First Call for Help is sponsoring its second annual Photo Frenzy fundraiser.

Strike a pose on Saturday, March 5. Select your team of up to four people, hop in the car, and get ready to make memories for a good cause. 

•	Call 785-623-2800 to register your team by the end of the day on March 3. Registration fee is $20 for adults and $15 for kids 12 and younger. This is a family friendly event. 	•	On the morning of March 5, receive your scavenger hunt clues and have a blast setting out to find the locations between 10 a.m. and noon. 	•	Snap photos of your answers and submit them for points. 	•	Team scores will be added together, and prizes will be awarded to the winning team members.

This is a fun, interactive event that brings people together to raise money and awareness for First Call For Help. All registration fees and any additional funds raised go directly to support community members in need of basic essential services, such as rent, utilities and diapers.

Last year was a great success and we hope to make this year even bigger and better, a news release said. To sign up or for more information, call Laura Shoaff at 785-623-2800. 

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/1/1643306693231.jpeg" alt="Photo Frenzy Flyer 2022USE1 (1).jpg" />
 <figcaption>Photo Frenzy Flyer 2022USE1 (1).jpg</figcaption>
 </figure>SubmittedFirst Call for Help is sponsoring its second annual Photo Frenzy fundraiser. Strike a pose on Saturday, March 5. Select your team of up to four people, hop in the car, and get ready to make memories for a good cause. Here’s the full picture:	•	Call 785-623-2800 to register your team by the end of the day on March 3. Registration fee is $20 for adults and $15 for kids 12 and younger. This is a family friendly event. 	•	On the morning of March 5, receive your scavenger hunt clues and have a blast setting out to find the locations between 10 a.m. and noon. 	•	Snap photos of your answers and submit them for points. 	•	Team scores will be added together, and prizes will be awarded to the winning team members.This is a fun, interactive event that brings people together to raise money and awareness for First Call For Help. All registration fees and any additional funds raised go directly to support community members in need of basic essential services, such as rent, utilities and diapers. Last year was a great success and we hope to make this year even bigger and better, a news release said. To sign up or for more information, call Laura Shoaff at 785-623-2800.

Deadline extended for First Call For Help Photo Frenzy fundraiser

Audubon of Kansas to discuss prairie chickens breeding biology Thursday

Here's your chance to be on stage in a Shakespearan play - but with a twist! We will be hosting auditions for A Radical Midsummer Night's Dream - one of William Shakespeare's classic comedies - with an 80s twist!&nbsp; This play will feature 1980s themed costumes and some 'radical' dialogue (think Valley Girls and Fast Times at Ridgemont High). It will be a great show with plenty of laughs.

AUDITIONS - A RADICAL MIDSUMMER NIGHT'S DREAM SATURDAY • MARCH 5, 2022 • 3-7 P.M. SUNDAY • MARCH 6, 2022 • 7-9 P.M.

13 - 20 roles - a mixture of males/females • Age Range - 14 to 99

How to prepare? Practice reading some Shakespeare so you are familiar with the lines.

The performance is scheduled for April 29 &amp; 30 (7:30 p.m.) and May 1 (2:30 p.m.)

Hays Community Theatre PO Box 21 | 121 E. 8th | Hays, KS 67601 ​Tel: 844.428.5221 <a href="mailto:contact@hctks.com">contact@hctks.com</a>

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/3/1646261842994.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>SubmittedHere's your chance to be on stage in a Shakespearan play - but with a twist! We will be hosting auditions for A Radical Midsummer Night's Dream - one of William Shakespeare's classic comedies - with an 80s twist!&nbsp; This play will feature 1980s themed costumes and some 'radical' dialogue (think Valley Girls and Fast Times at Ridgemont High). It will be a great show with plenty of laughs.AUDITIONS - A RADICAL MIDSUMMER NIGHT'S DREAM SATURDAY • MARCH 5, 2022 • 3-7 P.M. SUNDAY • MARCH 6, 2022 • 7-9 P.M.13 - 20 roles - a mixture of males/females • Age Range - 14 to 99 How to prepare? Practice reading some Shakespeare so you are familiar with the lines.The performance is scheduled for April 29 &amp; 30 (7:30 p.m.) and May 1 (2:30 p.m.)Hays Community Theatre PO Box 21 | 121 E. 8th | Hays, KS 67601 ​Tel: 844.428.5221 <a href="mailto:contact@hctks.com">contact@hctks.com</a>

Auditions this weekend for HCT's 'A Radical Midsummer Night's Dream'  

Ike's Book Club meets virtually March 8

Newspring gospel concert March 24 is benefit for Hays ARC Park

Hays Community Theatre, 121 E. 8th St., is hosting a Drag Show Talent Contest! 

King, Queens, Dukes, Duchesses, and all Drag Performers welcome and encouraged to show us your talent. Musical Numbers, Lip Sync, Dancing, Stand-up, Dramatic Reading, and any other talent(s) accepted. 

Since this is a drag show, our only requirement is that you’re in your best dressed and ready to impress drag. If you are interested in competing, enter on our&nbsp;<a href="https://hctks.us20.list-manage.com/track/click?u=97fa9153813e3185ae4449e1e&amp;id=01bb54e3e1&amp;e=42e5f5398b" target="_blank">website</a>: Our talent show is scheduled for 8 p.m., Saturday, March 26, 2022.&nbsp;&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/3/1646302876343.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>SubmittedHays Community Theatre, 121 E. 8th St., is hosting a Drag Show Talent Contest! King, Queens, Dukes, Duchesses, and all Drag Performers welcome and encouraged to show us your talent. Musical Numbers, Lip Sync, Dancing, Stand-up, Dramatic Reading, and any other talent(s) accepted. Since this is a drag show, our only requirement is that you’re in your best dressed and ready to impress drag. If you are interested in competing, enter on our&nbsp;<a href="https://hctks.us20.list-manage.com/track/click?u=97fa9153813e3185ae4449e1e&amp;id=01bb54e3e1&amp;e=42e5f5398b" target="_blank">website</a>: Our talent show is scheduled for 8 p.m., Saturday, March 26, 2022.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Hays Community Theatre to host drag show contest March 26

Stars &amp; Stripes Breakfast Sunday, March 13 at Hays VFW,&nbsp; 2106 Vine St.&nbsp; &nbsp;

All you can eat: bacon, sausage, eggs, hash browns, pancakes, biscuits and gravy, orange juice, and coffee.

Sponsor this month is Victoria VFW.&nbsp;For tickets contact:  Harland Rupp (785) 623-1368

Advance Priced Tickets: &nbsp;Adults/$9.50 &amp; Children/$4.50

Pay at the Door: &nbsp;Adults/$10 &amp; Children $5

For more information call&nbsp;785-650-1368.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/8/1629901911978.jpeg" alt="(Photo by Pixabay)&nbsp;" />
 <figcaption>(Photo by Pixabay)&nbsp;</figcaption>
 </figure>Stars &amp; Stripes Breakfast Sunday, March 13 at Hays VFW,&nbsp; 2106 Vine St.&nbsp; &nbsp;7:30 a.m. - 12 p.m.All you can eat: bacon, sausage, eggs, hash browns, pancakes, biscuits and gravy, orange juice, and coffee.Sponsor this month is Victoria VFW.&nbsp;For tickets contact: Harland Rupp (785) 623-1368Advance Priced Tickets: &nbsp;Adults/$9.50 &amp; Children/$4.50Pay at the Door: &nbsp;Adults/$10 &amp; Children $5Under 5 FREEFor more information call&nbsp;785-650-1368.

Starts & Stripes Breakfast March 13 benefits Victoria VFW

Soroptimist International-Hays presents "Dueling Pianos 2022" Saturday, March 12, 6 p.m., at the Ellis County Fairgrounds.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Spend your St. Patty's weekend celebrating while helping raise academic scholarship funds for local women and girls. 

Musical entertainment provided by Howl At the Moon. Dinner to be catered.

Purchase tickets through Venmo: Soroptimist International-Hays @sihays. If you prefer to pay cash or check, please reach out and a member will get in touch with you!

Only 250 tickets will be sold. Ticket costs&nbsp;$50 through March 4, $75 after.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Must be 21 to attend.&nbsp;Cash bar available.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/3/1646240026810.jpeg" alt="Soroptimist International-Hays (Courtesy photo)" />
 <figcaption>Soroptimist International-Hays (Courtesy photo)</figcaption>
 </figure>Soroptimist International-Hays presents "Dueling Pianos 2022" Saturday, March 12, 6 p.m., at the Ellis County Fairgrounds.&nbsp;&nbsp;Spend your St. Patty's weekend celebrating while helping raise academic scholarship funds for local women and girls. Musical entertainment provided by Howl At the Moon. Dinner to be catered.Purchase tickets through Venmo: Soroptimist International-Hays @sihays. If you prefer to pay cash or check, please reach out and a member will get in touch with you!Only 250 tickets will be sold. Ticket costs&nbsp;$50 through March 4, $75 after.&nbsp;&nbsp;Must be 21 to attend.&nbsp;Cash bar available.

Soroptimist International-Hays presents Dueling Pianos 2022

In Neil Simon's elegant, yet murderous farce, four couples arrive at the 10th anniversary party for New York's deputy mayor and his wife. Wounded in bed, the Deputy Mayor of New York has just shot himself and the wife missing. Though only a flesh wound, four couples are about to experience a severe attack of Farce. As the madcap antics mount, the evening spins off into classic farcical hilarity. 

Simon’s enjoyable romp is one of his celebrated comedies. During its Broadway run, the show received Tony and Drama Desk nominations. Called “straight up funny” and the “perfect antidote to reality.”

<a href="https://webapps.fhsu.edu/theatreonlinereservations/?fbclid=IwAR2DSNEZeQcsuvpJS30Vme33aCRJfeUU2GD-C6r-n8P2FyBWm9iKPWs8rR8">webapps.fhsu.edu/theatreonlinereservations</a>

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/3/1646239366557.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>In Neil Simon's elegant, yet murderous farce, four couples arrive at the 10th anniversary party for New York's deputy mayor and his wife. Wounded in bed, the Deputy Mayor of New York has just shot himself and the wife missing. Though only a flesh wound, four couples are about to experience a severe attack of Farce. As the madcap antics mount, the evening spins off into classic farcical hilarity. Simon’s enjoyable romp is one of his celebrated comedies. During its Broadway run, the show received Tony and Drama Desk nominations. Called “straight up funny” and the “perfect antidote to reality.”TICKETS MAY BE PURCHASED ONLINE:&nbsp;<a href="https://webapps.fhsu.edu/theatreonlinereservations/?fbclid=IwAR2DSNEZeQcsuvpJS30Vme33aCRJfeUU2GD-C6r-n8P2FyBWm9iKPWs8rR8">webapps.fhsu.edu/theatreonlinereservations</a>

Neil Simon's 'Rumors' presented at FHSU this weekend

There will be a reception for Hays artist Pete Felten from noon to 2 p.m. Thursday at the Stone Gallery, 107 W. Sixth St.

A group is working on a documentary on Felten and his work and is inviting the community to admire his wall and work, and swap stories with others from the community to celebrate Felten.

The working title for the documentary is "Meet Pete."

There will be appetizers and beverages provided by Gella's Diner.

There will be a reception for Hays artist Pete Felten from noon to 2 p.m. Thursday at the Stone Gallery, 107 W. Sixth St.A group is working on a documentary on Felten and his work and is inviting the community to admire his wall and work, and swap stories with others from the community to celebrate Felten.The working title for the documentary is "Meet Pete." There will be appetizers and beverages provided by Gella's Diner.

Filmmakers set reception for artist Pete Felten

The Hays Fire Department will be inspecting and flow testing fire hydrants Tuesday in the area from 1 Enersys Road to 27th Street west of Thunderbird Drive. 

This is part of a coordinated effort by the City of Hays to inspect all fire hydrants in the city and flush all water mains annually. Inspecting fire hydrants ensures that the valves operate properly and that there is no damage or obstructions that will prevent or interfere with the prompt use of fire hydrants in an emergency. 

Firefighters are also checking the pressure and volume of water mains in each neighborhood for firefighting purposes. The associated flushing of water mains allows chlorine to be distributed throughout the system to eliminate bio-filming in the water mains. Slight discoloration of the water supply may be encountered although there will be no health risks to the consumer. All reasonable efforts will be taken to minimize the inconvenience to the public.

City of HaysThe Hays Fire Department will be inspecting and flow testing fire hydrants Tuesday in the area from 1 Enersys Road to 27th Street west of Thunderbird Drive. This is part of a coordinated effort by the City of Hays to inspect all fire hydrants in the city and flush all water mains annually. Inspecting fire hydrants ensures that the valves operate properly and that there is no damage or obstructions that will prevent or interfere with the prompt use of fire hydrants in an emergency. Firefighters are also checking the pressure and volume of water mains in each neighborhood for firefighting purposes. The associated flushing of water mains allows chlorine to be distributed throughout the system to eliminate bio-filming in the water mains. Slight discoloration of the water supply may be encountered although there will be no health risks to the consumer. All reasonable efforts will be taken to minimize the inconvenience to the public.

Hays crews begin annual hydrant flushing maintenance

Ball in the House is an R&amp;B/Soul/Pop a cappella group based out of Boston, Mass., whose high energy shows have audiences singing, dancing, even&nbsp;beatboxing&nbsp;along.

Sponsored by Western Plains Arts Association, Ball in the House will appear at the Colby Community College Cultural Arts Center, at 3 p.m. CST, Sunday, March 13. Admission&nbsp;is&nbsp;by season ticket or adults $20 or students $10 at the door.&nbsp;<a></a>

This program is made possible through the support of numerous area businesses and grants, including special funding from the&nbsp;Greater Northwest Kansas Community&nbsp;Foundation-Dane Hansen Community Grant for Thomas County, Bird City; and the&nbsp;Dane G. Hansen Foundation, Logan.

With their extensive&nbsp;annual 200-show&nbsp;tour schedule Ball in the House has performed everywhere - from theaters to performing arts centers, fairs &amp; festivals, to opening for some of the biggest acts in the world, such as The Beach Boys, The Jonas Brothers, The Temptations, Fantasia, Gladys Knight, Lionel Richie, Jessica Simpson, Blondie, Smokey Robinson, KC &amp; The Sunshine Band, Diamond Rio, Colin&nbsp;Raye, Orleans, and numerous others.

They headlined the 2018 &amp; 2016 China International Chorus Festival in Beijing, won the 2016 Boston Harmony Sweepstakes, and were voted 2014 APCA Band of the Year and 2009 Best of Boston for Outstanding Musical Performers. For six years, they were the voices behind all the Cool Whip commercials and recently wrote and performed the jingle for Amazon’s Prime Day. Ball in the House has appeared on America’s Got Talent, The Today Show, The Daily Buzz, the Philadelphia 4th of July Parade, and SBS Culture Club and MBC News in Seoul, South Korea.

The vocal group features five men having wide and diverse&nbsp;professional&nbsp;music backgrounds: Kevin&nbsp;Cincotta,&nbsp;Wallace Thomas,&nbsp;Montario&nbsp;“Monty” Hill, Dave&nbsp;Guisti&nbsp;and Jon Ryan. In addition to tight harmonies,&nbsp;beatboxing&nbsp;in included in several of their songs.

Here is what their local newspapers say about Ball in the House.

The five guys of Ball in the House don't need instruments to make music. They redefine pop by presenting it a&nbsp;capella&nbsp;style, with just their voices. -&nbsp;Milva&nbsp;Didomizio, Boston Globe.

It's a tribute to Boston's Ball in the House that the first thing you marvel at upon hearing it's debut is the beauty of the songs - a tasty&nbsp;melange&nbsp;of classic street corner soul, funk and hip hop - and the remarkable way the band's five voices interlock. -&nbsp;Entertainment section, Boston Herald.

Visit&nbsp;<a href="http://www.ballinthehouse.com/">www.ballinthehouse.com</a>&nbsp;for more.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/2/1646066430139.png" alt="Courtesy Ball in the House" />
 <figcaption>Courtesy Ball in the House</figcaption>
 </figure>WPAABall in the House is an R&amp;B/Soul/Pop a cappella group based out of Boston, Mass., whose high energy shows have audiences singing, dancing, even&nbsp;beatboxing&nbsp;along.Sponsored by Western Plains Arts Association, Ball in the House will appear at the Colby Community College Cultural Arts Center, at 3 p.m. CST, Sunday, March 13. Admission&nbsp;is&nbsp;by season ticket or adults $20 or students $10 at the door.&nbsp;<a></a>This program is made possible through the support of numerous area businesses and grants, including special funding from the&nbsp;Greater Northwest Kansas Community&nbsp;Foundation-Dane Hansen Community Grant for Thomas County, Bird City; and the&nbsp;Dane G. Hansen Foundation, Logan.With their extensive&nbsp;annual 200-show&nbsp;tour schedule Ball in the House has performed everywhere - from theaters to performing arts centers, fairs &amp; festivals, to opening for some of the biggest acts in the world, such as The Beach Boys, The Jonas Brothers, The Temptations, Fantasia, Gladys Knight, Lionel Richie, Jessica Simpson, Blondie, Smokey Robinson, KC &amp; The Sunshine Band, Diamond Rio, Colin&nbsp;Raye, Orleans, and numerous others.They headlined the 2018 &amp; 2016 China International Chorus Festival in Beijing, won the 2016 Boston Harmony Sweepstakes, and were voted 2014 APCA Band of the Year and 2009 Best of Boston for Outstanding Musical Performers. For six years, they were the voices behind all the Cool Whip commercials and recently wrote and performed the jingle for Amazon’s Prime Day. Ball in the House has appeared on America’s Got Talent, The Today Show, The Daily Buzz, the Philadelphia 4th of July Parade, and SBS Culture Club and MBC News in Seoul, South Korea.The vocal group features five men having wide and diverse&nbsp;professional&nbsp;music backgrounds: Kevin&nbsp;Cincotta,&nbsp;Wallace Thomas,&nbsp;Montario&nbsp;“Monty” Hill, Dave&nbsp;Guisti&nbsp;and Jon Ryan. In addition to tight harmonies,&nbsp;beatboxing&nbsp;in included in several of their songs.Here is what their local newspapers say about Ball in the House.The five guys of Ball in the House don't need instruments to make music. They redefine pop by presenting it a&nbsp;capella&nbsp;style, with just their voices. -&nbsp;Milva&nbsp;Didomizio, Boston Globe.It's a tribute to Boston's Ball in the House that the first thing you marvel at upon hearing it's debut is the beauty of the songs - a tasty&nbsp;melange&nbsp;of classic street corner soul, funk and hip hop - and the remarkable way the band's five voices interlock. -&nbsp;Entertainment section, Boston Herald.Visit&nbsp;<a href="http://www.ballinthehouse.com/">www.ballinthehouse.com</a>&nbsp;for more.

Boston singers set to entertain in NW Kansas

BUNKER HILL — "Doctors on Call," a local production of Smoky Hills PBS, will feature physical therapists Troy Herrman and Kerby Rice with Herrman Physical Therapy in Hays.&nbsp; The episode will air at 7 p.m. March 8&nbsp;and will focus on physical therapy.

"Doctors on Call" is a program that provides medical information on a variety of different topics. Medical professionals from throughout the state travel to Bunker Hill to provide information and answer questions from the viewing audience. The doctors selected each week have expertise in the topic chosen for that program.&nbsp; Questions can be called in during the show or emailed prior to the broadcast.&nbsp;&nbsp;

The program airs live on Smoky Hills PBS at 7 p.m. Tuesdays.&nbsp; You can also stream each episode live on the Smoky Hills PBS YouTube channel:&nbsp;<a href="http://bit.ly/StreamSmokyHillsPBS">http://bit.ly/StreamSmokyHillsPBS</a>

A schedule of programs and past episodes are available at&nbsp;<a href="http://www.smokyhillspbs.org/">www.SmokyHillsPBS.org</a>.&nbsp;

To submit questions electronically on a specific topic, viewers can send an email to&nbsp;<a href="mailto:doctors@shptv.org">doctors@shptv.org</a>. Questions submitted through email must be received by noon on the day of the show. During the program, viewers can call I-800-337-4788.&nbsp;

"Doctors on Call" is made possible in part by these current sponsors: Blue Cross Blue Shield of KS, Hutchinson Regional Healthcare System, Osborne County Memorial Hospital, Russell Regional Hospital, and Smith County Memorial Hospital.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/1/1578663876107.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Smoky Hills PBSBUNKER HILL — "Doctors on Call," a local production of Smoky Hills PBS, will feature physical therapists Troy Herrman and Kerby Rice with Herrman Physical Therapy in Hays.&nbsp; The episode will air at 7 p.m. March 8&nbsp;and will focus on physical therapy."Doctors on Call" is a program that provides medical information on a variety of different topics. Medical professionals from throughout the state travel to Bunker Hill to provide information and answer questions from the viewing audience. The doctors selected each week have expertise in the topic chosen for that program.&nbsp; Questions can be called in during the show or emailed prior to the broadcast.&nbsp;&nbsp;The program airs live on Smoky Hills PBS at 7 p.m. Tuesdays.&nbsp; You can also stream each episode live on the Smoky Hills PBS YouTube channel:&nbsp;<a href="http://bit.ly/StreamSmokyHillsPBS">http://bit.ly/StreamSmokyHillsPBS</a>A schedule of programs and past episodes are available at&nbsp;<a href="http://www.smokyhillspbs.org/">www.SmokyHillsPBS.org</a>.&nbsp;To submit questions electronically on a specific topic, viewers can send an email to&nbsp;<a href="mailto:doctors@shptv.org">doctors@shptv.org</a>. Questions submitted through email must be received by noon on the day of the show. During the program, viewers can call I-800-337-4788.&nbsp;"Doctors on Call" is made possible in part by these current sponsors: Blue Cross Blue Shield of KS, Hutchinson Regional Healthcare System, Osborne County Memorial Hospital, Russell Regional Hospital, and Smith County Memorial Hospital.

'Doctors on Call' features Herrman Physical Therapy

By&nbsp;<a href="https://public-api.wordpress.com/bar/?stat=groovemails-events&amp;bin=wpcom_email_click&amp;redirect_to=https%3A%2F%2Fwakeeneytravelblog.wordpress.com%2Fauthor%2Fdenaweigelbell%2F&amp;sr=1&amp;signature=70b5025880579e0dfaa613ac9b9a8e8c&amp;user=27015677&amp;_e=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&amp;_z=z" target="_blank">DENA WEIGEL BELL</a> WaKeeney Travel Blog

<a href="https://public-api.wordpress.com/bar/?stat=groovemails-events&amp;bin=wpcom_email_click&amp;redirect_to=https%3A%2F%2Fwakeeneytravelblog.wordpress.com%2Fauthor%2Fdenaweigelbell%2F&amp;sr=1&amp;signature=70b5025880579e0dfaa613ac9b9a8e8c&amp;user=27015677&amp;_e=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&amp;_z=z" target="_blank"></a>WAKEENEY — Two hundred years ago, a loose collection of native trails were mapped out to be used as a main thoroughfare from Missouri to the southwest territory in what was to become New Mexico. The route became known as the Santa Fe Trail and over the next century it established itself as America's first commercial highway.

On Sunday, the Trego Historical Society will celebrate the 200th anniversary of the Santa Fe Trail through the experiences of three women in a presentation from Marla Matkin. She will examine the history of the trail, the daily life of a traveler, their motivations for taking the 900-mile journey, and the dangers the faced along the way.

The first recorded journey on the Santa Fe Trail took place in 1821, and a year later the route was officially mapped out to connect its starting point in Franklin, Missouri with Santa Fe, New Mexico. The route followed portions of older Native American trails, the Osage Trace and Medicine Trail and eventually joined the Arkansas River, branching off to follow both sides of the river upstream to Dodge City and Garden City. West of Garden City the branch was known as the Mountain Route, and the Dodge City route became the Cimarron Cutoff or Crossing, or the Middle Crossing. The two branches reconnected near the trail's conclusion at Fort Union, New Mexico. 

Today's U.S. Route 24 and Highway 56 loosely follow the trail and ruts in the earth made from the many wagons and carriages are still visible in several locations along the way, including a place near Great Bend, Kansas.

The long, arduous journey posed many challenges that are unimaginable to us today. Wild animals, dry, barren deserts and steep, rocky mountains, attacks from Comanche and Apache tribes, and scorching summers and bitter cold winter weather made every journey potentially deadly.

To get a better understanding of life on the trail the Trego County Historical Society will be welcoming back independent scholar and living history performer, Marla Matkin. Her depiction of "Women on the Santa Fe Trail" is presented through first-person portrayals of three women who spent up to three months on the trail, providing reminisces of a bygone era and sharing their adventures on the Santa Fe Trails.

Marla Matkin has spent her life studying the history of the Old West and now she shares these stories through the many characters she creates on stage. With a twinkle in her eye and a tantalizing sense of humor, she describes a world where grit and determination won the day.

Matkin traces her roots back to southwest Kansas where in 1877 her great-grandparents claimed a homestead near the legendary pillar of western lore, Dodge City, Kansas. 

Today, Matkin calls WaKeeney's northern neighbor, Hill City, her home and for twenty years she has performed historical program across the United States, including at the Smithsonian in Washington, D.C., the Buffalo Bill Historical Center in Cody, Wyoming, the National Cowboy and Western Heritage Museum in Oklahoma City, as well as at several National Park Service sites around the nation. She currently serves on the Society of Friends of Historic Fort Hays and the Smoky Hill Trail Association and was an appointee on the Arts and Entertainment Committee for the 200th celebration of the Santa Few Trail.

Matlin's program will be part of the&nbsp;<a href="http://www.tregohistorical.org/" target="_blank">Trego County Historical Society's</a>&nbsp;annual Kansas Day celebration program (postponed from January due to COVID). During your visit you can also explore the museum's large collection of Western artifacts, many of which have been donated by local families to give guests of the museum deeper insight into the history of Trego County.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/2/1645656084088.jpeg" alt="Santa Fe National Historic Trail (Photo courtesy Trego County Historial Society)" />
 <figcaption>Santa Fe National Historic Trail (Photo courtesy Trego County Historial Society)</figcaption>
 </figure>By&nbsp;<a href="https://public-api.wordpress.com/bar/?stat=groovemails-events&amp;bin=wpcom_email_click&amp;redirect_to=https%3A%2F%2Fwakeeneytravelblog.wordpress.com%2Fauthor%2Fdenaweigelbell%2F&amp;sr=1&amp;signature=70b5025880579e0dfaa613ac9b9a8e8c&amp;user=27015677&amp;_e=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&amp;_z=z" target="_blank">DENA WEIGEL BELL</a> WaKeeney Travel Blog<a href="https://public-api.wordpress.com/bar/?stat=groovemails-events&amp;bin=wpcom_email_click&amp;redirect_to=https%3A%2F%2Fwakeeneytravelblog.wordpress.com%2Fauthor%2Fdenaweigelbell%2F&amp;sr=1&amp;signature=70b5025880579e0dfaa613ac9b9a8e8c&amp;user=27015677&amp;_e=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&amp;_z=z" target="_blank"></a>WAKEENEY — Two hundred years ago, a loose collection of native trails were mapped out to be used as a main thoroughfare from Missouri to the southwest territory in what was to become New Mexico. The route became known as the Santa Fe Trail and over the next century it established itself as America's first commercial highway.On Sunday, the Trego Historical Society will celebrate the 200th anniversary of the Santa Fe Trail through the experiences of three women in a presentation from Marla Matkin. She will examine the history of the trail, the daily life of a traveler, their motivations for taking the 900-mile journey, and the dangers the faced along the way.<h2>The Santa Fe Trail</h2>The first recorded journey on the Santa Fe Trail took place in 1821, and a year later the route was officially mapped out to connect its starting point in Franklin, Missouri with Santa Fe, New Mexico. The route followed portions of older Native American trails, the Osage Trace and Medicine Trail and eventually joined the Arkansas River, branching off to follow both sides of the river upstream to Dodge City and Garden City. West of Garden City the branch was known as the Mountain Route, and the Dodge City route became the Cimarron Cutoff or Crossing, or the Middle Crossing. The two branches reconnected near the trail's conclusion at Fort Union, New Mexico. <figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/2/1645656242385.jpeg" alt="Map of the Santa Fe Trail (Courtesy image)" />
 <figcaption>Map of the Santa Fe Trail (Courtesy image)</figcaption>
 </figure>Today's U.S. Route 24 and Highway 56 loosely follow the trail and ruts in the earth made from the many wagons and carriages are still visible in several locations along the way, including a place near Great Bend, Kansas.The long, arduous journey posed many challenges that are unimaginable to us today. Wild animals, dry, barren deserts and steep, rocky mountains, attacks from Comanche and Apache tribes, and scorching summers and bitter cold winter weather made every journey potentially deadly.<h2>"Women on the Santa Fe Trail"</h2>To get a better understanding of life on the trail the Trego County Historical Society will be welcoming back independent scholar and living history performer, Marla Matkin. Her depiction of "Women on the Santa Fe Trail" is presented through first-person portrayals of three women who spent up to three months on the trail, providing reminisces of a bygone era and sharing their adventures on the Santa Fe Trails.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/2/1645655915597.jpeg" alt="Marla Matkin (Courtesy photo)" />
 <figcaption>Marla Matkin (Courtesy photo)</figcaption>
 </figure>Marla Matkin has spent her life studying the history of the Old West and now she shares these stories through the many characters she creates on stage. With a twinkle in her eye and a tantalizing sense of humor, she describes a world where grit and determination won the day.Matkin traces her roots back to southwest Kansas where in 1877 her great-grandparents claimed a homestead near the legendary pillar of western lore, Dodge City, Kansas. Today, Matkin calls WaKeeney's northern neighbor, Hill City, her home and for twenty years she has performed historical program across the United States, including at the Smithsonian in Washington, D.C., the Buffalo Bill Historical Center in Cody, Wyoming, the National Cowboy and Western Heritage Museum in Oklahoma City, as well as at several National Park Service sites around the nation. She currently serves on the Society of Friends of Historic Fort Hays and the Smoky Hill Trail Association and was an appointee on the Arts and Entertainment Committee for the 200th celebration of the Santa Few Trail.Matlin's program will be part of the&nbsp;<a href="http://www.tregohistorical.org/" target="_blank">Trego County Historical Society's</a>&nbsp;annual Kansas Day celebration program (postponed from January due to COVID). During your visit you can also explore the museum's large collection of Western artifacts, many of which have been donated by local families to give guests of the museum deeper insight into the history of Trego County.

'Women on the Santa Fe Trail' to be presented by living history performer

Click <a href="https://www.agriculture.ks.gov/divisions-programs/agricultural-marketing-advocacy-and-outreach-team/workforce-development">HERE</a> to participate in the survey.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/2/1645810991718.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/2/1645811023432.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Click <a href="https://www.agriculture.ks.gov/divisions-programs/agricultural-marketing-advocacy-and-outreach-team/workforce-development">HERE</a> to participate in the survey.

Kan. ag department seeks input on state workforce needs

COLBY — An "America’s Got Talent" magic act finalist is coming to the Colby Community Collage Cultural Arts Center, 3 p.m. CST, Sunday, March 6.

In addition to numerous business and individual sponsors, this Western Plains Arts Association program has received generous grants from the&nbsp;Thomas County Community Foundation through the Greater Northwest Kansas Community Foundation, Bird City,&nbsp;and&nbsp;the&nbsp;Dane G. Hansen Foundation, Logan.

To encourage lots of family participation, admission is by WPAA season ticket or adults $10, and students, only $5 at the door.

Hawley Magic is husband and wife duo, Jonathan and Trisha Hawley, who claim North Carolina as their home base. Together they have traveled the world with a fresh, slick new approach to magic and illusion that is extremely high energy and action packed. They offer everything in magic from some of the world’s largest one of a kind illusions to never before seen close-up magic featuring Jonathan’s expert sleight of hand.

In addition to&nbsp;being finalist on the hit national television show "America’s Got Talent," Hawley Magic was&nbsp;nominated for Princess Cruises Entertainer of the Year while headlining as their resident illusionists. They&nbsp;guest stared as the closing act for the world’s biggest magic convention in Blackpool, United Kingdom, featured on ITV in the UK, and were also a headline act on board Disney Cruises as the resident illusionists. Hawley Magic creates an exceptional show that will leave you on the edge of you seat.

See&nbsp;<a href="http://www.hawleymagic.biz/">www.hawleymagic.biz</a>&nbsp;for videos, pictures and additional information.

WPAA has a quality program scheduled every Sunday afternoon in March in a northwest Kansas community near you. Others are: Ball in the House, March 13; Pippa White, March 20; Nashville Legacy, March 27.

<figure>
 <iframe width="560" height="315" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/jAIQM5XQLFs"></iframe>
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>WPAACOLBY — An "America’s Got Talent" magic act finalist is coming to the Colby Community Collage Cultural Arts Center, 3 p.m. CST, Sunday, March 6.In addition to numerous business and individual sponsors, this Western Plains Arts Association program has received generous grants from the&nbsp;Thomas County Community Foundation through the Greater Northwest Kansas Community Foundation, Bird City,&nbsp;and&nbsp;the&nbsp;Dane G. Hansen Foundation, Logan.To encourage lots of family participation, admission is by WPAA season ticket or adults $10, and students, only $5 at the door.Hawley Magic is husband and wife duo, Jonathan and Trisha Hawley, who claim North Carolina as their home base. Together they have traveled the world with a fresh, slick new approach to magic and illusion that is extremely high energy and action packed. They offer everything in magic from some of the world’s largest one of a kind illusions to never before seen close-up magic featuring Jonathan’s expert sleight of hand.In addition to&nbsp;being finalist on the hit national television show "America’s Got Talent," Hawley Magic was&nbsp;nominated for Princess Cruises Entertainer of the Year while headlining as their resident illusionists. They&nbsp;guest stared as the closing act for the world’s biggest magic convention in Blackpool, United Kingdom, featured on ITV in the UK, and were also a headline act on board Disney Cruises as the resident illusionists. Hawley Magic creates an exceptional show that will leave you on the edge of you seat.See&nbsp;<a href="http://www.hawleymagic.biz/">www.hawleymagic.biz</a>&nbsp;for videos, pictures and additional information.WPAA has a quality program scheduled every Sunday afternoon in March in a northwest Kansas community near you. Others are: Ball in the House, March 13; Pippa White, March 20; Nashville Legacy, March 27.

'America’s Got Talent' magic act finalist heads  to NW Kan.

On Sunday, the local Sunflower Chapter of the American Society of Germans from Russia will have&nbsp;its&nbsp;annual&nbsp;Fasenacht&nbsp;program at the former Kennedy Middle School cafeteria. This will be a&nbsp;potluck&nbsp;of finger foods. The program will include a demonstration of&nbsp;Grebbel&nbsp;making&nbsp;and a polka dance.

Join&nbsp;us for the entire meeting and program (noon – 3 p.m.)&nbsp;or just come to dust up on your dance moves (dance begins&nbsp;at 1:30 p.m.). No cover, donations for band accepted. All are encouraged to bring a favorite finger&nbsp;food&nbsp;type dish to share, drinks are provided.&nbsp;Park and enter on west side of building.

Invitation is extended to all, not only Sunflower members.&nbsp;Please invite your friends&nbsp;or family&nbsp;to dance with us and help keep our traditions alive.

For more information email: &nbsp;&nbsp;<a href="mailto:werthmoore@yahoo.com">werthmoore@yahoo.com</a>

SUNFLOWER Chapter&nbsp;Fasenacht program

St. Joseph (Kennedy) School Building West side - West 14th Street&nbsp;

Fasenacht&nbsp;Meeting - February 27th&nbsp;– NOON to 3pm

Program&nbsp;-&nbsp;Grebbel&nbsp;Demonstration,&nbsp;Polka Dance by Joe Dolezal, Galen&nbsp;Schmidtberger

Meal&nbsp;- Pot Luck—FINGER FOODS&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/2/1645543790408.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>SubmittedOn Sunday, the local Sunflower Chapter of the American Society of Germans from Russia will have&nbsp;its&nbsp;annual&nbsp;Fasenacht&nbsp;program at the former Kennedy Middle School cafeteria. This will be a&nbsp;potluck&nbsp;of finger foods. The program will include a demonstration of&nbsp;Grebbel&nbsp;making&nbsp;and a polka dance.Join&nbsp;us for the entire meeting and program (noon – 3 p.m.)&nbsp;or just come to dust up on your dance moves (dance begins&nbsp;at 1:30 p.m.). No cover, donations for band accepted. All are encouraged to bring a favorite finger&nbsp;food&nbsp;type dish to share, drinks are provided.&nbsp;Park and enter on west side of building.Invitation is extended to all, not only Sunflower members.&nbsp;Please invite your friends&nbsp;or family&nbsp;to dance with us and help keep our traditions alive.For more information email: &nbsp;&nbsp;<a href="mailto:werthmoore@yahoo.com">werthmoore@yahoo.com</a>SUNFLOWER Chapter&nbsp;Fasenacht programSt. Joseph (Kennedy) School Building West side - West 14th Street&nbsp;Fasenacht&nbsp;Meeting - February 27th&nbsp;– NOON to 3pmProgram&nbsp;-&nbsp;Grebbel&nbsp;Demonstration,&nbsp;Polka Dance by Joe Dolezal, Galen&nbsp;SchmidtbergerMeal&nbsp;- Pot Luck—FINGER FOODS&nbsp;

American Historical Society of Germans from Russia potluck, dance scheduled

Union Pacific could be closing various railroad crossings at intersections in Hays over the course of the next seven to 10 days. Be advised that alternate routes may be necessary to avoid these closures. 

The crossings at Main and Elm street (south of Hall Street) are currently closed and expected to remain closed through Friday.&nbsp;

City of HaysUnion Pacific could be closing various railroad crossings at intersections in Hays over the course of the next seven to 10 days. Be advised that alternate routes may be necessary to avoid these closures. The crossings at Main and Elm street (south of Hall Street) are currently closed and expected to remain closed through Friday.&nbsp;

Various railroad crossings could be closed in Hays for next several days

By CRISTINA JANNEY Hays Post

Four nurses with Hays USD 489 were honored by the school board Monday for their service providing early morning COVID testing for students, staff and families during this school year. 

Those nurses included Jessica Roe, Lottie Porsi, Alaina Cunningham and Mary Ann Shorman.   

&nbsp;The nurses also aided with COVID vaccine and booster clinics.

"We want to thank them for their time and efforts this school&nbsp; year," Superintendent Ron Wilson said. "We know it took a great deal of your time to help with these important things. 

"Because of your effort, many people benefited from these services."

Wilson said the women were very busy for about about a three-week period, but their positive attitudes never changed.

"It's really been an honor and a privilege," Porsi said. "We really enjoyed it. I really got to know school people a lot better, and I'm amazed at what you do to get everybody tested and keep everybody in school."

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/2/1645562823670.jpeg" alt="Hays USD 489 nurses (from left) Lottie Porsi, Alaina Cunningham, Mary Ann Shorman and Jessica Roe (not pictured) were honored by the Hays USD 489 school board for their help with COVID testing. " />
 <figcaption>Hays USD 489 nurses (from left) Lottie Porsi, Alaina Cunningham, Mary Ann Shorman and Jessica Roe (not pictured) were honored by the Hays USD 489 school board for their help with COVID testing. </figcaption>
 </figure>By CRISTINA JANNEY Hays PostFour nurses with Hays USD 489 were honored by the school board Monday for their service providing early morning COVID testing for students, staff and families during this school year. Those nurses included Jessica Roe, Lottie Porsi, Alaina Cunningham and Mary Ann Shorman. &nbsp;The nurses also aided with COVID vaccine and booster clinics. "We want to thank them for their time and efforts this school&nbsp; year," Superintendent Ron Wilson said. "We know it took a great deal of your time to help with these important things. "Because of your effort, many people benefited from these services."Wilson said the women were very busy for about about a three-week period, but their positive attitudes never changed."It's really been an honor and a privilege," Porsi said. "We really enjoyed it. I really got to know school people a lot better, and I'm amazed at what you do to get everybody tested and keep everybody in school."

Hays school nurses honored for work on front lines

The Union Pacific Railroad crossing on U.S. 183 (Vine Street) in Hays will close for reconstruction Feb. 28 through March 1. The crossing is located just north of the intersection of Eighth&nbsp;and Vine streets.

During the work, the Kansas Department of Transportation will close U.S. 183 in both directions at the crossing. Local traffic may continue to access the road up to the closure point. Through traffic will be detoured on I-70 and the U.S. 183 bypass.

The Union Pacific Railroad and their traffic control subcontractor will oversee the reconstruction of the crossing and traffic control signage.

KDOTThe Union Pacific Railroad crossing on U.S. 183 (Vine Street) in Hays will close for reconstruction Feb. 28 through March 1. The crossing is located just north of the intersection of Eighth&nbsp;and Vine streets.During the work, the Kansas Department of Transportation will close U.S. 183 in both directions at the crossing. Local traffic may continue to access the road up to the closure point. Through traffic will be detoured on I-70 and the U.S. 183 bypass.The Union Pacific Railroad and their traffic control subcontractor will oversee the reconstruction of the crossing and traffic control signage.Cover image courtesy Pixabay

Hays railroad crossing to close for reconstruction

HUTCHINSON — The list of special summer camps at the Cosmosphere has expanded.

The
 space museum and education center has added Trail Life: STEM Camp to 
the other camps offered. The other youth organization specialty camps 
offered this summer include Merits of Space for Scouts BSA and Space 
Research for Girl Scouts.

Participants will construct a cloud 
chamber to track cosmic rays, problem-solve for Mars exploration, map 
out a lunar surface rover mission, and apply teamwork and leadership 
skills to complete a realistic space flight simulation.

Trail 
Life: STEM Camp, which will be open to boys entering grades 6-8, will 
offer brand new Trail Life awards. Merits of Space and Girl Scouts 
camps, open to Scouts entering grades 7-9, include hard-to-find badges 
such as Nuclear Science and Space Science Researcher.

For dates, Cosmosphere member discounts, and more information, go to <a href="http://cosmocamps.org/">cosmocamps.org</a>.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/2/1645639733371.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>HUTCHINSON — The list of special summer camps at the Cosmosphere has expanded.The
 space museum and education center has added Trail Life: STEM Camp to 
the other camps offered. The other youth organization specialty camps 
offered this summer include Merits of Space for Scouts BSA and Space 
Research for Girl Scouts.Participants will construct a cloud 
chamber to track cosmic rays, problem-solve for Mars exploration, map 
out a lunar surface rover mission, and apply teamwork and leadership 
skills to complete a realistic space flight simulation.Trail 
Life: STEM Camp, which will be open to boys entering grades 6-8, will 
offer brand new Trail Life awards. Merits of Space and Girl Scouts 
camps, open to Scouts entering grades 7-9, include hard-to-find badges 
such as Nuclear Science and Space Science Researcher.For dates, Cosmosphere member discounts, and more information, go to <a href="http://cosmocamps.org/">cosmocamps.org</a>.

Cosmosphere announces new specialty camp

ELLIS — Ellis High School Basketball and Cheer Senior Night will be Tuesday. Seniors and their parents will be recognized between the varsity (girls and boys) basketball games with Russell.

Back Row – Tyson Jimenez, son of Javi and Jessica Jimenez; Beck Brogden, son of Steven Brogden and Sarah Brogden; Jagr Reese, son of Lance and Marta Reese; Tanner Kohlrus, son of Travis and Susie Kohlrus; Kaden Solorio, son of Wesley and Lindsay James; Matthew Ernst, son of Nickole Byers and the late Lucas Ernst.

Front Row – Michelle Gottschalk, daughter of Dean and Julie Gottschalk; Madison Gottschalk, daughter of Dean and Julie Gottschalk; Haley Schmidt, daughter of Matthew and Lisa Schmidt and Clint and Katy Amrein; Madelynn Guffey, daughter of the late Matt Guffey and Stacey and Danielle Schaus; Lakyn Fischer, daughter of DJ and Julie Fischer; Faith Fondoble, daughter of Matt and Sharona Fondoble.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/2/1645463208248.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>SubmittedELLIS — Ellis High School Basketball and Cheer Senior Night will be Tuesday. Seniors and their parents will be recognized between the varsity (girls and boys) basketball games with Russell.PICTURED (L to R):Back Row – Tyson Jimenez, son of Javi and Jessica Jimenez; Beck Brogden, son of Steven Brogden and Sarah Brogden; Jagr Reese, son of Lance and Marta Reese; Tanner Kohlrus, son of Travis and Susie Kohlrus; Kaden Solorio, son of Wesley and Lindsay James; Matthew Ernst, son of Nickole Byers and the late Lucas Ernst.Front Row – Michelle Gottschalk, daughter of Dean and Julie Gottschalk; Madison Gottschalk, daughter of Dean and Julie Gottschalk; Haley Schmidt, daughter of Matthew and Lisa Schmidt and Clint and Katy Amrein; Madelynn Guffey, daughter of the late Matt Guffey and Stacey and Danielle Schaus; Lakyn Fischer, daughter of DJ and Julie Fischer; Faith Fondoble, daughter of Matt and Sharona Fondoble.

Ellis will recognize senior basketball players, cheerleaders

Newspring for the the ARC Park concert set for March 24

Tuesday is United Way Dine Out Day at Applebee's

The Kansas Department of Transportation plans to close a 6-mile portion of K-383 in Phillips County on Monday, March 7, weather permitting.

The closure will begin 2 miles east of Long Island near the Prairie Dog Creek bridge and end at the U.S. 183 junction. Traffic should follow the signed detour route on U.S. 183, U.S. 36 and K-60.

The closure is part of Phase I of the T-WORKS project to rehabilitate and reconstruct the K-383 corridor from the east U.S. 36 junction in Norton County to the U.S. 183 junction in Phillips County. KDOT split the project into three separate phases for construction with Phase II consisting of the 6 miles from the east U.S. 36 junction to Almena and Phase III covering the remaining 14 miles from Almena to east of Long Island.

KDOT expects Phase I to be completed in December 2022.

KDOTThe Kansas Department of Transportation plans to close a 6-mile portion of K-383 in Phillips County on Monday, March 7, weather permitting.The closure will begin 2 miles east of Long Island near the Prairie Dog Creek bridge and end at the U.S. 183 junction. Traffic should follow the signed detour route on U.S. 183, U.S. 36 and K-60.The closure is part of Phase I of the T-WORKS project to rehabilitate and reconstruct the K-383 corridor from the east U.S. 36 junction in Norton County to the U.S. 183 junction in Phillips County. KDOT split the project into three separate phases for construction with Phase II consisting of the 6 miles from the east U.S. 36 junction to Almena and Phase III covering the remaining 14 miles from Almena to east of Long Island.KDOT expects Phase I to be completed in December 2022.

Announcements