All Midwest Energy walk-in offices are closed through Wednesday due to high percentage of positive COVID tests in their respective counties.  

MWE will close walk-in offices whenever the rolling seven-day average percentage of COVID tests exceeds 30 percent. They will reopen when that number drops below 30 percent, based on data from the Kansas Dept. of Health and Environment.

MWE reminded customers that all transactions can be completed online at <a href="http://www.mwenergy.com/?fbclid=IwAR03TmP9rNC-ZwVuGR-YeFZxKbKP9oE8aMhAwvnkqGNy0vcthOCnEDoqh4M" target="_blank">www.mwenergy.com</a>, or by calling 1-800-222-3121.

  Also, customers can use drop boxes for payments, but do not put cash in drop boxes — only checks and money orders.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/11/1605033980627.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>All Midwest Energy walk-in offices are closed through Wednesday due to high percentage of positive COVID tests in their respective counties. MWE will close walk-in offices whenever the rolling seven-day average percentage of COVID tests exceeds 30 percent. They will reopen when that number drops below 30 percent, based on data from the Kansas Dept. of Health and Environment.MWE reminded customers that all transactions can be completed online at <a href="http://www.mwenergy.com/?fbclid=IwAR03TmP9rNC-ZwVuGR-YeFZxKbKP9oE8aMhAwvnkqGNy0vcthOCnEDoqh4M" target="_blank">www.mwenergy.com</a>, or by calling 1-800-222-3121. Also, customers can use drop boxes for payments, but do not put cash in drop boxes — only checks and money orders.&nbsp;

Midwest Energy closes walk-in offices due to COVID

Blue Christmas service offered by St. Michael's Episcopal Church

The Hays Dog Park, U.S. Highway 183 Bypass,&nbsp; will conduct its November cleanup Sun., Nov. 15 starting at 1 p.m.

Bring your pooper scooper and help clean up the park.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/11/1605031685372.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>The Hays Dog Park, U.S. Highway 183 Bypass,&nbsp; will conduct its November cleanup Sun., Nov. 15 starting at 1 p.m.Bring your pooper scooper and help clean up the park.

Hays Dog Park cleanup Nov. 15

Palco High School blood drive Nov. 16

City of Hays offices will be closed Wednesday in observance of the Veterans Day holiday.

<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 Wednesday in observance of the Veterans Day holiday.

City of Hays offices closed for Veterans Day

Come join the United Way at the <a href="https://goldenq.net/">Golden Q</a>, 809 Ash, Hays, on Wednesday, November 11.

Order the Cheeseburger special to benefit the United Way of Ellis County! 

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/11/1604941346822.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Come join the United Way at the <a href="https://goldenq.net/">Golden Q</a>, 809 Ash, Hays, on Wednesday, November 11. Order the Cheeseburger special to benefit the United Way of Ellis County! Dine in or call for Carry Out!

Golden Q United Way Dine Out Day Nov. 11

Sponsored by New Almelo Knights of Columbus

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/11/1604939711802.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>New Almelo Annual Turkey Shoot12:30 p.m., Sunday, Nov. 15, 2020One-half mile south of New AlmeloPrizes include hams, bacons, and turkeysLunch stand provided by CYOSponsored by New Almelo Knights of Columbus

New Almelo Annual Turkey Shoot Nov. 15

The next show at the Deines Cultural Center in Russell opens November 13 - recent works by Ernest Vincent Wood III.

Ernest Vincent Wood III began his journey as a painter when an instructor recognized his affinity for light and encouraged him to pursue oil painting. After earning his BFA from Wichita State University in 2006, he studied at The International School for Drawing, Painting, and Sculpture in Umbria, Italy, under the sponsorship of the Kansas Cultural Trust.

Wood’s sensitive use of light and&nbsp;realism in his paintings brings to 2020 the seventeenth-century technique of the Roman Caravaggisti and still life artists of the Dutch Baroque, but with a contemporary twist of clever innuendos that make an Old World technique remarkably relevant.

Wood's paintings will be on exhibition at the Deines until January 8. 

Come see his exceptional work Tuesday through Friday from 12 p.m. to 5 p.m. and Saturday and Sunday 1 p.m. to 5p.m.

The Deines is located at 820 N. Main Street in Russell. Call 785-483-3742 for further information.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/11/1604934439910.jpeg" alt="Art by Ernest Vincent Wood III" />
 <figcaption>Art by Ernest Vincent Wood III</figcaption>
 </figure>The next show at the Deines Cultural Center in Russell opens November 13 - recent works by Ernest Vincent Wood III.Ernest Vincent Wood III began his journey as a painter when an instructor recognized his affinity for light and encouraged him to pursue oil painting. After earning his BFA from Wichita State University in 2006, he studied at The International School for Drawing, Painting, and Sculpture in Umbria, Italy, under the sponsorship of the Kansas Cultural Trust.Wood’s sensitive use of light and&nbsp;realism in his paintings brings to 2020 the seventeenth-century technique of the Roman Caravaggisti and still life artists of the Dutch Baroque, but with a contemporary twist of clever innuendos that make an Old World technique remarkably relevant.Wood's paintings will be on exhibition at the Deines until January 8. Come see his exceptional work Tuesday through Friday from 12 p.m. to 5 p.m. and Saturday and Sunday 1 p.m. to 5p.m. The Deines is located at 820 N. Main Street in Russell. Call 785-483-3742 for further information.

New show at Deines Cultural Center opens Nov. 13

Bazine American Legion Lamb Fry Nov. 14

Beginning Monday, Utility Solutions, a contractor hired by the city of Hays, will begin sanitary sewer repairs that will require Main Street to be shut down between 10th and 11th Street. 

A short section of the sanitary sewer main that runs down the center of Main Street at a depth of approximately 11 feet will need to be dug up and replaced. 

Main Street should be reopened to vehicle traffic by the end of the week. Throughout the repair, sanitary sewer service will be maintained, and there will be pedestrian access to all adjacent businesses. 

For more information, ccall the Office of Project Management at (785) 628-7350 or Utility Solutions at (913) 662-7120.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/3/1584473406560.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>City of HaysBeginning Monday, Utility Solutions, a contractor hired by the city of Hays, will begin sanitary sewer repairs that will require Main Street to be shut down between 10th and 11th Street. A short section of the sanitary sewer main that runs down the center of Main Street at a depth of approximately 11 feet will need to be dug up and replaced. Main Street should be reopened to vehicle traffic by the end of the week. Throughout the repair, sanitary sewer service will be maintained, and there will be pedestrian access to all adjacent businesses. For more information, ccall the Office of Project Management at (785) 628-7350 or Utility Solutions at (913) 662-7120.

Portion of Main will be closed this week

Blood drives scheduled at TMP-M, Palco High

The date for the Roosevelt Veterans parade has been changed to 1 p.m. Friday due to anticipated inclement weather on Veteran's Day. Children and their families will start to line up at 12:3o p.m.

This year would have been the 10th Annual Veteran’s Day Dinner at Roosevelt Elementary School.

Due to COVID, Roosevelt will not have its Veteran’s Day Dinner and school-wide program. 

"We still want to honor our veterans in some form, so we will be making a video and a thank you card for each veteran and have a parade," Gay Flax, organizer and Roosevelt teacher, said.&nbsp;

On Tuesday, Nov. 10, Roosevelt would ask if you have a veteran in your family to join in the parade around Roosevelt Elementary. The parade starts at 1 p.m. and ends at 2 p.m. or whenever all veterans have driven around the route. 

Roosevelt would like the veterans to drive in your vehicle down MacArthur, turn right onto 22nd Street, turn right onto Donald Drive, turn right onto Lawrence Drive, and then turn right on East 19th Street. 

Roosevelt will have all its students lined up six feet apart around the parade route with signs and flags. The school would like to invite parents to also join us standing around the parade route. Parents, you will be standing with your student. Everyone participating will be required to wear a mask throughout the parade.

Each family is asked to make a poster for your child to hold up during the parade. If you have a veteran, your poster can honor your veteran. If you do not have a veteran in your family, please make a sign honoring our military.

SubmittedThe date for the Roosevelt Veterans parade has been changed to 1 p.m. Friday due to anticipated inclement weather on Veteran's Day. Children and their families will start to line up at 12:3o p.m.-------This year would have been the 10th Annual Veteran’s Day Dinner at Roosevelt Elementary School.Due to COVID, Roosevelt will not have its Veteran’s Day Dinner and school-wide program. "We still want to honor our veterans in some form, so we will be making a video and a thank you card for each veteran and have a parade," Gay Flax, organizer and Roosevelt teacher, said.&nbsp;On Tuesday, Nov. 10, Roosevelt would ask if you have a veteran in your family to join in the parade around Roosevelt Elementary. The parade starts at 1 p.m. and ends at 2 p.m. or whenever all veterans have driven around the route. Roosevelt would like the veterans to drive in your vehicle down MacArthur, turn right onto 22nd Street, turn right onto Donald Drive, turn right onto Lawrence Drive, and then turn right on East 19th Street. Roosevelt will have all its students lined up six feet apart around the parade route with signs and flags. The school would like to invite parents to also join us standing around the parade route. Parents, you will be standing with your student. Everyone participating will be required to wear a mask throughout the parade.Each family is asked to make a poster for your child to hold up during the parade. If you have a veteran, your poster can honor your veteran. If you do not have a veteran in your family, please make a sign honoring our military.

Roosevelt Veteran's parade rescheduled to Friday

BUNKER HILL —&nbsp;Smoky Hills PBS’ series of&nbsp;Real Ag&nbsp;airs every Friday at 8:30 p.m. Starting this week, you will find new episodes until the end of the year.

Real Ag&nbsp;is a program for everyone, both consumers and those in agri-business.&nbsp;&nbsp;Some of the new shows include topics about cotton, Kansas and global food systems, soil conservation and health, ag machinery, bees, and sorghum/milo.&nbsp;&nbsp;

“At Smoky Hills PBS we love to bring topics and information that matter to our viewers,” said Matthew Campbell, Smoky Hills PBS producer/director.&nbsp; “Real Ag&nbsp;is one of those shows where we can take a closer look at agriculture, one of our important resources in our area.”

Viewers will also be able to stream the show via the Smoky Hills PBS YouTube channel.&nbsp; You can find that link here:&nbsp;&nbsp;<a href="http://bit.ly/StreamSmokyHillsPBS">http://bit.ly/StreamSmokyHillsPBS</a>

Real Ag&nbsp;is a Smoky Hills PBS production that&nbsp;gives pertinent information about food and the agriculture industry.&nbsp;

Episodes are made possible by the Kansas Soybean Commission.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/1/1578663876107.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Smoky Hills PBSBUNKER HILL —&nbsp;Smoky Hills PBS’ series of&nbsp;Real Ag&nbsp;airs every Friday at 8:30 p.m. Starting this week, you will find new episodes until the end of the year.Real Ag&nbsp;is a program for everyone, both consumers and those in agri-business.&nbsp;&nbsp;Some of the new shows include topics about cotton, Kansas and global food systems, soil conservation and health, ag machinery, bees, and sorghum/milo.&nbsp;&nbsp;“At Smoky Hills PBS we love to bring topics and information that matter to our viewers,” said Matthew Campbell, Smoky Hills PBS producer/director.&nbsp; “Real Ag&nbsp;is one of those shows where we can take a closer look at agriculture, one of our important resources in our area.”Viewers will also be able to stream the show via the Smoky Hills PBS YouTube channel.&nbsp; You can find that link here:&nbsp;&nbsp;<a href="http://bit.ly/StreamSmokyHillsPBS">http://bit.ly/StreamSmokyHillsPBS</a>Real Ag&nbsp;is a Smoky Hills PBS production that&nbsp;gives pertinent information about food and the agriculture industry.&nbsp;Episodes are made possible by the Kansas Soybean Commission.

New season of 'Real Ag' starts this week on PBS

WASHINGTON — Agriculture Secretary Sonny Perdue recently designated Rawlins County as a primary natural disaster area. Producers who suffered losses caused by recent drought may be eligible for U.S. Department of Agriculture Farm Service Agency emergency loans.

This natural disaster designation allows FSA to extend much-needed emergency credit to producers recovering from natural disasters. Emergency loans can be used to meet various recovery needs including the replacement of essential items such as equipment or livestock, reorganization of a farming operation or the refinance of certain debts.

Producers in the contiguous counties below are also eligible to apply for emergency loans:

Kansas: Cheyenne, Decatur, Sherman and Thomas Nebraska: Dundy, Hitchcock and Red Willow

The deadline to apply for these emergency loans is June 15.

FSA will review the loans based on the extent of losses, security available and repayment ability.

FSA has a variety of additional programs to help farmers recover from the impacts of this disaster. FSA programs that do not require a disaster declaration include: Emergency Assistance for Livestock, Honeybees and Farm-Raised Fish Program; Emergency Conservation Program; Livestock Forage Disaster Program; Livestock Indemnity Program; Operating and Farm Ownership Loans; and the Tree Assistance Program.

Farmers may contact their local USDA service center for further information on eligibility requirements and application procedures for these and other programs. Additional information is also available online at <a href="https://l.facebook.com/l.php?u=https%3A%2F%2Ffarmers.gov%2Frecover%3Ffbclid%3DIwAR2ioOgG2yIWVfjCo__hFGj-blWnu36znjg8PvGNlylUQ9cI_RQlV5in5XY&amp;h=AT2PDITBBGzJAr2CckPc1ksV-3tmaIJ2obnU8FH3Q9p073xQega-59PijpyIvU1k4wBIY-PePvFb2_b95cGt350Kb5BOxzn64tTPbYARmXdObRa4G7BVyIqCtUNRlvjPAxbQ&amp;__tn__=-UK-R&amp;c[0]=AT1ZerFHgwLCGksj23wbkzUzOzY2xMh5maRIyRaxuXXfY673LByyZLor19Oyjum_hej7xNH2k0YSZD951JLZAv1c2BROea5A1sDx0zy3NnGZZr17a_eAG4xlOTjfE5wV2LRCxv1YMw791V2ZHuGEGL5rM1uR015poQf4ldixrd9flOSKMfYdYeloo05gsTc1jMxeFA" target="_blank">farmers.gov/recover</a>.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/10/1603906212694.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>USDA WASHINGTON — Agriculture Secretary Sonny Perdue recently designated Rawlins County as a primary natural disaster area. Producers who suffered losses caused by recent drought may be eligible for U.S. Department of Agriculture Farm Service Agency emergency loans.This natural disaster designation allows FSA to extend much-needed emergency credit to producers recovering from natural disasters. Emergency loans can be used to meet various recovery needs including the replacement of essential items such as equipment or livestock, reorganization of a farming operation or the refinance of certain debts.Producers in the contiguous counties below are also eligible to apply for emergency loans:Kansas: Cheyenne, Decatur, Sherman and Thomas Nebraska: Dundy, Hitchcock and Red WillowThe deadline to apply for these emergency loans is June 15.FSA will review the loans based on the extent of losses, security available and repayment ability.FSA has a variety of additional programs to help farmers recover from the impacts of this disaster. FSA programs that do not require a disaster declaration include: Emergency Assistance for Livestock, Honeybees and Farm-Raised Fish Program; Emergency Conservation Program; Livestock Forage Disaster Program; Livestock Indemnity Program; Operating and Farm Ownership Loans; and the Tree Assistance Program.Farmers may contact their local USDA service center for further information on eligibility requirements and application procedures for these and other programs. Additional information is also available online at <a href="https://l.facebook.com/l.php?u=https%3A%2F%2Ffarmers.gov%2Frecover%3Ffbclid%3DIwAR2ioOgG2yIWVfjCo__hFGj-blWnu36znjg8PvGNlylUQ9cI_RQlV5in5XY&amp;h=AT2PDITBBGzJAr2CckPc1ksV-3tmaIJ2obnU8FH3Q9p073xQega-59PijpyIvU1k4wBIY-PePvFb2_b95cGt350Kb5BOxzn64tTPbYARmXdObRa4G7BVyIqCtUNRlvjPAxbQ&amp;__tn__=-UK-R&amp;c[0]=AT1ZerFHgwLCGksj23wbkzUzOzY2xMh5maRIyRaxuXXfY673LByyZLor19Oyjum_hej7xNH2k0YSZD951JLZAv1c2BROea5A1sDx0zy3NnGZZr17a_eAG4xlOTjfE5wV2LRCxv1YMw791V2ZHuGEGL5rM1uR015poQf4ldixrd9flOSKMfYdYeloo05gsTc1jMxeFA" target="_blank">farmers.gov/recover</a>.

Drought leads to natural disaster designation in NW Kan. counties

Healing Hearts will meet from 7 to 8 p.m. Nov. 12 at the Center for Life Experience, 103 W. 27th St., Oak Plaza Suite C, in the conference room

The meeting will be in person unless otherwise announced. You will be notified by email, Facebook or the Center for Life Experience website.

Please RSVP by noon the day of the meeting. RSVP to cfle1@eaglecom.net or text 785-625-6078.

Everyone is requested to wear masks and agree to social distance. Please bring your own mask. The center will have some available.

Healing Hearts will meet from 7 to 8 p.m. Nov. 12 at the Center for Life Experience, 103 W. 27th St., Oak Plaza Suite C, in the conference roomThe meeting will be in person unless otherwise announced. You will be notified by email, Facebook or the Center for Life Experience website.Please RSVP by noon the day of the meeting. RSVP to cfle1@eaglecom.net or text 785-625-6078.Everyone is requested to wear masks and agree to social distance. Please bring your own mask. The center will have some available.

Healing Hearts to meet Nov. 12

Nicodemus Virtual Veterans Program Nov. 7

Healing After Loss will meet at 5:30 p.m. at 103 W. 27th, Oak Plaza Suite C.

A taco bar will be catered from Fuzzy's Tacos. The meeting will follow at 7 p.m.&nbsp;

Please RSVP by the Monday prior to the meeting. RSVP to cfle1@eaglecom.net or text 785-625-6078.

Healing After Loss will meet at 5:30 p.m. at 103 W. 27th, Oak Plaza Suite C.The meeting will be in person unless otherwise announced. You will be notified by email, Facebook or the Center for Life Experience website.A taco bar will be catered from Fuzzy's Tacos. The meeting will follow at 7 p.m.&nbsp;Please RSVP by the Monday prior to the meeting. RSVP to cfle1@eaglecom.net or text 785-625-6078.Everyone is requested to wear masks and agree to social distance. Please bring your own mask. The center will have some available.

Healing After Loss to meet Nov. 17

This is a great opportunity to support your community. All proceeds from this fundraiser is put back into our community.

 Only 250 tickets are available with a total of $2,500 payout. 

Please contact Sandy Beisner at 785-342-9390 or Priscilla Hunt at 785-432-2194, a Hays Lions Club member or message our Facebook page for tickets.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/11/1604429964615.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>This is a great opportunity to support your community. All proceeds from this fundraiser is put back into our community. Only 250 tickets are available with a total of $2,500 payout. Please contact Sandy Beisner at 785-342-9390 or Priscilla Hunt at 785-432-2194, a Hays Lions Club member or message our Facebook page for tickets.

Tickets available for Hays Lions Club fundraiser

Early Childhood Connections with Hays USD 489 is pleased to announce that the Dolly Parton Imagination Library is now open to children (birth to five) living in Rush County.

The Dolly Parton Imagination Library sends a free, age-appropriate book in the mail each week to registered children. 

Rush County residents can enter their zip code and register at this link:&nbsp;<a href="https://imaginationlibrary.com/usa/find-my-program/" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">https://imaginationlibrary.com/usa/find-my-program/</a>

If you have any questions, please contact Coordinator, Dana Stanton at 785-623-2430 or dstanton@usd489.com&nbsp;&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/11/1604428514200.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Early Childhood Connections with Hays USD 489 is pleased to announce that the Dolly Parton Imagination Library is now open to children (birth to five) living in Rush County.The Dolly Parton Imagination Library sends a free, age-appropriate book in the mail each week to registered children. Rush County residents can enter their zip code and register at this link:&nbsp;<a href="https://imaginationlibrary.com/usa/find-my-program/" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">https://imaginationlibrary.com/usa/find-my-program/</a> If you have any questions, please contact Coordinator, Dana Stanton at 785-623-2430 or dstanton@usd489.com&nbsp;&nbsp;

Dolly Parton Imagination Library now open to Rush County children

The Nov. 12 Colby Community College art show at the Prairie Museum of Art and History includes masks by members of the Kansas Society of Layerists in Multi-Media (SLMM) from 6 to 7:30 p.m.

SLMM is a national network for artists who express a holistic perspective in any style or medium.

"You don't have to be a mixed media artist to be a member," said CCC art instructor Rebel Mahieu. "Watercolors or penciling are acceptable as long as the piece is layered."

Some of the 14 contributing artists at the show are retired Colby High School and CCC art instructor Cal Mahin and retired Fort Hays State University art instructor Kathleen Kuchar of Hays; Mahieu and Suzanne Schielke from Colby; retired Cloud County Community College art instructor Barbara Stevens; Mary Kottman and Secily Cruse of Great Bend; and Larned's Von Pounds.

Food and drinks will be offered, and face coverings are encouraged. For more information, contact Mahieu at 785-460-5459.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/11/1604426920460.jpeg" alt="Layered artwork by Kathleen Kuchar,&nbsp;retired Fort Hays State University art instructor." />
 <figcaption>Layered artwork by Kathleen Kuchar,&nbsp;retired Fort Hays State University art instructor.</figcaption>
 </figure>The Nov. 12 Colby Community College art show at the Prairie Museum of Art and History includes masks by members of the Kansas Society of Layerists in Multi-Media (SLMM) from 6 to 7:30 p.m.SLMM is a national network for artists who express a holistic perspective in any style or medium."You don't have to be a mixed media artist to be a member," said CCC art instructor Rebel Mahieu. "Watercolors or penciling are acceptable as long as the piece is layered."Some of the 14 contributing artists at the show are retired Colby High School and CCC art instructor Cal Mahin and retired Fort Hays State University art instructor Kathleen Kuchar of Hays; Mahieu and Suzanne Schielke from Colby; retired Cloud County Community College art instructor Barbara Stevens; Mary Kottman and Secily Cruse of Great Bend; and Larned's Von Pounds.Food and drinks will be offered, and face coverings are encouraged. For more information, contact Mahieu at 785-460-5459.

Kansas Society of Layerists in Multi-Media featured in Colby art show

Knights of Columbus Munjor Council #11492 annual stag will be held Fri., Nov. 6, in the Munjor School building.

Social hour starts at 6 p.m. with dinner served at 7 p.m.

On the menu are mountain oysters, brats and all the trimmings.

Raffle tickets will be available for numerous prizes plus a gun raffle for two guns.

Tickets are available from Munjor K of C members, at the door, or call 785-259-4504.

Proceeds will benefit K of C activities.&nbsp;

Knights of Columbus Munjor Council #11492 annual stag will be held Fri., Nov. 6, in the Munjor School building.Social hour starts at 6 p.m. with dinner served at 7 p.m.On the menu are mountain oysters, brats and all the trimmings.Raffle tickets will be available for numerous prizes plus a gun raffle for two guns.Tickets are available from Munjor K of C members, at the door, or call 785-259-4504.Proceeds will benefit K of C activities.&nbsp;Come out for some great food and fun!

Munjor Knights of Columbus annual stag is Nov. 6

The Kansas Department of Transportation plans to begin a field survey for the proposed replacement of the Wolf Creek drainage bridge on K-18 in Russell County the week of Nov. 2.

The bridge is located approximately 1 mile east of the K-232 junction. Survey activities will include the use of survey instruments on the ground to determine locations of existing features within the survey corridor. KDOT expects to complete the survey work in approximately three weeks.

Crews will contact property owners or tenants for permission to enter private property, if access is needed. Michael Selley, field survey project manager, will oversee the survey for KDOT.

Persons with questions may contact KDOT public affairs manager Lisa Mussman at 785-874-8107 or&nbsp;<a href="mailto:lisa.mussman@ks.gov">lisa.mussman@ks.gov</a>.

KDOTThe Kansas Department of Transportation plans to begin a field survey for the proposed replacement of the Wolf Creek drainage bridge on K-18 in Russell County the week of Nov. 2.The bridge is located approximately 1 mile east of the K-232 junction. Survey activities will include the use of survey instruments on the ground to determine locations of existing features within the survey corridor. KDOT expects to complete the survey work in approximately three weeks.Crews will contact property owners or tenants for permission to enter private property, if access is needed. Michael Selley, field survey project manager, will oversee the survey for KDOT.Persons with questions may contact KDOT public affairs manager Lisa Mussman at 785-874-8107 or&nbsp;<a href="mailto:lisa.mussman@ks.gov">lisa.mussman@ks.gov</a>.

Field survey starting on K-18 in Russell County

CORRECTED, 10:45 a.m. Saturday to clarify the location of the event.

Messiah Lutheran Church, 2000 Main, is having a shoe box packing party for Operation Christmas Child at 9:45 a.m. Sunday, Nov. 15.

Operation Christmas Child is a ministry of Samaritan’s Purse, an international Christian relief organization headquartered in Boone, N.C.&nbsp;&nbsp;Each year&nbsp;thousands of individuals pack shoe boxes with toys, school supplies and hygiene items that are sent to needy children around the world to demonstrate God’s love for them in a tangible way.

Since 1993, Operation Christmas Child has collected and delivered more than 178 million gift-filled shoe boxes to children in more than 160 countries and territories.

National Collection Week is Nov. 16-23. Donors will be greeted at curbside drop-offs by volunteers wearing personal protection equipment.

Those unable to attend the packing party may still pack gifts online. Operation Christmas Child’s Build a Shoe Box Online program provides families and groups a creative way to rally together around a common goal, said Rachel Albin of Hays, Northwest Kansas area director.&nbsp;&nbsp;That program can be accessed at&nbsp;<a href="https://www.samaritanspurse.org/operation-christmas-child/buildonline/">https://www.samaritanspurse.org/operation-christmas-child/buildonline/</a>.

More information about the packing party is available by calling Stacy Stults at (785) 650-3293.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/2/1582750752139.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>CORRECTED, 10:45 a.m. Saturday to clarify the location of the event.By LINN ANN HUNTINGTONMessiah Lutheran Church, 2000 Main, is having a shoe box packing party for Operation Christmas Child at 9:45 a.m. Sunday, Nov. 15.Operation Christmas Child is a ministry of Samaritan’s Purse, an international Christian relief organization headquartered in Boone, N.C.&nbsp;&nbsp;Each year&nbsp;thousands of individuals pack shoe boxes with toys, school supplies and hygiene items that are sent to needy children around the world to demonstrate God’s love for them in a tangible way.Since 1993, Operation Christmas Child has collected and delivered more than 178 million gift-filled shoe boxes to children in more than 160 countries and territories.National Collection Week is Nov. 16-23. Donors will be greeted at curbside drop-offs by volunteers wearing personal protection equipment.Those unable to attend the packing party may still pack gifts online. Operation Christmas Child’s Build a Shoe Box Online program provides families and groups a creative way to rally together around a common goal, said Rachel Albin of Hays, Northwest Kansas area director.&nbsp;&nbsp;That program can be accessed at&nbsp;<a href="https://www.samaritanspurse.org/operation-christmas-child/buildonline/">https://www.samaritanspurse.org/operation-christmas-child/buildonline/</a>.More information about the packing party is available by calling Stacy Stults at (785) 650-3293.

UPDATE: Hays church packing shoeboxes for Operation Christmas Child

Adams Brown, Strategic Allies and CPAs, announced this week that Sophia Sanders has earned her license as a certified public accountant in Kansas. Sanders serves as a senior staff accountant with a focus on serving clients in the oil and gas industry.&nbsp;

“Congratulations to Sophia on this achievement,” said Brian Staats, CPA, CGMA, managing partner of Adams Brown. “For an accounting professional, earning your CPA license is a career milestone.&nbsp; We know she’ll continue serving clients well as a CPA.”&nbsp;&nbsp;

Sanders began her career at Adams Brown as an intern in 2014.&nbsp; She earned both a Bachelor of Business Administration in Accounting and a Bachelor of Science in Health Promotion and Wellness from Fort Hays State University in 2015.&nbsp; In her community, she serves on the board for the Cancer Council of Ellis County. Native to Hays, Sanders graduated from Thomas More Prep-Marian High School in 2010.&nbsp; When away from the office, she enjoys spending time with family, baking, and watching sports.

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 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/10/1603728935566.jpeg" alt="Sanders" />
 <figcaption>Sanders</figcaption>
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TMP, FHSU grad earns CPA license

The High Plains Mental Health Norton Branch Office will remain closed to the public through Friday, Nov. 6.

This is due to continued community spread of COVID-19. Appointments will be rescheduled for telephone or Zoom.

All of High Plains' other service locations will continue to offer services in-person or via telehealth.

High Plains' 24/7 crisis hotline is always available at 1-800-432-0333.

The High Plains Mental Health Norton Branch Office will remain closed to the public through Friday, Nov. 6.This is due to continued community spread of COVID-19. Appointments will be rescheduled for telephone or Zoom.All of High Plains' other service locations will continue to offer services in-person or via telehealth.High Plains' 24/7 crisis hotline is always available at 1-800-432-0333.

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