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

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

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

Heartland Building Center locations will be closed Saturday

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

We
need your help to make this event great.

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

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

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

Volunteers needed for Walk to End Alzheimer’s planning committee

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

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

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

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

Questions can be directed to Midwest Energy.

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

Portion of westbound 27th in north Hays to close for gas line work

The Ellis County Health Department announced Tuesday morning the free drive-through COVID-19 testing at Big Creek Crossing in Hays will continue through the end of January.&nbsp;

The testing is in partnership with the Kansas Department of Health and Environment and @tourhealth.

Tests are available every day between 8:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/1/1609858117772.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Hays PostThe Ellis County Health Department announced Tuesday morning the free drive-through COVID-19 testing at Big Creek Crossing in Hays will continue through the end of January.&nbsp;The testing is in partnership with the Kansas Department of Health and Environment and @tourhealth.&nbsp;No appointment is necessary.Tests are available every day between 8:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/1/1609858841405.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>

Free COVID-19 drive-through testing continues in Hays through Jan. 31

Upcoming
blood donation opportunities Jan. 5-31 with American Red Cross:&nbsp;

Hays
Blood Donation Center 208 E. 8th Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Thursdays: 11 a.m. - 6 p.m. Fridays: 9 a.m. - 4 p.m.

1/7/2021: 9 a.m. - 3 p.m., Peace Lutheran Church, 202 N
College

1/29/2021: 8:30 a.m. - 4 p.m., United Methodist Church,
202 S. Topeka Ave.

1/13/2021: 12 p.m. - 6 p.m., Gateway, 1 Morgan Dr.

1/21/2021: 1 p.m. - 6 p.m., Knights of Columbus, 1013
Washington

1/15/2021: 9 a.m. - 3 p.m., Holy Family Elementary, 1800
Milner

1/19/2021: 11 a.m. - 5 p.m., Center For Health
Improvement, 2500 Canterbury

1/18/2021: 10 a.m. - 4 p.m., VFW, 204 E. Main

1/22/2021: 8 a.m. - 1:30 p.m., Opera House, 296 Main St.

1/25/2021: 9 a.m. - 3 p.m., Graham County Hospital, 304
N. Prout

1/20/2021: 8:30 a.m. - 3:30 p.m., Norton County
Hospital, 102 E. Holme St.

1/20/2021: 12 p.m. - 5:45 p.m., Norton County 4-H
Building, 126 East Park Street

1/19/2021: 9 a.m. - 2:30 p.m., Natoma Community Center,
709 N. 2nd St.

1/12/2021: 9 a.m. - 3 p.m., Veteran's Building, 123 W. Main St.

1/14/2021: 9 a.m. - 3 p.m., Logan Community City
Building, 109 N. Mill

1/15/2021: 9 a.m. - 3 p.m., United Methodist Church, 332
N. Main St.

1/13/2021: 9 a.m. - 3 p.m., Russell Regional Hospital,
200 S. Main St.

1/22/2021: 9:30 a.m. - 3:30 p.m., Otterbein United
Methodist Church, 527 N. Maple St.

1/15/2021: 9 a.m. - 2 p.m., Selden Community Building,
110 N. Kansas

1/16/2021: 9 a.m. - 3 p.m., Methodist Church, 1116
Sherman Ave.

1/14/2021: 12 p.m. - 6 p.m., United Methodist Church,
500 Summit Ave.

1/13/2021: 12 p.m. - 6 p.m., Community Building, 316 W. Ramon St.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/4/1588260435264.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Upcoming
blood donation opportunities Jan. 5-31 with American Red Cross:&nbsp;Hays
Blood Donation Center 208 E. 8th Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Thursdays: 11 a.m. - 6 p.m. Fridays: 9 a.m. - 4 p.m.Saint Francis1/7/2021: 9 a.m. - 3 p.m., Peace Lutheran Church, 202 N
College_______________Jennings1/29/2021: 8:30 a.m. - 4 p.m., United Methodist Church,
202 S. Topeka Ave.Oberlin1/13/2021: 12 p.m. - 6 p.m., Gateway, 1 Morgan Dr._______________Ellis1/21/2021: 1 p.m. - 6 p.m., Knights of Columbus, 1013
WashingtonHays1/15/2021: 9 a.m. - 3 p.m., Holy Family Elementary, 1800
Milner1/19/2021: 11 a.m. - 5 p.m., Center For Health
Improvement, 2500 CanterburyVictoria1/18/2021: 10 a.m. - 4 p.m., VFW, 204 E. Main_______________Grainfield1/22/2021: 8 a.m. - 1:30 p.m., Opera House, 296 Main St._______________Hill City1/25/2021: 9 a.m. - 3 p.m., Graham County Hospital, 304
N. Prout_______________Norton1/20/2021: 8:30 a.m. - 3:30 p.m., Norton County
Hospital, 102 E. Holme St.1/20/2021: 12 p.m. - 5:45 p.m., Norton County 4-H
Building, 126 East Park Street_______________Natoma1/19/2021: 9 a.m. - 2:30 p.m., Natoma Community Center,
709 N. 2nd St.Osborne1/12/2021: 9 a.m. - 3 p.m., Veteran's Building, 123 W. Main St._______________Logan1/14/2021: 9 a.m. - 3 p.m., Logan Community City
Building, 109 N. Mill_______________Lucas1/15/2021: 9 a.m. - 3 p.m., United Methodist Church, 332
N. Main St.Russell1/13/2021: 9 a.m. - 3 p.m., Russell Regional Hospital,
200 S. Main St.1/22/2021: 9:30 a.m. - 3:30 p.m., Otterbein United
Methodist Church, 527 N. Maple St._______________Selden1/15/2021: 9 a.m. - 2 p.m., Selden Community Building,
110 N. Kansas_______________Goodland1/16/2021: 9 a.m. - 3 p.m., Methodist Church, 1116
Sherman Ave._______________WaKeeney1/14/2021: 12 p.m. - 6 p.m., United Methodist Church,
500 Summit Ave._______________Sharon Springs1/13/2021: 12 p.m. - 6 p.m., Community Building, 316 W. Ramon St.

Area blood drives in January 

<a></a>TOPEKA&nbsp;— The State Library of Kansas is reminding Kansans that information about the 2021&nbsp;Kansas Legislature is only a phone call or chat away.&nbsp;

The number for the Legislative Hotline is 800-432-3924. 

Calls are answered by librarians at the State Library who are experienced with the legislative process. Frequently asked questions include who is my legislator, how can I contact them, and what is the status of this bill. Reference librarians at the State Library take questions by phone, email, and chat. Kansans can leave brief messages for their legislators or request copies of bills and other legislative documents.

In addition to calling the hotline, Kansans can chat with a librarian in real-time through the library’s Ask A Librarian service found at&nbsp;<a href="https://gcc01.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fkslib.info%2Fask&amp;data=04%7C01%7Cpio-stwide%40list.da.ks.gov%7C7d95037cca694dcc9a9908d8b0f55ba5%7Cdcae8101c92d480cbc43c6761ccccc5a%7C0%7C0%7C637453915133463791%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%3D%7C1000&amp;sdata=qD%2BOZY%2BHW9KnizrDNb2yTt%2FG7H7ZJU%2BWKc9xGn5h2x0%3D&amp;reserved=0" target="_blank">kslib.info/ask</a>. Kansans will have the option of installing a mobile app connecting users to all the State Library’s reference services, including chat, texting, and email. Text questions to 785-256-0733. TTY users should call 711.

The Legislative Hotline is available weekdays from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Questions can be left at&nbsp;<a href="mailto:infodesk@ks.gov" target="_blank">infodesk@ks.gov</a>&nbsp;on weekends and evenings.

The Kansas Legislature convenes for its 2021 session Mon., Jan. 11.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/1/1609795816481.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure><a></a>TOPEKA&nbsp;— The State Library of Kansas is reminding Kansans that information about the 2021&nbsp;Kansas Legislature is only a phone call or chat away.&nbsp;The number for the Legislative Hotline is 800-432-3924. Calls are answered by librarians at the State Library who are experienced with the legislative process. Frequently asked questions include who is my legislator, how can I contact them, and what is the status of this bill. Reference librarians at the State Library take questions by phone, email, and chat. Kansans can leave brief messages for their legislators or request copies of bills and other legislative documents.In addition to calling the hotline, Kansans can chat with a librarian in real-time through the library’s Ask A Librarian service found at&nbsp;<a href="https://gcc01.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fkslib.info%2Fask&amp;data=04%7C01%7Cpio-stwide%40list.da.ks.gov%7C7d95037cca694dcc9a9908d8b0f55ba5%7Cdcae8101c92d480cbc43c6761ccccc5a%7C0%7C0%7C637453915133463791%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%3D%7C1000&amp;sdata=qD%2BOZY%2BHW9KnizrDNb2yTt%2FG7H7ZJU%2BWKc9xGn5h2x0%3D&amp;reserved=0" target="_blank">kslib.info/ask</a>. Kansans will have the option of installing a mobile app connecting users to all the State Library’s reference services, including chat, texting, and email. Text questions to 785-256-0733. TTY users should call 711.The Legislative Hotline is available weekdays from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Questions can be left at&nbsp;<a href="mailto:infodesk@ks.gov" target="_blank">infodesk@ks.gov</a>&nbsp;on weekends and evenings.The Kansas Legislature convenes for its 2021 session Mon., Jan. 11.

Toll-free legislative hotline available to Kansas residents

Holy Family Elementary School would like to invite you to its Annual Chili Supper/Bazaar from 4 to 7 p.m. Sunday, Jan. 31.

It
will be at Holy Family Elementary Little Theatre, Activity Center and Gymnasium, 18th and Vine streets

Meal tickets are $8 adults and $4 for children (4-12), free for children 3 and younger.

The menu includes chili, hot chicken sandwich on a homemade bun, relishes, desserts, coffee and juice.

There will be two options for dinner this year. There will be an option to come in and pickup meals or a drive-thru option.

Tickets are available in advance at the school office or at the door on the night of the dinner.&nbsp;

There will be a silent auction, "Feed the Pig" containers, drawings and games for the kids.

Holy Family Elementary School would like to invite you to its Annual Chili Supper/Bazaar from 4 to 7 p.m. Sunday, Jan. 31.It
will be at Holy Family Elementary Little Theatre, Activity Center and Gymnasium, 18th and Vine streetsMeal tickets are $8 adults and $4 for children (4-12), free for children 3 and younger.The menu includes chili, hot chicken sandwich on a homemade bun, relishes, desserts, coffee and juice.There will be two options for dinner this year. There will be an option to come in and pickup meals or a drive-thru option.Tickets are available in advance at the school office or at the door on the night of the dinner.&nbsp;There will be a silent auction, "Feed the Pig" containers, drawings and games for the kids.

Holy Family chili supper set for Jan. 31

BUNKER HILL –&nbsp;Back for its 16th&nbsp;Season, Doctors on Call will begin airing on Smoky Hills PBS on Tuesday, Jan. 5, at 7 p.m.

“We are excited to once again bring Doctors on Call back for a new season,” said Les Kinderknecht, senior producer/director of Smoky Hills PBS.&nbsp; “It’s been a favorite for our viewers, and a great way to promote all the skilled medical professionals that we have in central and western Kansas.”

Doctors on Call is a local production by Smoky Hills PBS that provides medical information on a variety of different topics. Smoky Hills PBS brings in medical professionals from throughout the state to provide information on their field of expertise.&nbsp; Viewers also have the opportunity to call in with questions live during the show.&nbsp; The doctors selected each week have expertise in the topic chosen for that program.&nbsp; A schedule of programs and past episodes are available at&nbsp;<a href="http://www.smokyhillspbs.org/">www.SmokyHillsPBS.org</a>.&nbsp;

Coming up in January: • January 5 – COVID - Dr. Somers - Russell Regional Hospital • January 12 – TBA • January 19 – Chiropractic Care – Shelbe Darnell DC - Restoration Health &amp; Chiropractic, Plainville • January 26 – Pain Management – Dr. Bell Razafindrabe - Pain, Spine, Rehab, Great Bend

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>.&nbsp;Questions submitted through email must be received by noon on the day of the show.&nbsp; During the program, viewers can call in questions at I-800-337-4788.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/1/1578663876107.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>BUNKER HILL –&nbsp;Back for its 16th&nbsp;Season, Doctors on Call will begin airing on Smoky Hills PBS on Tuesday, Jan. 5, at 7 p.m.“We are excited to once again bring Doctors on Call back for a new season,” said Les Kinderknecht, senior producer/director of Smoky Hills PBS.&nbsp; “It’s been a favorite for our viewers, and a great way to promote all the skilled medical professionals that we have in central and western Kansas.”Doctors on Call is a local production by Smoky Hills PBS that provides medical information on a variety of different topics. Smoky Hills PBS brings in medical professionals from throughout the state to provide information on their field of expertise.&nbsp; Viewers also have the opportunity to call in with questions live during the show.&nbsp; The doctors selected each week have expertise in the topic chosen for that program.&nbsp; A schedule of programs and past episodes are available at&nbsp;<a href="http://www.smokyhillspbs.org/">www.SmokyHillsPBS.org</a>.&nbsp;Coming up in January: • January 5 – COVID - Dr. Somers - Russell Regional Hospital • January 12 – TBA • January 19 – Chiropractic Care – Shelbe Darnell DC - Restoration Health &amp; Chiropractic, Plainville • January 26 – Pain Management – Dr. Bell Razafindrabe - Pain, Spine, Rehab, Great BendTo submit questions electronically on a specific topic, viewers can send an email to&nbsp;<a href="mailto:doctors@shptv.org">doctors@shptv.org</a>.&nbsp;Questions submitted through email must be received by noon on the day of the show.&nbsp; During the program, viewers can call in questions at I-800-337-4788.— SHPTV

New season of Doctors on Call starts this month

City of Hays offices will be closed on Friday in celebration of New Year's Day.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/3/1584721067731.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>City of HaysCity of Hays offices will be closed on Friday in celebration of New Year's Day.

City of Hays offices closed Jan. 1

Beginning Monday, January 4, City of Hays buildings will reopen to the public. 

In accordance with City of Hays policy, visitors will be required to wear a mask. 

The City continues to encourage customers and the public to utilize the City’s online resources at www.haysusa.com to make utility payments, apply for permits, and communicate with City Staff.&nbsp;

Additionally, the Commission Chambers will reopen for public access, but with limited seating. 

City Commission meetings will be broadcasted as is standard practice and can be viewed live via Nex-Tech’s YouTube channel, on Nex-Tech cable channel 103, and on Eagle cable channel 14 or 614. 

Nex-Tech’s YouTube channel can be accessed by going to the homepage of &nbsp;www.haysusa.com and scrolling down to the “City News” section. 

The public is encouraged to watch these meetings remotely. 

Public comments will continue to be accepted electronically, by emailing publiccomment@haysusa.com.&nbsp;

The public’s cooperation is greatly appreciated while we continue to protect the health of the community.

City of HaysBeginning Monday, January 4, City of Hays buildings will reopen to the public. In accordance with City of Hays policy, visitors will be required to wear a mask. The City continues to encourage customers and the public to utilize the City’s online resources at www.haysusa.com to make utility payments, apply for permits, and communicate with City Staff.&nbsp;Additionally, the Commission Chambers will reopen for public access, but with limited seating. City Commission meetings will be broadcasted as is standard practice and can be viewed live via Nex-Tech’s YouTube channel, on Nex-Tech cable channel 103, and on Eagle cable channel 14 or 614. Nex-Tech’s YouTube channel can be accessed by going to the homepage of &nbsp;www.haysusa.com and scrolling down to the “City News” section. The public is encouraged to watch these meetings remotely. Public comments will continue to be accepted electronically, by emailing publiccomment@haysusa.com.&nbsp;The public’s cooperation is greatly appreciated while we continue to protect the health of the community.

Hays city offices set to reopen Monday

Dec. 31 is a fifth Thursday of the month; therefore, there won't be a Hays City Commission work session that evening.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/3/1584721067731.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>City of HaysDec. 31 is a fifth Thursday of the month; therefore, there won't be a Hays City Commission work session that evening.

No city commission work session Thursday

Due to the observance of the New Year’s holiday on Friday, refuse/recycling route collection schedules in Hays will be altered as follows.

Thursday and Friday routes will be collected on Thursday.

Although collections may not occur on your normal day, collections will be completed during the week. 

It is anticipated that heavy volumes of refuse/recycling will be encountered around the holidays. Please make sure your refuse and recycling are out by 7 a.m., and keep in mind that the trucks have no set time schedule. 

City of Hays customers who&nbsp; may have any questions regarding this notice should contact the Solid Waste Division of the Public Works Department at 785-628-7350.

City of HaysDue to the observance of the New Year’s holiday on Friday, refuse/recycling route collection schedules in Hays will be altered as follows.Thursday and Friday routes will be collected on Thursday.Although collections may not occur on your normal day, collections will be completed during the week. It is anticipated that heavy volumes of refuse/recycling will be encountered around the holidays. Please make sure your refuse and recycling are out by 7 a.m., and keep in mind that the trucks have no set time schedule. City of Hays customers who&nbsp; may have any questions regarding this notice should contact the Solid Waste Division of the Public Works Department at 785-628-7350.

Refuse and recycling changes for New Year's Day holiday

The Heartland Community Foundation, which serves Ellis, Rooks and Trego counties, recently awarded $163,059 in grants during its fall grant cycle to area organizations across the three counties. These organizations provide much needed education, health, community development, recreation, or public safety services and programs to the region.&nbsp;

In Ellis County, $56,164 was distributed through the foundation’s Ellis County Legacy Fund and the Dane G. Hansen Community Action Fund. In Rooks County, $63,463 was distributed from the Rooks County Legacy Fund, the Heartland Area Action Fund, the Kansas Health Foundation Fund, and the Dane G. Hansen Community Action Fund. And, in Trego County, $43,432 was distributed from the Trego County Legacy Fund and the Dane G. Hansen Community Action Fund.

Contributions to the Heartland Community Foundation directly support these grant programs and charitable agencies. To learn more about donating to Heartland, visit <a href="http://www.heartlandcommunityfoundation.org">www.heartlandcommunityfoundation.org</a> or call 785-621-4090.&nbsp;

The following organizations received funding to benefit Ellis County:

The following organizations received funding to benefit Rooks County:

The following organizations received funding to benefit Trego County:

Applications to the foundation’s next grant cycle will open on March 15 and will close on May 15. Visit <a href="http://www.heartlandcommunityfoundation.org">www.heartlandcommunityfoundation.org</a> for more information.&nbsp;

To make a donation, visit www.heartlandcommunityfoundation.org. Each February, during the Twice as Nice campaign, donations are matched dollar-for-dollar by the Dane G. Hansen Foundation.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/9/1600726153080.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>HCFThe Heartland Community Foundation, which serves Ellis, Rooks and Trego counties, recently awarded $163,059 in grants during its fall grant cycle to area organizations across the three counties. These organizations provide much needed education, health, community development, recreation, or public safety services and programs to the region.&nbsp;In Ellis County, $56,164 was distributed through the foundation’s Ellis County Legacy Fund and the Dane G. Hansen Community Action Fund. In Rooks County, $63,463 was distributed from the Rooks County Legacy Fund, the Heartland Area Action Fund, the Kansas Health Foundation Fund, and the Dane G. Hansen Community Action Fund. And, in Trego County, $43,432 was distributed from the Trego County Legacy Fund and the Dane G. Hansen Community Action Fund.Contributions to the Heartland Community Foundation directly support these grant programs and charitable agencies. To learn more about donating to Heartland, visit <a href="http://www.heartlandcommunityfoundation.org">www.heartlandcommunityfoundation.org</a> or call 785-621-4090.&nbsp;The following organizations received funding to benefit Ellis County:<ul>
 <li>The Arc of Central Plains, $7,450 to purchase a shade structure and benches at the ARC Park Splash Pad.</li><li>Kansas Food Bank, $3,500 for the Food 4 Kids weekend food bags in the community.</li><li>First Presbyterian Church, $5,277 for playground equipment and gross motor activities for The Lighthouse Childcare facility.</li><li>Celebration Community Church, $2,500 for the Night to Shine planned event and community parade for individuals with disabilities.&nbsp;</li><li>Developmental Services of Northwest Kansas, $7,155 to make updates to the Canal Home, including an awning and garage door.</li>
 </ul><ul>
 <li>Holy Family Elementary School, $4,967 for four Innovation Stations – Mobile Makerspace carts for students in preschool through sixth grade.</li><li>High Plains Mental Health Center, $2,000, for support for individuals experiencing a mental health crisis.</li><li>Downtown Hays Development Corporation, $8,000, for the purchase of a trailer to aid in outreach opportunities, concessions, and support for downtown events.</li><li>Thomas More Prep-Marian High, Inc., $4,500 for updates and furniture for the Junior High Flexible Learning Center.</li><li>USD 432, $4,258 for the purchase design and graphics equipment at Victoria High School, which will be used for classroom and entrepreneurial opportunities.&nbsp;</li><li>Western Kansas Child Advocacy Center, $1,000 for services provided to abused children, related to the organization’s Covid-19 response.&nbsp;</li><li>Heartland Parish – St. Anthony Church, $5,000 to put toward the construction of a new community shelter/building and play area for children.</li><li>CASA of the High Plains, Inc., $307 to update the agency front office area with new paint and chairs.&nbsp;</li><li>Northwest Kansas Juvenile Services, $250 to purchase the curriculum and needed items to implement The Parent Project program.</li>
 </ul>The following organizations received funding to benefit Rooks County:<ul>
 <li>Prairie Frontier Trails Association, $20,000 for cellular trail cameras, a drone package, survey equipment, and basic trail building equipment (KTC Trail in a Box) to use with trail projects in northwest Kansas.</li><li>Webster State Park, $5,000 to update and enhance the outdated playground equipment located within the Rock Point campground at Webster State Park.&nbsp; Money will be allocated towards the purchasing of new equipment and safety measures put in place for kids.</li><li>Kansas Food Bank, $1,000 for the Food 4 Kids weekend food bags in the community.&nbsp;</li><li>Rooks County Healthcare Foundation, $9,875 in matching funds to help purchase a surgical camera system for use during arthroscopic and laparoscopic procedures that can be safely and effectively sterilized.</li><li>Housing Authority of Plainville/Country Lane Apartments, $2,500 to purchase hot water heaters for the facility, which offers affordable housing for low-income individuals.</li>
 </ul><ul>
 <li>Celebration Community Church, $500 for the Night to Shine planned event and community parade for individuals with disabilities.&nbsp;</li><li>Plainville Recreation Commission, $3,648 for the purchase of sanitizing supplies and cleaning solution to prevent the spread of germs and Covid-19 in the facility.&nbsp;</li><li>Sacred Heart Parish, $7,000 for the purchase of textbooks and supplies serving children preschool through sixth grade at Sacred Heart Grade School.&nbsp;</li><li>City of Plainville, $4440 for the purchase of additional light-up decorations to be used in downtown Plainville during the holiday season of 2021 and beyond.&nbsp;</li><li>USD 270, $5,403 for the purchase of necessary supplies to create de-escalation rooms at each district school building, which will offer students and staff a place to lessen anxiety or briefly reset following a stressful event.&nbsp;</li><li>Damar Community Historical Foundation, $1,000, for the beautification projects planned throughout Damar.</li>
 </ul>The following organizations received funding to benefit Trego County:<ul>
 <li>City of WaKeeney, $3,748 to put toward the start-up costs for the public transportation van program, which will provide out-of-town transportation to residents for health care, dental, and mental health needs.&nbsp;</li><li>USD 208, $3,154 for the purchase of necessary technology, including an iPad, to enhance virtual learning capabilities.&nbsp;</li><li>Kansas Food Bank, $500 to begin offering a Food 4 Kids weekend food bags in the community.&nbsp;</li><li>Trego County Senior Citizens Center, Inc., $4,205 for the purchase of a new, accessible front door at the Senior Center.</li><li>WaKeeney Saddle Club, $15,000 toward the installation of a storm shelter, restroom/shower, and concession area at the Trego County Fairgrounds.</li><li>Celebration Community Church, $500 for the Night to Shine planned event and community parade for individuals with disabilities.&nbsp;</li><li>WaKeeney Church of God, $5,500 to update and enhance the audio/video streaming system at the church, a system that is managed in part by a teen-age volunteer.</li><li>Trego County, $6,000, toward the purchase of improved jail camera equipment at the Trego County Sheriff’s Office.&nbsp;</li>
 </ul><ul>
 <li>USD 208, $2,000, to implement a Reality U life and financial planning program for 8th, 10th, and 12th graders.&nbsp;</li><li>USD 208, $1,536 for the purchase of games and supplies to furnish the at-risk youth classroom.</li><li>Trego County Lemke Memorial Hospital, $1,289 for the purchase and installation of a water refilling station at the hospital.&nbsp;</li>
 </ul>Applications to the foundation’s next grant cycle will open on March 15 and will close on May 15. Visit <a href="http://www.heartlandcommunityfoundation.org">www.heartlandcommunityfoundation.org</a> for more information.&nbsp;To make a donation, visit www.heartlandcommunityfoundation.org. Each February, during the Twice as Nice campaign, donations are matched dollar-for-dollar by the Dane G. Hansen Foundation.&nbsp;

Heartland Community Foundation announces fall grant awards

The Russell, Hays, Lucas, Luray, and Victoria meal sites, including home delivery will be closed today, according to a notice from the Northwest Kansas Area Agency on Aging in Hays.

Hays-First Call for Help-Meals on Wheels delivery is cancelled for today, as well.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/12/1609250261228.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>The Russell, Hays, Lucas, Luray, and Victoria meal sites, including home delivery will be closed today, according to a notice from the Northwest Kansas Area Agency on Aging in Hays.Hays-First Call for Help-Meals on Wheels delivery is cancelled for today, as well.- Submitted

Area meal sites closed today

Ellis Co. Battle of the Badges Blood Drive is Wednesday, Thursday

Blood drive Jan. 4 at Hays First United Methodist Church

If you have a concern your child may have a developmental delay or be in need of special education services, call for a free developmental screening.

Children from ages birth to school age who live in Ellis or Rush counties are eligible to be screened.

Speech, language, vision, hearing, thinking, self-help, behavior and motor development will be checked.

The screenings will be on Friday, Jan. 8, 2021. Call Hays Area Children’s Center at 785-625-3257 to set up a free developmental screening appointment for your child.

These developmental screenings are offered monthly and sponsored by the Hays Interagency Coordination Council and USD 489.

SubmittedIf you have a concern your child may have a developmental delay or be in need of special education services, call for a free developmental screening.Children from ages birth to school age who live in Ellis or Rush counties are eligible to be screened.Speech, language, vision, hearing, thinking, self-help, behavior and motor development will be checked.The screenings will be on Friday, Jan. 8, 2021. Call Hays Area Children’s Center at 785-625-3257 to set up a free developmental screening appointment for your child.These developmental screenings are offered monthly and sponsored by the Hays Interagency Coordination Council and USD 489.

Free developmental screening to be offered for children

'Are we alone in the universe?' asks FHSU Science Café

FIRST DAY HIKE. Gather your friends and family on New Years Day and hit the Coyote Trail for a 1 or 3 mile hike. Join Adam for a hike on the trail at noon to start the New Year. 

All ages are welcomed but some parts of the trail are not stroller friendly. Dogs are also welcomed, but please make sure they are on a leash. T-shirts and hand warmers will be available on a first come first serve basis. <a href="https://www.facebook.com/hashtag/fdhwebster2021?__eep__=6&amp;epa=HASHTAG">#FDHWEBSTER2021</a> Use the above hash tag to share photos of your day on the trail. On January 4, we will draw a winner from all the photos shared for a $25 gift card.&nbsp;&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/12/1608241625826.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>FIRST DAY HIKE. Gather your friends and family on New Years Day and hit the Coyote Trail for a 1 or 3 mile hike. Join Adam for a hike on the trail at noon to start the New Year. All ages are welcomed but some parts of the trail are not stroller friendly. Dogs are also welcomed, but please make sure they are on a leash. T-shirts and hand warmers will be available on a first come first serve basis. <a href="https://www.facebook.com/hashtag/fdhwebster2021?__eep__=6&amp;epa=HASHTAG">#FDHWEBSTER2021</a> Use the above hash tag to share photos of your day on the trail. On January 4, we will draw a winner from all the photos shared for a $25 gift card.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Webster State Park site of First Day Hike

Government surplus commodities will be distributed in Hays at&nbsp; Unite Common Grounds Coffee House and Free Store&nbsp; inside The Gamers Guild at 200 E. 8th&nbsp;Street in Hays, Friday, January 1 from 7:30 a.m. to 9 a.m.

Commodities will be distributed on a first-come, first-serve basis until we run out.

To be eligible for commodities, your household's total monthly income must be below: $1,383 Household of one $1,868 Household of two $2,353 Household of three $2,839 Household of four $3,324 Household of five $3,809 Household of six $4,295 Household of seven $4,780 Household of eight Add $486 for each additional family member after eight

Commodities included in this distribution are anticipated to be lentils, tomato sauce, garbanzo beans, split peas, dried cherries, orange juice, chicken, blueberries, mozzarella cheese, ground beef, and pork. 

Contact Brandon Nimz, Unite Ministry Leader with any questions at 785-259-2539.&nbsp;

Future commodity distribution times will be posted at:&nbsp;(<a href="http://unitehays.com/index.php/hays-commodity-distribution/" target="_blank">https://unitehays.com/index.php/hays-commodity-distribution/</a>

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/6/1592580255349.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Government surplus commodities will be distributed in Hays at&nbsp; Unite Common Grounds Coffee House and Free Store&nbsp; inside The Gamers Guild at 200 E. 8th&nbsp;Street in Hays, Friday, January 1 from 7:30 a.m. to 9 a.m.Commodities will be distributed on a first-come, first-serve basis until we run out.Doors will not open until 7:30 a.m.To be eligible for commodities, your household's total monthly income must be below: $1,383 Household of one $1,868 Household of two $2,353 Household of three $2,839 Household of four $3,324 Household of five $3,809 Household of six $4,295 Household of seven $4,780 Household of eight Add $486 for each additional family member after eight Commodities included in this distribution are anticipated to be lentils, tomato sauce, garbanzo beans, split peas, dried cherries, orange juice, chicken, blueberries, mozzarella cheese, ground beef, and pork. Contact Brandon Nimz, Unite Ministry Leader with any questions at 785-259-2539.&nbsp;Future commodity distribution times will be posted at:&nbsp;(<a href="http://unitehays.com/index.php/hays-commodity-distribution/" target="_blank">https://unitehays.com/index.php/hays-commodity-distribution/</a>- Submitted

Surplus food commodities to be distributed Jan. 1

Beginning Dec. 26 and continuing through Jan. 3, the Hays 
Police Department will join many other police agencies across the state,
 including the Kansas Highway Patrol, in the Taking Down DUI&nbsp;traffic enforcement campaign, sponsored by the Kansas Department of Transportation. &nbsp;

The
 winter holidays are upon us, but this winter holiday is different. We 
are in the middle of a COVID pandemic. While we are all aware of the 
effects COVID has had on us, it has had a dramatic and devastating 
effect on our roads as well.

Marijuana, opioid, and alcohol use 
have increased substantially in general during the pandemic, but also 
with motor vehicle drivers. These impairing substances are now 
identified in nearly 25% of serious and fatal crashes. Remember, these 
crashes do not just affect the impaired driver — these crashes involve 
others that share the vehicle and road with us — passengers, other 
motorists, bicyclists, and pedestrians. Impaired driving crashes are 
completely preventable.

According to KDOT, in comparison with 
other holidays, the New Year’s Holiday period outranks most of the other
 holidays in number of crashes in which at least one of the drivers is 
impaired by alcohol and/or other drugs. Your choice to drive or to take 
other safe transportation rests solely with you.&nbsp;

A DUI will 
change your life forever. A DUI arrest and conviction results in jail 
time, the suspension or permanent revocation of driver’s license, 
thousands of dollars for fines, bail, court costs, attorney fees and 
increased insurance costs.

“Keep in mind that if you are going to 
be using ANY impairing substance – don’t even consider driving. Line up a
 ride with a sober acquaintance or other safe transportation BEFORE you 
go out. On the drive to zero, you are in the driver’s seat.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/11/1574697410116.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>HPDBeginning Dec. 26 and continuing through Jan. 3, the Hays 
Police Department will join many other police agencies across the state,
 including the Kansas Highway Patrol, in the Taking Down DUI&nbsp;traffic enforcement campaign, sponsored by the Kansas Department of Transportation. &nbsp;The
 winter holidays are upon us, but this winter holiday is different. We 
are in the middle of a COVID pandemic. While we are all aware of the 
effects COVID has had on us, it has had a dramatic and devastating 
effect on our roads as well.Marijuana, opioid, and alcohol use 
have increased substantially in general during the pandemic, but also 
with motor vehicle drivers. These impairing substances are now 
identified in nearly 25% of serious and fatal crashes. Remember, these 
crashes do not just affect the impaired driver — these crashes involve 
others that share the vehicle and road with us — passengers, other 
motorists, bicyclists, and pedestrians. Impaired driving crashes are 
completely preventable.According to KDOT, in comparison with 
other holidays, the New Year’s Holiday period outranks most of the other
 holidays in number of crashes in which at least one of the drivers is 
impaired by alcohol and/or other drugs. Your choice to drive or to take 
other safe transportation rests solely with you.&nbsp;A DUI will 
change your life forever. A DUI arrest and conviction results in jail 
time, the suspension or permanent revocation of driver’s license, 
thousands of dollars for fines, bail, court costs, attorney fees and 
increased insurance costs.“Keep in mind that if you are going to 
be using ANY impairing substance – don’t even consider driving. Line up a
 ride with a sober acquaintance or other safe transportation BEFORE you 
go out. On the drive to zero, you are in the driver’s seat.”

Hays PD joins 'Taking Down DUI' campaign

Hays residents are encouraged to bring their real Christmas trees to the free disposal site located north of the Public Works building, 1002 Vine.

 This area is right next to the bathrooms at Speier ball fields. Place the trees inside the orange snow fence area. Directional signs are posted.

Please remove all plastic, ornaments and lights before leaving the tree. 

The disposal site is open through Monday, Jan. 9. 

Midwest Energy will provide personnel and a wood chipper to chip the trees to make mulch. The mulch will be placed at the Parks Department on the U.S. 183 Bypass and is available for pickup free of charge. 

If there are questions, call the Solid Waste Division at 785-628-7350.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/12/1577473633457.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>City of HaysHays residents are encouraged to bring their real Christmas trees to the free disposal site located north of the Public Works building, 1002 Vine. This area is right next to the bathrooms at Speier ball fields. Place the trees inside the orange snow fence area. Directional signs are posted.Please remove all plastic, ornaments and lights before leaving the tree. The disposal site is open through Monday, Jan. 9. Midwest Energy will provide personnel and a wood chipper to chip the trees to make mulch. The mulch will be placed at the Parks Department on the U.S. 183 Bypass and is available for pickup free of charge. If there are questions, call the Solid Waste Division at 785-628-7350.

Free Christmas tree disposal site open; trees to be mulched

GREAT BEND - The Barton Music Department at Barton Community College will be featured as part of a holiday program on KAKE-TV, Wichita, on Dec. 25 from 11 a.m. to noon. 

Selections from the “Virtual Holiday Concert” will be showcased along with other performances from around the state. 

All BCC videos for the concert were filmed by Coordinator of Video Julie K. Munden and Public Relations Video student employees Aaron Crawford and Peyton Steiner.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/12/1608591137010.jpeg" alt="The Barton Choir rehearses." />
 <figcaption>The Barton Choir rehearses.</figcaption>
 </figure>GREAT BEND - The Barton Music Department at Barton Community College will be featured as part of a holiday program on KAKE-TV, Wichita, on Dec. 25 from 11 a.m. to noon. Selections from the “Virtual Holiday Concert” will be showcased along with other performances from around the state. All BCC videos for the concert were filmed by Coordinator of Video Julie K. Munden and Public Relations Video student employees Aaron Crawford and Peyton Steiner.

Barton Virtual Holiday Concert to be featured on TV Christmas Day

The Hays Community Theatre will perform the radio version of the Charles Dickens classic,  "A Christmas Carol"&nbsp; on Eagle Radio sister stations 94.3 FM and&nbsp; 1400 AM KAYS on Christmas Eve beginning at 3 p.m. and again on Friday, Christmas Day at noon. 

This production of "A Christmas Carol" is courtesy of&nbsp; Hays Community Theatre supporters Insurance Planning of Hays, Dick Werth and the staff at Auto World on 8th Street in Hays, the dental office of Dr. Daniel Loftus in Hays, and Eagle Communications…Our Community…Connected.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/12/1608817321353.jpeg" alt="(Photo by Pixabay)" />
 <figcaption>(Photo by Pixabay)</figcaption>
 </figure>The Hays Community Theatre will perform the radio version of the Charles Dickens classic, "A Christmas Carol"&nbsp; on Eagle Radio sister stations 94.3 FM and&nbsp; 1400 AM KAYS on Christmas Eve beginning at 3 p.m. and again on Friday, Christmas Day at noon. This production of "A Christmas Carol" is courtesy of&nbsp; Hays Community Theatre supporters Insurance Planning of Hays, Dick Werth and the staff at Auto World on 8th Street in Hays, the dental office of Dr. Daniel Loftus in Hays, and Eagle Communications…Our Community…Connected.

Announcements