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 </figure>Submitted

Ellis Knights of Columbus host free Thanksgiving Day meal

Cattleman’s Café, 1230 E. 27th, Hays, will once again offer a free sit-down turkey dinner from 10:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Thanksgiving Day.

No reservations or pre-orders will be taken; it is first-come, first-served until the food runs out, a news release said.

A slice of pumpkin pie will be $1. Water will come with the meal, but other drinks will be $2.99 each. 

To-go meals through the drive-thru will be $5 each.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/10/1635350563626.jpeg" alt="Photo by Unsplash" />
 <figcaption>Photo by Unsplash</figcaption>
 </figure>SubmittedCattleman’s Café, 1230 E. 27th, Hays, will once again offer a free sit-down turkey dinner from 10:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Thanksgiving Day.No reservations or pre-orders will be taken; it is first-come, first-served until the food runs out, a news release said.A slice of pumpkin pie will be $1. Water will come with the meal, but other drinks will be $2.99 each. To-go meals through the drive-thru will be $5 each.

Free Thanksgiving turkey dinner offered by Cattleman's Cafe in Hays

The Hays Eagle Media Center business office, 2300 Hall, will be closed on Friday, Nov. 28.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/8/1754488936409.png" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure>Eagle MediaThe Hays Eagle Media Center business office, 2300 Hall, will be closed on Friday, Nov. 28.

Eagle Media Center business office to close Friday, Nov. 28

By LINN ANN HUNTINGTON Special to Hays Post

The Hays Symphony Orchestra invites the community to “a night of orchestral carols and holiday cheer” at its annual “ringing in” of the holiday season.

The free “Poinsettia Pops Concert” will take place at 7:30 p.m. Friday, Dec. 5, at Beach-Schmidt Performing Arts Center. Ken Windholz, who teaches in the Psychology Department at Fort Hays State University, will be the special guest emcee.

“The symphony this year is partnering with the local chapter of Toys For Tots&nbsp;to bring children in need across Ellis County the joy of receiving gifts this holiday season,” the symphony’s website said.

“Please consider bringing new toys or other gifts,&nbsp;such as books, board/card games, arts and crafts kits, sports equipment, and personal items (hairbrushes, makeup, hair accessories, etc.) to be dropped off in the lobby” at the concert, the website said.

Among the traditional pieces scheduled to be performed are “Carol of the Bells,” “Sleigh Ride,” and “Greensleeves.”

The symphony is directed by Ben Cline, professor of cello and bass and chair of the Music and Theatre Department at FHSU. A post-concert reception is being sponsored by Great Plains Dermatology.

Free tickets are available at <a href="https://www.hayssymphony.org/">hayssymphony.org</a>.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/11/1763739873641.png" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure>By LINN ANN HUNTINGTON Special to Hays PostThe Hays Symphony Orchestra invites the community to “a night of orchestral carols and holiday cheer” at its annual “ringing in” of the holiday season.The free “Poinsettia Pops Concert” will take place at 7:30 p.m. Friday, Dec. 5, at Beach-Schmidt Performing Arts Center. Ken Windholz, who teaches in the Psychology Department at Fort Hays State University, will be the special guest emcee.“The symphony this year is partnering with the local chapter of Toys For Tots&nbsp;to bring children in need across Ellis County the joy of receiving gifts this holiday season,” the symphony’s website said.“Please consider bringing new toys or other gifts,&nbsp;such as books, board/card games, arts and crafts kits, sports equipment, and personal items (hairbrushes, makeup, hair accessories, etc.) to be dropped off in the lobby” at the concert, the website said.Among the traditional pieces scheduled to be performed are “Carol of the Bells,” “Sleigh Ride,” and “Greensleeves.”The symphony is directed by Ben Cline, professor of cello and bass and chair of the Music and Theatre Department at FHSU. A post-concert reception is being sponsored by Great Plains Dermatology.Free tickets are available at <a href="https://www.hayssymphony.org/">hayssymphony.org</a>.

Hays Symphony ‘Poinsettia Pops Concert' is Dec. 5; partnering with Toys for Tots

The Teen Advisory Board has put together Winter Kits that are available to anyone who wants one.

They include a hat, gloves and other items to help keep warm this winter. 

<a href="https://www.facebook.com/womenwholead.org?__cft__[0]=AZVHVjjSgs2tvU-HoKElbTVBkrFfwNl0ol8q-MxzTafibt8Oea1StEYagzMBDa0o1qSSKaTg9P37KevGSpOqQWEFiLRmpALdy_kCI0UjIEtqiF58NPcsSCaSRZMSnHXLNB2N5jWwZ2l1c2nLmZ9Vnot9&amp;__tn__=-]K-R">Women Who Lead</a>&nbsp;donated to this project.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/11/1764020743266.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Hays Public LibraryThe Teen Advisory Board has put together Winter Kits that are available to anyone who wants one.They include a hat, gloves and other items to help keep warm this winter. <a href="https://www.facebook.com/womenwholead.org?__cft__[0]=AZVHVjjSgs2tvU-HoKElbTVBkrFfwNl0ol8q-MxzTafibt8Oea1StEYagzMBDa0o1qSSKaTg9P37KevGSpOqQWEFiLRmpALdy_kCI0UjIEtqiF58NPcsSCaSRZMSnHXLNB2N5jWwZ2l1c2nLmZ9Vnot9&amp;__tn__=-]K-R">Women Who Lead</a>&nbsp;donated to this project.

Winter kits free at Hays Public Library thanks to Youth Advisory Council

A culvert replacement project will take place in the 1400 block of Grants Villa Road starting today.

This area will be closed to traffic until the project is completed.  If you are traveling through the affected closure area, use alternate routes until the work is complete.

It is expected to be finished Friday, Dec. 12, pending weather conditions.  If you have any questions, please call Road and Bridge at 785-628-9455.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/10/1761504126424.jpg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>A culvert replacement project will take place in the 1400 block of Grants Villa Road starting today.This area will be closed to traffic until the project is completed. If you are traveling through the affected closure area, use alternate routes until the work is complete.It is expected to be finished Friday, Dec. 12, pending weather conditions. If you have any questions, please call Road and Bridge at 785-628-9455.

Portion of Grant Villa Road closed for culvert repair

Grow Hays<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/11/1763743854716.jpeg" alt="Grow Hays" />
 <figcaption>Grow Hays</figcaption>
 </figure>

Grow Hays to offer local look at 2025 in review; public invited 

City of Hays offices will be closed on Thursday, November 27, 2025, and Friday, November 28, 2025, in celebration of the Thanksgiving 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 on Thursday, November 27, 2025, and Friday, November 28, 2025, in celebration of the Thanksgiving Day holiday.

Hays city offices closed Thursday, Friday for Thanksgiving

Due to the Thanksgiving holiday on Thursday, November 27 and Friday, November 28 there will be changes to the Hays refuse and recycling pick up schedule. 

Monday, November 24, pick up will not change. Tuesday and Wednesday routes will both be picked up on Tuesday, November 25, and Thursday and Friday routes will both be picked up on Wednesday, November 26.

It is anticipated that heavy volumes of refuse/recyclable will be encountered around the holidays. Please be sure to set your bags out by 7:00 a.m. on the collection day and keep in mind that the trucks have no set time schedule.

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

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/11/1605721681274.jpeg" alt="File photo/Hays Post" />
 <figcaption>File photo/Hays Post</figcaption>
 </figure>City of HaysDue to the Thanksgiving holiday on Thursday, November 27 and Friday, November 28 there will be changes to the Hays refuse and recycling pick up schedule. Monday, November 24, pick up will not change. Tuesday and Wednesday routes will both be picked up on Tuesday, November 25, and Thursday and Friday routes will both be picked up on Wednesday, November 26.It is anticipated that heavy volumes of refuse/recyclable will be encountered around the holidays. Please be sure to set your bags out by 7:00 a.m. on the collection day and keep in mind that the trucks have no set time schedule.City of Hays customers that may have any questions regarding this notice should contact the Solid Waste Division of the Public Works Department at 785-628-7350.

Hays refuse/recycling schedule changes for Thanksgiving holiday

Government surplus commodities will be distributed in Hays at&nbsp;Unite Free Shelves (inside The Gamers Guild), 200 E. 8th Street in Hays, on Tuesday, Nov. 25 from 7:30 a.m. to 9 a.m.

Commodities will be distributed on a first-come-first-serve basis until we run out.&nbsp;Doors will not open until 7:30 a.m.

To be eligible for commodities, your household's total monthly income must be below:

$2,413&nbsp; &nbsp;Household of one $3,261&nbsp; &nbsp;Household of two $4,109&nbsp; Household of three $4,957&nbsp;&nbsp;Household of four $5,805&nbsp;&nbsp;Household of five $6,653&nbsp; Household of six $7,501&nbsp; &nbsp;Household of seven $8,349&nbsp;&nbsp;Household of eight

*Add&nbsp;&nbsp;$848&nbsp;for each additional family member after eight

Commodities included in this distribution are anticipated to be applesauce, pinto beans, canned peas, canned pears, canned peaches, dehydrated potato flakes, canned chicken, ground beef, chicken drumsticks, refried beans, v-peas, hazelnuts, and blended cheese.&nbsp;

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

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/6/1592580255349.png" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure>SubmittedGovernment surplus commodities will be distributed in Hays at&nbsp;Unite Free Shelves (inside The Gamers Guild), 200 E. 8th Street in Hays, on Tuesday, Nov. 25 from 7:30 a.m. to 9 a.m.Commodities will be distributed on a first-come-first-serve basis until we run out.&nbsp;Doors will not open until 7:30 a.m.To be eligible for commodities, your household's total monthly income must be below:$2,413&nbsp; &nbsp;Household of one $3,261&nbsp; &nbsp;Household of two $4,109&nbsp; Household of three $4,957&nbsp;&nbsp;Household of four $5,805&nbsp;&nbsp;Household of five $6,653&nbsp; Household of six $7,501&nbsp; &nbsp;Household of seven $8,349&nbsp;&nbsp;Household of eight*Add&nbsp;&nbsp;$848&nbsp;for each additional family member after eightCommodities included in this distribution are anticipated to be applesauce, pinto beans, canned peas, canned pears, canned peaches, dehydrated potato flakes, canned chicken, ground beef, chicken drumsticks, refried beans, v-peas, hazelnuts, and blended cheese.&nbsp;Future commodity distribution times will be posted at:&nbsp;(<a target="_blank" href="http://unitehays.com/index.php/hays-commodity-distribution/">https://unitehays.com/index.php/hays-commodity-distribution/</a>)https://www.emprisebank.com/&nbsp;&nbsp;

Government surplus commodities to be distributed in Hays on Nov. 25

Please be advised that beginning Monday, November 24, 2025, the 100 block of West 6th Street in Hays will be closed from Fort Street to Main Street for approximately three days for sewer line repair. 

Traffic control devices will be set in areas of work being completed. 

The City of Hays regrets any inconvenience this may cause the public. If there are any questions, please call the Water Resources Department at 785-628-7380.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/5/1621458743066.jpeg" alt="File photo/Hays Post" />
 <figcaption>File photo/Hays Post</figcaption>
 </figure>City of HaysPlease be advised that beginning Monday, November 24, 2025, the 100 block of West 6th Street in Hays will be closed from Fort Street to Main Street for approximately three days for sewer line repair. Traffic control devices will be set in areas of work being completed. The City of Hays regrets any inconvenience this may cause the public. If there are any questions, please call the Water Resources Department at 785-628-7380.

Portion of W. 6th Street in Hays to close for sewer line repair

Submitted<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/11/1763488366752.png" alt="Victoria Community Coalition" />
 <figcaption>Victoria Community Coalition</figcaption>
 </figure>

Victoria Community Coalition presents annual Holiday Home Tours

A long-time campus tradition is coming up to celebrate the holiday season at&nbsp;Fort Hays State University.&nbsp;President Mason will kick this event off, followed by multiple speakers, including this year’s Homecoming King and Queen, prior to the lighting of the tree.

The holiday tree-lighting ceremony will be in front of Sheridan Hall. The event&nbsp;is&nbsp;open to the public&nbsp;and will begin at&nbsp;5 p.m. on Tuesday, Dec. 2. &nbsp;

A variety of activities will follow the tree lighting, including "glice skating", carriage rides, cookies and hot cocoa from SGA, caroling, and a Christmas scavenger hunt to get an FHSU beanie. Visit Santa’s workshop to write letters to Santa, play games, and make Christmas crafts.&nbsp;

The event is sponsored by several FHSU offices: the Office of Student Engagement, the Office of the President, and the Student Government Association.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/11/1763489909748.jpeg" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure>FHSU University CommunictionsA long-time campus tradition is coming up to celebrate the holiday season at&nbsp;Fort Hays State University.&nbsp;President Mason will kick this event off, followed by multiple speakers, including this year’s Homecoming King and Queen, prior to the lighting of the tree.The holiday tree-lighting ceremony will be in front of Sheridan Hall. The event&nbsp;is&nbsp;open to the public&nbsp;and will begin at&nbsp;5 p.m. on Tuesday, Dec. 2. &nbsp;A variety of activities will follow the tree lighting, including "glice skating", carriage rides, cookies and hot cocoa from SGA, caroling, and a Christmas scavenger hunt to get an FHSU beanie. Visit Santa’s workshop to write letters to Santa, play games, and make Christmas crafts.&nbsp;The event is sponsored by several FHSU offices: the Office of Student Engagement, the Office of the President, and the Student Government Association.&nbsp;

FHSU Christmas tree lighting celebration is Dec. 2; public invited

The Rush County Historical Society and Kansas Barbed Wire Museum will&nbsp; once again be hosting the annual Old-Fashioned Christmas on Friday, Nov. 28, from 5:00-8:00 p.m. at the museum complex in La Crosse. 

Visitors can browse the five unique museums beautifully decorated for the holidays: the Historical Museum in the 19th Century Timken Depot; the Post Rock Museum, one of the seven wonders of Kansas Customs; the Nekoma Bank Museum, a restored 1916 rural bank; the Pleasant Point School Museum; and nationally recognized Kansas Barbed Wire Museum. 

Visitors can enjoy hot cider, homemade cookies, roast marshmallows over an open fire, and enjoy Kansas-grown popcorn. There will also be a special project for the kids in the one-room school, and other special displays throughout the complex.

Santa Claus will arrive at 5:30 on the firetruck and have a special gift for the kids. The Rush County Sheriff’s Office will help out Santa by handing out the candy sacks to the kids in front of the bank museum. For kids of all ages, La Crosse Fire District #4 will be serving hot dogs, hot chocolate, or water. Rush County EMS will be helping with the kids crafts.

Events begin at 5:00 p.m., Friday, November 28 at the museum campus on the south edge of La Crosse on West First Street. 

To ease congestion, visitors are asked to park north of the creek on Third Street across the bridge. Visitors can access the complex by the footbridge in the park. Persons with mobility issues are welcome to park in the museum parking lot.

All events are free and open to the public. 

For more information, visit the Rush County Historical Society on Facebook, on the web at <a href="https://www.rushcounty.org/RCHS/">www.rushcounty.org/RCHS</a> or call 785-222-2808.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/11/1763485395407.jpeg" alt="The annual Old-Fashioned Christmas will be held on Friday, Nov. 28, at the museum complex in La Crosse. Courtesy photo" />
 <figcaption>The annual Old-Fashioned Christmas will be held on Friday, Nov. 28, at the museum complex in La Crosse. Courtesy photo</figcaption>
 </figure>La CrosseThe Rush County Historical Society and Kansas Barbed Wire Museum will&nbsp; once again be hosting the annual Old-Fashioned Christmas on Friday, Nov. 28, from 5:00-8:00 p.m. at the museum complex in La Crosse. Visitors can browse the five unique museums beautifully decorated for the holidays: the Historical Museum in the 19th Century Timken Depot; the Post Rock Museum, one of the seven wonders of Kansas Customs; the Nekoma Bank Museum, a restored 1916 rural bank; the Pleasant Point School Museum; and nationally recognized Kansas Barbed Wire Museum. Visitors can enjoy hot cider, homemade cookies, roast marshmallows over an open fire, and enjoy Kansas-grown popcorn. There will also be a special project for the kids in the one-room school, and other special displays throughout the complex.Santa Claus will arrive at 5:30 on the firetruck and have a special gift for the kids. The Rush County Sheriff’s Office will help out Santa by handing out the candy sacks to the kids in front of the bank museum. For kids of all ages, La Crosse Fire District #4 will be serving hot dogs, hot chocolate, or water. Rush County EMS will be helping with the kids crafts.Events begin at 5:00 p.m., Friday, November 28 at the museum campus on the south edge of La Crosse on West First Street. To ease congestion, visitors are asked to park north of the creek on Third Street across the bridge. Visitors can access the complex by the footbridge in the park. Persons with mobility issues are welcome to park in the museum parking lot.All events are free and open to the public. For more information, visit the Rush County Historical Society on Facebook, on the web at <a href="https://www.rushcounty.org/RCHS/">www.rushcounty.org/RCHS</a> or call 785-222-2808.

La Crosse hosts annual Old-Fashioned Christmas Nov. 28 at museum complex

Lovegrass Music Festival Association

We’re kicking off our&nbsp;Giving Tuesday fundraising&nbsp;with something truly special — a chance to win a&nbsp;custom $5,000 Triggs electric guitar, handcrafted right here in Kansas by luthier&nbsp;Jim Triggs.&nbsp;&nbsp;Learn more about the guitar and the luthier in the video&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://lovegrassmusicfestival.com/so/02PgNOIbV/c?w=8oa0vJATXhISyW4qSM8-POPuzOvMyp-dK6bOkqV12kA.eyJ1IjoiaHR0cHM6Ly95b3V0dS5iZS80N0hFckdwblVCbyIsInIiOiIiLCJtIjoibWFpbCIsImMiOiIwYjg3MTdiNC1kNWZlLTQzZjQtOWI4Ni1hODQzMDBiNDNlNGUifQ">HERE</a>.

This stunning instrument features a rich burgundy finish, gold hardware, and classic P-90 style pickups. It’s a showpiece&nbsp;and&nbsp;a player’s dream — and it could be yours.

Raffle starts TODAY! <a href="https://skopos.wufoo.com/forms/lovegrasstriggs-guitar-raffle">Enter here. </a>

Every ticket supports the&nbsp;free, community-focused programming&nbsp;of the Lovegrass Music Festival. Winner announced after Giving Tuesday.

Your support helps keep Lovegrass&nbsp;free for everyone, including workshops, concerts, bluegrass education, and year-round community outreach.

Thank you for lifting up rural Kansas through music and art!

For more, go to <a href="https://www.lovegrassmusicfestival.com/">lovegrassmusicfestival.com</a>.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/11/1763485947149.jpeg" alt="Win this&nbsp;Triggs electric guitar, handcrafted right here in Kansas by luthier Jim Triggs. Courtesy photo" />
 <figcaption>Win this&nbsp;Triggs electric guitar, handcrafted right here in Kansas by luthier Jim Triggs. Courtesy photo</figcaption>
 </figure>Lovegrass Music Festival AssociationWe’re kicking off our&nbsp;Giving Tuesday fundraising&nbsp;with something truly special — a chance to win a&nbsp;custom $5,000 Triggs electric guitar, handcrafted right here in Kansas by luthier&nbsp;Jim Triggs.&nbsp;&nbsp;Learn more about the guitar and the luthier in the video&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://lovegrassmusicfestival.com/so/02PgNOIbV/c?w=8oa0vJATXhISyW4qSM8-POPuzOvMyp-dK6bOkqV12kA.eyJ1IjoiaHR0cHM6Ly95b3V0dS5iZS80N0hFckdwblVCbyIsInIiOiIiLCJtIjoibWFpbCIsImMiOiIwYjg3MTdiNC1kNWZlLTQzZjQtOWI4Ni1hODQzMDBiNDNlNGUifQ">HERE</a>.This stunning instrument features a rich burgundy finish, gold hardware, and classic P-90 style pickups. It’s a showpiece&nbsp;and&nbsp;a player’s dream — and it could be yours.Raffle starts TODAY! <a href="https://skopos.wufoo.com/forms/lovegrasstriggs-guitar-raffle">Enter here. </a>Every ticket supports the&nbsp;free, community-focused programming&nbsp;of the Lovegrass Music Festival. Winner announced after Giving Tuesday.Your support helps keep Lovegrass&nbsp;free for everyone, including workshops, concerts, bluegrass education, and year-round community outreach.Thank you for lifting up rural Kansas through music and art!For more, go to <a href="https://www.lovegrassmusicfestival.com/">lovegrassmusicfestival.com</a>.

Handcrafted Triggs electric guitar raffle supports Lovegrass Music Festival

Families needing a little help in purchasing Christmas gifts for their children this year can find that help at the Salvation Army office in Ellis County. There are no income requirements, said Laura Allen, Service Extension Ellis County coordinator.

The Salvation Army is accepting Angel Tree gift applications from families through Monday, Nov. 24. Applications may be picked up and returned to the Salvation Army office in the Hadley Center, 204 E. Seventh St., Suite A.

Allen said, “Please slide completed applications under the door from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday.”

The Salvation Army accepts gift requests for children ages infant to 18 years of age. Last year the agency served 112 children, Allen said.

Once she has received an application, Allen places a gift tag request for that child on the Angel Tree, which is located at Fuzzy’s Tacos, 4310 Vine St. The gift tag requests started going on the tree on Wednesday, Nov. 19.

People are asked to take the gift tag for a specific child, purchase the gift(s) and return the tag and the gift(s) unwrapped either to Fuzzy’s or to the Salvation Army office.

Gifts need to be returned by Monday, Dec. 15. That way, Allen said, volunteers have time to purchase additional gifts as needed. Sometimes not all gift tags are taken, she added.

Families will pick up the gifts Thursday and Friday, Dec. 18 and 19, in the Hadley Center Conference Room.

Her office is also accepting donations of wrapping paper in a box outside her office. That wrapping paper then goes to families who need it, she said.

This Christmas gift project is one of the things she loves most about her job, Allen said.

“There is no reason for parents to worry about not being able to buy gifts, and all kids deserve gifts on Christmas. Knowing that the volunteers who help and the people who donate gifts have worked together to make gifts possible is one of my favorite things.”

More information is available from Allen at&nbsp;<a href="mailto:laura.allen@usc.salvationarmy.org">laura.allen@usc.salvationarmy.org</a>&nbsp;or (785) 621-2794.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/11/1763636013732.jpeg" alt="Photo by Pixabay" />
 <figcaption>Photo by Pixabay</figcaption>
 </figure>By LINN ANN HUNTINGTON Special to Hays PostFamilies needing a little help in purchasing Christmas gifts for their children this year can find that help at the Salvation Army office in Ellis County. There are no income requirements, said Laura Allen, Service Extension Ellis County coordinator.The Salvation Army is accepting Angel Tree gift applications from families through Monday, Nov. 24. Applications may be picked up and returned to the Salvation Army office in the Hadley Center, 204 E. Seventh St., Suite A.Allen said, “Please slide completed applications under the door from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday.”The Salvation Army accepts gift requests for children ages infant to 18 years of age. Last year the agency served 112 children, Allen said.Once she has received an application, Allen places a gift tag request for that child on the Angel Tree, which is located at Fuzzy’s Tacos, 4310 Vine St. The gift tag requests started going on the tree on Wednesday, Nov. 19.People are asked to take the gift tag for a specific child, purchase the gift(s) and return the tag and the gift(s) unwrapped either to Fuzzy’s or to the Salvation Army office.Gifts need to be returned by Monday, Dec. 15. That way, Allen said, volunteers have time to purchase additional gifts as needed. Sometimes not all gift tags are taken, she added.Families will pick up the gifts Thursday and Friday, Dec. 18 and 19, in the Hadley Center Conference Room.Her office is also accepting donations of wrapping paper in a box outside her office. That wrapping paper then goes to families who need it, she said.This Christmas gift project is one of the things she loves most about her job, Allen said.“There is no reason for parents to worry about not being able to buy gifts, and all kids deserve gifts on Christmas. Knowing that the volunteers who help and the people who donate gifts have worked together to make gifts possible is one of my favorite things.”More information is available from Allen at&nbsp;<a href="mailto:laura.allen@usc.salvationarmy.org">laura.allen@usc.salvationarmy.org</a>&nbsp;or (785) 621-2794.&nbsp;

Ellis County Salvation Army offers Christmas help to families with children 

Ken Pfeifer Salvage, Hays, will be closed on Monday, Nov. 24 for a family funeral.

They will re-open on Tuesday, Nov. 25 at 8 a.m.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/11/1763657486152.jpeg" alt="Image by Pixabay" />
 <figcaption>Image by Pixabay</figcaption>
 </figure>SubmittedKen Pfeifer Salvage, Hays, will be closed on Monday, Nov. 24 for a family funeral.They will re-open on Tuesday, Nov. 25 at 8 a.m.

Ken Pfeifer Salvage closed on Monday

The Hays Optimists will not sell Christmas trees this year.

<a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/ec7c6f93-727f-4b96-a51e-72192ad36e4f">The group disbanded as of this year and gave its remaining funds to the Heartland Community Foundation.</a>

The former group members urge you to continue to support other service orgnaizations in the community.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/6/1751016168930.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>The Hays Optimists will not sell Christmas trees this year.<a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/ec7c6f93-727f-4b96-a51e-72192ad36e4f">The group disbanded as of this year and gave its remaining funds to the Heartland Community Foundation.</a>The former group members urge you to continue to support other service orgnaizations in the community.

Hays Optimists will not have Christmas trees this year

COLBY — Coming to Hoxie High School auditorium Sunday, Nov. 23 at 3 p.m., the next Western Plains Arts Association (WPAA) program will feature Carl Acuff Jr. with the music of Glen Campbell.

&nbsp;You are also invited to a short Question and Answer session after the show ends for all those who would like to participate.

Admission to the show can be purchased at the door or by WPAA season tickets.&nbsp;

 We would like to thank all the area sponsors. This project is generously funded by Mid-America Arts Alliance, the National Endowment for the Arts, and the state arts agencies of Arkansas, Kansas, Missouri, Nebraska, Oklahoma, and Texas. Also the Sheridan County Community Foundation along with Dane G. Hansen Foundation are helping fund this project. And sponsored in part by the state of Kansas through the Kansas Arts&nbsp; Commission and the National Endowment for the Arts.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Glen Campbell spent five decades entertaining audiences all over the world.&nbsp; He was an American treasure whose songs and dazzling showmanship shot him to superstardom in the 1960s.

Glen's hits included songs like: "Gentle On My Mind", "By The Time I Get To Phoenix", "The Wichita Lineman", "Dreams of an Everyday Housewife", "Galveston", "Rhinestone Cowboy", and "Southern Nights." During his 50 years in the music business, Campbell released more than 70 albums.&nbsp;&nbsp;

After Glen's death in August of 2017 fellow musician and entertainer in his own right, Carl Acuff Jr. along with a notable group of musicians decided to put together a tribute show to this entertainment legend featuring his wonderful catalog of music.&nbsp; With Glen's original arrangements and charts provided to the group by Mr. TJ Kuenster they are as close as you can come to the real deal. Therefore, The Wichita Lineman show was born.&nbsp;

For your information, Highway 23 south of Hoxie is now open.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/11/1763491777394.png" alt="Carl Acuff Jr. Courtesy photo" />
 <figcaption>Carl Acuff Jr. Courtesy photo</figcaption>
 </figure>SubmittedCOLBY — Coming to Hoxie High School auditorium Sunday, Nov. 23 at 3 p.m., the next Western Plains Arts Association (WPAA) program will feature Carl Acuff Jr. with the music of Glen Campbell.&nbsp;You are also invited to a short Question and Answer session after the show ends for all those who would like to participate.Admission to the show can be purchased at the door or by WPAA season tickets.&nbsp; We would like to thank all the area sponsors. This project is generously funded by Mid-America Arts Alliance, the National Endowment for the Arts, and the state arts agencies of Arkansas, Kansas, Missouri, Nebraska, Oklahoma, and Texas. Also the Sheridan County Community Foundation along with Dane G. Hansen Foundation are helping fund this project. And sponsored in part by the state of Kansas through the Kansas Arts&nbsp; Commission and the National Endowment for the Arts.&nbsp;&nbsp;Glen Campbell spent five decades entertaining audiences all over the world.&nbsp; He was an American treasure whose songs and dazzling showmanship shot him to superstardom in the 1960s.Glen's hits included songs like: "Gentle On My Mind", "By The Time I Get To Phoenix", "The Wichita Lineman", "Dreams of an Everyday Housewife", "Galveston", "Rhinestone Cowboy", and "Southern Nights." During his 50 years in the music business, Campbell released more than 70 albums.&nbsp;&nbsp;After Glen's death in August of 2017 fellow musician and entertainer in his own right, Carl Acuff Jr. along with a notable group of musicians decided to put together a tribute show to this entertainment legend featuring his wonderful catalog of music.&nbsp; With Glen's original arrangements and charts provided to the group by Mr. TJ Kuenster they are as close as you can come to the real deal. Therefore, The Wichita Lineman show was born.&nbsp;For your information, Highway 23 south of Hoxie is now open.

WPAA concert features Carl Acuff Jr. with music of Glen Campbell

DODGE CITY — United Wireless Arena, managed by&nbsp;VenuWorks, is excited to announce that&nbsp;Lee Brice with special guest Jackson&nbsp;Wendell is coming to Dodge City on&nbsp;Friday, February 13, for a live acoustic&nbsp;experience. 

Doors will open at 6:30 p.m. and the concert will&nbsp;start at 7:30 p.m.

The pre-sale for Lee Brice Acoustic begins Thursday, November 20 at 10:00 a.m., ending&nbsp;at 10:00 p.m., while the public on-sale starts Friday, November 21 at 10:00 a.m.

When Curb Records recording artist, Lee Brice, isn't selling out arenas, writing and recording&nbsp;songs, or building new brands like Dulce Vida Tequila and Loud Lemon, you'll find the family&nbsp;man with his wife, Sara, two young boys, and daughter. 

Meanwhile, with over 10 billion career&nbsp;streams, Brice continues to enjoy massive success at country radio, digital streaming services,&nbsp;and on the road. He has reached the #1 spot at Country Radio with Platinum-selling “Memory I&nbsp;Don’t Mess With,” which consecutively follows three prior #1s: ASCAP’s 2021 Country Song&nbsp;of the Year and 3x Platinum track “One of Them Girls,” “I Hope You’re Happy Now” with&nbsp;Carly Pearce, and the 4x Platinum hit “Rumor,” which was nominated in the category Single of&nbsp;The Year at the 55th Annual Awards. One of the most played country artists of all time on&nbsp;Pandora, he was the second country artist behind Keith Urban to receive the Pandora Billionaire&nbsp;plaque.

&nbsp;Lee is also a GRAMMY nominee, a CMA and ACM award winner, and he's taken nine&nbsp;radio singles to Number One: "A Woman Like You," "Hard to Love," "I Drive Your Truck," "I&nbsp;Don’t Dance," "Drinking Class," “Rumor," “I Hope You’re Happy Now," “One of Them Girls,”&nbsp;and “Memory I Don’t Mess With.” Garth Brooks, Jason Aldean, Kenny Chesney, and others&nbsp;have recorded his songs, and he's performed on numerous TV shows, including NBC's Today,&nbsp;ABC's The Bachelor, NBC's The Voice, and FOX's Miss USA 2018. Lee performed as part of&nbsp;the Library of Congress Gershwin Prize for Popular Song honoring Garth Brooks, which aired&nbsp;on PBS in March of 2020. 

At the 54th Annual CMA Awards, Lee took home the prize for&nbsp;Musical Event of the Year for his song with Carly Pearce, "I Hope You're Happy Now." At the&nbsp;56th ACM Awards, “I Hope You’re Happy Now” won Single of the Year and Music Event of&nbsp;the Year, and Lee and Carly Pearce performed the song live. Lee’s album, Hey World, has been&nbsp;certified as Platinum and features several multi-Platinum-selling 

hits. Lee kicked off 2024 with&nbsp;an intimate acoustic tour, the Me &amp; My Guitar Tour, and this Spring he released his latest radio&nbsp;single, "Drinkin’ Buddies" with Nate Smith and Hailey Whitters. The single was followed by&nbsp;the nostalgic summertime track, "Summer of Us.” 

In 2025, Brice announced the return of his&nbsp;acoustic tour, the You, Me &amp; My Guitar Tour, and released his latest single, “Cry,” available&nbsp;now.

Since his appearance in last year’s Good For Country Concert Series, Jackson has continued to&nbsp;gain momentum releasing original music and performing in dance halls and venues throughout&nbsp;the south, sharing stages with some of the biggest names in country music along the way. 

It’s&nbsp;obvious that Jackson has been playing guitar and writing songs since his early teenage years because when you listen to his lyrics, you would imagine you were hearing the stories of a&nbsp;much older songwriter, as each song takes you right to the middle of a familiar feeling. Jackson&nbsp;IS the future of country music, and his show is one you don’t want to miss.

Tickets to see Lee Brice with special guest Jackson Wendell will go on sale Friday,&nbsp;November 21 at 10:00 a.m. CST. Tickets can be purchased at the United Wireless Arena box&nbsp;office or online through Ticketmaster.com. Ticket prices start at $61 for reserved seating,&nbsp;depending on location, plus applicable fees and taxes.

 United Wireless Arena is an exclusive&nbsp;Ticketmaster facility and cannot guarantee tickets purchased as resale or through a third-party&nbsp;vendor. 

Doors will open one hour before showtime.

Handicapped accessible seating must be arranged directly through the United Wireless Arena&nbsp;Ticket Office. 

United Wireless Arena has a clear bag policy in place. Please check our website&nbsp;for more details

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/11/1763480340399.png" alt="Lee Brice. Courtesy photo" />
 <figcaption>Lee Brice. Courtesy photo</figcaption>
 </figure>United Wireless Arena DODGE CITY — United Wireless Arena, managed by&nbsp;VenuWorks, is excited to announce that&nbsp;Lee Brice with special guest Jackson&nbsp;Wendell is coming to Dodge City on&nbsp;Friday, February 13, for a live acoustic&nbsp;experience. Doors will open at 6:30 p.m. and the concert will&nbsp;start at 7:30 p.m.The pre-sale for Lee Brice Acoustic begins Thursday, November 20 at 10:00 a.m., ending&nbsp;at 10:00 p.m., while the public on-sale starts Friday, November 21 at 10:00 a.m.ABOUT LEE BRICE:When Curb Records recording artist, Lee Brice, isn't selling out arenas, writing and recording&nbsp;songs, or building new brands like Dulce Vida Tequila and Loud Lemon, you'll find the family&nbsp;man with his wife, Sara, two young boys, and daughter. Meanwhile, with over 10 billion career&nbsp;streams, Brice continues to enjoy massive success at country radio, digital streaming services,&nbsp;and on the road. He has reached the #1 spot at Country Radio with Platinum-selling “Memory I&nbsp;Don’t Mess With,” which consecutively follows three prior #1s: ASCAP’s 2021 Country Song&nbsp;of the Year and 3x Platinum track “One of Them Girls,” “I Hope You’re Happy Now” with&nbsp;Carly Pearce, and the 4x Platinum hit “Rumor,” which was nominated in the category Single of&nbsp;The Year at the 55th Annual Awards. One of the most played country artists of all time on&nbsp;Pandora, he was the second country artist behind Keith Urban to receive the Pandora Billionaire&nbsp;plaque.&nbsp;Lee is also a GRAMMY nominee, a CMA and ACM award winner, and he's taken nine&nbsp;radio singles to Number One: "A Woman Like You," "Hard to Love," "I Drive Your Truck," "I&nbsp;Don’t Dance," "Drinking Class," “Rumor," “I Hope You’re Happy Now," “One of Them Girls,”&nbsp;and “Memory I Don’t Mess With.” Garth Brooks, Jason Aldean, Kenny Chesney, and others&nbsp;have recorded his songs, and he's performed on numerous TV shows, including NBC's Today,&nbsp;ABC's The Bachelor, NBC's The Voice, and FOX's Miss USA 2018. Lee performed as part of&nbsp;the Library of Congress Gershwin Prize for Popular Song honoring Garth Brooks, which aired&nbsp;on PBS in March of 2020. At the 54th Annual CMA Awards, Lee took home the prize for&nbsp;Musical Event of the Year for his song with Carly Pearce, "I Hope You're Happy Now." At the&nbsp;56th ACM Awards, “I Hope You’re Happy Now” won Single of the Year and Music Event of&nbsp;the Year, and Lee and Carly Pearce performed the song live. Lee’s album, Hey World, has been&nbsp;certified as Platinum and features several multi-Platinum-selling hits. Lee kicked off 2024 with&nbsp;an intimate acoustic tour, the Me &amp; My Guitar Tour, and this Spring he released his latest radio&nbsp;single, "Drinkin’ Buddies" with Nate Smith and Hailey Whitters. The single was followed by&nbsp;the nostalgic summertime track, "Summer of Us.” In 2025, Brice announced the return of his&nbsp;acoustic tour, the You, Me &amp; My Guitar Tour, and released his latest single, “Cry,” available&nbsp;now.ABOUT JACKSON WENDELL:Since his appearance in last year’s Good For Country Concert Series, Jackson has continued to&nbsp;gain momentum releasing original music and performing in dance halls and venues throughout&nbsp;the south, sharing stages with some of the biggest names in country music along the way. It’s&nbsp;obvious that Jackson has been playing guitar and writing songs since his early teenage years because when you listen to his lyrics, you would imagine you were hearing the stories of a&nbsp;much older songwriter, as each song takes you right to the middle of a familiar feeling. Jackson&nbsp;IS the future of country music, and his show is one you don’t want to miss.Ticket Information:Tickets to see Lee Brice with special guest Jackson Wendell will go on sale Friday,&nbsp;November 21 at 10:00 a.m. CST. Tickets can be purchased at the United Wireless Arena box&nbsp;office or online through Ticketmaster.com. Ticket prices start at $61 for reserved seating,&nbsp;depending on location, plus applicable fees and taxes. United Wireless Arena is an exclusive&nbsp;Ticketmaster facility and cannot guarantee tickets purchased as resale or through a third-party&nbsp;vendor. Doors will open one hour before showtime.Handicapped accessible seating must be arranged directly through the United Wireless Arena&nbsp;Ticket Office. United Wireless Arena has a clear bag policy in place. Please check our website&nbsp;for more details

Lee Brice brings acoustic solo concert to United Wireless Arena with special guest Jackson Wendell

The Ellis County Historical Society (ECHS) is bringing back a beloved favorite just in time for the holidays — Spitzbuben, the delicate, jam-filled sandwich cookie that has become a sweet symbol of our Volga German heritage.

Following a complete sellout during Oktoberfest, ECHS is excited to announce that Spitzbuben will now be available for holiday purchase, freshly baked and boxed by the dozen. 

New this season, the Society is partnering with Hays High School’s Culinary Classes, taught by Nicole Linenberger, to help with the baking.

“This partnership gives us a wonderful opportunity to share a treasured Volga German baking tradition with our youth,” said Amanda Rupp, executive director of ECHS. “By involving the students, we’re not only continuing the tradition — we’re passing it on.”

Each batch of Spitzbuben features the signature buttery shortbread dusted with powdered sugar and filled with a variety of fruit jam. ECHS uses homemade jams from Gwen Urban of Oma’s Farmhouse Baked Goods, Grainfield. Customers can choose from MIX boxes (four Blueberry, four Peach, four Strawberry) or single-flavor boxes of twelve Strawberry Rhubarb cookies. These cookies freeze well for weeks and weeks and can be taken out as needed (or wanted!).

Spitzbuben will be available by the dozen for $20 (cash or check only) and can be purchased in person at the ECHS office at 7th &amp; Main Street in Hays.

Pickup times are 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. on the following dates:

If any remain, ECHS will offer the boxes at their booth during the Downtown Hays Christmas Tree Lighting on November 29.

“These ‘naughty boys,’ as the name translates, always sell out fast,” Rupp added. “We encourage everyone to grab a box early, enjoy a taste of tradition, and support our mission to keep Ellis County’s heritage alive.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/11/1763136571175.jpeg" alt="Ellis County Historical Society" />
 <figcaption>Ellis County Historical Society</figcaption>
 </figure>Ellis County Historical SocietyThe Ellis County Historical Society (ECHS) is bringing back a beloved favorite just in time for the holidays — Spitzbuben, the delicate, jam-filled sandwich cookie that has become a sweet symbol of our Volga German heritage.Following a complete sellout during Oktoberfest, ECHS is excited to announce that Spitzbuben will now be available for holiday purchase, freshly baked and boxed by the dozen. New this season, the Society is partnering with Hays High School’s Culinary Classes, taught by Nicole Linenberger, to help with the baking.“This partnership gives us a wonderful opportunity to share a treasured Volga German baking tradition with our youth,” said Amanda Rupp, executive director of ECHS. “By involving the students, we’re not only continuing the tradition — we’re passing it on.”Each batch of Spitzbuben features the signature buttery shortbread dusted with powdered sugar and filled with a variety of fruit jam. ECHS uses homemade jams from Gwen Urban of Oma’s Farmhouse Baked Goods, Grainfield. Customers can choose from MIX boxes (four Blueberry, four Peach, four Strawberry) or single-flavor boxes of twelve Strawberry Rhubarb cookies. These cookies freeze well for weeks and weeks and can be taken out as needed (or wanted!).Spitzbuben will be available by the dozen for $20 (cash or check only) and can be purchased in person at the ECHS office at 7th &amp; Main Street in Hays.Pickup times are 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. on the following dates:November 17–19 and November 24–26.If any remain, ECHS will offer the boxes at their booth during the Downtown Hays Christmas Tree Lighting on November 29.“These ‘naughty boys,’ as the name translates, always sell out fast,” Rupp added. “We encourage everyone to grab a box early, enjoy a taste of tradition, and support our mission to keep Ellis County’s heritage alive.”

Ellis County Historical Society offers traditional Spitzbuben for the holidays

GREAT BEND — The Shafer Art Gallery, Barton Community College, Great Bend, will celebrated the unveiling of its “Museum Exchange” exhibition with a free reception on Nov. 14 featuring music, light refreshments, and a gallery discussion.&nbsp;

The collaborative exhibition unites 11 art institutions and four community partners in a shared celebration of creativity, cooperation, and community spirit. The show will run through Dec. 13.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Shafer Art Gallery Director Alyssa Bliven said the idea for the exhibition was inspired by preparations for co-hosting the Kansas Museums Association Conference, which will be held this November.&nbsp;

“As we began planning for the conference, I realized that the best way to honor this community was through partnership,” she said. “Having lived in other parts of the country, I can confidently say this area of Kansas is unique in the number of art institutions it sustains. Together, they’ve built a vibrant artistic community that continues to inspire and surprise.”&nbsp;

Participating institutions include the Shafer Art Gallery, Birger Sandzén Memorial Gallery, Moss-Thorns Gallery of Art, Salina Art Center, Carriage Factory Gallery, Grassroots Art Center, Barton Arts Council, Great Bend Public Library, Lincoln Art Center, Red Barn Studio Museum, and Vernon Filley Art Museum.&nbsp;

Each institution contributed works that represent their artistic communities, creating a diverse and dynamic exhibition that showcases the region’s shared commitment to creativity and collaboration.&nbsp;

Bliven said the exhibit is being presented in partnership with the Kansas Museums Association Conference, co-hosted by the Shafer Art Gallery and the City of Great Bend. The exhibition and conference together encourage visitors, artists, museum professionals, and community members to explore how art and collaboration strengthen cultural life across Kansas.&nbsp;

“Museum Exchange celebrates the strength that grows through connection,” she said. “We’re excited to welcome visitors to experience this gathering of regional talent and to join us in recognizing the power of partnership.”&nbsp;

The Shafer Gallery is open Monday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Admission is always free. For more information, contact Bliven at&nbsp;<a href="mailto:shafergallery@bartonccc.edu">shafergallery@bartonccc.edu</a>&nbsp;or (620) 792-9342.|&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/11/1762876986082.jpeg" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure>Barton Community CollegeGREAT BEND — The Shafer Art Gallery, Barton Community College, Great Bend, will celebrated the unveiling of its “Museum Exchange” exhibition with a free reception on Nov. 14 featuring music, light refreshments, and a gallery discussion.&nbsp;The collaborative exhibition unites 11 art institutions and four community partners in a shared celebration of creativity, cooperation, and community spirit. The show will run through Dec. 13.&nbsp;&nbsp;Shafer Art Gallery Director Alyssa Bliven said the idea for the exhibition was inspired by preparations for co-hosting the Kansas Museums Association Conference, which will be held this November.&nbsp;“As we began planning for the conference, I realized that the best way to honor this community was through partnership,” she said. “Having lived in other parts of the country, I can confidently say this area of Kansas is unique in the number of art institutions it sustains. Together, they’ve built a vibrant artistic community that continues to inspire and surprise.”&nbsp;Participating institutions include the Shafer Art Gallery, Birger Sandzén Memorial Gallery, Moss-Thorns Gallery of Art, Salina Art Center, Carriage Factory Gallery, Grassroots Art Center, Barton Arts Council, Great Bend Public Library, Lincoln Art Center, Red Barn Studio Museum, and Vernon Filley Art Museum.&nbsp;Each institution contributed works that represent their artistic communities, creating a diverse and dynamic exhibition that showcases the region’s shared commitment to creativity and collaboration.&nbsp;Bliven said the exhibit is being presented in partnership with the Kansas Museums Association Conference, co-hosted by the Shafer Art Gallery and the City of Great Bend. The exhibition and conference together encourage visitors, artists, museum professionals, and community members to explore how art and collaboration strengthen cultural life across Kansas.&nbsp;“Museum Exchange celebrates the strength that grows through connection,” she said. “We’re excited to welcome visitors to experience this gathering of regional talent and to join us in recognizing the power of partnership.”&nbsp;The Shafer Gallery is open Monday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Admission is always free. For more information, contact Bliven at&nbsp;<a href="mailto:shafergallery@bartonccc.edu">shafergallery@bartonccc.edu</a>&nbsp;or (620) 792-9342.|&nbsp;

Hays, Lucas museums part of 'Museum Exchange' exhibition in Great Bend

View the night sky with special FHSU Science Cafe event

Western Kansas Child Advocacy Center Blue Ribbon Trees will be with community partners in Scott City, Hays at Big Creek Crossing and Las Hefas Latin Cuisine, Liberal and Garden City. Trees were put up on Nov. 14 and taken down on Dec. 12. 

Help fill the holiday wish list of a child receiving services through the Western Kansas Child Advocacy Center.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/11/1762880631078.jpeg" alt="Photo by Pixabay" />
 <figcaption>Photo by Pixabay</figcaption>
 </figure>SubmittedWestern Kansas Child Advocacy Center Blue Ribbon Trees will be with community partners in Scott City, Hays at Big Creek Crossing and Las Hefas Latin Cuisine, Liberal and Garden City. Trees were put up on Nov. 14 and taken down on Dec. 12. Help fill the holiday wish list of a child receiving services through the Western Kansas Child Advocacy Center.

Help fill holiday wishes of children at the Western Kansas Child Advocacy Center

The Healing Hearts Grief Support Group has two events coming up in November. Its annual “Memorial Tree Dedication” will be at 10 a.m. Saturday, Nov. 22, at the Hays Public Library.

The event invites anyone who has experienced the loss of a child of any age to place an ornament on the tree in memory of that person.

The event is for parents, grandparents, siblings, other family members, teachers, friends, and others.

Individuals may bring their own special ornaments to place on the tree or may use one of the free ornaments that will be available, said Dr. Kate McGonigal, the group’s facilitator.

The grief support group’s monthly meeting will be held at 6:30 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 20, at the Schmidt Community Center, 2510 Canterbury Drive. Doors will open at 6:15 p.m.; attendees are asked to use the south door.

The guest speaker will be Micki Armstrong, president of A Different Mindset Association. A Different Mindset “consists of individuals who have lost someone to dementia, know someone currently dealing with the disease, or work in a profession that assists individuals suffering with dementia,” its website states.

“As diagnoses of the disease increases, we believe there is a need to network with resources in the Ellis County area to promote awareness and educate about neurodegenerative diseases.

“Additionally, we provide support groups for those caring for a loved one with dementia/Alzheimer’s as well as day programs for those suffering with dementia/Alzheimer’s,” the website says.

The 501(c) 3 organization offers both online and in-person support groups. More information about A Different Mindset is available at&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.adiffmindsetassoc.org/">https://www.adiffmindsetassoc.org/</a>.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/11/1762883419426.jpeg" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure>SubmittedThe Healing Hearts Grief Support Group has two events coming up in November. Its annual “Memorial Tree Dedication” will be at 10 a.m. Saturday, Nov. 22, at the Hays Public Library.The event invites anyone who has experienced the loss of a child of any age to place an ornament on the tree in memory of that person.The event is for parents, grandparents, siblings, other family members, teachers, friends, and others.Individuals may bring their own special ornaments to place on the tree or may use one of the free ornaments that will be available, said Dr. Kate McGonigal, the group’s facilitator.The grief support group’s monthly meeting will be held at 6:30 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 20, at the Schmidt Community Center, 2510 Canterbury Drive. Doors will open at 6:15 p.m.; attendees are asked to use the south door.The guest speaker will be Micki Armstrong, president of A Different Mindset Association. A Different Mindset “consists of individuals who have lost someone to dementia, know someone currently dealing with the disease, or work in a profession that assists individuals suffering with dementia,” its website states.“As diagnoses of the disease increases, we believe there is a need to network with resources in the Ellis County area to promote awareness and educate about neurodegenerative diseases.“Additionally, we provide support groups for those caring for a loved one with dementia/Alzheimer’s as well as day programs for those suffering with dementia/Alzheimer’s,” the website says.The 501(c) 3 organization offers both online and in-person support groups. More information about A Different Mindset is available at&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.adiffmindsetassoc.org/">https://www.adiffmindsetassoc.org/</a>.&nbsp;

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