BY LAAH TUCKER News release

NATOMA — For God and Country, the Natoma American Legion Auxiliary Unit 109 continues the legacy in providing support for veterans, their families, children, youth and community. 

As the Legion Hall is in the final phase of restoration, a light celebration supper provided members a respite for reviewing past projects, recent fire relief for neighbors, updates on active military, and projections for the future. The meeting included the installation of newly elected officers (L-R): Laah Tucker, president, Jenjer Murphy, vice-president, Sheila Hachmeister, 2nd vice-president, Linda Crawford, secretary-treasurer, Shawna Dunlap, Chaplain, Sheri Beisner, Sergeant at arms; Cindy Elliott, Marge Kertz, and Sharon MacConnell, committee chairs.&nbsp; 

Guests for supper after a full day of work in the Hall were Post Commander William Workman, Terry Tucker, and David Kertz. On April 16, the members honored past members Adeline Eickhoff and Mary Murphy with a memorial ceremony and draping of the charter.&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/4/1651171916425.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>BY LAAH TUCKER News releaseNATOMA — For God and Country, the Natoma American Legion Auxiliary Unit 109 continues the legacy in providing support for veterans, their families, children, youth and community. As the Legion Hall is in the final phase of restoration, a light celebration supper provided members a respite for reviewing past projects, recent fire relief for neighbors, updates on active military, and projections for the future. The meeting included the installation of newly elected officers (L-R): Laah Tucker, president, Jenjer Murphy, vice-president, Sheila Hachmeister, 2nd vice-president, Linda Crawford, secretary-treasurer, Shawna Dunlap, Chaplain, Sheri Beisner, Sergeant at arms; Cindy Elliott, Marge Kertz, and Sharon MacConnell, committee chairs.&nbsp; Guests for supper after a full day of work in the Hall were Post Commander William Workman, Terry Tucker, and David Kertz. On April 16, the members honored past members Adeline Eickhoff and Mary Murphy with a memorial ceremony and draping of the charter.&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;

Natoma American Legion Auxiliary installs new officers

LA CROSSE — La Crosse is gearing up for the 56th annual Barbed Wire Festival May 5 to 7. For over 50 years, people have been traveling from all over the western United States to take part in this unique annual event. This year’s theme is “Sailing into a New Adventure.”

This year’s festival features a special exhibition of “In Search of Earth’s Secrets” in cooperation with Sternberg Museum of Natural History. Funded by the National Science Foundation, In Search of Earth's Secrets allows audiences to enjoy hands-on experience while learning about exciting science topics researched by the JOIDES Resolution such as earthquakes, volcanoes, and the extinction of the dinosaurs. The exhibit will be on display at the Kansas Barbed Wire Museum from May 5-17, 2022.

On Friday, the festivities begin at 8:00am at the La Crosse City Auditorium with displays of antiques and collectibles, crafts items, military displays, and of course, lots of barbed wire related items. The favorite “Tribute to Veterans” will once again be on display with historical military items, some never before seen. Displays will be open until 5:00pm.

Festivities move to the La Crosse Fire Department for the Barbecue and Casino Night at 6:30pm. After enjoying homemade burgers, brats and more, participants receive free “Barbed Bucks” that they can use to play a variety of casino style games. At the end of the evening, participants use their “Barbed Bucks” to purchase items in a fun and exciting live auction. Cost of the meal is $10, but there is no charge to participate in the games. Proceeds support the educational mission of the museum.

Saturday is filled with events for all ages. The auditorium opens at 8:00 am for a second day of displays. For bargain hunters, there will be community garage sales throughout town with maps available at the Festival Registration Desk. At 10:00, “The World Champion Barbed Wire Splicing Contest”™ starts with men’s, ladies’ and youth competitions open to everyone.&nbsp;

Events at the auditorium conclude at 3:00 pm with the Live Fund Raising Auction featuring barbed wire and other collectibles offered to the highest bidder. At 6:30, the festival moves to the La Crosse Country Club for the Evening Banquet featuring live music. A limited number of banquet tickets are available.&nbsp;

The festival concludes on Sunday with a non-denominational church service at 11:00 am in the Grass Park Shelter House across the creek from the museum complex followed by a community picnic sponsored by the La Crosse United Methodist Church. For more information, or a full schedule of events, visit us at <a href="http://www.rushcounty.org/wireshow">www.rushcounty.org/wireshow</a> or on Facebook. Questions, call 785-222-2808. The event is sponsored by the Kansas Barbed Wire Collectors Association. All activities are open to the public and there is no admission charge.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/4/1651345290092.jpeg" alt="Courtesy photo" />
 <figcaption>Courtesy photo</figcaption>
 </figure>SubmittedLA CROSSE — La Crosse is gearing up for the 56th annual Barbed Wire Festival May 5 to 7. For over 50 years, people have been traveling from all over the western United States to take part in this unique annual event. This year’s theme is “Sailing into a New Adventure.”This year’s festival features a special exhibition of “In Search of Earth’s Secrets” in cooperation with Sternberg Museum of Natural History. Funded by the National Science Foundation, In Search of Earth's Secrets allows audiences to enjoy hands-on experience while learning about exciting science topics researched by the JOIDES Resolution such as earthquakes, volcanoes, and the extinction of the dinosaurs. The exhibit will be on display at the Kansas Barbed Wire Museum from May 5-17, 2022.On Friday, the festivities begin at 8:00am at the La Crosse City Auditorium with displays of antiques and collectibles, crafts items, military displays, and of course, lots of barbed wire related items. The favorite “Tribute to Veterans” will once again be on display with historical military items, some never before seen. Displays will be open until 5:00pm.Festivities move to the La Crosse Fire Department for the Barbecue and Casino Night at 6:30pm. After enjoying homemade burgers, brats and more, participants receive free “Barbed Bucks” that they can use to play a variety of casino style games. At the end of the evening, participants use their “Barbed Bucks” to purchase items in a fun and exciting live auction. Cost of the meal is $10, but there is no charge to participate in the games. Proceeds support the educational mission of the museum.Saturday is filled with events for all ages. The auditorium opens at 8:00 am for a second day of displays. For bargain hunters, there will be community garage sales throughout town with maps available at the Festival Registration Desk. At 10:00, “The World Champion Barbed Wire Splicing Contest”™ starts with men’s, ladies’ and youth competitions open to everyone.&nbsp;Events at the auditorium conclude at 3:00 pm with the Live Fund Raising Auction featuring barbed wire and other collectibles offered to the highest bidder. At 6:30, the festival moves to the La Crosse Country Club for the Evening Banquet featuring live music. A limited number of banquet tickets are available.&nbsp;The festival concludes on Sunday with a non-denominational church service at 11:00 am in the Grass Park Shelter House across the creek from the museum complex followed by a community picnic sponsored by the La Crosse United Methodist Church. For more information, or a full schedule of events, visit us at <a href="http://www.rushcounty.org/wireshow">www.rushcounty.org/wireshow</a> or on Facebook. Questions, call 785-222-2808. The event is sponsored by the Kansas Barbed Wire Collectors Association. All activities are open to the public and there is no admission charge.

56th annual La Crosse Barbed Wire Festival set for this month

The deadline for letters related to the USD 489 bond issue to be considered for publication will be noon Wednesday.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/4/1587155364471.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>The deadline for letters related to the USD 489 bond issue to be considered for publication will be noon Wednesday.

USD 489 bond letter deadline is Wednesday

Attorney general candidate schedules stop in Hays

On Monday May 2, Feedlot Road from U.S. 183 to 230th Avenue will be closed until further notice for continued construction of the Northwest Business Corridor. The
project is currently progressing and will be transitioning to Phase 2, which includes the reconstruction of this section of Feedlot Road. Adjacent property owners will be
provided access to their property. No through access will be permitted.


Traffic along U.S. 183 will be diverted to 55th Street to access 230th Avenue. 

For questions pertaining to the project, call the contractor representative John Gumeringer at (316) 218-7710 with Wildcat Construction or contact Buck Driggs with Driggs Design Group, PA at (785) 313-1346.


<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/4/1651081950097.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>On Monday May 2, Feedlot Road from U.S. 183 to 230th Avenue will be closed until further notice for continued construction of the Northwest Business Corridor. The
project is currently progressing and will be transitioning to Phase 2, which includes the reconstruction of this section of Feedlot Road. Adjacent property owners will be
provided access to their property. No through access will be permitted.
Traffic along U.S. 183 will be diverted to 55th Street to access 230th Avenue. For questions pertaining to the project, call the contractor representative John Gumeringer at (316) 218-7710 with Wildcat Construction or contact Buck Driggs with Driggs Design Group, PA at (785) 313-1346.

Construction will close portion of Feedlot Road this week

Fort Hays DAV will host swap meet in July

Dance this weekend with the Sunflower Polka Club

Hays High FFA plant sale is Saturday morning in HHS greenhouse

By TROY RUDA Thomas More Prep-Marian

The 2022 Auction for Christian Education is online now for preview. By clicking&nbsp;<a href="https://www.hayscatholicschools.org/page/ace-2022">here</a>,&nbsp;you
 can preview all of the items for bid. Items 100 - 201 are available 
only for in-person bidding in the oral auction. All other items are 
available online only.

Live bidding begins at 9 a.m. Friday.&nbsp;All 
ticketed guests have been pre-registered and will only need to enter 
their phone number or email to log in. All other bidders are able to 
register beginning now.&nbsp;

Contact the alumni office at 785-650-4514 with questions or assistance with your online bidding or registration.

By TROY RUDA Thomas More Prep-MarianThe 2022 Auction for Christian Education is online now for preview. By clicking&nbsp;<a href="https://www.hayscatholicschools.org/page/ace-2022">here</a>,&nbsp;you
 can preview all of the items for bid. Items 100 - 201 are available 
only for in-person bidding in the oral auction. All other items are 
available online only.Live bidding begins at 9 a.m. Friday.&nbsp;All 
ticketed guests have been pre-registered and will only need to enter 
their phone number or email to log in. All other bidders are able to 
register beginning now.&nbsp;Contact the alumni office at 785-650-4514 with questions or assistance with your online bidding or registration.

TMP-M's ACE auction set to open Friday

The Ellis County Historical Society is gearing up for an
exciting year and they need you to make it happen. 

In a time when many are asking for money, ECHS is asking for
your time. Whether you have a few spare hours or want to help on a regular
basis, there is something for everyone. 

ECHS is kicking off the summer with a volunteer drive on
Thursday, April 28th in the Stone Church at 100 W 7th in Hays. Come and go from
6:00 to 8:00 pm and get a peek behind the scenes of ECHS, learn about the
upcoming projects, and ask all those burning questions. 

There is no obligation to volunteer but ECHS needs your
talents to make their dreams come true. All skill sets are needed from clerical
to manual labor. 

They will need a volunteer army to tackle the challenges of
“Saving Our Past’s Future.” 

Please consider giving your time and talent to ECHS.&nbsp; Contact ECHS at 785-628-2624 or at
director@echshays.org if you have any questions. Hope to see you on April 28th.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/4/1651002869453.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>SubmittedThe Ellis County Historical Society is gearing up for an
exciting year and they need you to make it happen. In a time when many are asking for money, ECHS is asking for
your time. Whether you have a few spare hours or want to help on a regular
basis, there is something for everyone. ECHS is kicking off the summer with a volunteer drive on
Thursday, April 28th in the Stone Church at 100 W 7th in Hays. Come and go from
6:00 to 8:00 pm and get a peek behind the scenes of ECHS, learn about the
upcoming projects, and ask all those burning questions. There is no obligation to volunteer but ECHS needs your
talents to make their dreams come true. All skill sets are needed from clerical
to manual labor. They will need a volunteer army to tackle the challenges of
“Saving Our Past’s Future.” Please consider giving your time and talent to ECHS.&nbsp; Contact ECHS at 785-628-2624 or at
director@echshays.org if you have any questions. Hope to see you on April 28th.

Ellis County Historical Society hosting volunteer open house

Roll Out the Rain Barrel event set for May 3

Soil health workshop scheduled for May 18 and 19 in Hays

May is Better Hearing, Speech Month

The Ellis County Drug Enforcement Unit, in conjunction with the Drug Enforcement Administration’s National
Prescription Drug Take Back Day, is offering community members with an opportunity to dispose of old, unwanted,
unused, and no longer needed medications during the 22nd National Prescription Drug Take Back Day, held on Saturday
April 30th, 2022, from 10 am to 2pm. The drop off site will be located in the north parking lot of the Ellis County Law
Enforcement Center, 105 W. 12th. Since the inception of the Drug Take Back events, Kansas has collected and
properly disposed of 226,178 pounds of unused and no longer needed medications.


During this event the Ellis County Drug Enforcement Unit will collect tablets, capsules, patches, and other solid forms of
prescription drugs. Prescription medications can be disposed of in the original container or placed in a Ziploc bag.
Liquids (including intravenous solutions) syringes, sharps, and other illicit drugs will not be accepted.


Ellis County Sheriff's OfficeThe Ellis County Drug Enforcement Unit, in conjunction with the Drug Enforcement Administration’s National
Prescription Drug Take Back Day, is offering community members with an opportunity to dispose of old, unwanted,
unused, and no longer needed medications during the 22nd National Prescription Drug Take Back Day, held on Saturday
April 30th, 2022, from 10 am to 2pm. The drop off site will be located in the north parking lot of the Ellis County Law
Enforcement Center, 105 W. 12th. Since the inception of the Drug Take Back events, Kansas has collected and
properly disposed of 226,178 pounds of unused and no longer needed medications.
During this event the Ellis County Drug Enforcement Unit will collect tablets, capsules, patches, and other solid forms of
prescription drugs. Prescription medications can be disposed of in the original container or placed in a Ziploc bag.
Liquids (including intravenous solutions) syringes, sharps, and other illicit drugs will not be accepted.
Cover image courtesy Pixabay

Drug Take Back Day scheduled for April 30

Fort Hays State University’s Science Café for April is set for Monday.

The monthly presentation about science, sponsored by FHSU’s Science and Mathematics Education Institute, will begin at 7 p.m. at The Venue in Thirsty’s Brew Pub &amp; Grill, 2704 Vine.

John Ross, strategic change administrator at Sunflower Electric Power Corp. in Hays, will talk about the mission that will open new views of the universe. He will explain how NASA’s SpaceX mission will use its Starship rocket to deliver astronauts to the moon’s surface for the upcoming Artemis mission.

Science Café presentations are free and open to the public. Questions can be directed to Cari Rohleder at&nbsp;<a href="mailto:cbrohleder@fhsu.edu">cbrohleder@fhsu.edu</a>&nbsp;or 785-628-4743 or by visiting:

<a href="http://link.mediaoutreach.meltwater.com/ls/click?upn=AzU7JuM9gNoo13mIpsUPJN6YW3ahiFh3u1xso6sQsiDE6GJ06bOQIjYgX8RETmmTmx2A_-2FnwFlkKVzcKMOkDYhP8GUyFUplsqhIzQPvqFQr864lE6mcAzErX0FzZi5JGU6rvvK6MLOuHK4jhl5V61fmGkhToZRMbpEKBDAFMZ0jElT3tJmz7vmG2Oh1wrxpMGOIemhiaZlwCZy0s44c-2B88cgZWR6KsRygp1GyeoBrACCWJN1zNg4LzcD8ofNxWnL3fjbb2umcoWMnDoK8S47EeY-2FcNZIN3o2fw-2Bq2mNveZZvUVDPeYqwrbFgdfSBl0UXrE7th5rfysXSMYXJv1eJxjBVt7-2Bcf7hI3Dntxl1xI4-2FeeHZbQ1tdfazrp5yJNnh-2B-2FlkOBLkkYDq-2FIUwyOoKK-2Fl76kcuyTm44TIfSSwfhZJi4jp4Vlb9iOEYeqbi6cC-2F6GdkZacX9Q7o2ORNHxDw7PT0UU4A-3D-3D">www.twitter.com/FHSUScienceCafe</a>

<a href="http://link.mediaoutreach.meltwater.com/ls/click?upn=AzU7JuM9gNoo13mIpsUPJM9yMLtcQHFVzIgvo7vtXsa2lh-2FFmlw1B0utYEX-2F-2BAl65ttfmJSIa8vOh5ZwyxplYg-3D-3DzQS2_-2FnwFlkKVzcKMOkDYhP8GUyFUplsqhIzQPvqFQr864lE6mcAzErX0FzZi5JGU6rvvK6MLOuHK4jhl5V61fmGkhToZRMbpEKBDAFMZ0jElT3tJmz7vmG2Oh1wrxpMGOIemhiaZlwCZy0s44c-2B88cgZWR6KsRygp1GyeoBrACCWJN1zNg4LzcD8ofNxWnL3fjbb2umcoWMnDoK8S47EeY-2FcNR4N-2BU42Gx-2FRNxz6NINE1uBabAyxzhKibZGlZqzpazmHpgf0FaK5oNeOjp5N-2BUzSQuMGzMGcN0Sun8HuNubgw2TvtLy15kYjpOYLTfPuq7uxVjcj-2FboS3DgZrFQGN9jBI5LnwAt56necv-2BsHYomYqwzptKLpYQ-2FoqINQPcTbfZboB4Lhr2s1pIe7IQ40DWxE-2Bg-3D-3D">www.facebook.com/FHSUScienceCafe</a>

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/4/1650397895769.png" alt="Courtesy photo" />
 <figcaption>Courtesy photo</figcaption>
 </figure>SubmittedFort Hays State University’s Science Café for April is set for Monday.The monthly presentation about science, sponsored by FHSU’s Science and Mathematics Education Institute, will begin at 7 p.m. at The Venue in Thirsty’s Brew Pub &amp; Grill, 2704 Vine.John Ross, strategic change administrator at Sunflower Electric Power Corp. in Hays, will talk about the mission that will open new views of the universe. He will explain how NASA’s SpaceX mission will use its Starship rocket to deliver astronauts to the moon’s surface for the upcoming Artemis mission.Science Café presentations are free and open to the public. Questions can be directed to Cari Rohleder at&nbsp;<a href="mailto:cbrohleder@fhsu.edu">cbrohleder@fhsu.edu</a>&nbsp;or 785-628-4743 or by visiting:<a href="http://link.mediaoutreach.meltwater.com/ls/click?upn=AzU7JuM9gNoo13mIpsUPJIbWkKLWq-2BAH9EOMnpKiWtF21cgruX7hnOpjSWWak0MVosla_-2FnwFlkKVzcKMOkDYhP8GUyFUplsqhIzQPvqFQr864lE6mcAzErX0FzZi5JGU6rvvK6MLOuHK4jhl5V61fmGkhToZRMbpEKBDAFMZ0jElT3tJmz7vmG2Oh1wrxpMGOIemhiaZlwCZy0s44c-2B88cgZWR6KsRygp1GyeoBrACCWJN1zNg4LzcD8ofNxWnL3fjbb2umcoWMnDoK8S47EeY-2FcNZnwPlAJBA7lToKX6pTCAFFs6ZO-2BQo-2FnK5gdveWAWPwnvkIcu8V0j1gvgeAmrg95hp1kvIkyG02FCBQxEDzxzvqNLVa4mzX8EyAGEqvmQntA7v6NAhQRWoh9AZnzOIKHkxj0wame8hSmuMMywlHXr-2FXhzfhaU47SXo7nhRam4eF8EdPWGhoP6Nleo9J00AbvHg-3D-3D">www.fhsu.edu/smei</a><a href="http://link.mediaoutreach.meltwater.com/ls/click?upn=AzU7JuM9gNoo13mIpsUPJN6YW3ahiFh3u1xso6sQsiDE6GJ06bOQIjYgX8RETmmTmx2A_-2FnwFlkKVzcKMOkDYhP8GUyFUplsqhIzQPvqFQr864lE6mcAzErX0FzZi5JGU6rvvK6MLOuHK4jhl5V61fmGkhToZRMbpEKBDAFMZ0jElT3tJmz7vmG2Oh1wrxpMGOIemhiaZlwCZy0s44c-2B88cgZWR6KsRygp1GyeoBrACCWJN1zNg4LzcD8ofNxWnL3fjbb2umcoWMnDoK8S47EeY-2FcNZIN3o2fw-2Bq2mNveZZvUVDPeYqwrbFgdfSBl0UXrE7th5rfysXSMYXJv1eJxjBVt7-2Bcf7hI3Dntxl1xI4-2FeeHZbQ1tdfazrp5yJNnh-2B-2FlkOBLkkYDq-2FIUwyOoKK-2Fl76kcuyTm44TIfSSwfhZJi4jp4Vlb9iOEYeqbi6cC-2F6GdkZacX9Q7o2ORNHxDw7PT0UU4A-3D-3D">www.twitter.com/FHSUScienceCafe</a><a href="http://link.mediaoutreach.meltwater.com/ls/click?upn=AzU7JuM9gNoo13mIpsUPJM9yMLtcQHFVzIgvo7vtXsa2lh-2FFmlw1B0utYEX-2F-2BAl65ttfmJSIa8vOh5ZwyxplYg-3D-3DzQS2_-2FnwFlkKVzcKMOkDYhP8GUyFUplsqhIzQPvqFQr864lE6mcAzErX0FzZi5JGU6rvvK6MLOuHK4jhl5V61fmGkhToZRMbpEKBDAFMZ0jElT3tJmz7vmG2Oh1wrxpMGOIemhiaZlwCZy0s44c-2B88cgZWR6KsRygp1GyeoBrACCWJN1zNg4LzcD8ofNxWnL3fjbb2umcoWMnDoK8S47EeY-2FcNR4N-2BU42Gx-2FRNxz6NINE1uBabAyxzhKibZGlZqzpazmHpgf0FaK5oNeOjp5N-2BUzSQuMGzMGcN0Sun8HuNubgw2TvtLy15kYjpOYLTfPuq7uxVjcj-2FboS3DgZrFQGN9jBI5LnwAt56necv-2BsHYomYqwzptKLpYQ-2FoqINQPcTbfZboB4Lhr2s1pIe7IQ40DWxE-2Bg-3D-3D">www.facebook.com/FHSUScienceCafe</a>

NASA’s SpaceX mission the topic  of FHSU’s next Science Cafe

The Kansas Department of Transportation has started work on a pavement marking project along U.S. 40 near Oakley.

Crews will be removing and replacing pavement markings starting at the west U.S. 83 junction and ending at the I-70 junction. Flaggers and a pilot car will direct traffic through the work zone; expect delays of 15 minutes or less. Work is estimated to be complete by the end of May, weather permitting.

RoadSafe Traffic Systems of El Dorado is the primary contractor with a total contract cost of approximately $485,000.&nbsp;

KDOTThe Kansas Department of Transportation has started work on a pavement marking project along U.S. 40 near Oakley.Crews will be removing and replacing pavement markings starting at the west U.S. 83 junction and ending at the I-70 junction. Flaggers and a pilot car will direct traffic through the work zone; expect delays of 15 minutes or less. Work is estimated to be complete by the end of May, weather permitting.RoadSafe Traffic Systems of El Dorado is the primary contractor with a total contract cost of approximately $485,000.&nbsp;

U.S. 40 pavement marking project starting near Oakley

The Phillipsburg track and field meet scheduled for Friday, April 22nd has been postponed until Monday, April 25th due to weather conditions.

The Phillipsburg track and field meet scheduled for Friday, April 22nd has been postponed until Monday, April 25th due to weather conditions.

👟Phillipsburg track meet postponed

DOWNS —&nbsp; The&nbsp;<a href="https://www.facebook.com/KansasStorytellingFestival" target="_blank">Kansas Storytelling Festival</a>&nbsp;will present its annual event Friday and Saturday. The event includes five nationally recognized tellers performing on five stages throughout the Festival. Over the course of the two days, the Festival also presents the annual tall&nbsp;tails&nbsp;contest, ghost stories, local legends, workshops,&nbsp; master storytellers, and more.

Every session at the Festival offers something remarkable. Here are just a few highlights of this year’s lineup:&nbsp;

Andy Offutt Irwin.&nbsp;Andy is especially known for relating the adventures of his 85-year-old-widowed-newly-minted-physician-aunt, Marguerite Van Camp, a woman who avoids curmudgeonship by keeping her finger on the pulse of the changing world around her.

Kim Weitkamp. Kim grew up in Amish Country as the middle child of exhausted parents. Labeled by teachers as high-spirited, uncooperative, and too talkative, Kim took those comments and channeled them into a lifetime of high-energy, heartfelt, and hilarious artistry.

Regi Carpenter. Regi's stories uplift the audience as they are reminded of each individual's tremendous impact within their circle. She utilizes the power of stories to motivate, inspire, energize, and focus individuals.

Don White.&nbsp;Don has invented his own genre with a mix of humor and powerful songwriting. He is a singer/songwriter, a comedian, an author, and a storyteller.

Phil S. Dixon.&nbsp;Phil has covered African American baseball topics for more than thirty-five years and is an author and storyteller of the rich history surrounding America's pastime, baseball.

The Kansas Storytelling Festival is proud to offer the Tall Tales Contest on Friday evening. Throughout the Festival, enjoy the incredible talent through Local Legends, Ghost Stories, Storytelling Workshops, Master Storytellers, Swappin’ Ground, and Featured Tellers Q &amp; A. All storytelling locations are accessible within a few blocks of walking distance. Enjoy a scenic shuttle ride between performances and there’s plenty of parking on Morgan Avenue.

For information about the Kansas Storytelling Festival, contact Glennys Doane, 785-545-5105,&nbsp;<a href="mailto:kansasstorytelling@gmail.com" target="_blank">kansasstorytelling@gmail.com</a>

Purchase admission buttons early online,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kansasstorytellingfestival.com/shop" target="_blank">kansasstorytellingfestival.com/shop</a>, by day, or by a performance at the historic Downs Depot.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/4/1650375064975.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>SubmittedDOWNS —&nbsp; The&nbsp;<a href="https://www.facebook.com/KansasStorytellingFestival" target="_blank">Kansas Storytelling Festival</a>&nbsp;will present its annual event Friday and Saturday. The event includes five nationally recognized tellers performing on five stages throughout the Festival. Over the course of the two days, the Festival also presents the annual tall&nbsp;tails&nbsp;contest, ghost stories, local legends, workshops,&nbsp; master storytellers, and more.Every session at the Festival offers something remarkable. Here are just a few highlights of this year’s lineup:&nbsp;Andy Offutt Irwin.&nbsp;Andy is especially known for relating the adventures of his 85-year-old-widowed-newly-minted-physician-aunt, Marguerite Van Camp, a woman who avoids curmudgeonship by keeping her finger on the pulse of the changing world around her.Kim Weitkamp. Kim grew up in Amish Country as the middle child of exhausted parents. Labeled by teachers as high-spirited, uncooperative, and too talkative, Kim took those comments and channeled them into a lifetime of high-energy, heartfelt, and hilarious artistry.Regi Carpenter. Regi's stories uplift the audience as they are reminded of each individual's tremendous impact within their circle. She utilizes the power of stories to motivate, inspire, energize, and focus individuals.Don White.&nbsp;Don has invented his own genre with a mix of humor and powerful songwriting. He is a singer/songwriter, a comedian, an author, and a storyteller.Phil S. Dixon.&nbsp;Phil has covered African American baseball topics for more than thirty-five years and is an author and storyteller of the rich history surrounding America's pastime, baseball.The Kansas Storytelling Festival is proud to offer the Tall Tales Contest on Friday evening. Throughout the Festival, enjoy the incredible talent through Local Legends, Ghost Stories, Storytelling Workshops, Master Storytellers, Swappin’ Ground, and Featured Tellers Q &amp; A. All storytelling locations are accessible within a few blocks of walking distance. Enjoy a scenic shuttle ride between performances and there’s plenty of parking on Morgan Avenue.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/4/1650375186308.png" alt="" />
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 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/4/1650375209269.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>For information about the Kansas Storytelling Festival, contact Glennys Doane, 785-545-5105,&nbsp;<a href="mailto:kansasstorytelling@gmail.com" target="_blank">kansasstorytelling@gmail.com</a>Purchase admission buttons early online,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kansasstorytellingfestival.com/shop" target="_blank">kansasstorytellingfestival.com/shop</a>, by day, or by a performance at the historic Downs Depot.&nbsp;

Annual Kansas Storytelling Festival this weekend in Downs

BUNKER HILL — Smoky Hills PBS has announced it will be bringing its Family Fun Day event to Fike Park in Colby on Saturday, April 30, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.&nbsp; Curious George will also be there.

The Family Fun Day event gives kids a chance to meet Curious George in person and take pictures with him. The first 500 kids that come to meet Curious George will receive a free gift.

“Curious George is so excited to come celebrate Earth Day with the kids,” said Haley Gagnon, event coordinator for Smoky Hills PBS.&nbsp; “We are thrilled to bring our Family Fun Day event to northwest Kansas.”

Family Fun Day is an educational and entertaining event that Smoky Hills PBS puts on approximately 4 times a year across Central and Western Kansas.&nbsp; Smoky Hills PBS brings a special PBS character to visit and free books and educational gifts are distributed to those children in attendance.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/1/1578663876107.jpeg" alt="" />
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 </figure>Smoky Hills PBSBUNKER HILL — Smoky Hills PBS has announced it will be bringing its Family Fun Day event to Fike Park in Colby on Saturday, April 30, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.&nbsp; Curious George will also be there.The Family Fun Day event gives kids a chance to meet Curious George in person and take pictures with him. The first 500 kids that come to meet Curious George will receive a free gift.“Curious George is so excited to come celebrate Earth Day with the kids,” said Haley Gagnon, event coordinator for Smoky Hills PBS.&nbsp; “We are thrilled to bring our Family Fun Day event to northwest Kansas.”Family Fun Day is an educational and entertaining event that Smoky Hills PBS puts on approximately 4 times a year across Central and Western Kansas.&nbsp; Smoky Hills PBS brings a special PBS character to visit and free books and educational gifts are distributed to those children in attendance.

Curious George and Smoky Hills PBS coming to Colby

WAKEENEY — The&nbsp;Trego Hospital Endowment Foundation's&nbsp;Bake Sale will be at 9 a.m. Saturday at the&nbsp;American Legion, 517 Russell Ave.

Locals will be providing a terrific selection of sweets and baked goods.&nbsp;

Pop in to support and get a sugar fix and you could even be a winner of one of the drawing prizes that have been donated for the event.

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 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/4/1650216576791.png" alt="Screen Shot 2022-04-17 at 12.29.22 PM.png" />
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 </figure>SubmittedWAKEENEY — The&nbsp;Trego Hospital Endowment Foundation's&nbsp;Bake Sale will be at 9 a.m. Saturday at the&nbsp;American Legion, 517 Russell Ave.Locals will be providing a terrific selection of sweets and baked goods.&nbsp;Pop in to support and get a sugar fix and you could even be a winner of one of the drawing prizes that have been donated for the event.

Trego Hospital Endowment Foundation schedules bake sale

Drive for Cancer golf tourney scheduled for June 10

By BECKY KISER Hays Post

With a goal of making it easier to develop properties in Hays, a number of revisions to the Unified Development Code (UDC) have been proposed by city staff.

A public hearing on the 26 proposed regulation changes will be conducted Monday evening by the Hays Area Planning Commission. The recommended updates have been presented to the Planning Commission the past few&nbsp; months by Curtis Deines, planning and development superintendent.&nbsp;

The changes include everything from maximum building heights and the minimum size of planned residential developments to&nbsp; minimum landscape surface requirements and changes in building signage for businesses.

City staff recommends approval of the proposed changes.&nbsp;&nbsp;

If approved, the UDC update will go to the Hays city commission for its approval.&nbsp;

The public hearing will be held at 6:30 p.m. in Hays City Hall, 1507 Main. The complete April 18 agenda is available <a href="https://www.haysusa.com/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_04182022-1337">here</a>.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/3/1584721067731.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>By BECKY KISER Hays PostWith a goal of making it easier to develop properties in Hays, a number of revisions to the Unified Development Code (UDC) have been proposed by city staff.A public hearing on the 26 proposed regulation changes will be conducted Monday evening by the Hays Area Planning Commission. The recommended updates have been presented to the Planning Commission the past few&nbsp; months by Curtis Deines, planning and development superintendent.&nbsp;The changes include everything from maximum building heights and the minimum size of planned residential developments to&nbsp; minimum landscape surface requirements and changes in building signage for businesses.City staff recommends approval of the proposed changes.&nbsp;&nbsp;If approved, the UDC update will go to the Hays city commission for its approval.&nbsp;The public hearing will be held at 6:30 p.m. in Hays City Hall, 1507 Main. The complete April 18 agenda is available <a href="https://www.haysusa.com/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_04182022-1337">here</a>.&nbsp;

Proposed changes to Hays Unified Development Code face public hearing Monday

Thomas More Prep-Marian

Spring has sprung and golf is in the air. Join TMP-M for the fourth&nbsp;annual Fr. Earl Befort, O.F.M. Capuchin Golf Classic, which will be held Friday, June 3, at the Fort Hays Municipal Golf Course.&nbsp;

The shotgun start is at 9 a.m. with lunch and refreshments provided.&nbsp; Register your four-person 
team, reserve golf carts, and/or purchase a $100 hole sponsor sign <a href="https://www.hayscatholicschools.org/page/fr-earl-befort-golf-classic">HERE</a> at by May 13.

<a href="https://www.hayscatholicschools.org/page/fr-earl-befort-golf-classic" target="_blank">Full schedule and entry forms are available here.</a>

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 </figure>
 Thomas More Prep-MarianSpring has sprung and golf is in the air. Join TMP-M for the fourth&nbsp;annual Fr. Earl Befort, O.F.M. Capuchin Golf Classic, which will be held Friday, June 3, at the Fort Hays Municipal Golf Course.&nbsp; The shotgun start is at 9 a.m. with lunch and refreshments provided.&nbsp; Register your four-person 
team, reserve golf carts, and/or purchase a $100 hole sponsor sign <a href="https://www.hayscatholicschools.org/page/fr-earl-befort-golf-classic">HERE</a> at by May 13.<a href="https://www.hayscatholicschools.org/page/fr-earl-befort-golf-classic" target="_blank">Full schedule and entry forms are available here.</a>

Fr. Earl Befort Golf Classic scheduled for June

HaysMed is looking for input on health care services.&nbsp; 

The hospital invites the public to share feedback about health care in western Kansas. 

Share your opinion with us by April 18 when the survey closes at&nbsp;<a href="https://bit.ly/haysmed-survey?fbclid=IwAR2SjNmXsytTETuGwllNqlnTtnYBi2HFm0620sjctk8en6DJ8pQDo3zH8yM" target="_blank">https://bit.ly/haysmed-survey</a>

HaysMedHaysMed is looking for input on health care services.&nbsp; The hospital invites the public to share feedback about health care in western Kansas. Share your opinion with us by April 18 when the survey closes at&nbsp;<a href="https://bit.ly/haysmed-survey?fbclid=IwAR2SjNmXsytTETuGwllNqlnTtnYBi2HFm0620sjctk8en6DJ8pQDo3zH8yM" target="_blank">https://bit.ly/haysmed-survey</a>

HaysMed survey seeks input on health care in western Kansas

The 48th annual Kiwanis Club Easter Egg Hunt will be at 9:00 a.m., Saturday at Fort Hays State University. The event is for kids 10 and under and involves searching for eggs filled with candy, coins and gift certificates.&nbsp;

"For decades, this has been a fun-filled, successful community event that happens every Easter weekend," said Kiwanis Club President Chuck White.&nbsp;

The Kiwanis Club gets help stuffing and hiding the thousands of eggs from volunteer organizations such as &nbsp;FHSU's Circle K club and the Thomas More Prep-Marian Builders Club and Key Club. All three clubs are Kiwanis International programs.

"We are stuffing about 6,000 eggs, so it takes a couple of hours to fill all of those the day before the hunt, and then the next morning, it takes the kiddos about two minutes to find those 6,000 eggs," White said.&nbsp;

The first egg hunt took place in 1974. While it still took just minutes for the kids to find all the eggs, there is one big difference today.

"We still have a few club members that were around back then that remember the eggs actually being hard-boiled eggs that they had to dye the day before in different colors," White said. "But along came the plastic eggs with the candy, which kids seem to enjoy."&nbsp;

The event starts at 9:00 a.m. on Saturday in the Quad area at FHSU. Different age groups from 0-2 up to 9-10 will be split into sections before the Easter egg hunt begins to ensure the search is as fair as possible. The Easter Bunny will also be on-site for photos.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/9/1631119203853.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>SubmittedThe 48th annual Kiwanis Club Easter Egg Hunt will be at 9:00 a.m., Saturday at Fort Hays State University. The event is for kids 10 and under and involves searching for eggs filled with candy, coins and gift certificates.&nbsp;"For decades, this has been a fun-filled, successful community event that happens every Easter weekend," said Kiwanis Club President Chuck White.&nbsp;The Kiwanis Club gets help stuffing and hiding the thousands of eggs from volunteer organizations such as &nbsp;FHSU's Circle K club and the Thomas More Prep-Marian Builders Club and Key Club. All three clubs are Kiwanis International programs."We are stuffing about 6,000 eggs, so it takes a couple of hours to fill all of those the day before the hunt, and then the next morning, it takes the kiddos about two minutes to find those 6,000 eggs," White said.&nbsp;The first egg hunt took place in 1974. While it still took just minutes for the kids to find all the eggs, there is one big difference today."We still have a few club members that were around back then that remember the eggs actually being hard-boiled eggs that they had to dye the day before in different colors," White said. "But along came the plastic eggs with the candy, which kids seem to enjoy."&nbsp;The event starts at 9:00 a.m. on Saturday in the Quad area at FHSU. Different age groups from 0-2 up to 9-10 will be split into sections before the Easter egg hunt begins to ensure the search is as fair as possible. The Easter Bunny will also be on-site for photos.

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