<img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/11/1575045055907.png"> Hays International Travel Club is hosting a Christmas Drop and Shop on Saturday, December 14 from 10 a.m.-7 p.m. at Big Creek Crossing (inside the old Hallmark store). Children ages 2-10 are welcome at attend for fun, crafts, games, pizza (at noon and 5 p.m.) and more! Cost is $20/child for as long as you need to shop! Proceeds go to fund students upcoming trip to Germany, France, and Spain in 2020. Email Lhaynes@usd489.com or jpfannenstiel@usd489.com to reserve your child’s spot. Please inform us of any food allergies. Reservation preferred, drop-ins welcome.

Childcare while you shop offered by Hays International Travel Club

Retirement reception for Ellis Co. Health Services Administrator McCue

HPL Frost Fest activities

<img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/12/1575498483618.jpeg">Join us for dinner at the Horseshoe Bar and Grill, 1002 E. 8th St., Hays, on Tuesday, December 10, 3-11:30 p.m. The Horseshoe will donate 10% of the evenings proceeds to the United Way of Ellis County!

United Way Dine Out Day at the Horseshoe

Ellis Scouts bake sale

The American Legion in Dorrance will host a steak feed on Saturday. Doors open for a social hour at 5:30 p.m., the meal is set for 6:30 p.m. A meal includes a 16oz ribeye with baked potato, corn, green beans and a selection of desserts. Alcoholic beverages will also be available. Meals are $16 or $12 for a half order. Proceeds from the event will benefit the Legion.

Dorrance American Legion to host steak feed

From 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Sunday, the WaKeeney Eagles Lodge will host a fried chicken dinner with sides and ice cream sundaes. Proceeds go to charities and projects of the Eagles Auxiliary. Bring a donation for the holiday food baskets and receive $2 off the meal price. Everyone is welcome.

WaKeeney Eagles Lodge Fried Chicken Dinner

“Cover Crops – Do they Pay?” is the title of three workshops which will be led by Doug Peterson, a regional soil health specialist for Missouri and Iowa; and Candy Thomas, regional soil health specialist for Kansas and Nebraska. Workshop locations: Sign-in begins at 8:30 and the session will run from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. at each location.December 9, 2019, Landoll Lanes Meeting Room, 2005 Center ST, Marysville, KS.&nbsp;December 10, 2019, Salina Polytechnic Campus Conference Room (KSU) 2310 Centennial, Salina, KSDecember 11, 2019, Anderson Building, Lyon County Fairgrounds, 2700 US – 50 Emporia, KS&nbsp;&nbsp; Kansas Grazing Lands Coalition, KGLC, is sponsoring the series of workshops in Marysville, Salina and Emporia for regional ranchers and cow/calf operations.&nbsp;Please register online at <a href="http://kglc.org/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">kglc.org</a> by clicking on the appropriate workshop location and filling in your name and information, before December 5, 2019.&nbsp;Cost is $20 and lunch, refreshments and handouts will be provided. RSVP’s are requested and vital for meal planning.&nbsp;&nbsp; Featured Presenters: Doug Peterson - Peterson has been an NRCS employee for over 30 years. He is a Regional Soil Health Specialist for Missouri and Iowa teaching producers how soil health impacts virtually all, natural resource processes. Doug also operates a cow/calf and contract grazing operation where they utilize Holistic High Density Grazing to improve soil health while eliminating the need for most purchased fertilizer and harvested forages.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Candy Thomas - Candy has been with NRCS since 1994 and is now the Regional Soil Health Specialist for Kansas and Nebraska. Thomas provides agronomic advice on soil health indicators, cover crops, water quality resource issues,&nbsp;Erosion control, and training in conservation planning and management systems.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Agenda:&nbsp;Cover Crops...Do They Pay?8:30 a. m. Registration9:00 -9:15 a.m. Introductions -Candy Thomas and Doug Peterson,NRCS Regional Soil Specialists9:15 -10:20 a.m. Soil Health Introduction -Doug Peterson10:20 a.m. Break10:45 -11:45 a.m. C:N Ratios and Nutrient Cycling-Candy Thomas11:45 -12:30 p.m. Lunch12:30 - 2:00 p.m. Economics of Soil Health and Case Studies – Doug and Candy2:00 p.m. Break2:15 - 3:15 p.m. Importance of Range Land HealthCandy Thomas and Doug Peterson3:15 p.m. Questions and closing discussion Mary Howell, <a href="mailto:mary@kglc.org" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">mary@kglc.org</a>, is coordinating the workshops.

Cover Crops – Do They Pay?

Ugly Sweater Bingo Night will raise funds for Alzheimer's awareness

<img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/12/1575396516309.jpeg">For more information contact Douglas Storie, VSR, Kansas Commission on Veterans Affairs, 205 E. 7th, Suite 107, Hays, KS 67601 or call 785-259-0364 or e-mail doug.storie@ks.gov.

Veteran Service Rep December schedule

EPD Chief Yates retirement party 

Dive into a bowl of soup for Ellis Pool Project

FHSU student scientists explain how the Grinch stole Christmas

The Ellis Knights of Columbus will sponsor a fried chicken dinner Sunday, Dec. 8 from a.m. to 1 p.m., or until the chicken runs out. The menu includes fried chicken, mashed potatoes, gravy, vegetables, coleslaw and dessert. The Knights Hall in Ellis is located at 1012 Washington Street.&nbsp;

Ellis K of C fried chicken dinner Dec. 8

🎤'Surviving to thriving' workshop addresses women in agriculture

<img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/12/1575303810042.jpeg">KDWPT PRATT — The Kansas Department of Wildlife, Parks, and Tourism (KDWPT) is accepting proposals for the Chickadee Checkoff Small Grants Program through January 1, 2020. Grant recipients may use the funds to carry out projects focused on wildlife diversity and native non-game wildlife species, while addressing the issues and strategies within the Kansas State Wildlife Action Plan. Since 1980, Chickadee Checkoff has funded a wide variety of educational, research-based, and habitat projects, as well as the monitoring of non-game wildlife and habitats. By making small grants available, KDWPT can utilize the talents and expertise of people outside of the department to further Kansas’ conservation efforts. The diverse projects completed as a result of this program have led to numerous publications in scientific journals, educational products, and new information on native non-game wildlife species and their habitats. Interested parties have until January 1, 2020 to turn in a completed grant proposal.For program information, including eligibility requirements and to view a list of priority projects for 2020, download the grant guidance documentat&nbsp;<a href="http://ksoutdoors.com/Services/Wildlife-Diversity/Chickadee-Checkoff/Chickadee-Checkoff-Small-Grants-Program" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 153);">http://ksoutdoors.com/Services/Wildlife-Diversity/Chickadee-Checkoff/Chickadee-Checkoff-Small-Grants-Program</a>.

Chickadee Checkoff grant proposals program open

Hays CVB: December events in Hays

Habitat for Humanity ReStore open additional hours

<img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/12/1575298265730.jpeg"> Deines Cultural Center’s first Art + Brunch, 11:30 a.m. December 8 at the Deines Cultural Center, 820 N. Main, Russell. Join us for delicious food catered by The Press, trivia with prizes for the winners, and of course, art. Y our $25 brunch ticket also includes a 2020 membership to the Friends of the Deines. Being a member helps keep art alive in Russell and fund programs and events like the Ad Astra Music Festival. Members receive postcards and emails on upcoming events, and discounts on classes and workshops. Call 785-483-3742 or email deinescenter@russellcity.org.

Deines Art & Brunch Dec. 8

Dine Out Day for Kids to benefit Hays ARC Park

<img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/11/1575048178417.jpeg">The Christmas tree at Nicodemus National Historic Site is fashioned from a tumble weed. NICODEMUS - The <a href="https://www.facebook.com/NicodemusNPS/?eid=ARBwt-54zSNM5EfQZtlXwV7ZJw4vHeZMpSNlnnrHT0W_D3pznnYoxvbqoUZUfrmLVJxeAcQlgzhjvkTG" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(75, 79, 86);">Nicodemus National Historic Site</a> annual Christmas program will bring back a tradition the first settlers practiced in their early years. The settlers used tumble weeds as Christmas trees since trees were not available on the plains in 1877. The Christmas program will include decorating a large tumble weed Christmas tree, and short children’s play adapted from Angela Bates’ children book - ‘The Adventures of Nicodemus Annie: The First Christmas Nicodemus 1877. The program will take place Sat., Dec. 7, 12-4 p.m., in the Visitor's Center, 304 Washington Ave., Nicodemus, and all are welcome to attend.

Nicodemus 'Tumble Weed' Christmas tree trimming

<img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/11/1575045055907.png">Hays International Travel Club is hosting a Christmas Drop and Shop on Saturday, November 30 and Saturday, December 14 from 10 a.m.-7 p.m. at Big Creek Crossing (inside the old Hallmark store). Children ages 2-10 are welcome at attend for fun, crafts, games, pizza (at noon and 5 p.m.) and more! Cost is $20/child for as long as you need to shop! Proceeds go to fund students upcoming trip to Germany, France, and Spain in 2020. Email Lhaynes@usd489.com or jpfannenstiel@usd489.com to reserve your child’s spot. Please inform us of any food allergies. Reservation preferred, drop-ins welcome.

Christmas Drop and Shop offered by Hays International Travel Club

<img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/11/1575044135053.jpeg"> Teaming Up For Tots will once again collect gifts to provide for less fortunate families in Ellis County.&nbsp; Angel names can be picked up at Walmart, Big Creek Crossing, and First Kansas Bank in Hays.&nbsp; Angel gifts may be dropped off at Walmart, Maurices, or the Paisley Pear in Hays.&nbsp; All gifts must be returned by December 11.&nbsp; Thank you so much for supporting your community!&nbsp;

Teaming Up For Tots angel names available 

'The Longest Night' candlelight service

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