A virtual Valentine's Day party for everyone, complete with a kit featuring a craft and sweets!

WHO: Everyone is invited! Enjoy as a fun family activity, date night with your loved one, or come alone to meet some new WPAR friends. Each $30 kit includes supplies for two people and shipping/delivery.

WHAT: A virtual party featuring follow-along instructions for making the signature drink, “Sweetheart Punch” and DIY Sock Bunnies. We’ll send you a complete kit with everything needed to participate and also a box of chocolates to share.

WHERE: Zoom! Enjoy from the comfort and safety of your own home.

HOW: Sign up online by February 5th to get your box in time. We will deliver boxes in the Hays area and ship others as needed.

WHY: Our work would not be possible without our supporters. Each $30 donation will be used to aid WPAR in helping animals in need.

Optional: Rainbow Sherbet, Coconut Rum, or Vodka

Required: Tall Glass, Scissors, Permanent Marker

<a href="https://www.eventbrite.com/e/valentines-day-virtual-party-tickets-137719810661">Valentine’s Day Virtual Party Tickets, Sun, Feb 14, 2021 at 7:00 PM | Eventbrite</a>

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/2/1612389716115.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>A virtual Valentine's Day party for everyone, complete with a kit featuring a craft and sweets!<h2>About this Event</h2>WHO: Everyone is invited! Enjoy as a fun family activity, date night with your loved one, or come alone to meet some new WPAR friends. Each $30 kit includes supplies for two people and shipping/delivery.WHAT: A virtual party featuring follow-along instructions for making the signature drink, “Sweetheart Punch” and DIY Sock Bunnies. We’ll send you a complete kit with everything needed to participate and also a box of chocolates to share.WHEN: Sunday, February 14th at 7:00 p.m.WHERE: Zoom! Enjoy from the comfort and safety of your own home.HOW: Sign up online by February 5th to get your box in time. We will deliver boxes in the Hays area and ship others as needed.WHY: Our work would not be possible without our supporters. Each $30 donation will be used to aid WPAR in helping animals in need.OTHER SUPPLIES:For Sweetheart Punch:Required: 2 Glasses, Spoon, and IceOptional: Rainbow Sherbet, Coconut Rum, or VodkaFor Sock Bunnies:Required: Tall Glass, Scissors, Permanent Marker<a href="https://www.eventbrite.com/e/valentines-day-virtual-party-tickets-137719810661">Valentine’s Day Virtual Party Tickets, Sun, Feb 14, 2021 at 7:00 PM | Eventbrite</a>

Western Plains Animal Refuge Valentine's Day fundraiser

Want to learn something new? Feeling isolated and need to hear a friendly voice? Curious about new ideas rooted in history and literature? 

Call the Kansas Humanities Hotline at 1-888-416-2018, a toll-free telephone hotline delivering interesting humanities short stories anytime.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/2/1612369832832.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Want to learn something new? Feeling isolated and need to hear a friendly voice? Curious about new ideas rooted in history and literature? Call the Kansas Humanities Hotline at 1-888-416-2018, a toll-free telephone hotline delivering interesting humanities short stories anytime.

Kansas Humanities Hotline offers free short stories 

The Feb. 4 Hays City Commission work session has been canceled.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/3/1584721067731.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>City of HaysThe Feb. 4 Hays City Commission work session has been canceled.

Thursday's city commission work session canceled

The Hansen Museum Continuing Education Program is pleased to welcome certified Bob Ross instructor Sandy Seamone to teach two Joy of Painting classes on February 20th and 21st.&nbsp; On Saturday, February 20th, the class will paint “Witch’s House,” and on Sunday, February 21st, “Storm Coming”.&nbsp; Class will be held in the Logan City Building at 108 Mill Street, Logan, KS, from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. with an hour-long lunch break each day.

The Bob Ross method is designed to be a fun and simple way to paint.&nbsp; Sandy learned from the happy tree guy himself.&nbsp; Implementing the soft-spoken, supportive ways of her mentor, Sandy creates a classroom with a relaxing and light-hearted atmosphere.&nbsp; All painting supplies are provided, and no previous experience is necessary.&nbsp; Young and old alike will enjoy the camaraderie of these classes.&nbsp; Students need only bring a roll of paper towels.&nbsp;

Call the Museum to register or find the registration form on our website (hansenmuseum.org) under Classes &amp; Workshops.&nbsp; Register by February 12th and pay $70.00 per day; after February 12th, pay $75.00 per day.&nbsp; Discounts are available for Patron and Sustaining Hansen Museum Members.&nbsp;

This enjoyable learning opportunity is brought to you through the Hansen Museum Continuing Education Program, underwritten by the Dane G. Hansen Foundation.&nbsp; For more information, please call 785-689-4846.

Currently, the Museum is closed to the public while under renovation.&nbsp; The Museum office staff will be available by phone (785-689-4846) or email (director@hansenmuseum.org) during our usual weekday office hours: Monday through Friday, 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. (closed for the noon hour).

The Hansen Museum Continuing Education Program is pleased to welcome certified Bob Ross instructor Sandy Seamone to teach two Joy of Painting classes on February 20th and 21st.&nbsp; On Saturday, February 20th, the class will paint “Witch’s House,” and on Sunday, February 21st, “Storm Coming”.&nbsp; Class will be held in the Logan City Building at 108 Mill Street, Logan, KS, from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. with an hour-long lunch break each day.The Bob Ross method is designed to be a fun and simple way to paint.&nbsp; Sandy learned from the happy tree guy himself.&nbsp; Implementing the soft-spoken, supportive ways of her mentor, Sandy creates a classroom with a relaxing and light-hearted atmosphere.&nbsp; All painting supplies are provided, and no previous experience is necessary.&nbsp; Young and old alike will enjoy the camaraderie of these classes.&nbsp; Students need only bring a roll of paper towels.&nbsp;Call the Museum to register or find the registration form on our website (hansenmuseum.org) under Classes &amp; Workshops.&nbsp; Register by February 12th and pay $70.00 per day; after February 12th, pay $75.00 per day.&nbsp; Discounts are available for Patron and Sustaining Hansen Museum Members.&nbsp;This enjoyable learning opportunity is brought to you through the Hansen Museum Continuing Education Program, underwritten by the Dane G. Hansen Foundation.&nbsp; For more information, please call 785-689-4846.Currently, the Museum is closed to the public while under renovation.&nbsp; The Museum office staff will be available by phone (785-689-4846) or email (director@hansenmuseum.org) during our usual weekday office hours: Monday through Friday, 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. (closed for the noon hour).

Beginner-friendly painting class offered at Hansen Museum

Hays United Methodist Church, 305 W. 7th,&nbsp; will have a drive-thru Valentine's Dinner Sat., Feb. 13, 5:30 p.m. to 7 p.m.

Meals will be picked up in the drive-thru in the church's back parking lot off 8th Street.&nbsp;

Proceeds will help fund a mission trip for the UMYF youth group.

Reservations are due by Feb. 9 by calling the church at 785-625-3408.

For $10, adults will receive a homemade roast beef meal with mashed potatoes and gravy, green beans, roll and cheesecake.

The children's meal for $5 consists of a hot dog, chips, green beans and dessert.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/2/1612306480493.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Hays United Methodist Church, 305 W. 7th,&nbsp; will have a drive-thru Valentine's Dinner Sat., Feb. 13, 5:30 p.m. to 7 p.m.Meals will be picked up in the drive-thru in the church's back parking lot off 8th Street.&nbsp;Proceeds will help fund a mission trip for the UMYF youth group.Reservations are due by Feb. 9 by calling the church at 785-625-3408.For $10, adults will receive a homemade roast beef meal with mashed potatoes and gravy, green beans, roll and cheesecake.The children's meal for $5 consists of a hot dog, chips, green beans and dessert.&nbsp;

Hays United Methodist Church drive-thru Valentine's dinner on Feb. 13

GREAT BEND - Barton Community College’s annual literary publication, Prairie Ink, has begun accepting entries for its 12th edition.&nbsp;

Editor Scott McDonald said the aim of the publication is to provide a venue for local authors to showcase their creative writing talents.

The editors are looking for the following types of original work to be considered for publication: fiction, creative non-fiction, poetry, drama, and graphic short stories. They will be accepting submissions until April 1, 2021.

Barton students, alumni and all residents of the seven counties in Barton’s service region: Barton, Pawnee, Rush, Russell, Rice, Stafford and Ellsworth counties, as well as Barton’s Fort Riley, Fort Leavenworth and Grandview Plaza campuses are encouraged to submit entries.

Submission guidelines and other information about the magazine can be found at prairieink.bartonccc.edu or by sending an email to McDonald at&nbsp;<a href="mailto:mcdonalds@bartonccc.edu">mcdonalds@bartonccc.edu</a>.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/2/1612301608484.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>GREAT BEND - Barton Community College’s annual literary publication, Prairie Ink, has begun accepting entries for its 12th edition.&nbsp;Editor Scott McDonald said the aim of the publication is to provide a venue for local authors to showcase their creative writing talents.The editors are looking for the following types of original work to be considered for publication: fiction, creative non-fiction, poetry, drama, and graphic short stories. They will be accepting submissions until April 1, 2021.Barton students, alumni and all residents of the seven counties in Barton’s service region: Barton, Pawnee, Rush, Russell, Rice, Stafford and Ellsworth counties, as well as Barton’s Fort Riley, Fort Leavenworth and Grandview Plaza campuses are encouraged to submit entries.Submission guidelines and other information about the magazine can be found at prairieink.bartonccc.edu or by sending an email to McDonald at&nbsp;<a href="mailto:mcdonalds@bartonccc.edu">mcdonalds@bartonccc.edu</a>.

Entries accepted now for BCC literary publication 'Prairie Ink'

Hays Convention and Visitors Bureau

The Downtown Ice Rink at the Downtown Pavilion is open through February. Bring a friend and enjoy skating on this all-weather synthetic surface. A $7 ticket purchase includes skate rental. Hot cocoa and snacks are available for purchase.

The FHSU Moss-Thorns Gallery of Art presents: Cartulary. Selected works from Joel Moss &amp; John C. Thorns will be on display through Friday, Feb. 19. Gallery hours are 9 a.m. – 4 p.m. in the Schmidt Foundation Center for Art and Design.

United Methodist Church will host a Drive-Thru Valentines Dinner Friday, Feb. 13, 5:30 – 7:00 p.m. Call in to reserve your meal by Feb. 9.

Send your Valentine’s message in style through the Hays Community Theatre Video Valentines Fundraiser. The talented crew will create a dramatic personalized message for you for only $10. Place your order online by noon on Feb. 11.

Western Plains Animal Refuge will host a Valentine’s Day Virtual Party fundraiser Sunday, Feb. 14 at 7 p.m. Sign up online at wparks.org by Feb. 5. Your $30 donation gets you a kit that includes activities for the virtual event, ingredients for Sweetheart Punch, and chocolates to share.

The Kansas Disc Golf Association and Flying Bison Disc Golf Club will host a Food Drive Disc Golf Tournament Sunday, Feb. 14 at Frontier Park East. $25 entry fee includes lunch, with all proceeds benefiting the Hays Community Assistance Center. A $1 donation or canned food item gets you one Mulligan during play.

The Hilton Garden Inn and Convention Center will host a Bridal Expo Saturday, Feb. 20, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Admission is free if you pre-register at the link in their Facebook event or $3 at the door.

Science Café presents: “So, Kid, Now That You Are on Mars…” on Sunday, Feb. 22, at 7 p.m. in anticipation of a successful landing of NASA’s Mars 2020 Perseverance Rover. Dr. Paul Adams, Dean of the FHSU College of Education, will present virtually. Join in on the FHSU Science Café’s Facebook page.

Visit the Sternberg Museum of Natural History to see its first ever traveling exhibit, “A Look Inside.” Visitors will experience an unexpected view of specimens from the inside out, through means of medical diagnostic imaging. This exhibit has been extended through March 1.

Gross Memorial Coliseum will host KSHSAA State Wrestling on Saturday, Feb. 27. This modified event will be one day only and will start at noon.

Fort Hays State Basketball: - Thursday, February 4: FHSU vs. Newman at 5:30/7:30 p.m.

- Saturday, February 6: FHSU vs. Central Oklahoma at 2:00/4:00 p.m.

- Thursday, February 18: FHSU vs. Lincoln 5:30/7:30 p.m.

- Saturday, February 20: FHSU vs. Central Missouri 2:00/4:00 p.m.*

*The Feb. 20 game is sponsored by Hays Regional Airport. Halftime activities will include giveaways of 2 vouchers for 2 round-trip flights to Denver.

Hays has many special events for the Super Bowl and Valentine’s Day. Check with your favorite restaurant or check <a href="http://www.visithays.com/">VisitHays.com</a>.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/12/1575300742886.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Hays Convention and Visitors BureauThe Downtown Ice Rink at the Downtown Pavilion is open through February. Bring a friend and enjoy skating on this all-weather synthetic surface. A $7 ticket purchase includes skate rental. Hot cocoa and snacks are available for purchase.The FHSU Moss-Thorns Gallery of Art presents: Cartulary. Selected works from Joel Moss &amp; John C. Thorns will be on display through Friday, Feb. 19. Gallery hours are 9 a.m. – 4 p.m. in the Schmidt Foundation Center for Art and Design.United Methodist Church will host a Drive-Thru Valentines Dinner Friday, Feb. 13, 5:30 – 7:00 p.m. Call in to reserve your meal by Feb. 9.Send your Valentine’s message in style through the Hays Community Theatre Video Valentines Fundraiser. The talented crew will create a dramatic personalized message for you for only $10. Place your order online by noon on Feb. 11.Western Plains Animal Refuge will host a Valentine’s Day Virtual Party fundraiser Sunday, Feb. 14 at 7 p.m. Sign up online at wparks.org by Feb. 5. Your $30 donation gets you a kit that includes activities for the virtual event, ingredients for Sweetheart Punch, and chocolates to share.The Kansas Disc Golf Association and Flying Bison Disc Golf Club will host a Food Drive Disc Golf Tournament Sunday, Feb. 14 at Frontier Park East. $25 entry fee includes lunch, with all proceeds benefiting the Hays Community Assistance Center. A $1 donation or canned food item gets you one Mulligan during play.The Hilton Garden Inn and Convention Center will host a Bridal Expo Saturday, Feb. 20, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Admission is free if you pre-register at the link in their Facebook event or $3 at the door.Science Café presents: “So, Kid, Now That You Are on Mars…” on Sunday, Feb. 22, at 7 p.m. in anticipation of a successful landing of NASA’s Mars 2020 Perseverance Rover. Dr. Paul Adams, Dean of the FHSU College of Education, will present virtually. Join in on the FHSU Science Café’s Facebook page.Visit the Sternberg Museum of Natural History to see its first ever traveling exhibit, “A Look Inside.” Visitors will experience an unexpected view of specimens from the inside out, through means of medical diagnostic imaging. This exhibit has been extended through March 1.Gross Memorial Coliseum will host KSHSAA State Wrestling on Saturday, Feb. 27. This modified event will be one day only and will start at noon.Fort Hays State Basketball: - Thursday, February 4: FHSU vs. Newman at 5:30/7:30 p.m.- Saturday, February 6: FHSU vs. Central Oklahoma at 2:00/4:00 p.m.- Thursday, February 18: FHSU vs. Lincoln 5:30/7:30 p.m.- Saturday, February 20: FHSU vs. Central Missouri 2:00/4:00 p.m.**The Feb. 20 game is sponsored by Hays Regional Airport. Halftime activities will include giveaways of 2 vouchers for 2 round-trip flights to Denver.Hays has many special events for the Super Bowl and Valentine’s Day. Check with your favorite restaurant or check <a href="http://www.visithays.com/">VisitHays.com</a>.

Hays community events in February 

The St. Joseph Food Pantry has been awarded a DAR Community Service.

The pantry, located in the former Kennedy Middle School, 215 W. 13th, is open from 9 a.m. to noon, on the first and third Saturday of the month.

Renee Michaud has been the pantry coordinator since it opened in 2001.

Much of the food comes from the Kansas Food Bank, some is donated and collected through service projects spearheaded by area groups. Other items are purchased with monetary donations.

As coordinator, Michaud prepares the Food Bank orders and coordinates the volunteers which includes students, 4-H groups and scout troops, as well as church volunteers. Volunteers conduct food drives and help on distribution days.

Usually there’s a way people can volunteer, and some are families of all ages, Michaud said.

Families can come to the pantry once a month, and don’t have to be affiliated with the Church.

“If you have a need, you can come,” she said.

They are asked to give their name, address, number in family and their ages. One box is allowed for every four people.&nbsp;

Boxes include nonperishable items, frozen meat and bakery items.

Groups also donate produce items based on the growing season.

“I’m proud of the (Hays) community for the many ways there are to help those in need,” Michaud said.

The award was presented by Bunnie Bowen, who nominated the Pantry for the Award, to father and daughter volunteers Jan Martin and Kayla Honnon.

A Community Service Award is given to an individual or group who has contributed to their community in an outstanding voluntary, heroic, civil or benevolent manner, or who has participated in or organized community activities.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/2/1612191249413.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>The St. Joseph Food Pantry has been awarded a DAR Community Service.The pantry, located in the former Kennedy Middle School, 215 W. 13th, is open from 9 a.m. to noon, on the first and third Saturday of the month.Renee Michaud has been the pantry coordinator since it opened in 2001.Much of the food comes from the Kansas Food Bank, some is donated and collected through service projects spearheaded by area groups. Other items are purchased with monetary donations.As coordinator, Michaud prepares the Food Bank orders and coordinates the volunteers which includes students, 4-H groups and scout troops, as well as church volunteers. Volunteers conduct food drives and help on distribution days.Usually there’s a way people can volunteer, and some are families of all ages, Michaud said.Families can come to the pantry once a month, and don’t have to be affiliated with the Church.“If you have a need, you can come,” she said.They are asked to give their name, address, number in family and their ages. One box is allowed for every four people.&nbsp;Boxes include nonperishable items, frozen meat and bakery items.Groups also donate produce items based on the growing season.“I’m proud of the (Hays) community for the many ways there are to help those in need,” Michaud said.The award was presented by Bunnie Bowen, who nominated the Pantry for the Award, to father and daughter volunteers Jan Martin and Kayla Honnon.A Community Service Award is given to an individual or group who has contributed to their community in an outstanding voluntary, heroic, civil or benevolent manner, or who has participated in or organized community activities.— Submitted

St. Joseph Food Pantry earns award from DAR

The Hays Arts Council's 37th annual <a href="https://haysartscouncil.org/five-state">Five State Photography Exhibition&nbsp;</a>&nbsp;is entering its final two weeks.

 We invite you to come by the Hays Arts Center to check out this year's great exhibition now through the closing on February 12. 

We're open Monday through Friday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.&nbsp; and from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Saturdays.&nbsp; 

If you can't make it in person, be sure to check out the entire collection of 150 photographs, including the 24 award-winning works, on our <a href="https://haysartscouncil.org/five-state">website</a>.&nbsp;

A special "thank you" to our 5-State sponsors for supporting our project - Eagle Communications, Bank of Hays, and Midwest Energy.&nbsp;&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/2/1612221728007.jpeg" alt="'Vintage Big Creek' by Dawn Berry, Hays" />
 <figcaption>'Vintage Big Creek' by Dawn Berry, Hays</figcaption>
 </figure>The Hays Arts Council's 37th annual <a href="https://haysartscouncil.org/five-state">Five State Photography Exhibition&nbsp;</a>&nbsp;is entering its final two weeks. We invite you to come by the Hays Arts Center to check out this year's great exhibition now through the closing on February 12. We're open Monday through Friday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.&nbsp; and from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Saturdays.&nbsp; If you can't make it in person, be sure to check out the entire collection of 150 photographs, including the 24 award-winning works, on our <a href="https://haysartscouncil.org/five-state">website</a>.&nbsp;A special "thank you" to our 5-State sponsors for supporting our project - Eagle Communications, Bank of Hays, and Midwest Energy.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Annual HAC 5-State Photography Exhibition enters final two weeks

WICHITA – The Kansas Rural Center (KRC) is excited to announce our Pollinators on the Plains conference to be held online on Friday, February 5, 2021, from 8:30 a.m. – 4 p.m. CST. The virtual event will cover a range of pollinator topics, including beekeeping methods and strategies, innovative regional pollinator-based community initiatives, the intersection of pollinators with farming and ranching, and information on the impacts of pesticides on pollinators. 

For a complete agenda and to register, please visit - <a href="https://kansasruralcenter.org/pollinators-on-the-plains/">https://kansasruralcenter.org/pollinators-on-the-plains/</a>.

To help offset the negative impacts of the pandemic, we are offering a 25% discount to attend the event. $15 will get you a virtual seat at the conference, access to some presentations after the event, and a paper copy of KRC’s soon-to-be-published Plains’ Pollinator Resources: Keeping Bees and Protecting Pollinators in Kansas, which will be mailed to you in February. To register, please visit http://bit.ly/KRCbees2021.

For students, beginning farmers or beekeepers, and anyone for whom the registration fee is an obstacle, scholarships are available. Please fill out this scholarship form at http://bit.ly/KRCbeesapplication, or contact us at info@kansasruralcenter.org. 

A keynote presentation will be given by Sarah Red-Laird, Executive Director of Bee Girl, a nonprofit organization whose mission is “to educate and inspire communities to conserve bees, their flowers, and our countryside,” Red-Laird is also Northwest Farmers Union president. Red-Laird will talk about utilizing regenerative practices in her beekeeping operation, and the intersection between bees and grazing lands. Dr. Leo Sharashkin, editor of “Keeping Bees with a Smile” and founder of Horizontal Hive, will talk about natural beekeeping and his unique hive design and method for capturing swarms to populate his hives.

Breakout sessions will include beginning beekeeping basics with Becky and Steve Tipton, Master Beekeepers and longtime leaders in both Northeastern Kansas Beekeepers Association and Kansas Honey Producers Association. The Center for Rural Affairs will discuss their project involving a variety of alternate hive types, and North American Pollinator Alliance founder, Jorge Garibay, will discuss his unique hive system and vision for repopulating Kansas ag lands with honeybees.

Daniel Raichel, NRDC Staff Attorney, Pollinator Initiative, Wildlife Division, will talk about the impacts of pesticides on pollinators and how some Midwestern communities are being impacted by pesticide-treated seeds.

Candy Thomas, USDA-NRCS Soil Health Specialist for Kansas and Nebraska, will talk about agricultural practices that are beneficial for pollinators, and a panel of farmers and native plant specialists will discuss pollinator habitat at different scales. Alfonso Leyva, who works for the city of Manhattan, Kansas, will discuss the city’s Pollinator Pockets project, which aims to increase pollinator habitat within the city by adding or increasing pollinator plants throughout the park system in Manhattan. Dr. Marion Pierson and Brian Reeves, from the MO Hives KC project, will give an overview of their project which turns vacant lots into apiaries.

Pollinators on the Plains is the kick-off event for KRC’s 2021 Farm &amp; Food Conference series. Our annual in-person Farm &amp; Food Conference was cancelled in 2020 due to the pandemic. 

In order to provide as much in-depth information and interaction as possible during this continued time of limited contact, we are choosing to host a series of online events, each focusing on a particular topic. This will allow us to get together and to dive deeper on a number of topics. We hope that it might be possible to meet in person by November 2021 and are keeping all options open.

In the meantime, please plan to join us for:

* Pollinators in the Heartland - February 5, 2021 * Local Food Systems &amp; Farm to School – May 2021 * Soil Health to Human Health – July/August 2021

An NCR-SARE project track will be included in the later events. For more information as we have it, please visit <a href="https://kansasruralcenter.org/2021-conference/">https://kansasruralcenter.org/2021-conference/</a>.

If you would like to sponsor our 2021 conference series, please visit - https://kansasruralcenter.org/2021-conference-sponsorship/. The Pollinators on the Plains conference is made possible with funding from the Ceres Trust. KRC would also like to thank Julie Elfving for her support for our pollinator programming.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/2/1612220432721.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>WICHITA – The Kansas Rural Center (KRC) is excited to announce our Pollinators on the Plains conference to be held online on Friday, February 5, 2021, from 8:30 a.m. – 4 p.m. CST. The virtual event will cover a range of pollinator topics, including beekeeping methods and strategies, innovative regional pollinator-based community initiatives, the intersection of pollinators with farming and ranching, and information on the impacts of pesticides on pollinators. For a complete agenda and to register, please visit - <a href="https://kansasruralcenter.org/pollinators-on-the-plains/">https://kansasruralcenter.org/pollinators-on-the-plains/</a>.To help offset the negative impacts of the pandemic, we are offering a 25% discount to attend the event. $15 will get you a virtual seat at the conference, access to some presentations after the event, and a paper copy of KRC’s soon-to-be-published Plains’ Pollinator Resources: Keeping Bees and Protecting Pollinators in Kansas, which will be mailed to you in February. To register, please visit http://bit.ly/KRCbees2021.For students, beginning farmers or beekeepers, and anyone for whom the registration fee is an obstacle, scholarships are available. Please fill out this scholarship form at http://bit.ly/KRCbeesapplication, or contact us at info@kansasruralcenter.org. A keynote presentation will be given by Sarah Red-Laird, Executive Director of Bee Girl, a nonprofit organization whose mission is “to educate and inspire communities to conserve bees, their flowers, and our countryside,” Red-Laird is also Northwest Farmers Union president. Red-Laird will talk about utilizing regenerative practices in her beekeeping operation, and the intersection between bees and grazing lands. Dr. Leo Sharashkin, editor of “Keeping Bees with a Smile” and founder of Horizontal Hive, will talk about natural beekeeping and his unique hive design and method for capturing swarms to populate his hives.Breakout sessions will include beginning beekeeping basics with Becky and Steve Tipton, Master Beekeepers and longtime leaders in both Northeastern Kansas Beekeepers Association and Kansas Honey Producers Association. The Center for Rural Affairs will discuss their project involving a variety of alternate hive types, and North American Pollinator Alliance founder, Jorge Garibay, will discuss his unique hive system and vision for repopulating Kansas ag lands with honeybees.Daniel Raichel, NRDC Staff Attorney, Pollinator Initiative, Wildlife Division, will talk about the impacts of pesticides on pollinators and how some Midwestern communities are being impacted by pesticide-treated seeds.Candy Thomas, USDA-NRCS Soil Health Specialist for Kansas and Nebraska, will talk about agricultural practices that are beneficial for pollinators, and a panel of farmers and native plant specialists will discuss pollinator habitat at different scales. Alfonso Leyva, who works for the city of Manhattan, Kansas, will discuss the city’s Pollinator Pockets project, which aims to increase pollinator habitat within the city by adding or increasing pollinator plants throughout the park system in Manhattan. Dr. Marion Pierson and Brian Reeves, from the MO Hives KC project, will give an overview of their project which turns vacant lots into apiaries.Pollinators on the Plains is the kick-off event for KRC’s 2021 Farm &amp; Food Conference series. Our annual in-person Farm &amp; Food Conference was cancelled in 2020 due to the pandemic. In order to provide as much in-depth information and interaction as possible during this continued time of limited contact, we are choosing to host a series of online events, each focusing on a particular topic. This will allow us to get together and to dive deeper on a number of topics. We hope that it might be possible to meet in person by November 2021 and are keeping all options open.In the meantime, please plan to join us for:* Pollinators in the Heartland - February 5, 2021 * Local Food Systems &amp; Farm to School – May 2021 * Soil Health to Human Health – July/August 2021An NCR-SARE project track will be included in the later events. For more information as we have it, please visit <a href="https://kansasruralcenter.org/2021-conference/">https://kansasruralcenter.org/2021-conference/</a>.If you would like to sponsor our 2021 conference series, please visit - https://kansasruralcenter.org/2021-conference-sponsorship/. The Pollinators on the Plains conference is made possible with funding from the Ceres Trust. KRC would also like to thank Julie Elfving for her support for our pollinator programming.

'Pollinators on the Plains' virtual event Friday with Kansas Rural Center

Healing After Loss meeting set for Tuesday

If you want to register to receive the COVID-19 vaccination, the Hays Public Library is here to help. The library is partnering with the Ellis County Health Department to be a registration resource.

An online form is available to sign up to receive the vaccination when it is available. The library has public computers, wifi, and staff available to assist anyone who needs help accessing the form. Patrons also are welcome to call the library, 785-625-9014, for help with this process. For those in Hays without computer access who are not able to go to the library, accommodations may be made through the HPL delivery service. Call for more information.

The link to the form is <a href="https://form.jotform.com/210066258239051">https://form.jotform.com/210066258239051</a>.

For specific information about the vaccine and its availability, please contact the Ellis County Health Department at 785-628-9440.

Library staff also will assist residents outside Ellis County navigate their county’s process.

Hays Public Library is currently closed Monday through Wednesday and open Thursday and Friday 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., Saturday 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sunday 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. Delivery is available Monday through Friday.

You can find out more about this and other library programs at hayslibrary.org or by calling 785-625-9014

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/2/1612189430398.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>If you want to register to receive the COVID-19 vaccination, the Hays Public Library is here to help. The library is partnering with the Ellis County Health Department to be a registration resource.An online form is available to sign up to receive the vaccination when it is available. The library has public computers, wifi, and staff available to assist anyone who needs help accessing the form. Patrons also are welcome to call the library, 785-625-9014, for help with this process. For those in Hays without computer access who are not able to go to the library, accommodations may be made through the HPL delivery service. Call for more information.The link to the form is <a href="https://form.jotform.com/210066258239051">https://form.jotform.com/210066258239051</a>.For specific information about the vaccine and its availability, please contact the Ellis County Health Department at 785-628-9440.Library staff also will assist residents outside Ellis County navigate their county’s process.Hays Public Library is currently closed Monday through Wednesday and open Thursday and Friday 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., Saturday 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sunday 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. Delivery is available Monday through Friday.You can find out more about this and other library programs at hayslibrary.org or by calling 785-625-9014

Hays Public Library provides COVID-19 vaccination registration assistance

By STACY CAMPBELL Cottonwood Extension District

NC and NW Extension Districts and counties of K-State Research and Extension are hosting an ONLINE agronomy series, “Crop Talk”, slated to begin Tuesday, February 2 through Tuesday, March 9, which will highlight several topics important to crop producers.&nbsp; These will be on Tuesdays with some Wednesdays as well, and each session will be held from 10:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. CST.

Planned topics of discussion include soil fertility for the 2021 growing season, weed management, corn and sorghum insects along with dryland corn dynamics and alfalfa management. There will also be time for questions between Kansas crop producers and extension specialists.

Register ONLINE at <a href="http://www.cottonwood.ksu.edu">www.cottonwood.ksu.edu</a> or call the Cottonwood Extension District at 785-628-9430. Once you register, a link to the ONLINE sessions will be emailed to you.

The ONLINE or virtual meetings include the following schedule:

For more information about the ONLINE KSU Extension NW and NC Agronomy Series, contact your local Extension Office or Cottonwood District 785-628-9430.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/11/1574181994278.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>By STACY CAMPBELL Cottonwood Extension DistrictNC and NW Extension Districts and counties of K-State Research and Extension are hosting an ONLINE agronomy series, “Crop Talk”, slated to begin Tuesday, February 2 through Tuesday, March 9, which will highlight several topics important to crop producers.&nbsp; These will be on Tuesdays with some Wednesdays as well, and each session will be held from 10:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. CST.Planned topics of discussion include soil fertility for the 2021 growing season, weed management, corn and sorghum insects along with dryland corn dynamics and alfalfa management. There will also be time for questions between Kansas crop producers and extension specialists.Register ONLINE at <a href="http://www.cottonwood.ksu.edu">www.cottonwood.ksu.edu</a> or call the Cottonwood Extension District at 785-628-9430. Once you register, a link to the ONLINE sessions will be emailed to you.Optional to use:The ONLINE or virtual meetings include the following schedule:<ol>
 <li>Soil Fertility question from Growers for the 2021 season</li>
 </ol>-February 2: NW focus-February 3: NC focus<ol>
 <li>Weed Management and that pesky Palmer Amaranth (pigweed)</li>
 </ol>-February 9: NW focus-February 10: NC focus<ol>
 <li>Corn Insect Resistance: Rootworm and Western Bean Cutworm</li>
 </ol>-February 16<ol>
 <li>Grain Sorghum Weed Control: Start clean…..Stay clean!</li>
 </ol>-February 23<ol>
 <li>Sorghum Insects: Aphids, Headworms and Chinch bugs…..Oh my!</li>
 </ol>-February 24<ol>
 <li>Alfalfa Management for Insects and Adverse weather</li>
 </ol>-March 2<ol>
 <li>Dryland Corn Dynamics</li>
 </ol>-March 9For more information about the ONLINE KSU Extension NW and NC Agronomy Series, contact your local Extension Office or Cottonwood District 785-628-9430.

CAMPBELL: New Extension series 'Crop Talk' begins in February

BUNKER HILL –&nbsp;Doctors on Call, a local production of Smoky Hills PBS, will feature Dr. Steve Mosier with Hays Veterinary Hospital in Hays.&nbsp; This episode will air&nbsp;Tuesday, Feb. 2 at 7 PM&nbsp;and will focus on pet health.

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 7PM on 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.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/1/1578663876107.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>BUNKER HILL –&nbsp;Doctors on Call, a local production of Smoky Hills PBS, will feature Dr. Steve Mosier with Hays Veterinary Hospital in Hays.&nbsp; This episode will air&nbsp;Tuesday, Feb. 2 at 7 PM&nbsp;and will focus on pet health.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 7PM on 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.

Next 'Doctors on Call' features Hays vet

April is National Sexual Assault Awareness Month.

Beginning today Options Domestic &amp; Sexual Violence Services, will host a poster contest for community members age 14 and older to bring awareness to Northwest Kansas about sexual assault.

The poster contest will focus on the importance of consent with the theme of “If I can’t say yes, I’m saying no.”

This means that if someone does not or cannot say yes to an interaction, then they are saying no.

Submissions for the poster contest starts today and will run through Friday, March 12. Options plans to host an event in April 2021 to unveil the posters to the public.

Those wishing to participate in the poster contest may submit one 18-inch-wide by 24-inch-tall poster. Posters must be original designs and can be created with any of the following medias: painting, collage (must be flat, 3-dimensional collages not accepted), drawing, photograph, or any form of digital program (examples; Pixlr, Photoshop, Canva, Inkscape, Microsoft Paint, SketchPad, etc.).

All poster entries will be featured throughout the month of April on Options social media.

The winning poster will be announced April 2.

. Posters will be displayed on April 30 during the Hays Arts Council Spring Art Walk at Farmers Insurance, 1012 Main St. in Hays. Winning artist will receive two professional prints of their poster.

Options will also display the winning poster at events, information tables, and at their offices throughout Northwest Kansas.

If you or someone you know needs help because of domestic violence, sexual assault, stalking or human trafficking, call Options’ free 24-hour helpline at 800-794-4624; text "HOPE" to 847411; Live Chat at <a href="http://help4abuse.org">help4abuse.org</a>; or download the "My Mobile Options" app from the App Store or Google Play for help 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/7/1594750931446.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>SubmittedApril is National Sexual Assault Awareness Month.Beginning today Options Domestic &amp; Sexual Violence Services, will host a poster contest for community members age 14 and older to bring awareness to Northwest Kansas about sexual assault.The poster contest will focus on the importance of consent with the theme of “If I can’t say yes, I’m saying no.”This means that if someone does not or cannot say yes to an interaction, then they are saying no.Submissions for the poster contest starts today and will run through Friday, March 12. Options plans to host an event in April 2021 to unveil the posters to the public.Those wishing to participate in the poster contest may submit one 18-inch-wide by 24-inch-tall poster. Posters must be original designs and can be created with any of the following medias: painting, collage (must be flat, 3-dimensional collages not accepted), drawing, photograph, or any form of digital program (examples; Pixlr, Photoshop, Canva, Inkscape, Microsoft Paint, SketchPad, etc.).All poster entries will be featured throughout the month of April on Options social media.The winning poster will be announced April 2.. Posters will be displayed on April 30 during the Hays Arts Council Spring Art Walk at Farmers Insurance, 1012 Main St. in Hays. Winning artist will receive two professional prints of their poster.Options will also display the winning poster at events, information tables, and at their offices throughout Northwest Kansas.If you or someone you know needs help because of domestic violence, sexual assault, stalking or human trafficking, call Options’ free 24-hour helpline at 800-794-4624; text "HOPE" to 847411; Live Chat at <a href="http://help4abuse.org">help4abuse.org</a>; or download the "My Mobile Options" app from the App Store or Google Play for help 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

Options hosts  poster contest for Sexual Assault Awareness Month

Click one of the links bellow for tickets or more information.

<a href="https://www.facebook.com/events/734928890743132/">Facebook Event</a>

<a href="https://www.eventbrite.com/e/valentines-day-virtual-party-tickets-137719810661?fbclid=IwAR2JLZKtuJt7ERVBbjuKEyZco_4wlyM4PfiFIbr8WiA-dTBzIQM4B-38MSo">Eventbrite Tickets</a>

<a href="https://www.wparks.org/">WPAR Website</a>

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/1/1611613486677.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Click one of the links bellow for tickets or more information.<a href="https://www.facebook.com/events/734928890743132/">Facebook Event</a><a href="https://www.eventbrite.com/e/valentines-day-virtual-party-tickets-137719810661?fbclid=IwAR2JLZKtuJt7ERVBbjuKEyZco_4wlyM4PfiFIbr8WiA-dTBzIQM4B-38MSo">Eventbrite Tickets</a><a href="https://www.wparks.org/">WPAR Website</a>

Western Plains Animal Refuge to host virtual Valentine's fundraiser

TOPEKA - The Center for Kansas Studies at Washburn University&nbsp; will host its annual Kansas Day lecture virtually on Friday, January 29 at 4 p.m. 

The free event will be hosted via Zoom. To register, please visit&nbsp;<a href="https://u7061146.ct.sendgrid.net/ls/click?upn=4tNED-2FM8iDZJQyQ53jATURH3PpCPxZ-2BH6HAI51dLxR62oAMCxWriD3DMSBA2tb5KCWoG0CxDLBTfbgFpb1g-2BttItCa3hrRoQruTUB1hdQ7Zg7k8Vp9qb2GMHSHrHMkzSmwoH8fV-2FsTLV-2BAb1etT9MwxRqP0EYGND3b-2F30y5TTZYOq-2BaUQpM8YC-2BangwvqlJZsR19xt6ObUoSDXbHaZxedw-3D-3DTjdp_r-2BDMsuWuYVmb7-2F1Mu1QL1I-2FJ8-2BHR91nNNNGTTc38Ah21KHordUO1d7zhLCFR0YP4W2h34kGvaUJG9DcNaDLY4wTxXaVbw1sBFaBaBxdAvVVqSRFDcLp09EWSlDyRxRVGwt8t5VkcFWYYLmjPeuNyZgt3apaGblvu-2Fgfk8qQuoKiRdoZEoLdBLsEfwQBplhSmrVXAIyntzrA5GLMpaDEoSC2lLYUME7vV7EdWO-2BZQlTSUxJO2R6ahzvRLP9lyfqFp96Py9zz7sFhfbdoIIkc1twS6a08221aCTGruLw7jLX-2BUHJY6tuLMQRbCBM9TN6dKKSmENF1oidon-2FiEm7KKKww6BV0N7Hn5RJ-2FtNpvIm2co-3D" target="_blank">https://www.eventbrite.com/e/kansas-day-lecture-a-conversation-with-photographers-tickets-135567115893?keep_tld=1&amp;mc_cid=d5331c58a3&amp;mc_eid=UNIQID</a>

Photographers Lori Nix, a native of Norton, Kathleen Gerber and Philip Heying will present their photographic work and participate in a panel discussing their work, as well as common threads and concerns within their artistic practices.

The conversation will be moderated by Danielle C. Head, associate professor of photography / co-director for the Center for Kansas Studies and Dr. Vanessa Steinroetter, associate professor and chair department of English / co-director for the Center for Kansas Studies.

Nix and Gerber&nbsp;are Brooklyn-based artists who create elaborate dioramas and miniatures captured in photographs which depict a future in which man-made environments have been emptied of human inhabitants and reclaimed by nature. 

Nix, who grew up in western Kansas, channels a fascination with natural disasters she experienced as a child. Their collaborative work is included in major collections such as The Smithsonian Art Museum, Washington D.C., The Museum of Fine Arts Houston, Houston Texas, and the Spencer Museum of Art, Lawrence Kan. 

The duo has also illustrated stories for numerous magazines including&nbsp;The New Yorker,&nbsp;New York Times Magazine,&nbsp;Time Magazine,&nbsp;O Magazine,&nbsp;Wired&nbsp;and&nbsp;New York Magazine.&nbsp;Learn more at&nbsp;<a href="https://u7061146.ct.sendgrid.net/ls/click?upn=TeZUXWpUv-2B6TCY38pVLo9ncJHcX-2FjhicmCZyGZR95Us-3DgJTO_r-2BDMsuWuYVmb7-2F1Mu1QL1I-2FJ8-2BHR91nNNNGTTc38Ah21KHordUO1d7zhLCFR0YP4W2h34kGvaUJG9DcNaDLY4wTxXaVbw1sBFaBaBxdAvVVqSRFDcLp09EWSlDyRxRVGwt8t5VkcFWYYLmjPeuNyZgt3apaGblvu-2Fgfk8qQuoKiRdoZEoLdBLsEfwQBplhSmt6ZsjL0yFXmE-2B9nPCAQZgwZ2j6-2F78hP-2FiK6wab-2Fc-2FpbAt0EQpknbzKrQJ9dyRmBaw3b-2BUJbnJnhca6B2nZFJxgzF73Ik-2FZ76yrTxUPj2k30lCzOotzL-2FoSLrxHkH445qKVQq6BTNopVNCNBDh1IQFtmYg80cT0e6PO5i1Cw1Vl8-3D" target="_blank">http://www.lorinix.net</a>

Heying&nbsp;is a photographer living in Matfield Green, Kan., born in 1959 in Kansas City, Mo. During his college days in Lawrence, he was introduced to William S. Burroughs and embarked on a friendship which lasted until Burroughsʼs death in 1997. Burroughs showed him how art could affect real change, how it could influence human perception and cultural patterns. 

He recently completed work on A Visual Archaeology of the Anthropocene from Eastern Kansas to the High Plains, a project addressing the extraordinary power and consequences of human influence on the ecology of his home region. His work is included in major collections such as The Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art, Mo. and the Spencer Museum of Art, Lawrence Kan. Learn more at&nbsp;<a href="https://u7061146.ct.sendgrid.net/ls/click?upn=4tNED-2FM8iDZJQyQ53jATUbo5L6V-2BBJRXONqlRF6WWgWeJDg42vxav8gvgvjJPCWluPwy_r-2BDMsuWuYVmb7-2F1Mu1QL1I-2FJ8-2BHR91nNNNGTTc38Ah21KHordUO1d7zhLCFR0YP4W2h34kGvaUJG9DcNaDLY4wTxXaVbw1sBFaBaBxdAvVVqSRFDcLp09EWSlDyRxRVGwt8t5VkcFWYYLmjPeuNyZgt3apaGblvu-2Fgfk8qQuoKiRdoZEoLdBLsEfwQBplhSmhVT0iEkeZcsHUvfA-2Bz5GMw7NDszpL-2F71gFjYoZY3b001rvMfBDwJOzOPHqzbbYWfLqFWtDPv24fR4UcxKQS4iepCEA3ztBBgQRneqhORqI75bAX3Dz4QGOBd0MZaRoCQdCFQgVohE0-2BnHiC3Ik-2BGb5JjLkGHPPzBgWRYTdH6MhE-3D" target="_blank">https://philipheying.com</a>

The annual Kansas Day Presentation is hosted and funded by the Center for Kansas Studies and Washburn University’s Mulvane Art Museum, with additional support from the Washburn University Art Department and WUmester 2021. 

WUmester is an annual event intended to foster a university-wide conversation on a diversity-related topic that will change each spring semester. The topic for WUmester 2021 is sustainability.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/1/1611885729303.jpeg" alt="Photographers Lori Nix, a native of Norton, Kathleen Gerber, and Philip Heying, Matfield Green, will present their photographic work during Friday's annual Kansas Day lecture at the Center for Kansas Studies, Washburn University.&nbsp;&nbsp;" />
 <figcaption>Photographers Lori Nix, a native of Norton, Kathleen Gerber, and Philip Heying, Matfield Green, will present their photographic work during Friday's annual Kansas Day lecture at the Center for Kansas Studies, Washburn University.&nbsp;&nbsp;</figcaption>
 </figure>TOPEKA - The Center for Kansas Studies at Washburn University&nbsp; will host its annual Kansas Day lecture virtually on Friday, January 29 at 4 p.m. The free event will be hosted via Zoom. To register, please visit&nbsp;<a href="https://u7061146.ct.sendgrid.net/ls/click?upn=4tNED-2FM8iDZJQyQ53jATURH3PpCPxZ-2BH6HAI51dLxR62oAMCxWriD3DMSBA2tb5KCWoG0CxDLBTfbgFpb1g-2BttItCa3hrRoQruTUB1hdQ7Zg7k8Vp9qb2GMHSHrHMkzSmwoH8fV-2FsTLV-2BAb1etT9MwxRqP0EYGND3b-2F30y5TTZYOq-2BaUQpM8YC-2BangwvqlJZsR19xt6ObUoSDXbHaZxedw-3D-3DTjdp_r-2BDMsuWuYVmb7-2F1Mu1QL1I-2FJ8-2BHR91nNNNGTTc38Ah21KHordUO1d7zhLCFR0YP4W2h34kGvaUJG9DcNaDLY4wTxXaVbw1sBFaBaBxdAvVVqSRFDcLp09EWSlDyRxRVGwt8t5VkcFWYYLmjPeuNyZgt3apaGblvu-2Fgfk8qQuoKiRdoZEoLdBLsEfwQBplhSmrVXAIyntzrA5GLMpaDEoSC2lLYUME7vV7EdWO-2BZQlTSUxJO2R6ahzvRLP9lyfqFp96Py9zz7sFhfbdoIIkc1twS6a08221aCTGruLw7jLX-2BUHJY6tuLMQRbCBM9TN6dKKSmENF1oidon-2FiEm7KKKww6BV0N7Hn5RJ-2FtNpvIm2co-3D" target="_blank">https://www.eventbrite.com/e/kansas-day-lecture-a-conversation-with-photographers-tickets-135567115893?keep_tld=1&amp;mc_cid=d5331c58a3&amp;mc_eid=UNIQID</a>Photographers Lori Nix, a native of Norton, Kathleen Gerber and Philip Heying will present their photographic work and participate in a panel discussing their work, as well as common threads and concerns within their artistic practices.The conversation will be moderated by Danielle C. Head, associate professor of photography / co-director for the Center for Kansas Studies and Dr. Vanessa Steinroetter, associate professor and chair department of English / co-director for the Center for Kansas Studies.Nix and Gerber&nbsp;are Brooklyn-based artists who create elaborate dioramas and miniatures captured in photographs which depict a future in which man-made environments have been emptied of human inhabitants and reclaimed by nature. Nix, who grew up in western Kansas, channels a fascination with natural disasters she experienced as a child. Their collaborative work is included in major collections such as The Smithsonian Art Museum, Washington D.C., The Museum of Fine Arts Houston, Houston Texas, and the Spencer Museum of Art, Lawrence Kan. The duo has also illustrated stories for numerous magazines including&nbsp;The New Yorker,&nbsp;New York Times Magazine,&nbsp;Time Magazine,&nbsp;O Magazine,&nbsp;Wired&nbsp;and&nbsp;New York Magazine.&nbsp;Learn more at&nbsp;<a href="https://u7061146.ct.sendgrid.net/ls/click?upn=TeZUXWpUv-2B6TCY38pVLo9ncJHcX-2FjhicmCZyGZR95Us-3DgJTO_r-2BDMsuWuYVmb7-2F1Mu1QL1I-2FJ8-2BHR91nNNNGTTc38Ah21KHordUO1d7zhLCFR0YP4W2h34kGvaUJG9DcNaDLY4wTxXaVbw1sBFaBaBxdAvVVqSRFDcLp09EWSlDyRxRVGwt8t5VkcFWYYLmjPeuNyZgt3apaGblvu-2Fgfk8qQuoKiRdoZEoLdBLsEfwQBplhSmt6ZsjL0yFXmE-2B9nPCAQZgwZ2j6-2F78hP-2FiK6wab-2Fc-2FpbAt0EQpknbzKrQJ9dyRmBaw3b-2BUJbnJnhca6B2nZFJxgzF73Ik-2FZ76yrTxUPj2k30lCzOotzL-2FoSLrxHkH445qKVQq6BTNopVNCNBDh1IQFtmYg80cT0e6PO5i1Cw1Vl8-3D" target="_blank">http://www.lorinix.net</a>Heying&nbsp;is a photographer living in Matfield Green, Kan., born in 1959 in Kansas City, Mo. During his college days in Lawrence, he was introduced to William S. Burroughs and embarked on a friendship which lasted until Burroughsʼs death in 1997. Burroughs showed him how art could affect real change, how it could influence human perception and cultural patterns. He recently completed work on A Visual Archaeology of the Anthropocene from Eastern Kansas to the High Plains, a project addressing the extraordinary power and consequences of human influence on the ecology of his home region. His work is included in major collections such as The Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art, Mo. and the Spencer Museum of Art, Lawrence Kan. Learn more at&nbsp;<a href="https://u7061146.ct.sendgrid.net/ls/click?upn=4tNED-2FM8iDZJQyQ53jATUbo5L6V-2BBJRXONqlRF6WWgWeJDg42vxav8gvgvjJPCWluPwy_r-2BDMsuWuYVmb7-2F1Mu1QL1I-2FJ8-2BHR91nNNNGTTc38Ah21KHordUO1d7zhLCFR0YP4W2h34kGvaUJG9DcNaDLY4wTxXaVbw1sBFaBaBxdAvVVqSRFDcLp09EWSlDyRxRVGwt8t5VkcFWYYLmjPeuNyZgt3apaGblvu-2Fgfk8qQuoKiRdoZEoLdBLsEfwQBplhSmhVT0iEkeZcsHUvfA-2Bz5GMw7NDszpL-2F71gFjYoZY3b001rvMfBDwJOzOPHqzbbYWfLqFWtDPv24fR4UcxKQS4iepCEA3ztBBgQRneqhORqI75bAX3Dz4QGOBd0MZaRoCQdCFQgVohE0-2BnHiC3Ik-2BGb5JjLkGHPPzBgWRYTdH6MhE-3D" target="_blank">https://philipheying.com</a>The annual Kansas Day Presentation is hosted and funded by the Center for Kansas Studies and Washburn University’s Mulvane Art Museum, with additional support from the Washburn University Art Department and WUmester 2021. WUmester is an annual event intended to foster a university-wide conversation on a diversity-related topic that will change each spring semester. The topic for WUmester 2021 is sustainability.

Norton native among photographers featured in Kansas Day online lecture 

Northcentral and northwest extension districts and counties of K-State Research and Extension (KSRE) are hosting an ONLINE agronomy series, “Crop Talk,” slated to begin Tuesday, February 2 through Tuesday, March 9, which will highlight several topics important to crop producers. 

These will be on Tuesdays, with some Wednesdays, and each session will be held from 10:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. CST.

Planned topics of discussion include soil fertility for the 2021 growing season, weed management, corn and sorghum insects along with dryland corn dynamics and alfalfa management. There will also be time for questions between Kansas crop producers and extension specialists. 

Register online at <a href="https://cottonwood.k-state.edu/">www.cottonwood.ksu.edu</a> or call the Cottonwood Extension District in Hays at 785-628-9430. Once you register, a link to the online sessions will be emailed to you.

1. Soil Fertility question from Growers for the 2021 season -February 2: NW focus -February 3: NC focus

2. Weed Management and that pesky Palmer Amaranth (pigweed) -February 9: NW focus -February 10: NC focus

3. Corn Insect Resistance: Rootworm and Western Bean Cutworm -February 16

4. Grain Sorghum Weed Control: Start clean…..Stay clean! -February 23

5. Sorghum Insects: Aphids, Headworms and Chinch bugs…..Oh my! -February 24

6. Alfalfa Management for Insects and Adverse weather -March 2

7. Dryland Corn Dynamics -March 9

For more information about this agronomy series, contact your local Extension Office or Cottonwood District 785-628-9430.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/1/1579146636611.jpeg" alt="" />
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 </figure>Northcentral and northwest extension districts and counties of K-State Research and Extension (KSRE) are hosting an ONLINE agronomy series, “Crop Talk,” slated to begin Tuesday, February 2 through Tuesday, March 9, which will highlight several topics important to crop producers. These will be on Tuesdays, with some Wednesdays, and each session will be held from 10:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. CST.Planned topics of discussion include soil fertility for the 2021 growing season, weed management, corn and sorghum insects along with dryland corn dynamics and alfalfa management. There will also be time for questions between Kansas crop producers and extension specialists. Register online at <a href="https://cottonwood.k-state.edu/">www.cottonwood.ksu.edu</a> or call the Cottonwood Extension District in Hays at 785-628-9430. Once you register, a link to the online sessions will be emailed to you.The ONLINE or virtual meetings include the following schedule:1. Soil Fertility question from Growers for the 2021 season -February 2: NW focus -February 3: NC focus2. Weed Management and that pesky Palmer Amaranth (pigweed) -February 9: NW focus -February 10: NC focus3. Corn Insect Resistance: Rootworm and Western Bean Cutworm -February 164. Grain Sorghum Weed Control: Start clean…..Stay clean! -February 235. Sorghum Insects: Aphids, Headworms and Chinch bugs…..Oh my! -February 246. Alfalfa Management for Insects and Adverse weather -March 27. Dryland Corn Dynamics -March 9For more information about this agronomy series, contact your local Extension Office or Cottonwood District 785-628-9430.

Online 'Crop Talk' series offered by KSRE; registration underway

Hays Assistant City Manager Collin Biesler has declared the city of Hays to be under a Phase 1 Winter Storm Traffic Emergency. 

During a Phase 1 Winter Storm Traffic Emergency, it is unlawful to park a vehicle on any street designated as an emergency snow route.

The Hays Public Works Department and Hays Police Department are requesting your assistance with snow removal along emergency snow routes. Please take the appropriate measures and move your vehicle from the snow route at this time. 

Should you take no action and allow your vehicle to remain parked on an emergency snow route, you risk receiving a citation and/or having your vehicle towed at your expense. 

This Phase 1 Winter Storm Traffic Emergency shall remain in effect until such time that the Hays City Manager deems the Winter Storm Traffic Emergency terminated.

Since winter precipitation continues to fall and conditions are expected to worsen through the day, the Hays Police Department is asking that motorists avoid travel if at all possible. Those that must travel are advised to do so with caution and are encouraged to give themselves extra time to reach their destination. Please remember to drive slow, pay attention to vehicles in front of you, and allow for extra stopping distance. The public’s cooperation is greatly appreciated throughout this winter storm.

Below is a link to the City of Hays website that has a map of the snow routes:

<a href="https://www.haysusa.com/402/Snow-Route-Information">https://www.haysusa.com/402/Snow-Route-Information</a>.

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 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/1/1611591256842.jpeg" alt="" />
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 </figure>Hays Police DepartmentHays Assistant City Manager Collin Biesler has declared the city of Hays to be under a Phase 1 Winter Storm Traffic Emergency. During a Phase 1 Winter Storm Traffic Emergency, it is unlawful to park a vehicle on any street designated as an emergency snow route. The Hays Public Works Department and Hays Police Department are requesting your assistance with snow removal along emergency snow routes. Please take the appropriate measures and move your vehicle from the snow route at this time. Should you take no action and allow your vehicle to remain parked on an emergency snow route, you risk receiving a citation and/or having your vehicle towed at your expense. This Phase 1 Winter Storm Traffic Emergency shall remain in effect until such time that the Hays City Manager deems the Winter Storm Traffic Emergency terminated.Since winter precipitation continues to fall and conditions are expected to worsen through the day, the Hays Police Department is asking that motorists avoid travel if at all possible. Those that must travel are advised to do so with caution and are encouraged to give themselves extra time to reach their destination. Please remember to drive slow, pay attention to vehicles in front of you, and allow for extra stopping distance. The public’s cooperation is greatly appreciated throughout this winter storm.Below is a link to the City of Hays website that has a map of the snow routes:<a href="https://www.haysusa.com/402/Snow-Route-Information">https://www.haysusa.com/402/Snow-Route-Information</a>.

City declares Phase 1 Winter Storm Traffic Emergency; no vehicles on snow routes

April is National Sexual Assault Awareness Month. Options Domestic &amp; Sexual Violence Services, is hosting a poster contest for community members ages 14 and up to bring awareness to northwest&nbsp;Kansas about sexual assault.

Submissions for the poster contest is open now and will run through Friday, March 12, 2021.

Options plans to host an event in April 2021 to unveil the posters to the public.&nbsp;

Those wishing to participate in the poster contest may submit one 18-inch-wide by 24-inch-tall poster. Posters must be original designs and can be created with any of the following medias: painting, collage (must be flat, 3-dimensional collages not accepted),&nbsp;drawing, photograph, or any form of digital program. Examples include Pixlr, Photoshop, Canva, Inkscape, Microsoft,&nbsp;Paint, SketchPad, etc.

All poster entries will be featured throughout the month of April on Options social media. Winning poster will&nbsp;be announced April 2.

Posters will be displayed on April 30 during the Hays Arts Council Spring Art Walk at Farmers Insurance, 1012 Main Street in Hays. Options will also display the winning poster at events, information tables, and at their offices throughout northwest Kansas.

Winning artist will receive two professional prints of their&nbsp;poster. 

If you or someone you know needs help because of domestic violence, sexual assault, stalking, or human&nbsp;trafficking, call Options’ free 24-hour helpline at 800-794-4624; text "HOPE" to 847411; Live Chat at&nbsp;<a href="https://help4abuse.org/">help4abuse.org</a>; or download the "My Mobile Options" app from the App Store or Google Play for help 24&nbsp;hours a day, 7 days a week.

Options Domestic &amp; Sexual Violence Services is a non-profit agency dedicated to providing options for help,&nbsp;hope, and healing to victims of violence and abuse. Options provides services to 18 counties in northwest&nbsp;Kansas. Services are always provided free of charge, and with complete confidentiality.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/1/1611584775472.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>April is National Sexual Assault Awareness Month. Options Domestic &amp; Sexual Violence Services, is hosting a poster contest for community members ages 14 and up to bring awareness to northwest&nbsp;Kansas about sexual assault.The poster contest will focus on the importance of consent with the theme of “If I can’t say yes, I’m saying no.”This means that if someone does not or cannot say yes to an interaction, then they are saying no.Submissions for the poster contest is open now and will run through Friday, March 12, 2021. Options plans to host an event in April 2021 to unveil the posters to the public.&nbsp;Those wishing to participate in the poster contest may submit one 18-inch-wide by 24-inch-tall poster. Posters must be original designs and can be created with any of the following medias: painting, collage (must be flat, 3-dimensional collages not accepted),&nbsp;drawing, photograph, or any form of digital program. Examples include Pixlr, Photoshop, Canva, Inkscape, Microsoft,&nbsp;Paint, SketchPad, etc.All poster entries will be featured throughout the month of April on Options social media. Winning poster will&nbsp;be announced April 2.Posters will be displayed on April 30 during the Hays Arts Council Spring Art Walk at Farmers Insurance, 1012 Main Street in Hays. Options will also display the winning poster at events, information tables, and at their offices throughout northwest Kansas. Winning artist will receive two professional prints of their&nbsp;poster. If you or someone you know needs help because of domestic violence, sexual assault, stalking, or human&nbsp;trafficking, call Options’ free 24-hour helpline at 800-794-4624; text "HOPE" to 847411; Live Chat at&nbsp;<a href="https://help4abuse.org/">help4abuse.org</a>; or download the "My Mobile Options" app from the App Store or Google Play for help 24&nbsp;hours a day, 7 days a week.Options Domestic &amp; Sexual Violence Services is a non-profit agency dedicated to providing options for help,&nbsp;hope, and healing to victims of violence and abuse. Options provides services to 18 counties in northwest&nbsp;Kansas. Services are always provided free of charge, and with complete confidentiality.

Options hosts poster contest for Sexual Assault Awareness Month

WINFIELD - Top scholars at Southwestern College in Winfield and at Southwestern College Professional Studies have been announced with the release of the Dean's Honor Roll for the fall 2020 semester. Full-time students who earned grade point averages of at least 3.70 (4.0 equals an A) were eligible for the honor.

Area students making the Dean's Honor Roll include Scarlett Nowlin of Victoria and Erin Floyd, Goodland.&nbsp;

Southwestern College is a private liberal arts college, founded in 1885 by Methodists in Winfield in southcentral Kansas. The college continues to be affiliated with the United Methodist Church and is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission to offer bachelor's, master's, and doctoral degrees.

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 </figure>News releaseWINFIELD - Top scholars at Southwestern College in Winfield and at Southwestern College Professional Studies have been announced with the release of the Dean's Honor Roll for the fall 2020 semester. Full-time students who earned grade point averages of at least 3.70 (4.0 equals an A) were eligible for the honor.Area students making the Dean's Honor Roll include Scarlett Nowlin of Victoria and Erin Floyd, Goodland.&nbsp; Southwestern College is a private liberal arts college, founded in 1885 by Methodists in Winfield in southcentral Kansas. The college continues to be affiliated with the United Methodist Church and is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission to offer bachelor's, master's, and doctoral degrees.

Victoria, Goodland students named to Southwestern honor roll

OLATHE - MidAmerica Nazarene University recently announced its President's, Dean's List and Honor Roll for the fall 2020 semester. A total of 357 students qualified for one of the honors.

Among the those students is&nbsp; Emily Roy, Palco, Kansas, who was named to the Dean's List.

All students in traditional programs carrying 12 semester hours or more with a term GPA from 3.2 to 4.0 may qualify for one of these academic honors.&nbsp; The President's List is a 4.0 grade point average for the semester; Dean's List ranges from 3.5 to 3.99; and the Honor Roll is 3.2 to 3.49.

MidAmerica Nazarene University is a private, Christian, liberal arts university of more than 1,870 students in Olathe.

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 </figure>&nbsp;News releaseOLATHE - MidAmerica Nazarene University recently announced its President's, Dean's List and Honor Roll for the fall 2020 semester. A total of 357 students qualified for one of the honors.Among the those students is&nbsp; Emily Roy, Palco, Kansas, who was named to the Dean's List.All students in traditional programs carrying 12 semester hours or more with a term GPA from 3.2 to 4.0 may qualify for one of these academic honors.&nbsp; The President's List is a 4.0 grade point average for the semester; Dean's List ranges from 3.5 to 3.99; and the Honor Roll is 3.2 to 3.49.MidAmerica Nazarene University is a private, Christian, liberal arts university of more than 1,870 students in Olathe.

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