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.

Enjoy 'A Christmas Carol' by Hays Community Theatre on KAYS today and Christmas Day

City of Hays offices will be closed on Thursday, Dec. 24, and Friday, Dec. 25, in observance of the Christmas Eve/ Christmas Day holidays.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/3/1584473406560.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>City of HaysCity of Hays offices will be closed on Thursday, Dec. 24, and Friday, Dec. 25, in observance of the Christmas Eve/ Christmas Day holidays.

City offices closed Thursday, Friday for Christmas

Due to the observance of the Christmas holiday on Thursday, Dec. 24, and Friday, Dec. 25, the city of Hays refuse/recycling route collection schedules will be altered as follows.

Tuesday, Dec. 22, and Wednesday, Dec. 23, refuse/recycling collections will be on Tuesday, Dec. 22.

Thursday, December 24 and Friday, Dec. 25 refuse/recycling collections will be on Wednesday, Dec. 23. 

Although collections may not occur on your normal day, collections will be completed by end of day on Wednesday. 

It is anticipated that heavy volumes of refuse/recyclables will be encountered around the holidays. Please be sure to have your refuse/recycling out by 7 a.m. on the specified collection day and keep in mind the trucks have no set time schedule. 

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

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/11/1605721681274.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>City of HaysDue to the observance of the Christmas holiday on Thursday, Dec. 24, and Friday, Dec. 25, the city of Hays refuse/recycling route collection schedules will be altered as follows.Tuesday, Dec. 22, and Wednesday, Dec. 23, refuse/recycling collections will be on Tuesday, Dec. 22.Thursday, December 24 and Friday, Dec. 25 refuse/recycling collections will be on Wednesday, Dec. 23. Although collections may not occur on your normal day, collections will be completed by end of day on Wednesday. It is anticipated that heavy volumes of refuse/recyclables will be encountered around the holidays. Please be sure to have your refuse/recycling out by 7 a.m. on the specified collection day and keep in mind the trucks have no set time schedule. City of Hays customers who have questions regarding this notice should contact the Solid Waste Division of Public Works at 785-628-7350.

Refuse and recycling changes during Christmas holiday

WAKEENEY - Every year, there are some among us who, for one reason or another, have a heaviness in their heart and simply cannot enter into the joy of the Christmas season. It could be many things: mourning someone who has died or who may die soon, coping with the aftermath of divorce, job loss, sickness, loneliness—any of the different unfortunate and tragic circumstances that life sometimes serves up.

The Prairie Faith Parish Nurse Ministry invites you to attend The Longest Night Service, traditionally held on the winter solstice, the longest night of the year. 

This worship service is a way to acknowledge the reality of difficult or painful life circumstances, while still recognizing that part of the reason for Jesus' coming was to bring hope and comfort, to heal the sick, to seek the lost, to restore the broken and broken-hearted. This is a quiet, meditative, non-denominational worship service that makes time for remembering, sharing our hurting places with God, and preparing our hearts for the coming of Christ.

“I am weary with my crying out; my throat is parched. My eyes grow dim with waiting for my God.” Psalm 69:3

The holiday season is hard for some of us.&nbsp;You are not alone.

Join us for a different kind of service -&nbsp; of comfort, of loss, of hope.

7:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. on Monday, December 21, 2020

Immanuel Lutheran Church,&nbsp;438 N. Main St., WaKeeney

Public health recommendations will be in place. 

Questions? Call 785-743-2005; please leave a message.

WAKEENEY - Every year, there are some among us who, for one reason or another, have a heaviness in their heart and simply cannot enter into the joy of the Christmas season. It could be many things: mourning someone who has died or who may die soon, coping with the aftermath of divorce, job loss, sickness, loneliness—any of the different unfortunate and tragic circumstances that life sometimes serves up.The Prairie Faith Parish Nurse Ministry invites you to attend The Longest Night Service, traditionally held on the winter solstice, the longest night of the year. This worship service is a way to acknowledge the reality of difficult or painful life circumstances, while still recognizing that part of the reason for Jesus' coming was to bring hope and comfort, to heal the sick, to seek the lost, to restore the broken and broken-hearted. This is a quiet, meditative, non-denominational worship service that makes time for remembering, sharing our hurting places with God, and preparing our hearts for the coming of Christ.“I am weary with my crying out; my throat is parched. My eyes grow dim with waiting for my God.” Psalm 69:3The holiday season is hard for some of us.&nbsp;You are not alone.Join us for a different kind of service -&nbsp; of comfort, of loss, of hope.7:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. on Monday, December 21, 2020Immanuel Lutheran Church,&nbsp;438 N. Main St., WaKeeneyPublic health recommendations will be in place. Questions? Call 785-743-2005; please leave a message.- Submitted

Prairie Faith Parish Nurse Ministry offers The Longest Night Service tonight in WaKeeney

Due to the recent increase in COVID cases, Hays Area Planning Commission meetings will be open through remote access while physical access will be curtailed. This will be in effect until further notice. 

Meetings will be broadcast 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 <a href="https://www.haysusa.com/">www.haysusa.com</a> and scrolling down to the “City News” section.

Public comment for non-agenda items will be accepted in writing and can be emailed to publiccomment@haysusa.com. 

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 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/3/1584473406560.jpeg" alt="" />
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 </figure>City of HaysDue to the recent increase in COVID cases, Hays Area Planning Commission meetings will be open through remote access while physical access will be curtailed. This will be in effect until further notice. Meetings will be broadcast 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 <a href="https://www.haysusa.com/">www.haysusa.com</a> and scrolling down to the “City News” section. Public comment for non-agenda items will be accepted in writing and can be emailed to publiccomment@haysusa.com.

Hays Area Planning Commission meetings will be remote only

C&R Railroad Christmas Train Show rolling into Phillipsburg 

LA CROSSE — There will be a blood drive from noon to 6 p.m. Thursday at the La Crosse City Auditorium.

LA CROSSE — There will be a blood drive from noon to 6 p.m. Thursday at the La Crosse City Auditorium.

La Crosse blood drive is Thursday

The City of Oakley will be implementing snow routes beginning at 6 a.m. on Tuesday, Dec. 15.

Please have your vehicles off of the snow routes so the plows can get through.  If you live on a one way street, consider moving your vehicles off the street so the plows can get down those streets as well.&nbsp;&nbsp;

The City of Oakley will be implementing snow routes beginning at 6 a.m. on Tuesday, Dec. 15.Please have your vehicles off of the snow routes so the plows can get through. If you live on a one way street, consider moving your vehicles off the street so the plows can get down those streets as well.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Oakley to implement snow routes Tuesday morning

Girl Scouts offer free virtual events; girls interested in Scouts can attend

The Ellis County Planning and Zoning Committee meeting for Dec. 16 has been canceled.

The next meeting is tentatively scheduled for Jan. 27.

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 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/6/1593005347050.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Ellis CountyThe Ellis County Planning and Zoning Committee meeting for Dec. 16 has been canceled.The next meeting is tentatively scheduled for Jan. 27.

Ellis Co. Planning and Zoning Committee meeting is canceled

Free online event offered by K-State Research and Extension.

Signup for the meeting now at&nbsp;<a href="http://www.bit.ly/ksucattle" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">www.bit.ly/ksucattle</a>&nbsp;and we will send you a link to join the meeting.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/12/1607440752011.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Free online event offered by K-State Research and Extension.Signup for the meeting now at&nbsp;<a href="http://www.bit.ly/ksucattle" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">www.bit.ly/ksucattle</a>&nbsp;and we will send you a link to join the meeting.

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