This week kicks off one of my favorite partnerships with USD 428! Great&nbsp;Bend Reads was new to me last year and I thoroughly enjoyed the opportunity to present to the students of all 5 grade schools as they read a book as families and as&nbsp;a school&nbsp;community.&nbsp;

The librarians and staff coordinate a multitude of activities and incentives for the students to participate over several weeks as they read the book.&nbsp;

This year’s book, “Zoey and Sassafras: Dragons and Marshmallows” by Asia&nbsp;Citrois a fun book about how scientists work while expanding imaginations! As someone who grew up loving books and libraries, this is right up my alley!&nbsp;By the way, did you know that 4-H also has a Reading Project?&nbsp;

For my part of the students’ lessons, I will be sharing 4-H curriculum about the Pet Project and the Veterinary Science Project! It will give us a chance to talk about problem-solving and creative solutions.&nbsp;

While I look forward to working with the grade school students, I am very excited about some volunteers. I’ve had the opportunity to work with the Junior and Senior students in Jennifer Hopkins’ Jobs for America’s Graduates&nbsp;(JAG)&nbsp;program&nbsp;at Great Bend High School&nbsp;over the last few weeks. We jumped into&nbsp;a Community Vitality curriculum which focused on leadership and communication skills. When I shared about&nbsp;GBReads&nbsp;with the class, several students asked if they could help out!&nbsp;We have worked on ages and stages of youth development as well as program planning and facilitation skills.

Having the opportunity to work with and watch both groups learn and develop is what I love about my job! Will it go perfectly? Nope! Will we learn as many things as presenters as the grade school students? Absolutely!&nbsp;

If you know a Great Bend grade school student, be sure to ask them about Zoey and Sassafras. Better yet, grab their book and read with them!&nbsp;

Keep learning. Keep showing grace and kindness.

Michelle Beran is the 4-H Youth Development Agent in the&nbsp;Cottonwood&nbsp;Extension District. For more information on this article or other 4-H Youth Development resources, email Michelle at&nbsp;<a href="mailto:mberan@ksu.edu">mberan@ksu.edu</a>&nbsp;or call&nbsp;Cottonwood&nbsp;Extension District&nbsp;– Barton&nbsp;Office at&nbsp;620-793-1910.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/11/1668179445671.jpeg" alt="Michelle Beran is the 4-H Youth Development Agent in the Cottonwood Extension District. " />
 <figcaption>Michelle Beran is the 4-H Youth Development Agent in the Cottonwood Extension District. </figcaption>
 </figure>This week kicks off one of my favorite partnerships with USD 428! Great&nbsp;Bend Reads was new to me last year and I thoroughly enjoyed the opportunity to present to the students of all 5 grade schools as they read a book as families and as&nbsp;a school&nbsp;community.&nbsp;The librarians and staff coordinate a multitude of activities and incentives for the students to participate over several weeks as they read the book.&nbsp;This year’s book, “Zoey and Sassafras: Dragons and Marshmallows” by Asia&nbsp;Citrois a fun book about how scientists work while expanding imaginations! As someone who grew up loving books and libraries, this is right up my alley!&nbsp;By the way, did you know that 4-H also has a Reading Project?&nbsp;For my part of the students’ lessons, I will be sharing 4-H curriculum about the Pet Project and the Veterinary Science Project! It will give us a chance to talk about problem-solving and creative solutions.&nbsp;While I look forward to working with the grade school students, I am very excited about some volunteers. I’ve had the opportunity to work with the Junior and Senior students in Jennifer Hopkins’ Jobs for America’s Graduates&nbsp;(JAG)&nbsp;program&nbsp;at Great Bend High School&nbsp;over the last few weeks. We jumped into&nbsp;a Community Vitality curriculum which focused on leadership and communication skills. When I shared about&nbsp;GBReads&nbsp;with the class, several students asked if they could help out!&nbsp;We have worked on ages and stages of youth development as well as program planning and facilitation skills.Having the opportunity to work with and watch both groups learn and develop is what I love about my job! Will it go perfectly? Nope! Will we learn as many things as presenters as the grade school students? Absolutely!&nbsp;If you know a Great Bend grade school student, be sure to ask them about Zoey and Sassafras. Better yet, grab their book and read with them!&nbsp;Keep learning. Keep showing grace and kindness.Michelle Beran is the 4-H Youth Development Agent in the&nbsp;Cottonwood&nbsp;Extension District. For more information on this article or other 4-H Youth Development resources, email Michelle at&nbsp;<a href="mailto:mberan@ksu.edu">mberan@ksu.edu</a>&nbsp;or call&nbsp;Cottonwood&nbsp;Extension District&nbsp;– Barton&nbsp;Office at&nbsp;620-793-1910.

BERAN: A week of Great (Bend) Reads

BUNKER HILL — "Doctors on Call," a local production of Smoky Hills PBS, will kick off its 18th&nbsp;season featuring Tyrel Somers with Russell Regional Hospital. This episode will air at 7 p.m.&nbsp;Tuesday&nbsp;and will focus on general health.

"Doctors on Call" is a program that provides medical information on a variety of different topics. Medical professionals from throughout the state travel to Bunker Hill to provide information and answer questions from the viewing audience. The&nbsp;doctors presenting each week have expertise in the topic chosen for that program. Questions can be called in during the show or emailed prior to the broadcast.&nbsp;

The program airs live on Smoky Hills PBS and on the Smoky Hills PBS <a href="http://bit.ly/StreamSmokyHillsPBS">YouTube channel</a>.

A schedule of programs and past episodes are available at&nbsp;<a href="http://www.smokyhillspbs.org/">www.SmokyHillsPBS.org</a>.&nbsp;

To submit questions electronically on a specific topic, viewers can send an email to&nbsp;<a href="mailto:doctors@shptv.org">doctors@shptv.org</a>. Questions submitted through email must be received by noon on the day of the show. During the program, viewers can call I-800-337-4788.&nbsp;

"Doctors on Call" is made possible in part by these current sponsors:&nbsp;&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kammco.com/">KAMMCO</a>&nbsp;(Kansas Medical Mutual Insurance Company),&nbsp;<a href="https://www.russellhospital.org/">Russell Regional Hospital</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.scmhks.org/">Smith County Memorial Hospital</a>.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/3/1648143867078.png" alt="Somers" />
 <figcaption>Somers</figcaption>
 </figure>Smoky Hills PBSBUNKER HILL — "Doctors on Call," a local production of Smoky Hills PBS, will kick off its 18th&nbsp;season featuring Tyrel Somers with Russell Regional Hospital. This episode will air at 7 p.m.&nbsp;Tuesday&nbsp;and will focus on general health."Doctors on Call" is a program that provides medical information on a variety of different topics. Medical professionals from throughout the state travel to Bunker Hill to provide information and answer questions from the viewing audience. The&nbsp;doctors presenting each week have expertise in the topic chosen for that program. Questions can be called in during the show or emailed prior to the broadcast.&nbsp;The program airs live on Smoky Hills PBS and on the Smoky Hills PBS <a href="http://bit.ly/StreamSmokyHillsPBS">YouTube channel</a>.A schedule of programs and past episodes are available at&nbsp;<a href="http://www.smokyhillspbs.org/">www.SmokyHillsPBS.org</a>.&nbsp;To submit questions electronically on a specific topic, viewers can send an email to&nbsp;<a href="mailto:doctors@shptv.org">doctors@shptv.org</a>. Questions submitted through email must be received by noon on the day of the show. During the program, viewers can call I-800-337-4788.&nbsp;"Doctors on Call" is made possible in part by these current sponsors:&nbsp;&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kammco.com/">KAMMCO</a>&nbsp;(Kansas Medical Mutual Insurance Company),&nbsp;<a href="https://www.russellhospital.org/">Russell Regional Hospital</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.scmhks.org/">Smith County Memorial Hospital</a>.

'Doctors on Call' premieres next week with Russell doctor

Attention, parents, grandparents, Sunday School teachers, and church youth leaders: The Ellis County Ministerial Alliance needs your help.

“We would like for your children, ages 4 through high school age, to help us with our monthly magazine coming up in February,” said Linn Ann Huntington, the magazine’s editor.

Each month the magazine, called “ONE,” has a theme. The theme for February is: If you were with the Wise Men visiting the Baby Jesus so long ago, what gift would you give to Jesus?

“We know that the Wise Men brought Jesus special gifts. We would like to know what the children in your life would bring him,” Huntington said. “Please emphasize to the children that the gift needs to be something they own, and that they aren’t going to get it back. Once they give it to Jesus, it is his to keep.”

It would be helpful if church workers or family members could collect the responses from their kids, Huntington said.

Please include the following: The name of the church (if applicable), the child’s first name and first initial of their last name, the child’s age, what gift they would give to the Baby Jesus, and why.

Email responses to&nbsp;<a href="mailto:lmills@firstcallelliscounty.com">lmills@firstcallelliscounty.com</a>&nbsp;by Thursday, Jan. 12. Mills has volunteered to collect and sort the responses.

“Please include the name and contact information for the person submitting the responses, so we can contact you if we have questions,” Huntington said.

“It is our hope that this question can be tied into the observance of Epiphany, when the Wise Men visited the Baby Jesus. That observance was Friday, Jan. 6,” Huntington said.

She provided this example of a typical response: “Any church, Hays or Ellis; Levi Jones; age 6; I would give the Baby Jesus my kitten, McAdoo. We recently moved to a new apartment, and they don’t let us keep pets here. I figure the Baby Jesus would give McAdoo a good home. Besides, McAdoo still pees on the floor. But I figure in a stable, it’s not going to matter anyway.”

Huntington added, “We want to hear the kids’ unvarnished responses.”

Those with questions may contact Mills at the above email.

The magazine is published electronically each month in an 8 ½ x 11 format on the ECMA website,&nbsp;<a href="http://www.ourecma.com/">www.ourecma.com</a>&nbsp;by clicking on menu, and then the “ONE” tab. The February issue will be available after Feb. 1, Huntington said.

Ellis County Ministerial AllianceAttention, parents, grandparents, Sunday School teachers, and church youth leaders: The Ellis County Ministerial Alliance needs your help.“We would like for your children, ages 4 through high school age, to help us with our monthly magazine coming up in February,” said Linn Ann Huntington, the magazine’s editor.Each month the magazine, called “ONE,” has a theme. The theme for February is: If you were with the Wise Men visiting the Baby Jesus so long ago, what gift would you give to Jesus?“We know that the Wise Men brought Jesus special gifts. We would like to know what the children in your life would bring him,” Huntington said. “Please emphasize to the children that the gift needs to be something they own, and that they aren’t going to get it back. Once they give it to Jesus, it is his to keep.”It would be helpful if church workers or family members could collect the responses from their kids, Huntington said.Please include the following: The name of the church (if applicable), the child’s first name and first initial of their last name, the child’s age, what gift they would give to the Baby Jesus, and why.Email responses to&nbsp;<a href="mailto:lmills@firstcallelliscounty.com">lmills@firstcallelliscounty.com</a>&nbsp;by Thursday, Jan. 12. Mills has volunteered to collect and sort the responses. “Please include the name and contact information for the person submitting the responses, so we can contact you if we have questions,” Huntington said.“It is our hope that this question can be tied into the observance of Epiphany, when the Wise Men visited the Baby Jesus. That observance was Friday, Jan. 6,” Huntington said.She provided this example of a typical response: “Any church, Hays or Ellis; Levi Jones; age 6; I would give the Baby Jesus my kitten, McAdoo. We recently moved to a new apartment, and they don’t let us keep pets here. I figure the Baby Jesus would give McAdoo a good home. Besides, McAdoo still pees on the floor. But I figure in a stable, it’s not going to matter anyway.”Huntington added, “We want to hear the kids’ unvarnished responses.”Those with questions may contact Mills at the above email.The magazine is published electronically each month in an 8 ½ x 11 format on the ECMA website,&nbsp;<a href="http://www.ourecma.com/">www.ourecma.com</a>&nbsp;by clicking on menu, and then the “ONE” tab. The February issue will be available after Feb. 1, Huntington said.Cover image courtesy Pixabay

Children’s input sought for February issue of magazine

TOPEKA&nbsp;– The Kansas Department of Commerce (KDC) has announced $50 million will fund a second round of projects under the Building a Stronger Economy (BASE) grant program. BASE 2.0 will continue addressing infrastructure and economic development needs that were delayed or slowed due to COVID-19 in an effort to expand the state’s base of businesses and residents.

The additional funds were designated by the Strengthening People and Revitalizing Kansas (SPARK) Executive Committee and approved by the State Finance Council in December.

Previous applicants that were not funded in round one will be considered for BASE 2.0 and do not need to reapply unless they would like to submit a new application. Awardees from the first round are not eligible for a BASE 2.0 award.

The Commerce Department received more than 440 applicants requesting more than $1 billion in identified projects during BASE 1.0 for the available $100 million funding. This new round will follow the same regulations established for the first round, including the requirement that awardees provide a 25% match.

County and local governments, economic development organizations, local chambers of commerce, and other stakeholders are eligible to apply. Awardees will have two years to complete their projects and utilize all awarded and required matching funds. Applications submitted are required to document how the project was delayed or affected negatively due to the COVID-19 pandemic and the resulting downturn in economic conditions.

The deadline for submissions will be 11:59 p.m. Tuesday, January 31.

An informational webinar on BASE 2.0 will be available to the public at 10:00 a.m. Friday, January 6. Registration for the webinar and guidelines for the grant application can be found at&nbsp;<a href="https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMDEsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsImJ1bGxldGluX2lkIjoiMjAyMzAxMDMuNjkxNzY1ODEiLCJ1cmwiOiJodHRwczovL3d3dy5rYW5zYXNjb21tZXJjZS5nb3YvYmFzZWdyYW50LyJ9.59IwWO52STY8eNUBca7F_kAqu52akXhv30c_ft1KBBw/s/1303161001/br/151625478781-l" target="_blank">www.kansascommerce.gov/basegrant/</a>.

Applicants can contact&nbsp;<a href="mailto:CommerceSPARK@ks.gov" target="_blank">CommerceSPARK@ks.gov</a>&nbsp;for any questions regarding this funding opportunity.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/12/1577789937052.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>KDCTOPEKA&nbsp;– The Kansas Department of Commerce (KDC) has announced $50 million will fund a second round of projects under the Building a Stronger Economy (BASE) grant program. BASE 2.0 will continue addressing infrastructure and economic development needs that were delayed or slowed due to COVID-19 in an effort to expand the state’s base of businesses and residents.The additional funds were designated by the Strengthening People and Revitalizing Kansas (SPARK) Executive Committee and approved by the State Finance Council in December.Previous applicants that were not funded in round one will be considered for BASE 2.0 and do not need to reapply unless they would like to submit a new application. Awardees from the first round are not eligible for a BASE 2.0 award.The Commerce Department received more than 440 applicants requesting more than $1 billion in identified projects during BASE 1.0 for the available $100 million funding. This new round will follow the same regulations established for the first round, including the requirement that awardees provide a 25% match.County and local governments, economic development organizations, local chambers of commerce, and other stakeholders are eligible to apply. Awardees will have two years to complete their projects and utilize all awarded and required matching funds. Applications submitted are required to document how the project was delayed or affected negatively due to the COVID-19 pandemic and the resulting downturn in economic conditions.The deadline for submissions will be 11:59 p.m. Tuesday, January 31.An informational webinar on BASE 2.0 will be available to the public at 10:00 a.m. Friday, January 6. Registration for the webinar and guidelines for the grant application can be found at&nbsp;<a href="https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMDEsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsImJ1bGxldGluX2lkIjoiMjAyMzAxMDMuNjkxNzY1ODEiLCJ1cmwiOiJodHRwczovL3d3dy5rYW5zYXNjb21tZXJjZS5nb3YvYmFzZWdyYW50LyJ9.59IwWO52STY8eNUBca7F_kAqu52akXhv30c_ft1KBBw/s/1303161001/br/151625478781-l" target="_blank">www.kansascommerce.gov/basegrant/</a>.Applicants can contact&nbsp;<a href="mailto:CommerceSPARK@ks.gov" target="_blank">CommerceSPARK@ks.gov</a>&nbsp;for any questions regarding this funding opportunity.

$50M available for infrastructure/eco devo needs delayed by COVID in Kansas

This event is for any students currently in the fifth through eighth grades.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/1/1672932234030.png" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure>This event is for any students currently in the fifth through eighth grades.

TMP offers free Monarch for a Day event for potential students

This a reminder that due to baler equipment issues at the recycling facility, until further notice all paper/cardboard recycling goods collected by the refuse collectors along the collection routes may be disposed of at the Ellis County Transfer Station rather than the standard recycling disposal site. &nbsp;

We are sorry for any inconvenience this may cause and&nbsp;strongly encourage&nbsp;customers to temporarily hold on to paper or cardboard recycling materials if they don’t wish to have it disposed of in this manner. &nbsp;However, all recycling materials put out for disposal will continue to be collected as normal.

&nbsp;Staff hopes to have the equipment up and running very soon, and an updated public service notice will be distributed once normal operations resume.

&nbsp;City of Hays customers who 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/2023/1/1672940291060.jpeg" alt="Photo by Becky Kiser/Hays Post" />
 <figcaption>Photo by Becky Kiser/Hays Post</figcaption>
 </figure>City of HaysThis a reminder that due to baler equipment issues at the recycling facility, until further notice all paper/cardboard recycling goods collected by the refuse collectors along the collection routes may be disposed of at the Ellis County Transfer Station rather than the standard recycling disposal site. &nbsp;We are sorry for any inconvenience this may cause and&nbsp;strongly encourage&nbsp;customers to temporarily hold on to paper or cardboard recycling materials if they don’t wish to have it disposed of in this manner. &nbsp;However, all recycling materials put out for disposal will continue to be collected as normal.&nbsp;Staff hopes to have the equipment up and running very soon, and an updated public service notice will be distributed once normal operations resume.&nbsp;City of Hays customers who have any questions regarding this notice should contact the Solid Waste Division of the Public Works Department at 785-628-7350.

CITY: Hold on to your paper/cardboard recycling, baler still down

Simon and Lyric Arestov are coming to Hays! The two have been featured internationally performing an amazing display of acrobatics, balance, and athleticism and will be in Hays Thursday to perform at halftime of both Tiger basketball games! 

We thank the Hays Convention and Visitors Bureau for sponsoring this halftime performance. 

Tickets for the games are $12 for general admission and $5 for youth (K-12th grade). Tickets can be purchased online at&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/?fbclid=IwAR3KtyvcVX6wHgpuo3ty2j0mTQOn_oHjVytTS3bHWvG_2Ggkh90ZzEnByA0" target="_blank">https://fhsuathletics.com</a>&nbsp;or at the door on Thursday.&nbsp;&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/1/1672926898129.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>FHSU AthleticsSimon and Lyric Arestov are coming to Hays! The two have been featured internationally performing an amazing display of acrobatics, balance, and athleticism and will be in Hays Thursday to perform at halftime of both Tiger basketball games! We thank the Hays Convention and Visitors Bureau for sponsoring this halftime performance. Tickets for the games are $12 for general admission and $5 for youth (K-12th grade). Tickets can be purchased online at&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/?fbclid=IwAR3KtyvcVX6wHgpuo3ty2j0mTQOn_oHjVytTS3bHWvG_2Ggkh90ZzEnByA0" target="_blank">https://fhsuathletics.com</a>&nbsp;or at the door on Thursday.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Arestov acrobats perform at tonight's FHSU Tiger basketball games

By STACY CAMPBELL Cottonwood Extension District, Hays

K-State Research and Extension will host the&nbsp;20th&nbsp;annual&nbsp;Cover Your Acres Winter Conference&nbsp;in Oberlin for crop producers and consultants on Jan. 17 and 18.&nbsp;

Cover Your Acres is a producer-driven meeting focused on new ideas and research-based updates in crop production in northwest Kansas and the central High Plains region.

The conference, which typically draws more than 400 attendees from Kansas and other states, highlights the latest technology, methods, and conservation practices to improve crop production in the region.&nbsp;

Are you able to help your neighbor? There were numerous suicides in the Kansas ag community in&nbsp;2022. The&nbsp;skills provided in this session will help you notice when someone is struggling and help you help them.

Cover Crops, Grazing, and Soil Health in Western KS: A review of recent research on integrating covers with livestock, the economics, and what changes in soil quality are being observed.

Current Financial Status of NW Kansas Farms: Using data from northwest Kansas farms, we take a look at opportunities for profitability and where&nbsp;producers should be alert for possible concerns.&nbsp;

Dryland and Limited-irrigation&nbsp;Row-Crop Decisions:&nbsp;We’ll take a look at recent research in corn seeding&nbsp;rates, planting dates, long-term dryland rotations, and matching cropping options to water supply.&nbsp;

Grain Market Outlook: A deeper look at local, domestic, and global drivers in 2023&nbsp;

Make Your Plan: Weed Management 2023: The&nbsp;latest in label changes, product updates, trial data, and&nbsp;most importantly, using that to&nbsp;make a plan.

Nutrient Management Strategies: How does fertility&nbsp;management change with today’s fertilizer prices?&nbsp;Where are there dollars on the table from improved&nbsp;fertility management? We’ll take a look&nbsp;at&nbsp;Oils, and Surfactants, and Drift Agents, Oh My!&nbsp;We’ll discuss when to utilize the many products on&nbsp;the market to maximize herbicide efficacy.

Weather Outlook and&nbsp;Mesonet&nbsp;Tools: We’ll take a look at the outlook for the coming year as well as the tools and data available to you from the Kansas&nbsp;Mesonet.

Wheat: The crop with 9 lives: A look at recent research in Kansas on yield components of wheat and what realistic expectations and management opportunities are for the 2023 crop.

When to Hold Them, When to Trade Them? A panel discussion with producers, dealership experts, bankers, and economists on the topic of machinery management

The program is the same each day, you can choose which day you want to attend.&nbsp;To register go to&nbsp;<a href="http://www.northwest.ksu.edu/coveryouracres">www.northwest.ksu.edu/coveryouracres</a>. &nbsp;For questions, call 785-462-6281.

Stacy Campbell is a Crop Production Extension agent in the Cottonwood District (which includes Barton and Ellis counties) for K-State Research and Extension. You can contact him by e-mail at scampbel@ksu.edu or by calling 785-628-9430.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/11/1574181994278.png" alt="Campbell&nbsp;" />
 <figcaption>Campbell&nbsp;</figcaption>
 </figure>By STACY CAMPBELL Cottonwood Extension District, HaysK-State Research and Extension will host the&nbsp;20th&nbsp;annual&nbsp;Cover Your Acres Winter Conference&nbsp;in Oberlin for crop producers and consultants on Jan. 17 and 18.&nbsp;Cover Your Acres is a producer-driven meeting focused on new ideas and research-based updates in crop production in northwest Kansas and the central High Plains region.The conference, which typically draws more than 400 attendees from Kansas and other states, highlights the latest technology, methods, and conservation practices to improve crop production in the region.&nbsp;2023 Speaker Topics:&nbsp;Are you able to help your neighbor? There were numerous suicides in the Kansas ag community in&nbsp;2022. The&nbsp;skills provided in this session will help you notice when someone is struggling and help you help them.Cover Crops, Grazing, and Soil Health in Western KS: A review of recent research on integrating covers with livestock, the economics, and what changes in soil quality are being observed. Current Financial Status of NW Kansas Farms: Using data from northwest Kansas farms, we take a look at opportunities for profitability and where&nbsp;producers should be alert for possible concerns.&nbsp;Dryland and Limited-irrigation&nbsp;Row-Crop Decisions:&nbsp;We’ll take a look at recent research in corn seeding&nbsp;rates, planting dates, long-term dryland rotations, and matching cropping options to water supply.&nbsp;Grain Market Outlook: A deeper look at local, domestic, and global drivers in 2023&nbsp;Make Your Plan: Weed Management 2023: The&nbsp;latest in label changes, product updates, trial data, and&nbsp;most importantly, using that to&nbsp;make a plan.Nutrient Management Strategies: How does fertility&nbsp;management change with today’s fertilizer prices?&nbsp;Where are there dollars on the table from improved&nbsp;fertility management? We’ll take a look&nbsp;at&nbsp;Oils, and Surfactants, and Drift Agents, Oh My!&nbsp;We’ll discuss when to utilize the many products on&nbsp;the market to maximize herbicide efficacy. Weather Outlook and&nbsp;Mesonet&nbsp;Tools: We’ll take a look at the outlook for the coming year as well as the tools and data available to you from the Kansas&nbsp;Mesonet. Wheat: The crop with 9 lives: A look at recent research in Kansas on yield components of wheat and what realistic expectations and management opportunities are for the 2023 crop. When to Hold Them, When to Trade Them? A panel discussion with producers, dealership experts, bankers, and economists on the topic of machinery managementThe program is the same each day, you can choose which day you want to attend.&nbsp;To register go to&nbsp;<a href="http://www.northwest.ksu.edu/coveryouracres">www.northwest.ksu.edu/coveryouracres</a>. &nbsp;For questions, call 785-462-6281.Stacy Campbell is a Crop Production Extension agent in the Cottonwood District (which includes Barton and Ellis counties) for K-State Research and Extension. You can contact him by e-mail at scampbel@ksu.edu or by calling 785-628-9430.

Cover Your Acres conference scheduled this month in NW Kan.

MANHATTAN — The Kansas Department of Agriculture (KDA) and K-State Research and Extension (KSRE) will offer virtual workshops February 6-10, 2023, to assist farmers’ market vendors and managers, and also for those wanting to sell food products directly to consumers. The workshop series includes five online Lunch and Learn sessions.

“Over the past two years, we’ve seen an increase in people’s enthusiasm for locally sourced food, and these workshops will address common questions and concerns for farmers and small businesses who are embracing these opportunities to reach local consumers,” said Londa Nwadike, food safety specialist with KSRE and the University of Missouri. “It’s also important for farmers to understand certain legal, safety and financial parameters before choosing to sell either directly to the consumer or at a farmers’ market.” In 2022, more than 95 farmers’ markets were registered with KDA’s Central Registration of Farmers’ Markets.

Dates and topics for each Lunch and Learn online session are as follows:

KDA’s weights and measures program will offer free scale certification with a paid registration to an online workshop.

Registration for the February virtual workshops is now open. The cost is $5 per participant. Register at&nbsp;<a href="https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMDAsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsImJ1bGxldGluX2lkIjoiMjAyMzAxMDMuNjkxNzIxNTEiLCJ1cmwiOiJodHRwOi8vd3d3LmZyb210aGVsYW5kb2ZrYW5zYXMuY29tL0ZNV29ya3Nob3A_dXRtX21lZGl1bT1lbWFpbCZ1dG1fc291cmNlPWdvdmRlbGl2ZXJ5In0.f9JLgHn-b9TwdFawMidhIqu6A1097j1l4k1Ny5UrL0c/s/1377890594/br/151624036083-l" target="_blank">www.fromthelandofkansas.com/FMWorkshop</a>.

For more information, contact Sammy Gleason, KDA’s&nbsp;From the Land of Kansas&nbsp;marketing manager, at 785-564-6759 or&nbsp;<a href="mailto:fromthelandofkansas@ks.gov" target="_blank">fromthelandofkansas@ks.gov</a>.

The workshops are funded by the Kansas Center for Sustainable Agriculture and Alternative Crops and the Kansas Sustainable Agriculture Research and Education Program, as well as by sponsors KSRE and KDA.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/1/1672837819952.jpeg" alt="Photo by Pixabay" />
 <figcaption>Photo by Pixabay</figcaption>
 </figure>KDAMANHATTAN — The Kansas Department of Agriculture (KDA) and K-State Research and Extension (KSRE) will offer virtual workshops February 6-10, 2023, to assist farmers’ market vendors and managers, and also for those wanting to sell food products directly to consumers. The workshop series includes five online Lunch and Learn sessions.“Over the past two years, we’ve seen an increase in people’s enthusiasm for locally sourced food, and these workshops will address common questions and concerns for farmers and small businesses who are embracing these opportunities to reach local consumers,” said Londa Nwadike, food safety specialist with KSRE and the University of Missouri. “It’s also important for farmers to understand certain legal, safety and financial parameters before choosing to sell either directly to the consumer or at a farmers’ market.” In 2022, more than 95 farmers’ markets were registered with KDA’s Central Registration of Farmers’ Markets.Dates and topics for each Lunch and Learn online session are as follows:<ul>
 <li>Monday, Feb. 6, noon to 1:00 p.m.:&nbsp;Accepting EBT/SNAP and Double Up Food Bucks</li><li>Tuesday, Feb. 7, noon to 1:00 p.m.:&nbsp;Meat and Poultry Regulations; Kansas Value Added Meats Lab</li><li>Wednesday, Feb. 8, noon to 1:00 p.m.:&nbsp;Kansas Sales Tax Information</li><li>Thursday, Feb. 9, noon to 1:00 p.m.:&nbsp;Food Safety Regulations; Kansas Value Added Foods Lab</li><li>Friday, Feb. 10, noon to 1:00 p.m.:&nbsp;Kansas Senior Farmers Market Nutrition Program</li>
 </ul>KDA’s weights and measures program will offer free scale certification with a paid registration to an online workshop.Registration for the February virtual workshops is now open. The cost is $5 per participant. Register at&nbsp;<a href="https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMDAsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsImJ1bGxldGluX2lkIjoiMjAyMzAxMDMuNjkxNzIxNTEiLCJ1cmwiOiJodHRwOi8vd3d3LmZyb210aGVsYW5kb2ZrYW5zYXMuY29tL0ZNV29ya3Nob3A_dXRtX21lZGl1bT1lbWFpbCZ1dG1fc291cmNlPWdvdmRlbGl2ZXJ5In0.f9JLgHn-b9TwdFawMidhIqu6A1097j1l4k1Ny5UrL0c/s/1377890594/br/151624036083-l" target="_blank">www.fromthelandofkansas.com/FMWorkshop</a>.For more information, contact Sammy Gleason, KDA’s&nbsp;From the Land of Kansas&nbsp;marketing manager, at 785-564-6759 or&nbsp;<a href="mailto:fromthelandofkansas@ks.gov" target="_blank">fromthelandofkansas@ks.gov</a>. The workshops are funded by the Kansas Center for Sustainable Agriculture and Alternative Crops and the Kansas Sustainable Agriculture Research and Education Program, as well as by sponsors KSRE and KDA.

KDA offers farmers’ market and direct-to-consumer virtual workshop series

TOPEKA&nbsp;–&nbsp;Information about the 2023 Kansas Legislature is only a phone call or chat away, the State Library of Kansas reminds residents. The toll-free number for the Legislative Hotline is&nbsp;1-800-432-3924. Calls are answered by experienced reference and research librarians at the State Library.

Other questions may concern the legislative process, where to find historic information, and other Kansas government related questions.

The Hotline is open Monday-Friday from 8 am to 5 pm, however constituents can leave a brief message for their legislators, or for a librarian’s response. Questions can also be emailed to&nbsp;<a href="mailto:infodesk@ks.gov" target="_blank">infodesk@ks.gov</a>.

Kansans can also chat with a librarian in real-time through the library’s Ask a Librarian service found at&nbsp;<a href="https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMDEsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsImJ1bGxldGluX2lkIjoiMjAyMzAxMDMuNjkxNTQ2MTEiLCJ1cmwiOiJodHRwOi8va3NsaWIuaW5mby9hc2sifQ.H-dkLa1muV6h0Oqnl2WtlePnyR8hGeb45nD4Ljfj3aY/s/1303161001/br/151607751590-l" target="_blank">kslib.info/ask</a>. From this page, residents use the web or download the mobile app to connect to the State Library’s reference services through chat, email, or phone. TTY users should call 711.

* Hotline: 1-800-432-3924 *

Email:&nbsp;<a href="mailto:infodesk@ks.gov" target="_blank">infodesk@ks.gov</a> *&nbsp;

Web:&nbsp;<a href="https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMDIsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsImJ1bGxldGluX2lkIjoiMjAyMzAxMDMuNjkxNTQ2MTEiLCJ1cmwiOiJodHRwOi8va3NsaWIuaW5mby9hc2sifQ.fUSObMzInCp7IIDiQSywdw1pCGal3nrsYMROhesk0ZI/s/1303161001/br/151607751590-l" target="_blank">kslib.info/ask</a>

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/1/1672833921942.jpeg" alt="Courtesy image" />
 <figcaption>Courtesy image</figcaption>
 </figure>State Library of KSTOPEKA&nbsp;–&nbsp;Information about the 2023 Kansas Legislature is only a phone call or chat away, the State Library of Kansas reminds residents. The toll-free number for the Legislative Hotline is&nbsp;1-800-432-3924. Calls are answered by experienced reference and research librarians at the State Library.Frequently asked questions include:<ul>
 <li>Who are my legislators?</li><li>How can I contact them? and</li><li>What is the status of this bill?</li>
 </ul>Other questions may concern the legislative process, where to find historic information, and other Kansas government related questions.The Hotline is open Monday-Friday from 8 am to 5 pm, however constituents can leave a brief message for their legislators, or for a librarian’s response. Questions can also be emailed to&nbsp;<a href="mailto:infodesk@ks.gov" target="_blank">infodesk@ks.gov</a>.Kansans can also chat with a librarian in real-time through the library’s Ask a Librarian service found at&nbsp;<a href="https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMDEsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsImJ1bGxldGluX2lkIjoiMjAyMzAxMDMuNjkxNTQ2MTEiLCJ1cmwiOiJodHRwOi8va3NsaWIuaW5mby9hc2sifQ.H-dkLa1muV6h0Oqnl2WtlePnyR8hGeb45nD4Ljfj3aY/s/1303161001/br/151607751590-l" target="_blank">kslib.info/ask</a>. From this page, residents use the web or download the mobile app to connect to the State Library’s reference services through chat, email, or phone. TTY users should call 711.* Hotline: 1-800-432-3924 *

Email:&nbsp;<a href="mailto:infodesk@ks.gov" target="_blank">infodesk@ks.gov</a> *&nbsp;

Web:&nbsp;<a href="https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMDIsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsImJ1bGxldGluX2lkIjoiMjAyMzAxMDMuNjkxNTQ2MTEiLCJ1cmwiOiJodHRwOi8va3NsaWIuaW5mby9hc2sifQ.fUSObMzInCp7IIDiQSywdw1pCGal3nrsYMROhesk0ZI/s/1303161001/br/151607751590-l" target="_blank">kslib.info/ask</a>

Legislative hotline available to Kansans

RUSSELL - The city of Russell will be Closed on Monday. January 2nd, 2023 in observance of New Year's Day. 

This also includes public transportation and sanitation service. 

Sanitation routes usually serviced on Monday will be serviced Tuesday along with the regular scheduled route. Please make sure your polycarts are out by 8 a.m., keeping in mind the sanitation trucks have no set time for pickup throughout the day

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/10/1666734625780.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>City of RussellRUSSELL - The city of Russell will be Closed on Monday. January 2nd, 2023 in observance of New Year's Day. This also includes public transportation and sanitation service. Sanitation routes usually serviced on Monday will be serviced Tuesday along with the regular scheduled route. Please make sure your polycarts are out by 8 a.m., keeping in mind the sanitation trucks have no set time for pickup throughout the day

Russell city office, public transportation close in observance of New Year's Day

BUNKER HILL –&nbsp;Back for its 18th&nbsp;Season, Doctors on Call will begin airing on Smoky Hills PBS (SHPBS) on Tuesday, January 10th at 7 p.m.

“We are excited to be back for another season of Doctors on Call,” said Les Kinderknecht, senior producer/director of Smoky Hills PBS.&nbsp; “We have a great lineup this year with many great doctors from central and western Kansas.”

Doctors on Call is a live viewer call-in show hosted by Jenna Miller.&nbsp; It is also produced by Smoky Hills PBS and takes place in Studio A in Bunker Hill, KS.&nbsp; Smoky Hills PBS brings in medical professionals from throughout the state to provide medical information on their field of expertise.&nbsp; Each week Doctors on Call highlights a new topic with a new doctor.

Viewers also have the opportunity to call in with questions live during the show.&nbsp; The doctors selected each week have expertise in the topic chosen for that program.&nbsp; 

A schedule of programs and past episodes is available at&nbsp;<a href="http://www.smokyhillspbs.org/" target="_blank">www.SmokyHillsPBS.org</a>.&nbsp;

* January 10 – General Health - Dr. Tyrel Somers - Russell Regional Hospital * January 17 – Pet Health – Dr. Brandon Weidenhaft – Big Creek Vet Service, Hays * January 24 – Chiropractic Care – Dr. Lindsay Gallion, DC, Russell Chiropractic &amp; Sports Therapy * January 31 – Pain Management – Dr. Bell Razafindrabe - Pain, Spine &amp; Rehab, Great Bend

To submit questions electronically on a specific topic, viewers can send an email to&nbsp;<a href="mailto:doctors@shptv.org" target="_blank">doctors@shptv.org</a>.&nbsp;Questions submitted through email must be received by noon on the day of the show.&nbsp; During the program, viewers can call in questions at 1-800-337-4788.

Doctors on Call is made possible in part by these current sponsors:&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.kammco.com/" target="_blank">KAMMCO</a>&nbsp;(Kansas Medical Mutual Insurance Company),&nbsp;<a href="https://www.russellhospital.org/" target="_blank">Russell Regional Hospital</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.scmhks.org/" target="_blank">Smith County Memorial Hospital</a>.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/3/1647437349209.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>SHPBSBUNKER HILL –&nbsp;Back for its 18th&nbsp;Season, Doctors on Call will begin airing on Smoky Hills PBS (SHPBS) on Tuesday, January 10th at 7 p.m.“We are excited to be back for another season of Doctors on Call,” said Les Kinderknecht, senior producer/director of Smoky Hills PBS.&nbsp; “We have a great lineup this year with many great doctors from central and western Kansas.”Doctors on Call is a live viewer call-in show hosted by Jenna Miller.&nbsp; It is also produced by Smoky Hills PBS and takes place in Studio A in Bunker Hill, KS.&nbsp; Smoky Hills PBS brings in medical professionals from throughout the state to provide medical information on their field of expertise.&nbsp; Each week Doctors on Call highlights a new topic with a new doctor.Viewers also have the opportunity to call in with questions live during the show.&nbsp; The doctors selected each week have expertise in the topic chosen for that program.&nbsp; A schedule of programs and past episodes is available at&nbsp;<a href="http://www.smokyhillspbs.org/" target="_blank">www.SmokyHillsPBS.org</a>.&nbsp;Coming up in January:* January 10 – General Health - Dr. Tyrel Somers - Russell Regional Hospital * January 17 – Pet Health – Dr. Brandon Weidenhaft – Big Creek Vet Service, Hays * January 24 – Chiropractic Care – Dr. Lindsay Gallion, DC, Russell Chiropractic &amp; Sports Therapy * January 31 – Pain Management – Dr. Bell Razafindrabe - Pain, Spine &amp; Rehab, Great Bend To submit questions electronically on a specific topic, viewers can send an email to&nbsp;<a href="mailto:doctors@shptv.org" target="_blank">doctors@shptv.org</a>.&nbsp;Questions submitted through email must be received by noon on the day of the show.&nbsp; During the program, viewers can call in questions at 1-800-337-4788.Doctors on Call is made possible in part by these current sponsors:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kammco.com/" target="_blank">KAMMCO</a>&nbsp;(Kansas Medical Mutual Insurance Company),&nbsp;<a href="https://www.russellhospital.org/" target="_blank">Russell Regional Hospital</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.scmhks.org/" target="_blank">Smith County Memorial Hospital</a>.

Hays veterinarian to be featured on SHPBS' 'Doctors on Call'

An afternoon of tea, finger sandwiches and pastries awaits you at the Hays Public Library Foundation Afternoon Tea Party from 2 to 4 p.m. on Feb. 5.

The tea party will include a variety of teas and other beverages. Several courses of tasty treats that complement the teas, including croissants and tarts donated by Cathy’s Breads, will be served.

The attire for an afternoon tea party is smart casual. Attendees, who want to fully embrace the experience, are encouraged to “dress to the tea.” That could include hats and gloves.

The event is a fundraiser for the Hays Public Library Foundation, which supports the library by assisting with unbudgeted needs. Tickets cost $35 and can be purchased at the library or online at&nbsp;<a href="http://hayslibrary.org/event/">hayslibrary.org/event/</a>. A limited number of tickets are available for this event.

You can find out more about this and other library programs at&nbsp;<a href="http://hayslibrary.org/">hayslibrary.org</a>&nbsp;or by calling 785-625-9014.

Cover photo provided by Pixabay.

SubmittedAn afternoon of tea, finger sandwiches and pastries awaits you at the Hays Public Library Foundation Afternoon Tea Party from 2 to 4 p.m. on Feb. 5.The tea party will include a variety of teas and other beverages. Several courses of tasty treats that complement the teas, including croissants and tarts donated by Cathy’s Breads, will be served.The attire for an afternoon tea party is smart casual. Attendees, who want to fully embrace the experience, are encouraged to “dress to the tea.” That could include hats and gloves.The event is a fundraiser for the Hays Public Library Foundation, which supports the library by assisting with unbudgeted needs. Tickets cost $35 and can be purchased at the library or online at&nbsp;<a href="http://hayslibrary.org/event/">hayslibrary.org/event/</a>. A limited number of tickets are available for this event.You can find out more about this and other library programs at&nbsp;<a href="http://hayslibrary.org/">hayslibrary.org</a>&nbsp;or by calling 785-625-9014.Cover photo provided by Pixabay.

Hays Public Library Foundation sets tea party fundraiser

Due to the observance of the New Year’s holiday on Monday, Jan. 2 refuse/recycling route collection schedules in Hays will be altered as follows:

Monday, Jan. 2 and Tuesday, Jan. 3 will be picked up on Tuesday, Jan. 3. 

Routes collected Wednesday, Jan. 4 - Friday, Jan. 6 will have no change.

Although collections may not occur on your normal day, collections will be completed during the week. &nbsp;It is anticipated that heavy volumes of refuse/recycling will be encountered around the holidays. Please make sure your refuse and recycling are out by 7 a.m., and keep in mind that the trucks have no set time schedule.

City of Hays customers 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 by Becky Kiser/Hays Post)" />
 <figcaption>(File photo by Becky Kiser/Hays Post)</figcaption>
 </figure>City of HaysDue to the observance of the New Year’s holiday on Monday, Jan. 2 refuse/recycling route collection schedules in Hays will be altered as follows:Monday, Jan. 2 and Tuesday, Jan. 3 will be picked up on Tuesday, Jan. 3. Routes collected Wednesday, Jan. 4 - Friday, Jan. 6 will have no change.Although collections may not occur on your normal day, collections will be completed during the week. &nbsp;It is anticipated that heavy volumes of refuse/recycling will be encountered around the holidays. Please make sure your refuse and recycling are out by 7 a.m., and keep in mind that the trucks have no set time schedule.City of Hays customers 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 collection changes for New Year holiday

RUSSELL - The Russell City Building will be closed to the public on Friday, December 30th, 2022 for end of year processing. 

Sanitation routes and public transportation will still operate normal operation hours. In case of emergency, please contact 911 or Russell Police Department at 785-483-2121.&nbsp;&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/10/1666734874208.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>City of RussellRUSSELL - The Russell City Building will be closed to the public on Friday, December 30th, 2022 for end of year processing. Sanitation routes and public transportation will still operate normal operation hours. In case of emergency, please contact 911 or Russell Police Department at 785-483-2121.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Russell city offices closed today 

Throughout the last four and half years, Jake Gill has raised tens of thousands of dollars for non-profit organizations around the U.S. and the world.

Jake is excited to be bringing his performance to the community and families of Hays. The concert will take place at The Rose Garden Banquet Hall at 8 p.m. Jan. 6 for the “Great Christmas Regift Concert."

“I am excited to be a part of such a great event for the Hays and for Jana’s Campaign,” Gill said. “We are anxious to continue our mission in aiding a great non-profit organization and putting on a high-energy show.”

The Rose Garden Banquet Hall welcomes Jake Gill.

They will have a Christmas Re-gift silent auction. Bring a gift you received (and really didn't want) or one you bought to donate to our silent auction.

All proceeds will be donated to Jana’s Campaign.

After a whirlwind tour across the U.S. in 2022, Jake Gill has much to celebrate as his much new single “Crazy Girl” has over 33 million streams on social media since it’s release.

The TikTok viral sensation was preceded by the hit single “Baby I'm on It," which continues to be a crowd favorite and is on course to be his first certified gold single.

The Sylvia native showed no signs of slowing down with the first of 12 shows in his new venue home in Nashville, the famed Hard Rock Cafe.

His tour this last season has taken the singer and his band to over 37 states and 180 shows and allowed the artist and his band to meet hundreds of thousands of people and sample some of the country’s best food.

During his last show of the week on the "Maverick in Me Tour" in New York, Gill was fired up as the entire crowd learned the lyrics to his energy-packed single “John Deere Rockstar,” which honors the American farmer.

Dean McNeal with Dean Connections in Seatac, Wash., said the show was a great success. Gill will continue the momentum on the "Maverick in Me Tour"  tour on Jan. 6 in Hays at the Rose Garden Banquet Hall. Doors at open 7 p.m. Watch social media for updates and sponsorship opportunities.

For more information on Jake Gill, visit <a href="http://jakegill.net">jakegill.net</a>.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/12/1672259897269.jpeg" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure><h2>Concert to benefit Jana's Campaign</h2>SubmittedThroughout the last four and half years, Jake Gill has raised tens of thousands of dollars for non-profit organizations around the U.S. and the world.Jake is excited to be bringing his performance to the community and families of Hays. The concert will take place at The Rose Garden Banquet Hall at 8 p.m. Jan. 6 for the “Great Christmas Regift Concert."“I am excited to be a part of such a great event for the Hays and for Jana’s Campaign,” Gill said. “We are anxious to continue our mission in aiding a great non-profit organization and putting on a high-energy show.”The Rose Garden Banquet Hall welcomes Jake Gill.They will have a Christmas Re-gift silent auction. Bring a gift you received (and really didn't want) or one you bought to donate to our silent auction.All proceeds will be donated to Jana’s Campaign.After a whirlwind tour across the U.S. in 2022, Jake Gill has much to celebrate as his much new single “Crazy Girl” has over 33 million streams on social media since it’s release.The TikTok viral sensation was preceded by the hit single “Baby I'm on It," which continues to be a crowd favorite and is on course to be his first certified gold single.The Sylvia native showed no signs of slowing down with the first of 12 shows in his new venue home in Nashville, the famed Hard Rock Cafe.His tour this last season has taken the singer and his band to over 37 states and 180 shows and allowed the artist and his band to meet hundreds of thousands of people and sample some of the country’s best food.During his last show of the week on the "Maverick in Me Tour" in New York, Gill was fired up as the entire crowd learned the lyrics to his energy-packed single “John Deere Rockstar,” which honors the American farmer.Dean McNeal with Dean Connections in Seatac, Wash., said the show was a great success. Gill will continue the momentum on the "Maverick in Me Tour" tour on Jan. 6 in Hays at the Rose Garden Banquet Hall. Doors at open 7 p.m. Watch social media for updates and sponsorship opportunities. For more information on Jake Gill, visit <a href="http://jakegill.net">jakegill.net</a>.

Jake Gill Holiday Re-gift concert set for Jan. 6 in Hays

Citizens are encouraged to bring real Christmas trees to the free disposal site located north of the Public Works building at 1002 Vine St. This area is right next to the bathrooms at Speier ball fields. Place the trees on the east side of the bathrooms.

Signs will be posted to direct citizens. &nbsp;

Please remove all plastic, ornaments and lights before leaving the tree. The disposal site will be open through Monday, Jan. 9, 2023. &nbsp;

Midwest Energy will provide personnel and a wood chipper to chip the trees to make mulch. The mulch will be placed at the Parks Department on the U.S. Highway 183 Bypass and is available for pickup free of charge.

If there are questions, call the Solid Waste Division at 785-628-7350.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/12/1609258939475.png" alt="(Photo by Becky Kiser/Hays Post)" />
 <figcaption>(Photo by Becky Kiser/Hays Post)</figcaption>
 </figure>City of HaysCitizens are encouraged to bring real Christmas trees to the free disposal site located north of the Public Works building at 1002 Vine St. This area is right next to the bathrooms at Speier ball fields. Place the trees on the east side of the bathrooms.Signs will be posted to direct citizens. &nbsp;Please remove all plastic, ornaments and lights before leaving the tree. The disposal site will be open through Monday, Jan. 9, 2023. &nbsp;Midwest Energy will provide personnel and a wood chipper to chip the trees to make mulch. The mulch will be placed at the Parks Department on the U.S. Highway 183 Bypass and is available for pickup free of charge.If there are questions, call the Solid Waste Division at 785-628-7350.

Free Christmas tree disposal open at Hays Public Works facility

Dec. 29 is a fifth Thursday of the month; therefore, there will not be a Hays City Commission work session that afternoon.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/3/1584721067731.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Dec. 29 is a fifth Thursday of the month; therefore, there will not be a Hays City Commission work session that afternoon.—&nbsp;City of Hays

No Hays City Commission work session Thursday

City of Hays offices will be closed on Monday, January 2, 2023, in observance of the New Year's Day holiday.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/1/1578073045561.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>City of HaysCity of Hays offices will be closed on Monday, January 2, 2023, in observance of the New Year's Day holiday.

City offices in Hays closed Monday for holiday observance

Osborne Public Library, 325 W. Main St., Osborne 67473

Osborne Public Library Journaling Class5:30-6:30 p.m. Jan. 12Osborne Public Library, 325 W. Main St., Osborne 67473785-346-5486, ospublib.com

Osborne County January events

ELLIS COUNTY RESIDENTS: Midwest Energy is asking its natural gas customers in Ellis County to conserve natural gas now through 11 a.m. on Sunday, Dec. 25. This comes at the request of an interstate pipeline company that supplies natural gas to the area.

Customers are asked to lower thermostats 1-2 degrees and turn off gas fireplaces unless absolutely necessary.

Winter Storm Elliott's record gas flows have put pressure on natural gas supplies nationwide. On Saturday, temperatures will increase slightly, but the wind is forecast to drop off, requiring more electricity to be generated from natural gas.

Midwest Energy thanks you for your assistance!

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/12/1671905020813.jpeg" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure>ELLIS COUNTY RESIDENTS: Midwest Energy is asking its natural gas customers in Ellis County to conserve natural gas now through 11 a.m. on Sunday, Dec. 25. This comes at the request of an interstate pipeline company that supplies natural gas to the area.Customers are asked to lower thermostats 1-2 degrees and turn off gas fireplaces unless absolutely necessary.Winter Storm Elliott's record gas flows have put pressure on natural gas supplies nationwide. On Saturday, temperatures will increase slightly, but the wind is forecast to drop off, requiring more electricity to be generated from natural gas.Midwest Energy thanks you for your assistance!

Midwest Energy asks customers to conserve natural gas

Due to the forecasted dangerous windchill through the morning hours, the City of Russell transportation bus will have a delayed start. 

The bus will begin running at 1:00 pm. We apologize for any inconvenience this may cause.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/10/1666734874208.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>City of RussellDue to the forecasted dangerous windchill through the morning hours, the City of Russell transportation bus will have a delayed start. The bus will begin running at 1:00 pm. We apologize for any inconvenience this may cause.

City of Russell transportation bus will have a delayed start 

LARNED — Fort Larned National Historic Site will be closed on Christmas Day, 
Sunday, Dec. 25, and New Year’s Day, Sunday, Jan. 1, 2023.&nbsp; 
Visit the <a href="https://www.nps.gov/fols">website</a> for pictures and information about the fort, as
 well as its role in U.S. history and the history of the Santa Fe 
Trail.&nbsp; The fort will reopen on Monday, Dec. 26, and Tuesday, Jan.
 2, for its regular business hours of 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

Fort Larned
 National Historic Site is located 6 miles west of Larned on Kansas 156. Information on visiting is on the internet at 
<a href="https://www.nps.gov/fols">www.nps.gov/fols</a>, by calling 620-285-6911, or via <a href="http://fols_superintendent@nps.gov">email</a>. For
 information on area tourism partners, lodging, dining and community 
services go to www.larnedks.org or call (620) 285-6916.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/12/1669916700810.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>LARNED — Fort Larned National Historic Site will be closed on Christmas Day, 
Sunday, Dec. 25, and New Year’s Day, Sunday, Jan. 1, 2023.&nbsp; 
Visit the <a href="https://www.nps.gov/fols">website</a> for pictures and information about the fort, as
 well as its role in U.S. history and the history of the Santa Fe 
Trail.&nbsp; The fort will reopen on Monday, Dec. 26, and Tuesday, Jan.
 2, for its regular business hours of 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Fort Larned
 National Historic Site is located 6 miles west of Larned on Kansas 156. Information on visiting is on the internet at 
<a href="https://www.nps.gov/fols">www.nps.gov/fols</a>, by calling 620-285-6911, or via <a href="http://fols_superintendent@nps.gov">email</a>. For
 information on area tourism partners, lodging, dining and community 
services go to www.larnedks.org or call (620) 285-6916.&nbsp;— News release

Fort Larned announces holiday closure schedule

The Ellis County Sheriff's Office wants to remind residents of the special care their outdoor pet needs during the cold weather.&nbsp;

State law requires that all pets who spend time outside have access to adequate shelter and fresh water.

"The best place for our pets is in our home but we know that is not always possible," said Sheriff Scott Braun.&nbsp;

"We encourage all pet owners to take appropriate steps to protect those animals that may be left outside for long periods of time. Our office is prepared to investigate reports of animal neglect throughout this cold spell.&nbsp;

A few tips to meet the cold weather requirements include maintaining adequate shelter - like a doghouse with dry bedding such as straw, or a structure such as a garage or barn, and food and fresh water.

For more information contact the Ellis County Sheriff's Office at 785-625-1040.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/12/1671754126429.jpeg" alt="(Photo by Unsplash)" />
 <figcaption>(Photo by Unsplash)</figcaption>
 </figure>Ellis County Sheriff The Ellis County Sheriff's Office wants to remind residents of the special care their outdoor pet needs during the cold weather.&nbsp;State law requires that all pets who spend time outside have access to adequate shelter and fresh water."The best place for our pets is in our home but we know that is not always possible," said Sheriff Scott Braun.&nbsp;"We encourage all pet owners to take appropriate steps to protect those animals that may be left outside for long periods of time. Our office is prepared to investigate reports of animal neglect throughout this cold spell.&nbsp;A few tips to meet the cold weather requirements include maintaining adequate shelter - like a doghouse with dry bedding such as straw, or a structure such as a garage or barn, and food and fresh water.For more information contact the Ellis County Sheriff's Office at 785-625-1040.

SHERIFF: Law requires protection of outdoor pets during cold weather

Due to equipment issues beyond staff control, until
 further notice all paper/cardboard recycling goods collected by the 
refuse collectors along the collection routes may need to be disposed of
 at the Ellis County Transfer Station rather than the standard recycling
 disposal site. 

We are sorry for any inconvenience this may cause and 
encourage customers to temporarily hold on to paper or cardboard 
recycling material if they don’t wish to have it disposed of in this 
manner; however all recycling materials put out for disposal will be 
collected as normal.

An updated public service notice will be distributed once normal operations resume.

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

City of Hays Due to equipment issues beyond staff control, until
 further notice all paper/cardboard recycling goods collected by the 
refuse collectors along the collection routes may need to be disposed of
 at the Ellis County Transfer Station rather than the standard recycling
 disposal site. We are sorry for any inconvenience this may cause and 
encourage customers to temporarily hold on to paper or cardboard 
recycling material if they don’t wish to have it disposed of in this 
manner; however all recycling materials put out for disposal will be 
collected as normal.An updated public service notice will be distributed once normal operations resume.City
 of Hays customers who have any questions regarding this notice should 
contact the Solid Waste Division of the Public Works Department at 
628-7350.

Announcements