorman speaks with former legislator, realtor, and Real Men Real Leaders executive director Reynaldo Mesa.

🎤Forward Ever: Reynaldo Mesa, Real Men Real Leaders

Editor's note: There was an issue with the raffle link. This has been corrected.

The Feeding Hays program started as a small free meal program that provided about 10 meals once a week. It now feeds 250 to 300 people each Thursday night.

The program is wholly funded through monetary or in-kind donations.

With the significant increase in people fed, the program needs donations on a weekly basis, Ben Houchen, Feeding Hays director, said.

“We have a pretty regular stream of in-kind donations, but even with that, moving from the number of meals we were serving even a year ago at about 120 meals getting up to the point where we’re doing 250 to 300 meals means week to week we need donations every week to cover that. We don’t have a reserve of food or money to cover anything.”

The program cooks 125 pounds of spaghetti and 15 pounds of hamburger each night it serves meals.

“Because we want it to be a really solid, genuinely healthy, hearty meal, it does cost money,” Houchen said.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/11/1731450357639.jpeg" alt="Courtesy photo" />
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 </figure><div><iframe title="Donations needed for Feeding Hays as meal count surges" allowtransparency="true" height="150" width="100%" style="border: none; min-width: min(100%, 430px);height:150px;" scrolling="no" data-name="pb-iframe-player" src="https://www.podbean.com/player-v2/?i=2e96n-173b474-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" loading="lazy"></iframe></div>Editor's note: There was an issue with the raffle link. This has been corrected.By CRISTINA JANNEY Hays PostThe Feeding Hays program started as a small free meal program that provided about 10 meals once a week. It now feeds 250 to 300 people each Thursday night.The program is wholly funded through monetary or in-kind donations.With the significant increase in people fed, the program needs donations on a weekly basis, Ben Houchen, Feeding Hays director, said.“We have a pretty regular stream of in-kind donations, but even with that, moving from the number of meals we were serving even a year ago at about 120 meals getting up to the point where we’re doing 250 to 300 meals means week to week we need donations every week to cover that. We don’t have a reserve of food or money to cover anything.”The program cooks 125 pounds of spaghetti and 15 pounds of hamburger each night it serves meals.“Because we want it to be a really solid, genuinely healthy, hearty meal, it does cost money,” Houchen said.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/11/1731450424592.jpeg" alt="Courtesy photo" />
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 </figure>Feeding Hays provides a drive-through meal from 6:30 to 7 p.m. every Thursday at the St. Michael's Episcopal Church.Free-will donations are accepted but not required. Participants don't need to show proof of income or make a reservation to receive a meal.The free-will donations go to pay off lunch debt at the Hays USD 489 school district. The program hopes to donate $5,000 this year.The meal is usually spaghetti with meat sauce, carrots with ranch dressing, bread and a cookie. However, outside groups have offered meals, including hamburgers, chicken and noodles, and loaded baked potatoes.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/11/1731450456904.jpeg" alt="Courtesy photo" />
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 </figure>"The demographics are not what a lot of people would expect," Houchen said. "We do have a lot of people who are on that poverty line or below, but there are also a lot of older folks who want to be able to contribute to the efforts that we're doing.""We have a lot of single moms or working parents who have done all they want to be able to do for the week, so they get a good meal on Thursday," Houchen said. "We've also seen a large growth recently in veterans ..."A couple of weeks ago, I talked to a vet who was there that said this is the first time in about a month that he's had a hot meal and the first time in well over a month he's just had someone to stop and talk to him."Feeding Hays volunteers are trying to secure the program its own nonprofit status so it can apply for more grants.&nbsp;Program volunteers would like to add one to two more nights of meals to the program within the next six months to a year.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/11/1731450499088.jpeg" alt="Courtesy image" />
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 </figure>The program is fundraising so it can provide more variety in the meals it offers.The program is selling raffle tickets between now and Nov. 29. The winners will be selected on Nov. 30. Prizes include a staycation package from Avid Hotels, a Fort Hays State University sports fan package, and a HALO griddle. <a href="https://www.zeffy.com/en-US/ticketing/6802c783-1db9-48e8-af26-ac5234aff8bb?fbclid=IwY2xjawGkz5RleHRuA2FlbQIxMQABHZ87ELcJhn94HdgVfZx7AosN59pElAeKEnwV7eQRw_HkQSAgMN-04Yl9GQ_aem_7MjbXC7p5jEls6LYENT_aw">CLICK HERE</a> for more information on the raffle.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/11/1731514474912.png" alt="" />
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 </figure>The program accepts donations of spaghetti, sauce and hamburger. See the image below. It also accepts cleaning items such as paper towels, Swiffer&nbsp;Wet Pads, Clorox Cleaning Wipes and Dawn Powerwash dish soap.<figure>
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 </figure>The church, 2900 Canal Blvd., has a drop box for these items.“We do have some people who make cash donations, and we’re looking to expand that so we can ensure sustainability for the future, expand our menu and grow some of the things that we’re doing,” Houchen said.Businesses or organizations can also adopt an entire evening of meals to provide food and volunteers.“We’ve had a lot of really great involvement with the community,” Houchen said. “Moving from that 10 a night to that 250 a night has taken huge community involvement.”Groups including Rotary, Optimists and Women Who Lead have supported the program. McIntyre Plumbing, Heating &amp; Air, T-Mobile and Aaron Heating Air are a few of the businesses that have been supporters.&nbsp;Houchen said the program is looking for consistent volunteers who can train to lead meals.He said volunteers can go to the program's Facebook page or St. Michael’s website and contact Houchen directly.You can follow <a href="https://www.facebook.com/groups/2047485065448690">Feeding Hays on Facebook</a> or find more information under the<a href="https://www.stmichaelshays.org/feeding-hays"> Feeding Hays tab on the St. Michael’s Episcopal Church website</a>.