The Ellis County Public Works Road &amp; Bridge Division is
announcing that an asphalt overlay project will be taking place in the 1800 and
1900 blocks of Victoria Road between Commerce Parkway and Toulon Avenue. 

This area will be closed to through traffic beginning at
7:30a.m. on Monday, July 10th, and will remain closed until the project is
completed. The estimated completion date is Thursday, July 13th, pending
weather conditions. 

Motorists traveling in the affected closure area should use
alternate routes of travel until the project is completed. 

Please direct any questions to the Ellis County Public Works
Road &amp; Bridge Division at 785-628-9455. 

Your cooperation during this project is appreciated.

Ellis County Public WorksThe Ellis County Public Works Road &amp; Bridge Division is
announcing that an asphalt overlay project will be taking place in the 1800 and
1900 blocks of Victoria Road between Commerce Parkway and Toulon Avenue. This area will be closed to through traffic beginning at
7:30a.m. on Monday, July 10th, and will remain closed until the project is
completed. The estimated completion date is Thursday, July 13th, pending
weather conditions. Motorists traveling in the affected closure area should use
alternate routes of travel until the project is completed. Please direct any questions to the Ellis County Public Works
Road &amp; Bridge Division at 785-628-9455. Your cooperation during this project is appreciated.

Road construction on Victoria Road begins Monday

You may leave northwest
Kansas, but northwest Kansas can’t leave you.

Nashville-based
singer/songwriter and Ellis County native Blaine Younger has recently explored
his time growing up in the area with his latest song Heartland.

“I grew up right there in
Victoria, Kansas, went to school there,” Younger said. 

Being involved with music his
entire life, he explored the region, taking the stage at “every bar and county
fair and festival,” including Wild West Fest and Country Stampede.

But much like the person
longed for in Heartland, Younger felt compelled to follow his dreams and
pursue opportunities elsewhere.

“We are out here. And it is a
big deal to be out here,” Younger said. “And I'm learning and surrounded by the
greatest musicians and songwriters in the world every day. And it's pretty
cool.”

While his focus has been on
songwriting, he took to performing Heartland himself, marking his
first release in 13 years.

“People ask me, ‘Why are you
releasing music now?’” Younger said. “I think deep down every songwriter is
still an artist, and they want to say things and say things their way and the
way they would portray it and emote it. So that still is more exciting to me.”

But while he still performs and
writes music, he continues chasing the goal of one day having a song he wrote rise
to the top of the hit county charts.

“We're getting there and
meeting a lot of people that I would never thought and playing a lot of places
that I've never thought I'd play in my life,” Younger said.

“They're both equally great,
but I just had more success so far on the artist side, and that is fun.”

While there may be more opportunities
in Nashville, he retains a life similar to the one he knew growing up, living
in a quiet city suburb.

“I still
crave small-town livin’ and simple life,” Younger said. “It's different, but
they both have their perks. Being out here, you're so plugged into the industry,
and you really do feel like you're three minutes, or a song away, from maybe a change
in your life. You've got those connections, and you're showing your face and
networking in the clubs.”

“But as
far as personal living, I have a family now. And we're lucky to be out in a
cool suburb of Nashville, and we love it out here. But I still do prefer the
small-town simple living over the city life for sure.”

He reflects
on that small-town life with Heartland.

“I just
thought of the kind of play on words, ‘When are you going to let your heart
land,’ and it started there. And then I just started strumming,” Younger said. “The
first line is ‘When you coming back to the hometown?’ 

“It
comes off as a love song and this guy in the middle of Kansas wondering, you
know his love ran off to chase her dreams and it's like, ‘When are you going to
come back because I do think we belong together.’ And he's very hopeful that
one day she'll come back.”

But the
song also has a deeper message for those like him that have left their hometown
to achieve their goals.

“I think
the inspiration was more like ‘Man, go chase your dream and do all you can,’”
Younger said. “It's tough out here. There are highs and lows. But no matter
what happens, you're inspiring somebody. You're making somebody smile. And if
it doesn't work out, there's always a place back home where people love you,
family and friends. And there's always another place to land.”

Musically
the song is a mix of Mellencamp, Steve Earle and Red Dirt Country.

It “rocks
pretty good, but it's still got a country lyric too, and a good story,” Younger
said.

He hopes his story helps
inspire others to take the leap.

For him,
Nashville connections may help build a songwriting career, but for those
looking to perform, artists now have an avenue to “hit it” anywhere, he said.

“These
days, everybody's doing it on their own,” Younger said. “Especially with social
media, and just about getting out and promoting yourself and playing and getting
in front of people and writing great music and pushing your song. So, I almost
think it can be done no matter where you are these days.”

“If
there's any songwriters or musicians back home, it's all possible. You just got
to go get it,” Younger said.

To hear Heartland visit <a href="https://onerpm.link/934622213335">onerpm.link/934622213335</a>.

Younger can also be found on social media, including <a href="https://www.facebook.com/blaineyoungermusic/">Facebook</a> and <a href="https://www.instagram.com/blaineyoungermusic/">Instagram.</a>

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/8/1660754177628.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/6/1687548235682.jpeg" alt="Blaine Younger (Courtesy photo)" />
 <figcaption>Blaine Younger (Courtesy photo)</figcaption>
 </figure>By JAMES BELL Hays PostYou may leave northwest
Kansas, but northwest Kansas can’t leave you.Nashville-based
singer/songwriter and Ellis County native Blaine Younger has recently explored
his time growing up in the area with his latest song Heartland.“I grew up right there in
Victoria, Kansas, went to school there,” Younger said. Being involved with music his
entire life, he explored the region, taking the stage at “every bar and county
fair and festival,” including Wild West Fest and Country Stampede.<div><iframe title="Ellis Co. native brings heartland sound to Nashville" allowtransparency="true" height="450" width="100%" style="border: none; min-width: min(100%, 430px);" scrolling="no" data-name="pb-iframe-player" src="https://www.podbean.com/player-v2/?i=tayb8-143e6e3-pb&from=pb6admin&square=1&share=1&download=1&rtl=0&fonts=Arial&skin=f6f6f6&font-color=auto&logo_link=podcast_page&btn-skin=3267a3&size=450" allowfullscreen=""></iframe></div>But much like the person
longed for in Heartland, Younger felt compelled to follow his dreams and
pursue opportunities elsewhere.“We are out here. And it is a
big deal to be out here,” Younger said. “And I'm learning and surrounded by the
greatest musicians and songwriters in the world every day. And it's pretty
cool.”While his focus has been on
songwriting, he took to performing Heartland himself, marking his
first release in 13 years. “People ask me, ‘Why are you
releasing music now?’” Younger said. “I think deep down every songwriter is
still an artist, and they want to say things and say things their way and the
way they would portray it and emote it. So that still is more exciting to me.”But while he still performs and
writes music, he continues chasing the goal of one day having a song he wrote rise
to the top of the hit county charts.“We're getting there and
meeting a lot of people that I would never thought and playing a lot of places
that I've never thought I'd play in my life,” Younger said.“They're both equally great,
but I just had more success so far on the artist side, and that is fun.”While there may be more opportunities
in Nashville, he retains a life similar to the one he knew growing up, living
in a quiet city suburb.“I still
crave small-town livin’ and simple life,” Younger said. “It's different, but
they both have their perks. Being out here, you're so plugged into the industry,
and you really do feel like you're three minutes, or a song away, from maybe a change
in your life. You've got those connections, and you're showing your face and
networking in the clubs.”“But as
far as personal living, I have a family now. And we're lucky to be out in a
cool suburb of Nashville, and we love it out here. But I still do prefer the
small-town simple living over the city life for sure.”He reflects
on that small-town life with Heartland. <div><iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/Q443XlGVlVM" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe></div>“I just
thought of the kind of play on words, ‘When are you going to let your heart
land,’ and it started there. And then I just started strumming,” Younger said. “The
first line is ‘When you coming back to the hometown?’ “It
comes off as a love song and this guy in the middle of Kansas wondering, you
know his love ran off to chase her dreams and it's like, ‘When are you going to
come back because I do think we belong together.’ And he's very hopeful that
one day she'll come back.”But the
song also has a deeper message for those like him that have left their hometown
to achieve their goals.“I think
the inspiration was more like ‘Man, go chase your dream and do all you can,’”
Younger said. “It's tough out here. There are highs and lows. But no matter
what happens, you're inspiring somebody. You're making somebody smile. And if
it doesn't work out, there's always a place back home where people love you,
family and friends. And there's always another place to land.”Musically
the song is a mix of Mellencamp, Steve Earle and Red Dirt Country.It “rocks
pretty good, but it's still got a country lyric too, and a good story,” Younger
said.He hopes his story helps
inspire others to take the leap.For him,
Nashville connections may help build a songwriting career, but for those
looking to perform, artists now have an avenue to “hit it” anywhere, he said.“These
days, everybody's doing it on their own,” Younger said. “Especially with social
media, and just about getting out and promoting yourself and playing and getting
in front of people and writing great music and pushing your song. So, I almost
think it can be done no matter where you are these days.”“If
there's any songwriters or musicians back home, it's all possible. You just got
to go get it,” Younger said.To hear Heartland visit <a href="https://onerpm.link/934622213335">onerpm.link/934622213335</a>. Younger can also be found on social media, including <a href="https://www.facebook.com/blaineyoungermusic/">Facebook</a> and <a href="https://www.instagram.com/blaineyoungermusic/">Instagram.</a><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/6/1687548221445.jpeg" alt="Blaine Younger&nbsp; (Courtesy photo)" />
 <figcaption>Blaine Younger&nbsp; (Courtesy photo)</figcaption>
 </figure>

🎙 NWester: Ellis County native brings 'Heartland' sound to Nashville

By Tony Guerrero Hays Post

The Hays Area Bicyclists are celebrating the legacy of the Ellis County region with a commute to a variety of churches.&nbsp;

The Tour Die Kapellen may include a visit to <a href="https://www.volgagerman.net/catharine-church">St. Catherine Church</a> in Catherine, <a href="https://www.stfidelischurch.com/">The Basilica on the Plains</a> in Victoria, <a href="http://www.kansastravel.org/holycrosschurch.htm">Holy Cross Church</a> in Pfeifer, and <a href="http://www.kansastravel.org/stfrancischurchmunjor.htm">St. Francis Church</a> in Munjor.

The annual event is in its fourth year and will begin at Hays Municipal Park on July 8.

The several routes to choose from include a 15-mile casual ride setting off at 9 a.m. The 30, 50, and 62-mile trails that will be escorted by the Hays Police Department start at 7:30 a.m. and the 75- to 100-mile routes depart between 6:45 to 7 a.m.

Early registration is $45 a person to participate in the bike ride and $75 a person for the bus tour that’ll depart 30 minutes after the cyclists do at the Hays Municipal Park at 8 a.m.&nbsp;

After June 23, a bike ride will cost $55 per person and the bus tour will be $85 per person as on-site registration begins at 6:30 a.m.

The bus tour will travel the same route that cyclists take, with each church providing a musical performance and snacks.&nbsp;

Those who register will receive a SWAG bag and a T-shirt.

Brian Buckstead, Hays Symphony conductor, will perform at St. Catherine Church, Basilica of the Plains with their Brass Quintet led by Kathy Amrein. Jane Hyde will play at Holy Cross Church while Hillary Shepard, Kristin Pisano, and Ben Cline take center stage at St Francis Church.

The Tour Die Kapellen event <a href="https://tourdiekapellen.com/2023-2/#routeoptions">website</a> provides a list of safety rules and maps of their routes.

Kay Werth, a coordinator of the event, urged people to not follow along in their vehicles for safety reasons but reassured participants that they will be fully supported and guided.

&nbsp;“We have over 70 volunteers that help with this ride. We have drivers that follow the bikers in case they need pick up or need assistance or are just too hot. They have a first aid kit. They have a bike pump,” Werth said.&nbsp;

Musicians will be playing at each site including the post-ride party where The Joe Dolezal Polka Band will perform.&nbsp;

Deb Hoffman from the Holy Cross Church said they’ll be receiving the majority of the profit from the event but encourages others to donate to the other churches through their websites.&nbsp;

“We’re probably one of the smaller ones, especially being a mission church it’s a lot more difficult for people who don’t have steady and weekly tithing,” Hoffman said “We have to actively seek funds, and this is one of our fundraisers.”

The after-party will be at noon. Meals and refreshments will be provided as well as adult beverages from Defiance Brewing Company once the bike ride concludes at Hays Municipal Park.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/6/1655326279635.jpeg" alt="Tour of Chapels.&nbsp; Photo courtesy Hays Convention and Visitor's Bureau" />
 <figcaption>Tour of Chapels.&nbsp; Photo courtesy Hays Convention and Visitor's Bureau</figcaption>
 </figure>By Tony Guerrero Hays PostThe Hays Area Bicyclists are celebrating the legacy of the Ellis County region with a commute to a variety of churches.&nbsp;The Tour Die Kapellen may include a visit to <a href="https://www.volgagerman.net/catharine-church">St. Catherine Church</a> in Catherine, <a href="https://www.stfidelischurch.com/">The Basilica on the Plains</a> in Victoria, <a href="http://www.kansastravel.org/holycrosschurch.htm">Holy Cross Church</a> in Pfeifer, and <a href="http://www.kansastravel.org/stfrancischurchmunjor.htm">St. Francis Church</a> in Munjor.The annual event is in its fourth year and will begin at Hays Municipal Park on July 8. The several routes to choose from include a 15-mile casual ride setting off at 9 a.m. The 30, 50, and 62-mile trails that will be escorted by the Hays Police Department start at 7:30 a.m. and the 75- to 100-mile routes depart between 6:45 to 7 a.m.Early registration is $45 a person to participate in the bike ride and $75 a person for the bus tour that’ll depart 30 minutes after the cyclists do at the Hays Municipal Park at 8 a.m.&nbsp;<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/6/1686853668273.jpeg" alt="Cristina Janney/Hays Post " />
 <figcaption>Cristina Janney/Hays Post </figcaption>
 </figure>After June 23, a bike ride will cost $55 per person and the bus tour will be $85 per person as on-site registration begins at 6:30 a.m. The bus tour will travel the same route that cyclists take, with each church providing a musical performance and snacks.&nbsp;Those who register will receive a SWAG bag and a T-shirt. Brian Buckstead, Hays Symphony conductor, will perform at St. Catherine Church, Basilica of the Plains with their Brass Quintet led by Kathy Amrein. Jane Hyde will play at Holy Cross Church while Hillary Shepard, Kristin Pisano, and Ben Cline take center stage at St Francis Church.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/6/1686853732035.jpeg" alt="Cristina Janney/Hays Post " />
 <figcaption>Cristina Janney/Hays Post </figcaption>
 </figure>The Tour Die Kapellen event <a href="https://tourdiekapellen.com/2023-2/#routeoptions">website</a> provides a list of safety rules and maps of their routes. Kay Werth, a coordinator of the event, urged people to not follow along in their vehicles for safety reasons but reassured participants that they will be fully supported and guided.&nbsp;“We have over 70 volunteers that help with this ride. We have drivers that follow the bikers in case they need pick up or need assistance or are just too hot. They have a first aid kit. They have a bike pump,” Werth said.&nbsp;Musicians will be playing at each site including the post-ride party where The Joe Dolezal Polka Band will perform.&nbsp;Deb Hoffman from the Holy Cross Church said they’ll be receiving the majority of the profit from the event but encourages others to donate to the other churches through their websites.&nbsp;“We’re probably one of the smaller ones, especially being a mission church it’s a lot more difficult for people who don’t have steady and weekly tithing,” Hoffman said “We have to actively seek funds, and this is one of our fundraisers.”The after-party will be at noon. Meals and refreshments will be provided as well as adult beverages from Defiance Brewing Company once the bike ride concludes at Hays Municipal Park.

Early registration on for Ellis County Tour of Chapels bike ride

VICTORIA
CITYWIDE GARAGE SALE – SAT. MAY 6,2023 
RAIN OR SHINE!

2511 Victoria Road – Friday 3
pm-8 pm and Saturday 9 am-3 pm. Multifamily garage sale

1201 Cedar – MOVING Sale, lots of home
décor and kid items

1004 Elm – Sports cards, lots of gently
used books for all ages, youth boy clothing .50 cents each, youth cowboy boots
&amp; shoes. Holiday &amp; home décor, purses, handmade barn wood boxes and
photo frames, light fixtures, Green Mountain Grill, puzzles &amp; misc.

1216 Elm – Estate whole house sale

1211 Fern - Multifamily – home items,
baby/kid items, furniture, clothing, misc.

1004 Hickory – 3 families 8 am- Men and
women’s clothing, junior girls clothing and formals.&nbsp; Household misc. and lots of extras.

1212 Squires Ave - 4 family
garage sale. Household items, home décor, base speaker, adult &amp; junior
clothing (men &amp; women)

1106 10th – Curio
Cabinet, gardening items, home items &amp; misc.

701 7th Street – Former St.
John’s Rest home

<a>504 Jefferson</a> – kids
clothing, men and women’s clothes, toys &amp; misc.

625 Jefferson - MOVING SALE! Furniture,
clothes, household items, décor

611 Kansas – 8 am-12 pm.&nbsp; Women’s and kids (girls size 8-12, boys
14-16) clothes, shoes, booster seats, toys, kids games, Air Strider Dual Action
Exercise Machine, indoor grill, Danielle Steel Hardback Books, misc.

207 E Main – North Shop - 8 am. HUGE
Downsizing sale- furniture, books, home décor, kitchen items, collectibles,
toys, boy clothes, vintage items, tons of stuff

104 Ballpark Road – ONLY
Friday 9 am – 4 pm. Exercise equipment, full mattress set

2569 Springhill Road – (follow the curve around
the ball park) household, clothing, baby items, furniture,
Longaberger items &amp; misc.

705 Pfeifer Ave – Friday
3-6 pm &amp; Saturday 8-12 pm. (4 miles south) &nbsp;Large multifamily garage sale.&nbsp; Furniture, women clothing, home décor,
kitchen items, baby clothes newborn-3 months, baby accessories and so much
more!

VICTORIA
CITYWIDE GARAGE SALE – SAT. MAY 6,2023 
RAIN OR SHINE!<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/5/1683143077914.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>2511 Victoria Road – Friday 3
pm-8 pm and Saturday 9 am-3 pm. Multifamily garage sale 1005 Ash - Variety of items1201 Cedar – MOVING Sale, lots of home
décor and kid items 1004 Elm – Sports cards, lots of gently
used books for all ages, youth boy clothing .50 cents each, youth cowboy boots
&amp; shoes. Holiday &amp; home décor, purses, handmade barn wood boxes and
photo frames, light fixtures, Green Mountain Grill, puzzles &amp; misc.1216 Elm – Estate whole house sale1103 Fern 1211 Fern - Multifamily – home items,
baby/kid items, furniture, clothing, misc. 1004 Hickory – 3 families 8 am- Men and
women’s clothing, junior girls clothing and formals.&nbsp; Household misc. and lots of extras. 1212 Squires Ave - 4 family
garage sale. Household items, home décor, base speaker, adult &amp; junior
clothing (men &amp; women)1106 10th – Curio
Cabinet, gardening items, home items &amp; misc.813 Main – 3 family garage sale701 7th Street – Former St.
John’s Rest home<a>504 Jefferson</a> – kids
clothing, men and women’s clothes, toys &amp; misc.625 Jefferson - MOVING SALE! Furniture,
clothes, household items, décor611 Kansas – 8 am-12 pm.&nbsp; Women’s and kids (girls size 8-12, boys
14-16) clothes, shoes, booster seats, toys, kids games, Air Strider Dual Action
Exercise Machine, indoor grill, Danielle Steel Hardback Books, misc.207 E Main – North Shop - 8 am. HUGE
Downsizing sale- furniture, books, home décor, kitchen items, collectibles,
toys, boy clothes, vintage items, tons of stuff104 Ballpark Road – ONLY
Friday 9 am – 4 pm. Exercise equipment, full mattress set 2569 Springhill Road – (follow the curve around
the ball park) household, clothing, baby items, furniture,
Longaberger items &amp; misc.705 Pfeifer Ave – Friday
3-6 pm &amp; Saturday 8-12 pm. (4 miles south) &nbsp;Large multifamily garage sale.&nbsp; Furniture, women clothing, home décor,
kitchen items, baby clothes newborn-3 months, baby accessories and so much
more!

Victoria city wide garage sale set for May 6

VICTORIA&nbsp;—&nbsp;Only 18
months ago, members of the <a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/20265d70-4cca-400e-9a7e-69323db9d166">Victoria
community gathered</a> to share ideas, stories and an overwhelming desire to
find a use for the St. John’s Rest Home building after a decade of neglect.

In those
intervening months, the nonprofit <a href="https://www.victoriakscommunity.com/">Victoria Community Coalition was
created,</a> the <a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/4166ab8a-4a19-48cc-b7c9-2f7327e05bf8">building
was transferred</a> to that organization, a name was created — <a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/4166ab8a-4a19-48cc-b7c9-2f7327e05bf8">St. John’s
Place</a> — plans were drawn, and countless hours of work done to secure funding
for the project, which would create apartments, a child care center, a satellite museum
for the <a href="https://www.echshays.org/">Ellis County Historical Society</a>
and a community center in the over 40,000-square-foot-facility.

This
week the project surpassed another major milestone, with two grant award
announcements totaling $1.35 million dedicated to making those plans a reality.

Jeff
Pfeifer, Victoria Community Coalition chair, who originally purchased the
building for the project at a tax sale in 2021, updated the <a href="https://victoriaks.com/">Victoria City Council</a> at their regular
monthly meeting Monday on the first grant announcement.

“We
heard from (the <a href="https://danehansenfoundation.org/?playlist=7c12057&amp;video=9e6dc4e">Dane
G. Hansen Foundation</a>) on our grant application, and we were &nbsp;awarded the full amount of $500,000,” Pfeifer
said. “So that is huge.”

He said
the award is a “good place to start” and will be used for Phase One of the
project, that will create 12 apartments and the childcare center.

“We
think that's going to be in the $3-3.5 million range,” Pfeifer said. “So, we
still have a lot of room to make up.”

He also
informed the council several other grant applications had been submitted.

“Unfortunately,
we did not get the (<a href="https://kshousingcorp.org/category/programs/moderate-income-housing/">Moderate
Incoming Housing</a>) grant, which you all applied for on our behalf,” Pfeifer
said.

The coalition plans to reapply in June, he said.

“They're
allowing us to apply three times this year and again next year,” Pfeifer said. “Obviously,
we hopefully won't have to do it that often.”

During the meeting, he said the coalition was expecting to
hear award recipients from another application submitted to <a href="https://www.kansascommerce.gov/2023/01/department-of-commerce-announces-40-million-in-new-housing-and-tourism-grant-programs/">the
ARPA Building Opportunities for the Disabled and Elderly (ABODE) program</a>,
funded by the <a href="https://covid.ks.gov/spark-information/">Strengthening
People and Revitalizing Kansas (SPARK)</a> Executive Committee and approved by
the State Finance Council to address housing issues faced by high-need
populations, according to the office of <a href="https://governor.kansas.gov/governor/">Gov. Laura Kelly</a>.

St. John’s Place Apartments were announced as the
recipient of $850,000 in an announcement from Kelly’s office Friday.

“Safe and accessible residential communities
for elderly and disabled Kansans are necessary for living independently,”&nbsp;Kelly said.&nbsp;“These awards will increase housing options that meet
the needs of these communities.”

The St. John’s Place grant was the only fund recipient in
Western Kansas out of the $9.8 million awarded.

“All Kansans deserve quality housing,”&nbsp;said <a href="https://governor.kansas.gov/about-the-office/lt-governor/">Lt. Gov. and Secretary of Commerce David Toland</a>. “The ABODE awards will not only
increase housing stock in communities across the state but will help improve
the quality of life for thousands of deserving Kansans.”

“ABODE applications included health and safety renovations
to existing buildings or the construction of new multi-housing units that
accommodate individuals who are elderly and/or disabled,” according to the award
announcement. “Project design, engineering costs, and architectural designs
were also permitted as eligible expenditures. Awardees will have two years to
complete their projects and utilize all awarded funds.”

Kansas Legislature leadership praised the award.

“These ABODE grants will help counteract rising housing
costs and help ensure elderly and disabled Kansans have a safe and quality
place to live,” said&nbsp;<a href="http://www.kslegislature.org/li/b2021_22/members/sen_masterson_ty_1/">Senate
President Ty Masterson</a>.

“High-needs populations already were struggling with housing
access and availability before COVID-19,”&nbsp;said <a href="http://www.kslegislature.org/li/b2021_22/members/rep_hawkins_daniel_1/">House
Speaker Dan Hawkins.</a> “The pandemic only intensified those issues. Using ARPA
funding to help resolve them makes perfect sense.” &nbsp;

Prior to the announcement, Pfeifer said he had
hoped for an award from the fund.

“That's the one I would rather have at this point
if I had to pick one or the other because that's a one-time thing,” he said. “So,
I would rather take that and then get-go after the MIH again.”

And
while the two major donations are sure to kick start ongoing efforts, the coalition
hopes other applications bring in further funding to fulfill the
anticipated Phase One total.

“Another
grant that we worked with the Ellis County Historical Society on applying for
was – 

"They
call it the Sprint Grant,” Pfeifer said. “It's some COVID money for economic
development through tourism. And the museum applied for a multimillion-dollar
application. So even if they just get a portion of that, it would be huge.”

“We're
still working, there are other grants out there for childcare,” he continued. “So,
we're still going after them. And we feel like we're in a good place. … We can get
an architect starting to move on the design now and just assume that the
funding will come, and pray and seek it out. We do a lot of work seeking it out.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/8/1660869675268.jpeg" alt="St. John's Place.&nbsp;Photo by James Bell/Hays Post" />
 <figcaption>St. John's Place.&nbsp;Photo by James Bell/Hays Post</figcaption>
 </figure>By JAMES BELL Hays PostVICTORIA&nbsp;—&nbsp;Only 18
months ago, members of the <a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/20265d70-4cca-400e-9a7e-69323db9d166">Victoria
community gathered</a> to share ideas, stories and an overwhelming desire to
find a use for the St. John’s Rest Home building after a decade of neglect.In those
intervening months, the nonprofit <a href="https://www.victoriakscommunity.com/">Victoria Community Coalition was
created,</a> the <a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/4166ab8a-4a19-48cc-b7c9-2f7327e05bf8">building
was transferred</a> to that organization, a name was created — <a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/4166ab8a-4a19-48cc-b7c9-2f7327e05bf8">St. John’s
Place</a> — plans were drawn, and countless hours of work done to secure funding
for the project, which would create apartments, a child care center, a satellite museum
for the <a href="https://www.echshays.org/">Ellis County Historical Society</a>
and a community center in the over 40,000-square-foot-facility.This
week the project surpassed another major milestone, with two grant award
announcements totaling $1.35 million dedicated to making those plans a reality.Jeff
Pfeifer, Victoria Community Coalition chair, who originally purchased the
building for the project at a tax sale in 2021, updated the <a href="https://victoriaks.com/">Victoria City Council</a> at their regular
monthly meeting Monday on the first grant announcement.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/4/1682106637821.png" alt="St. John's Place preliminary floor plan. (Courtesy image)" />
 <figcaption>St. John's Place preliminary floor plan. (Courtesy image)</figcaption>
 </figure>“We
heard from (the <a href="https://danehansenfoundation.org/?playlist=7c12057&amp;video=9e6dc4e">Dane
G. Hansen Foundation</a>) on our grant application, and we were &nbsp;awarded the full amount of $500,000,” Pfeifer
said. “So that is huge.”He said
the award is a “good place to start” and will be used for Phase One of the
project, that will create 12 apartments and the childcare center.“We
think that's going to be in the $3-3.5 million range,” Pfeifer said. “So, we
still have a lot of room to make up.”He also
informed the council several other grant applications had been submitted.“Unfortunately,
we did not get the (<a href="https://kshousingcorp.org/category/programs/moderate-income-housing/">Moderate
Incoming Housing</a>) grant, which you all applied for on our behalf,” Pfeifer
said.The coalition plans to reapply in June, he said.“They're
allowing us to apply three times this year and again next year,” Pfeifer said. “Obviously,
we hopefully won't have to do it that often.”During the meeting, he said the coalition was expecting to
hear award recipients from another application submitted to <a href="https://www.kansascommerce.gov/2023/01/department-of-commerce-announces-40-million-in-new-housing-and-tourism-grant-programs/">the
ARPA Building Opportunities for the Disabled and Elderly (ABODE) program</a>,
funded by the <a href="https://covid.ks.gov/spark-information/">Strengthening
People and Revitalizing Kansas (SPARK)</a> Executive Committee and approved by
the State Finance Council to address housing issues faced by high-need
populations, according to the office of <a href="https://governor.kansas.gov/governor/">Gov. Laura Kelly</a>.The wait was short.St. John’s Place Apartments were announced as the
recipient of $850,000 in an announcement from Kelly’s office Friday.“Safe and accessible residential communities
for elderly and disabled Kansans are necessary for living independently,”&nbsp;Kelly said.&nbsp;“These awards will increase housing options that meet
the needs of these communities.”The St. John’s Place grant was the only fund recipient in
Western Kansas out of the $9.8 million awarded.“All Kansans deserve quality housing,”&nbsp;said <a href="https://governor.kansas.gov/about-the-office/lt-governor/">Lt. Gov. and Secretary of Commerce David Toland</a>. “The ABODE awards will not only
increase housing stock in communities across the state but will help improve
the quality of life for thousands of deserving Kansans.”Other awards included:<ul>
 <li>Cottonwood Falls
 Housing Authority, Cottonwood Falls, $1,000,000</li><li>Derby Senior
 Living, Derby, $1,500,000</li><li>Maple Gardens
 Village, Wichita, $1,190,000</li><li>Menninger Clock
 Tower Apartments, Topeka, $637,500</li><li>Sunflower Flats,
 Manhattan, $1,500,000</li><li>Villas at
 Pinnacle Pointe, Ottawa, $1,080,000</li><li>Wiswell
 Farms Senior Villas, Spring Hill, $1,468,800</li><li>WK
 Housing, Meade, $548,250</li>
 </ul>“ABODE applications included health and safety renovations
to existing buildings or the construction of new multi-housing units that
accommodate individuals who are elderly and/or disabled,” according to the award
announcement. “Project design, engineering costs, and architectural designs
were also permitted as eligible expenditures. Awardees will have two years to
complete their projects and utilize all awarded funds.”Kansas Legislature leadership praised the award.“These ABODE grants will help counteract rising housing
costs and help ensure elderly and disabled Kansans have a safe and quality
place to live,” said&nbsp;<a href="http://www.kslegislature.org/li/b2021_22/members/sen_masterson_ty_1/">Senate
President Ty Masterson</a>.“High-needs populations already were struggling with housing
access and availability before COVID-19,”&nbsp;said <a href="http://www.kslegislature.org/li/b2021_22/members/rep_hawkins_daniel_1/">House
Speaker Dan Hawkins.</a> “The pandemic only intensified those issues. Using ARPA
funding to help resolve them makes perfect sense.” &nbsp;Prior to the announcement, Pfeifer said he had
hoped for an award from the fund.“That's the one I would rather have at this point
if I had to pick one or the other because that's a one-time thing,” he said. “So,
I would rather take that and then get-go after the MIH again.”<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/9/1632526823044.jpeg" alt="Jeff Pfeifer, Victoria Community Coalition chair, discusses the future of the former St. John rest home with community members shortly after its purchase in 2021. Photo by James Bell/Hays Post" />
 <figcaption>Jeff Pfeifer, Victoria Community Coalition chair, discusses the future of the former St. John rest home with community members shortly after its purchase in 2021. Photo by James Bell/Hays Post</figcaption>
 </figure>And
while the two major donations are sure to kick start ongoing efforts, the coalition
hopes other applications bring in further funding to fulfill the
anticipated Phase One total.“Another
grant that we worked with the Ellis County Historical Society on applying for
was – "They
call it the Sprint Grant,” Pfeifer said. “It's some COVID money for economic
development through tourism. And the museum applied for a multimillion-dollar
application. So even if they just get a portion of that, it would be huge.”“We're
still working, there are other grants out there for childcare,” he continued. “So,
we're still going after them. And we feel like we're in a good place. … We can get
an architect starting to move on the design now and just assume that the
funding will come, and pray and seek it out. We do a lot of work seeking it out.”

Victoria's St. John's Place receives grants totaling $1.35 million

St. John’s Place gifted to Victoria Community
Coalition, 501(c)3 granted

VICTORIA — As efforts to find a use for the former rest home
in Victoria continue, plans have solidified and currently include apartments, a
child care center, a community center, a park and space for the Ellis County Historical
Society — all under the banner St. John’s Place.

But while excitement builds, Victoria Community Coalition
Chair Jeff Pfeifer shared the significant investment needed to see those plans
come to fruition with the Ellis County Commission during its regular meeting Tuesday.

He opened his comments by noting the facility had originally
served all of Ellis County. 

“Residents came from the entire area, and employees came
from the area,” Pfeifer said. “It was a huge asset to the county. It provided
jobs, provided activities for school kids. It was a great resource as a
community asset.”

Since 2012, it has been unoccupied after the rest home closed
and residents were moved to a facility in Hays.

The closing “had a huge impact on the community,” Pfeifer said.

<a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/20265d70-4cca-400e-9a7e-69323db9d166">After
Pfeifer purchased the building in 2021, the coalition was formed and developed
plans for use.</a>

“We have had a huge community effort to get something going,”
he said. “I think everybody was tired of seeing the building sitting there and
have talked about what a waste it was.”

<a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/2ac039a1-30b9-4f98-870a-c2724081446d">Following a
series of community meetings discussing the potential of the building,</a> the coalition
received its non-profit 501(c)3 designation in December, and Pfeifer
transferred ownership of the property to the community-focused group.

“The VCC is the owner of a 40,000-square-foot building, 6-and-a-half
acres and a lot of potential for Ellis County,” Pfeifer said.

Through the process of the meetings and an effort to find
the best use of the building, housing and childcare space were determined to be
potential options for the building, leading to the development of a phased plan
that will include those priority uses and more, he said.

“We have got to start somewhere,” Pfeifer said.

The current plans for At St. John’s Place include 20 apartments
for seniors, a child care center for up to 24 children, a community/senior
center, a park and space for the Ellis County Historical Museum.

<a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/bcc44562-c5a5-4f88-b16b-9a25fe00c875">The
society had announced plans to utilize space in the facility for storage and a satellite
location that would focus on the area’s Volga German heritage in October.</a>

While the society had initially hoped to be moving items into
the space before the end of 2022, the plan was delayed.

<a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/b11df2d8-2d8b-4ad9-b90b-5a869678e54f">“We are
still working on that,” said Ellis County Historical Society Executive Director
Amanda Rupp during the annual meeting of their board of directors. “When it
goes silent, a little bit people assume or get a little nervous, but we are
still working on that with the (Victoria Community Coalition.)</a>

“That’s not going away, it’s just a timing issue. We’ve been
held up a little bit with insurance,” Pfeifer said. “It’s still in the works,
and we’re pretty excited about it. It’s a huge opportunity for the county.”

Rupp said they hope to be inside the location and open
within a year.

While the society continues in its efforts, the coalition looks
to begin work on the facility's north side during the first phase of building
rehabilitation.

Work during phase 1 will be located in the newest part of
the building and includes a studio apartment, six one-bedroom apartments, four
two-bedroom apartments, common areas, a new north entrance, parking and the
child care center.

Cost is anticipated at around $3 million for phase 1.

The coalition hopes to secure around $1.35 million from state
grants and other funds, $1 million from large foundation grants and the remaining
$650,000 from community donors.

“I think it’s ambitious, but a building this size, an opportunity
this size, warrants it,” Pfeifer said.

A community donor campaign is planned for March, and the coalition
plans to apply for a $650,000 Moderate Income Housing grant this week. The Victoria
City Council unanimously voted last month to approve the application, as MIH
grants go exclusively through local governments.

“This is a competitive grant,” Pfiefer told the Victoria
council. “Just submitting is not a done deal.”

But this year, extra money has been earmarked for those
grants.

“It's really exciting because they put in $20 million,” said
Justine Benoit,&nbsp;Northwest Kansas Planning and Development economic development
coordinator. “Usually, the pot was like $3-4 million. So there's a lot more
money in there.”

She also said that even if the application is not approved, it
can be submitted again, and the Kansas Housing Resources Corporation – the agency
that oversees the grants – would offer guidance to strengthen future
applications.

Pfeifer asked the county commission to pen a letter of
support that would accompany the application.

The commission approved the support unanimously. They also unanimously
approved waiving landfill fees for materials removed from the building during
ongoing demolition.

To stay up to date with the Victoria Community Coalition or to find links to donate to the project, visit&nbsp;&nbsp;<a href="https://www.victoriakscommunity.com/">victoriakscommunity.com.</a>

<h2>St. John’s Place gifted to Victoria Community
Coalition, 501(c)3 granted</h2><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/8/1660869675268.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>By JAMES BELL Hays PostVICTORIA — As efforts to find a use for the former rest home
in Victoria continue, plans have solidified and currently include apartments, a
child care center, a community center, a park and space for the Ellis County Historical
Society — all under the banner St. John’s Place.But while excitement builds, Victoria Community Coalition
Chair Jeff Pfeifer shared the significant investment needed to see those plans
come to fruition with the Ellis County Commission during its regular meeting Tuesday.He opened his comments by noting the facility had originally
served all of Ellis County. <div><iframe width="350" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/us9SthTs-qE" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe></div>“Residents came from the entire area, and employees came
from the area,” Pfeifer said. “It was a huge asset to the county. It provided
jobs, provided activities for school kids. It was a great resource as a
community asset.”Since 2012, it has been unoccupied after the rest home closed
and residents were moved to a facility in Hays.The closing “had a huge impact on the community,” Pfeifer said.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/9/1632526823044.jpeg" alt="Jeff Pfeifer discusses ideas for the former Victoria rest home during the first community meeting following his purchase of the building in the fall of 2021." />
 <figcaption>Jeff Pfeifer discusses ideas for the former Victoria rest home during the first community meeting following his purchase of the building in the fall of 2021.</figcaption>
 </figure><a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/20265d70-4cca-400e-9a7e-69323db9d166">After
Pfeifer purchased the building in 2021, the coalition was formed and developed
plans for use.</a>“We have had a huge community effort to get something going,”
he said. “I think everybody was tired of seeing the building sitting there and
have talked about what a waste it was.”<a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/2ac039a1-30b9-4f98-870a-c2724081446d">Following a
series of community meetings discussing the potential of the building,</a> the coalition
received its non-profit 501(c)3 designation in December, and Pfeifer
transferred ownership of the property to the community-focused group.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/2/1676401212203.jpeg" alt="Slide from the Victoria Community Coalition's presentation to the Ellis County Commission." />
 <figcaption>Slide from the Victoria Community Coalition's presentation to the Ellis County Commission.</figcaption>
 </figure>“The VCC is the owner of a 40,000-square-foot building, 6-and-a-half
acres and a lot of potential for Ellis County,” Pfeifer said.Through the process of the meetings and an effort to find
the best use of the building, housing and childcare space were determined to be
potential options for the building, leading to the development of a phased plan
that will include those priority uses and more, he said.<h2>At St. John’s Place-PHASE 1</h2>“We have got to start somewhere,” Pfeifer said.The current plans for At St. John’s Place include 20 apartments
for seniors, a child care center for up to 24 children, a community/senior
center, a park and space for the Ellis County Historical Museum.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/2/1676400870323.jpeg" alt="Slide from the Victoria Community Coalition's presentation to the Ellis County Commission." />
 <figcaption>Slide from the Victoria Community Coalition's presentation to the Ellis County Commission.</figcaption>
 </figure><a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/bcc44562-c5a5-4f88-b16b-9a25fe00c875">The
society had announced plans to utilize space in the facility for storage and a satellite
location that would focus on the area’s Volga German heritage in October.</a>While the society had initially hoped to be moving items into
the space before the end of 2022, the plan was delayed.<a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/b11df2d8-2d8b-4ad9-b90b-5a869678e54f">“We are
still working on that,” said Ellis County Historical Society Executive Director
Amanda Rupp during the annual meeting of their board of directors. “When it
goes silent, a little bit people assume or get a little nervous, but we are
still working on that with the (Victoria Community Coalition.)</a> “That’s not going away, it’s just a timing issue. We’ve been
held up a little bit with insurance,” Pfeifer said. “It’s still in the works,
and we’re pretty excited about it. It’s a huge opportunity for the county.”Rupp said they hope to be inside the location and open
within a year.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/2/1675445911503.jpeg" alt="Ellis County Historical Society executive director Amanda Rupp updates the board on efforts to utilize storage and exhibition space in St. John's Place during their annual meeting." />
 <figcaption>Ellis County Historical Society executive director Amanda Rupp updates the board on efforts to utilize storage and exhibition space in St. John's Place during their annual meeting.</figcaption>
 </figure>While the society continues in its efforts, the coalition looks
to begin work on the facility's north side during the first phase of building
rehabilitation.Work during phase 1 will be located in the newest part of
the building and includes a studio apartment, six one-bedroom apartments, four
two-bedroom apartments, common areas, a new north entrance, parking and the
child care center.Cost is anticipated at around $3 million for phase 1.The coalition hopes to secure around $1.35 million from state
grants and other funds, $1 million from large foundation grants and the remaining
$650,000 from community donors.“I think it’s ambitious, but a building this size, an opportunity
this size, warrants it,” Pfeifer said.A community donor campaign is planned for March, and the coalition
plans to apply for a $650,000 Moderate Income Housing grant this week. The Victoria
City Council unanimously voted last month to approve the application, as MIH
grants go exclusively through local governments.“This is a competitive grant,” Pfiefer told the Victoria
council. “Just submitting is not a done deal.”<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/2/1676402167018.jpeg" alt="Jeff Pfeifer asks the Victoria City Council to support the submission of a Moderate Income Housing grant application during their regular January meeting.&nbsp;" />
 <figcaption>Jeff Pfeifer asks the Victoria City Council to support the submission of a Moderate Income Housing grant application during their regular January meeting.&nbsp;</figcaption>
 </figure>But this year, extra money has been earmarked for those
grants.“It's really exciting because they put in $20 million,” said
Justine Benoit,&nbsp;Northwest Kansas Planning and Development economic development
coordinator. “Usually, the pot was like $3-4 million. So there's a lot more
money in there.”She also said that even if the application is not approved, it
can be submitted again, and the Kansas Housing Resources Corporation – the agency
that oversees the grants – would offer guidance to strengthen future
applications.Pfeifer asked the county commission to pen a letter of
support that would accompany the application.The commission approved the support unanimously. They also unanimously
approved waiving landfill fees for materials removed from the building during
ongoing demolition.To stay up to date with the Victoria Community Coalition or to find links to donate to the project, visit&nbsp;&nbsp;<a href="https://www.victoriakscommunity.com/">victoriakscommunity.com.</a>

Work to bring life back into former Victoria rest home continues

VICTORIA — One of Ellis County's most beloved holiday traditions, the annual Christmas concert in the St. Fidelis Basilica is set to return at 3:30 p.m. Dec. 11.

"It's a big deal with us, and we'd like to see the big crowd come in and fill up St. Fidelis. It usually does," said Terry Crull, Fort Hays State University director of choral activities.

This year's concert marks the 36th year of the free event.

"That's the gift from St. Fidelis and the Fort Hays Choirs," Crull said.

During the concert, attendees will enjoy music provided by FHSU faculty and ensembles and other guest musicians, along with the Fort Hays Singers and Concert Choir, Smoky Hill Chorale and the Hays High School Chamber Singers, according to the event announcement.

"Our special guests this year is the TMP-Marian pop singers," Crull said. "Alexandra Rome (TMP-Marian Choir director) is a former singer of mine, and her choir is going to come and be our guest choir. They're going to combine on a number with the Hays High Chamber Singers.

"We've got the Fort Hays Brass Ensemble, and the Hays symphony orchestra is playing this year," he continued. "They're doing a suite of airs and dances, and then they're also accompanying the Fort Hays Singers on a traditional piece that my generation would know 'Twas the Night Before Christmas and All Through the House,' that old poem from years ago set to music by Harry Simone, and so they're going to have a little fun with that."

Returning again this year are carols of the season performed by the assembled crowd.

"We're going to give them a chance to stand and stretch and sing some of the joyous carols of Christmas," Crull said.

Fort Hays State University music professors Ivalah Allen, Ben Cline and Irena Ravitskaya, along with accompanist Pam McGowan, will also be featured during the concert.

"It's a full program, but we keep it moving because while the interludes, the brass ensemble, etc., are playing, that's when choirs move on and off quietly so as not to disturb the performance," Crull said. "But that way, as soon as one musical item is done, the next one can start."

As the event typically fills the cathedral, he said choir members would help direct the audience to fill the pews.

"There's no bad seat in the entire sanctuary," he said. "Anywhere you sit, and anywhere you sing from, the sound is just glorious. ... I've been in Italy, with choir tour, singing in some of the great cathedrals there in Rome. The sound is just as good in St. Fidelis. Maybe there aren't as many statues by Michelangelo or Raphael. And if you go to Spain, there's a little more gold all over the place than there is in St. Fidelis, but it's a beautiful sound."

He said the concert would be around 90 minutes, allowing ample time to enjoy the annual Frost Fest parade in downtown Hays at 6 p.m.

"It's a busy time of year," Crull said. "So we think it's a great way to start the holiday season. Second Sunday of Advent this year — Dec. 11 at 3:30 p.m. and free. Absolutely free. "

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/12/1670010791180.jpeg" alt="File photo" />
 <figcaption>File photo</figcaption>
 </figure>By JAMES BELL Hays PostVICTORIA — One of Ellis County's most beloved holiday traditions, the annual Christmas concert in the St. Fidelis Basilica is set to return at 3:30 p.m. Dec. 11."It's a big deal with us, and we'd like to see the big crowd come in and fill up St. Fidelis. It usually does," said Terry Crull, Fort Hays State University director of choral activities.This year's concert marks the 36th year of the free event."That's the gift from St. Fidelis and the Fort Hays Choirs," Crull said.During the concert, attendees will enjoy music provided by FHSU faculty and ensembles and other guest musicians, along with the Fort Hays Singers and Concert Choir, Smoky Hill Chorale and the Hays High School Chamber Singers, according to the event announcement.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/12/1670010759211.jpeg" alt="File photo" />
 <figcaption>File photo</figcaption>
 </figure>"Our special guests this year is the TMP-Marian pop singers," Crull said. "Alexandra Rome (TMP-Marian Choir director) is a former singer of mine, and her choir is going to come and be our guest choir. They're going to combine on a number with the Hays High Chamber Singers."We've got the Fort Hays Brass Ensemble, and the Hays symphony orchestra is playing this year," he continued. "They're doing a suite of airs and dances, and then they're also accompanying the Fort Hays Singers on a traditional piece that my generation would know 'Twas the Night Before Christmas and All Through the House,' that old poem from years ago set to music by Harry Simone, and so they're going to have a little fun with that."Returning again this year are carols of the season performed by the assembled crowd."We're going to give them a chance to stand and stretch and sing some of the joyous carols of Christmas," Crull said.Fort Hays State University music professors Ivalah Allen, Ben Cline and Irena Ravitskaya, along with accompanist Pam McGowan, will also be featured during the concert."It's a full program, but we keep it moving because while the interludes, the brass ensemble, etc., are playing, that's when choirs move on and off quietly so as not to disturb the performance," Crull said. "But that way, as soon as one musical item is done, the next one can start."As the event typically fills the cathedral, he said choir members would help direct the audience to fill the pews.But Crull said any seat is good."There's no bad seat in the entire sanctuary," he said. "Anywhere you sit, and anywhere you sing from, the sound is just glorious. ... I've been in Italy, with choir tour, singing in some of the great cathedrals there in Rome. The sound is just as good in St. Fidelis. Maybe there aren't as many statues by Michelangelo or Raphael. And if you go to Spain, there's a little more gold all over the place than there is in St. Fidelis, but it's a beautiful sound."He said the concert would be around 90 minutes, allowing ample time to enjoy the annual Frost Fest parade in downtown Hays at 6 p.m."It's a busy time of year," Crull said. "So we think it's a great way to start the holiday season. Second Sunday of Advent this year — Dec. 11 at 3:30 p.m. and free. Absolutely free. "

Sounds of Christmas return to Ellis County with annual Cathedral Concert

VICTORIA — There will be six homes open for a Victoria home tour from 5 to 9 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 3rd&nbsp;from 5-9pm.&nbsp; From 3 to 7 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 4, there will be seven homes open to tour.&nbsp; All homes are in or around the Victoria community.&nbsp; 

Tickets are $20 in advance and $25 at the door. There will also be a raffle. Every admission ticket automatically receives one raffle ticket with the opportunity to purchase more.&nbsp;

Tickets can be purchased from one of the following people or from the parish office in Victoria.&nbsp;

Rosie Kreutzer 785-656-3298 Marcie Pray 785-259-0289 Brenda Dreiling 785-735-4141 Connie Windholz 785-735-8095 Andrea Schmidtberger 785-656-2208

All proceeds from this event will go to the Victoria Community Coalition, which is currently focusing on the restoration of the former St. John Rest Home.&nbsp; The rest home is now known as St John’s Place.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/12/1670007058144.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>VICTORIA — There will be six homes open for a Victoria home tour from 5 to 9 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 3rd&nbsp;from 5-9pm.&nbsp; From 3 to 7 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 4, there will be seven homes open to tour.&nbsp; All homes are in or around the Victoria community.&nbsp; Tickets are $20 in advance and $25 at the door. There will also be a raffle. Every admission ticket automatically receives one raffle ticket with the opportunity to purchase more.&nbsp;Tickets can be purchased from one of the following people or from the parish office in Victoria.&nbsp;Rosie Kreutzer 785-656-3298 Marcie Pray 785-259-0289 Brenda Dreiling 785-735-4141 Connie Windholz 785-735-8095 Andrea Schmidtberger 785-656-2208All proceeds from this event will go to the Victoria Community Coalition, which is currently focusing on the restoration of the former St. John Rest Home.&nbsp; The rest home is now known as St John’s Place.&nbsp;— Submitted

Victoria home tour kicks off Saturday

Victoria Community Coalition plans Holiday Home Tours fundraiser

By JAMES BELL 
Hays Post

VICTORIA — This month, Victoria residents heard updates
from the <a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/20265d70-4cca-400e-9a7e-69323db9d166">Victoria
Community Coalition as they continue in their effort to repurpose the former St.
John’s Rest Home.</a>

Coalition chair and <a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/20265d70-4cca-400e-9a7e-69323db9d166">building owner Jeff Pfeifer </a>opened
the meeting by highlighting progress already been made to bring the
beloved building back to life under the proposed name St. John’s Place.

<a href="https://heartlandcommunityfoundation.org/">The
Heartland Community Foundation</a>, Pfeifer said, awarded the project a $5,000
grant for architectural work and set up an account for the organization to accept
tax-deductible donations. An application that would secure the organization as
a not-for-profit 501(c)3 is also underway and associated media explaining the
project has been developed, including the launch of a <a href="https://www.victoriakscommunity.com/">coalition website.</a>

During the meeting, the coalition also shared the results
of a completed survey that would qualify the project for grants. They
reported responses from 73 percent of homes in the city with active meters.

The survey highlighted the city’s largest
employers out of the 49 listed — the Victoria school district, Nex-Tech and
Frank’s Oilfield Service — and other economic data, but some of the most telling data centered around the workforce in the city.

“We are a retirement community,”
said Victoria Community Coalition Treasurer Marilyn Braun. “Out of the 979 people that we actually surveyed,
there are 228 that are 66-plus years of age. Out of those 228, 226 are actually
retired, doing nothing. They are retired.”

Further, they found a significant portion
of the available Victoria workforce works outside the city.

“Of that percentage that we
talked to, 50 percent had a worker in Hays,” Pfeifer said. “Of that, 25 percent
had two or more people working in Hays.”

He said that amounts to 70
percent of homes with working individuals are working in Hays.

“Basically, what it told me
was, Victoria provides housing for Hays employers, and Hays provides employment
for Victoria residents,” Pfeifer said.

He said those findings reflect
a mutually beneficial situation.

“I don't see any reason not
to reach out to Hays and see how we can work together,” Pfeifer said. “And I've
been trying to do that.”

He noted the coalition has
been working with Hays-based economic development organizations such as&nbsp;<a href="https://www.growhays.com/">Grow Hays</a> and the <a href="https://hayschamber.com/">Hays Chamber,</a> along with their continued work
with the Northwest Kansas Planning and Development Commission <a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/93f2e61e-a2e0-43d8-9f38-f7beacb841b5">after the
city of Victoria signed up earlier this year.</a>

“We're a bedroom community to
Hays,” Braun said. “We are a retirement community, and we got to do something to
bring families in and make housing available for them. It was very clear in the
interviews with the employers that finding housing within Victoria is problematic.
That was stated by a couple of the employers interviewed. But that's where we
are.”

Outside of giving the coalition
a clear view of the housing and workforce needs in the city, the survey allows
the coalition to apply for Moderate Income Housing program grants available
for cities with populations under 60,000 in Kansas.

“This will be our foundation
for when we apply to the MIH grant,” Pfeifer said. “We're going to ask for
$650,000 from the state that is for housing.”

Homes owned in the community
totaled 321, with 117 above the median home value of $172,700 — 204 homes were
below the median.

The survey found 71 renters in
the city, paying an average rent of $730 monthly. Eighty-three percent reported rent
under that amount.

“So, the rent in town is fairly
low,” Braun said.

The survey also
reported that many currently living in the community would qualify for housing
developed in the facility.

“We did find out that for the MIH grant that we were looking at, for 100 percent of income, one person could
have $60,600 income, two people could have $69,300 in income and still qualify
to live in an MIH moderate-income housing facility,” Braun said.

She said 171 Victoria
households are under that threshold.

“What this did was support
the need for affordable housing,” Pfeifer said. “So, that leads us to our plan.”

As envisioned currently, the
former rest home would include 20 rental units, comprised of studio, one- and
two-bedroom apartments, a childcare center large enough for 20-25 children and open
community space. Rent is being roughly projected at $1 per square foot for the
apartments.

<a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/4e8ad16c-9ee2-43ac-bfc0-857f715636e6">The Ellis
County Historical Society had previously announced they would create a satellite
museum in the building as well and would occupy around 9,000 square feet of the around 40,000 square foot facility.</a>

In the proposed agreement, currently being finalized, the society will receive 10 years
of free rent. At the same time, they are responsible for the cost of repairing and updating
their portion of the building.

“It's
good for them, and it's good for our community, good for Ellis County,” Pfeifer
said. “They want to focus on the church, the history of the Church, on the
artifacts of the church, and they want to focus on the Volga German heritage.”

Moving forward, Pfeifer said the
most pressing issue is repairing the aging roof of the entire facility. Due to
its current state and the building’s design, nearly all of the whole top will need to be replaced at one time.

He estimates $500,000 to $650,000
would be needed to repair the roof entirely. 

Once the roof is secured, Pfeifer said
the project would be split into phases, with the total project expected to cost less than $3 million.

Phase
one would include the construction of 11 apartments in the newest part of
the building, along with the child care center.

But everything is dependent on the
current ability of the coalition to raise funds, and while much of the project
cost is hoped to be covered by grant and organizational funding, community
efforts will be important to demonstrate “buy-in” from Victoria residents.

“They want to see what you're
bringing to the table with what you're requesting,” said Heartland Community
Foundation Executive Director Sarah Meitner. “They'll see the time that the
community has put in the time and it counts for something.”

Time and effort, along with the influx of community dollars
into a project, project the overall desire of residents to see a project
completed, she said.

“And that's why we're here,”
Pfeifer said. “The last piece tonight is, 'How do we do that?' ”

He said currently the coalition
has three efforts underway, including a donor campaign, physical work at the facility
and fundraisers.

<a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/9020a3c3-5787-4198-8ef6-638ce2acd105">One
fundraiser has been planned featuring homemade popcorn balls.</a>

While those fundraisers might generate relatively small amounts compared to the total project cost, Hansen
Foundation Facilitator Betty Johnson said it demonstrates more than just a financial
commitment.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/10/1666403002211.jpeg" alt="Victoria Community Coalition chair Jeff Pfeifer and treasurer Marilyn Braun share information developed from a recent community survey during a recent community on Oct. 5. Photo by James Bell/Hays Post." />
 <figcaption>Victoria Community Coalition chair Jeff Pfeifer and treasurer Marilyn Braun share information developed from a recent community survey during a recent community on Oct. 5. Photo by James Bell/Hays Post.</figcaption>
 </figure>By JAMES BELL 
Hays PostVICTORIA — This month, Victoria residents heard updates
from the <a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/20265d70-4cca-400e-9a7e-69323db9d166">Victoria
Community Coalition as they continue in their effort to repurpose the former St.
John’s Rest Home.</a>Coalition chair and <a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/20265d70-4cca-400e-9a7e-69323db9d166">building owner Jeff Pfeifer </a>opened
the meeting by highlighting progress already been made to bring the
beloved building back to life under the proposed name St. John’s Place.<a href="https://heartlandcommunityfoundation.org/">The
Heartland Community Foundation</a>, Pfeifer said, awarded the project a $5,000
grant for architectural work and set up an account for the organization to accept
tax-deductible donations. An application that would secure the organization as
a not-for-profit 501(c)3 is also underway and associated media explaining the
project has been developed, including the launch of a <a href="https://www.victoriakscommunity.com/">coalition website.</a>During the meeting, the coalition also shared the results
of a completed survey that would qualify the project for grants. They
reported responses from 73 percent of homes in the city with active meters.The survey highlighted the city’s largest
employers out of the 49 listed — the Victoria school district, Nex-Tech and
Frank’s Oilfield Service — and other economic data, but some of the most telling data centered around the workforce in the city.“We are a retirement community,”
said Victoria Community Coalition Treasurer Marilyn Braun. “Out of the 979 people that we actually surveyed,
there are 228 that are 66-plus years of age. Out of those 228, 226 are actually
retired, doing nothing. They are retired.”Children in the city totaled
218.Further, they found a significant portion
of the available Victoria workforce works outside the city.“Of that percentage that we
talked to, 50 percent had a worker in Hays,” Pfeifer said. “Of that, 25 percent
had two or more people working in Hays.”<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/8/1660869675268.jpeg" alt="The former St. John's Rest Home in Victoria. File Photo" />
 <figcaption>The former St. John's Rest Home in Victoria. File Photo</figcaption>
 </figure>He said that amounts to 70
percent of homes with working individuals are working in Hays.“Basically, what it told me
was, Victoria provides housing for Hays employers, and Hays provides employment
for Victoria residents,” Pfeifer said.He said those findings reflect
a mutually beneficial situation.“I don't see any reason not
to reach out to Hays and see how we can work together,” Pfeifer said. “And I've
been trying to do that.”He noted the coalition has
been working with Hays-based economic development organizations such as&nbsp;<a href="https://www.growhays.com/">Grow Hays</a> and the <a href="https://hayschamber.com/">Hays Chamber,</a> along with their continued work
with the Northwest Kansas Planning and Development Commission <a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/93f2e61e-a2e0-43d8-9f38-f7beacb841b5">after the
city of Victoria signed up earlier this year.</a> “We're a bedroom community to
Hays,” Braun said. “We are a retirement community, and we got to do something to
bring families in and make housing available for them. It was very clear in the
interviews with the employers that finding housing within Victoria is problematic.
That was stated by a couple of the employers interviewed. But that's where we
are.”Outside of giving the coalition
a clear view of the housing and workforce needs in the city, the survey allows
the coalition to apply for Moderate Income Housing program grants available
for cities with populations under 60,000 in Kansas.“This will be our foundation
for when we apply to the MIH grant,” Pfeifer said. “We're going to ask for
$650,000 from the state that is for housing.”Homes owned in the community
totaled 321, with 117 above the median home value of $172,700 — 204 homes were
below the median.The survey found 71 renters in
the city, paying an average rent of $730 monthly. Eighty-three percent reported rent
under that amount.“So, the rent in town is fairly
low,” Braun said.The survey also
reported that many currently living in the community would qualify for housing
developed in the facility.“We did find out that for the MIH grant that we were looking at, for 100 percent of income, one person could
have $60,600 income, two people could have $69,300 in income and still qualify
to live in an MIH moderate-income housing facility,” Braun said.She said 171 Victoria
households are under that threshold.“What this did was support
the need for affordable housing,” Pfeifer said. “So, that leads us to our plan.”As envisioned currently, the
former rest home would include 20 rental units, comprised of studio, one- and
two-bedroom apartments, a childcare center large enough for 20-25 children and open
community space. Rent is being roughly projected at $1 per square foot for the
apartments.<a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/4e8ad16c-9ee2-43ac-bfc0-857f715636e6">The Ellis
County Historical Society had previously announced they would create a satellite
museum in the building as well and would occupy around 9,000 square feet of the around 40,000 square foot facility.</a>In the proposed agreement, currently being finalized, the society will receive 10 years
of free rent. At the same time, they are responsible for the cost of repairing and updating
their portion of the building.“It's
good for them, and it's good for our community, good for Ellis County,” Pfeifer
said. “They want to focus on the church, the history of the Church, on the
artifacts of the church, and they want to focus on the Volga German heritage.”<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/10/1666403285864.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure><h2>Next Steps</h2>Moving forward, Pfeifer said the
most pressing issue is repairing the aging roof of the entire facility. Due to
its current state and the building’s design, nearly all of the whole top will need to be replaced at one time.He estimates $500,000 to $650,000
would be needed to repair the roof entirely. Once the roof is secured, Pfeifer said
the project would be split into phases, with the total project expected to cost less than $3 million.Phase
one would include the construction of 11 apartments in the newest part of
the building, along with the child care center.But everything is dependent on the
current ability of the coalition to raise funds, and while much of the project
cost is hoped to be covered by grant and organizational funding, community
efforts will be important to demonstrate “buy-in” from Victoria residents.“They want to see what you're
bringing to the table with what you're requesting,” said Heartland Community
Foundation Executive Director Sarah Meitner. “They'll see the time that the
community has put in the time and it counts for something.”Time and effort, along with the influx of community dollars
into a project, project the overall desire of residents to see a project
completed, she said.“And that's why we're here,”
Pfeifer said. “The last piece tonight is, 'How do we do that?' ”He said currently the coalition
has three efforts underway, including a donor campaign, physical work at the facility
and fundraisers.<a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/9020a3c3-5787-4198-8ef6-638ce2acd105">One
fundraiser has been planned featuring homemade popcorn balls.</a>While those fundraisers might generate relatively small amounts compared to the total project cost, Hansen
Foundation Facilitator Betty Johnson said it demonstrates more than just a financial
commitment.“It's important for even a Hanson or Schmidt Foundation or Patterson Foundation that the residents of Victoria
have financially invested,” Johnson said. But she said a long list of
small contributions matters far more than just a few very large ones.And it can help leverage the support
of the community.“All
you're doing is presenting an opportunity,” Johnson said. “We have an
opportunity to talk to them about what's going on in their community, letting
them know, and giving them an opportunity to invest and be a part of some great
things going on.“It [shows]
the community cares, and that they believe, and they care and lead by putting
dollars in,” she continued. “That's the way Hansen looks at it, is that there's
other skin in the game.”And with
the holiday season being a typically more fruitful time for philanthropic
giving, Meitner said the push to the end of the year to raise funds for the
roof can be successful with a high level of involvement.“Something
like 80-ish percent of charitable giving happens during the month of November
and December,” she said. “So, it's the time to get this project out in the
community and abroad and even further through alumni or through even into Hays
or rural areas and start telling them why this is important and how this
benefits the community.”