CALENDAR

Tuesday, December 9•Kids Christmas Bingo Columbus Public Library. Session 1 5:30 p.m. Session 2 6:30 p.m.•Baxter Springs City Council Meeting 7 p.m. in the Baxter Springs City Hall Building.•Baxter Springs grades six-eight choir and band concert Baxter Springs High School auditorium 7 p.m.

Charles Atkinson is Kansas Ag hero of December

For Charles Atkinson, agriculture isn’t just a livelihood—it’s a legacy, a mission, and an act of stewardship rooted in faith and family.

Emergency Management director is terminated

Following two executive sessions, the Cherokee County Commissioners terminated the County’s Emergency Management Director Matt Haviland at their regularly scheduled meeting Monday morning.The dismissal was filed without a reason by the commissioners following their meetings.

Chamber parade contest winners are announced

Despite the nippy weather the annual Columbus Christmas opening and parade went off with an appreciative and large crowd.The annual tree lighting by the Lions Club, on the steps of the Courthouse, kicked off an evening of entertainment concluding with the parade.

St. Bridget’s 23rd annual cookie sale

Now that Christmas holiday season is upon us, it is time for the 23rd Annual St. Bridget’s cookie sale.

Holiday fun at Columbus Public Library

The Columbus Public Library has a special lineup of Christmas programs for youngsters during the holiday break.Christmas Bingo Tuesday, December 9Kids can come to the library and play bingo for a chance to win a gift to stick under their tree for Christmas morning.Session 1 at 5:30 p.m.

CFSEK gets new donor support coordinator

The Community Foundation of Southeast Kansas (CFSEK) is excited to announce the hiring of Samantha Guy as the new Operations and Donor Support Coordinator.

Applications open for Boys State of Kansas

The American Legion Boys State of Kansas is accepting applications for its 2026 session. The event is set to be held Sunday, May 31, through Saturday, June 6, at Kansas State University in Manhattan. This will be the program’s 34th consecutive session at KSU and 88th overall.