Republican Dr. Bill Clifford, an ophthalmologist, Finney County commissioner, and former U.S.&nbsp;Air Force fighter pilot, announced his candidacy for Congress in September 2019.

&nbsp;A graduate of&nbsp;Air Force fighter pilot,&nbsp;the U.S. Air Force Academy and the University of Southern California's Keck School of&nbsp;Medicine, Dr. Clifford has served patients in rural communities across western Kansas for 25&nbsp;years. 

In addition to his service as a Finney County commissioner, he has also served as a&nbsp;Garden City Community College trustee, Kansas president of the Air Force Association,&nbsp;president of the Kansas Society of Eye Physicians &amp; Surgeons, and trustee of the American&nbsp;Academy of Ophthalmology.

Dr. Clifford and his wife, Jean, a member of the Kansas State Board of Education and an Air Force&nbsp;veteran herself, are the proud parents of six children, five of them adopted. The Cliffords live in&nbsp;Garden City.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/2/1581526352439.jpeg" alt="" />
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 </figure>Republican Dr. Bill Clifford, an ophthalmologist, Finney County commissioner, and former U.S.&nbsp;Air Force fighter pilot, announced his candidacy for Congress in September 2019.&nbsp;A graduate of&nbsp;Air Force fighter pilot,&nbsp;the U.S. Air Force Academy and the University of Southern California's Keck School of&nbsp;Medicine, Dr. Clifford has served patients in rural communities across western Kansas for 25&nbsp;years. In addition to his service as a Finney County commissioner, he has also served as a&nbsp;Garden City Community College trustee, Kansas president of the Air Force Association,&nbsp;president of the Kansas Society of Eye Physicians &amp; Surgeons, and trustee of the American&nbsp;Academy of Ophthalmology.Dr. Clifford and his wife, Jean, a member of the Kansas State Board of Education and an Air Force&nbsp;veteran herself, are the proud parents of six children, five of them adopted. The Cliffords live in&nbsp;Garden City.

Meet & Greet with Congressional 1st District candidate Bill Clifford

Middle and high school science teachers: deadlines are approaching for our popular Seed to STEM workshops. April 1 for Track 1 (first-time applicants); March 1 for Track 2, (returning Seed to STEM teachers). 

Don’t miss out on this free professional development opportunity! 

Choose from two workshops: June 4-5 at Chanute or June 9-10 at Hays. Register for Middle School:&nbsp;<a href="https://bit.ly/s2sms?fbclid=IwAR204Y2DqPOZQumlFI2G5S5iHWFGQcfuvTl8kM4-XF27MbyugcTu8e0duWc" target="_blank">http://bit.ly/s2sms</a>&nbsp;or High School:&nbsp;<a href="https://l.facebook.com/l.php?u=https%3A%2F%2Fbit.ly%2Fs2shs%3Ffbclid%3DIwAR2SiPUFVzmmyPcWy4u0X9kh7MC-P9cu2uzqeqlsqUDIhXFez_qfaL_oV4Y&amp;h=AT2p32tRoCahdVIUkB7o3MgmMrNRa9YAUP0QTbhJbhHUGlohaSgRRMLLgowcd6LD8DTOmyrmDj8MPHKocm3e95JK5m4In44nSB6vJlupfo6yDq3hrf067xk1rnGZksyJT4w3NbwbIGp-CEHstLyx-9_7NkfGb0ZFiGDqm-qrxmDovPHya71SegUEie7iNXQ-jmCi0_zXXjwuEHSXElV0iCbB6olixRVaPgdjP4dziByBdGXL1pnW8CQ0VBb7WHSFKfePUSgED1xz4ydZl4wp1SjXK3nK3pvWa_Qa8PSS222mAxRhVX9DhvVY_yLadBW_liFloA-VjrCNFRQuGSarThdc0efLk_YuCOAprfLHPZBUBZES-9V-J9rM1isxDxb_DtOwq8-qsFzBfOEyBPr-V5mtbDazoDt3h-9zwM3rfyfbP9-EGW2ljoYfnmF6O5DT4qhO6pqlEK9teeLAb_fnoptpFA4hLj9tzPEiQ6PAaOMuK0ZUVh_K7VzUGh0tyz_QUSzwBi6cwipPtFcEHWhpLUHzTt0OT1OJMnI2drHhKVCCJUuhpE3-6HHKBbkbzrG8823xV-FnzavvI3IizwOxMYUbY_AH_v_01IhAaB6Vj3Vdve5GA10SBe2XETgWZPHgl_d58Ez66TTbnkw9QhE-px-T8Qgz" target="_blank">http://bit.ly/s2shs</a>

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/2/1581521586119.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Middle and high school science teachers: deadlines are approaching for our popular Seed to STEM workshops. April 1 for Track 1 (first-time applicants); March 1 for Track 2, (returning Seed to STEM teachers). Don’t miss out on this free professional development opportunity! Choose from two workshops: June 4-5 at Chanute or June 9-10 at Hays. Register for Middle School:&nbsp;<a href="https://bit.ly/s2sms?fbclid=IwAR204Y2DqPOZQumlFI2G5S5iHWFGQcfuvTl8kM4-XF27MbyugcTu8e0duWc" target="_blank">http://bit.ly/s2sms</a>&nbsp;or High School:&nbsp;<a href="https://l.facebook.com/l.php?u=https%3A%2F%2Fbit.ly%2Fs2shs%3Ffbclid%3DIwAR2SiPUFVzmmyPcWy4u0X9kh7MC-P9cu2uzqeqlsqUDIhXFez_qfaL_oV4Y&amp;h=AT2p32tRoCahdVIUkB7o3MgmMrNRa9YAUP0QTbhJbhHUGlohaSgRRMLLgowcd6LD8DTOmyrmDj8MPHKocm3e95JK5m4In44nSB6vJlupfo6yDq3hrf067xk1rnGZksyJT4w3NbwbIGp-CEHstLyx-9_7NkfGb0ZFiGDqm-qrxmDovPHya71SegUEie7iNXQ-jmCi0_zXXjwuEHSXElV0iCbB6olixRVaPgdjP4dziByBdGXL1pnW8CQ0VBb7WHSFKfePUSgED1xz4ydZl4wp1SjXK3nK3pvWa_Qa8PSS222mAxRhVX9DhvVY_yLadBW_liFloA-VjrCNFRQuGSarThdc0efLk_YuCOAprfLHPZBUBZES-9V-J9rM1isxDxb_DtOwq8-qsFzBfOEyBPr-V5mtbDazoDt3h-9zwM3rfyfbP9-EGW2ljoYfnmF6O5DT4qhO6pqlEK9teeLAb_fnoptpFA4hLj9tzPEiQ6PAaOMuK0ZUVh_K7VzUGh0tyz_QUSzwBi6cwipPtFcEHWhpLUHzTt0OT1OJMnI2drHhKVCCJUuhpE3-6HHKBbkbzrG8823xV-FnzavvI3IizwOxMYUbY_AH_v_01IhAaB6Vj3Vdve5GA10SBe2XETgWZPHgl_d58Ez66TTbnkw9QhE-px-T8Qgz" target="_blank">http://bit.ly/s2shs</a>

Free STEM workshop for science teachers



Join Ad Astra for a 5K run and walk Sunday, February 23! We'll meet at the Russell Court House at 2:30 pm. Tickets are $10 (children 10 and under admitted free).

***All participants will receive a FREE ticket to an Ad Astra 2020 Chamber Music concert!***

Proceeds will benefit the Ad Astra Music Festival as we encourage our community to be both healthy and charitable!

Medals will be awarded to the top three runners. 

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Join Ad Astra for a 5K run and walk Sunday, February 23! We'll meet at the Russell Court House at 2:30 pm. Tickets are $10 (children 10 and under admitted free).***All participants will receive a FREE ticket to an Ad Astra 2020 Chamber Music concert!***Proceeds will benefit the Ad Astra Music Festival as we encourage our community to be both healthy and charitable!Medals will be awarded to the top three runners. Canceled in case of poor weather.

5K Run & Walk for Ad Astra in Russell 

Dorrance Community Veterans Memorial fundraiser

A proud tradition since 1976, the 43rd Annual High School Art Show, the Dane G. Hansen Museum in Logan has partnered with several art instructors to provide a professional gallery experience for their high school art students. 

 In allowing these student artists to display their work in the museum, our hope is to inspire them; to fuel their passion for art and to encourage them to continue creating past their high school years. 

High schools on display include Norton Community, Trego Community, Hill City, Smith Center, Phillipsburg, and TMP-Marian.

  Artwork will be on view at the Hansen Museum, 110 W. Main, Logan, from February 7 to March 8, 2020.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/2/1581442870764.jpeg" alt="Patio Lights – Kynlie Burkhart – acrylic" />
 <figcaption>Patio Lights – Kynlie Burkhart – acrylic</figcaption>
 </figure>A proud tradition since 1976, the 43rd Annual High School Art Show, the Dane G. Hansen Museum in Logan has partnered with several art instructors to provide a professional gallery experience for their high school art students. In allowing these student artists to display their work in the museum, our hope is to inspire them; to fuel their passion for art and to encourage them to continue creating past their high school years. High schools on display include Norton Community, Trego Community, Hill City, Smith Center, Phillipsburg, and TMP-Marian. Artwork will be on view at the Hansen Museum, 110 W. Main, Logan, from February 7 to March 8, 2020.

TMP, area high school artists featured at Hansen Museum

The Hays Arts Council proudly announces the "call for entries" for Kansas' longest running art competition - -51st ANNUAL SMOKY HILL ART COMPETITION &amp; EXHIBITION* a juried fine art competition open to Kansas artists* all original art mediums (2 &amp; 3-D) are eligible* $2,750 in total cash awards* preliminary selection done through color prints (photographs)* entry deadline is March 5, 2020* Smoky Hill exhibition opens as the anchor of the HAC Spring Art Walk on April 24, 2020* Entry info available at HAC website at:&nbsp;<a href="http://www.haysartscouncil.org/?fbclid=IwAR3_a3fMe3hd-9eRNiB8st6BUnTnrOdI2xGaeCm4iP0ZMWMwmb8OnxzJ3a8" target="_blank">www.haysartscouncil.org</a>

If you have any questions or would like to receive an entry form by mail, call 785-625-7522. (gallery images here from 2019 Smoky Hill Art Exhibition)

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/2/1581440577019.jpeg" alt="" />
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 </figure>The Hays Arts Council proudly announces the "call for entries" for Kansas' longest running art competition - -51st ANNUAL SMOKY HILL ART COMPETITION &amp; EXHIBITION* a juried fine art competition open to Kansas artists* all original art mediums (2 &amp; 3-D) are eligible* $2,750 in total cash awards* preliminary selection done through color prints (photographs)* entry deadline is March 5, 2020* Smoky Hill exhibition opens as the anchor of the HAC Spring Art Walk on April 24, 2020* Entry info available at HAC website at:&nbsp;<a href="http://www.haysartscouncil.org/?fbclid=IwAR3_a3fMe3hd-9eRNiB8st6BUnTnrOdI2xGaeCm4iP0ZMWMwmb8OnxzJ3a8" target="_blank">www.haysartscouncil.org</a>If you have any questions or would like to receive an entry form by mail, call 785-625-7522. (gallery images here from 2019 Smoky Hill Art Exhibition)

Deadline nears for Smoky Hill Art Competition



Registration is open for the 2020 Olliff Family Educational Symposium. 

Our special guest speaker is Pamela Cornwell, LCMFT. 

She will discuss "Building Resilience: What's in Your Toolbox?"

 Pamela is a graduate of Wichita State University with a BA in Psychology and Friends University with an MS in Marriage and Family Therapy. 

She has worked with survivors of abuse and neglect for more than 28 years. Pamela is certified in the Neurosequential Model of Therapeutics, Trauma Systems Therapy and is a facilitator for Healing of Memories workshops. She provides organization-based training on trauma and child development.

<a target="_blank" href="https://www.fhsu.edu/olliff-family-educational-symposium/schedule-workshops/index?fbclid=IwAR2YJzMb3oeTysrCoUxHWafLEEqfSmTQ4jomQNlTjAWOFmQvpkj7TAa7O8E">https://www.fhsu.edu/olliff-family-educational-symposium/schedule-workshops/index</a>

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Registration is open for the 2020 Olliff Family Educational Symposium. Our special guest speaker is Pamela Cornwell, LCMFT. She will discuss "Building Resilience: What's in Your Toolbox?" Pamela is a graduate of Wichita State University with a BA in Psychology and Friends University with an MS in Marriage and Family Therapy. She has worked with survivors of abuse and neglect for more than 28 years. Pamela is certified in the Neurosequential Model of Therapeutics, Trauma Systems Therapy and is a facilitator for Healing of Memories workshops. She provides organization-based training on trauma and child development.Please visit our link to regsiter at:<a target="_blank" href="https://www.fhsu.edu/olliff-family-educational-symposium/schedule-workshops/index?fbclid=IwAR2YJzMb3oeTysrCoUxHWafLEEqfSmTQ4jomQNlTjAWOFmQvpkj7TAa7O8E">https://www.fhsu.edu/olliff-family-educational-symposium/schedule-workshops/index</a>

Supporting the mental wellness of Kansas students

We are excited to be hosting our Annual Chamber Banquet and&nbsp;Membership Meeting on Monday, February 17th with keynote speaker, author, and U.S. Olympian&nbsp;Johnny Quinn. 

The event will be held at the Eagles Lodge, 16614 Eagles Rd., Norton. 

We have planned a dynamic evening with ‘A&nbsp;Year in Review’ for business and tourism, announcements and awards for Business of the Year, New&nbsp;Business of the Year, and Citizen of the Year, and the release of our Annual Report to Members.

Johnny Quinn is a noted keynote speaker and leadership trainer for businesses, teams and organizations&nbsp;of all sizes. He is a U.S. Olympian in the sport of bobsled and competed at the 2014 Winter Olympics in&nbsp;Sochi, Russia. Johnny is also a former pro football player spending time with the NFL's Buffalo Bills,&nbsp;Green Bay Packers and Saskatchewan Roughriders of the CFL. Johnny has been featured on various&nbsp;media outlets around the world such as: ABC, BBC, CBS, CNN, ESPN, FOX, NBC TIME, USA Today and the&nbsp;Wall Street Journal.

CHAMPION MINDSET: "We live in a day of constant change. Whether it is economic, social,&nbsp;technological, or regulatory, if you are not changing and adapting you will be left behind." Johnny clearly&nbsp;lays out a plan to develop a champion mindset giving your organization the ability to adapt to change&nbsp;and come out ahead of the competition."

Join us early for a special Meet and Greet opportunity from 5:30 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. to talk with Johnny&nbsp;and pick up a copy of his book PUSH.

 We want this to be a great experience for all our businesses,&nbsp;teachers, and youth. Take advantage of meeting Johnny during this Meet and Greet and during our&nbsp;Social Hour from 6:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. The Chamber Banquet begins at 7:00 pm.

Tickets are $35 each, couples are $65. Tables of 8 are $250.00. Tickets can also be purchased online at&nbsp;<a href="https://www.discovernorton.com/?fbclid=IwAR3JL-ZCU6lgtrz8sg4OgsH0SrNpopO0PdobnS9gePlYqvYY8aOTVzsfUrI">http://www.discovernorton.com</a>. They are also available from any Chamber Board Member.

For more&nbsp;information, please contact Donna Eastman Liddle at 785.877.2501, or visit the Norton Area Chamber of&nbsp;Commerce office at the Business &amp; Visitor Station in Downtown Norton, located at 205 S. State Street in&nbsp;Norton, Kansas.

Special thanks to the Norton County Community Foundation for making it possible to host this exciting&nbsp;speaker. We know Johnny's message and visit will inspire Norton area to 'think like a Champion' in&nbsp;everything we do.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/2/1581435415059.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>We are excited to be hosting our Annual Chamber Banquet and&nbsp;Membership Meeting on Monday, February 17th with keynote speaker, author, and U.S. Olympian&nbsp;Johnny Quinn. The event will be held at the Eagles Lodge, 16614 Eagles Rd., Norton. We have planned a dynamic evening with ‘A&nbsp;Year in Review’ for business and tourism, announcements and awards for Business of the Year, New&nbsp;Business of the Year, and Citizen of the Year, and the release of our Annual Report to Members.Johnny Quinn is a noted keynote speaker and leadership trainer for businesses, teams and organizations&nbsp;of all sizes. He is a U.S. Olympian in the sport of bobsled and competed at the 2014 Winter Olympics in&nbsp;Sochi, Russia. Johnny is also a former pro football player spending time with the NFL's Buffalo Bills,&nbsp;Green Bay Packers and Saskatchewan Roughriders of the CFL. Johnny has been featured on various&nbsp;media outlets around the world such as: ABC, BBC, CBS, CNN, ESPN, FOX, NBC TIME, USA Today and the&nbsp;Wall Street Journal.CHAMPION MINDSET: "We live in a day of constant change. Whether it is economic, social,&nbsp;technological, or regulatory, if you are not changing and adapting you will be left behind." Johnny clearly&nbsp;lays out a plan to develop a champion mindset giving your organization the ability to adapt to change&nbsp;and come out ahead of the competition."Join us early for a special Meet and Greet opportunity from 5:30 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. to talk with Johnny&nbsp;and pick up a copy of his book PUSH. We want this to be a great experience for all our businesses,&nbsp;teachers, and youth. Take advantage of meeting Johnny during this Meet and Greet and during our&nbsp;Social Hour from 6:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. The Chamber Banquet begins at 7:00 pm.Tickets are $35 each, couples are $65. Tables of 8 are $250.00. Tickets can also be purchased online at&nbsp;<a href="https://www.discovernorton.com/?fbclid=IwAR3JL-ZCU6lgtrz8sg4OgsH0SrNpopO0PdobnS9gePlYqvYY8aOTVzsfUrI">http://www.discovernorton.com</a>. They are also available from any Chamber Board Member.For more&nbsp;information, please contact Donna Eastman Liddle at 785.877.2501, or visit the Norton Area Chamber of&nbsp;Commerce office at the Business &amp; Visitor Station in Downtown Norton, located at 205 S. State Street in&nbsp;Norton, Kansas.Special thanks to the Norton County Community Foundation for making it possible to host this exciting&nbsp;speaker. We know Johnny's message and visit will inspire Norton area to 'think like a Champion' in&nbsp;everything we do.

Norton Chamber banquet features Olympian speaker



Lindsborg, Kansas is holding their annual Våffeldagen celebration on Saturday, March 21. (Yes! That means “Waffle Day”)

To add yet another aspect to the playful and creative spirit of the event, they are inviting people to create - and let them exhibit - a piece of art inspired by the humble breakfast waffle as part of their annual waffle day celebration. Any medium, any size (and any age!).&nbsp;. . pencil sketches, cartoons, digital creations, oils or watercolor, mixed media, metal fabrications, fiber — you name it. (delivered March 1-15)

So, if you’re intrigued, for more information, you’re welcome to contact: Carla Griffith’s Wilson (785-212-0614 - wilflipper@gmail.com) or Kathy Richardson (785-691-6408 - email smallworldgallery@mac.com)



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Lindsborg, Kansas is holding their annual Våffeldagen celebration on Saturday, March 21. (Yes! That means “Waffle Day”)To add yet another aspect to the playful and creative spirit of the event, they are inviting people to create - and let them exhibit - a piece of art inspired by the humble breakfast waffle as part of their annual waffle day celebration. Any medium, any size (and any age!).&nbsp;. . pencil sketches, cartoons, digital creations, oils or watercolor, mixed media, metal fabrications, fiber — you name it. (delivered March 1-15)So, if you’re intrigued, for more information, you’re welcome to contact: Carla Griffith’s Wilson (785-212-0614 - wilflipper@gmail.com) or Kathy Richardson (785-691-6408 - email smallworldgallery@mac.com)

Waffle Art (!) Contest



Spotter training classes cover severe weather hazards including thunderstorms and tornadoes.  This includes the general structure and movement of severe thunderstorms, identification of important storm features, and safety concerns.

*Classes are appropriate for all ages. Ages 10 and up will likely get the most out of the training.

*Pre-registration is NOT required unless specifically noted for a particular class.  

*Classes are scheduled in collaboration with local emergency management officials.

*You may attend a class in any location, offered by any NWS office, regardless of where you live.  

See all of the spotter talks listed here: <a target="_blank" href="https://www.weather.gov/gid/SpotterInformation?fbclid=IwAR3mxkKeSy0KXd9j_C6m9WPGeUuczym7MHY3bSXBNE6smLhiU_EIQovKoyU">https://www.weather.gov/gid/SpotterInformation</a>

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Spotter training classes cover severe weather hazards including thunderstorms and tornadoes. This includes the general structure and movement of severe thunderstorms, identification of important storm features, and safety concerns.*All classes last about 2 hours.*They are free and open to the public.*Classes are appropriate for all ages. Ages 10 and up will likely get the most out of the training.*Pre-registration is NOT required unless specifically noted for a particular class. *Classes are scheduled in collaboration with local emergency management officials.*You may attend a class in any location, offered by any NWS office, regardless of where you live. See all of the spotter talks listed here: <a target="_blank" href="https://www.weather.gov/gid/SpotterInformation?fbclid=IwAR3mxkKeSy0KXd9j_C6m9WPGeUuczym7MHY3bSXBNE6smLhiU_EIQovKoyU">https://www.weather.gov/gid/SpotterInformation</a>

Osborne County weather spotter meeting 

Every day, the Red Cross responds to disasters, collects blood and teaches lifesaving skills in the community. To do that, the Red Cross relies on generous volunteers who give their time and talent to help fulfill its lifesaving mission. Ninety percent of the work of the Red Cross is carried out by volunteers. An extensive range of volunteer positions are available—from front-line services to behind-the-scenes duties.

The Red Cross works with potential volunteers to identify the opportunities that fit the individual’s skills, expertise, interest and availability. Volunteering is rewarding and meaningful. It is a chance for people to make a difference in their community by using their knowledge and experiences, while developing new skills.

To find the right opportunity, visit&nbsp;<a href="https://www.redcross.org/volunteer/become-a-volunteer.html" target="_blank">redcross.org/volunteer</a>. All Red Cross volunteers receive an orientation and training after the application process.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/2/1581370670992.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Every day, the Red Cross responds to disasters, collects blood and teaches lifesaving skills in the community. To do that, the Red Cross relies on generous volunteers who give their time and talent to help fulfill its lifesaving mission. Ninety percent of the work of the Red Cross is carried out by volunteers. An extensive range of volunteer positions are available—from front-line services to behind-the-scenes duties.Volunteer opportunities include:<ol>
 <li>Providing food, shelter and comfort for those affected by a disaster</li><li>Teaching a class/training</li><li>Assisting members of the military and their families</li><li>Working at blood drives or delivering lifesaving blood to hospitals</li><li>Assisting with volunteer recruitment, engagement and appreciation</li><li>Supporting public relations, marketing and government relations</li><li>Providing operational support such as answering phones or completing clerical work</li><li>and many more</li>
 </ol>The Red Cross works with potential volunteers to identify the opportunities that fit the individual’s skills, expertise, interest and availability. Volunteering is rewarding and meaningful. It is a chance for people to make a difference in their community by using their knowledge and experiences, while developing new skills.To find the right opportunity, visit&nbsp;<a href="https://www.redcross.org/volunteer/become-a-volunteer.html" target="_blank">redcross.org/volunteer</a>. All Red Cross volunteers receive an orientation and training after the application process.<ol>
 <li>To date,&nbsp;78&nbsp;volunteers from the Kansas/Nebraska/SW Iowa Region have been deployed to&nbsp;14&nbsp;different disasters around the country and world in FY20 (July-present)</li>
 </ol><ol>
 <li>In January, the Red Cross responded to&nbsp;87&nbsp;home fires and floods in&nbsp;48&nbsp;different counties across Kansas, Nebraska and Southwest Iowa, assisting 177 families comprised of 345 people&nbsp;</li>
 </ol><ol>
 <li>To date, the Red Cross has responded to&nbsp;472&nbsp;home fires and floods across&nbsp;110&nbsp;different counties in Kansas, Nebraska and SW Iowa, assisting&nbsp;2,459&nbsp;people in FY20 (July-present)</li>
 </ol>

Volunteer opportunities with the American Red Cross



Join us for the 20th Annual Poetry Contest! Enter and perform a piece of original poetry (contestants must be 16 years of age or older) with prizes awarded to the top 2 winners selected by a panel of judges, with an open mic portion during their deliberation. 

Enter the contest or simply come to enjoy the poetry and an introduction by State Librarian (and previous Director of HPL, Eric Norris! 

Contest instructions will be posted March 1, please contact Abigail Artz at aartz@hayslibrary.org for any questions!



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Join us for the 20th Annual Poetry Contest! Enter and perform a piece of original poetry (contestants must be 16 years of age or older) with prizes awarded to the top 2 winners selected by a panel of judges, with an open mic portion during their deliberation. Enter the contest or simply come to enjoy the poetry and an introduction by State Librarian (and previous Director of HPL, Eric Norris! Contest instructions will be posted March 1, please contact Abigail Artz at aartz@hayslibrary.org for any questions!

HPL poetry contest



Join us on Saturday, February 22, 2020 at 2:00 p.m.&nbsp; for a continuation of an informative history talk by Angela Bates, executive director of the Nicodemus Historical Society. 

  Bates will discuss the Reconstruction Era in Kentucky and how the conditions in Kentucky influenced the migration west to Nicodemus.

For further information contact Nicodemus National Historic Site, 304 Washington Ave., Nicodemus, at 785-839-4233.



Join us on Saturday, February 22, 2020 at 2:00 p.m.&nbsp; for a continuation of an informative history talk by Angela Bates, executive director of the Nicodemus Historical Society. Bates will discuss the Reconstruction Era in Kentucky and how the conditions in Kentucky influenced the migration west to Nicodemus.For further information contact Nicodemus National Historic Site, 304 Washington Ave., Nicodemus, at 785-839-4233.

'Reconstruction in Kentucky' discussion in Nicodemus

Join us for a FREE Day at the Sternberg Museum and learn about the amazing research that is happening under the dome.

Come explore more about 3D scanning fossils, the bat populations of Kansas, research being conducted on the Museum's nature trails, and how looking inside bones tells us how animals grew. 

There will be walk-through tours of the fossil prep lab and the histology research lab, and guided gallery tours explaining how research informs museum exhibits.

At 2 p.m., there will be a reception with the discoverers and donors behind the newest species at the Sternberg Museum: Cretodus houghtonorum! C. houghtonorum is a species of Late Cretaceous shark that was found in Mitchell County, Kansas in 2010. You can read more about this specimen and its story here: <a target="_blank" href="https://l.facebook.com/l.php?u=http%3A%2F%2Foceansofkansas.com%2FCretodus.html%3Ffbclid%3DIwAR1G6uQ5VCM26QmX3EXGDBidcKp8TJz9bdSUsFQfBlu_o5i0j1zJx2V1Dms&amp;h=AT2muqqFVNmWQmHogQPBGOPf6nOWNbGZX070HkT5js5iOay5iQz-4U46U9g0hSeSfpQcufLnQYwpuZ-gyMZDlvowJUMkaRlKslIlqA37uoGTFu4Faj-VMDmcNe_4DJTh2bwD">http://oceansofkansas.com/Cretodus.html</a>.

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 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/2/1581356087389.jpeg" alt="" />
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 </figure>Join us for a FREE Day at the Sternberg Museum and learn about the amazing research that is happening under the dome.Come explore more about 3D scanning fossils, the bat populations of Kansas, research being conducted on the Museum's nature trails, and how looking inside bones tells us how animals grew. There will be walk-through tours of the fossil prep lab and the histology research lab, and guided gallery tours explaining how research informs museum exhibits.At 2 p.m., there will be a reception with the discoverers and donors behind the newest species at the Sternberg Museum: Cretodus houghtonorum! C. houghtonorum is a species of Late Cretaceous shark that was found in Mitchell County, Kansas in 2010. You can read more about this specimen and its story here: <a target="_blank" href="https://l.facebook.com/l.php?u=http%3A%2F%2Foceansofkansas.com%2FCretodus.html%3Ffbclid%3DIwAR1G6uQ5VCM26QmX3EXGDBidcKp8TJz9bdSUsFQfBlu_o5i0j1zJx2V1Dms&amp;h=AT2muqqFVNmWQmHogQPBGOPf6nOWNbGZX070HkT5js5iOay5iQz-4U46U9g0hSeSfpQcufLnQYwpuZ-gyMZDlvowJUMkaRlKslIlqA37uoGTFu4Faj-VMDmcNe_4DJTh2bwD">http://oceansofkansas.com/Cretodus.html</a>.

Darwin Day at Sternberg

Grainfield American Legion, 235 Main St., will be having their monthly Stag &amp; Stagette on Wed., February 26 from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.&nbsp;

  Serving lamb fries, chicken fried steak, mashed potatoes, baked beans, green beans, variety of salads and lots of dessert. 

 Since February 26 is Ash Wednesday they will be adding  fish to the menu that night. 

All this for $15.00, so bring your friends. Everyone welcome.

Grainfield American Legion, 235 Main St., will be having their monthly Stag &amp; Stagette on Wed., February 26 from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.&nbsp; Serving lamb fries, chicken fried steak, mashed potatoes, baked beans, green beans, variety of salads and lots of dessert. Since February 26 is Ash Wednesday they will be adding fish to the menu that night. All this for $15.00, so bring your friends. Everyone welcome.

Grainfield American Legion Stag & Stagette

Who:&nbsp; Girls and Boys in 3rd&nbsp;through 8th&nbsp;grade

Where:&nbsp; TMP, Holy Family Elementary and Kennedy schools in Hays

Entry Deadline:&nbsp; Monday, March 16th.

**For more information contact Rose McFarland 365-0850 or e-mail&nbsp;<a href="mailto:mcfarlandr@tmpmarian.org" target="_blank">mcfarlandr@tmpmarian.org</a>

<a></a>To register your team go online to the following link:&nbsp;<a href="https://tmp-m.org/monarch-3-on-3-basketball-tournament-2/" target="_blank">https://tmp-m.org/monarch-3-on-3-basketball-tournament-2/</a>.

Monarch 3 on 3 Basketball TournamentWho:&nbsp; Girls and Boys in 3rd&nbsp;through 8th&nbsp;gradeWhat:&nbsp; 3 on 3 Basketball TournamentWhen:&nbsp; Saturday, March 21, 2020Where:&nbsp; TMP, Holy Family Elementary and Kennedy schools in HaysFee:&nbsp; $10.00 per playerEntry Deadline:&nbsp; Monday, March 16th.**For more information contact Rose McFarland 365-0850 or e-mail&nbsp;<a href="mailto:mcfarlandr@tmpmarian.org" target="_blank">mcfarlandr@tmpmarian.org</a><a></a>To register your team go online to the following link:&nbsp;<a href="https://tmp-m.org/monarch-3-on-3-basketball-tournament-2/" target="_blank">https://tmp-m.org/monarch-3-on-3-basketball-tournament-2/</a>.

Monarch 3 On 3 Basketball Tourney

HSO Valentine's Concert 

Applications open for summer pool staff at HAP

TMP Pop Singers show this weekend



WILD is a group for school-age youth interested in getting outside and enjoying nature.  Kansas Wetlands Education Center hosts a monthly activity, and are always welcoming new families.

KWEC WILD club will be doing a service project for this month, and then a little fun afterwards as well. 

 Kanopolis State Park has been working hard to get their trails back open after flooding last spring.

On Saturday, February 22, WILD will depart the KWEC parking lot,&nbsp;592 NE K 156 Hwy, Great Bend, at 8:45 a.m.  We will travel to Mushroom Rock State Park and help move driftwood and pick up trash around the creek.  They recommend boots and leather gloves.  Please also bring a sack lunch, water bottle, and a pack to carry at least your water.

After assisting for about 2.5 hours, we will eat our sack lunches and explore the trails.  We will return to KWEC around 3 p.m.  I can haul about 9 people in our KWEC van, others can carpool, follow, or meet us there. 

Please let Mandy Kern, program specialist, know by Thursday, February 13 if you would like to participate.  Email amkern2@fhsu.edu or call 1-877-243-9268.

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WILD is a group for school-age youth interested in getting outside and enjoying nature. Kansas Wetlands Education Center hosts a monthly activity, and are always welcoming new families.KWEC WILD club will be doing a service project for this month, and then a little fun afterwards as well. Kanopolis State Park has been working hard to get their trails back open after flooding last spring.On Saturday, February 22, WILD will depart the KWEC parking lot,&nbsp;592 NE K 156 Hwy, Great Bend, at 8:45 a.m. We will travel to Mushroom Rock State Park and help move driftwood and pick up trash around the creek. They recommend boots and leather gloves. Please also bring a sack lunch, water bottle, and a pack to carry at least your water.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/2/1581099253119.png" alt="Mushroom Rock&nbsp; State Park is one of the 8 Wonders of Kansas Geography." />
 <figcaption>Mushroom Rock&nbsp; State Park is one of the 8 Wonders of Kansas Geography.</figcaption>
 </figure>After assisting for about 2.5 hours, we will eat our sack lunches and explore the trails. We will return to KWEC around 3 p.m. I can haul about 9 people in our KWEC van, others can carpool, follow, or meet us there. Please let Mandy Kern, program specialist, know by Thursday, February 13 if you would like to participate. Email amkern2@fhsu.edu or call 1-877-243-9268.

Kansas WILD at Mushroom Rock State Park

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Weed management workshop



The next performance from the Hays Community Theatre is Picasso at the Lapin Agile.

Comedian Steve Martin's absurd comedy of historical fiction, Picasso at the Lapin Agile, has Albert Einstein and Pablo Picasso meet in a bar in Paris in 1904, the year before Einstein's theory of relativity and Picasso's transition into cubism.

The one-act play has roles for 7 males and 4 females and will be directed by Dante Simmons. 

Hays Community Theatre, 121 E. 8th Street

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The next performance from the Hays Community Theatre is Picasso at the Lapin Agile.Comedian Steve Martin's absurd comedy of historical fiction, Picasso at the Lapin Agile, has Albert Einstein and Pablo Picasso meet in a bar in Paris in 1904, the year before Einstein's theory of relativity and Picasso's transition into cubism.The one-act play has roles for 7 males and 4 females and will be directed by Dante Simmons. Audition Dates:Wednesday, February 19 - 7-9 p.m.Thursday, February 20 - 7-9 p.m.Hays Community Theatre, 121 E. 8th StreetProduction dates: Friday, April 17 at 7 p.m.Saturday, April 18 at 7 p.m.Sunday, April 19 at 2 p.m.Hays Community Theatre, 121 E. 8th Street

Auditions upcoming for next HCT production

Youth Mental Health First Aid offered in Russell 

Ellis Co. Youth Entrepreneurship Challenge

Here is your chance to win some cash! Please let us know if you would like to buy tickets. Thanks for your help in finding a cure!

2. $5 chance to win 1 of 25 prizes on June 5th, must be present at Relay!

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/2/1581026444675.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Here is your chance to win some cash! Please let us know if you would like to buy tickets. Thanks for your help in finding a cure!There are 2 different tickets.1. $20 chance to win cash in March2. $5 chance to win 1 of 25 prizes on June 5th, must be present at Relay!

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