By TONY GUERRERO Hays Post

From late-night tacos to a full-scale bar and grill, Storytellers is bringing a new chapter to downtown Hays dining.

Owner Luke Hemphill said the restaurant will be a distinct concept from his popular food truck, Tacos El Guero Guey, which he has operated since 2020.

"We've been running out of room," Hemphill said. "It's always scary making that initial jump, but when the location popped up, it seemed like it was the perfect fit for us."

Storytellers, 509 W. Seventh St., is in the former location of The Tiger Book Shop near Fort Hays State University, but Hemphill said it will welcome the entire community when it opens Wednesday.

"Through the name of the business, we wanted to pay homage to the old tiger bookstore and give it a new creative twist for the restaurant," Hemphill said.

The restaurant’s grand opening week runs Aug. 20–23 and will feature live music and signature cocktails. Hemphill said the menu will include sliders, wings, specialty quesadillas different from the taco trailer’s offerings and a variety of loaded fries.

The custom cocktail menu features drinks such as the house margarita, the octo, dead man’s boots, electric kool-aid and liquid marijuana. Storytellers will offer daily discounts on different food items.

Hemphill moved to the area in 2020 to launch his food trailer and has grown from late-night service near campus to also feeding the community during the day.

"[Tacos El Guero Guey] is still going to stay the same. We've been doing well, getting a lot of feedback from that, and we want to assure everyone that the taco truck isn't going away," he said.

Hemphill said he is grateful for his contractor, Jeff Ruda of Ruda Remodeling, for helping transform the former book shop into his dream business.

Storytellers will be open from 2 p.m. to 2 a.m. Wednesdays through Saturdays, with Wednesdays possibly closing at midnight depending on the customer volume.

The Tiger Book Shop closed in 2024 after 19 years due to declining business.

<a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/3b7914c4-88bb-4598-82a0-a6cac45624f6">SEE RELATED STORY: Historic Hays Tiger Book Shop closes May 15 with final sale</a>

You can follow <a href="https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61578527575814">Storytellers</a> and <a href="https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100082989627450">Tacos El Guero Guey</a> on Facebook.

Storytellers restaurant/bar brings new flavors to former Hays bookstore

Kansas Department of Health and Environment

TOPEKA –The Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE) has issued a boil water advisory for the City of Smith Center public water supply system located in Smith County.

Customers should observe the following precautions until further notice:

The advisory took effect on August 15, 2025 and will remain in effect until the conditions that placed the system at risk of bacterial contamination are resolved. KDHE officials issued the advisory because of a loss of pressure. Failure to maintain adequate pressure may result in a loss of chlorine residuals and bacterial contamination.&nbsp;

Regardless of whether the public water supplier or Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE) announced a boil water advisory, only KDHE can issue the rescind order following testing at a certified laboratory.

For consumer questions, please contact the water system at 785-282-3812, or KDHE at 785-296-5514. For consumer information please visit KDHE’s PWS Consumer Information webpage:

<a target="_blank" href="https://links-1.govdelivery.com/CL0/https:%2F%2Fwww.kdhe.ks.gov%2F468%2FDisruption-in-Water-Service%3Futm_medium=email%26utm_source=govdelivery/1/01000198af8d743f-9c327691-b91e-4730-ad4e-bda2e675b702-000000/lKG4SRQeEQILg_8nUlyLaHrqg27b5d7zgbpOM3D0bBk=418">https://www.kdhe.ks.gov/468/Disruption-in-Water-Service</a>

Restaurants and other food establishments that have questions about the impact of the boil water advisory on their business can contact the Kansas Department of Agriculture’s food safety &amp; lodging program at&nbsp;&nbsp;<a href="mailto:kda.fsl@ks.gov">kda.fsl@ks.gov</a>&nbsp;or call 785-564-6767.

Boil Water Advisory issued for the City of Smith Center, Smith County

First Care Clinic, Inc. is proud to announce an exciting expansion of its Pediatric Primary Care services. 

Beginning immediately, the clinic will now provide comprehensive care for children starting at six months of age, extending the previous age range which began at two years old. This enhancement allows First Care Clinic to better support families by offering earlier access to preventive care, developmental screenings, and well-child visits during a critical stage of a child’s growth and health.

“Expanding our Pediatric Primary Care means more children in our community will have access to the comprehensive, compassionate healthcare they deserve,” said Dr. Christine Fisher, medical director at First Care Clinic. “Our goal is to partner with families to help every child grow up healthy, supported, and ready to thrive.”

These expanded services will be available with Alexis Ibarra, nurse practitioner, at their 22nd Street location in Hays. Ibarra brings a compassionate, patient-centered approach to pediatric care, offering well-child exams, immunizations, sick visits, developmental screenings, and support for common childhood concerns. Families can expect personalized, high-quality care in a welcoming environment designed to meet the unique needs of infants and young children.

First Care Clinic CEO, Eric Flax explains, "By expanding our primary care services to meet the needs of the youngest members of our community, we reaffirm our commitment to First Care Clinic’s mission — providing compassionate, high-quality care for all. Parents who bring their children to Alexis will quickly discover what we already know: she is an exceptional provider who connects deeply with her patients and, when it comes to the little ones, with their parents as well."

General Pediatric Primary Care services will continue to be provided by all medical providers at both Family Medicine locations for children two years of age and older.

First Care Clinic welcomes new patients and accepts all major insurances. A Sliding Fee Scale discount is available to those who qualify. Patients can view our providers and request an appointment at firstcareclinic.com or by calling First Care Clinic at 785- 621-4990.

ABOUT FIRST CARE CLINIC, INC.

First Care Clinic is a federally qualified health center, with over ninety employees across their three locations in Hays, providing services for people of all ages, regardless of a patient’s ability to pay. They provide family medicine, express care, pharmaceutical, behavioral health, and family dentistry services.

First Care Clinic expands pediatric primary care services

The unemployment rate in Ellis County increased .3% from 3.4% in June to 3.7% in July, according to the Kansas Department of Labor.

The rates in Gove were up .3%, Trego up .5% and Russell County's unemployment rate was up to 4.5%.

Most northwest counties saw slight increases in their unemployment rate in July, with Graham and Osborne seeing the highest increase at about 1% each.

The Ellis County rate is up compared to the 3% rate reported in July 2024.

Preliminary estimates reported by the Labor Market Information division of the Kansas Department of Labor and the Bureau of Labor Statistics show a seasonally adjusted unemployment rate of 3.8% statewide in July. This is unchanged from 3.8% in June and an increase from 3.7% in July 2024. The labor force participation rate for Kansas decreased to 66.9% in July.

Seasonally adjusted job estimates for Kansas indicate total nonfarm payroll employment decreased by 4,300 from June. Total nonfarm includes private sector and government employers. Private sector jobs increased by 700 over the month, while government decreased by 5,000. The largest job gains in the private sector were in trade, transportation and utilities (+1,300 jobs). The largest decrease was in leisure and hospitality&nbsp;(-900 jobs).

Since July 2024 Kansas’ seasonally adjusted total nonfarm jobs have increased by 3,300. This change is due to an increase of 5,100 private sector jobs and a decrease of 1,800 government jobs.

Technical Note: This release includes nonfarm jobs and labor force estimates for July 2025, which are produced using data from two monthly surveys. Data for nonfarm job estimates is collected through a survey of employers while the main input for labor force estimates is a survey of households. Data collected for this report references the week including July 12.

Ellis County unemployment rate increases in July 

Click&nbsp;<a href="https://hayspost.com/category/obituaries">HERE</a>&nbsp;to view the most recent obituaries and service times from our funeral home partners.

<a href="https://hayspost.com/pages/corrections-about-us">Click HERE for the Hays Post obituary policy.&nbsp;</a>

<a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/45c326ac-a856-480a-b491-0312e5d43c5c">Find our obituary posting policy by clicking here.</a>

Recent obituaries and service times

On this episode of Forward Ever: Leading in Challenging Times, host Gary Shorman talks with&nbsp;Michael Liotta, Kansas National Guard deputy director, Public Works and&nbsp;Lt. Colonel Travis Zeigler, Commander of the 997 Brigade Support Battalion&nbsp;of the Kansas National Guard.

🎤 Forward Ever: Kansas National Guard members discuss new Hays armory

TOPEKA&nbsp;– Lieutenant Governor and Secretary of Commerce&nbsp; David Toland announced that the Department of Commerce has awarded $362,000 through the Emergency Historic Asset Lifeline (E-HEAL) program. These funds will support five downtown revitalization projects for buildings facing likely demolition or collapse.

“Through the E-HEAL program we have preserved historic buildings across Kansas that would have been lost due to unforeseen events,” Toland said. “These funds not only save these unique spaces but resurrect them into new and refreshed businesses that drive economic growth and instill a greater sense of community pride throughout the state.”

The E-HEAL program addresses urgent needs in rural communities by stabilizing and rehabilitating historic downtown buildings that are facing imminent loss, are causing damage to surrounding buildings and/or have structural issues due to fire, storm damage or other emergencies. These investments aim to convert vacant or damaged properties into vibrant community assets, including spaces for small businesses, childcare centers, housing, arts and cultural spaces, or entrepreneurial ventures.

• Stockton: $100,000 –&nbsp;Renovation of the Historic Exchange Bank Building will bring three distinct businesses back to Main Street, including a restaurant and bar, retail store, and residential units.

“Every small town in Kansas has a story to tell, and our downtown buildings are part of that story,”&nbsp;Office of Rural Prosperity Director Trisha Purdon said. “Through E-HEAL, we’re helping communities protect those stories while creating new chapters of opportunity and growth.”

To learn more about the HEAL program, visit&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://links-2.govdelivery.com/CL0/https:%2F%2Fwww.kansascommerce.gov%2Fcommunity-development%2Fheal%2F/1/010101988b3c75c0-4115ed19-9a28-4dfd-8bd4-44ea81d61b96-000000/Byd5jSSGssjtSdOOT-8JRPhFyg79OJXvmZ5FPqTWC5k=417">here</a>.

Stockton awarded E-HEAL funding for downtown building revitalization

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.

Volga German Sesquicentennial Committee seeks heritage submissions

By TISA MASON FHSU President

Even before classes officially begin, our campus is already alive with energy. You can hear the laughter of our international students during orientation on the Quad. You can feel the determination of our Tiger football players as they power through practice in the sweltering Kansas summer heat. By this weekend, most of our on-campus students will be moved in, and on Monday, we’ll turn the page together and begin the 2025–2026 academic year — another exciting chapter in the proud history of Fort Hays State University.

Among the students returning to our residence halls is Dominic “Dom” Hernandez, a high school senior from Hays who is enrolled in our Kansas Academy of Math and Science (KAMS) — FHSU’s premier early college program. While KAMS is known for its unmatched academic rigor, students like Dom also take full advantage of the opportunities our university offers outside the classroom. KAMS students serve in student government, lead in campus organizations, engage in community service, and even take part in cutting-edge research.

Dom’s story is deeply rooted in the values of family, hard work, and education. His father, Manuel Hernandez, grew up in Mexico City, the son of parents who sacrificed greatly so their children could have a better life. Manuel’s mother worked as a cook in the Spanish Embassy, and his father left elementary school to work in construction. Manuel followed his mother’s culinary path, eventually becoming a professional chef.

Dom’s mother, Erin Schamber, grew up in the tiny rural town of Damar (population 107), in a safe and supportive community where everybody knew everybody. Her father’s Peace Corps service inspired her love for travel and other cultures. After building a life in Colorado, Erin and Manuel moved to Hays so Manuel could join the team at Gella’s Restaurant. They thought it would simply be a good place to raise their family. What they didn’t know then was that FHSU would become central to their story.

Manuel is now head chef with Union Catering, delivering between 2,000 and 3,000 meals daily and providing customized catering solutions for a wide range of campus events. Erin earned her master’s degree in clinical psychology here at FHSU and went on to launch a rewarding career advocating for youth in the Ellis County juvenile justice system. Both parents have embraced our campus and community, attending events like the Hays Symphony and sending their children to STEM summer camps.

About two years ago, Dom came home from school and told his parents about the KAMS program. “I just wasn’t feeling challenged enough in high school,” Dom said. “My dad taught me and my siblings to always be looking for ways to excel and ways to take advantage of the opportunities we are lucky enough to find.” Dom saw KAMS as an opportunity to embrace his dad’s advice.

During his first year in KAMS, Dom conducted research on advanced insulating materials, journeyed to Ireland to participate in archaeological fieldwork, and attended a National Rural Electric Cooperative Association leadership conference in Washington, D.C. Each state sent students to the conference, and Dom was selected by his peers to represent all of his fellow Kansans as a member of the Youth Leadership Council.

Like the majority of FHSU students, Dom also works part-time. He serves as a barista at the Breathe Coffee shop in downtown Hays, and thinks this experience, well beyond the boundaries of campus, has been especially rewarding.

“Breathe is more than a coffee shop in the sense that it's also an outlet for people to find a community and an environment that is understanding. There are a lot of customers that I've become very close with. They’ve helped me with a lot of things, and I think I've helped them as well,” Dom said.

Patrick McGinnis, the owner of Breathe, believes Dom contributed greatly to the warm and welcoming culture of the coffee shop.

“Dominic understands that through excellence even in the small things, you can make a difference in people’s lives,” McGinnes said. “He is authentic. He cares for everyone and is tirelessly dedicated to becoming the best version of himself.”

The Hernandez family’s presence on campus is already strong this fall. Manuel’s culinary team started serving meals on August 13. Dom’s older brother Leonardo, a sophomore physics major and member of the Tiger Cheer squad, is practicing for our first home football game. And Dom is serving as one of my VIP Student Ambassadors, helping us connect with visitors and share the spirit of FHSU.

The Hernandez family reminds us about the connections we cultivate and the hearts we touch. When Dom’s family arrived in Hays, they never anticipated that Fort Hays State University would weave itself into the fabric of their lives. Yet, today, they are enriching our community in ways that inspire and strengthen us all.

Here’s to another year filled with opportunity, discovery, and the heart of a Tiger that beats powerfully within us all.

Dr. Tisa Mason is the president of Fort Hays State University.&nbsp;

Heart of a Tiger: The Hernandez family is back on campus

The Lite Beer from Miller UTV Giveaway will be at Auto Collision Specialists from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. today.

Stop by to register to become a finalist for a CF Moto U Force 4 seat UTV.&nbsp; 

Auto Collision Specialists wants to remind you that they work with all insurance companies, they are family owned and always willing to help from start to finish. 

If you ever need any help after a fender bender, keep the gang at Auto Collision Specialists in mind.

Special thanks to A &amp; A Coors Miller, Briney Motorsports, Advantage Glass Plus and Commercial Sign Company!

Keep listening to Eagle Radio and reading the Hays Post all summer long for your chance to become a finalist.

The UTV will be given away at a Fort Hays State University football game on Saturday, Sept. 13.

Become Miller Lite UTV giveaway finalist today at Auto Collision Specialists in Hays!

A Hays man allegedly stole a trailer that has yet to be recovered.

Hays Deputy Police Chief Tim Greenwood said 52-year-old Michael Anthony Brower was taken into custody for two alleged counts of felony theft and criminal property damage.

Greenwood said a 7-by-16-foot utility trailer was stolen from the 1000 block of East 29th Street sometime between July 17 and 23, with the theft reported to police on July 24.

Officers reviewed surveillance footage from a nearby business that allegedly captured a suspect vehicle leaving the area. They identified its license plate, and the car was later found and towed as evidence that same day.

Greenwood said Brower was identified through a match with his driver’s license photo and was also arrested that same day. The 2003 dual-axle utility trailer remains missing and is listed as stolen in the National Crime Information Center database.

Hays man arrested for alleged trailer theft

&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

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

Drivers are advised that during the period of August 16 through Labor Day, September 1, Hays Police Department will join other police agencies across Kansas in a crackdown aimed at removing impaired drivers from the roadways during You Drink. You Drive. You Lose.

In Kansas, preliminary 2024 data shows that 83 people died and more than 1,100 people were injured in crashes involving an alcohol-impaired driver.

It is illegal to drive while impaired, and just one drink before driving can put you and others in danger, because alcohol impairs thinking, reasoning and muscle coordination.

Driving after consuming alcohol or any other potentially impairing substance is a choice you make.

You can make the responsible choice: plan to use a rideshare service, have a designated driver, or call a sober friend or family member to pick you up if you or your driver has been drinking.

The You Drink. You Drive. You Lose enforcement campaign is intended to remind drivers to take a moment to consider how it would be to begin every day with the memory of your decision if it resulted in injury or death. If you are driving impaired, you are not only more likely to crash, but that crash is much more likely to cause serious injury or death. Think about your family, your friends, your coworkers, and neighbors.

And always wear your seat belt, it’s your best defense against impaired drivers. Every trip, every time.

Hays Police: You drink. You drive. You lose enforcement campaign just ahead

Kansas Department of Transportation

NORTON — A project to resurface a portion of Highway K-9 is underway in Norton County.

The Kansas Department of Transportation project involves milling and overlay on 12.5 miles of the highway starting at the east U.S. 283 junction and ending at the Phillips County line. 

During construction, traffic will be reduced to one lane through the areas where crews are actively working and directed by flaggers and a pilot car. Motorists should plan for delays of 15 minutes or less during daylight hours.

Project work is expected to be completed in mid-September, conditions permitting.

Venture Corporation, of Great Bend, is the primary contractor for the $1.9 million project.

For more information, please contact KDOT Area Construction Manager Dan Moore at 785-302-6205 or&nbsp;<a href="mailto:daniel.moore@ks.gov">daniel.moore@ks.gov</a>.

Project to resurface portion of Highway K-9 underway in Norton County

This year’s 5th annual Hays Public Library Foundation Fundraiser will feature Kansas basketball great Jackie Stiles as guest speaker. The Wine &amp; Cheese event will be on October 18 at 6:30 p.m. at the Hays Public Library.

The fundraiser will begin with a wine and cheese social hour, followed by an impactful presentation from Stiles. From her hometown of Claflin, to a professional career in the WNBA, Stiles inspired millions as she rewrote the women’s basketball record books. Stiles held the NCAA women’s scoring record for 16 years and was inducted into the Women’s Basketball Hall of Fame in 2016. 

Stiles continues to reach people of all ages through personal training, basketball camps, and public speaking.

The Hays Public Library Foundation was established in 2001 to serve as a source for funding emergent and unexpected needs and events associated with the library. Most recently the Foundation’s fundraising efforts covered the cost to remodel the Kansas Room, which was completed this spring.

Tickets cost $30 and can be purchased at the library or online at <a href="https://hayslibrary.org/shop/wine-and-cheese-event-ticket/">hayslibrary.org/event</a> beginning August 11. There are a limited number of tickets. Businesses interested in sponsoring the event or providing items for the silent auction or raffle are encouraged to contact Callie Kolacny at ckolacny@hayslibrary.org.

You can find out more about this and other library programs online at <a href="https://hayslibrary.org/">hayslibrary.org</a> or by calling 785-625-9014.

Kansas basketball great to speak at Hays Public Library Foundation fundraiser

Grow Hays, in association with the Network Kansas E-Community Partnership, announces the ‘Think Like an Entrepreneur’ - Ice House Entrepreneurship Program offered in Ellis County. Sessions will be held over eight weeks, Wednesdays from September 17 through November 6. The goal of the course is to teach participants to develop an entrepreneurial mindset.

Taught by Kris Munsch, a certified Ice House facilitator, this interactive 8-week program provides practical entrepreneurial lessons through first-hand experiences of successful, real-life entrepreneurs. 

Based on the book,&nbsp;Who Owns the Ice House, this curriculum consists of case studies along with individual assignments, assessments, and discussion topics. This popular course is offered only a handful of times per year across the state and Grow Hays is excited to have local resident Kris Munsch teaching the course.

The program fee runs $150 for adults and $75 for students and covers catered meals. We are offering an early bird price of $100 if signed up and paid by September 5. Registration is limited, and in-county attendees will have priority to fill the course. Out-of-county attendees are welcome to register but may be put on a waiting list. 

The deadline to register is Thursday, September 11, 2025.

To register for the&nbsp;Think Like an Entrepreneur&nbsp;program online, visit:&nbsp;&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://briefspace.proximity.app/">https://briefspace.proximity.app/</a>

For more information contact James Robben at 785.628.3102 or&nbsp;<a href="mailto:james@growhays.com">james@growhays.com</a>.

'Think Like an Entrepreneur/Ice House' program launches in September

Join us for Game Day at the Fox Theatre in Hays!&nbsp;The Heartland Catbackers are teaming up with the Fox Theatre to host a&nbsp;K-State vs. Iowa State&nbsp;football watch party on&nbsp;Saturday, August 23!

Location: The Fox Theatre, 1200 Main, Hays Kickoff:&nbsp;11:00 a.m. Doors Open:&nbsp;10:30 a.m.

Bring your friends and family to cheer on the Wildcats in style—on the Fox’s&nbsp;massive 25-foot big screen.

This is a&nbsp;free, family-friendly event&nbsp;and&nbsp;open to the public.

Enjoy delicious BBQ from&nbsp;The Pfonz, provided courtesy of the Heartland Catbackers.

For more details, visit the <a href="https://www.facebook.com/events/678382011894547/?acontext=%7B%22event_action_history%22%3A[%7B%22surface%22%3A%22home%22%7D%2C%7B%22mechanism%22%3A%22attachment%22%2C%22surface%22%3A%22newsfeed%22%7D]%2C%22ref_notif_type%22%3Anull%7D">Heartland Catbackers Facebook</a> event page or check out HeartlandCatbackers.org.

Let’s pack the Fox with purple!&nbsp; &nbsp;

Heartland Catbackers host free watch party Aug. 23 at Fox Theatre

Grow Hays welcomes the public to the Bob and Pat Schmidt Community Center grand opening and ribbon cutting at&nbsp; 9 a.m. Thursday, Aug. 29. The Community Center is located at 2510 Canterbury Drive, Hays.

The Bob and Pat Schmidt Community Center is a visionary more than 14,300 square foot facility designed to serve as a multigenerational hub for the Hays community. This state-of-the-art center is also home to Bright Minds Academy's third childcare location and the Hays Senior Center, providing essential services and fostering a sense of community for residents of all ages.&nbsp;

"We are excited to see this project come to completion," said Doug Williams, executive director of Grow Hays, Inc. "The Bob and Pat Schmidt Community Center will be a cornerstone for Hays, offering valuable resources and a welcoming space for both our youngest and senior citizens."

The ceremony will feature remarks from key community leaders and project stakeholders, celebrating the collaborative effort that has brought this project to fruition.

We invite all members of the Hays community and the surrounding areas to join us for this momentous occasion. 

Attendees are encouraged to park along the new streets in The Grove development and the Hays Medical Center for Health Improvement parking lot.

Public invited to grand opening of Bob & Pat Schmidt Community Center

Beginning Tuesday, August 12, the intersection of 13th Street and Canterbury Drive will become a 4-way stop as this intersection will be getting traffic light upgrades and modifications. 

 Temporary stop signs will be utilized at this intersection. 

We apologize for any inconvenience that this may cause. If you have any questions or concerns, please contact Public Works office 785-628-7350.

13th & Canterbury intersection to be temporary 4-way stop in Hays starting Tuesday

&nbsp;JACKSON COUNTY—Law enforcement are investigating a suspect on drug allegations after a traffic stop.

Just before midnight August 9, a Sheriff’s Deputy conducted a traffic stop for an alleged traffic infraction on a Hyundai Elantra traveling northbound on U.S. Highway 75, near 142nd&nbsp;Road, according to Sheriff Tim Morse.

The driver, Clifton Wabaunsee, 44, of Topeka was arrested at the scene and booked into the Jackson County Jail on requested charges of&nbsp; possession of methamphetamine, possession of a hallucinogenic drug, possession of drug paraphernalia and driving while suspended.&nbsp; He has previous convictions for aggravated battery and drugs, according to the Kansas Department of Corrections.

Kansas felon is back in jail on new drug allegations

SEDGWICK COUNTY– Wichita police took Gauge Brasher, 19, into custody shortly after 4 p.m. Friday in the 3100 block of E. Range Road, according to a statement from Wichita Police.

 Earlier Friday, police investigators presented the case to the Sedgwick County District Attorney’s Office, and Brasher was charged with second-degree murder in the Aug. 13, crash that killed Jackson Nzabonimpa, 14.&nbsp;

Brasher will be booked into the Sedgwick County Jail.

SEDGWICK COUNTY —Police are investigating a fatal crash at Harry and Rock Road in Wichita that killed 14-year-old Jackson Nzabonimpa and still searching for the driver.

Around 6:30 p.m. Wednesday, a nearby Kansas Highway Patrol trooper in the area saw the aftermath of the accident and saw two men running from a black BMW that had crashed. After a short foot pursuit, both men were apprehended.

The preliminary investigation indicates the BMW was traveling at a high rate of speed when it hit a power pole and then a utility box. The impact forced the power pole and utility box into Nzabonimpa, who died on scene from his injuries.&nbsp;

Witnesses at the intersection identified the 19-year-old suspect Gauge Brasher, who fled as the driver. He is suspected of driving under the influence of alcohol or narcotics. The investigation indicated that impairment and speed were likely contributing factors in the collision. Brasher was admitted to the hospital for medical treatment and later left the hospital. The passenger is a 24-year-old man who was detained and later released with no charges.&nbsp;

Wichita police are following up on leads to locate and arrest Brasher.

Wichita Police does not typically identify suspects who have not been formally charged. In this case, police believe the alleged recklessness of Brasher’s actions make him a danger to the&nbsp; community. Wichita Police Accident Follow-Up Unit (AFU) is continuing to investigate what led to this incident. The case will be presented to the Sedgwick County District Attorney for charging.

“This was not an accident. It was a series of reckless choices,” Chief Joe Sullivan said. “When you mix extreme speed with suspected impairment, you turn a vehicle into a weapon. We will pursue full accountability for the death of this young man and his family, and the danger brought to our community.”&nbsp;

Anyone who has information on the location of Gauge Brasher is asked to call 911 immediately. To provide information related to this incident please call AFU investigators at 316-350-3685. To remain anonymous, you can submit a tip through Crime Stoppers at (316)-267-2111.

Police capture suspect wanted for fatal Kansas hit-and-run 

JOINT BASE ELMENDORF-RICHARDSON, Alaska (AP) — President Donald Trump said he and&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/orthodox-christians-prayers-trump-putin-alaska-dbced54d9faa7d230d3df03405491542">Vladimir Putin</a>&nbsp;didn’t reach a deal to end Russia’s war in Ukraine after meeting on Friday — despite Putin saying they had come to “an understanding” — as the two leaders offered scant details on what was discussed while heaping praise on each other.

In brief remarks as they shared a stage after meeting for about 2 ½ hours in Alaska, Putin said he and Trump had reached an “understanding” on Ukraine and warned Europe not to “torpedo the nascent progress.”

But Trump then said, “There’s no deal until there’s a deal” and said he planned to speak with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and European leaders soon, to brief them on the discussions.

“We had an extremely productive meeting, and many points were agreed to,” Trump said. “And there are just a very few that are left. Some are not that significant. One is probably the most significant, but we have a very good chance of getting there.”

He continued: “We didn’t get there.”

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