The Post Podcast

School year programing underway at the Hays Public Library

School year programming is underway at the Hays Public Library as they continue to develop their technological resources. Communications Coordinator, Callie Kolacny stops by to share the details on this episode of the Post Podcast.
Transcript:
EDITORS NOTE: Transcripts are provided by an automated service and are not verified for accuracy.
 
Callie Kolacny 
We always have good entertainment going on in some form or another. But I want to mention first, our foundation fundraisers coming up this Saturday. We've been talking about it for a couple of months now, but it's actually coming up this Saturday 630 to around nine tickets are still available, but not very many, we are almost at our max limit for our tickets. So if you still want tickets, you need to go ahead and either go to the library to purchase them or go online to Hayes library.org. And you'll see the little scrolling thing and click on the fundraiser and you can buy your tickets there they cost $30 apiece, we have had to have a change with our keynote speaker Marcy Penner from the Kansas sampler foundation. Excuse me, he was going to be here. But she for some unforeseen circumstances is not able to but we were very lucky to get Bob Dixon Bob Dixon was the mayor of Greensburg, after the tornado wiped out the town. And he's the one that helped really spurred the reclamation of of Greensburg and so I think he'll have a really interesting talk. And some I've had some friends that have seen him before. And it's we're very lucky to have been able to get him on such short notice.
 
James Bell 
That's incredible. Yes, I've actually had the opportunity to myself to hear him speak and not not recently, I think it's been a number of years ago. But yeah, real interesting story and, and the work they had to do to put that town back together. It's just, it's incredible the planning and the forethought, but then also the work that has started to go behind it.
 
Callie Kolacny 
Yeah, the direction that they took it into with being very sustainable. It's just really interesting. So we're excited. To have Bob Dixon come, we have will have a raffle a little bit of a silent auction. We've had some great sponsors and donations from a lot of wonderful people around the town. And so we're very excited. Yeah, it's gonna be fun night.
 
James Bell 
Very cool. You know, I wonder real quickly before we talked about some of these other events, if you want to talk to us about why is the foundation so important to the library?
 
Callie Kolacny 
Sure. The foundation is the fundraising arm of the library. So when we get donations and things and that goes through the foundation, it can be out anything from if somebody wants to, you know, give us $50, or write a check for any amount of money or some end of life planning types of things and trusts and stuff like that, that can all go through the foundation. We also have an account with the Heartland Community Foundation, so you can make donations to the his Public Library Foundation through them as well. And then that money goes back into the library for mainly non budgeted items, things, things that come up that we need at the library, but it wasn't something that was specifically planned for or budgeted necessarily. One of the things we've been wanting to do that we wanted to do was the bookmobile. Well, the foundation paid for half of the bookmobile the other half with thingies, Hanson Foundation. And so, our phone Foundation was able to without that money we would not have been able to have the bookmobile they also paid for and this was a budgeted item. But yet they were able to put money into the most recent renovation. And that was able to fund some of the you know, as you're doing a renovation, little things come up or you think, Oh, if we only had a little bit more money, we can make that a little bit better. Well, those kinds of donations from the foundation and from the Friends of the public library, those helped to get those things that were maybe just a little bit nicer, a little bit more fitting with what we needed at the library so that they're the ones that are doing things like that, by raising that money. And because they've spent so much money in the last couple of years on those big projects, we kind of need to refill those coffers. So that's a little bit about what the foundation fundraiser is about, but also just raise awareness that it does exist and why it's important to the library, because they can make all of those donations. Very cool. Sure.
 
James Bell 
It's gonna be a great time.
 
Callie Kolacny 
It'll be so much fun. Come on out, have some cheese and wine and little mini cheesecakes and lots of great conversation. Listen to Bob Dixon, maybe come away with some fun raffle prizes or something. It's yeah, it's gonna be a great time. Absolutely.
 
James Bell 
Very cool. All right. Well, we got to move on because we got to talk about all these cool events. And this one, I'm curious what this is hummingbirds in Kansas. This is actually starting here in Boston.
 
Callie Kolacny 
Yeah, this is today at 10 o'clock. And it's kind of a late addition. But we're going to have a man there to talk about the hummingbirds and their migration and habitats and how you can maybe attract them and when they would be in Kansas, so if you're curious about that, come on down to the library this morning at 10 o'clock. Also today we have our making sense of series continues, it's making sense of gardening, we'll talk more about seed saving. That'll be today at 530 this evening. Tomorrow, we have another program that we're just lucky to be able to get bicycling with monarchs. So the monarch butterflies, Sarah Dykeman, rode her bicycle over 10,000 miles, and followed the migration of the monarch butterflies through three countries. And she wrote a book on it. And she just happens to be passing through town right this week, and was able to stop by tomorrow at 530 and to talk about her experience, and she'll do a book signings. So if your sounds fascinating to me, I will definitely be there to hear about this. So that's tomorrow at 530, we are bringing back the cookbook club. So we'll take a couple different cookbooks each month and you can look through a make a recipe and come and share with the group that'll be on the third Thursdays at 11am. We've got a program on Saturday this will be before the foundation fundraiser, You've Got Mail, we're exploring letter writing through history. That'll be Saturday at 11am as part of our world language club, which is a new monthly program on the third Thursdays. We're gonna have Harry Potter night family night, we always do this every year. It's a lot of fun. This will be on September 29, at five o'clock, five, five to seven. So if you're a Harry Potter family, come on out and share Harry Potter family nights and then Oktoberfest at the library. We do our own Oktoberfest with a hot shots poker ban on the week, week and before the other Oktoberfest so that'll be on October 1 from 10am to 1pm.
 
James Bell 
Very cool King enough poker? Oh, of course. Always good time. Like
 
Callie Kolacny 
we're gonna have beer rocks. Yeah. Looks better than that. Yeah, sure. Cool.
 
James Bell 
Very cool. All right. Well, I'm wondering about this the 100 books before high school 100 books before graduation. We talked I think very briefly about that last time, is that still going on?
 
Callie Kolacny 
Well, this is a new thing, actually. Because we always we've been doing 1000 Books Before Kindergarten, that's been going on for quite a while. So now we're expanding it and trying to get the teenagers involved. So we're doing 100 books before high school. So that's for the middle school aged kids. And then 100 books before graduation for the high schoolers, you can register through Beanstack. So again, we're doing being stack, registering keep track of all of your books, and and win some prizes along the way. And just really trying to get you know, more than more interested in reading it can that can be a difficult age for them to be interested in it. So it's just a fun thing for us to do to try to try to spur them along.
 
James Bell 
Yeah, absolutely. And while you're on your phone, download that Beanstack app if you don't have it, which is cool. Great. And you also use that frog to summer events. Reading stuff. Yeah. What's what you got a library I'm
 
Callie Kolacny 
so excited about this. My we have a haze Public Library app, what you do is go to your app store, whether it's, you know, whichever kind of phone you've got, and download my Libra myl I BRL, Miley bro, and then search for Hayes Public Library. When you find that, then you'll put in your library card number and your PIN number. The pin number is your last four digits of your library card number. That's important I learned. Very important, you got to have that the last four digits of your library card numbers, your pin number. And through this app, you can then manage all of your library cards, say your family each you and your kids, they all have a different library card, you can put them all on the app. And it's so you can manage your all of your library card accounts. You can access the digital resources. If you like to read books through or listen to books through Libby, it's right there. You don't even need the Libby app anymore. If you like to use hoopla you still need the hoopla app. But if you find the book that you want, it'll take you directly to the hoopla app. You can also of course, search the library catalog you can place holds, you can place il l request. There's a digital barcode on there so that you can use in the building on the kiosk so that you don't need your physical library card necessarily. So if you happen to leave it in the car, and but you've got your phone, then you're good to go. It's it's it's a lot of it's great. I mean, it has everything that you could want pretty much for the library and you can access the library website, the event calendar, all of that through the app.
 
James Bell 
I love that. And you know, I really like you guys are always so you're so tech forward and connecting all these things and hoopla and especially hoopla I love hoopla get in there all the time. But the digital resources and then to tie it all together into this like very cool and it's not intimidating at all. And if you do run into problems like like I did, you just contact the library. It's so super helpful. I don't remember the young woman's name that helped me out a couple of weeks ago but um, and she was great and very patient and I just felt like a fool because I couldn't make this work. And she's like, Oh, you just do this and this and this, but it was perfect.
 
Callie Kolacny 
Well good. I'm very glad to hear that. But yeah, if you aren't sure how to download any of the the app or anything else hoopla things like come to the library, we would be so happy to help you. I helped a guy download the hoopla app the other day because he wanted to listen to the Hobbit. And that was the device that it was on. And so we downloaded it. He was good to go. It took very little, not even five minutes to get it done. And, yeah, when we want to help, we want you to have all access to all of these wonderful things that we have at the library.
 
James Bell 
Absolutely. Now, there's one last thing we got, we got to talk about before we go this is early active reading, what is this about this is this kicked off already?
 
Callie Kolacny 
Yes, it started in September. And it's a new program. And it's on Friday mornings at 11am. It's really for three to five year olds and kind of early elementary that aren't in school. And it's exercise the body and the mind. The other day, they were exploring the letter S and had big S's in tape on the floor. And they were using like little toy cars to trace the shape of the s things like that. So it does some physical movement, along with trying to work that into to the mind as they learn how to read and they learn their letters and things like that. So it's just it's a new program there. I also want to mention really quick tutoring, we do have our tutoring is back with the support, hey, students, and they're there and they're ready to help us generally from three to six. On Wednesdays, there's somebody there's that's at two o'clock. So if you want to bring somebody early than two to six, but they're great, they can really help with I mean, even even math, I mean, how many parents understand today's math.
 
James Bell 
I don't, I can't help we had we had to hire a tutor because I can help my kids with
 
Callie Kolacny 
math and you can get free after school tutoring at the library. If you want more information on it or to make an appointment, go to Hayes library.org/tutoring to go ahead and get on there to make sure that you've got to set aside time. But they also will do Watkins if they're not already busy, and they're upstairs on the second floor. All right.
 
James Bell 
I love that. And what a cool program and such as such an asset to the community. You guys provide that for free. That's very cool.
 
Callie Kolacny 
Yeah, we want to be able to make sure that we can help those kids in whatever the way they need.
 
James Bell 
Awesome. Kelly, before we go, how can they find out more information?
 
Callie Kolacny 
Sure, go to our website, as I've mentioned a couple times Hayes library.org You can follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. We're also on tick tock now. Tick tock or give us a call 6259014

FHSU Alumni Association prepares for 2022 Homecoming

On this episode of the Post Podcast Fort Hays State University Alumni Association engagement strategist Carolyn Tatro shares FHSU Homecoming 2022 details. 
Transcript:
EDITORS NOTE: Transcripts are provided by an automated service and are not verified for accuracy.
 
James Bell 
The Fort Hays State University Alumni Association is get ready for this year's homecoming, Alumni Engagement strategist, Carolyn Tatro stops by to share some of the details on this episode of the post podcast.
 
Carolyn Tatro 
It's only got a month away at this point, right about a month away and really for homecoming for us. It's there are parts of it that are year round. But by the time we get to this time of year, we kind of can't believe that it's already around the corner. And we have some really exciting things planned. So I'm really looking forward to it. I know a lot of other people are too.
 
James Bell 
Yeah, yeah, it's always a good time. And I know, you know, COVID kind of changed some things, you guys introduced some virtual events, and that seemed to go over really well just, you know, as we were having to deal with that, but a lot of back to normal kind of stuff. Um, you know, oh, my goodness, look at the list of thing. No, lots of stuff going on. Yeah, you want to give us some highlights?
 
Carolyn Tatro 
Yes. So first of all, we had a record sell out of the golf tournament. So the golf tournament is currently sold out. It's one of our most popular events throughout the three days, which by the way, before I forget, October 6, seventh, and eighth is what we're talking about here for our alumni homecoming events, the golf tournament sold out in five days, which record for us. So we're excited about that. But we, we know a lot of people didn't get into it, but we you know, give us a call and we want to talk to you about it. Because there's a lot of other things that you can do lunch with Coach Brown is also happening that afternoon, which the golfers can participate in because it's during lunch. So we want people to come and have lunch with football coach, Chris Brown and and learn a little bit about game day routines, and learn about the team, that kind of stuff. So that'll be a really exciting event as well. And then I know later that evening, we'll have the bonfire. Hopefully Weather permitting knock on wood was a great event last year. So hopefully we'll get to do the bonfire again.
 
James Bell 
You guys do that right there to the the west of the Alumni Center, right
 
Carolyn Tatro 
right next to the Robins.
 
James Bell 
The one that always floods.
 
Carolyn Tatro 
Hopefully we're you know, we're again, month away. We'll see what happens. But the bonfire is always a big event when we get to do it. So yeah, very fun. Yeah. And then lots of exciting things planned for Friday. And we have a rather exciting slate of award recipients this year, our homecoming awards are always, you know, a really big deal. There are some of the most distinguished alums that we get to celebrate. And Friday is sort of the the big day to do that Friday and Saturday, we get to have lots of events to celebrate these award winners. So looking forward to that have people from all over the place that I'm looking forward to meeting in person, some really fascinating individuals that I think people want to meet.
 
James Bell 
Yeah, for sure. You want to tell us maybe what some of those awards are? I know, I've seen them year after year, but I'm drawing a blank. Yes.
 
Carolyn Tatro 
So we have four awards that we honor at homecoming. One is the Alumni Achievement Award is sort of the most prestigious for our alums via NIDA, Landrum and distinguished service awards are some of the others. This year, we are honoring four Alumni Achievement Award recipients and two Young Alumni Award recipients. So we've got alumni achievement, and NIDA Landrum Distinguished Service and young alum. And the this year, we have four alumni achievement, and two young alum award recipients. So very exciting people.
 
James Bell 
Cool. Cool. Yeah, I'm gonna talk more about these events. But I am curious, like, how do those folks get selected? You guys drop out a hat or is there a vote
 
Carolyn Tatro 
there. So we have a nomination process that takes place, December, I read around December in January, we open it up for about a month, but people are sending us names year round, you know, oh, I met so and so who's doing some really cool things that you guys need to know about. So we do collect names pretty much year round. Our Alumni Board has a committee that reviews these nominations. And then based on specific criteria, we they select who they believe should be the standout award winners for the coming year. So the selection is usually made end of January, sometime in February. So a lot of us are sitting on this secret for several months before we finally announced them in the summer.
 
James Bell 
I can tell by your face. You know who they are?
 
Carolyn Tatro 
Oh, yes, yeah. And we know we, we know who they are for a long time. And we usually release, we put out the press release in the summer. So, you know, it's it's maybe six months before we get to tell the public about it. But um, yeah, they're out there. And I think some people are very excited about who we get to celebrate this year. Very cool.
 
James Bell 
Very cool. Well, moving back into some of these events. I mean, that's gonna be fun. That's again on Friday. I had it open in the morning, Friday morning, but lots of stuff going on that Friday afternoon night, right?
 
Carolyn Tatro 
Yes, that's right. So Friday morning, we will have a meet and greet for these award recipients now I should say. So John Allen, who is a world renowned journalist in Rome, he will be unable to join us but we're So excited to celebrate him. And also Mike McCarthy, who's the current head football coach of the Dallas Cowboys. He's a little busy right now. So he's not going to be able to do it because I know he's he's got some things going on. But we're really excited the meet and greet will involve Judy billings, who's a lifelong nurse educator, Don Richardson, who's also a lifelong educator been teaching for more than 50 years. Tory blue, who is the current House Majority Whip in Topeka. She's great Ben native ran for office before she even graduated from Fort Hays, and then Brandon Penny, who I'm very excited to meet great creative mind doing some really cool things in New York for Saks Fifth Avenue. So it's, those four individuals will be at the meet and greet. And there'll be at the Alumni and Friends awards banquet on Friday evening, as well. So just a couple of different opportunities to meet them on Friday, they'll be doing some presentations in classes, mostly from the departments that they graduated from, but opportunities to speak to students, and then we get to celebrate them in the parade on saturday as well. So get to spend some time with them this week, that weekend.
 
James Bell 
I love that. And you know, it's always so amazing to me. The I mean, obviously, we have a large number of alumni out there doing amazing things, but it always seems like you guys are finding new ones that you know, maybe the general public doesn't know or people that left years ago, and they're doing amazing things internationally. You're on the coasts. Yeah. And it's like an endless supply of amazing four days long.
 
Carolyn Tatro 
I'm telling you even just yesterday, there were a couple people who came up to me and said, Did you know that so and so has a connection to Fort Hays? And it's, it's really cool to see some of these names that you're right, we just we don't always know that they have the connection to Fort Hays. And that's why we like to celebrate them with some of these awards, because it's just a really exciting time our community gets to see how connected we are to some people that are doing some really amazing things out in the world.
 
James Bell 
Yeah, very cool. And to be able to celebrate and bring everybody together, or almost everybody in this case and, and hang out and get to meet those individuals. What a cool experience.
 
Carolyn Tatro 
Yep. So a lot of those events, you can check out the full list of our events at fhsu homecoming.com. Now, I will say that is the website for our alumni events. There's a lot of other stuff happening happening on campus that week of Homecoming. So make sure you check out the fhsu website as well, but fhsu homecoming.com. A lot of the events that I've mentioned already, you do have to pre register for, but you can do that through September 29. So you still have a couple of weeks to do that. But we were very excited. And yeah, I can't contain it. Honestly, this is one of my favorite, favorite times of the year, just getting ready for all this and then watching it all come together and and seeing people come to the events is just a really great time.
 
James Bell 
Yeah, I bet because I mean, you guys have to plan this for such a long time. There's so many moving pieces, and especially when with your events, and then the university events you got a whole has to coordinate together and to some degree and so many people make this event how happened it just you know, everybody gets together have a great time. But there's a lot of work in the behind the scenes.
 
Carolyn Tatro 
That's right, and we participate with Oktoberfest as well. We're going to have an Oktoberfest tent out there, come out, meet people, you know, if you're meeting up with a group of friends, our tent will be a great place to do that. Sit down, enjoy the delicious food and the atmosphere will be out there both days too. So again, something happening pretty much every day, Thursday, Friday, Saturday through a homecoming so yeah, on on all the time.
 
James Bell 
And Oktoberfest you also know that's separate, but it's the same. And it brings a lot of people to town to do that. But while you're there, come make the connection to Fort Hays, where you connect with Fort Hays and go check out the bit like if you've been on campus, holy smokes, it still boggles my mind. How much has changed even from the time that we were there, which was, you know, we're pushing in almost a decade, I think since we both graduated, but so much activity, physical activities there. And it's just, it's still it's great. It looks amazing. But it's different. And it's it's a it's fun to explore even I think some of those new facilities and buildings
 
Carolyn Tatro 
it is. And we do offer, you know, we offer the opportunity for people to take tours of campus while they're out there as well. Even some of our awardees that I've talked to on the phone, I haven't been to campus in a long time is there going to be a chance for me to see, you know, this such and such new building or my building has been renovated since I was there. So you know, things are changing all the time. And they still are and so yeah, this is another just a great time for people to come see how things are different on campus and all the cool things that we get to do out there. Absolutely.
 
James Bell 
Well, Carolyn, I tell you, we've got just about a minute left last thoughts or anything else you think that folks need to know before we go?
 
Carolyn Tatro 
Well, again, just check out fhsu homecoming.com. We really encourage people to pre register for some of these events because they are going to fill up again lunch with Coach Brown on Thursday afternoon. So that will be October 6 That noon. Again, something we don't get to do all the time. So come and have lunch with the football coach Chris Brown, and then sign up for our alum. I award events as well. So you can meet some of these really cool people we have coming to town, September 29. That is the deadline for a lot of our registered events. Don't
 
James Bell 
wait. Don't get you know what happens when you have a deadline like that. Always for me, people wait
 
Carolyn Tatro 
till the day I wait till the deadline is right. Don't wait till the deadline, get it out, get
 
James Bell 
your computer listening to us and probably at work. So go ahead and just take a minute to lock out. Get it in do it now. Yeah, no, it'd be a good time and hopefully you get a great turnout. And you know, I'll be around I always am.
 
Carolyn Tatro 
Yeah, absolutely. And everybody, give us a call if anybody has questions, lots of stuff happening. So we want to be able to point you in the right direction.

As USD 489 accreditation process continues, district strengthens practical education programs

On this episode of the Post Podcast USD 489 assistant superintendent Shanna Dinkel shares updates from the district.
Transcript:
EDITORS NOTE: Transcripts are provided by an automated service and are not verified for accuracy.
 
James Bell 
As USD 49 continues in the accreditation process, they are evaluating and enhancing their career exploration and tech education programs. Assistant Superintendent of Teaching and Learning Shanna Dinkle stops by to share some of the details on this episode of the post podcast.
 
Shanna Dinkel 
Two big year for our school district in that this is our final year of a what was to be a five year cycle, but really six year with COVID apology are in there of accreditation, so we will send our information about our processes and and how we work for continuous improvement as well as the measures we have in place and the growth we've shown and that will go to the state board this year. And we hope that you know, we will be fully accredited. That's our anticipation. One of the measures, obviously state assessments is a measure in the academic measure that we focus on. But there we look at wider range, because our ultimate goal and rock as a district is a successful high school graduate. And that's so much more than just the academics, it's also admit socially emotionally, how students are and what support they need to be able to get to the academic piece. And so our families of third through 12th graders got an email or a text this week, asking them to opt in and allow us to provide a screener for their students on social, academic, and semi emotional questions. And so that came about because we had some new legislation this past year, which is requiring schools to reach out and let parents know what the tool is, which is very appropriate. And so I just wanted to kind of help explain why that text was sent this year and not in the past. But it is one of the ways in which we look at how students are doing socially, emotionally. We also look that though at attendance, attendance is so important. And then behavior course grades, but that sabres, that screening piece is just another layer in which we can just make sure that we have whatever support is needed for students to be successful. And again, as a successful high school graduate, from pre K, all the way up, everybody plays a role in that. So that was something that was sent out this week. But another big piece and, and one of the data points that really we need to celebrate as a district is the post secondary success of our students, you know, our ultimate goal at the state level is defined at 70 to 75%. Because, according to studies out there, 75% of our graduates will need some type of post secondary education, to to have a workforce, you know, here in Kansas or, or in the nation, those other 25% are also successful, they may be going to the military, they may be taking over the family business. So it's not to say that those aren't successful, but that's our target. And as a district, we're at 69.5% of students who graduate then a year, starting their second year out have been to some tech, Ed type thing or are enrolled in that second year of maybe a two year or four year university. So career tech ed is so huge, and we used to think about it in two groups of our high schoolers college prep or career tech ed. But really, we're all on a pathway to some career in after high school. So it's a large umbrella that really, it's all about career tech ed. And so we have some amazing things happening at our high school. Becky hicker, who is an assistant principal there, she and her team have worked really, really hard. We have career exploration happening. So just a few numbers is last year, we had 9060 students who were out in the community doing some career exploration this year, we have 97. And that wouldn't be possible without partners in the community, with businesses to allow our students to get out there. But it's such a necessary and important piece of students exploring what it is that is of interest to them that they might want to pursue. Post High School.
 
James Bell 
Yeah, if that makes perfect sense because I you know, I think back to my college experience, and I had a pretty major shift mid college, and I say mid I was about four years in when I decided to change majors and have a scene that in advance, I may have made different decisions when I was 18.
 
Shanna Dinkel 
Yes, and so we hope to even grow that. And at last year's class of 2220 22. We had 120 members who were pathway concentrators, so really it has a lot to do with what courses you take and how many, a lot of times students Are we actually enrolled in more than one pathway, but as we call them a pathway concentrator, it's how many they align within a pathway. But we're trying to expand the pathways next year. It's exciting that we hope to have a military and military military health pathway for students who choose to explore that. This year, we're starting our health science pathway. We're partnering with Hays Med, and a grant out of K u. And that's been excited. We have over 70 students who are in the intro to health career courses. And we know how important that is. There's just it's so exciting. And we have students who, you know, some of the NCQA programs that our high schoolers are involved in our Certified Nurse Aide, allied health, pharmacy tech, auto mechanics, so many of those things, we have students who go and attend Fort Hays on campus during the day, or taking online through NC K or Fort Hays on campus at Hays high. So really just you know, one of our core values is selling students on the possibilities and opportunities for their future. And that's really what it's all about. And it's not just something that happens in high school, you know, one of the resources that's available to parents, as parents, we, you know, we want to talk to our kids to about what it is, is of interest to them, there is a program called Higher paths, H AI, R e paths.com. And there were some grant money, and there's some amazing videos, and just talking points for parents, upper elementary are ready to just start thinking and exploring and seeing what's of interest. So lots going on. And again, it's that partnership with parents that the school wants to work with, because that's such an important role in what their student chooses to do post secondary, but good things happening. And like I said, are the 70, nearly 70% of our kids having some success after that high school graduation, that that's awesome. And we want to see that continue to grow?
 
James Bell 
Yeah, you know, I love that I've seen this over the I don't know, I'd say maybe the last 10 years or so really an effort, and especially locally in all of the high schools from Fort Hays and CK tech, USD 49. And the Catholic schools as well to have that kind of overall focus on not pushing children into one thing, university education, but rather, what is it that you like to do? And how do we get you to a successful point there. And I've seen some of the USD 49 tech programs in action. And it is truly incredible. There's constant learning, not only with the students, but with the educators as well. And how do we better implement this? And how do we bring in new tech, and especially on the coding front? It's really just incredible to me to see.
 
Shanna Dinkel 
Yeah, and you know, really, that is the purpose of T CTE is to support and empower schools, developing those pathways to lead students to whatever is post secondary. And a lot of times, we want to train them with that content, like we've talked about, but also can they work with others? That's that social piece? How do they feel about their learning emotionally? Where are they so it's all tied in with like, we talked about social emotional learning is such an important way, and why that's also something that as schools, we want to make sure that we work with parents and help support kids, because a lot of times, it's those soft skills, too, that we want to make sure whether it's growth mindset, working through things, overcoming some difficult situations. So lots of good things happening. And it's exciting to be here. And I look forward to our accreditation that we send to the state board, because I anticipate that we will be fully accredited.
 
James Bell 
Yeah, get that check off. That's, that'll feel so good, I'm sure. Yeah. You know, I'm curious how much of this the shift in education to this kind of newer model where we were on the career track and the pathways? How much of that is the changing education structure? And how much is the changing world we live in? And I think about, you know, all the tech that, you know, I'm at the end of that age that when I was in, you know, my my kids school age, in fourth, fifth grade, we had a computer in the classroom, and it played Oregon Trail. And that was about all it did. You know, we had some typing tutors, but they're what they do on technology is so different and so much more expansive, and a wonder like, if you want to kind of help us, or help us share with us? Are we learning better how to adapt those kids to that world? Or are we learning a better rather how to educate them for that world? If that makes sense? Yeah, it's probably a
 
Shanna Dinkel 
little bit of both. And you know, I think that's why it's important to even start exploring careers because there's so many things out there, our tech will eliminate some jobs and add to others. So we don't even know some of those things that are out there. Sometimes when we think about tech and students are, you know, devices are just second nature to them. As a system, we need to unlearn some of their habits of more just casual use of technology to really get into some specific I'm things with technology. So one of the things that's exciting with the bond passing, again, thanking the community for that opportunity, as we, you know, look at design, we really want to make sure that we're taking into account what our students need for the world beyond high school so that they're ready, including technology and those types of things. So I think it's a little bit of both, it's kind of like our kindergarten readiness, you know, that's another one of our measures for accreditation, we don't want to have students have to fit our environment, we need to know the needs of our incoming kindergarteners and create that environment that meets their needs, where they're at, and then moves them forward. Same thing, when we talk about career tech, Ed, what's out there, and then making sure that we provide that for students to move them forward.
 
James Bell 
And I would imagine, too, at this point, you kind of have to teach students to be I don't know what the right word but able to adapt themselves to the business world because it changes so quickly, you know, like I think of jobs that didn't exist when I was in school that are now you know, top needed jobs and out in the workforce, that you wouldn't have the there's no way you would have the education for you have to educate yourself. Right.
 
Shanna Dinkel 
And I think that's what we're hearing from businesses and again, are Dr. Watson, the Commissioner of Ed has been on tours across Kansas. And a lot of times we hear, we'll train them on those specific skills they need for this job. It's more of those soft skills, showing up on time, making sure that you're in attendance, having a good work ethic, growth mindset, working well with others, being able to express yourself, when written or oral communication, being a good listener. All those are things that through the different, you know, content and academic tying that all together because then at some point, yeah, it's hard to prepare him for everything that's out there. But just making sure that those basic skills are there so that they can adapt and be adaptable out in their environment and what they choose to explore next. Very cool. Yeah,
 
James Bell 
sure. We've got just about a minute left. Any other last thoughts or anything else that we want to hit on? Before we go? You know,
 
Shanna Dinkel 
I really think we talked about a lot. I'm excited to be it is a great year, we started off well, like you said, Superintendent Wilson share that last week and it's just a really good start and all the activities and the whirlwind is is picking up as we get here into September and and it'll fly by but we're just glad that we're able to work with students, parents, and again, thanking the community for all those career exploration opportunities they're giving our students because it really does make a difference.

New director, services at Center for Life Experiences

On this episode of the Post Podcast Center for Life Experiences executive director Darian Schlegel shares updates from the center.
Transcript:
EDITORS NOTE: Transcripts are provided by an automated service and are not verified for accuracy.
 
James Bell 
The Center for life experiences has a new executive director and some new programming on the way. Darien Schlegel stops by to share with us the details on this episode of the post podcast.
 
Darian Schlegel 
So a little bit about me, I'm from a City, Kansas, I moved to Hayes to go to college, and just recently graduated with my clinical psych in the psych department in May of 2022. And then I was recently hired at CFL II this July. So I've been there for about a month and a half now.
 
James Bell 
Very cool. Yeah, kind of settling in with Anna. She was a frequent guest on the show, obviously. And it's been several months before bird since we'd seen her that her last sign off, I think was, oh, goodness, May, June ish. And yeah, that transition happened to kind of wall in the interim. But how are things going?
 
Darian Schlegel 
Good, good. Yeah. And kind of stepped off in May. And she's been helping out here and there for a while helping me get adjusted and everything like that. So it's been, it's been good. We're learning and starting some new things. And we're excited. Very cool.
 
James Bell 
And, you know, I love that. Obviously, you know, you mentioned that you just got out of college, you're fairly young. And I think that's got to be a change, because and, and we've been there so long and really kind of made her own but to bring in that new ideas and the young blood, probably a little bit of a, I don't know, a nervous energy, but also excitement around there. Right?
 
Darian Schlegel 
Yeah, it was definitely, I don't want to say intimidating because it has kind of a negative connotation. But, um, yeah, it was definitely interesting to step in the foot after, and has been there for so long. I mean, she helped found the foundation and everything. So it's cool to learn from her because she's so involved in she knows so many people in that community. So it's great to learn from her and just kind of take over in her footsteps, then, like you said, it's fun to start those new ideas, too.
 
James Bell 
Yeah. And we're going to talk about some of the new stuff that this launched here in the are launching recent or soon. But before we get there, I wonder if you want to talk a little bit about just kind of the overall center for life experiences mission and what you guys do down there.
 
Darian Schlegel 
Yeah, so CFR li focuses on helping people basically grieve and heal and talk about their daily struggles. It's a place where people can come and connect with others who have experienced similar experiences. We're all about just forming that support for other people, because a lot of people just don't have that support system around. So we're there to make that happen. Very
 
James Bell 
cool. And for my understanding, I've never been affiliated with the groups, but just the years of talking with and it's a very informal, it's not not a counseling session, per se, it's, as you say, it's just it's a, it's something to help you get through the process and with others, that have also been through it. Yeah,
 
Darian Schlegel 
yeah, it's a very informal process. We have groups in the evenings, healing after loss, healing after loss of suicide, and then Healing Hearts. And there's three separate support groups where people can come and just talk about their struggles and learn from other's experiences and just feel like they have a connection somewhere with somebody because a lot of time family members don't really know what to say, especially if they haven't experienced that grief themselves. So that's a place where people can really just be surrounded by others who have the same experience.
 
James Bell 
Yeah, know what those groups, those groups that you've kind of inherited. are the timings in the day, same, the same on those meetings. Are those been adjusted
 
Darian Schlegel 
yet, so they stay the same? Every month. So Healing Hearts, meets the first Thursday of every month and healing after loss meets the first and third Tuesday every month. And then halos, which is healing after loss of suicide meets the first and third Wednesday of every month.
 
James Bell 
Very cool. Just still have the calendar on the website. Yes. Okay. CFE. hope.org. Yes. Okay. Cool. I was hoping I remembered that right. Very cool. Well, then, let's move on. And let's talk about some of these new things that are coming up. The first one I think we want to hit on a little bit is the John C lecture series. What is this?
 
Darian Schlegel 
So the John C Lecture Series is where cflc brings in a speaker every so often to talk about different mental health topics and stuff like that. So for the Jhansi lecture series this month, it's happening in September 22. At the beach Smith are performing arts center on campus at Fort Hays, it's from six to nine. And they will be talking about suicide awareness and stigma that surrounds suicide. And they are bringing somebody in from Arts Otsuka and It's hard to pronounce. And they will be talking about this. And they partner with psych u, which is an amazing resource for mental health as
 
James Bell 
well. Very cool. People are interested, do they need to sign up in advance? Or is any sort of fee on this? Or is it just come and go with it?
 
Darian Schlegel 
Nope, it's just a come and go. We really encourage people, the community come, just learning here about suicide and stigma, because it's something we want to talk about. It is increasing in all of the population. So it's really important to know how to talk to somebody and learn about it, and how to combat the stigma surrounding it.
 
James Bell 
Absolutely. Okay, and I have for my understand you've got some other new groups. I don't have them in front of me, but other new groups that are starting up, right?
 
Darian Schlegel 
Yes, yeah. So we have what we call a support series. And so it's going to be roughly six to eight weeks of different groups. So the first one we're starting is called Fostering Connections. And this is going to be a six week group starting September 26, at five o'clock, where children the age 10, to 18 can come and really just talk about their life experiences children with experience with the foster care system. That way, they have somebody to talk to who have been in similar situations. And just so that they can talk to other kids who have had had the same experience. And then our next group is called the CF le book circle. And this is another four to six week group that's going to alternate every month with different topics. And our first book is gained something, it focuses around divorce. So anyone going through divorce, or who has already gone through it, and just want to be around other people who have the same experiences, again, can read the book and learn some things and all of that good stuff.
 
James Bell 
Very cool. You know, I think about, you know, traumatic life events like that sometimes I think are even more harder to deal with than the loss of a loved one, just because it's, there is no loss, it's you know, that you're losing the relationship, but not losing the person. And that adds a whole nother layer of complexity to
 
Darian Schlegel 
Exactly, exactly. And I think cflc is wanting to talk about all the different types of grief, there are different branches. And like you said, you're losing that part of your life that you had a huge connection with. And so we'll be able to talk about that as well.
 
James Bell 
Very cool, very exciting stuff. Is information for those available on the website as well.
 
Darian Schlegel 
Yes, everything's available on the website. And we are updating our website as well. So hopefully in the next coming month or so people will be able to register for different events on there as well. So, so keep a lookout for that.
 
James Bell 
Your website work. Never goes as fast as you want. Right? Yeah. Well, very cool. Well, there's anything else that you think the folks need to know about what's going on down at the Center for life experiences right now.
 
Darian Schlegel 
Um, I just hope that you guys come out and visit us if you ever feel like you just need to talk about your life. We're here for you and we hope to see everyone

Medicare enrollment window approaching

On this episode of the Post Podcast Sunflower Senior Solutions owner, Courtney Dale shares information about the upcoming Medicare enrollment window.
 
Transcript:
EDITORS NOTE: Transcripts are provided by an automated service and are not verified for accuracy.
 
James Bell 
The annual Medicare enrollment window is just around the corner. From Sunflower Senior Solutions owner Courtney Dale shares with us some of the details on this episode of the Post Podcast.
 
Courtney Dale 
It always gets here faster and faster every year. Kinda like Christmas. But speaking of that, you know how we start to see Christmas in the stores. sooner and sooner. It's the same thing with Annual Election Period with Medicare and people are already seeing the advertisements on TV and mailboxes are filling up and all that stuff. And the reason why is because of this time of year, and it officially is October 15. Through December 7, that window is the only window that a person can make changes to their prescription drug plan, or a Medicare Advantage Plan, which is not as common is as a Medicare supplemental plan for most people in the listening area. But those two things the prescription plan in the in the Advantage Plans can only be changed and adjusted during that window. However, as agents and brokers, we can start seeing the plans and all of their options and all of their pricing as soon as October 1. So we can start talking about them, and going over them with people as soon as October 1, which is less than a month away. And it'll be here before you know it. Sure. So very important time of year to kind of have all of your Medicare plans reviewed. And a lot of people do this religiously, a lot of people don't understand the benefits of having your plans reviewed. Just on the prescription side alone, there's a huge savings potential, especially for people who are paying higher drug costs for maybe you know insolence or blood centers or things like that. The formularies change every year. So the coverage changes and the different levels within the plan that changes so what you're on now, there may be something out there that covers your drugs better, and can save you you know, a few $100 over the course of the year, which is huge. Right now everyone is looking for ways to save money myself included. So that is, you know, that is the the main importance of it is to save money. Now on the on all of your other plans. So your Medicare supplemental plans and your dental vision and hearing plans and anything else you have that you want. Kind of a second opinion, hey, is this the right plan for me? Could I save money here? Could I get better coverage there? This is just a great time of year you have to have your prescription plan looked at it's a great time of year to just have a once over and have everything reviewed. And of course we do that complimentary We do not charge anything for our services to review your plan.
 
James Bell 
Yeah, so I think why not? You know, you mentioned that, you know, this time of year is a good time for it, you kind of it makes me think about your time change, you know, time changes comes, you're supposed to check all your fire safety equipment, right? It's like that time of year to do it. So why not take advantage of the free service and see if you can save yourself some money.
 
Courtney Dale 
Exactly. This again, you know, yeah, we kind of looked at a look at it as the end of one year. And how do we get straight for the start of the next year? We do again, we do the Medicare supplemental plans, we do Medicare Advantage plans. We do dental, vision and hearing plans. We also help people with their prescription plans. Of course, we also that's for people over the age of 65. We also offer insurance services for any age. And of course, the dental vision and hearing packages that any age. That's not just Medicare, Affordable Care Act plans are something that we also help with we started doing that a couple years ago, those new plans for the next year, they did change the tax, the tax subsidies. So if you have looked at them before, and you couldn't afford them before, you might want to take a look again, we can't look at those until November 1 for the next year. So if you're on one of those plans, again, great time to have it reviewed if it's if those plans are something that you've looked into or think that you could benefit from. We could take a look at those for you too. That is something that we do. Also we do a little bit of fixed interest rate investment products. Horse in the last year myself included. We've all kind of taken a little bit of a hit from the stock market, which we know is going to happen but a lot of people have kind of came to us and are interested in looking at more of a fixed rate product insurance product which we do those as well. And that's again this time of year is a great time of year to look at all that we have, you know, some fixed interest rates that are doing four and 5%. So if you have bank CD's or cash or anything sitting around, that's not earning anything. Great time of year to have all that looked at as well,
 
James Bell 
for sure. Now, Courtney, I'm curious you for those folks that are maybe in that window, and they want to have this looked at with that window between October 15 and December 7. At what point? Is it too late? Or can you just go all the way up and to December 7.
 
Courtney Dale 
On the Medicare side, it's December 7, on the Affordable Care Act plans. It is the end of the year, November 1 through the end of the year, or I'm sorry, Jane, it goes all the way through to January 15. On the Affordable Care Act plans. Now dental vision and hearing packages and any of the fixed rate insurance products and even Medicare Supplements. Those can be looked at and changed at any time during the year, the big push on October 15. And December 7 Is the prescription drug plans. And the Medicare Advantage plans. That's the only time of year that you can change those.
 
James Bell 
Okay, so somebody went into your office on say, December 6, they could still get that in get those changes processed? Or would you have time to do that?
 
Courtney Dale 
Oh, yeah, all the way we work all the way up till midnight on December 7. So in our our office hours change during starting October 1. We are available Monday through Saturday. So we do weekend appointments as well. Just we want to make sure to get everyone in that needs to have plans reviewed. So the best way to figure out how you can get in and book a time and we are booking appointments right now is cuz we can start, like I said, looking at plans October 1, call our office 785301 to 716. Or you can also book an appointment online. Sunflower senior.com.
 
James Bell 
Okay. Well, Courtney, I'm also curious, you know, this time of year with you busy looking at all these plans? Are you still doing the informational sessions?
 
Courtney Dale 
We do? Yes, of course, all over the state. So if you want to do a face to face workshop and get a refresher on Medicare education, if you're in the listening area, there's a good chance we're going to be in your area, we can also do a review face to face. We travel all over the state doing those reviews, and we actually have some dates and time set and locations. And so if you see one of those locations, you want to meet with us and do your review in person if you're not, you know, if you don't live in haze, we are all over. So that is also going to be available on our website. Sunflower senior.com.
 
James Bell 
Okay, so yeah, head over there. Check that out. And that phone number again, Courtney
 
Courtney Dale 
785-301-2716.
 
James Bell 
There you go. Anything else? You think that the folks out there need to know before we go?
 
Courtney Dale 
Oh, just you know, we can't stress the importance of having your plans reviewed enough. Even if you think you're in the right place. It's it's just not going to cost you anything and you might be able to save a few 100 bucks and didn't even know you were eligible for that. So we can't stress it enough. Just have your plans looked at even if it's not by us have somebody review your plans for the upcoming year.

Mix 103.3’s Friday Night Finds: Sept. 2, 2022

The latest Friday Night Finds from Mix 103.3 FM.
Play the song at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9ULXgJ18xuY

Voters head to polls this week for Ellis USD 388 Bond election

On this episode of the Post Podcast Mike Keller from the Care 4 Kids committee stops by to share information about the upcoming USD 388 Bond Issue election.

New childcare, housing developments proposed in Hays

On this episode of the Post Podcast Grow Hays executive director Doug Williams shares updates on proposed childcare and housing developments in Hays.
 
Transcript:
EDITORS NOTE: Transcripts are provided by an automated service and are not verified for accuracy.
 
 
James Bell 
A proposed daycare and housing project in Ellis County topped the area's economic news this week. From grow Hays, Executive Director Doug Williams stops by to talk about that and more on this episode of the Post Podcast.
 
Grow Hays executive director Doug Williams 
Childcare is one of the big three that rural America faces, childcare, housing and workforce and workforce. It's kind of tied to childcare and housing and Hays med through the receipt of some grants and things, it's going to put an on campus childcare facility, and I think up to 75 kids, I believe is what the the deal is. So that's awesome news, we have a huge need in our community for child care. And this will go a long ways towards helping that still a lot of work to be done beyond that. But it's big news and great news for Hayes man.
 
James Bell 
Absolutely. Do we know it? And I gotta be honest, I'm not all that familiar with everything that's going on there as well. Do we have they have a timeline or anything in place? Or is this just a commitment to build the facility?
 
Grow Hays executive director Doug Williams 
I think I don't know what their timeline is. But I know they're eager to get going. And they want to put it on the fast track, whatever that really means in today's construction environment. Because obviously, when you have to build something, workforce and materials, and all those things are a challenge. But I think they they want to get started as soon as they can.
 
James Bell 
You know, and I know I don't want to ask you to speak for them. But I just believe with the conversations that we've had about the childcare piece here in Ellis County, that probably this is a move that was really just kind of self serving, they needed their own staff to have that availability of child care. And we've talked specifically about the difficulties in medical, the medical field with child care, because you've got that weird schedule and, and rotating and all that.
 
Grow Hays executive director Doug Williams 
Yeah, exactly. Yeah, they have unique needs when it comes to childcare, because they are 24 by seven 365 days a year organization. And they I think at the end of the day, I don't think Hays med really wants to be in the childcare business. But they recognize that they have to control their own destiny and when when their employees cannot find childcare or a provider is closed or whatever that might be, that has serious consequences to an organization that has to take care of people and has to perform surgeries and all of the things they have to do if if their employees can't come to work. That's that's a huge problem. And so they, like many other organizations across the country have just recognized that they have to control their own destiny with this. They're going to put facilities in manage them, and make sure that they've covered their bases in that area.
 
James Bell 
You know, and I'm curious if you want to speak to if they can pull 70 Kids 70 plus into that daycare, what kind of impact is that going to have across all of Ellis County?
 
Grow Hays executive director Doug Williams 
Well, it helps. But if you know, Sarah Washington is on your show off, and she's heading up this childcare Task Force, believe they've identified a shortage of between six and 700 spots in Ellis County. So 70, or however many is that helps. And it certainly helps Hays med take control of their situation, we still have a large shortage of spots available for child care. One of the big challenges, not only just physical availability of spots, but affordability is a huge issue for different types of workers. When you're talking about anywhere from, I don't know, six today to $900 a month per child for childcare. That's quite a strain on somebody who's not making a lot of money. I mean, and a lot of our entry level jobs are filled by people who are not making a lot of money, but they still have children. And so that's that's the big dilemma is how do we serve those people?
 
James Bell 
Now? Yeah, I think you say, the lower income, I think even middle middle income can be impacted you tacking on $900. If you got three kids, you're paying that every month. That's a bill. Well, at
 
Grow Hays executive director Doug Williams 
some point, one of the one of the family, the one of the spouses cannot go to work. I mean, it just doesn't make economic sense. So they leave the job market and thus we end up with 2.3% unemployment and and people really struggling to find employees,
 
James Bell 
for sure. No, we've also talked a lot about you're going to your proposal down there on the Hays med campus with the grandparents or the senior housing and then that would have a daycare component as well. I wonder is this part of or is this part of that conversation or is this completely separate? And that progresses or process is still going?
 
Grow Hays executive director Doug Williams 
Well that that process is still ongoing. We're still working on that project and actually have kind of put it on the front burner right now. We're trying to get some things going. And initially we had some conversations with Hays med because they were very Interested in the daycare component that we had proposed in the community center there on the property north of the hospital. But I think I think at the end of the day, they just felt that they had to move on this themselves. And they couldn't wait on anybody else. We still believe that this project were, as I say, we're moving it to the front burner. The combination of multifamily as well as patio home type construction for primarily targeted to retiree age people, not necessarily restricted to that audience. But then the community center would house the seniors Center, which is currently out by the airport right now. And then the childcare center would there would be a childcare facility there that would hopefully engage some of the retirees in a creating an intergenerational type facility that that could provide a unique experience for children with kind of grandparent type people helping out in there, hopefully some on a volunteer basis where we can figure out a way to maybe offer some lower cost childcare to those entry level workers, lots of details to kind of figure out in that model. But if if we can provide some incentives for a provider with a lot lower cost, rent, or whatever it might be to operate, maybe they can pass some of that along to some of the some of their clients, I guess I'd call them and, and provide some scholarships or something like that. That would be the ideal situation. The economics are difficult to deal with on that. But we have to do something to try and meet that need.
 
James Bell 
For sure. Now, moving on into another big piece of news. This came out of the hay City Commission meeting last night, apparently, there's a developer that wants to put some housing into the Hadley center, correct?
 
Grow Hays executive director Doug Williams 
That's correct. David Van Doren, the owner of the Hadley center, was in front of the City Commission last night, he's applying for an NIH grant, which is a moderate income housing grant, that the state of Kansas offers, on projects that they that they approve, this requires the landlord to rent to people in the moderate income range of tenant, which means it's believe it's 60% to 150%, of the moderate income, family housing income for Kansas. So I believe it depends on how many are in the family and that kind of thing. This again, would probably be geared more to seniors, their one bedroom, a couple of some two bedroom units, and then some one bedroom units with a little study off of them, but a kind of unique offering and Hadley center, obviously, it's, it's built like a fortress. And they have a lot of amenities there, whether it's a beauty salon, restaurant, massage therapy, people, so all under one roof, you would have all of those things right there. And so he's he's trying to get that project going, it would be in the third floor, and it's about 31 Total Units that he is proposing to do. So that would be a nice project and and a nice addition to the community. And the first step for him was to get the city to approve the grant is actually given to the city. And then they pass it through to the to the developer. And so the city had has to approve a resolution, which they probably will they discussed it last night and at their regular meeting next Thursday, they will, I am sure approve that resolution and move it on so that he can submit his application.
 
James Bell 
Yeah, I mean, without jumping too far ahead and talking about some of the benefits of this to the community. I mean, what's the chances or what's the process look like for him going forward? I mean, is this a sure thing? Or is this kind of what hope but hope it all goes through and works the way we want?
 
Grow Hays executive director Doug Williams 
Well, it's certainly not a sure thing. The State of Kansas historically is allocated $2 million a year to the moderate income housing grant program. Because of some ARPA funds, and that kind of thing, this year, they've allocated $20 million. So they've got a lot more money allocated to it. They've raised the single award, they'll give I believe it's $30,000 per unit, or up to a maximum award of $650,000. This particular project would qualify for the maximum award of $650,000. But there is a lot of interest in this program statewide lots and lots of applications. There's also a backlog of previous applicants that did not get awarded in the past that are going to be based on my not understanding they're going to be looked at first on this first round. They're going to they're going to do this quarterly these awards this over the next year or so. So it's not a slam dunk by any means. But hopefully he'll he'll see that I know there are some other developers and In Ellis County that are looking at projects that are going to be applying for this, this grant. So we just hope we get our fair share. You know, we out in western Kansas, sometimes we don't always get our fair share, and we hope with this program we do. And actually, just one other item on that it is limited to counties under 60,000. And population. So the big counties are ruled out of this, this program. So that that does help us there as well.
 
James Bell 
I like to hear that, yeah, let them do their own. Those giant those giant Johnson County and Sedgwick County, that's it's a different world, really, than what we deal with out here.
 
Grow Hays executive director Doug Williams 
Pretty much pretty much.
 
James Bell 
So you know, if this does come to pass, you know, 31 in apartments with that single bedroom kind of size, how much does that actually impact? And how much is that needed to fix the housing shortage we have here in Ellis County?
 
Grow Hays executive director Doug Williams 
Well, it's kind of like the childcare deal to hospital every little bit helps. When I consistently say when we add inventory to the market, whether it be houses or whether it be spots in a childcare facility. It helps does it solve all our problems? No, it doesn't. But it helps you know, I, one of the things I'm going to talk about at our quarterly luncheon next Tuesday is the the shortage of housing that we have and what the housing study showed us that we just completed in June, the city did. And And essentially, it shows that we've got a shortfall, a hole of about three to 400 units in this community that we need to fill. And if we expect any kind of growth, say it, what I consider a relatively conservative 1% growth rate, we need to add 88 units a year, whether it be single family homes or apartments, we've been averaging 35 to 45 units a year. And that's what's gotten us in this hole. And so will 31 units. solve our housing issues? No. But it'll help. And, you know, obviously, within that whole housing structure, you've got the type of housing that's added to you're constantly having to evaluate what's really needed. Do we need one bedroom units for retirees? Do we need three bedroom apartments and duplexes and things for families? So what specifically do we need? And right now, I would say we need all of the above. But as we move forward, we're going to have to be more diligent and more studious and deciding what what niches Do we really need to fill?
 
James Bell 
Yeah. And you know, there's so many of these projects going on right now. I don't know if you have like a total of how many apartments that are coming online here in the next few years. But we've talked about several of these, like the St. Joseph school and what's going on down there was near the old Washington School and this one. So yeah, there's hundreds of them coming up in the next couple years. Right.
 
Grow Hays executive director Doug Williams 
And maybe 100. Oh, I'm over estimate. Well, there are projects underway, certainly the Ellis estates project is 42 units, the vandoorne project would be 31 microgram project at fourth and four, it would be 33, or 36. So we do have a number coming on. But unfortunately, like child care in the same as housing, it is not quickly resolved, it takes time to build these things. And I know there's a project at the Presbyterian Church, that a new childcare facility is going to they're going to do some expansion, some work in there, that I believe is going to have 36 spots. And so we are adding to the to the inventory. It just takes time chipping away at the problem. Absolutely
 
James Bell 
like that. Before we move on to this last bit of really cool news. You mentioned the quarterly luncheon down there that you guys are going to host to grow haze, I believe Thursday, Tuesday, Tuesday. At this point. Are you full on that? Are you still looking for some people to attend?
 
Grow Hays executive director Doug Williams 
We are full with physical attendees. Actually, we're we're over full. Always a few that don't make it for whatever reason. So we'll be okay there. But but it is going to be online as well. So look on our Facebook page, our website and you can see the link and you can watch it on a zoom, call or watch it online if you'd like to if you can't make it down or if if you didn't get your reservation in
 
James Bell 
very cool. Yeah, you know, I regularly get to go to these in the course of my work and always interesting stuff. And this one I think's gonna be really cool because you get to delve into that housings. Stuff that we're talking about here.
 
Grow Hays executive director Doug Williams 
Yes, column Belzer. assistant city manager is going to be talking about the housing study. And then I'm going to do a little bit of a talk about maybe some solutions and what we're trying to do about it.
 
James Bell 
Very cool. Gonna be a good time. Now let's talk about this last thing. This is kind of a little bit of inside baseball here, but you guys got a grant. We've talked about this on the show for this upcoming microfactory project. Right.
 
Grow Hays executive director Doug Williams 
We did. We got great news last Friday, actually, that the Patterson Family Foundation, which is a foundation out of Kansas City, founded by Neil Patterson and I can't remember his wife's name. Neil was one of the founders of Cerner, which is the giant software vendor in Kansas. City. And he was from a small town somewhere in Kansas, and I can't remember where. But he, they created this foundation that is dedicated to improving healthcare, education and economic development in small Kansas and Missouri communities. And so we approached them, you know, that the microfactory, we got a $2.6 million base grant. But we know it's going to cost us three and a half to $4 million. And so we approached the Patterson Family Foundation with the idea, they really liked the concept of the microfactory, they're really interested to watch how this works, you know, they're really these don't exist, this is kind of breaking new ground. And there's a lot of people watching it, but they, they liked the idea. And they awarded us a $500,000 grant to be used towards the micro factory. And so that's going to go a long ways towards helping us get that done. And we are they are interested in watching it, because if if successful, they would like to replicate this and other communities across the state. As with the state of Kansas, there, the Department of Commerce is very interested in this as well. So the pressures on we've got to perform on this one, I was
 
James Bell 
gonna say, I wouldn't want to be in your shoes on this.
 
Grow Hays executive director Doug Williams 
We'll get it done. I'm sure you will had you know, David Klingon, who's our Director of Recruitment retirement did a great job writing the grant for the base grant that we got from the state of Kansas, he replicated that with the Patterson foundation. So he's he's done a terrific job on these.
 
James Bell 
Yeah. Now, we've talked a little bit in the past about the gap. You mentioned the funding a little bit, and there was some some money that you need to raise to put this project together. How much does this grant chip away at that? Well,
 
Grow Hays executive director Doug Williams 
it covers more than half of the shortfall, we'll call it. We knew from the get go that we were going to have to borrow some money or acquire some additional funds above the base grant, we continue to look for those funds. We know that that, you know even though the tenants in that facility will be paying far less than market rent, probably less than half of what market rent would be it it will produce some income. And we would have some dollars to use towards paying back alone. But we're still we still got some grant applications out there and looking for other ways to finance the shortfall and finish it because like all these projects, where we're concerned that we may run a little over budget to just the way the world is right now. Yeah, how
 
James Bell 
hard is that to even really judge these things? For anybody that's trying to build anything, I would think it's just kind of a roll of the dice
 
Grow Hays executive director Doug Williams 
virtually impossible. You know, there's just so many factors that are into it. And and you find out that you can't get some particular material you are counting on the substitute is more expensive. And so what do you do? You just have to kind of roll with the punches and make it work?
 
James Bell 
Yeah, no big transformers is a problem right now. Right? A huge one and transformers and water taps I think are both
 
Grow Hays executive director Doug Williams 
just impossible. Supply chain still continues to be very restricted in certain areas, Transformers for residential construction, take a year to get the transformer for the microfactory they said was 60 to 70 weeks. Ouch. And so fortunately, we've got it ordered. And we do believe that that we may be able to Midwest energy may help us with a temporary if we get to that point and the permanent one still hasn't come in because they they do keep some on hand for emergencies, obviously, but they're for emergencies. So they they don't like to go out and use those but we we are. It's on order and we believe our construction period is probably a good year trying to get it done. So I think we'll be okay there. But you're right. There's just a challenge. Every time you turn a corner you hit another one. Yeah.
 
James Bell 
Well, Doug, we got to get over the news and weather but any other last thoughts where we go?
 
Grow Hays executive director Doug Williams 
Gosh, I can't think of anything else. You know, I It's been a big week. All good news. Join us next Tuesday. If you want to via zoom, check us out. I think it'll be interesting information for people. And we're going to just keep plugging
 
 
away

Heartland Community Foundation establishes new funds

On this episode of the Post Podcast Heartland Community Foundation executive director Sarah Meitner stops by to share updates from the foundation.
Transcript:
EDITORS NOTE: Transcripts are provided by an automated service and are not verified for accuracy.
 
James Bell 
The Heartland Community Foundation has opened four new funds over the summer, Executive Director Sarah Meitner stops by to share some of the details on this episode of the Post Podcast.
 
Sarah Meitner 
It's been kind of a quiet summer, but we have added four new funds to our list of funds. And what that means is basically Well, these are all funds that we manage, they are all designated for something charitable. So a fund can be opened by an individual donor like yourself, or an individual business that has charitable interests, or an organization and we manage Oh, I think there's about 30 organization funds currently. And these are the nonprofits in town that we know and love the nonprofits that are serving the community boots on the ground. You know, ones like the heath Arts Council, the community theater, Big Brothers, Big Sisters, the Hdc, I'm forgetting a whole bunch, because there's a lot but but you get it, these are their endowed funds. And what that means is that it's money that's been set aside by them, or a donor for the purposes of being endowed and kept for later. So in their endowed portion, it is invested right alongside all of our other funds. And that power of investment allows it to grow. And over time, the more that it grows, the more that they can grant to themselves. So the other funds that we have, we make grants out of as an as an entity, our grants committee make grants out of, to any number of organizations that apply for a grant, when it's their own fund, the money only goes back to them. And they use the investment income on it as a as a as a budget item as a line item as a as a revenue income stream that's generally pretty consistent. And that's the kind of thing that a nonprofit can really appreciate. When it's hard to fundraise for things like salaries or rent or other operating expenses, stuff that's not like real glamorous and easy to sell to a donor to help to help raise money for. So for some of these organizations, that's a pretty big deal. And they depend on that, that money, whatever amount it is to help pay for the programs that they offer and the services that they offer. So we had four new ones added this summer. And I'm really excited for them because it is showing an interest in sustainability that is maybe new or a little different. So I want to tell you what those four are, and invite our listeners to visit our website at Heartland Community foundation.org To see the full list of funds, you know, they can see which other organizations have won with us. And they can donate right there on the website anytime. And they pick right who they want to go to. And they can leave a comment if they like and it goes right to that organization. So the four new ones. One was actually the Hays med Foundation. And there's this little different because they have their own I mean, they're an entire they're they manage their own funds that are endowed. However their designation their nonprofit classification is a little bit different. That makes it hard for them to take in gifts that are Ira rollovers or stock transfers, things that can be more easy or easily feasible or are performed through the through the Community Foundation. So that's what their fund is primarily going to be used for. And then it can, it can still be designated by a donor if it's for a specific department at the hospital. But we can accept those gifts that they previously have had difficulty accepting. So very excited about that partnership. Another one is the lift up wakeeney fund and it's our first organization fund in wakeeney. And it is the there's a group of very dedicated, hardworking community members who are doing their best to get their hands dirty and clean up Balkany. And they have started a fund so that they can invest in projects with it that are important to the long term sustainability of the community. And so I'm super excited about that. It's already over 20,000 in it. And so, you know, the more it grows, that one is actually partially endowed and partially kept in a reserve so that they can, if they have a project that is, you know, five to $10,000 they're not limited by only granting out that that investment income, they can actually invest some of the principle. The third one is the let's grow Victoria fund. And this is actually also a little different. It's a provisional Fund, which is thrown a whole lot of lingo out yet, but this is this is the group of folks that are in Victoria work Hang on the rest home project. So this is going to be used as their pass through their fundraising fun, their main pot of money as they are seeking donations and working to grow the money that it's going to take to make those construction updates and renovations to the former rest home. So that one, we have a fundraising goal and I can help support them in those efforts. And you know that when I'm so excited, that project is just amazing.
 
James Bell 
I've got to write about that and speak with Jeff. And yeah, that's
 
Sarah Meitner 
neat project and it and it sort of leads me to the the fourth one, the Atlas County Historical Society. I don't know anything about that. And they were just here, I just saw mantle even. But they, you know, they're gonna have a location, a satellite office or a satellite facility at that rest home. But they also have a board that's very interested in sustainability. And they reached out about an endowed fund something to show the community that they are here for the long haul, and they're willing to invest in themselves. So you know, it's all very cool. It's all very exciting. I know, there's others out there on the horizon. The only one distinction that I want to make because it is United Way kickoff time, and the United Way funds go to all of these organizations as well, the differences in the two and what we do and what they do, if they're I liken it to, they're more of a checking account, the day to day where the savings account were the ones for saving for later and for long term. So we need both both are so important, and the organizations depend on both. But sometimes it's hard for donors to understand the overlap. So there you go, tried to make it simple for you.
 
James Bell 
That works. Very cool. Um, you know, before we run out of time here, we gotta hit on this as well, of grant applications. Are you currently in a window? I think last time you were here, you were wrapping up the window with your app.
 
Sarah Meitner 
Yep, we are getting ready to launch our fall window. It opens September 15. Closes November 15. I had two calls already yesterday with prospective applicants. So the people are ready for it. They're they're getting hungry. They're waiting for it. So the good news is that that application, as always, is can be found on our website. And we've actually made it easier. We've removed about five to six questions that just made it a little bit longer or a little bit tougher to understand the questions I probably got called about the most. But you know, I'm excited about that, because it just removes a couple more barriers toward obtaining some some money for projects that these charitable groups really need. So look for that September 15. It closes November 15.
 
James Bell 
Okay, and all that information, again, available on your website, right? It should
 
Sarah Meitner 
be updated, but the application could definitely be found on their website. And all of those donor all of those fun names, those accounts are the full list is that our website as well.
 
James Bell 
Very cool. Worst case scenario, they can find your phone number there, right. Always calm.
 
Sarah Meitner 
Yes. And I'll tell them about all of our wonderful friends because we do have some, some really special and awesome What's it What's that again? Heartland Community foundation.org

Ellis County Historical Society wraps season with Family Day events

On this episode of the Post Podcast Ellis County Historical Soceity executive director Amanda Rupp shares details of the upcoming Big Bang Firearm Exhibit Season Closing Reception and Family Day.

USD 489 settling into school year

On this episode of the Post Podcast, USD 489 Superintendent Ron Wilson shares updates from the Hays Public School district. 
 
Transcript:
EDITORS NOTE: Transcripts are provided by an automated service and are not verified for accuracy.
 
James Bell 
USD 489 has kicked off their school year and they're settling into a routine superintendent Ron Wilson stops by to share some of the details on this episode of the Post Podcast.
 
Ron Wilson 
If you count my days, we've just completed two weeks, of course, we started in the middle of the week. So we're just on the next day of two weeks, one day.
 
James Bell 
You know, I'm glad you mentioned that maybe that's a perfect way to start. Because I've always been curious. And this has been the way since I was in school. It always seems like it starts on Wednesday or Thursday. Is there a reason for that?
 
Ron Wilson 
Well, there's not particularly reason that we we try to start on a Wednesday or Thursday, sometimes there is make some sense, you know, you have to consider that people have been off for a couple of months, sometimes, kind of just easing back into it is always a good thing for kids, especially younger kids, as they kind of transition from the summer, summer lifestyle to school lifestyle. And so when you get in that Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, it makes for a nice, three day increment that then you get a two day break and kind of didn't get back after it. So it's not always intentional, but it does make a lot of sense.
 
James Bell 
Okay, very cool. So how has things been going the first couple
 
Ron Wilson 
of weeks? Boy, it's really been awesome. I mean, things are starting to fill fairly normal, I always say the key to starting the school year is just finding our groove. And I feel like you know, I don't know if that's all we found our groove, as you know. And I say that because schools are probably one of the unique organizations, businesses, whatever you want to classify us as, because we shut down for for two months, two and a half months, and then we have to restart, which is very exciting in a lot of ways, because it's new, it's fresh, all those things that come with it, but also there's some other sides to it, when you shut something down for two and a half months and have to restart it brings on some other elements that sometimes creates a lot of work. But now things are good. And like I said, we're just trying to find the groove. And I think we're almost there and things activities are starting of course, and that makes it feel very normal. You know, of course, high school football kicks off Friday night, a lot of our other activities with cross country volleyball. Those have already started. Middle School has some activities tonight. So very, very normal things going on in our world. So
 
James Bell 
very cool. You know, and you mentioned easing back into it. I think about two you've had some not a whole lot. But some staff changes, and especially in the school level administration, I think that probably those folks are taking the reins and kind of making that their own.
 
Ron Wilson 
You bet. I think a couple, a couple of people, especially on our administrative side, we have Chris Romic, our new principal at Roosevelt Elementary, Chris was a school psychologist at Roosevelt. So she just moved down the hallway to a different office. But I think Chris will be a great addition that Roosevelt in a leadership capacity she's done has has a lot of experience and a lot of great ideas. And we're very excited about Chris being the building principal at Roosevelt Elementary. Also at our West Side school, we've had some changes this this summer, with the district taking on the role as the as the lead in that in that school. Previously, for the last many, many years. The district partnered with high plains mental health over the summer, we we decided that we would, you know, split and go a different direction with that. And Lindy McDaniel, who is Assistant Director for our special ed cooperative here in the district is taking on that role in addition to her assistant directors for the for the cooperative as well. And we're very excited because Lindy has a lot of background and working with kids and structures and things that we feel are important to adding to Westside school. So I think Lindy will be a great addition there as well.
 
James Bell 
Very cool. Any other differences as we're going into the year that you think people should know about?
 
Ron Wilson 
Well, you know, I don't know if there's, I don't know if I'll be able to pull all of them off there. All of them are fairly small or minor. One of the things that we did, but changes are what was always known as the Learning Center of Ellis County is now referred to as the Hayes virtual school. It was a small change, and it really doesn't change anything in terms of how we're operating. But we just really wanted to get the message out to people that that we do offer a virtual school sometimes when you say the Learning Center, people didn't really know what that meant and what kind of what actually went on there. And sometimes we were missing families that maybe wanted a virtual option. So making that small little change and calling ourselves Hayes virtual school identifies the people immediately of what we do and what we offer. So that's a minor change, but that's one thing that come was to the top of my head and thinking of some of the things that are different.
 
James Bell 
You know, have you seen? No, no, we're, you know, but a full year out of COVID at this point or the worst of it anyway, and the lockdowns and all that, etc. Do you find that you still have a lot of students taking that virtual option? Or are you kind of back to normal or enrollment wise? Well,
 
Ron Wilson 
I would say we were we have seen a return to to the majority of our students, of course, we still have students who do choose the virtual option. And that's definitely if that's what they feel is best for their family and their their students. Yeah, I think that's we want to be able to offer that. And so for the most part, I think we've we have most of our students back that we had pre COVID. And, you know, as far as enrollment numbers, our enrollment numbers are good. Of course, nothing is official until September 20. And there's so much that goes into an enrollment count. It's not as simple as UA on September 1, counting how many heads are in school? I
 
James Bell 
think it'd be an easy process, but absolutely not.
 
Ron Wilson 
It's, it's really fairly intricate. And lots of things go in to that in terms of weightings, what we call weightings in terms of what we offer to students and the additional costs that come with some of those things, in terms of some transportations and special education. Some those have received some help with meals at during lunches and those kinds of things. So there's lots of different things that go into figuring out your enrollment. But we'll be doing that over the next couple of weeks and September 20 is when we send everything into the state and then we kind of know what direction we're going for the school year.
 
James Bell 
Yeah. And that really, that's just a function of funding, right? They have to know exactly how many students so you know how much money you're getting in. And that's a multi year complicated process that just kind of snowballs as it's going along.
 
Ron Wilson 
Yes, it is. But right now, I would say that just headcount we're, we look really good. And we've we're, that's we're very optimistic about that. Now, I would tell you looking around the state, a lot of districts have have seen some decline in numbers. And a lot of that is just because as, as the state of Kansas has decreased in population in terms of, you know, burst live births coming into the, into the, into the state of Kansas. So we're, we're, we're, we're feeling fortunate that right now, our enrollment seems to be holding steady.
 
James Bell 
Okay. You know, before we run out of time, I'm gonna hit on this. I think, as we're wrapping up the school year, last year, we were talking about the bond issue, and now we're past the summer, I wonder if you want to update us with any activity going on there with the as that process kind of moves forward?
 
Ron Wilson 
Oh, absolutely. We're always loved to talk about the bond and the future of high schools and just the future for the Hayes community in the things that we're going to be able to see and experience together as this all comes together. Of course, this summer has been a lot of design work, we have spent a lot of work and basically focusing on the new high school at this point, with with the architect group, and have had lots of meetings with high school staff, including administration and teachers. We've did some work in terms of going around and seeing other schools that have have recently built new high schools that by our architect company, DLR. And so that was an exciting part of the summer. We've though like I said, we've had some design meetings where we, we've started the process of trying to put together what it's going to look like and what what's important to us, and what do we feel like our direction in terms of educating kids and Hayes and so some really great conversations this summer. And we're we're very excited, I think, as far as our community being able to see anything specifically that would say, oh, yeah, it started, I think we're looking at possibly as a target date of November that you'll start seeing some dirt moved out there east of the current high school. Of course, that will be the first piece and it's very important piece, because you got to get that foundation laid out exactly right. For the for to put a building that's going to be there for hopefully, 100 years or so that will take several months of of moving dirt and making everything the way it should be. And then we're hoping that we would see some actual construction starting in the spring. And then of course, it's gonna be a couple of years before that building is completely ready to move into but that was what we indicated during the bond. And I think everyone understands that, but it'll be an exciting piece coming coming down the road as everyone starts to see the future.
 
James Bell 
Absolutely. So is that the that's the first piece the big focus, but I'm wondering, are you Is there going to be any work going on the smaller kind of side projects at the schools or is that just going to be it for now and then it all rolls behind it?
 
Ron Wilson 
Now what you'll also see coming next summer, so just a year, just a little year, about a year from now is that you will will see some things being done and some of the other schools, the idea is that we'll do little pieces and all of our schools during the summers over the next two to three summers. And then of course, there might be some some different layouts as we, you know, as the as the new high school is completed, we move students out of the current high school, there will be a period where that building will be empty, and they will go in full force and do some things there. But of course, we'll be working on smaller projects that don't disrupt the the next school year and we that can be done during the summer. So yeah, there'll be lots of work going on for the next two to three summers.
 
James Bell 
Okay. Yeah, I'm there's so many moving pieces. I just imagine that's a crazy, complicated process. It
 
Ron Wilson 
is that there's some really smart people, it's not myself, that put this all together and figure things out. And I think it's, it's, it's really it's fun to watch. It's fun to be a part of, I think it's, it's, it's just something that it's just hard to imagine, you know, we can visualize it, but we don't really can't, but I think and going back to what I talked about with the tours, that's the thing that I realized, you know, and I had seen pictures and I've envisioned what it might look like but when I started walking in those high schools that had been built recently, kind of gave me goosebumps, to fit to know that our community will see something, something that's going to be looked very similar even maybe even a little better. And it's just it's unbelievable once cycles, souls

Thunder on the Plains returns to Hays Sept. 17

On this episode of the Post Podcast Thunder on the Plains organizers Shelby Doty and Jackie Lang share details about the upcoming event.

Work begins on the 2023 Hays Chamber Community Guide

On this episode of the Post Podcast, Hays Chamber president and CEO Sarah Wasinger and vice president of marketing and communications Mariah Legleiter share information about the 2023 Community Guide.

Work begins on the 2023 Hays Chamber Community Guide

On this episode of the Post Podcast, Hays Chamber president and CEO Sarah Wasinger and vice president of marketing and communications Mariah Legleiter share information about the 2023 Community Guide.

Mix 103.3’s Friday Night Finds: August 26, 2022

The latest Friday Night Finds from Mix 103.3 FM.
Play the song at
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wcWE6jWSIi8

Grow Hays’ latest RHID presented to USD 489 Board of Education

On this episode of the Post Podcast Grow Hays, Executive Director Doug Williams shares information about an RHID planned for downtown Hays.
Transcript:
EDITORS NOTE: Transcripts are provided by an automated service and are not verified for accuracy.
 
James Bell 
Grow Hays, Executive Director Doug Williams recently presented before the Hays Board of Education about and RHID planned for downtown Hays, he stops by to share some of the details on that and more on this episode of the Post Podcast.
 
Grow Hays executive director Doug Williams 
Michael Graham rentals, proposing or is going to put in a apartment complex that fourth and fourth right behind the old Washington School location 33 or 36 units and he had applied to the city for a row housing incentive district incentive. And on July 28, the City Commission approved that and then it goes to a veto period for 30 days for the school district or the county can veto that act and stop that from happening. And so we're on the homestretch of that veto period and should be finalized like next week, and then he'll be free to start construction down there to get some much needed housing going in. Hayes. Very good.
 
James Bell 
I like to hear that. Do you expect any of these? Well, first, maybe we want to talk about this? Why do you have to go to the school board and the county for that? Why can't he just take care. But well, the way
 
Grow Hays executive director Doug Williams 
incentives work and the myths, I think a lot of people don't understand exactly how it works, a lot of a lot of people have the impression that it takes away the part of their tax dollars go to pay for these quote unquote, incentives. And that's really not the case, what it what it does, it allows the developer to recover some of his development costs, through the property taxes, he pays going into the future. So each year, the owner of these properties will pay property tax just like everybody else, but a portion of that will be routed back to them to pay for some of the street improvements, the underground, you know, sewer, water, electric, some of those kinds of things, that they can recover some of their costs on that through a portion of those tax dollars. The reason the city, the county and the school district participate in this process is because they're all affected by it. If if this incentive was not granted, they would get a portion of those property taxes that he would pay on an ongoing basis. So they have to say, Okay, we believe that the benefit of the additional housing is better for the community, then the property taxes we might receive on this project, not to mention the fact that without those type of incentives, the project probably wouldn't be done. So there's the trade off and kind of the bet that most governments make is that we are betting that we're going to this is going to happen, and in the long run, we're going to get our property taxes from it. And it's going to add much needed housing. And we're willing to give up a little bit along the way to make that happen.
 
James Bell 
Yeah. Do you expect any of those boards to take issue? I know you I'd say you've been in front of the school board already? Do you? Do you see any? Anybody saying no, I
 
Grow Hays executive director Doug Williams 
think I think they understand the need, I think they understand that the impact of them is really doesn't exist, it's not going to hurt their current budget. In the long run, they're going to get additional tax dollars from this asset that is developed in the community. So I don't anticipate any issue from from either of those organizations.
 
James Bell 
Yet, really, I don't know. You know, as you talk about these, it sounds like it's a win win win. Everybody takes out of this deal. It's just delaying a little bit of tax revenue. I don't know why. Because it is sometimes contentious, when you set up an Rh ID or a program like this, people have that misconception that somehow they're paying extra taxes for it. Right?
 
Grow Hays executive director Doug Williams 
They do. And I think it is a win win. But you know, there are rules and regulations that have to be met their statutory UL requirements to get one of these, one of them being a housing study, in the case of an Rh ID, you have to have a housing study that shows you have a need for housing. Because not only is the you know, the local taxing entities are not receiving some dollars, but some of the state dollars are not generated. Some of your property tax that goes to the state is not generated in some cases. And so they have some requirements where you have to show a need, the Secretary of Department of Commerce has to sign off on these things. And then they you know, the local taxing organizations have to look it has to meet some criteria for them to so it's not like they're given willy nilly to just anybody that applies. They do have to meet some requirements. And in the long run, it is good. But there obviously are are those who don't feel any incentives or an order that nobody should ever get any incentives because maybe well, I didn't get any. But the case may be there's you didn't ask for any now they're available to anybody that wants to apply for him. Anybody that's willing to go out and do and invest, I believe the projected number that was put on the application for this apartment complex was three and a half to $4 million. Anybody that wants to go out and do that is more than welcome to apply for these incentives. And, and I'm sure that they would be looked upon favorably by the governing bodies.
 
James Bell 
Yeah, it's really all about just developing what we need. Because we've talked time and time again, there is a massive need for housing here in Ellis County, and, and far beyond. But definitely here, notice County,
 
Grow Hays executive director Doug Williams 
we certainly have a large need in Ellis County. Sometimes these are the things you know, development costs are extremely high. And in order to make it work financially, for somebody willing to put up that amount of money, and they've got to get some incentives anywhere they can.
 
James Bell 
You know, on the flip side of this something else we've talked about, it's been in the news pretty recently, the microfactory project, I hear you have some, some updates there as well,
 
Grow Hays executive director Doug Williams 
we are moving along, although you don't see it on the surface. But plans have been finalized. Architects are working with all the various entities that they have to work with mechanical engineers, structural engineers, civil engineers, all of the things that are going on to get that going. We're anticipating a groundbreaking sometime in October. And so we're excited about that with completion sometime by end of year 2023. And so we're eager to get going on the construction we're talking with, we've talked to half a dozen potential tenants in the building that may have an interest. And that's great, because we definitely want to use it as the incubator, it's supposed to be for manufacturers. And so we're making headway, it just never happens as fast as you would like. And we also are going to be in front of the City Commission asking for some industrial revenue bonds to help with that project that allows the developer which in this case, is gro Hayes to avoid the sales tax on the materials that are purchased to construct the facility, and then potentially a property tax abatement for a period of time to try and help us get on our feet with that project, get some tenants in place, and get it operating at a financial break even point, which is what our goal is also, the project, as you may recall, it's about a three and a half to $4 million project, the base grant from the state of Kansas was 2.6 million. So we're 900,000 to a million dollars short, we did get a nice donation of the land from Heart of America, but we still got a deficit that we're going to have to either raise some funds, or we're going to have to borrow that money. And obviously, it's important that we have some means to pay that back over the life of the building. And so we can get it going. So you'll anybody who watches the activities of the City Commission and and that kind of thing will see that application coming forward pretty quickly.
 
James Bell 
For a building like that is there a lot of extra considerations you have to take to get that facility up and running, I'm just imagining all of the industrial efforts that are going to be going on in there probably require a little bit different layout and structure than a traditional commercial building
 
Grow Hays executive director Doug Williams 
about a zillion when you're talking about a structure like that, that's going to be focused on manufacturers, all kinds of other considerations come into play things like getting product in and out of the building, you know, raw materials in and then finished goods out? Where are you going to store them on site? How thick does a concrete floor need to be? Because how heavy is the equipment that's going to be in there? How tall do the ceilings need to be? What type of electrical capacity do you need? Are there any specific heating and cooling and air handling situations that go on, it just goes on and on. And it's been I've been around the residential construction, pretty much all my adult life, but not a whole lot of commercial, but particularly industrial construction. And it has been an eye opener for me just a lot of things that I never would have thought that you had to consider and people that you would have to involve. And that's one of the reasons why it's expensive. You have to do things a lot differently. You have a lot more engineering expertise that you have to bring into the into the mix. And so it's complicated.
 
James Bell 
You know, you mentioned you were talking to some organizations that might be interested in moving in there. I wonder, you know, is that is out quickly, is it going to be ready once the the facility is up and running? Are you going to be able to move those guys in immediately or is it going to be a little bit of a waiting period as you set up for those individuals?
 
Grow Hays executive director Doug Williams 
Not really sure but our goal is To have these people pounding on the door wanting to get in and operating, when by the time it's finished, that's one of the luxuries we have, you know, we've got basically a year to year and a half here to find tenants find tenants that have similar type operations, one of the ongoing challenges will be one manufacturer is a kind of a dirty process generates a lot of hazardous smoke or whatever in their process next door to and I'll use an extreme example here, I don't anticipate this, but somebody who's doing microchips, you know, you you can't cohabitate with somebody having a dirty process with somebody doing a very clean process. So we think that, that our challenge is not going to be to find tenants, because I think we're going to have lots of people interested, it's going to be matching up those tenants in a compatible way that don't cause each other problems.
 
James Bell 
Yeah, I'm curious, you know, can you kind of alleviate those concerns with construction, or is that something that's just gonna have to be like, oh, you know, what, you have to pass on some organizations, maybe,
 
Grow Hays executive director Doug Williams 
depending on the organization and the kind of the opportunity that they pose, we may be able to deal with some of it through construction, you know, separation walls, or something like that. I think you and I have talked before, my original thought was, there would be these individual spaces with walls all the way and this would be your space, and this would be your space. But in talking with the experts in manufacturing, there are no walls planned to be inside that building, it will be open, you will have your space, you will do your thing here. But the guy next to you, you know, I don't know if it's a Wk RP in Cincinnati piece of yellow tape on the floor that you don't cross this space. And but there will be designated space for each operation. And they will, they will operate that space. And so things like air handling and the type of processes they're going through become critical to make sure those are compatible.
 
James Bell 
Okay. You know, we've got just a couple minutes left, you've got some events coming up at gro Hayes I think we want to talk about right,
 
Grow Hays executive director Doug Williams 
we do we have our think like an entrepreneur class, which starts on September 14, that's an eight week course it will be taught by Chris Munch. And always a good course, always a lot of fun, and always very worthwhile to anybody. You've been a past participant and and anybody who has an interest in owning and operate their own business, I would highly recommend it, I think we've got an early bird special for 100 bucks prior to September 1, to sign up. And after that, it's like 150 bucks, we feed you eight meals, you know, we feed you every time. So for the price of entry is just really cheaper than what you could eat for for that. And all the content is basically free if you look at it that way. And it's really good. And then we have our quarterly luncheon coming up on September 7, at Breece base where we're going to be calling Belzer, the assistant city manager and myself, we're going to be talking about the housing study that was conducted by the city of Hayes and came out in June. So a couple things going on in the near future.
 
James Bell 
Very cool, very exciting stuff. And if you want to find out more about those events, we'll get signed up for that class and information available on your website,
 
Grow Hays executive director Doug Williams 
website, Facebook page, call us, whatever you want to do, because we're we got a lot of ways to get that information. And we'd love to see a lot of people in the class and obviously a lot of people in the in the quarterly lunch and I think we've got 40 signed up already for that we got a capacity of about 45 So if you if you have an interest in coming call us to reserve a spot
 
James Bell 
very good. You will also have the Zoom meeting link available right
 
Grow Hays executive director Doug Williams 
put the zoom out there on our website and on Facebook. So if if somebody can't make it down, you can certainly join us on Zoom and and ask questions on Zoom. So join us that way if you can't be there in person

Cottonwood extension district offers resources for producers dealing with drought

On this episode of the Post Podcast, Cottonwood extension district agent Stacy Campbell shares information about the impacts and resources available to ag producers during the ongoing drought.
Transcript:
EDITORS NOTE: Transcripts are provided by an automated service and are not verified for accuracy.
 
James Bell 
The area drought is having an impact on area producers from the Cottonwood Extension District agent Stacy Campbell stops by to share some information for those dealing with the dry conditions. On this episode of the Post Podcast.
 
Stacy Campbell 
There is a well it says thirsty cattle. We've got solutions. It's next Tuesday, August the 30th. Over in Russell County at the Blunden farms, there's going to be a demo and field day about kind of some alternative ways to get water to your livestock that are feasible, doable that have been done. Stacey Minson, who's our watershed specialist has put together that program, she's got some guest speakers, Hershel George, retired watershed specialist, but very, very knowledgeable on how to get some alternative water sources to your pastures is going to be speaking and I think they might have a little demonstration. And then they're also going to talk about management strategies for Johnson grass, haying, and grazing conditions, managing feed stuffs and drought conditions, even some incorporating some cover crops into livestock operations to save on feeding days. That's next Tuesday, August 30. Beginning at 830, and Russell County, at the Blunden farms, the directions are a quarter mile north of Fairfield road, and then 170/9 road if you've got and I guess you do need to kind of believe let them know if you're coming by calling or texting Stacy Minson at 785-769-3297. So that's 7693297 If you want to come to that demonstration and Field Day on on watering sources and some grazing drought management for your livestock next Tuesday on the 30th.
 
James Bell 
Probably a very important topic if Yeah, yeah, even for a refresher, I would think probably a good idea. Yep. Yep, for sure. For sure. And speaking of water, yeah, the lack of thereof is causing all kinds of havoc for our producers. Yes,
 
Stacy Campbell 
yes, because of the drought, you know, yields aren't going to be great on our crops. And because of that, there's probably going to be some leftover nitrogen phosphorus nutrients in the soil. So before farmers plant the next wheat crop, it would be very, very beneficial to take proper soil samples to see how much is left over, could definitely save you some money by knowing instead of guessing. And we have the soil probes, the the bags, the forms and everything. And we'll even mail them off for you if you'll take them and bring them back in. And if you've got any questions on doing that, give me a call, ideally, recommended to take two different samples, one from zero to six for your phosphorus, and one from zero to 24 for your nitrogen, sulfur and chloride. So for your before your next wheat crop, it's advisable to do that. And then you've got some time if you want for your summer crops you know, you can do that either after harvest this year or early spring but something that will definitely definitely pay big dividends each and every year by doing that and taking the guesswork out. And then yeah, because of the drought. No guys are worried about nitrates in their feed and their hay. Just remind them that even though you might lose a little bit of tonnage, I don't think you'll lose much. In the no the feed is short, but if you can raise the cutting height the cutting bar up, those nitrates accumulate in the typically in the very lower portion of the stem. So instead of cutting it to three inches, if you can raise that up to six, seven, maybe eight inches, you can sure reduce the amount of nitrates in your forages in your feed and your hay and then also we've got probes that you can come and borrow the hook on to a drill that you can probe into your bales you can bring that hay back in and will send it off to the Soils Lab at K State they can also test for nitrates and test for protein if you want and then you'll know what you have there and you know you can probably if it is still turns out to be high in nitrates even after raising the cutting height you know no one what you have you can if you have some low nitrate how you can always grind it in dilute it so that is kind of the deal is dilution is the solution. If you got high nitrate Hey, but you've got some low nitrate Hey, you can blend it together by grinding it and you can usually make that work so and then just a couple of key I guess pointers because of the drought, call cows wean early preg check those are all things that can help extend extend your feed stuffs in the in the grazing season. And then wheat variety selection that's coming up planting wheat we've got information on our website triple w.cottonwood.ksu.edu click onto the crops and livestock tab and then look under hot topics. We've got our local test body Information, the K State Experiment Station, we perform its variety test plots. Colorado State has a neat little decision tool that's easy to use. That is pretty cool, I would advise you to look at that. So we've got our resources there on our website for looking at your next wheat variety if you're looking at changing, getting a different wheat variety. And then lastly, I mentioned this before, but since we're in a drought, good opportunity to clean out livestock ponds, if you do that, it's advised to put the dirt on the backside of the dam, if you put it up by the pond, it's gonna go back into the pond eventually. So and then also, if it's leaking a little bit, if you'll pack it with a, with a sheep's foot roller, really, really, really well that will generally do it. But you can also take a soul texture test if you need to, if it is leaking quite a bit and see how much clays in that soul, we can send that off to the souls lab. And then that'll help you figure out if you need to add some, some some basically some salt. We've got information we could talk about that if you need some assistance on your pond leaking, and I'm probably about out of time and that's probably it.
 
James Bell 
We're okay. I do have one follow up. How do they the producers out there? What's the easiest and best way for them to get ahold of you for your resources? Yes,
 
Stacy Campbell 
just give us a call 6289430 Monday through Friday H 12. One to five we also have voicemail so I understand farmers work many many hours so if you think of something after five you know if you'll call it you should be able to get over to my voicemail and leave me a message or you can just leave the message with Teresa and she'll give it to me. email. My email is s Campbell with just one L so it's S C A M P as in Paul B is in boy e l@ksu.edu. But yeah, give us a call at 6289430 and then if you want to look on our website, just type in Cottonwood exten

Senior group living influences area economy

On this episode of the Post Podcast, Hays Chamber president and CEO Sarah Wasinger along with Brookdale Senior Living Sales Manager Brandon Taylor discuss the impact and availability of retirement communities.
Transcript:
EDITORS NOTE: Transcripts are provided by an automated service and are not verified for accuracy.
 
James Bell 
Senior Living Centers can play an important part in the area economy. From the Hays Chamber president and CEO Sarah Wasinger along with Brandon Taylor from Brookdale Senior Living stopped by to talk to us about that on this episode of the Post Podcast.
 
Brandon Taylor 
The common misconception I hear around town is that all this livings in Hays are full, which is not the case at Brookdale Hayes. We do have openings for apartments for seniors here in Hays and I wanted to come on the air today, and especially highlight that.
 
Sarah Wasinger 
So talk a little bit maybe about the types of people that you serve. And maybe some of the services that are offered that maybe are kind of special for Brookdale.
 
Brandon Taylor 
Absolutely. So we we care for a wide variety of residents at Brookdale either some that we provide very little cares for all the way up to some that that we provide a lot of cares for as well. And so whether that be maybe helping with bathing, dressing, and helping the restroom, and we also do housekeeping and laundry, as well, and also med management form, too.
 
Sarah Wasinger 
So you guys have some, and I always get the terminology. Incorrect. So what medical staff do you have on hand to help your residents?
 
Brandon Taylor 
Absolutely. So we have two full time nurses that are always on call at our community, as well as our certified nursing assistants and our certified med aides as well that are always on each shift.
 
James Bell 
Very good, you know, what I like about places like this, it's the escalating, you know, services that are available, but also the camaraderie, you know, you go into a facility like this one. And then people, you know, they're separated from their families to some degree, but they kind of build their own family. And they, you know, they get to know each other. And it's such a kind of neat experience to see that interaction, I think,
 
Brandon Taylor 
yeah, absolutely. I'd say we all are a family, I'd say we're small enough to we only have about 33 rooms in our community. So we all get to know the residents very well. And just again, like you said, that camaraderie that you know, what's going on in their life, and they know what's going on in my life, as well as other staff members lives. Like for instance, I just got married. So they all were really excited to see my ring when I came back after the honeymoon. So things like that, make it really make it special.
 
Sarah Wasinger 
So speaking of honeymoons and weddings, you guys actually have a couple of married residents there. Is that right?
 
Brandon Taylor 
Absolutely. We do have we're going to are we actually have a couple moving in this Friday, actually. So we'll have five couples living with us at our community.
 
James Bell 
Wow, that's amazing. I imagine that's a probably a much preferred living situation for those seniors than having to do this one thing.
 
Brandon Taylor 
Yeah, absolutely. And, you know, especially now we can help them cook, we can help them do those things, they can still maintain their level of independence. And you know, we are in assisted living and we know not as skilled nursing facilities. So many get us confused with that, or nursing home. But what's nice at Brookdale is that they can age in place there as well. And so they can have physical therapy come in hospice commands, you know, depending on that level of care that they need. Very cool.
 
Sarah Wasinger 
So you guys have a so beautiful kitchen area. And in a nice dining room. You have a very wonderful chef on hand today. You want to talk a little bit maybe about the meals and the food services that you guys have her residence.
 
 
Yeah, absolutely. So we do provide three meals a day with snacks in between as well. And we have an awesome Cook, Pam Burghardt, who used to own the rose garden here in Hays, so she really spoils up with us with her good food. I know I had some of her cake yesterday, actually, that was really, really good. And, and if there's something that a resident doesn't like that's on the menu, we can be have a standard side menu as well that we can make them you know, for lunch or dinner. So whatever they want to eat. So
 
James Bell 
very cool. You know, Brandon, I'm curious if someone out there is listening, and maybe they're on the, they've been kind of thinking about doing a facility like yours, what do they need to know to take that first step to kind of explore that option.
 
 
So I would say come for a tour like so they can come see our place, I can show them the different rooms, they can meet the staff at our community and see if it's a good fit for them. Except the best way to get a hold of us is either calling your main number at 785-628-1111 and asking for myself, Brandon, and I love to talk with them more about their situation, um, just kind of depends on their, their, their financial situation as well. We are capped on how many Medicaid beds we have as well. So I have to take that into consideration. But for the most part, we're all private pay, there are other benefits so they can tap into such as if they're a veteran, they have benefits they can use for that or if they have a long term care policy as well, they can definitely start looking into that as well. And that's what I love to do is help these families through that process, um, to get them to become residents at our community.
 
Sarah Wasinger 
Now you have an activity person. Do you want to talk a bit on the activities that you offer? There?
 
 
Yeah. Absolutely. So Lisa Olson is our activities director and she does an amazing job with our residents. They do a wide variety of activities, such as bingo crafts, they have an exercise class. And they do it for an outings as well. So they go out and do coffee, they go out to eat. I know this month, they're going to Dairy Queen. So I might tag along with them on that as well. They go to different stores, they go to Hobby Lobby, in different area attractions as well. I know they went to Wilson Lake, they go to all the Go overdrive by all the historic Catholic churches here in Ellis County, too. So just a lot of fun activities. But if there's something that they enjoy doing or enjoy doing, they should always incorporate that into what they do as well. They're
 
James Bell 
very cool. Yeah, no, and not to put it in kind of a bad way. But I would think that the size you guys be in a smaller finding kind of facility helps facilitate some of that personalized, you know, meal service and activities where if you were in a much larger facility, it kind of just be go with the flow and do it do what's going on?
 
 
Yeah, absolutely. There are lots larger book deals across the country, you know, some that have hundreds and hundreds of rooms. And that's what I think is the most unique about us here in Hayes's week. So we're small enough that we get to know everyone, and that's what I feel like, it's so special about it.
 
Sarah Wasinger 
And the nice thing is, too, is you know, if you have a family that wants to take the resident out for an event, or just supper or something like that nature to they've got flexibility to do that. So there's still a nice balance of having care at the assisted living facility, but also still having that quality of life with your family, too.
 
 
Yeah, absolutely. We do have a son that comes in and eats with his mom every day, so And even after hours, too, we have Hill members come in. And we also have residents that still drive to like said you can park your car, you know, at our community as well. So we do have several residents that take advantage of that.
 
James Bell 
I love that. And you know, I hear this quite a bit and especially with senior women, that, you know, they're in that family home, they're in that home, that's, you know, five bedroom, six bedroom, and you know, it's not the right size for that stage of life. And I love that places like this kind of provide an option where they can, they can remain independent, but I have the services thereof when they need it. But also help them right size that home, which is great, as Sarah is we know, great for Ellis County to help get some families into those homes that they are looking for, you know, that maybe are on the market otherwise,
 
Sarah Wasinger 
absolutely. Sometimes it's just too much of a burden to take care of a house that big, especially if you're by yourself. So this is a wonderful option. And I can attest to the fact that every single person had a big smile on their face when we were there at our chamber chat. And so the environment is definitely family friendly. It's warming it. It feels I'm very inviting. And I think any family would be pleased to kind of learn about the experience that they could have there. But definitely reach out to Brandon and give them a shout and see if that could be a good fit for your family if you're looking for that care.
 
James Bell 
Yeah, very good. We got to talk about the weekly events but Brandon, do you want to share the contact information one more time somebody's listening and wants to wants to give you a shout. Yeah, absolutely.
 
 
So they can get the community to direct call. The number is 785-628-1111 or they can call my business cell directly at 785-554-2849. Very cool.
 
James Bell 
All right, Sarah, what do we got going on down the chamber? I know you got a lot going on. I don't have the list this week. But I'm sure there's a lot of stuff there always is.
 
Sarah Wasinger 
Well, I didn't want to run out of ink. So ribbon cutting today at clink scales elder law practice pa they are celebrating their new location. So come join us at 1407 Main Street at 3pm are hazy and professionals will have their MDC meeting on August 24 at 4:30pm at defiance Brewing Company's downtown location. Our chamber chat this week will be at Hayes Public Library at 9am at 12 five main street, and we are excited to wrap up the week with our membership lunch. It will be sponsored by you guys actually Eagle radio. And the topic is going to be the United Way of Ellis County kickoff. We love that partnership and know how much that means to you guys. So Erica Burgess, the executive director will be talking about how folks can get involved in supporting that campaign for this year. And I know that we have weekly events usually but because we don't meet with you until next week, Tuesday, a couple of events early on next week that we want folks to have on their radars. Our child care taskforce of Ellis County will meet next week, Monday evening at 5:30pm at the Welcome Center. If folks have not been a part of that group, and they want to be a part of that group. We are an open door we want people to get involved in that project. So please feel free to call me at the Chamber office at 785-628-8201 If you want to get added to that contact list and be invited to attend meetings. And outside of that our 34th annual education appreciation is next week Tuesday. So we are turning in RSVPs today, if for any reason educators out there in Ellis County did not give their RSVP to their administrator for their school. Please reach out to us we can make sure we have enough one they're fulfilled to serve everything and that'll be at Roseburg catering

Hays Board of Education recap August 23, 2022

On this episode of the Post Podcast Hays Post reporter Cristina Janney recaps this week USD 489 Board of Education meeting with superintendent Ron Wilson.

Students and staff settle in for academic year at Holy Family Elementary

On this episode of the Post Podcast Holy Family Elementary principal, Rachel Wentling and assistant principal Gene Flax share updates from the school as the year begins.
Transcript:
EDITORS NOTE: Transcripts are provided by an automated service and are not verified for accuracy.
James Bell 
Holy Family Elementary in Hays has kicked off the school year, principal Rachel Wentling, along with Assistant Principal Gene Flax, stopped by to share some updates on this episode of the post podcast.
 
Rachel Wentling 
Instead of going well feel like we're starting to hit that. That coasting mode. Good in
 
 
a routine. Yeah.
 
James Bell 
Love to hear that. You know, we talked about this every year as you guys kick off the year, but down there Holy Family, you got a theme every year and I'm wondering this year, maybe a good way to start this is what are we thinking for this year?
 
Rachel Wentling 
So this year, we are our virtue for the year is hope. And so we're using a scripture that those who hope in the Lord will soar on wings like eagles. So we're really focusing on that soar word, virtue of hope, but we're kind of using that soar as an image for the students to, you know, to really, you know, challenge them to rise up and to do the best that they possibly can to fulfill their potential. Then at the diocesan level, Mr. Jeff Andrews, our superintendent has been really focusing on the Lord, it is good that we are here. So recognizing that it's good that we're all together.
 
James Bell 
Yeah, you know, it's it. Think about those kiddos now that are in like, first second grade, they're gonna miss that pandemic. And then those older kiddos that experience they had, it's gonna be so different. And of course, all of the educators are going to remember that. And and I would think there's, I know it's in my world. I just continually remain grateful that we're not dealing with that, as well, or, you know, continuing and hopefully never have to do anything like that again. But
 
Gene Flax  
absolutely. I don't think people realize just how setback much of a setback those two years were, it was a huge, huge gap in there. And I think that personally, I've noticed that those kids that those young kids that weren't in school, aren't as receptive, maybe if they're the adults outside, as well as those that have been in school. But those that missed that first year. Really, it really affected. Yeah,
 
James Bell 
I mean, the everything at that age is such a progression, and you have one little setback and not named a little setback, and this is a huge setback, but every setback kind of impacts the rest of their educational experience. You faces meet a lot. Yeah. Well, anyway, as on a more positive note. How's everybody getting back into the schools room? Enrollment? Looking good?
 
Rachel Wentling 
Yeah, enrollment looks good. We have you know, we have openings throughout the building, but we have real nice class sizes and our preschoolers are starting today. We've got a nice group this morning getting started. So yeah, I feel like we're in really good shape this year.
 
James Bell 
With with those preschoolers, I bet that's just a madness. Every year, my little boy, he's starting to send my preschool down to Tiger tots. And they're here to meet some of the other kids. And I just think about all those little four and five year olds, we get together for the first few times, and just the fun and excitement that is just permeated, but probably also a lot of nervousness with little kids. Right.
 
 
I think it runs the whole gamut.
 
Gene Flax 
I think you find out really quickly, who's got siblings at home and who doesn't, because there is that pecking order, so to speak. And, and but it's exciting. And like some of those kids came in just thrilled this morning. Some of them came in a little bit apprehensive.
 
Rachel Wentling 
Yeah, there's always a few tears. And I have to say that I am overly impressed with our kindergarteners. I thought our kindergarteners rocked it last week, they were we lunch is always the hardest part with kindergarten when they haven't done lunch before. And you know, I think By the third day, they were they really didn't need our help anymore. And that was I just was really impressed. They did a great job. So it's been fun, love, love watching them. Just their minds are just sponges and they just grow and develop and where they are at the beginning of the year. And where are they at the end of the year. It's It's amazing. I think that's why people who work in schools love working in schools because you just watch that growth and development and it it's a lot of fun. Yeah,
 
James Bell 
it's just got to be tremendously rewarding to just every day is a new, every little benchmark or checkmark you get to get with those kids probably just warms the
 
Rachel Wentling 
heart. Yeah, those light bulb moments are really important. And for
 
Gene Flax 
me going into the classrooms on a regular basis, when they first learn how to read and Mr. Flex. Come listen to me and that's like said rewarding. I don't know if that's even the proper word. It's so fulfilling to me. And but it's fun. Like I said, watch him grow. Incredible.
 
James Bell 
So yeah, you're into the first week he's kicking off his second weekend you're Back to School Bash and With can in conjunction with a TMP, right, how'd that go?
 
Rachel Wentling 
Um, I was blown away with the event that they put together the number of activities for the kids was they had a blast. Mr. Flax was a little bit more over. I was with the volleyball scrimmage. I had a daughter playing volleyball. But I think you were over with the younger kids.
 
Gene Flax 
Yeah, there were more bounce houses than I've ever seen. And my grandchildren is what through Him and through Him and through Him and through Him and, and, but there were activities for I think every age group basically and well attended excitement. And I didn't think it was extremely hot, which was a positive. So, but I'm not gonna lie to you. I was apprehensive last year of having this Back to School Bash. I had never been to one since I was not coaching. And so I had nothing to do with him other than coaching football. Right. It's that time. So but it's I think it's something that was needed to be brought in back in and a lot has been brought back hadn't I don't know if it's ever totally left. But the the way it's grown? I think it's really incorporated the whole both schools very well.
 
Rachel Wentling 
Yeah, we are parents, they put a lot of pictures on our Facebook posts. We have asked them and it sounded like our our students had an absolute blast and my high schoolers, they had a great time too. So I think Job well done to Kim stick line and Joe rose with the TMP advancement office. They kind of headed that up. But Amy and Brian church are the hFB volunteers that kind of support the the grade school side and wow, they just knocked it out. It was great.
 
James Bell 
Awesome. Yeah, we had Joe and Kim with us last week, and they kind of give us a little preview of that event. And it really did sound fun. And what I always love about events like that with the Catholic schools here in Hays is it's it's inclusive, it's not just your students or your you know, affiliations, it's open to the community. And that's something that I think is really special for Hayes, that we have two independent school systems that are really just so connected and concerned about each other in the community and work together. So
 
Rachel Wentling 
well. Yes, everybody was invited. And we had a lot of community businesses and members who made it possible. So yes, it's definitely an inclusive event. It's for everybody to be there to really, you know, to kick off to celebrate the start of the school year.
 
James Bell 
Very cool. And then we get to talk about this. You've got your parent info night that is coming up. Oh, looks like tomorrow, right?
 
Rachel Wentling 
Yes, it is. Yeah, well, you know, every year we invite all the parents to come in, they hear a message from me, then we send them to their teachers. They get to hear from the homeroom teachers, the rest of us are just around to answer questions and be a presence to just help everybody, you know, get what they need for to kick off the school year.
 
Gene Flax 
And it's really big for me, and the fact that Well, I think Rachel too, and the fact that a lot of these parents we had in high school at DMP when we were both there. And so just the reminiscing may be so to speak. Was it a lot of fun?
 
James Bell 
I was hearing the other day about? Well, it was a matter of fact, it was it was my preschool instructor. She's on that generational gap where now she is taking care of little kids of kids that she took care of, you know, X amount of years ago, and I don't know it's gonna make you feel a little old. But also, it's gonna be like years old. And believe me, like, yeah, I've got I've got friends now that they've got high schoolers that are getting they're coming into college. And and I'm feeling that too. But it's got to be like, I don't know, how do you describe that feeling to get to that second generation and know that you've impacted a family at that point for so long?
 
 
They do grow up?
 
Rachel Wentling 
Yeah. For those who don't know, Jean, and I worked together for 12 years at TMP, and we were assistant principals together for five of those years. And we were on discipline duty together. We were good cop, bad cop.
 
James Bell 
I can't imagine which was,
 
Rachel Wentling 
Well, I think it would switch depending on the situation. Sometimes I was bad cop. And I think we still do that from now even
 
 
we do. Yes.
 
Rachel Wentling 
But um, we I would say I think Jean would agree with this, that it is one of I think our greatest blessings when our students, our former students, entrust their kids to our care. That is a a wonderful blessing to us. And we're so grateful for that and get to see them grow up and become professionals, you know, from when they were in high school. And you once again, it's just like the preschoolers and kindergarteners and those little kids watching them grow and develop. We love watching our former students grow up and develop and yeah, you know, it does the time I marches on. But I think it's fair to say I think we probably both still feel like we as young as we were when we started teaching. For the most part,
 
Gene Flax 
I do feel younger. Now, it's more relaxed atmosphere for me than it had been for years. But I got the best of both worlds because I get to work with young kids, but I also have six grandkids in the school. So what a blessing. Absolutely.
 
James Bell 
Okay, so this event coming up, tomorrow night, you're going to talk about update your policies and procedures and show them in the classrooms. But anything else that that you think that folks out there listening, maybe need to know about that event before? Rolling?
 
Rachel Wentling 
Yeah, we love to see parents, we want to see you, we know that your child's education is a partnership with us, it's not, you know, us versus them, sort of, we want to see you there, this helps strengthen that relationship. And that partnership, our IT director will be there to scan parent fingerprints, if that's how they're able to get themselves into the building during the school day. So probably an important thing to have on record. It's one of those things you have to come in person to do, we cannot do that online. So he'll be there to he'll be set up. And we just love seeing parents have great conversations and answer questions. So please, please come We look forward to meeting with them.
 
Gene Flax 
And our school can't function without the parent involvement, their volunteerism and stuff like that. And so it's an opportunity to try to coerce parents into getting more involved in their students education.
 
Rachel Wentling 
Yeah. So it's, uh, yeah, that's a great night. Looking forward to it.
 
James Bell 
Very cool. Again, let's kick it off. Does it does everybody need to be there at seven or is that a stagger can open house feel?
 
Rachel Wentling 
Every we start at seven in the gym, and then all dismissed after my prep portion of the evening to their home rooms, there's two sessions. So if they have four kids in the school, if they come with two parents, they can potentially get to four homerooms.
 
James Bell 
Okay, so make sure you there by seven if you're if you want to attend that by any and do attend, because that's going to be an important way to help kick off the year. Yes. All right. Well, we've got about a just under a minute or so left. Any other last thoughts or anything else we want to hit on before we go?
 
 
Well, we're one day closer to winter.
 
 
That's my hot blooded friend over there.
 
James Bell 
So they're sneaking back up. I think it's gonna hit 90 today. Oh, is it was
 
Rachel Wentling 
beautiful this morning. Wow. That I went out early this morning. Needed a jacket. That was great. Yeah. So going off in the evenings call is around the corner. Yeah. No, we're happy to be back in school. I think it's always I think letting the seeing the summer come to an end is always kind of a, you know, there's a sadness associated with it. But I do think that there's a certain amount of satisfaction when we're all back into a routine. The kids are doing what they're supposed to be doing learning and everything is back and right and normal again.
 
Gene Flax 
I think the teachers are excited. I think the kids are excited. We're gonna have a great year.