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 –&nbsp;The Kansas Department of Health and Environment’s (KDHE) Community Health Promotion program announced the recipients of this year’s Chronic Disease Risk Reduction (CDRR) Community grant. In total, the State Fiscal Year 2026 CDRR program covers: 15 grantees, 25 counties and 1,972,817 Kansans (65.5 percent of the total Kansas population).&nbsp;

The CDRR Community Grant Program provides funding, training and technical assistance to communities to address chronic disease risk reduction through evidence-based strategies that impact tobacco use, physical activity and nutrition. 

Strategies include reducing secondhand smoke exposure, preventing youth from using tobacco, promoting tobacco treatment and the&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://links-1.govdelivery.com/CL0/https:%2F%2Fkansas.quitlogix.org%2Fen-US%2F%3Futm_medium=email%26utm_source=govdelivery/1/010001989f3a9634-1626dcc2-6743-46d2-a88f-0040aca4c79c-000000/CRbfgpZtYbprb8qWDT4cW2MpPOOA822M-vtoiXwh2UI=418">Kansas Tobacco Quitline</a>, increasing physical activity, and improving community nutrition.&nbsp;

“This program helps grantees show the power of local partnerships in creating long-term health improvements,” Mende Barnett, KDHE section director for Community Health Promotion, said. “We’re excited to continue this work together to reduce chronic disease and strengthen communities.

The 2026 CDRR Grantees and the counties they cover include:

• Mitchell County Regional Medical Foundation (Mitchell, Ellsworth, Jewell, Lincoln, Ottawa, Republic and Smith counties)

Area counties among KDHE Chronic Disease Risk Reduction community grants

By BECKY KISER Hays Post

More housing planned for the west side of Hays received support from the city commission on Thursday.

A resolution and an engineering services agreement to establish a benefit district for&nbsp;32 lots in the first phase of Covenant Estates First Addition were approved.

"Every time we do something like this, we get criticized, it's not the right type of housing," said Shaun Musil, commissioner. "But in my opinion, the developer wouldn't build it if they didn't think they could sell it."

The developer,&nbsp;Covenant&nbsp;Land &amp; Developing Inc., has petitioned the city for street, stormwater, water and&nbsp;sanitary sewer improvements through the use of a benefit district.

Seventy percent of the costs will be reimbursed through special assessments, with the remaining 30% being paid by the developer. No city capital would be expended.

The engineer’s estimate for total construction costs of the improvements is $2.9 million.&nbsp;

Don Scheibler, police chief, presented a request from High Plains Mental Health Center for a portion of the city's opioid settlement funds. The state distributes the opioid funds to municipalities, which are allocated for opioid and substance use disorder treatment and prevention.

The commissioner approved a $45,481 grant to purchase social detoxification treatment chairs and infusion pumps for the mental health center's new&nbsp;<a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/c63c3c89-fd3c-4923-8d01-509e92168ce0" target="_blank">Crisis Intervention Center, which is</a>&nbsp;under construction in Hays.&nbsp;The center will serve 28 western Kansas counties.

During comments at the end of the meeting, Commissioner Reese Barrick talked about the need for a wildfire preparedness education program in Hays. He attended a <a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/8651b0ae-aad7-45f4-bbe8-7fb7ff17a782">summit in Hays</a> last weekend hosted by the Hays Fire Department that focused on wildfire&nbsp;suppression in urban areas.&nbsp;

"We're the wildland/urban interface. If we have a big wildfire, like the Four-County fire four years ago, we could run out of water pretty fast in Hays," Barrick said.

He listed several ideas for wildfire mitigation in the city. 

Those included encouraging a cultural shift in western Kansas for support of preventative fire burns, banning highly combustible red cedar trees, changes in how close trees and shrubbery may be planted to buildings, better protection of planned high-density housing, and a school presentation for students similar to the city's water conservation education program.

"It's a serious issue. I think it's one we actually need to start considering," Barrick said.&nbsp;

Mayor Sandy Jacobs suggested the topic be discussed during the commission's next retreat.&nbsp;

City commission supports moving forward with more housing in west Hays

The Hays Planning Commission on Monday will review a draft preliminary plat of the Smoky Hill Plains Addition north of West 27th Street and east of the U.S. 183 alternate highway bypass.

According to information from city staff, the current plat of the area is the DK Ranch Addition, a large lot development that was&nbsp;platted in 2013, but never developed. The property was sold and is now being replatted into&nbsp;a more efficient residential subdivision.

 The owner,&nbsp;Sing Along Ranch LLC and BJKT LLC, also purchased the adjacent&nbsp;undeveloped lots along the west side of Columbine Drive. The Smoky Hill Plains Addition preliminary plat also includes those lots.

About 18 acres of the western half of DK Ranch Addition will be vacated. The&nbsp;eastern half of DK Ranch and the west half of Columbine will be replatted into Smoky Hill&nbsp;Plains Addition, comprised of 52 lots.

City utilities are in the area and will be extended for development.

The complete Aug. 18 agenda is available <a href="https://www.haysusa.com/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_08182025-1564">here</a>. The meeting starts at 4 p.m. in Hays City Hall, 1507 Main.

Planning commission to consider plat for another Hays housing development

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

By STACY CAMPBELL Cottonwood Extension District

For many years, taking 24-inch soil profile-N samples in the fall has been a recommended practice for making an N recommendation for winter wheat. However, due to the mobility of nitrate-N in the soil, soil test values observed in the fall may differ from those observed in the spring, particularly on soils prone to leaching. 

Because many producers wait until spring green-up to make their N application, does soil sampling in the fall for nitrate really provide useful information for N management in wheat? That is a legitimate question.

In K-State trials where no N fertilizer was applied, there was a strong positive relationship between fall nitrate-N levels and final wheat yield (Figure 1).

When fall nitrate-N levels were low, wheat yields responded well to fertilizer. When nitrate-N levels exceeded 80–100 lb./acre, additional spring-applied N rarely increased yield. In short, fall nitrate-N levels are a reliable predictor of whether or not a crop will benefit from additional N&nbsp;fertilizer. This makes soil sampling in the fall an important tool for maximizing yield and efficiency.

When soil sampling for N is not done, the K-State fertilizer recommendation formula defaults to a standard value of 30 lb/acre available N. 

In this particular dataset, the average profile N level was 39 lb N/acre. However, the N level at individual sites ranged from 11 to 197 lbs N/acre. Most recommendation systems default to a standardized set of N recommendations based on the yield goal and/or the cost of N.

Without soil sampling or some other method of estimating available N, such as crop sensing, N recommendations will be inaccurate. Failure to account for the N present in the soil wastes a valuable resource. It can result in excess foliage, increased plant disease, inefficient use of soil water, and reduced yield.

Fall soil profile testing for nitrate-N continues to play a valuable role in efficient N management for winter wheat in Kansas. It’s a cost-effective way to fine-tune your fertilizer program, avoid unnecessary inputs, and protect both yield and the environment.

While on the subject of wheat, I hope you can join us Wednesday, August 20 for a “Pre-plant Wheat School” in Great Bend at the Event Center, 3111 10th Street. Registration and supper begin at 5:30 p.m. To ensure a meal pre-registration is requested by calling 785-628-9430 email me scampbel@ksu.edu or scan the QR code below.

Stacy Campbell is a Crop Production Extension agent in the Cottonwood District (which includes Barton and Ellis counties) for K-State Research and Extension. You can contact him by e-mail at scampbel@ksu.edu or by calling 785-628-9430.

CAMPBELL: Fall soil profile nitrate-N levels and wheat yield

<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.

Enter to be finalist for Yuengling Flight Golf Cart today at Lewis Toyota & Lewis Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram

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

&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

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

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

BY&nbsp;&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/author/alicia-rancilio">ALICIA RANCILIO</a>

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