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 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/4/1649861820618.jpeg" alt="A bird's-eye view of the Kiwanis egg hunt map on the FHSU campus. " />
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Kiwanis Easter egg hunt set for Saturday

RUSSELL — Opening&nbsp;at the Deines Cultural Center on Friday is Prairie Connection-Paintings by Pat Underwood.

The Deines welcomes you to an exhibition of the Russell native's work. Underwood’s paintings demonstrate his love of nature, the landscape, and animals.

There will be a reception from 5 to 7 p.m. with musical accompaniment by Alex Underwood.

Prairie Connection is upstairs at the Deines until May 13.

The Deines is located at 820 N. Main in Russell. There is no charge for admission, and everyone is welcome.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/4/1649708513946.jpeg" alt="Artwork by Pat Underwood" />
 <figcaption>Artwork by Pat Underwood</figcaption>
 </figure>SubmittedRUSSELL — Opening&nbsp;at the Deines Cultural Center on Friday is Prairie Connection-Paintings by Pat Underwood.The Deines welcomes you to an exhibition of the Russell native's work. Underwood’s paintings demonstrate his love of nature, the landscape, and animals.There will be a reception from 5 to 7 p.m. with musical accompaniment by Alex Underwood.Prairie Connection is upstairs at the Deines until May 13.The Deines is located at 820 N. Main in Russell. There is no charge for admission, and everyone is welcome.Call 785-483-3742 for information.

Russell native featured at new Deines Cultural Center exhibit

TREGO COUNTY — The decision has been made to implement a total fire ban at Cedar Bluff State Park.&nbsp;Trego County is also in a burn ban.

Cedar Bluff State Park officials made the announcement in a news release this morning on <a href="https://www.facebook.com/CedarBluffStatePark">social media</a>.&nbsp;

The following is banned until further notice:&nbsp;

* No camp fires will be allowed. * No fire ring fires will be allowed (even if the fire ring is enclosed and an above ground type). * No propane fire rings will be allowed. * No grilling in fire rings will be allowed. * No charcoal grilling will be allowed.

Propane and pellet type grills will still be allowed.  Blackstone-type griddles will be allowed.  

Cedar Bluff State Park employees will continually monitor the fire conditions and will continue to act on the advice and guidance of KDWP, Trego County, and the Bureau of Reclamation. 

 Notice will be posted on Facebook when the fire ban is lifted.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/4/1649867230067.png" alt="A total burn ban was implemented Wednesday at Cedar Bluff State Park until further notice. (Pixabay)" />
 <figcaption>A total burn ban was implemented Wednesday at Cedar Bluff State Park until further notice. (Pixabay)</figcaption>
 </figure>News releaseTREGO COUNTY — The decision has been made to implement a total fire ban at Cedar Bluff State Park.&nbsp;Trego County is also in a burn ban.Cedar Bluff State Park officials made the announcement in a news release this morning on <a href="https://www.facebook.com/CedarBluffStatePark">social media</a>.&nbsp;The following is banned until further notice:&nbsp;* No camp fires will be allowed. * No fire ring fires will be allowed (even if the fire ring is enclosed and an above ground type). * No propane fire rings will be allowed. * No grilling in fire rings will be allowed. * No charcoal grilling will be allowed. Propane and pellet type grills will still be allowed. Blackstone-type griddles will be allowed. Cedar Bluff State Park employees will continually monitor the fire conditions and will continue to act on the advice and guidance of KDWP, Trego County, and the Bureau of Reclamation. Notice will be posted on Facebook when the fire ban is lifted.

Total fire ban implemented at Cedar Bluff State Park 

The Hays Symphony will be presenting “Voyage to France”, a joint spring concert with the FHSU Choirs and Smoky Hill Chorale on at 7:30 p.m. Sunday, May 1, at the FHSU Beach/Schmidt Performing Arts Center.

The concert features pivotal works by two Frenchmen:&nbsp;Gloria, by Francis Poulenc with soprano soloist,&nbsp;Dr. Ivalah Allen is conducted by Dr. Terry Crull, and&nbsp;Symphonie Fantastique, by Hector Berlioz, is conducted by Dr. Brian Buckstead.

Gloria&nbsp;was written four years before Poulenc’s death and was described by some as “bordering on the sacrilegious.” In response Poulenc is said to have replied,&nbsp;“While writing it I had in mind those Crozzoli frescoes with angels sticking out their tongues, and also some solemn-looking Benedictine monks that I saw playing football one day.”&nbsp; A music critic of his day described Poulenc’s personality as “something of a monk and something of the rascal.”&nbsp;The work is divided into six short movements and&nbsp;the text of the Gloria is in Latin from the Roman Catholic Mass. The&nbsp;Gloria&nbsp;for soprano soloist, chorus and orchestra enjoyed immediate acclaim and remains popular to this day,

Dr. Terry Crull, conducting&nbsp;Gloria, is Associate Professor of Music and Director of Choral Activities at Fort Hays State University. His duties include conducting Fort Hays Singers, Concert Choir, Women's Chorale, Men's Glee Club, and Smoky Hill Chorale.

Soprano&nbsp;Soloist, Dr. Ivalah Allen, FHSU Associate Professor of Voice,&nbsp;is a clinician, vocal and classroom instructor, conductor, and opera and music theatre director. Dr. Allen has performed as soloist on the opera, recital, symphonic, and oratorio stage throughout the Midwest.

Symphonie Fantastique&nbsp;is&nbsp;a five-movement portrait of romantic obsession, complete with a witches’ Sabbath, a guillotine and wild hallucinations. The work is thought to be an autobiographical expression of Berlioz’s unrequited love for theEnglish actress Harriet Smithson. A central figure of the Romantic Movement, Berlioz creates almost nightmarish sonorities that sweep the listener to experience deep emotions. The composition challenges the members of the orchestra by asking the musicians to play outside of their normal range.&nbsp;Berlioz’&nbsp;Symphonie Fantastique&nbsp;had its premiere at the Paris Conservatory on December 5, 1830, almost two-hundred years ago; yet remains a popular work programed often by American symphony orchestras.

Dr. Brian Buckstead is Assistant Professor of Violin and Viola at Fort Hays State University, as well as director of the Hays Symphony. He enjoys a thriving career as a violinist, violist and conductor.&nbsp;Brian is passionate about the education of young musicians. In addition to adjudicating local and national music competitions, he co-developed Bring Back the Music, an initiative to bring string instrument education to two underprivileged public schools in Medicine Hat, Alberta.&nbsp;&nbsp;

This free concert and the post-concert reception made possible by a generous donation from Auto World (Kay and Dick Werth).

All Hays Symphony concerts are free and open to the public. Attendees are encouraged to reserve tickets in advance on the symphony’s web site. Tickets may also be picked up in advance at the Hays Convention Visitors Bureau and the Downtown Hays Development Corporation, or at the symphony table in the lobby 30 minutes before the performance.

News releaseThe Hays Symphony will be presenting “Voyage to France”, a joint spring concert with the FHSU Choirs and Smoky Hill Chorale on at 7:30 p.m. Sunday, May 1, at the FHSU Beach/Schmidt Performing Arts Center.The concert features pivotal works by two Frenchmen:&nbsp;Gloria, by Francis Poulenc with soprano soloist,&nbsp;Dr. Ivalah Allen is conducted by Dr. Terry Crull, and&nbsp;Symphonie Fantastique, by Hector Berlioz, is conducted by Dr. Brian Buckstead.Gloria&nbsp;was written four years before Poulenc’s death and was described by some as “bordering on the sacrilegious.” In response Poulenc is said to have replied,&nbsp;“While writing it I had in mind those Crozzoli frescoes with angels sticking out their tongues, and also some solemn-looking Benedictine monks that I saw playing football one day.”&nbsp; A music critic of his day described Poulenc’s personality as “something of a monk and something of the rascal.”&nbsp;The work is divided into six short movements and&nbsp;the text of the Gloria is in Latin from the Roman Catholic Mass. The&nbsp;Gloria&nbsp;for soprano soloist, chorus and orchestra enjoyed immediate acclaim and remains popular to this day,Dr. Terry Crull, conducting&nbsp;Gloria, is Associate Professor of Music and Director of Choral Activities at Fort Hays State University. His duties include conducting Fort Hays Singers, Concert Choir, Women's Chorale, Men's Glee Club, and Smoky Hill Chorale.Soprano&nbsp;Soloist, Dr. Ivalah Allen, FHSU Associate Professor of Voice,&nbsp;is a clinician, vocal and classroom instructor, conductor, and opera and music theatre director. Dr. Allen has performed as soloist on the opera, recital, symphonic, and oratorio stage throughout the Midwest.Symphonie Fantastique&nbsp;is&nbsp;a five-movement portrait of romantic obsession, complete with a witches’ Sabbath, a guillotine and wild hallucinations. The work is thought to be an autobiographical expression of Berlioz’s unrequited love for theEnglish actress Harriet Smithson. A central figure of the Romantic Movement, Berlioz creates almost nightmarish sonorities that sweep the listener to experience deep emotions. The composition challenges the members of the orchestra by asking the musicians to play outside of their normal range.&nbsp;Berlioz’&nbsp;Symphonie Fantastique&nbsp;had its premiere at the Paris Conservatory on December 5, 1830, almost two-hundred years ago; yet remains a popular work programed often by American symphony orchestras.Dr. Brian Buckstead is Assistant Professor of Violin and Viola at Fort Hays State University, as well as director of the Hays Symphony. He enjoys a thriving career as a violinist, violist and conductor.&nbsp;Brian is passionate about the education of young musicians. In addition to adjudicating local and national music competitions, he co-developed Bring Back the Music, an initiative to bring string instrument education to two underprivileged public schools in Medicine Hat, Alberta.&nbsp;&nbsp;This free concert and the post-concert reception made possible by a generous donation from Auto World (Kay and Dick Werth).All Hays Symphony concerts are free and open to the public. Attendees are encouraged to reserve tickets in advance on the symphony’s web site. Tickets may also be picked up in advance at the Hays Convention Visitors Bureau and the Downtown Hays Development Corporation, or at the symphony table in the lobby 30 minutes before the performance.Cover image courtesy Pixabay

Hays Symphony to present 'Voyage to France' in joint concert

MANHATTAN — First District Rep. Tracey Mann, R-Kan., is hosting 41 town hall meetings in 41 counties across the First Congressional District in Kansas on April 11 to 14 and April 18 to 19.

Mann will be in several area Kansas counties Thursday.&nbsp;

News releaseMANHATTAN — First District Rep. Tracey Mann, R-Kan., is hosting 41 town hall meetings in 41 counties across the First Congressional District in Kansas on April 11 to 14 and April 18 to 19.Mann will be in several area Kansas counties Thursday.&nbsp;<figure>
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Mann will hold town halls in area counties this week

GREAT BEND - Barton Community College will be closed on Friday, April 15 and Monday, April 18 for Easter break. Barton's Center for Adult Education and the Shafer Art Gallery will also be closed. 

The college's regular class schedule and office hours will resume Tuesday, April 19.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/2/1644361361884.png" alt="" />
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 </figure>BCCGREAT BEND - Barton Community College will be closed on Friday, April 15 and Monday, April 18 for Easter break. Barton's Center for Adult Education and the Shafer Art Gallery will also be closed. The college's regular class schedule and office hours will resume Tuesday, April 19.

Barton Community College to close for Easter break 

UPDATE 9 a.m. Tuesday: Due to illness, the unclaimed property search in Hays will be rescheduled at a date to be determined.&nbsp;

TOPEKA — Kansas State Treasurer Lynn Rogers will host an unclaimed property search in Hays on Tuesday. Residents are invited to meet the treasurer to search for unclaimed property and ask questions about the work of the State Treasurer’s Office.

Who: State Treasurer Lynn Rogers&nbsp; What: Unclaimed Property Search When: Tuesday, Apr. 12, 2022, 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Where: Dillons, 1902 Vine St., Hays, KS 67601

Returning unclaimed property is a free service provided by the State Treasurer’s Office. Any website requesting credit card information or offering to find property for a fee is&nbsp;not&nbsp;the official website of the State Treasurer.

Kansans can search for unclaimed property anytime by visiting&nbsp;<a href="http://www.kansascash.ks.gov/" target="_blank">www.kansascash.ks.gov</a>.

UPDATE 9 a.m. Tuesday: Due to illness, the unclaimed property search in Hays will be rescheduled at a date to be determined.&nbsp;News releaseTOPEKA — Kansas State Treasurer Lynn Rogers will host an unclaimed property search in Hays on Tuesday. Residents are invited to meet the treasurer to search for unclaimed property and ask questions about the work of the State Treasurer’s Office.Who: State Treasurer Lynn Rogers&nbsp; What: Unclaimed Property Search When: Tuesday, Apr. 12, 2022, 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Where: Dillons, 1902 Vine St., Hays, KS 67601Returning unclaimed property is a free service provided by the State Treasurer’s Office. Any website requesting credit card information or offering to find property for a fee is&nbsp;not&nbsp;the official website of the State Treasurer.Kansans can search for unclaimed property anytime by visiting&nbsp;<a href="http://www.kansascash.ks.gov/" target="_blank">www.kansascash.ks.gov</a>.

Unclaimed property search in Hays to be rescheduled

The Hays Baseball Club has announced its inaugural golf tournament, scheduled for Friday, May 13, at Smoky Hill Country Club.

The event will start with registration at 8 a.m. and a shotgun start at 9 a.m. Hole and hole prize sponsorships are still available by emailing&nbsp;<a href="mailto:hbcbaseballhs@gmail.com?subject=Golf%20Tournament">hbcbaseballhs@gmail.com</a>.

Players can register for the golf tournament <a href="https://www.nex-tech.com/haysbaseball.aspx">HERE</a>.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/4/1649783650683.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>The Hays Baseball Club has announced its inaugural golf tournament, scheduled for Friday, May 13, at Smoky Hill Country Club.The event will start with registration at 8 a.m. and a shotgun start at 9 a.m. Hole and hole prize sponsorships are still available by emailing&nbsp;<a href="mailto:hbcbaseballhs@gmail.com?subject=Golf%20Tournament">hbcbaseballhs@gmail.com</a>.Players can register for the golf tournament <a href="https://www.nex-tech.com/haysbaseball.aspx">HERE</a>.

Hays Baseball Club golf tourney scheduled

TOPEKA — The Attorney General’s Office has rescheduled two free document destruction events for Hays and Hutchinson, Kansas Attorney General Derek Schmidt said last week.

The events were previously scheduled during National Consumer Protection Week, the first week of March, but were postponed because of inclement weather. The events are held annually as part of a statewide program that encourages Kansans to safely dispose of personal documents as an important step toward preventing identity theft.

The schedule of events for Hays and Hutchinson is as follows:

Friday, April 29 11 a.m. – 1 p.m. Sternberg Museum, 3000 Sternberg Drive, Hays

4 – 6 p.m. Hutchinson Kansas State Fairgrounds, Gate 3, W. 23rd&nbsp;and N. Main

Consumers are asked to limit their documents for destruction to three small bags or boxes. Documents will be securely transported to the shredding facility for safe destruction by a certified shredding company.

For more information, visit&nbsp;<a href="http://www.inyourcornerkansas.org/">www.InYourCornerKansas.org</a>&nbsp;or call 1-800-432-2310.&nbsp;

Office of the Attorney GeneralTOPEKA — The Attorney General’s Office has rescheduled two free document destruction events for Hays and Hutchinson, Kansas Attorney General Derek Schmidt said last week.The events were previously scheduled during National Consumer Protection Week, the first week of March, but were postponed because of inclement weather. The events are held annually as part of a statewide program that encourages Kansans to safely dispose of personal documents as an important step toward preventing identity theft.The schedule of events for Hays and Hutchinson is as follows:Friday, April 29 11 a.m. – 1 p.m. Sternberg Museum, 3000 Sternberg Drive, Hays4 – 6 p.m. Hutchinson Kansas State Fairgrounds, Gate 3, W. 23rd&nbsp;and N. MainConsumers are asked to limit their documents for destruction to three small bags or boxes. Documents will be securely transported to the shredding facility for safe destruction by a certified shredding company.For more information, visit&nbsp;<a href="http://www.inyourcornerkansas.org/">www.InYourCornerKansas.org</a>&nbsp;or call 1-800-432-2310.&nbsp;Cover image courtesy Pixabay

Free document destruction event in Hays rescheduled

Pardi to perform during Dodge City Days

BUNKER HILL — Smoky Hills PBS has announced it will be bringing its Family Fun Day event to the Earth Day Celebration at the Great Bend Brit Spaugh Zoo on Saturday, April 23, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.&nbsp; Curious George will also be there.

The Family Fun Day event gives kids a chance to meet Curious George in person and take pictures with him. The first 500 kids that come to meet Curious George will receive a free bag of gifts from Smoky Hills PBS.&nbsp;&nbsp;

“Curious George is so excited to come celebrate Earth Day with the kids,” said Haley Gagnon, event coordinator for Smoky Hills PBS.&nbsp; “We are thrilled to be a part of this great event and look forward to being in Great Bend.”

The Great Bend Earth Day Celebration is presented by Rosewood E-cycle, Dairy Queen and the Great Bend Brit Spaugh Zoo. Booths will be set-up throughout the zoo with activities, a special meet and greet for zoo society members, keeper chats throughout the day, contests, and giveaways.&nbsp; Be sure to join in the fun to celebrate our amazing planet and learn how you can help!

Family Fun Day is an educational and entertaining event that Smoky Hills PBS puts on approximately four times a year across central and western Kansas.&nbsp; Smoky Hills PBS brings a special PBS character to visit and free books and educational gifts are distributed to those children in attendance.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/1/1578663876107.jpeg" alt="" />
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 </figure>Smoky Hills PBSBUNKER HILL — Smoky Hills PBS has announced it will be bringing its Family Fun Day event to the Earth Day Celebration at the Great Bend Brit Spaugh Zoo on Saturday, April 23, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.&nbsp; Curious George will also be there.The Family Fun Day event gives kids a chance to meet Curious George in person and take pictures with him. The first 500 kids that come to meet Curious George will receive a free bag of gifts from Smoky Hills PBS.&nbsp;&nbsp;“Curious George is so excited to come celebrate Earth Day with the kids,” said Haley Gagnon, event coordinator for Smoky Hills PBS.&nbsp; “We are thrilled to be a part of this great event and look forward to being in Great Bend.”The Great Bend Earth Day Celebration is presented by Rosewood E-cycle, Dairy Queen and the Great Bend Brit Spaugh Zoo. Booths will be set-up throughout the zoo with activities, a special meet and greet for zoo society members, keeper chats throughout the day, contests, and giveaways.&nbsp; Be sure to join in the fun to celebrate our amazing planet and learn how you can help!Family Fun Day is an educational and entertaining event that Smoky Hills PBS puts on approximately four times a year across central and western Kansas.&nbsp; Smoky Hills PBS brings a special PBS character to visit and free books and educational gifts are distributed to those children in attendance.

Curious George and Smoky Hills PBS coming to Great Bend

The Alton&nbsp;Community Easter Sunrise Pageant&nbsp;live&nbsp;re-enactment of the&nbsp;Life&nbsp;of Christ&nbsp;will be Sun. April 17,&nbsp;at 6&nbsp;a.m.&nbsp;at the Bluffs just south of Alton (Highway 24 between Osborne and Stockton).&nbsp;Dress warm, bring a flashlight and&nbsp;lawn chair.&nbsp; Breakfast&nbsp;at the Methodist Church,&nbsp;following. Sponsored&nbsp;by&nbsp;United&nbsp;Methodist Church, Mt. Ayr&nbsp;Friends&nbsp;Church, and Community of&nbsp;Alton.

SubmittedThe Alton&nbsp;Community Easter Sunrise Pageant&nbsp;live&nbsp;re-enactment of the&nbsp;Life&nbsp;of Christ&nbsp;will be Sun. April 17,&nbsp;at 6&nbsp;a.m.&nbsp;at the Bluffs just south of Alton (Highway 24 between Osborne and Stockton).&nbsp;Dress warm, bring a flashlight and&nbsp;lawn chair.&nbsp; Breakfast&nbsp;at the Methodist Church,&nbsp;following. Sponsored&nbsp;by&nbsp;United&nbsp;Methodist Church, Mt. Ayr&nbsp;Friends&nbsp;Church, and Community of&nbsp;Alton. Cover image courtesy Unsplash

Easter sunrise service scheduled in Alton

Walk to End Alzheimer's scheduled in Hays

From 4 p.m. to 5 p.m. Grow Hays, the economic development organization for Ellis County, will host members of the Hayc City Commission, Ellis County Commission and USD 489 Board of Education at an open house in the new housing development at 22nd and Wheatland.

During the event three homes will be available to view; 2612 E 23rd, 2603 Maize Ct. and 2219 Cumberland Dr.

From 4 p.m. to 5 p.m. Grow Hays, the economic development organization for Ellis County, will host members of the Hayc City Commission, Ellis County Commission and USD 489 Board of Education at an open house in the new housing development at 22nd and Wheatland.During the event three homes will be available to view; 2612 E 23rd, 2603 Maize Ct. and 2219 Cumberland Dr.

Grow Hays to host local officials for housing tour Friday

Dementia, Alzheimer's support group for caregivers

UPDATED 10 a.m.&nbsp; Thursday

By STACY CAMPBELL Cottonwood Extension District

Several K-State Research &amp; Extension Districts will be offering a Hazardous&nbsp;Occupation Safety Training in&nbsp;Agriculture or&nbsp;Tractor and Farm Safety Course&nbsp;on Saturday,&nbsp;April 30th&nbsp;from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. in Hill City at the Graham County Fairgrounds 4-H Building.&nbsp;

The United States Department of Labor requires youth 14 – 15 years of age attend this safety training in order to work on a farm for someone other than their parents.&nbsp; However, there are several cases where youth may be required to take the training even though they are working on the “family farm.”&nbsp; For instance, if the parent is a partner or member of a farm corporation or if the youth is legally employed by grandparents, the law requires youth participate in the course.&nbsp; Any employer who plans to hire youth under 16 years of age must make sure they attend this tractor and farm safety course.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

Certification will be presented to participants who meet all of the following. Attend the entire session, complete all assignments, successfully complete tractor safety exam, safely demonstrate the ability to operate a tractor and all its controls according to safe operating procedures under the supervision of a parent or employer, youth ages 14-15 years (others will receive certification at the time they turn 14).&nbsp; There is a $10 fee to attend and&nbsp;RSVP is requested by Friday, April 22nd.&nbsp;Thank you to our lunch and refreshment sponsor, People’s State Bank!&nbsp;This program is being offered and taught by Extension Agents in the&nbsp;Cottonwood,&nbsp;Twin Creeks, Golden Prairie and Phillips/Rooks Extension Districts. &nbsp;To register contact any of the above Extension Districts by&nbsp;Saturday,&nbsp;<a></a>April 22 to register and pickup study materials before-hand.&nbsp;

Stacy Campbell is an Agriculture and Natural Resources 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 calling 785-628-9430.

UPDATED 10 a.m.&nbsp; ThursdayBy STACY CAMPBELL Cottonwood Extension DistrictSeveral K-State Research &amp; Extension Districts will be offering a Hazardous&nbsp;Occupation Safety Training in&nbsp;Agriculture or&nbsp;Tractor and Farm Safety Course&nbsp;on Saturday,&nbsp;April 30th&nbsp;from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. in Hill City at the Graham County Fairgrounds 4-H Building.&nbsp;The United States Department of Labor requires youth 14 – 15 years of age attend this safety training in order to work on a farm for someone other than their parents.&nbsp; However, there are several cases where youth may be required to take the training even though they are working on the “family farm.”&nbsp; For instance, if the parent is a partner or member of a farm corporation or if the youth is legally employed by grandparents, the law requires youth participate in the course.&nbsp; Any employer who plans to hire youth under 16 years of age must make sure they attend this tractor and farm safety course.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Certification will be presented to participants who meet all of the following. Attend the entire session, complete all assignments, successfully complete tractor safety exam, safely demonstrate the ability to operate a tractor and all its controls according to safe operating procedures under the supervision of a parent or employer, youth ages 14-15 years (others will receive certification at the time they turn 14).&nbsp; There is a $10 fee to attend and&nbsp;RSVP is requested by Friday, April 22nd.&nbsp;Thank you to our lunch and refreshment sponsor, People’s State Bank!&nbsp;This program is being offered and taught by Extension Agents in the&nbsp;Cottonwood,&nbsp;Twin Creeks, Golden Prairie and Phillips/Rooks Extension Districts. &nbsp;To register contact any of the above Extension Districts by&nbsp;Saturday,&nbsp;<a></a>April 22 to register and pickup study materials before-hand.&nbsp; Stacy Campbell is an Agriculture and Natural Resources 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 calling 785-628-9430.

UPDATE: Tractor and farm safety course scheduled this month

Antique tractor pull scheduled in Schoenchen

Get books at great prices at the Friends of the Library book sale on April 9th from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/4/1649197938700.jpeg" alt="" />
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 </figure>Get books at great prices at the Friends of the Library book sale on April 9th from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.Hays Public Library, 1205 Main.&nbsp;

Friends of Hays Public Library book sale Saturday 

Ellis Chamber Easter Egg Hunt is April 16 at Good Samaritan Society

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Sexual assault awareness events scheduled on FHSU campus

Bingo night April 23 to benefit Oxford House

Trinity Lutheran barbecue to benefit Options

Due to the low forcasted tempratures the Rolling Plains Motor Speedway has cancelled events scheduled for April 2.

"We have been monitoring the weather for this Saturday's opening night, and with the evening temps dipping to a possible 25 degree windchill, it just doesn't make financial sense to start the season off like that," according to the announcement made via facebook. "We will take the next 2 weeks and be 110% ready, and make the 2022 Mike "Huey" Hughes Classic one you will not want to miss."

Due to the low forcasted tempratures the Rolling Plains Motor Speedway has cancelled events scheduled for April 2."We have been monitoring the weather for this Saturday's opening night, and with the evening temps dipping to a possible 25 degree windchill, it just doesn't make financial sense to start the season off like that," according to the announcement made via facebook. "We will take the next 2 weeks and be 110% ready, and make the 2022 Mike "Huey" Hughes Classic one you will not want to miss."<div><iframe src="https://www.facebook.com/plugins/post.php?href=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2Frollingplainsmotor.speedway%2Fposts%2F4888232317962604&show_text=true&width=500" width="500" height="265" style="border:none;overflow:hidden" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="true" allow="autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; picture-in-picture; web-share"></iframe></div><figure>
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RPM Speedway cancels weekend races due to weather

The Hays Chamber received notification that local elected officials will be in session very late Friday evening.  

As such, the chamber is postponing the Legislative Coffee that was schedule for Saturday morning to a later date that has yet to be determined.  

SubmittedThe Hays Chamber received notification that local elected officials will be in session very late Friday evening. As such, the chamber is postponing the Legislative Coffee that was schedule for Saturday morning to a later date that has yet to be determined.

Hays Chamber postpones legislative coffee

Natural Resources Conservation Service is inviting the public to participate in a Local Work Group (LWG) meeting at 1 p.m. April 5 at Hays Public Library, 1205 Main. The meeting will last approximately two hours.&nbsp; This LWG meeting will be focusing on Ellis, Russell and Trego counties.

The purpose of the meeting is to gather information and make recommendations to the NRCS State Conservationist, as well as other state and local leaders, related to addressing natural resource concerns identified at local level. The recommendations gathered locally, as well as a consolidated report for the entire state of Kansas, will be shared with all interested parties.

“LWGs are important because they provide recommendations on local and state natural resource priorities and criteria for U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) conservation activities and programs. It is critical that the ‘boots on the ground’ have a voice in the process,” said Dan Meyerhoff, KACD executive director.

Topics to be covered at the LWG meeting will include:

The NRCS would like the local workgroup to be diverse, and is hoping to include agricultural producers representing the variety of crops and livestock raised within the local area; representatives of agricultural and environmental organizations; governmental agencies carrying out agricultural and natural resource conservation and activities as well as anyone from the general public with an interest in their community’s natural resources.&nbsp; The LWG can also take into account concerns of particular historically underserved groups and individuals including but not limited to women, persons with disabilities, socially disadvantaged, and limited resource group.

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 </figure>NRCSNatural Resources Conservation Service is inviting the public to participate in a Local Work Group (LWG) meeting at 1 p.m. April 5 at Hays Public Library, 1205 Main. The meeting will last approximately two hours.&nbsp; This LWG meeting will be focusing on Ellis, Russell and Trego counties.The purpose of the meeting is to gather information and make recommendations to the NRCS State Conservationist, as well as other state and local leaders, related to addressing natural resource concerns identified at local level. The recommendations gathered locally, as well as a consolidated report for the entire state of Kansas, will be shared with all interested parties.“LWGs are important because they provide recommendations on local and state natural resource priorities and criteria for U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) conservation activities and programs. It is critical that the ‘boots on the ground’ have a voice in the process,” said Dan Meyerhoff, KACD executive director.Topics to be covered at the LWG meeting will include:<ol>
 <li>A review of a resource assessment completed by each Conservation District in the Management Unit.</li><li>Identification of local priority resource concerns</li><li>Training Needs in the Management Unit</li><li>Outreach Opportunities in the Management Unit</li><li>Other issues raised by meeting attendees</li>
 </ol>The NRCS would like the local workgroup to be diverse, and is hoping to include agricultural producers representing the variety of crops and livestock raised within the local area; representatives of agricultural and environmental organizations; governmental agencies carrying out agricultural and natural resource conservation and activities as well as anyone from the general public with an interest in their community’s natural resources.&nbsp; The LWG can also take into account concerns of particular historically underserved groups and individuals including but not limited to women, persons with disabilities, socially disadvantaged, and limited resource group.

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