By J.P. MICHAUD
Entomologist, KSU Agricultural Research Center

Producers in southern Kansas should start scouting their grain sorghum fields for the sugarcane aphid. As of last week, this relatively new pest had spread quickly from Texas into the northern Oklahoma counties of Noble, Kay, and Grant. This means the aphid was on the Oklahoma-Kansas state line last week. It is very possible that the aphids have already moved northward into Kansas. Sustained southerly winds will make their arrival a virtual certainty.

The sugarcane aphid, Melanaphis sacchari, has been in the U.S. for quite a while as a minor pest of sugarcane in Florida and Louisiana. But in 2013 it suddenly began infesting sorghum fields and Johnsongrass in southern states. It has been confirmed in 12 southern states so far, and is likely to be confirmed in more states in the near future.

Much of what is known about this new pest comes from the southern states affected so far. A good publication is Sugarcane Aphid, a New Pest on Grain Sorghum in Arkansas from University of Arkansas Extension.

This aphid begins its infestation on the underside of sorghum leaves, multiplies rapidly, then moves onto other parts of the plant. The first thing you may notice is a glossy coating of a sticky honeydew on the leaves. Sooty mold can begin growing on this honeydew, which is the excrement of the aphids, and this black film on the leaves can reduce photosynthesis.

Entomologists and agronomists in southern states have found that a heavy infestation of the sugarcane aphid can kill grain sorghum plants or reduce or prevent head emergence, depending on the timing of the infestation. The aphids can also reduce grain size and grain quality. The bottom line is that this aphid can both reduce yields and lead to late-season lodging by killing plants prematurely. There can also be serious problems harvesting grain when aphids have feeding in the panicle during grain fill.

Effective control of sugarcane aphids in sorghum requires timely treatment of the aphid population before colonies become too large. To estimate the number of sugarcane aphids in a field and whether they require treatment, use the following sampling protocol:
• Once a week, walk 25 feet into the field and examine plants along 50 feet of row.
• If honeydew is present, look for sugarcane aphids on the underside of leaves above the honeydew.
• Inspect the underside of 2 leaves, one upper leaf and one lower leaf, from each of 15-20 plants per location.
• Sample each side of the field as well as sites near Johnsongrass and tall mutant plants.
• Check at least four locations per field for a total of 60-80 plants.

If no sugarcane aphids are present, or only a few wingless/winged aphids are on upper leaves, continue once-a-week scouting.

If sugarcane aphids are found on lower or mid-canopy leaves, begin twice-a-week scouting.

If the field average sugarcane aphid infestation is 50-125 aphids or more per leaf, apply an insecticide within 4 days and evaluate control after 3-4 days. Consider treatment at 50 aphids per leaf if the field will be scouted just once a week. Due to a very high rate of reproduction on susceptible sorghums, this aphid can build populations rapidly, and a small infestation can get out of control in less than a week.

If the sugarcane aphid is found, but the population level is below the threshold, continue scouting twice a week. It is important not to spray before threshold is reached, as this will provide an opportunity for aphid predators to control the population naturally, and also to increase their numbers. There is also the risk that, by spraying too early, additional applications may be required and the grower can run into limits on repeated applications of the more effective products.

Many insecticides labeled for use against aphids have proven largely ineffective for control of sugarcane aphids, but there are exceptions. Kansas has received “section 18” emergency registration for Transform (Dow Agrosciences) and Sivanto (Bayer Cropscience). Both are highly systemic within the plant, have translaminar activity (they can kill an aphid on the opposing side of the leaf), and have been proven effective for controlling sugarcane aphid provided they are properly applied.

This requires ground application in a large volume of water (10-20 gal/acre), preferably using drop nozzles. There is a limit of 2 applications of Transform on the same field in one year. Note also that aphids may require up to 48 hours to die, but this material has proven very effective and, significantly, quite safe for most aphid predators. Even so, continued weekly scouting is advised until grain is filled, as reinfestation can occur if winged aphids are still flying.

By JAMES BELL
Hays Post

Refine, 115 W. 10th, officially opened for business Saturday, but while shoppers will get a unique experience, they will also see something familiar.

“We have a lot of great stores in downtown Hays and throughout Hays,” said Brianne Sultzer, co-owner, “but this brings in a whole new atmosphere.”

The idea behind the shop was to bring something to Hays that isn’t currently offered.

“Big-city shopping in a small-city atmosphere,” she said. “That was my whole goal all along.”

While the shop is new, Sultzer has a long history in the industry and knows the local clientele.

Her mother and co-owner of Refine – Tonya Staab – currently operates Mam’Zelles, 2512 Vine.

“I started the business with my mother, we’re partnering together,” Sultzer said. “She has owned Mam’Zelles for a little under 30 years, and I’ve grown up with it my whole life.”

But shop ownership isn’t limited to just two generations.

“My grandmother and her started that business, so it’s been kind of grown into me,” Sultzer said.

Opening the new shop wasn’t a quick process either, as Sultzer had been looking for the right location to open at the right time.

“I’ve been putting things together for the last couple of years,” she said.

Hays photographer Leon Staab was the previous tenant of the building, but hadn’t been working out of the location, according to Sultzer.

“We always really loved the building and I liked the location and we just kind of went to him and asked him ‘What are your thoughts?’ — and he was all for it,” she said.

He helped Sultzer keep the look in the building, with only minor adjustments made.

“The limestone all was here. We just did an all new front facade, new windows, new paint,” she said. “Pretty much the interior we kept the same except little touches like lighting.”

With the location Sultzer hopes to bring something to Hays akin to larger cities, bringing in items that can’t be found anywhere else.

“I’d always wanted something that was more unique and more like a big-city style boutique,” she said. “I’ve always liked that idea and Hays didn’t have anything like that.”

A big part of setting up the shop included finding the right collections to offer customers.

“As far as clothing we carry favorite lines,” Sultzer said. “Not only clothing but everything else they would like too.”

And with the recent opening, the shop is receiving new items frequently and, as the year draws to a close, the shop will continue to offer something new to Hays.

“We have a lot of fun holiday stuff coming in,” she said.

“I’m excited,” Sultzer said. “It’s gonna be awesome.”

The location is open from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday to Friday and 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday.

By JAMES BELL
Hays Post

In a light meeting, the Hays USD 489 Board of Education heard reports Monday night on budget and facilities maintenance that could be supported by a bond issue in the future.

Before getting into the nuts and bolts of the budget, the superintendent’s report addressed initial problems with elementary school enrollment last week, saying it was progressing well.

“I thought it would be a bigger mess than it was,” said superintendent Dean Katt.

Online enrollment would not let users log on during the first day of enrollment, but a workaround was quickly identified.

Users were enrolling online by the afternoon of the first day and enrollment was available at the schools almost immediately.

Shanna Dinkel, director of curriculum,  addressed the same issue late in the meeting, noting parents with children to be processed in the middle school and high school enrollment should have already received a code to allow access to the online system.

In the first matter of new business, board members heard a budget report from Tracy Kaiser, executive director of finance and support services.

The board addressed a few specific budget lines within the document that seemed substantially higher than previous years.

When questioned, Kaiser explained due to the block funding system established by Kansas for this upcoming year and the way funding is now allocated to the district made those numbers look higher than the most likely will be.

The budget reflects the amount the district has the budget authority to spend, but will likely spending will be in line with previous years, saving a district emergency, such as damage from a severe storm or other major catastrophe.

The budget as outlined ”in some way (are) just keeping us on an even keel,” board member Paul Adams noted.

The board approved the budget hearing, which is scheduled for 6:30 p.m. Aug. 17 in the Toepfer Board Room in the Rockwell Administration Center, 323 W. 12th. Interested parties can view the budget information at the Rockwell Center prior to the meeting.

The board also heard initial reports from HTK Architects on a bond issue proposed to fund repair and upgrade of facilities throughout the district.

The report broke down each district facility and by needs and wants, but the process is far from a complete.

The board will continue to look at the plan and adjust as needed going forward.

In the meantime, with the closure and repurposing of Washington Elementary, the plan will need changed before HTK can dial in the expected cost of the complete project, which will keep facilities in the district current for an expected 20 some years.

HTK representative Zach Snethen said the update was intended to keep the board informed of the state of the facilities as they continue looking forward.

While there are some issues plaguing the district currently, like a lack of sufficient space in storm shelters, an auditorium that often overflows, and equipment that has hit the limit of its effective life – causing repairs to be difficult – the bond issue that would potentially fund the maintenance is likely quite a way down the road.

The current plan would include over $100 million in needed maintenance.

“Yeah, it’s a big number,” Snethen said.

The budget can be found here.

COLBY — Residents in or near northwest Kansas are encouraged to register now to reserve a space at the upcoming “Ideas Into Action” workshop, a free event happening in Colby on Wednesday, August 12, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., at the Colby Community Building.

Organized by the Kansas Rural Center, this non-partisan workshop aims to inspire and activate public action around issues that matter to the Kansans who attend. Lunch is included and will be provided by the High Plains Food Co-op.

A detailed agenda and registration information for this event is available HERE.

This Colby event is one of four workshops in KRC’s Feeding Kansas: Ideas Into Action series. Each workshop will feature presentations and an opportunity to dialogue with guest speakers working on the frontlines of positive change, for the good of the Kansas food system. After a wholesome lunch, several concurrent sessions will provide participants with strategic advocacy tools and tactics for raising awareness and creating change around the issues that matter to them.

Morning presentations and panelists include:
• Nadine Sigel, Community Vitality Specialist at K-State Extension, and Chris Sramek, agricultural meteorologist and a V.P. with the High Plains Food Coop – to provide an overview of the healthy food access environment in northwest Kansas and share stories and lessons learned from their work pioneering the development of a multi-county food and wellness council;
• Sena. Tom Hawk, Colby native and lead author of the Local Food and Farm Task Force Bill – to discuss the Task Force and how the public can get involved in shaping its recommendations to the Legislature;
• Cole Cottin, Kansas Rural Center – to discuss the goals outlined in KRC’s Feeding Kansas report and how participants can help make those goals a reality this year, and beyond. A summary of the report will be provided.

The full report can be found at: kansasruralcenter.org/Feeding-Kansas.

Afternoon concurrent sessions include:
• How to Have a Voice in Politics: Leveraging Local Coalitions to Bring about Change – Missty Lechner of the Kansas Alliance for Wellness will share information on what it takes to pull together a task force or council to empower community members to shape local policy. Participants will then be supported by Missty, KRC staff, and others in the room, as they brainstorm how to cultivate or strengthen coalitions in their own unique location and situation.
Strategic Communication with Decision-Makers – Participants will learn to identify which decision-maker(s) have power to change a particular issue, and how best to approach the target decision-maker(s) to persuade them towards their cause. Senator Tom Hawk and County Commissioner Paul Steel will be present to share their perspective as insiders. (Other policymakers are encouraged to attend!)
• Communicating with the Media – Editor Kevin Bottrell, Goodland Star News, will guide participants through major points of communicating with reporters so that the intended message comes across clearly. Participants will receive information on how to get the media to cover an important issue or event, tips for writing an impactful “op-ed”, and more.

Other “Ideas Into Action” workshops being held across Kansas this year include:
• Dodge City – August 13 at the Western State Bank Expo Center,
• El Dorado – September 23 at the El Dorado Civic Center, and
• Manhattan – September 24 at the Manhattan Public Library.

Questions about KRC’s “Ideas Into Action” workshop series can be directed towards Natalie Fullerton, KRC Program Director, at [email protected] or (866) 579-5469.

The mission of KRC, founded in 1979, is to promote the long-term health of the land and its people through community-based research, education, and advocacy that advances an economically viable, ecologically sound, and socially just food and farming system in Kansas. For more information, visit kansasruralcenter.org.

By BECKY KISER
Hays Post

A three year grant awarded to the Pawnee County Health Department by the Kansas Health Foundation as part of the Kansas Breastfeeding Initiative will also benefit Ellis, Rooks, Rush, Russell and Trego counties.

The Lactation Assistance Access in all Counties Taking Action (LAACT-Action) will address the need to increase breastfeeding rates in Kansas by providing professional breastfeeding support to expectant women through prenatal breastfeeding classes and support to breastfeeding mothers after delivery.

Public health departments in 20 counties have agreed to assist in linking physician-referred women to an International Board Certified Lactation Consultant (IBCLC) in their area.

Monique Holmes, a Hays mother of five children and La Leche League leader for nearly 16 years, is the IBCLC for the local area. The Region 3 classes and services are scheduled to start no later than January 2017. Two other regions will start in January 2016.

“Kansas actually has one of the lower breastfeeding rates in the United States,” Holmes said.

The 2014 Centers for Disease Control (CDC) Breastfeeding Report Card reports just 11.4 percent of Kansas mothers are exclusively breastfeeding at six months, ranking 48th out of 50 states.

“It’s kind of strange,” she added, “because Kansas also has one of the highest IBCLC rates per capita but they are not being utilized.” The national average for the number of IBCLCs per 1,000 live births is 3.48; Kansas is at 3.76.

“This is actually a public health initiative,” Holmes explained.  “With the ‘blanket’ of the public health departments, we are able to utilize IBCLCs’ expertise in providing services to the residents in the 20 counties.  The end goal is for the whole community to be more healthy and one of the best ways we can start that is through breast feeding.  Not only is it important for babies there are important health benefits for mothers as well.”

Holmes listed several advantages of breastfeeding.

“Babies develop immunities through breast milk as antibodies are passed from the mother to the child, reduced risk of obesity in children,  better oral and facial development, and less chance of orthodonture work.

“For the moms, there’s lower risk of certain types of cancer, including breast cancer.  After delivery it can help reduce the risk of bleeding.  It can also help us get back to our pre-pregnancy weight,” she said.

Breastfeeding is good for the community as well, contends Holmes.

“There’s less trash.  It’s ‘green,’ should we say,” she laughed.

According to Holmes, sustainability of the project will be built upon with financing strategies for breastfeeding support under the national Affordable Care Act.  The recent Preventative Services rule change allows insurance reimbursement for non-licensed health workers who provide a preventive service upon referral from a licensed health care provider.

Dr. Jenny Manry, associate professor and coordinator of advanced practice in the Fort Hays State University nursing department, as well as a family nurse practitioner in Larned, will serve as data analyst for the grant.

“It’s a really great opportunity for moms to get the support they need in order to breastfeed.  It is natural and babies are ‘hardwired’ to breastfeed so we think it may be an easy process, but there are a lot of myths out there and some ‘old wives tales,'” Holmes acknowledged.  “So it’s really important to get good information from somebody knowledgeable in lactation. It’s a great opportunity for us to create an ideal continuum of breastfeeding care all the way from prenatally through weaning.”

Holmes anticipates the Hays/Region 3 program will start sooner than scheduled and encourages women to contact their doctor or public health office for more information.

Hays public safety officials are on the scene of an incident near 13th and Commerce, where a pickup left the roadway, struck a parked truck and proceeded to hit a garage.

According to reports from the scene, a truck left the roadway and struck a parked pickup, which was pushed into a fence. The first truck then struck a garage at the residence. It was unclear if there were injuries, although officials said the driver of the first truck was transported to Hays Medical Center.

Check Hays Post for more as details become available.

 

FHSU University Relations and Marketing

One of the most popular Biblical stories turned into a musical, a reimagined classic and a legendary orchestra headline the 2015-2016 season of the Encore Performing Arts Series at Fort Hays State University.

“For the past 35 years, the Encore Series has been the cultural gem of the plains,” said Vincent Bowhay, chair of the Special Events Committee.

“This is going to be a season to remember,” he said. “Patrons can again expect New York City-caliber performances right here on the Beach/Schmidt Performing Arts Center stage. Also, patrons should plan to purchase season tickets this year, as several individual shows will sell out.”

Bowhay said this year’s series has a show for all audiences. The season will open with “Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat.” The musical, composed by Andrew Lloyd Weber, is based on the “coat of many colors” story of Joseph from the Bible’s book of Genesis. Additional shows include “The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes,” The Legendary Count Basie Orchestra, and “Annie.”

All performances for the 2015-2016 season start at 7:30 p.m. and are in the Beach/Schmidt Performing Arts Center in Sheridan Hall on the FHSU campus.

“Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat,” Tuesday, Sept. 22.
This production is a family musical about the trials and triumphs of Joseph, Israel’s favorite son. Retelling the Biblical story of Joseph, his 11 brothers and the coat of many colors, this magical musical is full of unforgettable songs including “Those Canaan Days,” “Any Dream Will Do” and “Close Every Door.” This performance is sponsored by Nex-Tech.

Aquila Theatre Company Presents: “The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes,” Wednesday, Oct. 28.
The legendary sleuth Sherlock Holmes takes the stage in this witty, fast-paced production by the Aquila Theatre. Holmes skillfully maneuvers the twisted web of London’s most intriguing cases with his split-second deductions revealing intimate and useful details of a person’s life. “The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes” is sponsored by ABC Seamless Siding.

Mark O’Connor & Friends: “An Appalachian Christmas,” Wednesday, Dec. 2.
Multiple Grammy Award-winning violinist Mark O’Connor is joined by his band for an unforgettable evening of music from his album “An Appalachian Christmas.” This event is sponsored by the FHSU Foundation.

Cirque Zuma Zuma, Friday, Feb. 26, 2016
Audiences and critics agree that Cirque Zuma Zuma is unlike anything they have ever seen before. Many describe it as African-style Cirque du Soleil. Cirque Zuma Zuma is packed with action and features that keep audiences on the edge of their seats, which is why they were recently featured on “America’s Got Talent.” This event is sponsored by Todd and Andrea Sandoval.

The Legendary Count Basie Orchestra Directed by Scotty Barnhart, Monday, March 7, 2016
William Count Basie started the Count Basie Orchestra in 1935 in Kansas City, Mo. Within a year, America was listening in on popular radio shows throughout the country to hear what would become “the swingingest band in all the land.” The Count Basie Orchestra has won 17 Grammy Awards, more than any other big band in jazz. This appearance is sponsored by Auto World Used Cars – Dick and Kay Werth.

Robot Planet Rising: “An Intergalactic Nemesis Live Action Graphic Novel,” Wednesday, March 23, 2016
Last season, the Encore Series presented a whole new form of theatre, the Live-Action Graphic Novel, with “The Intergalactic Nemesis: Target Earth.” This year will bring the sequel: “Robot Planet Rising.” Three actors voice the dozens of characters, a Foley artist creates all the sound effects and a pianist plays a cinematic score while more than 1,250 individual full-color, hi-resolution comic book panels tell a hilarious sci-fi adventure visually on an enormous movie screen. This event is sponsored by Chartwells.

“The River:” ETHEL with Robert Mirabal, Wednesday, April 6, 2016
Continuing a deeply successful six-year collaboration inspired by ceremonies dedicated to the sun, ETHEL and Robert Mirabal, Native American musician, instrument builder and three time Grammy Award winner, present their next evolution of this cross-cultural concert experience. The inspiration this time is water as the embodiment of spirit and its essential role in life on Earth. This performance is sponsored by High Plains Public Radio.

“Annie,” Wednesday, April 20, 2016
This beloved musical is directed by original lyricist and director Martin Charnin and choreographed by Liza Gennaro. This “Annie” is a brand new incarnation of the iconic original, including such unforgettable songs as “It’s the Hard Knock Life,” “Easy Street” and “I Don’t Need Anything But You,” plus the eternal anthem of optimism “Tomorrow.” “Annie” is sponsored by Cedar Lodge Dental Group.

Season tickets for the 2015-2016 Encore Performing Arts Series are now on sale. FHSU students, senior citizens and youth all receive discounts.

For more information call the Memorial Union Student Service Center at (785) 628-5306 or visit www.fhsu.edu/encore.

About the Special Events Committee and the University Activities Board:
Through the presentation of varied forms of performing arts, the Special Events Committee through its Encore Series and other presentations strives to educate, inspire, evoke thought and entertain. The goal is to promote artistic expression, cultural understanding and social awareness at Fort Hays State University and throughout western Kansas through the presentation of diverse, high-caliber performing arts programs.

Many special events, such as the Encore Series and the Sebelius Lecture Series, are large in scale and have associated costs. Information can be found at www.fhsu.edu/encore. For smaller university events designed almost exclusively for FHSU students, please visit the University Activities Board website at www.fhsu.edu/uab.

WICHITA — This weekend, an area team, The Blend 2022 — comprised of seven boys from Hays, two from Great Bend and one from Ellinwood — were in the MAYB D2 National Championship tournament in Wichita.

This division had 24 teams from Kansas, Missouri, Oklahoma, New Mexico, Arkansas, Nebraska and Wisconsin. The Blend 2022 team advanced to the championship game with wins over Bartlesville Bruins, Wichita Evolution, West Oklahoma Ravens, KC Blackout and Team Tulsa.

The championship game was a hard-fought game, going back and forth from beginning to end. The KCHD team from Missouri ended up with the win by a score of 47-42.

The Blend 2022 was coached by Seth Oakley.

 

HFD

At 2:45 a.m. Saturday, the Hays Fire Department, Hays Police Department and Ellis County EMS were dispatched to a structure fire at 701 Walnut.

Upon arrival, fire crews found heavy smoke conditions on the second floor of the home.  Fire crews had to break out windows on the second floor and apply water on the fire from the outside before making entry to completely extinguish the fire. One extra engine was dispatched from Ellis County Rural Fire Department for mutual aid.

Fire crews stayed on scene to check for fire extension and remove any carbon monoxide in the home. The home was turned back over to the tenants. The last fire unit left the scene at approximately 4:45 am.

A total of 22 fire fighters responded, staffing six fire trucks and support vehicles. No injuries were reported.

By JAMES BELL
Hays Post

Holliann Stramel, 24, Hays, was in court Friday afternoon on a second bond hearing stemming from a alleged hit-and-run accident that killed John Befort on July 18.

After failing to meet the requirements of her original bonded release, Ellis County Attorney Thomas Drees argued today that full-time tracking and alcohol monitoring be ordered and administered by Community Corrections.

Stramel’s attorney, Ian Clark of Wichita, was not opposed.

“I think she is going to comply to every order of this court,” he said. “I don’t think she is a public safety concern.”

Clark also said he felt she is not a flight risk, but her mother, Karen Stramel, testified in the proceeding that she felt otherwise.

“She has stated very clearly that she will not stay with me or her father,” Karen Stramel said. “I don’t want to be involved in this bond anymore.”

Stramel put up the original bond for her daughter through a local bondsman.

Despite Holliann Stramel’s original bond being forfeited after failing to appear last week, District Judge Glenn Braun ordered the bond be reinstated and Stramel monitored through SOBERLINK, which will notify law enforcement if she leaves Ellis County or consumes alcohol.

While Stramel waits to be processed through Community Corrections, she will remain in the custody of the Ellis County Sheriff. That processing may take until Thursday.

Braun warned Stramel that after her processing, she must comply with every order of the court, including travel restrictions, no drug or alcohol use and no contact of any kind – including intermediary or electronic means – with Trevor Calvin, who was also charged today with allegedly helping Stramel cover up the incident.

Stramel will be responsible for the $12 daily charge for the monitoring.

Charges Filed in Case Friday; Stramel Faces Over 11 Years Incarceration

Charges in the case were also filed today in the District Court.

Stramel is being charged on three counts: failure to stop and render aid at a fatality accident, concealing/altering evidence of a crime/interference with law enforcement, and vehicular homicide.

The first two counts are felonies in Kansas and the third is a Class A misdemeanor.

Under Kansas sentencing guidelines the three counts together carry a punishment of 38 to 129 months in a state penitentiary, fines up to $402,500 and up to a year in county jail.

The case will proceed with a preliminary hearing – in order to determine if there is probable cause in the case – to be set a later date.

Hays High School encourages all incoming ninth graders and other new students to New Student Orientation, Friday, Aug. 7.

From 1 p.m. to 4:15 p.m., ninth graders and other new students will enjoy an afternoon of information, activities and fun. With the assistance of Hays High staff and the student Leadership Team, incoming students will tour the building to locate their classes and participate in three breakout sessions.

Topics will include school success, student activities, athletics, and questions and answers. The afternoon will finish with T-shirts and ice cream.

Parents of all ninth graders and new students are invited to participate in a session designed just for them at 3:45 to 4:15 p.m. at Hays High.

For questions about the orientation, contact the HHS Counseling Office at (785) 623-2608.

 

 

Video by Ricky Kerr

By JAMES BELL
Hays Post

From skating to painting, 810 Main, formerly White Chocolate, is now home to Paint the Towne, offering paint parties — and the owners want everyone to know, in the Hays house party tradition, the business is exclusively BYOB.

“We have two locations open in Wichita. This is our first location outside of Wichita,” said Carly Miller, co-owner of Paint the Towne and Hays resident.

The business will be something unique to Hays for both children and adults.

The concept is simple, get people together and paint pictures as a part of any type of celebration.

“You get a group of friends together, you come on in, pick a painting in advance and then our instructor walks you through that painting step by step,” Miller said.

With their guided parties, the venue can be more than just an experience, it can also save time and give a location outside of the home where children and adults can have fun.

“We provide aprons, paper towels, everything needed to complete the painting,” Miller said.

After the hour-long painting session, time is also provided afterward for celebration, such as cake for children’s events or adult beverages for adult events.

“So they have plenty of time for party, leave the mess and then you go home with the painting,” Miller said. “We’ve been looking in Hays for a while now, just waiting to see what was available, see what came up and then this spot opened up, so I felt like we really needed to get on it because this is a really great spot in downtown.”

The business also will cater to singles or couples who want to join others to paint the image of the night or can travel for large groups.

“We do field trips and off-site parties,” said Jessie Sterling, co-owner. “Anything where you have a larger group and it would be easier to come to you.”

Prices for off-site events start at $8 per person, adult parties in-store start at $25 per person with a minimum of 10 participants, and children’s parties start at $15, with a minimum of 6.

Open parties are $20 to $35, depending on the night.

The owners are excited to become a staple of downtown Hays.

“It’s a really neat area downtown here. I really like it,” Sterling said.

The business is set to open next week, with reservations available after Aug. 6 on their website and the first open class being held Tuesday.

More on the business can be found on their Facebook page or website.