WASHINGTON — America’s Navy is coming to Hays, one of 18 cities in seven states to host a performance by the United States Navy Band during its 2016 tour — one of the signature outreach programs of the U.S. Navy.
The United States Navy Band Commodores performance is scheduled for Oct. 28 at 7 p.m. at the Beach-Schmidt Performing Arts Center.
Jazz is America’s music and the Commodores, the Navy’s premier jazz ensemble, have been performing the very best of big band jazz for the Navy and the nation for more than 40 years. They have appeared on TV shows, played nearly all major jazz festivals and toured across the United States and abroad. This vibrant, dynamic group is constantly striving for musical excellence and the pursuit of new and exciting ways to communicate with their audiences.
One of the U.S. Navy Band’s primary responsibilities involves touring the country. All of the band’s primary performing units embark each year on concert tours throughout specified regions of the country, allowing the band to reach out to audiences in areas of the country that do not have opportunities to see the Navy’s premier musical ensembles on a regular basis. The concerts are family-friendly events, meant to be entertaining to veterans, families, individuals and those interested in joining the Navy.
All Navy Band performances are free and open to the public.
Three architecture firms offered presentations to the Hays USD 489 Board of Education during Monday night’s special board meeting.
All are vying for the position as the creative force behind getting a bond issue to pass for USD 489.
Last year’s bond was soundly defeated by voters, which lead the BOE to bring in the firms of Hollis and Miller; Schaefer, Johnson, Cox, Frey; and DLR Group for the presentations.
All three firms emphasized how community involvement — and involvement with everyone in the district ranging from kitchen staff to students – is critical in a successful bond issue.
“This is the fun process. This is how they get passed, getting the community behind it, getting the staff involved. That’s how you get a bond issue to be successful,” said Kirk Horner, president of educational planning for Hollis and Miller.
All firms that presented had Hays ties.
Kevin Nelson, client leader for Hollis and Miller, is a 1985 Hays High School graduate, Amber Beverlin, principal for DRL Group has family in Hays, and SJCF mentioned people in their firm also have Hays ties.
“We would love to travel back and meet the people and the area we know,” Dana Taylor, SJCF, said.
Hollis and Miller focused on their process-oriented nature and was the only firm that was 100 percent focused on education.
Hollis and Miller breaks its firm down into three sectors — Public K-12, Private K-12 and High Education.
“Each group has its own team that specializes in that type of work, so you know you are getting the best,” Horner said.
Hollis and Miller had the longest presentation on the evening, as they broke down different steps for each process they go through to make a bond successful.
“We are very process-rich,” Horner said.
Each process presented had seven steps, which Hollis and Miller use to build the community and client trust to make sure both the community and client know the plan is in-depth.
“We want to work with you every step of the way to make sure you the client and us the designer can make something we can both be proud of,” said Michelle Chavey, Client Leader for Hollis and Miller.
One of the processes touched on was their credibility and financial responsibility.
“Here at Hollis and Miller, we are about long-range planning, to make sure you are set up properly and the foundation is laid,” Nelson said.
Before Superintendent John Thissen joined USD 489, he was the superintendent at USD 487 Herington and hired Hollis and Miller for a successful bond campaign after the previous election failed.
“That was one of our most rewarding projects for our firm,” Horner said.
Hollis and Miller touted the firm’s track record in getting bond issues to pass for educational purposes.
According to Horner, the firm of Hollis and Miller has done over 1,600 projects.
SJCF honed in on family in what was the quickest presentation on the night.
“Our clients are an extension of our family,” Taylor said.
SJCF spoke on collaboration from the whole community is key to getting a bond issues to pass.
“You need collaboration from all aspects of Hays life,” Taylor said. “Community engagement is the difference.”
SJCF is a diversified firm that does many projects outside of school bond elections, but still has helped pass 26 bond elections in the last 10 years.
The final firm to present was DLR Group.
“No one you spoke to tonight as passed a bond issues west of Salina for more than $50 million, but us,” Troy Wade, Expertise said. “Western Kansas, we have a 100 percent success rate.”
DLR Group presented a three-step process of data-driven community, customized vision of Hays, and examples of their proven bond election success.
Jim French, Senior Principal and Global K-12 Leader of DRL Group, has led the design of more than $1.5 billion in educational facilities and is a part of a group that is considered No. 1 firm in the United States, according to the America Institute of Architects.
“We run a lot of bonds and the firm is No. 1 in the world, but this team here has done bonds all over Kansas,” John Fuller, Chief Marketing Officer said.
Recently, DLR Group completed award-winning work on the bond election in Garden City.
Perhaps the most significant part of their presentation was their explanation how the June bond election failed.
Put on display for members of the board and administration was a map of Hays that showed which houses voted and what they voted for — proprietary information DLR said would be crucial for the next bond issue.
“Think about the power of this gives you towards your potential voter,” Wade said.
All three firms are expected to make one more presentation to the district.
OMAHA, Neb. — Hays Academy of Hair Design, with locations in Hays and Salina, took home the top honors in all three categories at the Wella Midwest School Show.
CEO of Nuts and Bolts Business Training Company Jim Yates was in attendance as a judge and guest speaker and shared this, “Once again, Hays Academy shows how good their schools and staff really are. Their passion for producing real salon ready successful graduates is unsurpassed in our industry … and, oh yes, they’re really nice people as well.”
Ashley Paulson, instructor at the Salina campus, came away with top honors in the instructor competition. One instructor represented each school that attended the show. In the Wella Color category, Alayna Henzler, Hays campus student, took first place and Mary Lavin, Salina Campus student took second. In the Sebastian What’s Next category, Salina campus student Colton Yungeberg took first place, as well.
The students had two hours of preparation time prior to being judged by a panel of seven judges. Hays Academy of Hair Design had over 60 students and staff members attending the show with many competing. Len Melvin, marketing director stated, “I am just so pleased that we had so many students step outside of their comfort zone to compete. There can only be one winner in each category, however I think all of our students came away winners from the experience alone. I am very proud of our students and staff members.”
Danielle Markley, co-owner of Hays Academy of Hair Design said, “At Hays Academy, we strive to push our students out of their comfort zones to help them grow not only on their technical skills but also personal growth. Competing in competitions is one way we do this. It allows for our students to be creative and to compare their skills with other students in the nation. We also push for continued education beyond what they are provided inside our doors; as education and growth is the foundation of what our industry is all about.”
HHS students in Dan Balman’s Audio/Video Production class learn about TV production capabilities on the C-SPAN bus.
By BECKY KISER Hays Post
Eyes lit up and smiles could be seen on the faces of the Hays High School students in Dan Balman’s Audio/Video Production Fundamentals class when they realized the C-SPAN bus they were sitting in is a rolling HDTV (high-definition television) production studio.
The group listened intently as Vanessa Torres, C-SPAN marketing representative, explained the technical capabilities of C-SPAN’s award-winning, 45-foot customized bus which made a stop at Hays High Wednesday morning.
The primary purpose of the C-SPAN Campaign 2016 Bus is to visit schools, universities and political events across the country to engage students, educators, civic leaders and the community through on-board multimedia technology that showcases C-SPAN’s programming and resources dedicated to showing the American political process.
C-SPAN’s ‘Road to the White House 2016′ Bus tour stopped at Hays High School Wednesday.
“We were recommended to Hays High School by Eagle Communications. We work very closely with our cable TV affiliate,” said Jenae Green, the other C-SPAN marketing rep in Hays Wednesday.
“C-SPAN is a non-profit. We were created by cable and we get paid six cents a month per subscriber by the cable TV provider,” Green explained. In Hays, C-SPAN programming is provided by Eagle Communications on cable TV channel 19 C-SPAN2 is carried on channel 91.
“C-SPAN has been around since 1979,” Green said. “We’ve had our Bus program since 1993 and our nationwide StudentCam competition has been around for about 12 years now.” C-SPAN Classroom offers primary source materials for teachers.
It was the StudentCam competition that really caught the attention of the Hays High beginning video/audio students.
According to Green, the StudentCam competition is open to all high school and middle school students–grades 6 through 12. “It’s about a 5 to 7 minute documentary video competition. The topic this year is telling the new Congress and the new president about an issue that’s important to them.” The official theme title is “Your Message to Washington: What is the most urgent issue for the new President and Congress to address in 2017?”
HHS beginning audio/video students
Green said the C-SPAN bus will trek back to the winners’ schools and “do a full ceremony for those students and congratulate them.” The winners will share in $100,000 in cash prizes.
C-SPAN–an acronym for the Cable Satellite Public Affairs Network–produces in-depth coverage of the U.S. Congress, White House, federal courts, and its signature political program, “Road to the White House,” which provides access to all of the Campaign 2016 presidential candidates and their events from the campaign trail, all without editing, commentary, or analysis.
The bus will make a stop in Denver before heading to Las Vegas for the final presidential debate Wed., Oct. 19.
Taking a touch-screen quiz about C-SPAN and the three branches of government
“In this unprecedented election season, C-SPAN’s ‘Road to the White House’ gives you a front row seat, unlike any other, to Campaign 2016,” said Steve Scully, C-SPAN’s senior executive producer and political editor.
“C-SPAN’s footage takes you from the campaign announcements, to the town hall meetings and rallies, as well as the policy speeches, party conventions, and now the upcoming presidential debates — giving viewers the absolute best coverage on what the candidates are saying and how this historic race is unfolding along the campaign trail.”
C-SPAN Marketing Rep Jenae Green talks to HHS students touring the bus.
HD television camera
HHS students in Dan Balman’s Audio/Video Production Fundamentals class
HDTV production equipment
C-SPAN Marketing Rep Vanessa Torres talks about TV production facilities on the bus.
The Hays City Sportsman Club hosted the first Wounded Warrior trap shoot over the weekend in Hays.
Three veterans from Kansas took part in Saturday’s shoot. Members of the Fort Hays State University shooting team were on hand to shoot with the veterans and give pointers.
Kevin Campbell, one of the local organizers of the event, said they have scheduled the second annual Wounded Warrior trap shoot for April 22.
The shelves were “really bare,” according to Laurie Mortinger, co-director of the Community Assistance Center, 208 E. 12th, Hays.
Now, the shelves are stacked high with donations of non-perishable food items thanks to Trick Or Treat So Others Can Eat, an annual effort organized by Hays High DECA students.
This is the second year HHS senior Maddie Keller has participated.
“There are about 30 of us from DECA and a few other Hays High students helping tonight,” Keller said. “We go around the different neighborhoods in Hays and collect non-perishable items from residents. We get a lot during this season because Thanksgiving and Christmas are coming up.”
“During the holidays, people seem to be even more generous,” said Mortinger as she loaded flats of canned peas onto a cart. “They really came through. This is great.”
“We’ve been so low, we’ve been purchasing food the past few weeks, spending about $1,000 a week.” Cash donations were also handed over during Tuesday night’s event. About $300 had been collected by 8:15 p.m. according to Mortinger.
“This looks like Christmas, a yummy Christmas,” said volunteer McKenzie Hoover, HHS DECA junior, as she sat in the midst of a huge pile of donated foods.
Twenty-seven groups of local volunteers canvassed the town, bringing in bags and boxes filled with everything from peanut butter to cereal donated by Hays residents. Then the DECA students and other volunteers at CAC unpacked and sorted it all. “I won’t have to lift weights tomorrow,” joked one DECA member as he unloaded a cart.
McKenzie Hoover, HHS DECA junior, was working the food drive for the first time. “This looks like Christmas, a yummy Christmas!,” Hoover remarked while sitting in the midst of a huge pile of donated goods .
CAC volunteers Barbara Basinger and Bob Berens
Two regular CAC volunteers, Barbara Basinger and Bob Berens, got a head start. They distributed notices about the food drive to 39 local businesses and then went back to retrieve the goods donated at those locations. “We got more than 500 items before today,” Basinger said as the pair volunteered again Tuesday night to sort and count cans.
Low-income Ellis County families can receive a week’s worth of food six times a year.
Non-perishable foods and cash may still be donated to the Community Assistance Center through Oct. 31. For more information, call the CAC at (785) 625-9110.
HHS DECA members help unload donations brought to the CAC.
The Hays Public Library recently added two new librarians to its staff: Samantha Dean and Vera Haynes.
Samantha Dean is the new adult librarian. She originally hails from Mankato, but moved to Hays in 2012 to attend FHSU where she received both a bachelor’s and master’s in history. Dean frequently visited the library as a student
“I utilized the library’s resources and was impressed by the facility, collection and staff. I really wanted to be a part of the library in some way,” she said.
“Hays has such a rich history and sense of pride,” Dean added. “I think the library has a great connection to the city and offers a vast number of resources for the public’s use.”
Once she orients herself to the library’s daily processes, Dean plans to reach out to the community as well as other departments.
“I would like to do more programming that will attract adults of all ages – from college to retirement, as well as collaborate with other library departments,” she said. “I really want to help better the library!”
Vera Haynes is the new young adult librarian. She comes to us from Columbia, Mo., where she received her bachelor’s in communication from the University of Missouri. Being new to the community isn’t keeping her from exploring Hays.
“The Fall Art Walk and Oktoberfest were so much fun and really well attended. It’s amazing to live in a community that unites around events like that,” she said.
As for her impression of the library so far, Haynes said “I love the atmosphere of the library’s second floor. There’s a huge focus on serving the young adults and children first. The patrons are my favorite thing about the library so far! They’ve already been so welcoming.”
Haynes also brings some new skills to the library.
“I’m conversationally fluent in American Sign Language — and I love to play the ukulele,” she said.
Fort Hays State moved into the D2Football.com Top 25 Poll for the first time in program history on Tuesday (Oct. 11). The Tigers are ranked No. 23 in the latest poll. The D2Football.com poll is a supplemental poll generated by writers that are dedicated to covering NCAA Division II Football. The AFCA Poll released eachMonday is the official Division II poll for national rankings.
Fort Hays State is one of four teams referenced in this week’s poll. Northwest Missouri State is No. 1 in the nation to match its AFCA Poll national ranking. Emporia State is No. 7 in the D2Football.com Poll, while ranking No. 12 in the AFCA Poll. Central Missouri is No. 15, but is behind FHSU in the receiving votes section of the AFCA Poll. FHSU is the second-highest team in the receiving votes section of the AFCA Poll released on Monday (Oct. 10).
Fort Hays State (5-1 overall) heads to Washburn this weekend and currently sits in a tie with Emporia State in the MIAA standings for second place. Both are looking to chase down Northwest Missouri State, which is the only unbeaten team remaining in the MIAA.
Below is the D2Football.com Poll for October 11, 2016.
Phillip Smith-HanesBy JONATHAN ZWEYGARDT Hays Post
A proposed merger of Ellis and Barton County Kansas State Extension districts took another step forward Monday with a resolution approved by the Ellis County Commission.
Earlier this year, the commission directed Ellis County Administrator Phillip Smith-Hanes to begin talking with Barton County about creating an Extension district made up of the two counties. In a joint meeting in Great Bend on June 6, the two commissions agreed to move forward with the proposed merger and get the public’s input.
The resolution approved Monday night by the Ellis County Commission begins the process of merging the Extension offices.
According to Smith-Hanes, the resolution will be published in the newspaper of record and then there will be a 60-day period where people could oppose the merger. Smith-Hanes said if none opposes the merger — and Barton County approves it, as well — they will move forward to form the district.
Smith-Hanes said in his memo to commissioners Monday both commissions would then have to appoint an executive board for the Extension district. An operational agreement would then be drafted by the commissions, the director of Extension and Kansas State University and the Attorney General. When that agreement is adopted, the district would be officially formed on July 1, 2017.
Ellis County has budgeted approximately $256,000 for the Extension Council in 2017. According to Smith-Hanes, if the consolidated district is formed, the district would have independent taxing authority beginning in 2018.
The proposed merger would not reduce staff or services for either office. Instead, joining forces would allow agents to focus on more specialized areas.
There are currently 16 other combined Extension districts throughout Kansas, including the Midway District comprised of Ellsworth and Russell counties, the Walnut District made of Rush, Ness and Lane counties and Logan, Gove and Trego Counties form the Golden Prairie District.
In other business, after an executive session, the commission authorized County Counselor Bill Jeter to bid on five properties that are up for auction on the county tax foreclosure sale on Oct. 26.
Smith-Hanes said the properties have improvements on them and the bids by Jeter are what the property owners owes in taxes, and county officials hope someone will submit a higher bid so the county can recoup the tax money. He also said if they end up high bidder on the properties, they believe they can resell them for a profit.
The county will bid on the following properties:
Track 6 – 403 E 13th – $14,910.13
Track 7 – 2390 E 27th – $54,147.35
Track 13 – 516 E 7th – $5,896.25
Track 16 – 508 W 17th – $12,088.00
Track 20 – 413 W 15th – $5,846.4
The commission also approved a contract for the 2016 road striping project for no more than $60,000.
Commissioners also approved a contract with Kirkham, Michael and Associates of Ellsworth for $17,487. The engineering firm will inspect 201 bridges for Ellis County. They will also inspect bridges in Hays and Ellis.
The Ellis County Public Works department will place stop signs on Feedlot Road at the intersection of Toulon Avenue after the commission approved a resolution Monday. The Ellis County Sheriff’s Department had requested the change because of the number of accidents at the intersection.
Alzheimer’s is a disease that affects millions worldwide — many right here in our own community. Over the weekend, the Hays Walk to End Alzheimer’s took place at Big Creek Crossing, 2918 Vine.
“We were so excited with how it went. We had so much spirit here today,” said Jenny Leiker, co-chair of the Hays Walk to End Alzheimer’s.
Group of walkers walk alongside Big Creek Crossing
More than 300 people showed up to help bring awareness and help raise money for Alzheimer’s.
The more than 300 is a new record of attendees, according to Leiker. Those in attendance were able to raise more than $21,000.
“When you have the whole community behind you, it’s just such an amazing support to stand on,” Leiker said. “We all have the same goal.”
The money raised comes up short of the target goal that was set by the Alzheimer’s Association, but donations are still being accepted.
“We still accept money through the end of November and the money from the crawl goes to our goal as well, so I am still hopeful that we will reach our goal,” Leiker said.
The Crawl to End Alz — a pub crawl — will be Oct. 29. All the proceeds from that event goes to the Alzheimer’s Association. The event is held in conjunction with the walk, and more information can be found here.
The walk event started with a touching introduction by co-chair Josh Clinkscales on why he walks.
Clinkscales works at Clinkscales Elder Law Practice in Hays. He mentioned they get many elderly clients who come in, but. of late. they are seeing more and more of those suffering from Alzheimer’s.
“We can write up a will, handle the estate, or help you protect your assets, but we can’t cure them — and that’s why I walk,” Clinkscales said.
Flowers from the Promise Garden
The ceremonies began at 11:15 a.m. when Leiker led the group of walkers out of the open space in Big Creek Crossing toward Vine Street for the planting of the promise garden.
“That was really a special part of what we did today. It’s my favorite part that we do,” she said.
From there, walkers marched on their 2-mile journey as a part of the event.
The walk started along busy Vine Street. Leiker said last month she wanted the walk to take place along Vine so people could see what was taking place to help bring further awareness for the disease.
Many drivers drove by and waved at the walkers in purple in approval of what was taking place.
After the walk, all the walkers gathered inside Big Creek Crossing for bierocks and waited to see if their name would be called for one of the many prizes.
“We are so blessed to have the community of businesses behind us, as well,” Leiker said.
Many prizes were available for those participants.
“Everyone was excited about the Brown’s Shoe Fit, somebody can go in there and get any pair of athletic shoes they want,” Leiker said. “Crawford came through with a Traeger for us which was the first year for that.”
Walmart and Nex-Tech were some other businesses who helped contribute to the general prizes, but the list goes on, noted Leiker.
“We could not of done this event without these donations,” Leiker said.
To make a donation to the Alzheimer’s Association, click here.
Unwanted items awaiting pickup during the Annual Alley Cleanup.
By BECKY KISER Hays Post
They say one man’s trash is another man’s treasure. Sometimes, it’s just junk, and a lot of it.
“When we started the Alley Cleanup, we collected 1.5 million pounds of stuff,” recalled Marvin Honas, Hays Solid Waste Superintendent. “The past three years, the collection has averaged between 700,000 to 800,000 pounds.”
The city of Hays wants to keep junk out of the alleys and is again offering the free Annual Alley Cleanup to residential refuse customers starting Mon., Oct. 24.
Unwanted items not normally collected by the city should be put out before Oct. 24. To make sure no treasures are accidentally picked up with the junk, “label what you want to keep, or better yet, put it in your back yard or somewhere until alley cleanup is over with,” Honas advised.
City workers will make one sweep through town to collect the discard piles, starting with curbside customers. “That way it won’t sit out at the curb very long because it normally takes us seven or eight days to complete the cleanup,” he explained. “It usually just takes a day, a day and a half to finish curbside.” Once the curbside collection is done, crews will move into the alleys.
There isn’t much the city won’t take–just trees, tires and hazardous waste. Trees and tires should be taken to the Ellis Co. Landfill while hazardous waste, such as batteries and paint, should go to the nearby Household Hazardous Waste Facility. There is no charge to Ellis County residents to dispose of trees or hazardous waste. Both locations, 1515 W. 55th St., are open Monday-Saturday, 8 a.m.-6 p.m. More information is available by calling the Ellis Co. Landfill at (785) 628-9460 or the Ellis Co. HHW Facility at (785) 628-9449.
Residents are asked to sort their discards into four distinct piles. “Makes it handier. From day to day, we don’t always have the same number of people working the cleanup. It depends on absenteeism and the job requirements, ” Honas said.
SEPARATE UNWANTED ITEMS INTO FOUR PILES:
TREE LIMBS AND BRUSH--No longer than 12 feet in length or 6 inches in diameter
CONSTRUCTION AND DEMOLITION DEBRIS–Lumber, drywall, bricks, sinks, wires. etc. Pull or bend over nails and place small quantities of concrete, bricks and plaster in containers.
WHITE GOODS/METALS--Guttering, siding, washing machines, dryers, refrigerators, metal swing sets, etc.
MUNICIPAL WASTE–All other items such as furniture, carpet, TVs, computers, bagged garden/yard waste, etc.
The regular trash and recycle collection schedule will not be altered during the alley cleanup.
According to Honas, the annual alley cleanup and the city’s free compost site get the most positive feedback from Hays residents. “Please help us keep our alleys clean. It’s a good way to get rid of stuff not normally collected, and it’s free,” he added.
More information is available by calling the Hays Solid Waste Division at (785)-628-7350.
Partnership with Eagle Communications puts Hays on the Road to the White House Tour
WASHINGTON – C-SPAN’s award-winning, 45-foot customized Bus will visit Hays High School on Wednesday, Oct. 12, from 9 to 11:30 a.m. The C-SPAN Campaign 2016 Bus visits schools, universities and political events across the country to engage students, educators, civic leaders and the community through on-board multimedia technology that showcases C-SPAN’s programming and resources dedicated to showing the American political process.
Through interactive exhibits, visitors will learn about the public affairs network’s in-depth coverage of the U.S. Congress, White House, federal courts, and its signature political program, “Road to the White House,” which provides access to all of the Campaign 2016 presidential candidates and their events from the campaign trail, all without editing, commentary, or analysis. C-SPAN representatives will also gather visitor responses on this year’s election to share via social media as part of its C-SPAN “Voices from the Road.” (#cspanvoices)
“In this unprecedented election season, C-SPAN’s ‘Road to the White House’ gives you a front row seat, unlike any other, to Campaign 2016,” said Steve Scully, C-SPAN’s senior executive producer and political editor. “C-SPAN’s footage takes you from the campaign announcements, to the town hall meetings and rallies, as well as the policy speeches, party conventions, and now the upcoming presidential debates — giving viewers the absolute best coverage on what the candidates are saying and how this historic race is unfolding along the campaign trail.”
In Hays, C-SPAN programming is provided by Eagle Communications on channel 19 as a commercial-free public service, and C-SPAN2 on channel 91. All funding for C-SPAN operations, including Bus visits, is provided by local TV providers.
“Eagle Communications is proud to partner with C-SPAN to bring the C-SPAN Campaign 2016 Bus to Hays, Kansas” said Elizabeth Jaeger, Director of Marketing. “Eagle is dedicated to sharing educational opportunities with our community and values the programming and resources that C-SPAN offers. We hope to be a part of encouraging another generation of young people to be informed and to be heard. The visit is especially exciting during an election year, and we hope students leave inspired and ready to vote.”
Civics and government educators will also learn about C-SPAN’s free comprehensive online educational resources including C-SPAN.org, C-SPAN Classroom, and C-SPAN’s nationwide documentary contest, StudentCam, open to students in grades 6-12.
StudentCam encourages middle and high school students to think critically about issues that affect our communities and nation. This year, students are being asked to create a 5-7 minute documentary on this year’s theme, “Your Message to Washington: What is the most urgent issue for the new President and Congress to address in 2017?”
Visitors to the Campaign 2016 Bus will experience the following through engagement with C-SPAN representatives and on-board interactive technology:
• Campaign 2016 App populated with candidate video from the campaign trail
• In-depth public affairs programming and educational resources
• Touch-screen quizzes on C-SPAN and the three branches of government
• Mobile devices demonstrating C-SPAN resources on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Snapchat, YouTube, and mobile apps
• HD cameras and production equipment capable of producing public affairs programming aboard the Bus
The Ellis County Ministerial Alliance and Hays Area Chamber of Commerce are teaming up to host the 25th annual Festival of Faith, set to begin Sunday from 3 to 4 p.m. in Beach-Schmidt Performing Arts Center on the campus of Fort Hays State University.
This will be the 25th year that the community has gathered to share their faith in Jesus and unify together as Christians — regardless of denomination.
“This is a multi-denomination effort to bring everyone together to show that we worship the same Jesus and that we are united,” said Tammy Wellbrock, chamber executive director and co-chair of the Festival of Faith. “We want to bring all the sectors of life together for the Christian faith.”
Six hundred people are expected to be present at the event, said Wellbrock, noting many people travel to the event from throughout northwest Kansas.
“We’ll get many people that travel in from outside of Hays for this event,” she said.
In its 25th year, the festival’s focus is on the “past, present and future.” During the first year of the event, the Hays area was going through a terrible drought, and those present offered prayers for rain. Shortly after, that rain came and the drought ended for the Hays area.
During the Festival of Faith this year, participants will be remembering what all has been accomplished in the community through a historical video that will pay tribute to the past.
“This is about looking at what has been accomplished for the faith foundation of this community,” Wellbrock said.
The Festival of Faith will not be your typical church setting, she added, noting different Christian beliefs will be incorporated into the event.
This year, instead of having special guest speakers, the festival will feature local church representatives offering uplifting prayers. The historical video is taking the place of the guest speakers, noted Wellbrock.
“Each denomination will have a prayer representative,” she said. “There is a committee of 10-plus volunteers of all different faiths, but Christian faith.
“The prayers will be geared towards helping to the community and those who work in the community.”
Music again will play an important part of the festival. Much like the prayers, the music played will reflect the different Christian churches present.
“We are all united in our faith and that is what this event is about, to bring us all together for the same cause,” Wellbrock said.
An offering will be collected to help benefit the Ellis County Ministerial Alliance Second Mile Fund. The Second Mile Fund provides assistance to the needy in the community. Nonperishable food items also are encouraged.
Eagle TV will rebroadcast the event in its entirety on Ch. 14 and 614. Check Hays Post for air times.
It was the StudentCam competition that really caught the attention of the Hays High beginning video/audio students.
