By CRISTINA JANNEY Hays Post

An agency that provides support for people with severe mental illnesses in Hays is in danger of temporarily closing due to a paperwork error and it is seeking donations to stay open.

High Plains Independence in Hays supports people with mental illnesses, many of whom are on disability and older than 65. All of the organization's services are free.

The agency, which is one of eight consumer-run organizations across the state, provides a drop-in facility, support groups in Hays and Great Bend, as well as regular visits to the state mental hospital in Larned.

After a recent audit of the Kansas Department of Aging and Disability, which funds CROs, High Plains Independence was informed it had not filed the necessary 990 forms with the IRS to maintain its nonprofit status, Ginna Anderson, High Plains Independence executive director, said.

Anderson was never notified by the state, the IRS, or the High Plains' accountant that the organization had not filed a 990 form since at least 2014.

"I took over in 2011, and I have been asking the state, which was our funder, for a directors' meeting or training because I just fell into it and I have been doing the best I can with what I know, and trying to help people maintain recovery," she said.

"I would say because of the large turnover with [the Kansas Department of Aging and Disability], no one ever asked about it," she said.

All employees of the High Plains Independence, including Anderson, have mental illnesses and are sometimes referred to as consumers.

She added, "You can't do what you don't know. None of us is educated in finances and tax laws. That is what you have those other people for."

Without its nonprofit status, High Plains Independence can't receive funding from the state until it is reinstated.

High Plains Independence has an annual budget of $125,000. The organization employs three part-time staff, including Anderson. It also rents a building at 1200 Canterbury and maintains a transportation vehicle.

The organization has about $12,000 a month in expenses, and Anderson said it does not have enough money in the bank to make its August payroll.

Anderson said the organization is working with a new local accountant and has already started the process of filing the necessary paperwork with the state and IRS to regain its nonprofit status.

However, that process may take three to six months to complete.

Who does High Plains Independence help?

Anderson said she is concerned this vital resource for people who struggle with mental illness might have to close until the organization can regain its state funding, leaving people who depend on the support at High Plains in the lurch.

Consumer-run organizations were created to reduce rehospitalization. The CRO's, as they are also known, started as drop-in centers. When they began, they were only required to have a TV, and coffee and tea.&nbsp;

Today, High Plains Independence offers daily support groups and activities Mondays through Saturdays, and outreach into the Hays community and beyond.

The organization serves about 35 members in its Hays location. It provides a support group for another 10 regular attendees to a weekly support group in Great Bend.

More people are served through Anderson's monthly visits to the state hospital.

One of the faithful members of the High Plains spent years in Larned. He told Anderson he had hope for the first time in his life when he heard Anderson speak at Larned.

"You never know what impression you make on people," she said.

High Plains Independence has also taken over peer support of the&nbsp;Assisted Outpatient Treatment program in Hays that was formally funded through a grant held by the local National Alliance on Mental Illness, also known as NAMI.

Anderson is a part of a team that supports people in the community who have had repeated hospitalizations or encounters with law enforcement because of their mental illnesses. Anderson provides peer support and a connection to resources at High Plains Independence.&nbsp;

Assisted Outpatient Treatment&nbsp;is also aimed at reducing rehospitalization and incarceration for people who have severe mental illnesses.

"People stay out of the hospital because they can come out here to a pleasant environment where they can own their feelings and they can get supporting tools so they can work through issues," she said.

"They come to find out that what they are dealing with, other people have dealt with, and they are not alone," she said.

Because of the challenges of their mental illnesses, some members of the CRO have lost touch with their families. The CRO hosts holiday events and birthday parties. The center has even hosted memorial services.

Without High Plains Independence, some of the organization's members would be in Larned State Hospital or maybe not taking their medication, Anderson said.

Anderson noted that hospitalization or jail is much more expensive than the support services provided by CROs.

Although High Plains Independence does not require its members to take medication or engage in other mental health treatment, it encourages its members to do what they need to do to maintain mental health.

"If I ask someone if they have taken their meds this morning, it's not from an authority. It comes from a peer or a friend," Anderson said.

Anderson also gives quarterly presentations about her lived experience of mental illness to professionals who work in the mental health field so that they can earn their continuing education credits.&nbsp;

"I'm asking the community, at least funding-wise, to help us for the next three months," she said.

Donations can be sent to High Plains Independence at PO Box 956, Hays, KS 67601.

"If we had the money, we could stand on our feet, and it would be a support to know our community cares about us," she said.

Anderson said the High Plains Independence has been invaluable in her recovery from major depressive disorder and post-traumatic stress disorder.

"I learned that I could teach, on certain topics that I am educated," she said, "that I have a purpose, that I enjoy helping other people and that I enjoy helping people grow."

"I just feel this is going to kill me," Anderson said. "We just can't close. ... What are people going to do if they don't have this place to come to work on recovery?"

Financially, without her part-time income from High Plains, she said would have to find another home for herself and a 12-year-old child in her custody.

"I would feel like a failure even though it was because of circumstances beyond my control," she said.

Others who depend on High Plains Independence

Linda Beagley has been a member of High Plains Independence for years. She has a diagnosis of bipolar disorder and was recently diagnosed with Alzheimer's.

Since her Alzheimer's diagnosis, she said the support she received at High Plains Independence has become even more important.

"I still have problems with depression," she said. "You feel alone and like you are the only one, and then you come out here and you realize that no, you're not the only one. There are other people who are struggling like you are.

"You see how strong they are and how well they are doing, and then there may be a time you can be strong for them."

Another regular member at the CRO has been sober for eight months. He has a dual diagnosis of major depression and substance abuse disorder.

The 53-year-old, who asked that his name not be published, said this is the longest that he has been sober without being in a treatment program in his adult life.

Phyllis Park, who has a diagnosis of bipolar and schizoaffective disorder, recently made an attempt on her life. Anderson and a longtime CRO member, Shad Jay, sat with her at the hospital.

"Everybody's support is so essential for me right now," Park said. "I need it and they're there."

Although Park is taking some time off now, she has worked for four of the five years she has been a member at High Plains Independence.

"These people are my family," she said. "I have a bond with them, and I don't want to let them down.

"I couldn't make it if I didn't know I had this stability to refer back to, to come and be accepted, and to be loved and cared for and sometimes corrected. Sometimes I need that," Park said.

Mental health support program in danger of temporary closure because of filing error

Ellis County Jail bookings: Aug. 10-16, 2025

Ellis County Sheriff's activity log: Aug. 10-16 2025

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Recent obituaries and service times

The Hays Police Department announced the launch of "Ride Right Hays," a new public safety and awareness campaign designed to educate residents on the proper and lawful operation of Utility Task Vehicles (UTVs), All-Terrain Vehicles (ATVs), golf carts, motorized scooters, and bicycles within the city.

The initiative comes in response to the increasing popularity of these vehicles.

The campaign's primary goal is to proactively prevent accidents and ensure the safety of all road users by providing clear, concise information about current regulations.

In June 2024, the Hays City Commission passed Ordinance No. 4052, which repealed the requirement for annual city registration and inspection of UTVs.

While this simplifies the process for owners, the Hays Police Department stresses that all other state and local traffic laws remain in full effect.

Key regulations for UTVs, also known as side-by-sides, and golf carts that operators must follow include possessing a valid driver's license, being at least 18 years of age, and maintaining liability insurance on the vehicle.

Furthermore, UTVs must have all legally required safety equipment, such as headlamps, stop lamps, turn signals, and seatbelts.

Operation is permitted on city streets but is strictly prohibited on state highways, including Vine Street (U.S. Highway 183), except for the purpose of crossing the highway.

"Our community's safety is our top priority," said Hays Chief of Police Don Scheibler. "With the growing number of these vehicles on our streets, public education is more critical than ever. The 'Ride Right Hays' campaign is about providing clear, simple information to empower residents to make safe choices, follow the law, and prevent accidents before they happen. We want people to enjoy these vehicles, but we want them to do it responsibly."

The "Ride Right Hays" campaign aims to eliminate confusion regarding other types of vehicles as well, including bicycles and motorized scooters.

Riders of both are reminded that they are often subject to the same rules of the road as motor vehicles.

This includes obeying all traffic signs and signals, riding in the direction of traffic, and using lights at night as required by law.

Over the coming weeks, the Hays Police Department will share detailed information, infographics, and safety tips across its social media platforms using the hashtag RideRightHays.

The department will also be participating in Pedal Patrol in the Park from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., Sept. 13, at Aubel-Bickle Optimist Park, 30th and Sherman Ave., to teach children safety tips and ensure safe riding around Hays. 

During the event the department will also provide bicycle safety inspections. Residents are encouraged to follow the department's social media pages including, <a href="https://www.facebook.com/cityofhayspoliceandfire/">Facebook</a>, Instagram, and LinkedIn, for Ride Right Hays information, and visit the <a href="https://www.haysusa.com/">City of Hays website</a> for full ordinances.

Hays Police Department launches 'Ride Right Hays' campaign to promote vehicle safety

LOGAN — The Dane G. Hansen Foundation will make scholarships available in four categories to students in 26 northwest Kansas counties for the 2025-2026 academic year. 

Students from an accredited high school, registered independent, private, or home school in one of the following 26 counties are eligible to apply:

Cheyenne, Cloud, Decatur, Ellis, Ellsworth, Gove, Graham, Jewell, Lincoln, Logan, Mitchell, Norton, Osborne, Ottawa, Phillips, Rawlins, Republic, Rooks, Russell, Saline, Sheridan, Sherman, Smith, Thomas, Trego, and Wallace.

Scholarships available for students who will graduate in the current academic year are:

• Seven&nbsp;Leaders of Tomorrow Scholarships&nbsp;with annual stipends of $10,000 renewable for three additional years if criteria established by the Scholarship Committee are met.&nbsp; Recipients must attend an accredited four-year public, private or church related Kansas college or university.

• Thirty-Five&nbsp;Hansen Scholar Scholarships&nbsp;with annual stipends of $6,500 renewable for three additional years if criteria established by the Scholarship Committee are met.&nbsp; Recipients must attend an accredited four-year public, private or church related Kansas college or university.

• Seventy&nbsp;Hansen Student Scholarships&nbsp;with annual stipends of $4,000 renewable for one additional year if criteria established by the Scholarship Committee are met. Recipients must attend an accredited community, public, private or church related college or university in Kansas.

To qualify for the above scholarships, a student must have taken the&nbsp;ACT test&nbsp;and have a composite score of&nbsp;23 or higher&nbsp;and have at least a&nbsp;3.50 GPA (un-weighted). The student should be an active participant in extracurricular school and community activities, display good citizenship, leadership, and moral integrity.

Students planning to enter the competition for Leaders of Tomorrow, Hansen Scholar or Hansen Student scholarships must register at their school and take the qualifying test at locations to be announced.&nbsp; Information on all scholarships has been sent to qualifying area schools.&nbsp; Tentative test dates have been set for&nbsp;September 8, 10 and 11, 2025.

One hundred&nbsp;Hansen Career and Technical Education Scholarships&nbsp;with annual stipends of $4,000 renewable for one additional year if criteria established by the Scholarship Committee are met. 

Career and Technical Education Scholarships are available to encourage high school seniors who seek competence through career training. An applicant for the Career and Technical Education Scholarship must complete an application form that is available from the high school counselor, or it can be downloaded from our website at&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="http://www.danehansenfoundation.org/">www.danehansenfoundation.org</a>.&nbsp; The Scholarship Committee is interested in the student’s character, activities, and goals.&nbsp;

Applicants for the Hansen Career and Technical Education Scholarship are not required to take a qualifying test.&nbsp; A 3.50 GPA is not necessary to apply for this scholarship.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Career and Technical Education Scholarships must be used at one of the following pre-approved schools in Northwest Kansas: Fort Hays Tech | North Central (Beloit or Hays), Colby Community College, Fort Hays Tech | Northwest, Hays Academy of Hair Design (Hays or Salina), Cloud County Community College, Salina Area Technical College, Fort Hays State University (2-year program) or Kansas State Polytechnic – Salina (2-year program).&nbsp; A student planning to pursue a 1 or 2-year technical or associate degree program at a school not included in the above pre-approved list is not eligible to apply.

We encourage all students who are interested in our Scholarship Program to visit our Facebook page and website for the current information on our scholarships.&nbsp; Our website is available at&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="http://www.danehansenfoundation.org/">www.danehansenfoundation.org</a>.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Through scholarships, the Trustees of the Dane G. Hansen Foundation encourage good citizenship and high achievement in academic endeavors.&nbsp; Improvement of educational opportunities for students in Western Kansas ranks high among the objectives of the Trustees of the Hansen Foundation.

The Hansen Foundation is in its 51st&nbsp;year of service to the young people of Northwest Kansas through the insight and generosity of the late Dane G. Hansen of Logan, Kansas.&nbsp; The book DANE GRAY HANSEN: TITAN OF NORTHWEST KANSAS by Billy M. Jones (1962) describes Dane G. Hansen and his contributions to Northwest Kansas.

Annual Hansen Scholarship Program announced

By ALICIA BOOR Cottonwood Extension District

Homeowners who are looking for ways to promote healthy growing trees in their yard are well-advised to remember this axiom: A ring is a tree’s best friend.&nbsp;

Kansas State University horticulture expert Cynthia Domenghini said a mulch ring is a circular border surrounding the base of a tree. When planting a new tree, she recommends including a mulch ring that covers the soil beneath the tree canopy.

&nbsp;“One benefit of using a mulch ring around trees in a lawn area is to prevent maintenance equipment from coming too close and damaging the trunk,” she said. “Also, plants grown directly beneath the tree canopy compete for water and nutrients, so a mulch ring keeps that soil covered without creating competition for the tree.”&nbsp;

Domenghini suggests using organic mulch, “for the same reasons it is selected for planter beds,” she said. Those reasons include conserving and extending available water, protecting from soil erosion, and reducing competition by suppressing weeds.

&nbsp;“The mulch ring around trees in a lawn should be at least 3-6 feet in diameter depending on the overall size of the tree,” Domenghini said. “Ideally, the mulch ring should extend to the drip line of the tree, which means the ground beneath the entire canopy of the tree should be covered.”&nbsp;

The mulch ring should include a 4-6 inch diameter circle of bare soil at the center so that mulch is not right up next to the trunk, to prevent rotting. The mulch should be 2-4 inches deep and re-applied annually.&nbsp;“If mulch is applied too deep (more than four inches), the mulch can actually restrict oxygen from the soil and negatively affect the tree’s root development,” Domenghini said.&nbsp;

Alicia Boor is an Agriculture and Natural Resources agent in the Cottonwood District (which includes Barton and Ellis counties) for K-State Extension. You can contact her by e-mail at aboor@ksu.edu or calling 620-793-1910.

BOOR: A ring is a tree's best friend

<a href="https://hayspost.com/pages/state-farm-weather-window">For a full look at the weather forecast, click here.</a>

Three-day weather outlook

Nelson Painting and Coating has been quietly transforming barns, homes, and commercial buildings across our community for years—but now they’re ready to make a splash.&nbsp;

For the month of August, all new customers receive 20% off.&nbsp;Whether you’ve been dreaming of a fresh coat on your farmhouse, need your business façade revitalized, or want to protect your equipment with high-quality coatings,NelsonPainting and Coating is the team you can trust.

Their crews specialize in: Farm &amp; Ranch Painting:&nbsp;Protect silos, barns, and outbuildings with durable, weather-resistant coatings designed to stand up to wind, sun, and dust—helping you preserve decades of hard work.

House Painting:&nbsp;From classic wood siding to modern composite exteriors, every home is treated with meticulous prep, color selection guidance, and smooth, even finishes that last.

Building Painting:&nbsp;Commercial properties have unique needs—NelsonPainting and Coating offers fast turnaround times, minimal disruption to your daily operations, and finishes that enhance curb appeal, whether you’re repainting an office, storefront, or warehouse.

Roof Coatings &amp; Sealants:&nbsp;Refresh faded shingles and add protection against leaks and UV damage with premium roof coatings. For older roofs, expert sealants can extend service life and delay costly replacements.

No matter the size or style of your project, every job receives the same attention to detail: power-washing surfaces, repairing any damaged wood or trim, and using top-tier, low-VOC paints to minimize odor and environmental impact.

Why Choose&nbsp;Nelson&nbsp;Painting and Coating?

With 20% off for new customers throughout August, there’s never been a better time to refresh your property’s look and protection. Imagine pulling into a driveway lined by a home whose colors pop against the Kansas sky or driving past a gleaming barn that stands out in the morning light.

Ready to schedule your free estimate?&nbsp;Call&nbsp;Nelson&nbsp;Painting and Coating at&nbsp;785-259-4860&nbsp;today. You’ll speak directly with a local specialist who can walk you through color options, prep steps, and how to secure your August savings—because at&nbsp;Nelson&nbsp;Painting and Coating, we truly can paint anything.

Death investigation underway following standoff in Hays

On this episode of the Hays Post Podcast, news reporter Becky Kiser talks with Monique Koerner, Cottonwood Extension District family and community wellness agent, about healthy Mediterranean-style eating and the program series "Med Instead of Meds."

🎙 Post Podcast: Med. diet, instead of meds

&nbsp;Submit events to&nbsp;<a href="mailto:admin@hayspost.com">admin@hayspost.com</a>. Cover photo courtesy Pixabay

Special thanks to <a href="https://www.visithays.com/183/Events">The Hays Convention and Visitors Bureau</a> and<a href="https://www.fhsu.edu/"> Fort Hays State University</a> for their contributions to the community calendar.

Community Calendar

Morning Announcements: August 18th - August 22nd, 2025

● Today is the Memorial of St. John Eudes, Priest. John Eudes is best known for the central themes of his writings: Jesus as the source of holiness; Mary as the model of the Christian life.

● Today is the 1st Day of School for grades K-5! Welcome back, students! We’re so happy to have you back in our building!

● It is a half day of school, and we will dismiss at 11. There are no lunch, bus, or after-school-care services today.

● Thanks to Fr. Nick for celebrating the opening School Mass and blessing our school grounds.

● Tomorrow is our first Spirit Day. You may wear your Spirit with jeans or jean shorts.

● Today is the memorial of St. Bernard, Abbot &amp; Dr. of the Church. St. Bernard is the patron saint&nbsp;of beekeepers, bees, and candlemakers.

● Today is the 1st Day of School for KP, PK4, and Full-Day PK3! We’re so happy to have our KP and Preschool friends here today!

● Today is the 1st Full Day of School and 1st Spirit Day!

● Today is the memorial of St. Pius X, Pope. St. Pius X, Pope, is the patron saint of First Communicants.

● Thanks to Fr. Nick for celebrating Mass this morning.

● Here’s a joke of the day…How do bees go to school? By school buzz.

● Today is the Memorial of The Queenship of the Blessed Virgin Mary. Jesus is the King of Kings, and He sits on His throne at the right hand of the Father in Heaven. Because Mary’s life is closely associated with Jesus, she is queen; her queenship is a share in Jesus’ kingship.

● Tonight is the Hays Catholic Schools Back-2-School Bash from 6-8 pm on the TMP Campus. There will be music, mini games, face-painting, hot dogs, watermelon &amp; more!

Holy Family Elementary School Notes, Aug. 18-22, 2025

K-State Agricultural Research Center

&nbsp;Whether it’s breeding new drought-tolerant crops, innovating systemic weed control strategies, or exploring better ways to integrate forages and livestock, the research at Kansas State University’s Agricultural Research Center–Hays is grounded in the needs of farmers and ranchers in western Kansas.

That boots-on-the-ground focus will be front and center at the 2025 Fall Field Day on Tuesday, Aug. 26, beginning at 9 a.m. The event will feature a morning sessions of field plot tours and technology demonstrations, followed by lunch and a series of short indoor presentations.

“This is one of the best opportunities for producers to engage and see our work in action,” said Dr. Augustine Obour, soil scientist at the Hays center. “They can walk the plots, ask questions, provide feedback and really see how our research applies to their farms. That kind of engagement helps to improve the research—and make our work more relevant.”

Morning tour stops will include demonstrations of See-and-Spray precision technology for targeted herbicide application, as well as a harvest weed seed destructor, a newer tool in integrated weed management being evaluated for Palmer amaranth control in western Kansas. 

Other stops will highlight nitrogen fertility management in sorghum, annual forage rotations, and integrated livestock and crop systems, with practical insights for producers managing wheat-sorghum-fallow rotations or seeking to improve grazing resources.

The tour will also feature K-State’s expanding pearl millet breeding program, which includes more than 200 experimental hybrids under evaluation. Researchers at Hays are working to position this climate-resilient, drought-tolerant cereal as a promising grain and forage option for dryland production in the central Great Plains.

“Pearl millet has been underutilized, but it holds great potential—especially in water-limited environments,” Ramasamy Perumal, K-State pearl millet breeder said. “This year’s plots include some of the most advanced hybrids we’ve developed so far, and we’re eager to showcase them.”

Following the morning tours, guests are invited to a complimentary lunch and an indoor poster session featuring current research from graduate students and faculty. Afternoon presentations will cover topics such as cover crop adoption, herbicide efficacy, tillage effects on soil health, and drought-tolerant crop development.

Throughout the day, attendees will hear from K-State researchers based at the Hays station as well as university collaborators and industry partners.

“Everything we do here is aimed at building more resilient and profitable ag systems in western Kansas,” Obour said. “This event is a great chance for producers to connect with our team, see the results for themselves, and help shape future research at the experiment station.”

No RSVP is required, and lunch is provided. The Agricultural Research Center is located at 1232 240th Ave., Hays.

For more information, contact wkrec@k-state.edu or visit <a href="https://www.wkrec.org/">www.wkrec.org</a>.

Hays Fall Field Day at K-State Agricultural Research Center on Aug. 26

As announced earlier this year, Brenda Meder, executive director of the Hays Arts Council, will begin a phased retirement in September.

To honor her remarkable 35-year career, the public is invited to a special celebration during the Fall Art Walk on Friday, Aug. 22, from 6:30–9:30 p.m. at the Hays Arts Center. 

Guests are encouraged to bring cards filled with stories, gratitude, and well wishes for a community card shower. Those unable to attend may mail cards to the Hays Arts Council, 112 E 11th, Hays, KS 67601.

Hundreds enjoy the four seasonal art walks on The Bricks in Downtown Hays, and it’s only fitting to recognize Brenda during her last one as executive director. Her leadership has shaped the arts in Ellis County, inspiring generations of artists and touching the lives of nearly every child through youth programming.

Let’s come together to celebrate Brenda and the legacy she leaves for the arts in our community.

For more information, visit <a href="http://www.haysartscouncil.org">www.haysartscouncil.org</a>.

Celebration to honor retiring Hays Art Council's Brenda Meder on Aug. 22

Volga German Sesquicentennial Action Committee

The Volga German Sesquicentennial Action Committee is calling on the community to help preserve Ellis County’s rich Volga German heritage by submitting historical photographs, documents and personal stories for a forthcoming 2026 commemorative publication.

The committee is gathering high-quality images and narratives that showcase all aspects of Volga German immigrant life, from the settlers’ arrival in the 1870s to the present day.

Organizers say contributions will celebrate 150 years of Volga German influence in the region, marking the official sesquicentennial of their arrival in western Kansas in 1876.

The public submissions can cover a broad range of subjects: people and family life, historic buildings and churches, cultural traditions, the German dialect spoken by descendants, recipes and foods, or any other facet of Volga German life.

Personal stories and recollections are welcome in either first-person accounts or third-person narratives.

“We want to ensure this anniversary is celebrated not just with dates and facts, but with the voices and images of the families who built our communities,” said Amanda Rupp, executive director of the Ellis&nbsp;County Historical Society. “Preserving these family photos and stories is vital to understanding who we are as a community. It’s about capturing the everyday lives and traditions of the Volga German families that made this area their home.”

Submissions are being accepted through the project website, OurPeopleOurHome.org which was created to commemorate the 150th anniversary of Volga Germans arrival in Ellis County.

The site’s Submission Center allows users to upload images, videos or written stories, and contributors are asked to include captions or descriptions for any photographs.

Submissions will be considered for use online, on social media, and in the upcoming published book.

James Bell, publications chair for the Sesquicentennial Action Committee, said that materials from beyond Ellis County are welcome as well.

“We know the region’s Volga German story extends beyond Ellis County’s borders,” Bell said. “If families in surrounding counties have a shared heritage, we encourage them to contribute their stories and photos too. The more perspectives we include, the richer this collection will be.”

For those who have old prints, slides or artifacts that aren’t yet digitized, the committee is offering scanning assistance.

Individuals with physical photographs, letters or other documents can contact organizers via the website to arrange use of scanning equipment or other help in converting items to a digital format.

“If you have a box of old photographs or letters in the attic, we want to help you share those,” Bell said. “We have resources to safely scan and digitize these treasures so they can be part of this preservation effort. Every family keepsake has the potential to tell a story.”

Organizers emphasized that all submitted materials should be original (or submitted with permission of the owner) so that the content can be published without legal issues.

Contributors will retain ownership of their originals; the committee requests only the right to include the material in the sesquicentennial project.

The 150th anniversary celebrations are expected to span throughout 2026, honoring the legacy of the Volga German settlers who first arrived in Ellis County in 1876.

Ellis County became a hub for these immigrants in the late 1870s, when German families who had previously settled in Russia’s Volga River region came to the United States seeking new opportunities.

They established a number of local villages, such as Liebenthal, Catherine, Herzog (now Victoria) and others, that still cherish their Volga German roots.

The upcoming sesquicentennial festivities will highlight this heritage through exhibits, cultural demonstrations, and gatherings of descendants.

A calendar of events for 2026 is being developed and will be published on <a href="https://ourpeopleourhome.org/">OurPeopleOurHome.org</a> website as plans are finalized.

The American Historical Society of Germans from Russia has again chosen Hays to host its national conference in 2026, reflecting the area’s importance as a center of Volga German history.

The publication and events are an initiative of the Sesquicentennial Action Committee to engage the public in celebrating 150 years of Volga German contributions to the area.

Rupp said the success of the project depends on broad community participation.

“This project is truly about community collaboration,” she said. “Every photo album or family tale that gets shared brings us one step closer to preserving our history for the next generation.”

Community members can upload their materials via the Submit Materials page at <a href="https://ourpeopleourhome.org/">OurPeopleOurHome.org</a>.

Those needing assistance or more information may reach out through the site’s Contact Us form or call the Ellis County Historical Society.

The committee encourages early submissions as the commemorative publication will be compiled over the coming months in preparation for the 2026 festivities.

By contributing to <a href="https://ourpeopleourhome.org/">OurPeopleOurHome.org </a>local families can help paint a vibrant picture of Volga German life in Ellis County and ensure that our home and our people are remembered for generations to come.

For questions or more information email ourpeople150yearsourhome@gmail.com.

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