Kansas Roads Ranked #1

In the April 2010 edition of Readers Digest, a special report ranked the Best, Worst and Deadliest roads in the United States of America. Using the latest data from the Federal Highway Administration, Readers Digest coordinated this project to gather the analysis of data and calculations from several experts who factored in the conditions of the roads and bridges, safety, congestion, speeding and number of fatalities. Kansas was ranked #1 for having the Best Roads using the average of the rankings to determine the final scores. 

Drivers who use Interstate-70 through Kansas will find a well maintained and smooth road that provides a wide-open area of travel especially in the western half of the state. 
The rest stop facilities are situated approximately every 40 to 50 miles and are clean, well taken care of and make a convenient and comfortable stop off I-70. Highway crews do a very good job of maintaining the road, shoulders and median through-out the year with regularly scheduled mowing operations, repair and snow removal in the winter months.

Big city traffic congestion and crowded highways are two problems drivers won't have to worry about in Hays. Our community is centrally located in the middle of the United States at the intersection of Interstate 70 and U.S. Hwy 183 (exit 159). Visitors to Hays have easy access to lodging, restaurants, shopping and convenience stores on Vine Street (Hwy 183). Highway 183 north and south of Hays has recently been repaved and provides good access to Hays from other major east-west routes through Kansas (Highway 24, 36 and 56). 
 

New brochure promotes Ellis County as the German Capital of Kansas 

Hays, Kansas – The Ellis County Historical Society Museum received a shipment of 20 boxes of brochures today and their reaction could best be summed up in one word, "Wunderbar". The German definition for "wonderful" was a fitting way to describe the new brochure that was produced with the intent to promote all of the German attractions, events and historic churches in Ellis County. The museum received 10,000 copies of this new "German Capital of Kansas" brochure, and is now ready to distribute them.

On September 20, 2003, Ellis County was proclaimed the official "German Capital of Kansas" and a ceremony was held during the annual Midwest Deutsches Oktoberfest.  Local and state politicians as well as members of the various Ellis County German organizations attended. Two national German organizations also provided proclamations and certificates to endorse this deserving title for Ellis County.

Since that time, the Ellis County Historical Society Museum and the Hays Convention and Visitors Bureau felt the need to have a more comprehensive marketing piece to promote "Everything and Anything German" for Ellis County.  Instead of continuing to use out-dated literature, a variety of photo copied hand-outs or limited quantity brochures to try to help publicize the local German heritage, the museum decided to have an attractive 24 page German Capital of Kansas brochure printed.  The Volga German Society, Midwest Deutches Oktoberfest Association, Sunflower Chapter of the American Historical Society of Germans from Russia and the Bukovina Society Museum in Ellis assisted by providing information and photos for the brochure.  

Both the Ellis County Historical Society Museum and the Hays Convention and Visitors Bureau wanted to increase the exposure for the valuable resources of German historical collections at the museums and attractions.  These include the Volga German Haus, Bukovina Museum, the beautiful historic churches in each of communities and the cemeteries with the German crafted iron cross grave site markers. Probably the most important aspect of the German heritage of Ellis County are the various Oktoberfests, polka dances and German celebrations that help promote, preserve and pass on the local German heritage.  In an effort to have one comprehensive "German Capital of Kansas" brochure that includes information about the attractions and events, the museum produced this much needed marketing piece and plans to begin distributing the brochures immediately. 

This new brochure will be distributed locally through the Ellis County Historical Museum, the Hays Welcome Center and over 25 other brochure racks throughout Hays. Travelers throughout Kansas will also be able to pick up the brochure at 30 or more Visitor Information Centers in Kansas. Those looking to the internet for travel information are able to view and print off the brochure on several websites, including the museum website (www.elliscountyhistoricalmuseum.org), Hays Convention and Visitors Bureau (www.haysusa.net) Volga German website (www.volgagerman.net) and the Midwest Deutches Oktoberfest (www.midwestdeutschefest.com ).

Plans are to re-print the brochure each year because the dates for the festivals and events change from year to year and additional new advertisers can be included next year. Call or stop by the Ellis County Historical Society Museum to request a brochure. 785-628-2624

-- END - -

Click here to view brochure.
http://www.haysusa.com/2010_EllisCounty.pdf

Five Ellis County towns added to the Blue Skyways website

Hays Kansas – The small towns of Antonino, Catherine, Munjor, Pfeifer and Schoenchen in Ellis County now have some internet exposure. The popular website Blue Skyways – Kansas Towns, a service of the State Library of Kansas, recently added these five towns to their statewide listing of Kansas towns on the net. The site - http://skyways.lib.ks.us/towns lists over 350 Kansas towns and provides a web link for community websites.

The towns of Antonino, Catherine, Munjor, Pfeifer and Schoenchen haven't achieved a visible presence on the internet until just recently with the work of Kevin Rupp and Ruben Schuckman from Hays. Kevin is with the local Sunflower Chapter of the American Historical Society of Germans from Russia and maintains the website: www.volgagerman.net Ruben Schuckman is the Tourism Marketing Manager for the Hays Convention and Visitors Bureau and promotes the attractions and points of interest in Hays and Ellis County. Together they worked on researching all of the available resources currently out there on the internet for each of the communities and combining them into one site. Schuckman searched for links that could be added to the www.volgagerman.net website which already contained some historical information for each of the small communities in Ellis County. Kevin Rupp updated the Ellis County Volga German website and created new pages for Antonino, Catherine, Munjor, Pfeifer and Schoenchen, which included additional links to other websites that provide historical photos, maps, population data and an overview of each of these towns. The web page links with the Fort Hays State University Forsyth Library website and Blue Skyways archives for each of these five Ellis County towns provides additional historical descriptions, photos and information about the founding of these small Volga German villages.  The links to Hometown Locator and City-Data.com provide maps, weather data and some demographic information. "The best part about these web pages for all these small villages, is they include so many wonderful photos of the historic Volga German churches," commented Kevin Rupp. "The churches are the main focal point for these towns and we have several old black and white photos from the first original churches that are displayed on the website, to current color photos of the beautiful churches made of native limestone that are standing today."

As with any website, these new internet sites for Antonino, Catherine, Munjor, Pfeifer and Schoenchen are works in progress and will be updated on a regular basis. Residents in these towns can add their photos and additional information to some of these links. These community links will be added to the Kansas Department of Commerce Travel and Tourism website and are currently available to access from the Hays Convention and Visitors Bureau website: www.haysusa.net through the Visitors Links section.

The Ellis County Volga German website also includes sections for the towns of Emmeram, Severin, Vincent and Walker. These will be worked on in the near future with links added so that Vincent and Walker can also be submitted to the Blue Skyways – Kansas Towns website.

WORK BEGINS ON NEW EXHIBITS FOR FORT HAYS

HAYS, Kan.—When staff from the Kansas Historical Society met with members of the Hays community on October 27, 2009 they shared their plans for new exhibits at Fort Hays State Historic Site. Work will begin soon, and the Historical Society warned it's going to get a little dusty around the fort.

"We expect the remodeling of the visitor center to begin in March, 2010 and last through a good part of April," said Fort Hays Site Administrator Bob Wilhelm. "Then we will begin installation of new exhibits in the visitor center, guardhouse, blockhouse, and on the grounds."

Wilhelm said that artifacts currently in the visitor center will be removed within the next week so they can be incorporated into new exhibits. "During this phase of the project we will not charge admission until the new exhibits are in place," Wilhelm said.

When the new exhibits open in June, 2010 visitors will find life-size metal figures of people who lived at the fort scattered about the grounds.
Each will tell part of the Fort Hays story. Figures of Custer and Chief Black Kettle in the visitor center help tell the story of the clash of cultures that led to the fort being built. In the guardhouse, visitors can hear songs and stories from the fort's life, try on a uniform, spend time in a jail cell, and learn more about life as an enlisted soldier.
In the blockhouse, visitors will learn about the officers of Fort Hays, discover the mysteries of the blockhouse architecture, and explore how the preservation of the fort has taken place.

Fort Hays State Historic Site is located four miles south of I-70 exit
157 at Hays. The site is one of 16 administered by the Kansas Historical Society. For more information contact Fort Hays State Historic Site,
1472 Highway 183 Alt., Hays KS 67601-9212: 785-625-6812; thefort@kshs.org; kshs.org.

The Kansas Historical Society does not discriminate on the basis of disability in admission to, access to, or operation of its programs. The Historical Society requests prior notification to accommodate individuals with special needs or disabilities.

The Kansas Arts Commission announced that the City of Hays (Hays Arts Council) is a 2010 Governor's Arts Awards recipients.

This year's honorees are Susan Craig, Lawrence (Arts Advocate); Elliott Pujol, Manhattan (Artist); Kevin Willmott, Lawrence (Artist); Doug Talley, Shawnee Mission (Arts Education); Emporia Arts Council, Emporia (Arts Organization) and the City of Hays (Arts Community).
"The State of Kansas is proud to honor and recognize these outstanding artists, advocates, educators, cities and organizations," said Governor Mark Parkinson. "These awards call attention to the creative spirit that captures the magnificence of our state, contributes to our culture and inspires future Kansas artists."
The Governor's Arts Awards are given annually to distinguished Kansas artists, patrons and arts educators, and have been given annually since 1974 by the governor and the Kansas Arts Commission. An expert panel, consisting of members of the Kansas Arts Commission, a representative from the Governor's office and arts professionals, selected the winners from submitted nominations.
"Each year the Governor's Arts Awards celebrate the dedication to artistic and cultural enrichment made by individuals and communities," said Kansas Arts Commission Chairman John Divine. "The commission is proud to recognize these Kansans – artists, educators, advocates, patrons and communities – for their accomplishments and efforts in support of the arts."
Winners will be recognized at a reception and awards ceremony from 6:00 to 8:00 pm on Thursday, March 11, 2010, at Washburn University's Memorial Union Washburn Room. Governor Mark Parkinson has been invited to attend the ceremony to present the awards.
 

Jimmy John's Gourmet Sandwich Shop opened on February 16, 2009

Jimmy John Liautaud opened the first Jimmy John's sandwich shop in 1983 in Charleston, Illinois. The corporate headquarters is now in Champagne, IL and they have grown to 690 franchised restaurants nationwide. There are currently restaurants located in four other Kansas locations including Manhattan, Lawrence, Topeka and Wichita. Owners and managers Jeff and Matt Berry remodeled the former Daylight Pastry Shop to resemble the national look of other Jimmy John's. They provide made to order deli sandwiches, delivery and catering. The menu includes their 8" Sub Sandwiches for $4.25 on homemade French bread and their Giant Club Sandwiches for $5.25.

Jimmy John's
1104 E. 27th
Hays, KS 67601
785-621-2227
www.jimmyjohn.com

SHORT GO OPENS IN HISTORIC PHILIP HARDWARE - Jan 26, 2009

Hays, Kan.— Known as Philip Hardware for over 100 years and listed on the National Register for Historic Places, the two-story 1874 limestone building located at 719 Main is a treasured piece of Hays history. Recently renovated by Liberty Group, the primary developer for the Chestnut Street District, the historic doors of Philip Hardware are open for business once again as the new home of Short Go, a western wear and tack store owned by Jared Roberts of Abilene, Kan.

"Knowing the legacy behind Philip Hardware and the community's interest in the building's future, we hoped to find a tenant that would complement the building's heritage," commented Kelli Hansen of Liberty Group. "After meeting Jared and learning about his business, his schools and how he is the fourth generation to be continuing his family's traditions, we felt we'd found the perfect asset not only for the building but for the Chestnut Street District."

Short Go specializes in custom boots, buckles, hats and chaps as well as being a full-line western store offering men and women's clothing, jewelry and western wear accessories. Short Go also carries men's suits and provides hat cleaning and shaping services. According to Roberts, Short Go is the largest supplier of rodeo equipment in Kansas, and he is expanding his inventory to include tack from Billy Cook and Court's Saddlery, western art and photography.

Short Go (a rodeo term which is the equivalent of a championship round in other sports) first opened in Manhattan, Kan. in 2001. In December 2007, Roberts opened a second location at The Mall in Hays, Kan.

"Even when I moved to Hays I always noticed this building and thought it would be perfect for Short Go," stated Roberts. "As each of my rodeo interests fell into place, I realized that this building and the downtown would be the perfect backdrop moving forward."

Roberts also uses Short Go for the name of his rodeo school, Short Go Rodeo, which is held each year in Abilene, Kan. catering to rough stock events and featuring World Champion instructors. As a professional saddle bronc rider and instructor, Roberts' latest endeavor is to return to the rodeo arena, not only as a contestant but as a producer and stock contractor much like his great-grandfather E.C. Roberts. 

Roberts' new company, Roberts Pro Rodeo, Inc., will produce the 2009 Plainville Saddle Club Rodeo Jun. 12 and 13 with plans to introduce it and five other new PRCA rodeos in 2010 including the first annual Gerald Roberts All-Around Roughstock Memorial in Abilene, Kan.

It's fortuitous that the Philip Hardware building, which served four generations of the George Philip family, now is the home to Roberts, who is the fourth generation to carry on his family's legacy steeped in professional rodeo. He is the grandson of two-time All-Around World Champion Gerald Roberts and the great-grandson of E.C. Roberts, dubbed "Mr. Rodeo" by the Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association (PRCA). The Roberts family founded Strong City's Flint Hills Rodeo in 1937. The Flint Hills Rodeo is the longest consecutively run rodeo in Kansas. Roberts' parents, Jim and Susan, own Roberts Cowboy Outfitters in Salina, Kan.

It wasn't always all rodeo. The Roberts's ties to western wear go back to 1947 when Blue Bell, Inc. was introducing a new western jean called Wranglers. Gerald became the first professional cowboy to endorse the jean that eventually became the signature clothing line for the industry. The Roberts's also have ties to Hollywood as stuntmen. And in 1959, Gerald was offered the role of "Rowdy Yates" for the pilot series of "Rawhide", but he turned it down to tour Europe with Casey Tibbs in a wild west show. Clint Eastwood signed on to play the role of Rowdy instead.

Short Go is open Monday through Saturday 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. and Sundays noon to 5 p.m. The new phone number is (785) 625-2000. For more information, log onto www.ShortGoRodeo.com.

Best Western Vagabond becomes an Americas Best Value Inn on December 10, 2008

With the opening of the new Best Western Butterfield Inn on July 10, 2008, the Vagabond Inn is now displaying their new sign for Americas Best Value Inn. This 92 room property is still locally owned by the Lundy family who reside in Hays and manage both the Best Western Butterfield Inn and now the Americas Best Value Inn Vagabond. Nearly all the features of the Vagabond Inn remain the same, including the adjacent restaurant, in room coffee, microwave and a small refrigerator as well as their spotlessly clean rooms. They will continue to offer an exercise room, two indoor whirlpools and seasonal outdoor swimming pool.
Small pets are welcome and family suites are available.  

Americas Best Value Inn Vagabond
2524 Vine
(785) 625-2511
Toll Free (800) 432-2776 for Hays Reservations Only
Fax (785) 625-8879
www.americasbestvalueinn.com

New Best Western hotel opened July 10 , 2008

Best Western Butterfield Inn
1010 E. 41st
Hays, KS 67601
785-621-4337
www.bestwesternkansas.com

The Holy Cross Shrine in Pfeifer recently named as one of the 8 Wonders of Kansas Architectural attractions.

The Kansas Sampler Foundation announced which 8 sites in Kansas that received the most votes in the architectural category. More than 8,000 votes were cast in a seven-week period to determine the top eight from a slate of 24 finalists. The top 8 Wonders of Kansas Architecture in alphabetical order are: Chase County Courthouse, Cottonwood Falls; Cooper Barn, Colby; Fromme-Birney Round Barn, Mullinville; Holy Cross Church, Pfeifer; Kansas State Capitol, Topeka; Lebold Mansion, Abilene; Ness County Bank Building, Ness City; Seelye Mansion, Abilene.

Kansas Sampler Foundation director Marci Penner said, "Our state has many unique structures and we hope the focus of the last four months has helped the public see Kansas' diverse architecture with new eyes. It's exciting to announce this vote of the people. We were thrilled with the amount of participation including votes from 43 states. 

The Holy Cross Shrine had not been an active parish since July 1, 1993, but a board of directors for the Holy Cross Charities keeps the church maintained and open on a daily basis for visitors to enjoy. The church was built in 1917 and dedicated on May 3, 1918. This structure with its imposing limestone buttressed walls of Romanesque Gothic architecture is indescribable.

8 Wonders of Ellis County

The 8 Wonders of Ellis County were named and official recognized at a ceremony held at the Hays Welcome Center on May 14th. This promotion allowed local residents as well as Hays Daily News subscribers and anyone else that logged on, to cast a vote for their top favorite attractions in Ellis County. A representative from each attraction accepted their award and shared information about current and upcoming events or exhibits at their attraction.  The awards were presented by Mary Karst with the Hays Daily News (left) and Sabrina Symns – Chair of the Hays Convention and Visitors Bureau Advisory Board (far right)

The Sternberg Museum of Natural History is a department of Fort Hays State University with one of the most significant Cretaceous Period fossil collections in North America. Step back in time 70-80 million years ago when Colorado was ocean front property and Kansas was an inland sea. View the fossilized remains of plants and animals that lived in or alongside an ancient sea and learn about the natural history of the Great Plains.

The oldest destination in Hays is now the newest place to visit! Downtown Hays – the Chestnut Street District – is undergoing a process of restoration and is a great place for group tours to visit, dine, shop, do some sightseeing and enjoy entertainment opportunities. Visit the art galleries, spa, general store, unique retail stores, micro brewery and coffee bar.

From buffalo to boxcars, outlaws to oil strikes, farming to flying, and Victorian gentility to Volga-German tenacity, learn about Ellis County's wild and varied history, including the time Hickok, Cody, and Custer spent in Hays. Visit the 1879 stone church, original Harness Shop and replica Volga German Haus for a more complete picture of early Ellis County.

Founded in 1902, the University sits on a campus of 4,160 acres of land that once was part of the Historic Fort Hays frontier military post. FHSU is academically superior to many comparable universities. It offers students an electronic learning and living environment, and is richly endowed by heritage and tradition

*Fairview Farms Alpacas
Farm is located approximately 20 miles Southwest of Hays
Mailing address: 1811 E. 26th - Hays, KS 67601
785-628-6352
koality@hotmail.com
www.fairviewfarmsalpacas.com                                         
Hours: By appointment only
Admission: $4.00/Adults $2.00/Children 2-12yrs.
Guided group tours: Approximately 1 hour
Fairview Farms is a dynamic family run alpaca ranch specializing in all facets of the alpaca industry.  Visitors will see an actual working alpaca ranch including the pens, barns, feeding areas, stalls and some of the various equipment used in raising and training alpacas. Your visit can also include some hands-on activities and participating in the some of the daily farms chores. You will have the opportunity to experience the fineness of the alpaca fleece by petting and placing your hands on these loving animals. Learn about the intricacy and precision involved with showing these animals in national competitions and see the numerous ribbons these animals have earned. Owners Robert and Deann Baldwin have traveled the United States to compete in National Alpaca Shows and their animals have brought home many first place awards.
 
Fairview Farms offers an in-depth and educational look into the life of alpacas. The alpaca is a unique, docile, and very loving animal. They are extremely intelligent, with each having its own distinct personality. Alpacas are very curious by nature and love children.  Alpacas are raised for their luxurious fleece (known to be of a higher quality than cashmere). 

Fairview Farms also offers a bit of history. The Baldwin family has worked hard in restoring two barns, one of which is approximately 100 years old and was moved into its current location. The renovation of these barns is ongoing, as well as starting renovation on the old farmhand house. This house will be turned into a fiber arts classroom and gift store.

A visit to the farm will take you back in time. Discover the lost art of hand spinning and watch as DeAnn Baldwin, an avid hand spinner, will demonstrate how the fleece from the alpacas is processed. You will learn how raw fiber is made into yarn, clothing, & textiles which make up the garments that we wear. There are also a variety of old fashioned games and activities for visitors of all ages. Children will learn about the benefits of composting and can plant a seed using compost to take home from the Criation Station™. 

Special tours and events are held throughout the year including the Alpaca Farm Day that is held in October. To find out about specific dates and times for events at Fairview Farms Alpacas, please call or visit the website.

For tours, directions to the farm and to schedule an appointment or arrange a field trip, please call in advance 785-628-6352.

Annual "Best Places to Live in Rural America"
Rankings Released:Ellis County, Kansas No. 2

The Progressive Farmer magazine crowns Ellis County, Kansas (Hays) and nine other best rural places to live based on their ability to thrive, even during struggles, among other quality-of-life statistics


BIRMINGHAM, Ala. (February 4, 2008) — Ellis County in Kansas was awarded one of the top honors in the fourth annual edition of the "Best Places to Live in Rural America" rankings by The Progressive Farmer magazine, released today. Each year, the rankings name the top 10 rural counties in the nation according to several quality-of-life indicators and statistics; all 10 counties are profiled in the February 2007 issue of The Progressive Farmer and the top 500 rural counties are listed on the magazine's website (www.progressivefarmer.com).

The top 10 rural counties are ranked based on rural quality-of-life indicators such as great schools, access to health care, low crime and affordable farmland. In 2008, the editors of The Progressive Farmer added extra criteria by focusing on counties that have been able to protect farmland, control growth pressure from urban and suburban areas, and strike a good balance between agriculture, manufacturing and modern conveniences. No. 2 Ellis County is known for its frontier spirit with agriculture and oil sustaining its economy. Like many agricultural areas, Ellis County saw hard times in the 1980s, but has since revitalized the area by forming a coalition to ensure economic vitality. "It would have been easy for community leaders to give up during the tough times of the 1980s," says Senior Editor Gregg Hillyer, who visited the county for the magazine. "But they banded together and went to work to improve the region's economic fortunes and to enhance the quality of life for everyone." "This year, we wanted to celebrate the people that make the places special," says Senior Editor Jamie Cole. "We want to show what they're doing to keep their rural counties rural. We hope other places—small towns, counties, rural areas—that face these same challenges can find ideas through our list."

In order, the other counties selected among the top "Best Places to Live in Rural America" are: Kent County, Maryland, Livingston County, Missouri, Obion County, Tennessee and Columbia County, Pennsylvania.

Living the "good life" in the country is a passion for 40 million-plus landowners who take great and family. That's why The Progressive Farmer (www.ProgressiveFarmer.com)—the largest landowners and farmers—publishes practical, useful information to help our 3.7 million readers on the land.
The Progressive Farmer, now owned by real-time market information services leader DTN, is only and can be ordered by calling 800-292-2340 or visiting www.ProgressiveFarmer.com.