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10.28.2020

Ways to Give

Helping Paws Food Bank
Helping Paws pet food bank is in need of dry dog and cat food, and cat litter. Supplies can be brought to the Colby Methodist Church during office hours or picked up. The pet food bank is open on Wednesdays from noon to 1 p.m. and 4:30 to 5:30 p.m.. For more information, you can call (785) 460-2761 or email office@colbyumc.org.









We'll add you to the list! E-mail: kyvzatwood@gmail.com

10.23.2020

WPAA (Tentative) Season Schedule

Western Plains Arts Association
Tentative Schedule for 2020-2021
Doors will open approximately 30 minutes before each show starts.

Sunday, September 27th
3:00 p.m. at the Oakley High School Auditorium
Formerly called En Power and Light, Lezlee and Paul will perform a variety of pieces.

Sunday, October 11th
2:00 p.m. at the Hoxie High School Auditorium
A marimba quartet called Marimbas Sol de Chiapas, North America's premier professional Mexican marimba ensemble, will perform an eclectic variety of music
(1:30 p.m. Pre-concert workshop - free to everyone)

Notice for Kansans

Beginning on October 26th through October 30th, the Atwood Police Department will join other Kansas law enforcement agencies to stop what has been likened to an epidemic in Kansas. In 2019, 8 children ages 0-13 lost their lives due to car crashes in Kansas. Sadly, 62% of those children were not wearing their seat belts. 

10.01.2020

Press Release: Rawlins County Health Needs Assessment (CHNA)

County Seeking Local Input on Health Needs
Rawlins County is conducting a Community Health Needs Assessment (CHNA) from October 1 through 31. The purpose of this assessment is to identify major community health challenges, gaps in service, and other factors that may contribute to unmet health needs locally.
“We hope that every Rawlins County resident, ages 18 and over, will participate in the survey,” said Karla Heble, Rawlins County Health Officer. “All of the health service providers in the county - whether medical, dental, vision, or other alternative medicine – need to understand what the true needs of our residents are, what prevents people from receiving care, and how we can improve services to better meet those needs.”

9.21.2020

2020 Youth Basketball League Open

Registration is now open for our 2020 Youth Basketball League through Colby Recreation! The registration fee of $35 includes a 6-game season with a uniform and all equipment provided by Colby Recreation, plus a trophy at the completion of the season! 

Divisions offered are... 1st-2nd Grade Boys, 1st-2nd Grade Girls, 3rd-4th Grade Boys, 3rd-4th Grade Girls, 5th-6th Grade Boys and 5th-6th Grade Girls

Registration Deadline: October 9th

8.11.2020

NW Kansas Hunter Education Field Day

Hunter Education Course!
Hunter Education class offered next week. Youths 11 and older interested in hunting, trapping and other outdoor sports need to complete the 2020 hunter-education course. It starts with an online part, which can be found at www.ksoutdoors.com. A required in-person class will be from 6 to 9 p.m. Friday, Aug. 14, in the Little Theater at the Colby Community Building. Then Saturday, Aug. 15, the Northwest Kansas Hunter Education Field Day will run from 8 a.m. to 12:15 p.m. at the Colby Trap Club, five miles west and a mile south of U.S. 24. Preregister at the Colby Country Trader Gun Shop no later than next Thursday.
Activities include shotgunning and muzzle loading, archery, fur harvesting and a trail walk. All three parts must be completed to earn a certificate. For information, contact Kevin Klag at the Kansas Department of Wildlife, Parks and Tourism at (785) 462-3367.

7.16.2020

Rawlins County Fair Week and the Adam Capps Band!

July 13 – July 19 Pre Fair
 
Monday, July 13
Pre-registration date for all 4-H exhibits
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Tuesday, July 14
5:00 p.m. Dog Obedience and Showmanship
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Thursday, July 16
9:00 a.m. Clothing Construction & Buymanship
judging at Redeemer Lutheran Church
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Friday, July 17
8:00 a.m. Horse Show
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Saturday, July 18
8:30 a.m. – Noon: Pre Fair Clean Up
8:00 p.m. Music by Adam Capps Band at Lake Park (Picture Right)
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Sunday, July 19
1:00 p.m. Rocket Launch, Atwood Airport


6.15.2020

Options Mobile App is Launched

Options Domestic & Sexual Violence Services is excited to announce the launch of their 3 new 24/7 confidential messaging platforms. You are now able to speak with one of their trained advocates, by downloading the mobile app, texting "HOPE" to 847411, or chat live on their website at www.help4abuse.org. The hotline is still available to those that want to call 800-794-4624. They are also now allowing for face-to-face meetings, in the Hays and Colby offices. To download the app, simply search for My MobileOptions in your Play Store.
Options also hosts weekly support groups. Colby support groups are Tuesdays at 5:30 p.m. Please call the office, 785-625-4202, for more information.

Options Domestic & Violence Services 24-hour hotline is 800-794-4624. They provide services to EVERYONE. Adults, children, women, men, and the LGBTQ+ community. No matter who you are, they are here to help with healing, hope, and practical solutions. You are not alone!

5.22.2020

Re-Opening Kansas Information

Kansas State Governor Kelly Update

Update 5/22/2020: A modified Phase Two is listed Here. This phase started on May 22nd.

Key Notes for the modified Phase 2:

5.18.2020

Grab 'N Go Lunch Option for Colby and Atwood

Free Grab 'N Go Meals for USD 105


Grab N Go Meals will continue starting May 18th. Open to all county youth ages 1 to 18. Call 785-513-5005 to reaffirm participation in the program. Pick-up will be at the high school only from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. School bus route and Herndon deliveries still available. Program continues through July 3rd.

USD 315 Grab 'N Go Lunch Option
Here are the new details for the program:
-Who: The program is open and available to all “children” ages 1 to 18
(This part hasn’t changed)
-What:“Free” curb side Grab ‘N Go Lunch and Breakfast
(This part hasn’t changed either)
-Where: Site #1:  Colby Middle School, 750 W. Third Street
Site #2:  Colby United Methodist Church, 950 S. Franklin Ave.
(Entering North Driveway off Pine Street)
(This has changed with the dropping of the South Range location)
-When: May 25, 2020 through July 31, 2020
Monday through Friday
11:30am – 12:30pm
(The time has also changed to 1 hour)

If there are any questions, please direct them to Lynn Carpenter, 785-460-5240 or email Lynn at lcarpenter@colbyeagles.org.

5.13.2020

CCC Dental Hygiene Clinic is Open

With the expiration of Gov. Laura Kelly's stay-home executive order, the dental hygiene clinic at Colby Community College is open and offering free services during May and June.

Images and findings can be electronically sent to the patient's dental office. Treatments that patients will receive:

5.04.2020

C3 Canned Food Drive This Friday

C3 CANNED FOOD DRIVE
Celebration Community Church is hosting a canned goods drive for Genesis from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. at 1923 South Range Ave. on Friday, May 8th. This is a community wide food drive to help give to Genesis who has been so giving throughout this difficult time for many. After you drop off your goods, be sure to support a local restaurant or business! For more information, call the church at 785-460-1973.

Pet Food Bank Opens

CUMC PET FOOD BANK OPENS
If you are struggling with feeding your pet, Colby United Methodist Church would like to help. Apply for assistance at Genesis-Thomas County (350 S. Range Ave., Suite 6). If you qualify, you will receive a voucher for pet food. Vouchers may be redeemed at Colby UMC.
If you would like to donate to this 'Helping Paws' ministry, they are able to accept:
· Unopened bags of pet food.
· Unopened bags of cat litter
· Monetary donations.
If you would like to volunteer, just call the church at 785-460-2761.
Thank you in advance for your support!

CCC Enrichment Workshop (Free Online)


CCC Enrichment Workshop

As academic classes progress online at Colby Community College, three community enrichment workshops are being taught virtually in April and May. Topics include an introduction to guitar, beginning drawing, and cookie decorating. There is no cost to enroll. The sessions will be delivered over the remote video conferencing platform Zoom. Students can set up a free account at zoom.com and attend workshops at the designated times.

4.23.2020

Loan Opportunities for Area Businesses!

Restart Thomas County Loan Fund Offers High-Impact, Low-Cost Way to Boost Business

A new Restart Thomas County Loan Fund offers donors a high-value, low-cost chance to help local businesses restart after the Covid-19 shutdown. Contributors get a 75-percent state tax credit. Sixty percent goes to the local fund, 40 percent to boost entrepreneurship and businesses across Kansas.

That means a $100 donation costs $25 and provides $60 in loans; a $10,000 donation costs $2,500 and provides $6,000 in loans.

“If they’re looking for a way to help businesses in Thomas County, they’re not going to find anything that’s going to have more impact,” says Vernon Hurd, executive director of the Thomas County Economic Development Alliance. “Businesses are hurting.”

4.22.2020

Colby United Methodist Church Volunteers


The Colby United Methodist Church is offering anyone not able to pick up their RX from Walmart or Dillons to call the church at 460-2761. Palace Drug does offer curbside and delivery services.

Any well and able persons who are interested in placing their name on a volunteer master list, please contact Kim Barnett at the Colby United Methodist Church. Any group needing volunteers, please contact her as well. Call the church at 460-2761.

4.20.2020

"Mom, I'm Bored!"- New Links Added!

Have you been hearing those three little words recently? It's one of those phrases I am determined to hear only a handful of times as my kiddo grows. Crazy enough, it's working! I always have ideas filed away in the brain box should she dare come and tell me, "Mom, I'm bored!" If worst comes to worst (and she doesn't like any of my ideas), I tell her she can go help me clean the sink, do some laundry, or dust. Then she runs away in the other direction pretty quickly to find something to occupy herself. 
It's important that I have ideas that either require her to spend time alone, or activities I can join in on. It usually ends up with me offering her a solo activity with the promise that we can do something together when I've finished working, cooking, whatever. I call it the curse of the only child.
If you're looking for ideas for your children without your help, try these!:

4.19.2020

Colby Chamber Picture/Logo Contest


The Colby/Thomas County Chamber of Commerce is hosting a Picture or Logo Contest for the Thomas County residents. Kids can submit a picture or drawing that captures the Chamber of Commerce and it's mission statement. Kid submission can be photos or drawings/artwork on a standard 8.5"x11". Adults can submit a logo design that includes a palm tree and "Colby/Thomas County Chamber of Commerce". Logo specifications recommended for submission - 300 dpi, square and rectangular options, Font: san serif, no more than two colors, and include a palm tree. Looking for simple, contemporary design. For inspiration and information about the Chamber, head to www.colbychamber.com

4.17.2020

KCC extends emergency order suspending utility disconnects until May 15


KCC extends emergency order suspending utility disconnects until May 15

Citing the continued threat of the COVID-19 pandemic, the Kansas Corporation Commission used its emergency powers to extend a previous order suspending utility disconnects for nonpayment until May 15.   The action, taken during a Commission business meeting this morning, will offer continued relief to those experiencing hardship from the COVID-19 virus. The previous order, issued March 16, was set to expire tomorrow.

The directive covers all electrical, natural gas, water and telecommunications utilities under the KCC’s jurisdiction, several of which have already voluntarily suspended disconnects. The Commission also encourages those utilities not under its jurisdiction to enact similar practices.

“The difficulties associated with COVID-19 are far from over. As Kansans continue to face both health and financial challenges, it is critical that they have continued access to utility services in their homes to ensure public safety,” said Commission Chair Susan Duffy.

The Commission may elect to extend the suspension order in a subsequent order if conditions warrant.


Today’s order can be viewed at:
https://estar.kcc.ks.gov/estar/ViewFile.aspx/20200414110728.pdf?Id=14bf4cde-a3d1-4c29-8971-327bab674e74


4.16.2020

How Do You Use Your Bullet Journal?


The Bullet Journal is a new trend this year- and for a good reason! The possibilities are endless with pages about cleaning, daily routines, mood trackers, work productivity and more available. The Bullet Journal, according to Ryder Carroll, the inventor, started out as a way "to help you track the past, organize the present, and plan for the future." With all of those doors open, it's easy to get overwhelmed.

Blood Drive in the Atwood Community


Blood Drive
Atwood Community
Knights of Columbus on Lake Road

Wednesday, April 22nd 
12:00 to 6:00 p.m.

Emergency Food Pick-up on Monday


Food packages from the Federal Emergency Relief Fund have arrived and are available for pick up form 9:00 to 11:00 a.m. on Monday, April 20th at the Atwood Senior Center. Come to the south door to pick up your allotment. The food is available to everyone, there are no income restrictions.

4.14.2020

Food Pantry Open in Rawlins County


The Rawlins County Food Pantry is open from the alley at 510 Main on Thursdays from 1:00 to 3:00 p.m. Anyone who finds these hours difficult to meet should call one of the Atwood Pastors who are members of the Ministerial Alliance.


The pantry supplies are getting low, please consider a monetary donation.
Please make checks to:
Rawlins County Food Pantry
c/o the Farmers Bank & Trust
PO Box 279 Atwood, KS 67730

4.06.2020

Financial Minute on KYVZ


What exactly does "Member FDIC" mean for you and your money? In this time of uncertainty, you can count on it keeping your money safe. Learn more from Farmers Bank & Trust President, Mike Hamilton, in this week's Financial Minute. 
Weekdays at 9:05 a.m. on KYVZ Super Hits 106.1 FM!

Need Help with Zoom Meetings?


Are you transitioning to Zoom and need a little more help learning how to work it? Thomas County Extension will be hosting an online "How to Zoom" to show you how to work Zoom during a meeting. Join them April 6th from 12 - 1 p.m. or April 9th from 5:30 - 6:30 p.m. Contact Emily Bennigsdorf at ebennigsdorf@ksu.edu to register or to schedule a different time for Zoom help.



4.02.2020

Press Release: Fraud Alert for Thomas County Businesses!


FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE April 1, 2020
Contact: Vernon Hurd, Executive Director
Phone: 785-460-4511
FRAUD ALERT FOR THOMAS COUNTY BUSINESSES

Colby, Kansas -- Vernon Hurd, Executive Director of the Thomas County Economic Development Alliance has received reports from Thomas County business owners who have been contacted by individuals representing themselves as able to guarantee approval for U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) Economic Injury Disaster Loans if they engage their services. “In each instance,” Hurd said “the businesses were guaranteed approval once they completed the application and provided their banking information. They were told the banking information was necessary for upfront payment of the application fee and then also to receive direct deposit of the loan amount.”
The SBA does not initiate contact for disaster loans or grants. If you are contacted by someone
promising to get approval of an SBA loan, but requires any payment up front or offers a high interest
bridge loan in the interim, suspect fraud. SBA limits the fees a broker can charge a borrower to 3% for loans $50,000 or less and 2% for loans $50,000 to $1,000,000 with an additional ¼% on amounts over $1,000,000. Any attempt to charge more than these fees is inappropriate.
Mr. Hurd stated, “If a business needs any assistance completing the application process for an Economic Injury Disaster Loan you should feel free to contact our office.” Mr. Hurd has completed training to provide technical assistance and receives regular updates about changes to the program. He may be reached at 785-460-4511.
Businesses are also cautioned to be aware of phishing scams. If you are in the process of applying for
an SBA loan and receive email correspondence asking for PII, ensure that the referenced application
number is consistent with the actual application number. Any email communication from SBA will come from accounts ending with sba.gov.
Look out for phishing attacks/scams utilizing the SBA logo. These may be attempts to obtain your
personally identifiable information (PII),to obtain personal banking access, or to install
ransomware/malware on your computer. The presence of an SBA logo on a webpage does not
guarantee the information is accurate or endorsed by SBA. Please cross-reference any information you receive with information available at www.sba.gov.
Report any suspected fraud to the SBA Office of the Inspector General’s Hotline at 800-767-0385.

4.01.2020

Social Distancing Egg Hunt


Families and businesses are invited to decorate and hang paper eggs in your front windows by April 5th. During the week of April 5th to April 12th, walk or take a car ride and have kids keep track of how many eggs they find!

3.30.2020

Department of Labor Information



DEPTARTMENT OF LABOR INFORMATION:

Individual Filing for Unemployment Insurance Benefits
Unemployment insurance benefits may be available to individuals who are involuntarily
unemployed as a result of COVID-19. The amount of the benefit will vary based upon
the amount of money that the individual has previously earned, but will be between
$122 and $488 per week. At this time, individuals can receive up to a maximum of
16 weeks of benefits.You can view video tutorials on the application process, what
to do after filing an initial claim, and more at www.dol.ks.gov/tutorials.

Notice from Citizens Health



CITIZENTS HEALTH UPDATE
New Update as of 3-27-2020
·
We have been informed of the first positive case of COVID-19 in Gove County. As a
response we are taking extra precautions to ensure the safety of our staff & patients.
Please see our updated procedures below:
Citizens Medical Center:
·    NO VISITORS
·    Exceptions (OB: 1 support person for duration of stay; Pediatric: 1 parent at
a time; Out-Patient Clinic: 1 visitor per visit if needed)
·
ALL PATIENTS & VISITORS WILL BE SCREENED
·    Valet Services Discontinued
Family Center for Health Care:
·    Routine visits will go to telehealth (patients will be notified)
·    The waiting room is now closed. While waiting for your visit, remain in your
vehicle & call (785) 462-6184 for assistance
·    Only 1 pediatric support person allowed
·    If you have any questions or concerns related to COVID19 including testing,
symptoms, or isolation please call our community COVID19 hotline at 785-462-6184
and press 3

3.25.2020

Make a Goal to Stay Positive


News is always at our fingertips, and it moves quickly! With the amount of information being thrust at us, it's easy to become overwhelmed and drop into a negative mindset, especially if we're stuck at home. 
Behold! A list of ways to retain positivity:
  • Look up uplifting and inspiring quotes
    -Bonus: Research the amazing people behind the quotes.
  • Bake Something, bread or sweets, your family will thank you!
    -Try this amazing banana bread recipe.
  • Go outside and breathe the fresh air. If it's too cold or hot, just open the windows for ten minutes to let it circulate!
  • Drink Water. Seriously. Just do it. Dehydration causes anger, fear and fatigue.
  • Push the STOP button when negative thoughts creep in- it's easy to fall down that rabbit hole and dwell. Recognize and stop those thoughts in their tracks and throw in a positive. It's amazing how many more will follow, unprovoked.
  • Listen to music. Find the sounds that are so happy, you are unable to keep the negative mindset.
  • Grab a coloring book and lose yourself in the sweet nothing of coloring. Then you have a pretty picture for your fridge!
  • Exercise! Take a walk. It has an amazing ability to clear your mind. (Just practice social distancing)
  • Take on a project- big or small- that's been weighing down your to-do list.
  • Practice Gratitude. It's as easy as saying thank you.
Tips From Friends:
  • Write Letters! Send a letter to your grandparents. Write a thank you card (even an old leftover valentines) to your teacher. Anyone! It will make their day.
  • Clean or organize shelves, drawers, pantry, etc.- it's proven that cleaning up the clutter creates a positive attitude.
  • Tap into your creativity- do a puzzle, journal, paint, draw... the options are endless.
  • Read a book! Better yet, read to learn something new.
What are some of your favorite ways to stay positive? We can add it to the list! E-mail us at kyvzatwood@gmail.com. 
Remember, we aren't always able to spend this much time with family, so make sure you enjoy it to the fullest! Put down your phone once in awhile 😉. Stay positive, friends.
~Chelsea K
(Photo Credit: Courtney Kinnett)

3.18.2020

Stuck Inside? Try this Banana Bread Recipe!


Banana bread is a wonderful way to up-cycle those rotting bananas into something the kids (and the inner child in yourself!) will de-Molish. So wash those hands and head into the kitchen.
All you need is: 
  • 2-3 ripe bananas
  • 1/3 cup butter- melted
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • Pinch of salt
  • 1/2 to 3/4 cup of sugar
  • 1 large egg- beaten
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 1/2 cup flour
To start, mash the ripe bananas with a fork until smooth. Stir in the melted butter then mix in baking soda and salt. Stir in sugar, beaten egg and vanilla extract. Then mix in the flour. Pour the batter into a greased 9x5 loaf pan and bake for 50 minutes to an hour! Set the oven to 350° F. 
Chelsea K's Tip: Add some chocolate chips into the batter for the picky eater in your life!