By CRISTINA JANNEY Hays Post

The school board has put on hold a discussion about a donation from Golden Belt Bank for naming rights of the new Hays High football field.

The bank has offered a $200,000 donation for the naming rights.

The board discussed the donation at a retreat on Aug. 4.

Board vice president Ken Brooks made a motion to add the naming of the field to the Monday agenda. That motion failed to gain a majority on a vote of 3-3, with Brooks, Ruth Ruder and Meagan Zampieri-Lillpopp voting in favor. Board member Derek Yarmer was absent.

Board President Curt Vajnar said the naming of the field was set to be on the agenda, but he removed it. He rescheduled the discussion for the Oct. 27 board work session.

Ruder said she objected to the delay because the football season will be half over by that time, and the bank could rescind its offer.

Vajnar gave the following reasons for the delay: • We should be in charge of naming, not reacting • Can't find another high school in Kansas that has named its field • We should decide what's to be named • We should construct the contract, what the signage looks like, the length of the contract, how often and how they are messaged • We should let all supporting businesses have an opportunity

Brooks said school board policy says that three board members can request a special board meeting.

Vajar said he would discuss moving the discussion up with Superintendent Ron Wilson.

"I think there are a lot more considerations than to say, yes, to the first one that comes along," Vajnar said.

Ruder said she thought the community has a right to know about the donation.

Board member Jayme Goetz said she thought naming rights should be considered a contract and not a donation.

Ruder said, "We just won the lottery, and you guys don't want to capitalize on it."

During public comments, a woman said she did not support allowing name rights for the field.

She said allowing someone to pay to name the field is a slap in the face to all the people in the community who pay property taxes.

"It belongs to the town and the school, not to some business," she said. "You can only sell your soul so many times."

In other business, the board heard an update on the Hays High School project. The school will open on Wednesday. Upperclassmen toured the school on Monday, and lowerclassmen will tour the building today.

Although the school district has taken over the occupation of the school, some minor construction work is continuing, Wilson said. That will primarily be completed when school is not in session.

See more on the new school's opening on Wednesday's Hays Post.

The board also approved the removal of a requirement for students to fill out a Free Application for Federal Student Aid, also known as FAFSA.

Hays USD 489 pauses Hays High football field naming rights donation discussion

By TONY GUERRERO Hays Post

The Ellis County Commission has approved the final draft of the 2026 budget during&nbsp;its Tuesday meeting.

The general fund mill levy will increase by 1.961 mills, bringing the total general fund expenditures to $34.7 million, with additional funds for the fire district and solid waste.

Darin Myers, county administrator, said the mill levy increase will require a $100,000 household to pay $22 more per year, and a $200,000 household to pay $45 more per year.

After publication,&nbsp;a public hearing on the revenue-neutral rate and budget will be set for 8:30 a.m. Sept. 9 in the Ellis County Commission Chambers.

The city of Ellis received the commission's endorsement for a Kansas Department of Transportation grant application to fund improvements on West Second Street from Washington to Dorrance Street.

The project involves replacing the road with concrete and adding new curbs and gutters to handle heavy truck traffic. There is no financial impact for the county.

The commission continued a discussion from June on developing a plan for maintenance and upgrades to county roads maintained in subdivisions throughout the county.

Public Works Director Brendon Mackay presented 21 subdivisions to the commission, with Prairie Acres and Leiker Addition identified as the top priorities needing work.

A resident from Leiker Addition spoke with commissioners about conditions on 280th Avenue and said others living along the road are willing to consider a tax assessment for chip-and-seal improvements.

"[A neighbor] said that he and his wife can't even go out anymore. They can't sit on the front or the back because the road is so bad," the resident said regarding the road being dusty.

Commissioner Nathan Leiker said an engineering and drainage study would be needed before landowners determine the road surface type and its logistics through a petition.

Commissioner Michael Berges suggested completing three subdivisions per year, but Mackay said one or two should be completed instead due to limited time, resources and the need to balance subdivision work with maintaining major county roads.

Ellis County Commission approves 2026 budget draft, mill levy increase

The National Weather Service has issued an elevated fire danger warning for Ellis County.

Gusty north winds and lower relative humidity will create elevated fire weather conditions through this afternoon. Outdoor burning is discouraged.

Other counties involved areTrego-Scott-Lane-Ness-Rush-Hamilton-Kearny-Finney-Hodgeman-Pawnee-Stafford-Stanton-Grant-Haskell-Gray-Ford-Edwards-Kiowa-Pratt-Morton-Stevens-Seward-Meade-Clark-Comanche-Barber.

Elevated fire danger for today in Ellis County; burning discouraged

Kansas Department of Health and Environment

TOPEKA – The Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE) has rescinded a boil water advisory for the City of Bunker Hill public water supply system located in Russell County. 

The advisory was issued because the city could not maintain the minimum required chlorine residual. Failure to maintain required chlorine residual levels may put the system at risk for bacterial contamination.&nbsp;

Laboratory testing of drinking water samples collected from Bunker Hill indicate no evidence of bacteriological contamination and all other conditions that placed the system at risk of contamination are deemed by KDHE officials to be resolved. &nbsp;

Public water suppliers in Kansas take all measures necessary to notify customers quickly after a system failure or shutdown. Regardless of whether it’s the supplier or KDHE that announces a boil water advisory, KDHE will issue the rescind notice following testing at a certified laboratory.

For consumer questions, please contact the water system at: 785-324-0187 or you may call KDHE at 785-296-5514. For consumer information please visit our webpage:&nbsp;<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/1/01000198c2eb1475-e44be482-7acb-4a59-9654-aac15d8075e0-000000/crrMNb5Fe6KxUw_3j5x8BG3gtor4MSL8HURsnWw8hzo=418">https://www.kdhe.ks.gov/468/Disruption-in-Water-Service</a>.

Boil Water Advisory rescinded for Bunker Hill

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Fort Hays State University Sigma Chi's first annual Back to School Bash on Thursday, Aug. 21,&nbsp; features an outdoor concert with Logan Mize as the headliner, food trucks and yard games. 

The event starts at 6 p.m. in the FHSU quad, and is free for students and the general public.&nbsp; This concert will be a dry event.

Sponsored by Kansas Regenerative Medicine in Kansas City and LOKAL

For more information, contact Hunter at htaphorn24@gmail.com.

Logan Mize featured at free FHSU Sigma Chi Back to School Bash on Aug. 21 

Reporter Cristina Janney speaks with a coach and members of the Arc Buffaloes Special Olympics basketball team about their upcoming trip to nationals next year on this episode of the Hays Post Podcast.

🎙 Post Podcast: Buffaloes headed to Special Olympics Nationals in 2026

SMITH CENTER&nbsp; — Trinity Ag Coop is proud to announce they have awarded a grant donation of $2,500, with a matching grant from CoBank, to the Phillips County rural fire departments. 

This funding will enhance the department’s capabilities in providing life-saving emergency services and further support their commitment to protecting Phillips County communities.

The grant will be used to replace outdated and non-compliant flashlights with modern intrinsically safe flashlights for all frontline firefighting personnel. Intrinsically safe flashlights are critical for operating in environments with flammable gases, vapors, and combustible dust, significantly reducing the risk of ignition and injury. 

This update will ensure the Departments meet National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) standards and operate with equipment that enhances both safety and effectiveness during emergency responses.

Every year, the Trinity Ag board of directors and CoBank choose to give back to the first responders that serve and protect our communities. They are honored to support these frontline personnel by helping to ensure they have the tools and resources they need.

Trinity Ag Co-op, CoBank award grants to Phillips Co. rural fire departments 

TREGO COUNTY —One person was injured in an accident just after 5:30p.m. Monday in Trego County.

The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a 2022 Anthem semi driven by Amin&nbsp;Ayobi, 42, Omaha, was eastbound on Interstate 70 near the&nbsp;<a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ogallah,_Kansas">Ogallah</a>&nbsp;exit. A strong wind blew the semi into the median and onto its side.

EMS transported Ayobi to the Trego County Hospital He was properly restrained, according to the KHP.

Driver hospitalized after winds blow semi over on I-70

TOPEKA&nbsp;–&nbsp;Governor Laura Kelly announced over $32.5 million in state grants to maintain and enhance services for adult and child survivors of crime. The state general funds were granted to nonprofit organizations providing services for survivors of domestic and sexual violence as well as child abuse and neglect.&nbsp;

“I support this use of state funds to ensure survivors of crime receive the services they need from critical organizations,”&nbsp;Governor Laura Kelly said.&nbsp;“Crime is not just a safety issue – it’s a public health and a quality-of-life issue. We must do our part to build a safer and more resilient Kansas together.”&nbsp;

Three categories of organizations received awards: organizations providing services to survivors of domestic violence and sexual assault, Children’s Advocacy Centers, and Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA) programs.&nbsp;

The 2026 grants for domestic violence and sexual assault services provide critical funding to organizations offering support services, outreach, and training for those serving survivors of sexual and domestic violence. Funding also supports vital organizational needs including transportation, shelter maintenance and improvements, and sustaining adequate staffing levels. 25 organizations received grants totaling&nbsp;$26,493,242.&nbsp;

Children’s Advocacy Centers are child-focused programs that bring together professionals to investigate and respond to child abuse. The grant program supports hiring and training staff to provide child-sensitive forensic interviews, advocacy for victims and non-offending caregivers, and coordination of multi-disciplinary teams to improve outcomes and services across systems. 20 organizations received grants totaling&nbsp;$4,836,840.&nbsp;

Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA) programs recruit and train volunteers to advocate in court for abused and neglected children. These funds support staffing and volunteer training to help ensure judges have the information needed to make informed decisions for each child. 21 organizations received grants totaling&nbsp;$1,242,574.&nbsp;

The county, organization name, and grant awards include:

2026 SGF for Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault Grant Awards

•&nbsp;Ellis County-Options: Domestic &amp; Sexual Violence Services;&nbsp;$1,236,371

2026 Children’s Advocacy Centers Grant Awards

• Scott County-Western Kansas Child Advocacy Center;&nbsp;$627,735   &nbsp;

2026 Court Appointed Special Advocate Programs Grant Awards&nbsp;

• Ellis County-CASA of the High Plains;&nbsp;$13,554 

$1.8 million in state grants goes to Options, CASA, Western Kansas Child Advocacy Center

By MICHELLE BERAN Cottonwood Extension District

Lean financial times are hard and it can be harder to break a cycle of financial stress. 

I lived this as a college student who had to take several semesters off to work full-time to keep a roof over my head. As a young farm couple, my husband and I often had to make tough decisions about how and where we were spending and it sure didn’t take much to stretch things too far.

K-State Extension family resource management specialist, Elizabeth Kiss, offers some suggestions to assist in planning ahead of an emergency to help ease the burden of unexpected expenses. She shares the following tips to help families survive tough times.

“If you don’t have an emergency fund, now is the time to start,” Kiss said. “Even a small amount adds up over time.”

Kiss said it has taken her 10 years, but saving $40 a month, she now has an emergency fund to cover about six months of essential expenses.

“The more cash you have, the less you will have to put on credit, which you’ll have to pay back with interest,” she said. “Ideally, you should save enough money to cover six months of expenses, based on what you spend in a typical month.”

Kiss also suggests reviewing your homeowner’s and health insurance coverage to make sure you have the coverage you’re expecting, and communicate with your family about your insurance policies.

“It’s also important to keep your important records safe,” Kiss said. “That should be part of your emergency plan. If you have to grab something quickly and go, you’ll have that information in a place where you can get to it.”

During an emergency: Use what you’ve prepared

“Use the cash you’ve saved if you need to purchase essentials, and contact your credit card companies and lenders if you anticipate a break in your&nbsp;payments,” Kiss said. “Or, you may want to request an increase in your credit availability.”

If the financial emergency is caused by loss of a job, Kiss suggests filing for unemployment benefits, "even if you aren't sure if you'll qualify." Your community may also have physical and mental health resources.

“There’s often more help available then people realize,” Kiss said. “Food banks, housing assistance, even childcare and transportation services may be able to help. The amount of help may vary from community to community.”

After an emergency: Rebuild and re-evaluate

“If it’s a natural disaster and you’ve had property damage, you need to start making your insurance claims,” said Kiss, who cautioned homeowners to be careful of scammers trying to take advantage of those in unfortunate circumstances.

Afterwards, she adds, “prioritize how you spend the money that you have. You want to cover your basic needs – including housing, food and transportation – and think about how far your emergency fund can take you.”

If the home is affected, call the utility companies to turn off services during the time that you don’t need them.

Once you’ve spent down your emergency fund and are on the road to recovery, “start building that fund back up again for the next time, because there probably will be a next time,” Kiss said.

Keep learning. Keep showing grace and kindness!

Michelle Beran is a Family and Community Wellness Agent in the Cottonwood Extension District. For more information on this article or other 4-H Youth Development resources, email Michelle at mberan@ksu.edu or call Cottonwood Extension District – Barton Office at 620-793-1910.

BERAN: Building an emergency fund

KANSAS — During National Wellness Month, the American Red Cross&nbsp;encourages people to prioritize their personal health and well-being while helping to save lives&nbsp;with a blood or platelet donation. Donors of all blood types – especially those with type O&nbsp;positive or B negative blood – are asked to make an appointment now to prevent a further drop in donor turnout.

In August, the Red Cross will provide free A1C screening – a test commonly used to screen for&nbsp;prediabetes and diabetes – for all donors who make a successful blood, platelet or plasma&nbsp;donation. Fasting is not required for this test, and donors will be able to view their confidential&nbsp;results one to two weeks after their donation in the Blood Donor App or their donor account at&nbsp;RedCrossBlood.org. Donors will receive one A1C test result in a 12-month period.

August also brings changes in routines. Back-to-school plans, the start of fall sports and final&nbsp;summer vacations may be top of mind right now, but patients can’t wait. Making and keeping&nbsp;donation appointments can be the difference in a patient’s treatment journey.

Help save lives and empower your health! Schedule a time to give now by visiting&nbsp;<a href="https://www.redcrossblood.org/">RedCrossBlood.org</a>, calling 1-800-RED CROSS or by using the Red Cross Blood Donor&nbsp;App.

Those who come to give Aug. 1-28, 2025, will receive a $15 e-gift card to a merchant of&nbsp;choice.

&nbsp;For details on both offers, visit <a href="https://www.redcrossblood.org/local-homepage/events/the-heat-is-on-for-blood-donors.html">RedCrossBlood.org/Test</a>.

Upcoming blood donation opportunities Aug. 16-31:

Simply download the American Red Cross Blood Donor App, visit RedCrossBlood.org, call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767) or enable the Blood Donor Skill on any Alexa Echo device&nbsp;to make an appointment or for more information. All blood types are needed to ensure a reliable&nbsp;supply for patients. A blood donor card or driver’s license or two other forms of identification are&nbsp;required at check-in. Individuals who are 17 years of age in most states (16 with parental&nbsp;consent where allowed by state law), weigh at least 110 pounds and are in generally good&nbsp;health may be eligible to donate blood. High school students and other donors 18 years of age&nbsp;and younger also have to meet certain height and weight requirements.

Blood and platelet donors can save time at their next donation by using RapidPass® to complete&nbsp;their pre-donation reading and health history questionnaire online on the day of their donation,&nbsp;before arriving at the blood drive. To get started, follow the instructions at&nbsp;RedCrossBlood.org/RapidPass or use the Blood Donor App.

Amplify your impact − volunteer!

Another way to support the lifesaving mission of the Red Cross is to become a volunteer blood&nbsp;donor ambassador at Red Cross blood drives. Blood donor ambassadors help greet, check in&nbsp;and thank blood donors to ensure they have a positive donation experience.

Volunteers can also serve as transportation specialists, playing a vital role in ensuring lifesaving&nbsp;blood products are delivered to nearby hospitals. For more information and to apply for either&nbsp;position, visit redcross.org/volunteertoday.

The American Red Cross shelters, feeds and provides comfort to victims of disasters; supplies&nbsp;about 40% of the nation's blood; teaches skills that save lives; distributes international&nbsp;humanitarian aid; and supports veterans, military members and their families. The Red Cross is&nbsp;a nonprofit organization that depends on volunteers and the generosity of the American public&nbsp;to deliver its mission.

&nbsp;For more information, please visit <a href="https://www.redcross.org/">redcross.org</a> or&nbsp;<a href="https://www.redcross.org/cruz-roja.html">CruzRojaAmericana.org</a>, or follow us on social media.

Area blood drives in August.; Free A1C screenings, gift cards

&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

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

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.

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