By&nbsp;JOE VINDUSKA Barton Community College

GREAT BEND — Kansas has an abundance of natural beauty and the Shafer Gallery at Barton Community College will be celebrating this stunning imagery with its “Kansas Byways” exhibit from Jan. 18 through Feb. 19 with a virtual reception at 6:30 p.m. Jan. 18 via&nbsp;<a href="https://www.facebook.com/shafergallery" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">facebook.com/shafergallery.</a>

The exhibit features artwork developed using the Kansas Scenic Byways system as subject and inspiration and there are twelve recognized byways in Kansas, which are detailed at&nbsp;<a href="https://www.travelks.com/ksbyways" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">travelks.com/ksbyways</a>. Nine of them are scenic, two of which are designated as “National Scenic Byways” and three are historic trails.

“The byways are a component of the National Scenic Byways Program, and both “seek to identify and designate national scenic byways to increase tourism and educate the traveling public about our environment, history and culture,” according to the Kansas Office of Tourism &amp; Travel website.&nbsp;

The exhibit features invited regional artists who were asked to conceive work that reflects one or more of these designated byways. The show was originally conceived with a generous grant from the Kansas Department of Wildlife, Parks, and Tourism, by the Sandzen Memorial Gallery.

Director of the Sandzen Memorial Gallery Ron Michael said the artists were empowered to use their own interpretations.

“This exhibition is the result of each artist’s vision, ability, and perseverance to create a work that would be true to the exhibition’s intent,” he said. “The imagery could come from direct observation of the landscape or the personal feelings, mood or memories evoked by their own personal experience of it.”

Shafer Gallery Director Dave Barnes said he is excited to share this exhibit with patrons.

“Some people refer to Kansas as a flyover state or a snooze through state, but if you get off the major ‘superslab’ and explore the smaller highways and byways you will discover no shortage of amazing beauty,” he said. 

“It’s not always flashy like the sandy shores and rocky coasts of the western seaboard or the majestic mountain ranges of the west but in its own way it is profound and even grand.&nbsp; From the picturesque rolling hills with meandering streams and perfectly round knolls dotting the Smoky Hills, to the incredible sea of grass that extends to the omnipresent horizon of western Kansas, it offers a beauty, sometimes Zen-like sometimes harsh, but always unique and moving to those who have the eyes to see. The artists in the byways exhibit have those exceptional eyes, and their looking has paid off in unique and thoughtful works of art.”

Barnes added that he likes to work alongside like-minded creative organizations as it helps to broaden the horizons of not only the patrons of the Shafer Gallery, but for himself as well.

“It’s great when we can collaborate with sister institutions like the Sandzen Memorial Gallery in Lindsborg and The Hays Art Center to give Barton County folks a chance to experience remarkable art such as this,” he said.

For more information, contact Shafer Gallery Director Dave Barnes at&nbsp;<a href="mailto:barnesd@bartonccc.edu">barnesd@bartonccc.edu</a>&nbsp;or (620) 792-9342. The Gallery is open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday. Masks are required. Admission is always free.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/1/1610377461048.jpeg" alt="'Sunset on a Dirt Road' by Shannon Trevethan, Hays" />
 <figcaption>'Sunset on a Dirt Road' by Shannon Trevethan, Hays</figcaption>
 </figure>By&nbsp;JOE VINDUSKA Barton Community CollegeGREAT BEND — Kansas has an abundance of natural beauty and the Shafer Gallery at Barton Community College will be celebrating this stunning imagery with its “Kansas Byways” exhibit from Jan. 18 through Feb. 19 with a virtual reception at 6:30 p.m. Jan. 18 via&nbsp;<a href="https://www.facebook.com/shafergallery" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">facebook.com/shafergallery.</a>The exhibit features artwork developed using the Kansas Scenic Byways system as subject and inspiration and there are twelve recognized byways in Kansas, which are detailed at&nbsp;<a href="https://www.travelks.com/ksbyways" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">travelks.com/ksbyways</a>. Nine of them are scenic, two of which are designated as “National Scenic Byways” and three are historic trails.“The byways are a component of the National Scenic Byways Program, and both “seek to identify and designate national scenic byways to increase tourism and educate the traveling public about our environment, history and culture,” according to the Kansas Office of Tourism &amp; Travel website.&nbsp;The exhibit features invited regional artists who were asked to conceive work that reflects one or more of these designated byways. The show was originally conceived with a generous grant from the Kansas Department of Wildlife, Parks, and Tourism, by the Sandzen Memorial Gallery.Director of the Sandzen Memorial Gallery Ron Michael said the artists were empowered to use their own interpretations.“This exhibition is the result of each artist’s vision, ability, and perseverance to create a work that would be true to the exhibition’s intent,” he said. “The imagery could come from direct observation of the landscape or the personal feelings, mood or memories evoked by their own personal experience of it.”Shafer Gallery Director Dave Barnes said he is excited to share this exhibit with patrons.“Some people refer to Kansas as a flyover state or a snooze through state, but if you get off the major ‘superslab’ and explore the smaller highways and byways you will discover no shortage of amazing beauty,” he said. “It’s not always flashy like the sandy shores and rocky coasts of the western seaboard or the majestic mountain ranges of the west but in its own way it is profound and even grand.&nbsp; From the picturesque rolling hills with meandering streams and perfectly round knolls dotting the Smoky Hills, to the incredible sea of grass that extends to the omnipresent horizon of western Kansas, it offers a beauty, sometimes Zen-like sometimes harsh, but always unique and moving to those who have the eyes to see. The artists in the byways exhibit have those exceptional eyes, and their looking has paid off in unique and thoughtful works of art.”Barnes added that he likes to work alongside like-minded creative organizations as it helps to broaden the horizons of not only the patrons of the Shafer Gallery, but for himself as well.“It’s great when we can collaborate with sister institutions like the Sandzen Memorial Gallery in Lindsborg and The Hays Art Center to give Barton County folks a chance to experience remarkable art such as this,” he said.For more information, contact Shafer Gallery Director Dave Barnes at&nbsp;<a href="mailto:barnesd@bartonccc.edu">barnesd@bartonccc.edu</a>&nbsp;or (620) 792-9342. The Gallery is open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday. Masks are required. Admission is always free.

Hays artist featured in 'Kansas Byways' exhibit at Shafer Art Gallery 

By STACY CAMPBELL Cottonwood Extension District

K-State Research and Extension will host the 18th annual Cover Your Acres Winter Conference for crop producers and consultants on Tuesday, January 19, from 1 to 5 pm (CST) in an online format.

Cover Your Acres is a producer-driven meeting focused on new ideas and research-based updates in crop production in northwest Kansas and the central High Plains region.

The conference, which typically draws more than 400 attendees from Kansas and other states, highlights the latest technology, methods, and conservation practices to improve crop production in the region. This year it will feature a shorter, half-day format with university specialists discussing the following topics:

The sessions will be streamed live via Zoom and YouTube from 1:00 to 5:00 pm CST.&nbsp; Attendees will be able to submit questions on those platforms and via email.&nbsp; Additionally, locations have been established where attendees can participate in the conference while taking appropriate COVID precautions:

Current Locations to Participate-in-Person (COVID precautions must be followed)

There is no charge for the conference thanks to our sponsors, however attendees do need to register regardless if they are participating at their own home/office or at one of the watch locations.

To view the conference details and for online registration, visit <a href="http://www.northwest.ksu.edu/coveryouracres">www.northwest.ksu.edu/coveryouracres</a>. &nbsp;For questions, call 785-462-6281.

Premier sponsors of this year’s conference include American Ag Labs, Hoxie Implement, Bayer Crop Science, Lang Diesel, National Sunflower Association, AKRS Equipment Solutions, and SureFire Ag Systems. &nbsp;CCA credits have been applied for.

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

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/1/1610555002704.jpeg" alt="CYA logo.jpg" />
 <figcaption>CYA logo.jpg</figcaption>
 </figure>By STACY CAMPBELL Cottonwood Extension DistrictK-State Research and Extension will host the 18th annual Cover Your Acres Winter Conference for crop producers and consultants on Tuesday, January 19, from 1 to 5 pm (CST) in an online format.Cover Your Acres is a producer-driven meeting focused on new ideas and research-based updates in crop production in northwest Kansas and the central High Plains region.The conference, which typically draws more than 400 attendees from Kansas and other states, highlights the latest technology, methods, and conservation practices to improve crop production in the region. This year it will feature a shorter, half-day format with university specialists discussing the following topics:<ul>
 <li>Water Use of Weeds in Dryland Systems, 
Jourdan Bell, Texas A&amp;M Panhandle Agronomist, Amarillo 
&nbsp;</li><li>Current Weed Control Research in Western Kansas 
Vipan Kumar, Weed Scientist, K-State Ag Research Center, Hays 
&nbsp;</li><li>Managing the Highs and Lows of Soil pH 
Dorivar Ruiz Diaz, Soil Fertility Specialist, K-State Dept. of Agronomy, Manhattan 
&nbsp;</li><li>Economics of Dryland Rotations and Tillage Systems 
Lucas Haag, Area Agronomist, K-State Northwest Research-Extension Center, Colby 
&nbsp;</li><li>New Frontiers in Sorghum Weed Control 
Sarah Lancaster, Weed Management Specialist, K-State Dept. of Agronomy, Manhattan</li>
 </ul>The sessions will be streamed live via Zoom and YouTube from 1:00 to 5:00 pm CST.&nbsp; Attendees will be able to submit questions on those platforms and via email.&nbsp; Additionally, locations have been established where attendees can participate in the conference while taking appropriate COVID precautions:Current Locations to Participate-in-Person (COVID precautions must be followed)<ul>
 <li>Finney County - Fairgrounds, Grandstand Meeting Room</li><li>Ness County - Fairgrounds, 4-H Building</li><li>Norton County - Fairgrounds, 4-H Building</li><li>Scott County - Fairgrounds, Wm. Carpenter 4-H Building</li><li>Stevens County - Extension Office Mtg. Room, 114 East 5th, Hugoton</li>
 </ul>There is no charge for the conference thanks to our sponsors, however attendees do need to register regardless if they are participating at their own home/office or at one of the watch locations.To view the conference details and for online registration, visit <a href="http://www.northwest.ksu.edu/coveryouracres">www.northwest.ksu.edu/coveryouracres</a>. &nbsp;For questions, call 785-462-6281.Premier sponsors of this year’s conference include American Ag Labs, Hoxie Implement, Bayer Crop Science, Lang Diesel, National Sunflower Association, AKRS Equipment Solutions, and SureFire Ag Systems. &nbsp;CCA credits have been applied for.Stacy Campbell is an Agriculture and Natural Resources agent in the Cottonwood District (which includes Barton and Ellis counties) for K-State Research and Extension. You can contact him by e-mail at scampbel@ksu.edu or calling 785-628-9430.

CAMPBELL: Cover Your Acres Winter Conference goes virtual

BUNKER HILL — Smoky Hills PBS will be broadcasting&nbsp;Thof’s Dragon&nbsp;on Thursday, Jan. 21, at 7 p.m.&nbsp; This film was produced by Brenda Tropf, Deb Goodrich and the Fort Wallace Museum in Wallace County.

Thof's Dragon is an exciting historical documentary about a young Army captain’s scientific discovery in Kansas in 1867.&nbsp; The young soldier was Theophilus Turner, also known as Thof.&nbsp;

With no paleontology experience, he found the first major fossil from Kansas.&nbsp; His discovery of the Elasmosaurus Platyurus is now on display in the Fort Wallace Museum in Wallace, Kansas.

To learn more about Turner’s amazing discovery, tune in to Smoky Hills PBS on January 21 at 7 p.m.

You can also stream our channel here:&nbsp;&nbsp;<a href="https://video.smokyhillstv.org/livestream/" target="_blank">video.smokyhillstv.org/livestream</a>.&nbsp;&nbsp;

For more information click here:&nbsp;&nbsp;<a href="https://youtu.be/wKigucmOZjA" target="_blank">https://youtu.be/wKigucmOZjA</a>.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/1/1610548800059.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>BUNKER HILL — Smoky Hills PBS will be broadcasting&nbsp;Thof’s Dragon&nbsp;on Thursday, Jan. 21, at 7 p.m.&nbsp; This film was produced by Brenda Tropf, Deb Goodrich and the Fort Wallace Museum in Wallace County.Thof's Dragon is an exciting historical documentary about a young Army captain’s scientific discovery in Kansas in 1867.&nbsp; The young soldier was Theophilus Turner, also known as Thof.&nbsp; With no paleontology experience, he found the first major fossil from Kansas.&nbsp; His discovery of the Elasmosaurus Platyurus is now on display in the Fort Wallace Museum in Wallace, Kansas.To learn more about Turner’s amazing discovery, tune in to Smoky Hills PBS on January 21 at 7 p.m.You can also stream our channel here:&nbsp;&nbsp;<a href="https://video.smokyhillstv.org/livestream/" target="_blank">video.smokyhillstv.org/livestream</a>.&nbsp;&nbsp;For more information click here:&nbsp;&nbsp;<a href="https://youtu.be/wKigucmOZjA" target="_blank">https://youtu.be/wKigucmOZjA</a>.

Tale of 1867 fossil discovery in Kansas to air on Smoky Hills PBS

RUSSELL — The next art exhibition at the Deines Cultural Center in Russell is&nbsp;Two Visions – One Prairie. Cally Krallman and Beverly Dodge-Radfeld, both of Topeka, have put together a collection of work which celebrates the color and majesty of the Kansas prairie.

Both Krallman and Dodge-Radfeld earned their Bachelor of Fine Arts from Washburn University and have been nationally recognized for their work.

“I love the simple shapes of the Flint Hills and the color of the open sky. My oil paintings have been the vehicle for me to express these feelings and have allowed me to capture the movement and colors of the soft sculptures that I enjoy," says Dodge-Radfeld.

The exhibition will open to the public on Friday, January 15 and run through February 20, 2021. The exhibition will also be featured on our website&nbsp;<a href="http://www.deinesculturalcenter.org/" target="_blank">www.deinesculturalcenter.org</a>.

The Deines Cultural Center in located in Russell at 820 N. Main St.

We are open Tuesday through Friday noon to 5 p.m. and Saturdays and Sundays 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. Masks and social distancing are required.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/2/1581957568884.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>DCCRUSSELL — The next art exhibition at the Deines Cultural Center in Russell is&nbsp;Two Visions – One Prairie. Cally Krallman and Beverly Dodge-Radfeld, both of Topeka, have put together a collection of work which celebrates the color and majesty of the Kansas prairie.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/1/1610132066650.jpeg" alt=""Two Visions – One Prairie" opens Jan. 15 at the Deines Cultural Center." />
 <figcaption>"Two Visions – One Prairie" opens Jan. 15 at the Deines Cultural Center.</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/1/1610132016366.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Both Krallman and Dodge-Radfeld earned their Bachelor of Fine Arts from Washburn University and have been nationally recognized for their work.“I love the simple shapes of the Flint Hills and the color of the open sky. My oil paintings have been the vehicle for me to express these feelings and have allowed me to capture the movement and colors of the soft sculptures that I enjoy," says Dodge-Radfeld.The exhibition will open to the public on Friday, January 15 and run through February 20, 2021. The exhibition will also be featured on our website&nbsp;<a href="http://www.deinesculturalcenter.org/" target="_blank">www.deinesculturalcenter.org</a>.The Deines Cultural Center in located in Russell at 820 N. Main St.We are open Tuesday through Friday noon to 5 p.m. and Saturdays and Sundays 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. Masks and social distancing are required.Call 785-483-3742 for information.

Next art show at the Deines Cultural Center opens Friday

Click <a href="https://hayspost.com/category/obituaries?utm_source=direct&amp;utm_medium=direct&amp;utm_campaign=hayspost_obituary_category">HERE</a> for the most recent obituaries and service times from our funeral home partners.

Hays Post is honored to publish full obituaries at no cost to families. Funeral homes can send notices to <a href="http://admin@hayspost.com">admin@hayspost.com</a>.

Click <a href="https://hayspost.com/category/obituaries?utm_source=direct&amp;utm_medium=direct&amp;utm_campaign=hayspost_obituary_category">HERE</a> for the most recent obituaries and service times from our funeral home partners.Hays Post is honored to publish full obituaries at no cost to families. Funeral homes can send notices to <a href="http://admin@hayspost.com">admin@hayspost.com</a>.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/11/1573140944016.jpeg" alt="" />
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 </figure>

Recent obituaries

COLBY - Colby Community College announced the students who completed degrees and certificates during the 2020 fall semester. The lists are released after transcripts have been verified. Names are published alphabetically by home location as indicated by the student.

Associate of Applied Science Colby:&nbsp;Heath Bolyard.&nbsp;Effingham:&nbsp;Jessica Reiss.&nbsp;Lincoln, Neb.:&nbsp;Kelsi Stoos.&nbsp;Manhattan:&nbsp;Alexis Allen.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

Associate of Arts Baton Rouge, La:&nbsp;Brandon Furlow.&nbsp;Colby:&nbsp;Alicia Moore, Nathan Quagliano, Kassidy White, Kinley Ziegelmeier.&nbsp;Leoti:&nbsp;Brionney Bocanegra.&nbsp;Shelley, Idaho:&nbsp;Ashley Hathaway.&nbsp;

Associate of Science Colby:&nbsp;Robert Cheruiyot, Alicia Moore, Kinley Ziegelmeier.&nbsp;Dighton:&nbsp;Dennis Wilkerson.&nbsp;Ellis:&nbsp;Lyla Meserve.&nbsp;Iliff, Colo.:&nbsp;Nicole Burmester.&nbsp;Ogallah:&nbsp;Lacey Windholz.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

Certificates&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Colby:&nbsp;Heath Bolyard.&nbsp;Delphos,&nbsp;Ohio:&nbsp;Asya Hamilton.&nbsp;Ellis:&nbsp;Lyla Meserve.&nbsp;Hermiston, Ore.:&nbsp;Danielle Walchli.&nbsp;Manhattan:&nbsp;Alexis Allen.&nbsp;Norway:&nbsp;Anna Elise Lund.&nbsp;Quincy, Ill.:&nbsp;Noa Willis.&nbsp;Salina:&nbsp;Ashlyn Bird.&nbsp;Wakefield:&nbsp;Angela Smith.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/2/1581529246979.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>CCCCOLBY - Colby Community College announced the students who completed degrees and certificates during the 2020 fall semester. The lists are released after transcripts have been verified. Names are published alphabetically by home location as indicated by the student.Associate of Applied Science Colby:&nbsp;Heath Bolyard.&nbsp;Effingham:&nbsp;Jessica Reiss.&nbsp;Lincoln, Neb.:&nbsp;Kelsi Stoos.&nbsp;Manhattan:&nbsp;Alexis Allen.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Associate of Arts Baton Rouge, La:&nbsp;Brandon Furlow.&nbsp;Colby:&nbsp;Alicia Moore, Nathan Quagliano, Kassidy White, Kinley Ziegelmeier.&nbsp;Leoti:&nbsp;Brionney Bocanegra.&nbsp;Shelley, Idaho:&nbsp;Ashley Hathaway.&nbsp;Associate of Science Colby:&nbsp;Robert Cheruiyot, Alicia Moore, Kinley Ziegelmeier.&nbsp;Dighton:&nbsp;Dennis Wilkerson.&nbsp;Ellis:&nbsp;Lyla Meserve.&nbsp;Iliff, Colo.:&nbsp;Nicole Burmester.&nbsp;Ogallah:&nbsp;Lacey Windholz.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Certificates&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Colby:&nbsp;Heath Bolyard.&nbsp;Delphos,&nbsp;Ohio:&nbsp;Asya Hamilton.&nbsp;Ellis:&nbsp;Lyla Meserve.&nbsp;Hermiston, Ore.:&nbsp;Danielle Walchli.&nbsp;Manhattan:&nbsp;Alexis Allen.&nbsp;Norway:&nbsp;Anna Elise Lund.&nbsp;Quincy, Ill.:&nbsp;Noa Willis.&nbsp;Salina:&nbsp;Ashlyn Bird.&nbsp;Wakefield:&nbsp;Angela Smith.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

Ellis, Colby students among CCC fall 2020 graduates 

Please join Fort Hays State University's Student Engagement in a day of service honoring Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. on Monday,&nbsp; January 18 from 2:00 to 5:30 p.m. in the FHSU Memorial Union Black &amp; Gold Room. 

We will be collecting hygiene and cleaning supplies to donate locally to those in need. Products to donate include shampoo, soap, razors, shaving cream, and cleaning products. 

Curbside drop-off will also be available in the circle drive. 

Participants can write cards and uplifting messages to individuals in long term care facilities during the event as well. 

For questions, please contact Student Engagement at (785) 628-4664.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/1/1610558704295.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Please join Fort Hays State University's Student Engagement in a day of service honoring Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. on Monday,&nbsp; January 18 from 2:00 to 5:30 p.m. in the FHSU Memorial Union Black &amp; Gold Room. We will be collecting hygiene and cleaning supplies to donate locally to those in need. Products to donate include shampoo, soap, razors, shaving cream, and cleaning products. Curbside drop-off will also be available in the circle drive. Participants can write cards and uplifting messages to individuals in long term care facilities during the event as well. For questions, please contact Student Engagement at (785) 628-4664.

Community encouraged to donate items during MLK Day of Service at FHSU

DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY FEDERAL EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT AGENCY

Proposed Flood Hazard Determinations for Ellis County, Kansas and Incorporated Areas

The Department of Homeland Security’s Federal Emergency Management Agency has issued a preliminary Flood Insurance Rate Map (FIRM), and where applicable, Flood Insurance Study (FIS) report, reflecting proposed flood hazard determinations within Ellis County, Kansas and Incorporated Areas. These flood hazard determinations may include the addition or modification of Base Flood Elevations, base flood depths, Special Flood Hazard Area boundaries or zone designations, or the regulatory floodway.&nbsp; Technical information or comments are solicited on the proposed flood hazard determinations shown on the preliminary FIRM and/or FIS report for Ellis County, Kansas and Incorporated Areas. These flood hazard determinations are the basis for the floodplain management measures that your community is required to either adopt or show evidence of being already in effect in order to qualify or remain qualified for participation in the National Flood Insurance Program.&nbsp; However, before these determinations are effective for floodplain management purposes, you will be provided an opportunity to appeal the proposed information.&nbsp; 

For information on the statutory 90-day period provided for appeals, as well as a complete listing of the communities affected and the locations where copies of the FIRM are available for review, please visit FEMA’s website at www.fema.gov/plan/prevent/fhm/bfe, or call the FEMA Mapping and Insurance eXchange (FMIX) toll free at 1-877-FEMA MAP (1-877-336-2627).

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/1/1609887473432.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY FEDERAL EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT AGENCYProposed Flood Hazard Determinations for Ellis County, Kansas and Incorporated AreasThe Department of Homeland Security’s Federal Emergency Management Agency has issued a preliminary Flood Insurance Rate Map (FIRM), and where applicable, Flood Insurance Study (FIS) report, reflecting proposed flood hazard determinations within Ellis County, Kansas and Incorporated Areas. These flood hazard determinations may include the addition or modification of Base Flood Elevations, base flood depths, Special Flood Hazard Area boundaries or zone designations, or the regulatory floodway.&nbsp; Technical information or comments are solicited on the proposed flood hazard determinations shown on the preliminary FIRM and/or FIS report for Ellis County, Kansas and Incorporated Areas. These flood hazard determinations are the basis for the floodplain management measures that your community is required to either adopt or show evidence of being already in effect in order to qualify or remain qualified for participation in the National Flood Insurance Program.&nbsp; However, before these determinations are effective for floodplain management purposes, you will be provided an opportunity to appeal the proposed information.&nbsp; For information on the statutory 90-day period provided for appeals, as well as a complete listing of the communities affected and the locations where copies of the FIRM are available for review, please visit FEMA’s website at www.fema.gov/plan/prevent/fhm/bfe, or call the FEMA Mapping and Insurance eXchange (FMIX) toll free at 1-877-FEMA MAP (1-877-336-2627).

LEGAL: Proposed flood hazard determinations for Ellis County

Eagle Radio Hays will be doing planned tower maintenance starting at noon Wednesday. 

KFIX 96.9, 101.9 The Bull and KJLS Mix 103.3 will be off the air for approximately three hours, but you can still stream us at&nbsp;<a href="http://hayspost.com/">hayspost.com</a>&nbsp;or download our app.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/4/1587155364471.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Eagle Radio Hays will be doing planned tower maintenance starting at noon Wednesday. KFIX 96.9, 101.9 The Bull and KJLS Mix 103.3 will be off the air for approximately three hours, but you can still stream us at&nbsp;<a href="http://hayspost.com/">hayspost.com</a>&nbsp;or download our app.

Eagle Radio stations will be off-air for tower maintenance

Red Cross sets virtual volunteer fairs

GREAT BEND - The Central Kansas Community Choir&nbsp;(CKCC)&nbsp;is recruiting singers for the spring 2021 season.&nbsp;Rehearsals&nbsp;will be held&nbsp;from 7-9 p.m.&nbsp;Monday evenings&nbsp;starting&nbsp;Jan.&nbsp;25.&nbsp;The concert will be held&nbsp;April 11.&nbsp;

Barton County residents and those in surrounding counties&nbsp;interested in&nbsp;participating&nbsp;must contact Angel Morgan&nbsp;at&nbsp;(620) 792-9391&nbsp;or&nbsp;<a href="mailto:morgana@bartonccc.edu" target="_blank">morgana@bartonccc.edu</a>.&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp; This spring,&nbsp;the Community Choir will&nbsp;rehearse&nbsp;with the Barton Concert Choir&nbsp;and the combined choirs will be under the direction of the new&nbsp;Director of Choral Activities Dr. Eric Foley.&nbsp;

The CKCC&nbsp;is sponsored by Barton Community College and&nbsp;strives to provide challenging performances of quality literature for the enjoyment of the residents of the central Kansas area.

 Choir membership is open to all choral&nbsp;singers&nbsp;high school age and above. Participants must have some choral singing background and be able to attend all rehearsals as the choral literature will be challenging and rehearsal time is relatively short.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Spring of 2021 marks the&nbsp;10th season for this ensemble as it convenes every other year. It&nbsp;was founded in the spring of 2003 by former director Vern Fryberger.&nbsp;Located in Great Bend,&nbsp;it is a non-denominational mixed chorus. There is a $25 fee for each singer which will help defray music and production expenses.&nbsp;&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/1/1579012682006.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>GREAT BEND - The Central Kansas Community Choir&nbsp;(CKCC)&nbsp;is recruiting singers for the spring 2021 season.&nbsp;Rehearsals&nbsp;will be held&nbsp;from 7-9 p.m.&nbsp;Monday evenings&nbsp;starting&nbsp;Jan.&nbsp;25.&nbsp;The concert will be held&nbsp;April 11.&nbsp;Barton County residents and those in surrounding counties&nbsp;interested in&nbsp;participating&nbsp;must contact Angel Morgan&nbsp;at&nbsp;(620) 792-9391&nbsp;or&nbsp;<a href="mailto:morgana@bartonccc.edu" target="_blank">morgana@bartonccc.edu</a>.&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp; This spring,&nbsp;the Community Choir will&nbsp;rehearse&nbsp;with the Barton Concert Choir&nbsp;and the combined choirs will be under the direction of the new&nbsp;Director of Choral Activities Dr. Eric Foley.&nbsp;The CKCC&nbsp;is sponsored by Barton Community College and&nbsp;strives to provide challenging performances of quality literature for the enjoyment of the residents of the central Kansas area. Choir membership is open to all choral&nbsp;singers&nbsp;high school age and above. Participants must have some choral singing background and be able to attend all rehearsals as the choral literature will be challenging and rehearsal time is relatively short.&nbsp;&nbsp;Spring of 2021 marks the&nbsp;10th season for this ensemble as it convenes every other year. It&nbsp;was founded in the spring of 2003 by former director Vern Fryberger.&nbsp;Located in Great Bend,&nbsp;it is a non-denominational mixed chorus. There is a $25 fee for each singer which will help defray music and production expenses.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Singers wanted for Central Kansas Community Choir

MANHATTAN — The Kansas Department of Agriculture (KDA) and K-State Research and Extension will offer virtual workshops February 16–19, 2021, to assist farmers’ market vendors and managers, and also for those wanting to sell food products directly to consumers. The workshop series includes three online Lunch and Learn sessions, followed by a half-day virtual workshop.

“Over the past year, we’ve seen an increase in people’s enthusiasm for locally sourced food, and&nbsp;these workshops will address common questions and concerns for farmers and small businesses who&nbsp;are embracing these opportunities to reach local consumers,” said Londa Nwadike, food safety&nbsp;specialist with K-State Research and Extension (KSRE) and the University of Missouri. “It’s also&nbsp;important for farmers to understand certain legal, safety and financial parameters before choosing to&nbsp;sell either directly to the consumer or at a farmers’
market.”

<a></a>In 2020, 76 farmers’ markets were registered with KDA’s Central Registration of Farmers’ Markets.

Dates and topics for each Lunch and Learn online session are as follows:

* Tuesday, February 16, 2021, noon to 1 p.m.:&nbsp;Food Safety for Value-Added Food Products

* Wednesday, February 17, 2021, noon to 1 p.m.:&nbsp;Meat and Poultry Regulations

* Thursday, February 18, 2021, noon to 1 p.m.:&nbsp;Taxation and Accepting EBT/SNAP

The half-day virtual workshop on&nbsp;Friday, February 19, 2021, 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.&nbsp;will cover topics such as COVID-19 related changes, Double Up Food Bucks program, Senior Farmers Market Nutrition Program,&nbsp;From the Land of Kansas&nbsp;program, and resources available from KSRE. Keynote speaker Michael Kilpatrick of the Thriving Farmer podcast will also discuss marketing tips for direct-to-consumer sales.

KDA’s weights and measures program will offer free scale certification with a paid registration to an online workshop.

Registration for the February virtual workshops is now open. The cost is $5 per participant. Register at&nbsp;<a href="https://gcc01.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.fromthelandofkansas.com%2FFMworkshop&amp;data=04%7C01%7CPio-stwide%40list.da.ks.gov%7Ca4e7f7bc54404596c06708d8b66de3c5%7Cdcae8101c92d480cbc43c6761ccccc5a%7C0%7C0%7C637459930932652145%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%3D%7C1000&amp;sdata=0C5tDUZdDUB4KkPZ6hUDdc%2FZCcypaiwyTv5uAv74mpw%3D&amp;reserved=0" target="_blank">FromtheLandofKansas.com/FMworkshop</a>.

For more information, contact Robin Blume, KDA’s education and events coordinator, at 785-564-6756 or&nbsp;<a href="mailto:robin.blume@ks.gov" target="_blank">Robin.Blume@ks.gov</a>.

The workshops are funded by the Kansas Center for Sustainable Agriculture and Alternative Crops, the Kansas Sustainable Agriculture Research and Education Program, and the Kansas Department of Agriculture.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/4/1587734501182.jpeg" alt="(Photo courtesy KSRE)" />
 <figcaption>(Photo courtesy KSRE)</figcaption>
 </figure>KDAMANHATTAN — The Kansas Department of Agriculture (KDA) and K-State Research and Extension will offer virtual workshops February 16–19, 2021, to assist farmers’ market vendors and managers, and also for those wanting to sell food products directly to consumers. The workshop series includes three online Lunch and Learn sessions, followed by a half-day virtual workshop.“Over the past year, we’ve seen an increase in people’s enthusiasm for locally sourced food, and&nbsp;these workshops will address common questions and concerns for farmers and small businesses who&nbsp;are embracing these opportunities to reach local consumers,” said Londa Nwadike, food safety&nbsp;specialist with K-State Research and Extension (KSRE) and the University of Missouri. “It’s also&nbsp;important for farmers to understand certain legal, safety and financial parameters before choosing to&nbsp;sell either directly to the consumer or at a farmers’
market.”<a></a>In 2020, 76 farmers’ markets were registered with KDA’s Central Registration of Farmers’ Markets.Dates and topics for each Lunch and Learn online session are as follows:* Tuesday, February 16, 2021, noon to 1 p.m.:&nbsp;Food Safety for Value-Added Food Products* Wednesday, February 17, 2021, noon to 1 p.m.:&nbsp;Meat and Poultry Regulations* Thursday, February 18, 2021, noon to 1 p.m.:&nbsp;Taxation and Accepting EBT/SNAPThe half-day virtual workshop on&nbsp;Friday, February 19, 2021, 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.&nbsp;will cover topics such as COVID-19 related changes, Double Up Food Bucks program, Senior Farmers Market Nutrition Program,&nbsp;From the Land of Kansas&nbsp;program, and resources available from KSRE. Keynote speaker Michael Kilpatrick of the Thriving Farmer podcast will also discuss marketing tips for direct-to-consumer sales.KDA’s weights and measures program will offer free scale certification with a paid registration to an online workshop.Registration for the February virtual workshops is now open. The cost is $5 per participant. Register at&nbsp;<a href="https://gcc01.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.fromthelandofkansas.com%2FFMworkshop&amp;data=04%7C01%7CPio-stwide%40list.da.ks.gov%7Ca4e7f7bc54404596c06708d8b66de3c5%7Cdcae8101c92d480cbc43c6761ccccc5a%7C0%7C0%7C637459930932652145%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%3D%7C1000&amp;sdata=0C5tDUZdDUB4KkPZ6hUDdc%2FZCcypaiwyTv5uAv74mpw%3D&amp;reserved=0" target="_blank">FromtheLandofKansas.com/FMworkshop</a>.For more information, contact Robin Blume, KDA’s education and events coordinator, at 785-564-6756 or&nbsp;<a href="mailto:robin.blume@ks.gov" target="_blank">Robin.Blume@ks.gov</a>. The workshops are funded by the Kansas Center for Sustainable Agriculture and Alternative Crops, the Kansas Sustainable Agriculture Research and Education Program, and the Kansas Department of Agriculture.

Virtual workshops offered for farmers market vendors, managers

The&nbsp;<a href="https://ksbstate.org/" target="_blank">American Legion Boys State of Kansas</a>&nbsp;is now taking registrations through March 31 for its 2021 session.

The event is scheduled to be held Sunday, June 6, through Saturday, June 12, at Kansas State University in Manhattan. The program, which was cancelled in 2020 due to the coronavirus pandemic, will be in its 83rd year.&nbsp;

Traditionally, Kansas Boys State is for individuals who have completed their junior year of high school. With last year’s cancellation, the ALBSK program is expanding the pool of registrants for this year’s session to include those who have completed their senior year of high school (those who missed out on last year’s event due to the pandemic), as well as individuals who have completed their sophomore year of high school. The American Legion Boys State of Kansas program provides a relevant, interactive, problem-solving experience in leadership and teamwork that develops self-identity, promotes mutual respect and instills civic responsibility.

Boys State is a “learning by doing” political exercise that simulates elections, political parties and government at the state, county and local levels, providing opportunities to lead under pressure, showcasing character and working effectively within a team. It’s also an opportunity to gain pride and respect for government, and the price paid by members of the military to preserve democracy. Those wishing to attend the program should visit&nbsp;<a href="http://ksbstate.org/" target="_blank">ksbstate.org</a>&nbsp;to register. In addition, anyone can nominate individuals to attend Kansas Boys State by going to&nbsp;<a href="http://ksbstate.org/" target="_blank">ksbstate.org</a>&nbsp;and submitting the person’s name, mailing address, e-mail address, high school and phone number. You can also submit nominees for future years as well. The deadline to register to guarantee a spot in the program, is Wednesday, March 31. The cost to attend the Boys State of Kansas program is $350; however, in many instances, sponsors pay the majority of the fees, with the delegate or his family paying $50. Potential sponsors, such as American Legion posts, civic organizations, businesses, clubs and interested individuals, or those with questions, should contact Troy Fowler, ALBSK director of operations, at&nbsp;<a href="mailto:troy.fowler@ksbstate.org" target="_blank">troy.fowler@ksbstate.org</a>.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/1/1610379833164.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>The&nbsp;<a href="https://ksbstate.org/" target="_blank">American Legion Boys State of Kansas</a>&nbsp;is now taking registrations through March 31 for its 2021 session. The event is scheduled to be held Sunday, June 6, through Saturday, June 12, at Kansas State University in Manhattan. The program, which was cancelled in 2020 due to the coronavirus pandemic, will be in its 83rd year.&nbsp;Traditionally, Kansas Boys State is for individuals who have completed their junior year of high school. With last year’s cancellation, the ALBSK program is expanding the pool of registrants for this year’s session to include those who have completed their senior year of high school (those who missed out on last year’s event due to the pandemic), as well as individuals who have completed their sophomore year of high school. The American Legion Boys State of Kansas program provides a relevant, interactive, problem-solving experience in leadership and teamwork that develops self-identity, promotes mutual respect and instills civic responsibility. Boys State is a “learning by doing” political exercise that simulates elections, political parties and government at the state, county and local levels, providing opportunities to lead under pressure, showcasing character and working effectively within a team. It’s also an opportunity to gain pride and respect for government, and the price paid by members of the military to preserve democracy. Those wishing to attend the program should visit&nbsp;<a href="http://ksbstate.org/" target="_blank">ksbstate.org</a>&nbsp;to register. In addition, anyone can nominate individuals to attend Kansas Boys State by going to&nbsp;<a href="http://ksbstate.org/" target="_blank">ksbstate.org</a>&nbsp;and submitting the person’s name, mailing address, e-mail address, high school and phone number. You can also submit nominees for future years as well. The deadline to register to guarantee a spot in the program, is Wednesday, March 31. The cost to attend the Boys State of Kansas program is $350; however, in many instances, sponsors pay the majority of the fees, with the delegate or his family paying $50. Potential sponsors, such as American Legion posts, civic organizations, businesses, clubs and interested individuals, or those with questions, should contact Troy Fowler, ALBSK director of operations, at&nbsp;<a href="mailto:troy.fowler@ksbstate.org" target="_blank">troy.fowler@ksbstate.org</a>.

Kansas Boys State 2021 registration open through March 31

Healing Hearts will meet from 7 to 8 p.m. Jan, 14 at the Center for Life Experience, 103 W. 27th St., Oak Plaza Suite C, in the conference room

The meeting will be in person unless otherwise announced. You will be notified by email, Facebook or the Center for Life Experience website.

Please RSVP by noon the day of the meeting. RSVP to cfle1@eaglecom.net or text 785-625-6078.

Everyone is requested to wear masks and agree to social distance. Please bring your own mask. The center will have some available.

Healing Hearts will meet from 7 to 8 p.m. Jan, 14 at the Center for Life Experience, 103 W. 27th St., Oak Plaza Suite C, in the conference roomThe meeting will be in person unless otherwise announced. You will be notified by email, Facebook or the Center for Life Experience website.Please RSVP by noon the day of the meeting. RSVP to cfle1@eaglecom.net or text 785-625-6078.Everyone is requested to wear masks and agree to social distance. Please bring your own mask. The center will have some available.

Healing Hearts to meet Jan. 14

The Hays Board of Zoning Appeals will meet Wednesday at 8:15 a.m. in commission chambers at Hays City Hall, 1507 Main.

Agenda items include a request for a public hearing by Jesse&nbsp; Zimmerman for a height variance to construct&nbsp;an accessory building to be 26 ft. in height (five feet higher than the principle structure) at 2901 Cottonwood Lane.

The complete agenda is available <a href="https://www.haysusa.com/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_01132021-1246">here</a>.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/11/1574093858004.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Hays PostThe Hays Board of Zoning Appeals will meet Wednesday at 8:15 a.m. in commission chambers at Hays City Hall, 1507 Main.Agenda items include a request for a public hearing by Jesse&nbsp; Zimmerman for a height variance to construct&nbsp;an accessory building to be 26 ft. in height (five feet higher than the principle structure) at 2901 Cottonwood Lane.The complete agenda is available <a href="https://www.haysusa.com/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_01132021-1246">here</a>.&nbsp;

Board of Zoning Appeals meets Wednesday

TOPEKA –&nbsp; The Kansas Bureau of Investigation is accepting entries for the 2021 Missing Children’s Day poster contest, Kansas Attorney General Derek Schmidt announced.

All Kansas fifth grade students, from public, private, or home schools, are invited to create and submit artwork that represents the contest theme “Bringing Our Missing Children Home.” The artwork must be original, handcrafted, 8 ½ x 14 inches in size, and contain the words “Bringing Our Missing Children Home.”

In 1983, President Ronald Reagan proclaimed May 25 as National Missing Children’s Day. The annual national poster contest sponsored by the U.S. Department of Justice Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention creates an opportunity for schools, law enforcement and child advocates to discuss the issue of missing and/or exploited children with youth, parents and guardians and to promote child safety.

“This contest creates awareness for the children who are missing, while also providing parents and teachers an opportunity to talk to kids about what to do if they’re approached by strangers,” Schmidt said.

KBI Director Kirk Thompson added, “While this contest is for fifth graders, we know how important it is for parents to take time to discuss appropriate safety measures with each of their children.”

The winner’s poster will also represent Kansas in the national contest. 

The national poster contest winner, along with his or her parents and teacher, will be eligible for a trip to Washington, D.C., to participate in the National Missing Children’s Day ceremony in May 2021.

Complete contest rules and application forms are available at&nbsp;<a href="https://bit.ly/2P4CVfg" target="_blank">https://bit.ly/2P4CVfg</a>.

Kansas has been participating in the annual “Bringing Our Missing Children Home” poster contest since 2008. 

The 2020 state contest winner was Josiah Mdoe of Topeka who attends Stout Elementary School. Josiah’s winning poster can be viewed at&nbsp;<a href="https://bit.ly/2P4CVfg" target="_blank">https://bit.ly/2P4CVfg</a>.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/1/1609796474669.jpeg" alt="2020 state contest winning poster by Josiah Mdoe of Topeka who attends Stout Elementary School." />
 <figcaption>2020 state contest winning poster by Josiah Mdoe of Topeka who attends Stout Elementary School.</figcaption>
 </figure>Office of Attorney GeneralTOPEKA –&nbsp; The Kansas Bureau of Investigation is accepting entries for the 2021 Missing Children’s Day poster contest, Kansas Attorney General Derek Schmidt announced.All Kansas fifth grade students, from public, private, or home schools, are invited to create and submit artwork that represents the contest theme “Bringing Our Missing Children Home.” The artwork must be original, handcrafted, 8 ½ x 14 inches in size, and contain the words “Bringing Our Missing Children Home.”In 1983, President Ronald Reagan proclaimed May 25 as National Missing Children’s Day. The annual national poster contest sponsored by the U.S. Department of Justice Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention creates an opportunity for schools, law enforcement and child advocates to discuss the issue of missing and/or exploited children with youth, parents and guardians and to promote child safety.“This contest creates awareness for the children who are missing, while also providing parents and teachers an opportunity to talk to kids about what to do if they’re approached by strangers,” Schmidt said.KBI Director Kirk Thompson added, “While this contest is for fifth graders, we know how important it is for parents to take time to discuss appropriate safety measures with each of their children.”The winner’s poster will also represent Kansas in the national contest. The national poster contest winner, along with his or her parents and teacher, will be eligible for a trip to Washington, D.C., to participate in the National Missing Children’s Day ceremony in May 2021.Entries must be received by Feb. 19. Complete contest rules and application forms are available at&nbsp;<a href="https://bit.ly/2P4CVfg" target="_blank">https://bit.ly/2P4CVfg</a>.Kansas has been participating in the annual “Bringing Our Missing Children Home” poster contest since 2008. The 2020 state contest winner was Josiah Mdoe of Topeka who attends Stout Elementary School. Josiah’s winning poster can be viewed at&nbsp;<a href="https://bit.ly/2P4CVfg" target="_blank">https://bit.ly/2P4CVfg</a>.

National Missing Children's Day poster contest opens to 5th graders

The new and improved Hays Post native app for iOS and Android devices is now available FREE for your mobile device.

<a href="https://hayspost.com/download">Click HERE to download from the App Store or Google Play.</a>

The new and improved Hays Post native app for iOS and Android devices is now available FREE for your mobile device.<a href="https://hayspost.com/download">Click HERE to download from the App Store or Google Play.</a><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/4/1587155364471.png" alt="" />
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 </figure>

Hays Post app now available on App Store, Google Play

Delivered to your virtual porch every morning — on time and free :-)

Delivered to your virtual porch every morning — on time and free :-)<div><script src="https://embed.secondstreetapp.com/Scripts/dist/optin.js" data-ss-embed="optin" data-design-id="327982" ></script></div>

📨 Sign up for the Hays Post Morning News Update!

🎥 January events in Hays include return of school sports

<a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/c2253268-4b0e-40be-88fc-6c6ac2d50226">Click HERE for more from the Hays CVB</a>

<h2>🎥 January events in Hays include return of school sports</h2><a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/c2253268-4b0e-40be-88fc-6c6ac2d50226">Click HERE for more from the Hays CVB</a><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/1/1609886901755.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>

Hays CVB Community Calendar for January

BUNKER HILL —&nbsp;It was recently announced that Governor Laura Kelly will be delivering the 2021 State of the State address virtually.&nbsp;

Smoky Hills PBS will be broadcasting the governor’s address on Tuesday, Jan. 12, at 7 p.m.&nbsp;&nbsp;

During the annual speech, Kelly will report to the Kansas Legislature and to the state her administration's priorities for the 2021 legislative session.&nbsp;

The address will also be available live on Gov. Kelly's Facebook page at&nbsp;<a href="https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMDEsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsImJ1bGxldGluX2lkIjoiMjAyMTAxMDQuMzI3OTYzMTEiLCJ1cmwiOiJodHRwczovL2djYzAxLnNhZmVsaW5rcy5wcm90ZWN0aW9uLm91dGxvb2suY29tLz91cmw9aHR0cHMlM0ElMkYlMkZ3d3cuZmFjZWJvb2suY29tJTJGR292TGF1cmFLZWxseSZkYXRhPTA0JTdDMDElN0NyYXluYS5rYXJzdCU0MGtzLmdvdiU3QzRmZTg3YmMwNzIxYjQ5NDcwNjI1MDhkOGIxMDllMTBlJTdDZGNhZTgxMDFjOTJkNDgwY2JjNDNjNjc2MWNjY2NjNWElN0MwJTdDMCU3QzYzNzQ1NDAwMzI3NTUzNjI4MyU3Q1Vua25vd24lN0NUV0ZwYkdac2IzZDhleUpXSWpvaU1DNHdMakF3TURBaUxDSlFJam9pVjJsdU16SWlMQ0pCVGlJNklrMWhhV3dpTENKWFZDSTZNbjAlM0QlN0MxMDAwJnNkYXRhPURKJTJCMDAzQWRSbkp5WkpYdXJKN0lvOSUyRjdReG1NS3luUUtiUFhFOE51WDhjJTNEJnJlc2VydmVkPTAifQ.LdRcdHPbCJnajB0HdNR5JUPIuji2t0PehXgd7c2DwOY/s/1303161001/br/92640571883-l" target="_blank">https://www.facebook.com/GovLauraKelly</a>.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Smoky Hills PBS serves 71 counties in central and western Kansas and is available on many cable systems, DirecTV, and Dish Network.&nbsp; It is also available to stream by clicking here:&nbsp;&nbsp;<a href="https://video.smokyhillstv.org/livestream/" target="_blank">video.smokyhillstv.org/livestream</a>.&nbsp;&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/9/1599755208571.png" alt="Gov. Laura Kelly, D-Kansas" />
 <figcaption>Gov. Laura Kelly, D-Kansas</figcaption>
 </figure>BUNKER HILL —&nbsp;It was recently announced that Governor Laura Kelly will be delivering the 2021 State of the State address virtually.&nbsp; Smoky Hills PBS will be broadcasting the governor’s address on Tuesday, Jan. 12, at 7 p.m.&nbsp;&nbsp;During the annual speech, Kelly will report to the Kansas Legislature and to the state her administration's priorities for the 2021 legislative session.&nbsp;The address will also be available live on Gov. Kelly's Facebook page at&nbsp;<a href="https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMDEsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsImJ1bGxldGluX2lkIjoiMjAyMTAxMDQuMzI3OTYzMTEiLCJ1cmwiOiJodHRwczovL2djYzAxLnNhZmVsaW5rcy5wcm90ZWN0aW9uLm91dGxvb2suY29tLz91cmw9aHR0cHMlM0ElMkYlMkZ3d3cuZmFjZWJvb2suY29tJTJGR292TGF1cmFLZWxseSZkYXRhPTA0JTdDMDElN0NyYXluYS5rYXJzdCU0MGtzLmdvdiU3QzRmZTg3YmMwNzIxYjQ5NDcwNjI1MDhkOGIxMDllMTBlJTdDZGNhZTgxMDFjOTJkNDgwY2JjNDNjNjc2MWNjY2NjNWElN0MwJTdDMCU3QzYzNzQ1NDAwMzI3NTUzNjI4MyU3Q1Vua25vd24lN0NUV0ZwYkdac2IzZDhleUpXSWpvaU1DNHdMakF3TURBaUxDSlFJam9pVjJsdU16SWlMQ0pCVGlJNklrMWhhV3dpTENKWFZDSTZNbjAlM0QlN0MxMDAwJnNkYXRhPURKJTJCMDAzQWRSbkp5WkpYdXJKN0lvOSUyRjdReG1NS3luUUtiUFhFOE51WDhjJTNEJnJlc2VydmVkPTAifQ.LdRcdHPbCJnajB0HdNR5JUPIuji2t0PehXgd7c2DwOY/s/1303161001/br/92640571883-l" target="_blank">https://www.facebook.com/GovLauraKelly</a>.&nbsp;&nbsp; Smoky Hills PBS serves 71 counties in central and western Kansas and is available on many cable systems, DirecTV, and Dish Network.&nbsp; It is also available to stream by clicking here:&nbsp;&nbsp;<a href="https://video.smokyhillstv.org/livestream/" target="_blank">video.smokyhillstv.org/livestream</a>.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Kelly's State of the State address can be seen on Smoky Hills PBS

Beginning on Thursday, January 7, work will begin to connect the extension of Skyline Drive to W. 41st Street in Hays. 

A temporary automated flagger traffic signal will be installed along W. 41st Street to direct traffic through construction. 

Eastbound and westbound traffic will be alternated on a one-lane road through the construction zone. 

This traffic configuration will last approximately four weeks. 

Questions may be directed to the contractor, Smoky Hill Construction, by emailing hayspublic@smokyhillconst.com, accessing the project page on the City of Hays website, or contacting the Office of Project Management at 785-628-7350. 

Refer to the project webpage <a href="https://www.haysusa.com/vine">www.haysusa.com/vine</a> for more details.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/1/1609967942512.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>City of HaysBeginning on Thursday, January 7, work will begin to connect the extension of Skyline Drive to W. 41st Street in Hays. A temporary automated flagger traffic signal will be installed along W. 41st Street to direct traffic through construction. Eastbound and westbound traffic will be alternated on a one-lane road through the construction zone. This traffic configuration will last approximately four weeks. Questions may be directed to the contractor, Smoky Hill Construction, by emailing hayspublic@smokyhillconst.com, accessing the project page on the City of Hays website, or contacting the Office of Project Management at 785-628-7350. Refer to the project webpage <a href="https://www.haysusa.com/vine">www.haysusa.com/vine</a> for more details.

W. 41st signal will direct traffic as Skyline connection gets underway

Heartland Building Center locations will be closed all day on Saturday for the memorial services of&nbsp;<a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/f0d4c6b3-8550-48ef-a1f2-730827b0580b">Curt Pfannenstiel</a>.

Locations in Hays, Stockton and Russell, as well as the truss plant, will reopen Monday for regular business hours.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/1/1609956621903.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Heartland Building Center locations will be closed all day on Saturday for the memorial services of&nbsp;<a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/f0d4c6b3-8550-48ef-a1f2-730827b0580b">Curt Pfannenstiel</a>.Locations in Hays, Stockton and Russell, as well as the truss plant, will reopen Monday for regular business hours.

Heartland Building Center locations will be closed Saturday

ABILENE - The first of Ike's 2021 virtual book club series by the Eisenhower Presidential Library is scheduled for Tue., January 12 at 7 p.m. central time. The program is free and open to the public. Join us online or by phone.

Join this program as if you were meeting your friends in a cozy café or living room with a glass of wine, even if you have not read the book. 

January's book selection is "Heartland: A Memoir of Working Hard and Being Broke in the Richest Country on Earth" by Sarah Smarsh. Her memoir was an instant New York Times bestseller and recipient of numerous awards. As a fifth-generation Kansas wheat farmer, her story is told as part social analysis and part cultural commentary. It closely examines class, identity and the perils of economic hardship in a wealthy nation.

The informal discussion will be led by Sandra Wiechert in partnership with&nbsp;<a href="http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001p27vcWGQaJ635gLuKUFcIJHNGAbXSGvajdxmujf6hmyaJd1Hm9CHJWqB1GTpNjY5zYu5lvtkzMMs3ssXTTH0qoYhV13RnVphWR08wo9COMOReq8UDdIBGAzpwGdG298dto9hfXn0unFMFqT50SQUli_UdALz__Nr&amp;c=rGFtghpFB9sFO70R1q89SU94TQxo7W9bdJRA2O5fvrPLtDTNkzTwFQ==&amp;ch=5TRLXqMgB8Te9Re8tCqnf-T0uI1UIOnWRfAO5ZbbTjB2TlADHL5NnA==" target="_blank">Humanities Kansas</a>.

The entire&nbsp;<a href="http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001p27vcWGQaJ635gLuKUFcIJHNGAbXSGvajdxmujf6hmyaJd1Hm9CHJWqB1GTpNjY5FFWtxvUTkulpONAA1p4s-42XP4jEXKjVvMRmhY4rBrA9igsy0RA2gANL4ArbLIFuOOk6oy9jLscYEavNV1oR9i6obXvQUIFId6uNVofUE9FkdWXRX5HXLQCrnaSvHalk&amp;c=rGFtghpFB9sFO70R1q89SU94TQxo7W9bdJRA2O5fvrPLtDTNkzTwFQ==&amp;ch=5TRLXqMgB8Te9Re8tCqnf-T0uI1UIOnWRfAO5ZbbTjB2TlADHL5NnA==" target="_blank">reading list schedule</a>&nbsp;is available on the Eisenhower Presidential Library's website (<a href="http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001p27vcWGQaJ635gLuKUFcIJHNGAbXSGvajdxmujf6hmyaJd1Hm9CHJVwK7HO9ECuvNpiqOEjB46w_xeSYNWkK8DTgeK9xMdPYXe_GXBmljEsIZyoQdrQ0amOEI_BdVC36lOwTNT_yTVB_Ed_SCwVS8w==&amp;c=rGFtghpFB9sFO70R1q89SU94TQxo7W9bdJRA2O5fvrPLtDTNkzTwFQ==&amp;ch=5TRLXqMgB8Te9Re8tCqnf-T0uI1UIOnWRfAO5ZbbTjB2TlADHL5NnA==" target="_blank">www.eisenhowerlibrary.gov</a>).

The&nbsp;<a href="http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001p27vcWGQaJ635gLuKUFcIJHNGAbXSGvajdxmujf6hmyaJd1Hm9CHJWqB1GTpNjY5FFWtxvUTkulpONAA1p4s-42XP4jEXKjVvMRmhY4rBrA9igsy0RA2gANL4ArbLIFuOOk6oy9jLscYEavNV1oR9i6obXvQUIFId6uNVofUE9FkdWXRX5HXLQCrnaSvHalk&amp;c=rGFtghpFB9sFO70R1q89SU94TQxo7W9bdJRA2O5fvrPLtDTNkzTwFQ==&amp;ch=5TRLXqMgB8Te9Re8tCqnf-T0uI1UIOnWRfAO5ZbbTjB2TlADHL5NnA==" target="_blank">2021 Ike Book Talk series</a>&nbsp;is made possible courtesy of the Eisenhower Foundation, Jeffcoat Foundation, Humanities Kansas, and the Abilene Public Library.

For more details about this event, visit&nbsp;<a href="http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001p27vcWGQaJ635gLuKUFcIJHNGAbXSGvajdxmujf6hmyaJd1Hm9CHJdx68E1XbqGJ6wEt73v0U2Ter9bAooG5CC3wr47DgNY2t78S4mIVWn_mBB_Mdcn70x-IrDGqNohR4xNR9RCXOCY0B8iqpfYuUYVeS583T_Ae&amp;c=rGFtghpFB9sFO70R1q89SU94TQxo7W9bdJRA2O5fvrPLtDTNkzTwFQ==&amp;ch=5TRLXqMgB8Te9Re8tCqnf-T0uI1UIOnWRfAO5ZbbTjB2TlADHL5NnA==" target="_blank">eisenhowerlibrary.gov</a>.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/1/1609952003457.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>ABILENE - The first of Ike's 2021 virtual book club series by the Eisenhower Presidential Library is scheduled for Tue., January 12 at 7 p.m. central time. The program is free and open to the public. Join us online or by phone.Join this program as if you were meeting your friends in a cozy café or living room with a glass of wine, even if you have not read the book. January's book selection is "Heartland: A Memoir of Working Hard and Being Broke in the Richest Country on Earth" by Sarah Smarsh. Her memoir was an instant New York Times bestseller and recipient of numerous awards. As a fifth-generation Kansas wheat farmer, her story is told as part social analysis and part cultural commentary. It closely examines class, identity and the perils of economic hardship in a wealthy nation. The informal discussion will be led by Sandra Wiechert in partnership with&nbsp;<a href="http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001p27vcWGQaJ635gLuKUFcIJHNGAbXSGvajdxmujf6hmyaJd1Hm9CHJWqB1GTpNjY5zYu5lvtkzMMs3ssXTTH0qoYhV13RnVphWR08wo9COMOReq8UDdIBGAzpwGdG298dto9hfXn0unFMFqT50SQUli_UdALz__Nr&amp;c=rGFtghpFB9sFO70R1q89SU94TQxo7W9bdJRA2O5fvrPLtDTNkzTwFQ==&amp;ch=5TRLXqMgB8Te9Re8tCqnf-T0uI1UIOnWRfAO5ZbbTjB2TlADHL5NnA==" target="_blank">Humanities Kansas</a>. The entire&nbsp;<a href="http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001p27vcWGQaJ635gLuKUFcIJHNGAbXSGvajdxmujf6hmyaJd1Hm9CHJWqB1GTpNjY5FFWtxvUTkulpONAA1p4s-42XP4jEXKjVvMRmhY4rBrA9igsy0RA2gANL4ArbLIFuOOk6oy9jLscYEavNV1oR9i6obXvQUIFId6uNVofUE9FkdWXRX5HXLQCrnaSvHalk&amp;c=rGFtghpFB9sFO70R1q89SU94TQxo7W9bdJRA2O5fvrPLtDTNkzTwFQ==&amp;ch=5TRLXqMgB8Te9Re8tCqnf-T0uI1UIOnWRfAO5ZbbTjB2TlADHL5NnA==" target="_blank">reading list schedule</a>&nbsp;is available on the Eisenhower Presidential Library's website (<a href="http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001p27vcWGQaJ635gLuKUFcIJHNGAbXSGvajdxmujf6hmyaJd1Hm9CHJVwK7HO9ECuvNpiqOEjB46w_xeSYNWkK8DTgeK9xMdPYXe_GXBmljEsIZyoQdrQ0amOEI_BdVC36lOwTNT_yTVB_Ed_SCwVS8w==&amp;c=rGFtghpFB9sFO70R1q89SU94TQxo7W9bdJRA2O5fvrPLtDTNkzTwFQ==&amp;ch=5TRLXqMgB8Te9Re8tCqnf-T0uI1UIOnWRfAO5ZbbTjB2TlADHL5NnA==" target="_blank">www.eisenhowerlibrary.gov</a>). MEETING OPTIONS:<ul>
 <li>Google Meet online:&nbsp;<a href="http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001p27vcWGQaJ635gLuKUFcIJHNGAbXSGvajdxmujf6hmyaJd1Hm9CHJZ5OBaWLovJJATufMhABt09QEKGIkY370WgrigJOixQaKhoB4vLnfLRUfaXRDjIhy9nIEjf1_f9x4m6kl6gEvBQXI67a3gKwqi6gFEjzKI5C&amp;c=rGFtghpFB9sFO70R1q89SU94TQxo7W9bdJRA2O5fvrPLtDTNkzTwFQ==&amp;ch=5TRLXqMgB8Te9Re8tCqnf-T0uI1UIOnWRfAO5ZbbTjB2TlADHL5NnA==" target="_blank">﻿</a><a href="http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001p27vcWGQaJ635gLuKUFcIJHNGAbXSGvajdxmujf6hmyaJd1Hm9CHJZ5OBaWLovJJATufMhABt09QEKGIkY370WgrigJOixQaKhoB4vLnfLRUfaXRDjIhy9nIEjf1_f9x4m6kl6gEvBQXI67a3gKwqi6gFEjzKI5C&amp;c=rGFtghpFB9sFO70R1q89SU94TQxo7W9bdJRA2O5fvrPLtDTNkzTwFQ==&amp;ch=5TRLXqMgB8Te9Re8tCqnf-T0uI1UIOnWRfAO5ZbbTjB2TlADHL5NnA==" target="_blank">meet.google.com/nfb-yjkm-sun</a></li><li>Telephone:&nbsp;617-675-4444‬ (PIN: ‪511 045 556 7306#)</li><li>Please join 10 minutes early so the program may begin on time.</li>
 </ul>The&nbsp;<a href="http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001p27vcWGQaJ635gLuKUFcIJHNGAbXSGvajdxmujf6hmyaJd1Hm9CHJWqB1GTpNjY5FFWtxvUTkulpONAA1p4s-42XP4jEXKjVvMRmhY4rBrA9igsy0RA2gANL4ArbLIFuOOk6oy9jLscYEavNV1oR9i6obXvQUIFId6uNVofUE9FkdWXRX5HXLQCrnaSvHalk&amp;c=rGFtghpFB9sFO70R1q89SU94TQxo7W9bdJRA2O5fvrPLtDTNkzTwFQ==&amp;ch=5TRLXqMgB8Te9Re8tCqnf-T0uI1UIOnWRfAO5ZbbTjB2TlADHL5NnA==" target="_blank">2021 Ike Book Talk series</a>&nbsp;is made possible courtesy of the Eisenhower Foundation, Jeffcoat Foundation, Humanities Kansas, and the Abilene Public Library. For more details about this event, visit&nbsp;<a href="http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001p27vcWGQaJ635gLuKUFcIJHNGAbXSGvajdxmujf6hmyaJd1Hm9CHJdx68E1XbqGJ6wEt73v0U2Ter9bAooG5CC3wr47DgNY2t78S4mIVWn_mBB_Mdcn70x-IrDGqNohR4xNR9RCXOCY0B8iqpfYuUYVeS583T_Ae&amp;c=rGFtghpFB9sFO70R1q89SU94TQxo7W9bdJRA2O5fvrPLtDTNkzTwFQ==&amp;ch=5TRLXqMgB8Te9Re8tCqnf-T0uI1UIOnWRfAO5ZbbTjB2TlADHL5NnA==" target="_blank">eisenhowerlibrary.gov</a>.

5th generation Kansas farmer's memoir is topic of virtual book club series

Interested
in joining one of the Central and Western Kansas Walk to End Alzheimer’s walk
planning committees?

The
Alzheimer’s Association Walk to End Alzheimer’s is the nation’s largest event
to raise awareness and funds for Alzheimer’s care, support and research. 
These walks motivate hundreds of community members who all share the same
vision -&nbsp; a world without Alzheimer’s and all other dementia.&nbsp; &nbsp;

We
need your help to make this event great.

There’s a place on the planning committee for everyone. Together, we can end Alzheimer’s disease, the nation’s sixth-leading cause of death.&nbsp;

If you are interested in joining a committee, please fill
out a short survey at <a href="https://act.alz.org/site/TR?sid=23941&amp;type=fr_informational&amp;pg=informational&amp;fr_id=13453">https://act.alz.org/site/TR?sid=23941&amp;type=fr_informational&amp;pg=informational&amp;fr_id=13453</a>.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/1/1609885215973.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Interested
in joining one of the Central and Western Kansas Walk to End Alzheimer’s walk
planning committees? The
Alzheimer’s Association Walk to End Alzheimer’s is the nation’s largest event
to raise awareness and funds for Alzheimer’s care, support and research. 
These walks motivate hundreds of community members who all share the same
vision -&nbsp; a world without Alzheimer’s and all other dementia.&nbsp; &nbsp;We
need your help to make this event great.There’s a place on the planning committee for everyone. Together, we can end Alzheimer’s disease, the nation’s sixth-leading cause of death.&nbsp;If you are interested in joining a committee, please fill
out a short survey at <a href="https://act.alz.org/site/TR?sid=23941&amp;type=fr_informational&amp;pg=informational&amp;fr_id=13453">https://act.alz.org/site/TR?sid=23941&amp;type=fr_informational&amp;pg=informational&amp;fr_id=13453</a>.

Volunteers needed for Walk to End Alzheimer’s planning committee

Beginning Wednesday morning, westbound 27th Street will be closed between Canal and Hall for gas line work. 

 Westbound traffic will be detoured north on Canal to 29th.

  Motorists should use caution and allow a bit more time as traffic may become congested at 29th and Hall.

  Eastbound 27th will remain open to traffic.&nbsp;Work should be completed next week. 

Questions can be directed to Midwest Energy.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/1/1609883982594.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>City of HaysBeginning Wednesday morning, westbound 27th Street will be closed between Canal and Hall for gas line work. Westbound traffic will be detoured north on Canal to 29th. Motorists should use caution and allow a bit more time as traffic may become congested at 29th and Hall. Eastbound 27th will remain open to traffic.&nbsp;Work should be completed next week. Questions can be directed to Midwest Energy.

Announcements