'Tis the Season 2022

Support local businesses

Shopping locally during the holiday season is a win-win for both consumers and businesses.

That’s because larger portions of money spent with local businesses stay in the area compared to when you shop with a large retailer or online. So do your part this holiday season by supporting those who keep our communities going. Shop local and watch your money have a big impact on your area.

Support with Your Dollar

If you’re looking to make a difference this holiday season, consider devoting a specific portion of your shopping budget to small businesses.

While there’s no arguing that online shopping can be convenient, spending all of your budget online can cripple your local economy. If you just can’t live without the online shopping experience, check to see what kinds of online product offerings your local businesses offer.

Support Giving

A 2019 U.S. Small Business Administration survey found that 75% of small business owners donate some portion of their profits — about 6% on average — to charitable organizations each year. Every time you shop local, a portion of your dollars may also be donated to a local charity.

When you shop at local establishments, you’re actually helping more than the owners. You’re also funding community projects.

Local taxes at work

Avoid shopping online this holiday so your hard-earned money can go back into developing the place you call home.

You should know the impact your taxes have on the community and members who make it function safely and efficiently. By researching the different benefits of shopping locally this holiday season, you’ll be better positioned to urge your friends and family members to do the same.

Why Keep Taxes Local?

When you support a local business, the regulated tax dollars you spend fund a budget meant to maintain and improve your county or state. Many governments use the additional revenue to pay for projects like road construction, historical preservation, tourism marketing and public transportation.

Many online retailers find their way around charging sales tax, which is an appealing advantage during a substantial purchase. Consider making local purchases over the holiday season so your tax contribution can go toward enhancing your community and its members.

You can take pride this holiday season that your tax dollars are being used to improve the parks, roads, and public buildings around you. And that’s the biggest gift you can give to your community this year.

For most Americans, taxes are a necessary cost of living. When it comes to paying local sales tax, your immediate community benefits.

Winter Wonder Wetlands!

Winter months provide some unique times to get outdoors! Take advantage of the winter’s wetlands and wildlife at the Kansas Wetlands Education Center (KWEC).

Do you have family visiting over the holidays? KWEC is open Tuesdays through Saturdays 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sundays 1-5 p.m and is located 10 miles northeast of Great Bend. Admission to the Center is always free. Our exhibit hall tells the story of Cheyenne Bottoms through interpretive displays, historical and cultural artifacts, hands on activities, and natural history collections. Visit our classroom to meet the animals of Cheyenne Bottoms and learn more about some of the reptiles, turtles, and amphibians that call this area home. Enjoy a video screening in the auditorium to learn more about Cheyenne Bottoms throughout the seasons and the land management practices that contribute to the diversity of species that can be found in the area.

For those more inclined for the outdoors, the KWEC nature trail is always open and offers a ½ mile walk where birds, rabbits, deer, and other wildlife are often encountered.

And finally, as you shop local for your Christmas gifts this year, be sure to check out our gift store for some unique gift ideas for all ages, including our extensive collection of field guides, nature themed books, and children’s nature books. KWEC’s children’s book Ava: A Year of Adventure in the Life of an American Avocet, would make a great gift for young nature enthusiasts. The gift store also features art, apparel, children’s gift items, science toys, bird feeders, and locally produced items. Local merchandise from Kansas Earth & Sky Candle Co., Artisan Soaps, MY Studio, Dunworkin Pottery, and items from several nature photographers are available for purchase. Gift certificates make great gifts and are redeemable for merchandise, guided tours, and programs/ activities.

Mention seeing this article in the Tribune’s Home for the Holidays magazine, and receive 40% off a single item purchase throughout the holiday season, excluding consignment items, tours, and binoculars.

Get in the holiday spirit at the KWEC Holiday Open House on Saturday, December 3 from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. Enjoy the gingerbread bird house kids’ workshop, “Find the Christmas Goose” contest, and Christmas refreshments!

The Kansas Wetlands Education Center is located at Cheyenne Bottoms, 10 miles northeast of Great Bend, KS along K-156 Highway. Contact the KWEC at 877-243-9268 or visit wetlandscenter. fhsu.edu to view other activities or events.

THE WETLANDS GIFT STORE

Unique Gift Ideas and Stocking Stuffers! Nature books, apparel, children's toys, art, local products, jewelry, puzzles, science toys, bird feeders, and more!

10 miles NE of Great Bend along K-156 Highway wetlandscenter.fhsu.edu

1-877-243-9268

40% OFF SINGLE ITEM

Valid 11-25-22 to 12-31-22. Excludes consignments, tours, and binocular purchases. Not valid for cash or cash equivalent. May not be combined with other coupons. One transaction per person.

Merry Christmas & Happy New Year

from f

Thanks for your business and support this past year. We look forward to serving you in 2023!

Unique and personalized gifts for all the people on your Christmas list. If you don’t see what you’re looking for, we’d be happy to design something to fit the bill

Stop by 19th and Washington in Great Bend

Or see us this season at the Christmas Craft Mall in Central Baptist Church at Harrison and 12th Street.

Shop our entire line of products and find our store hours at JustSayItThough.com or find us on Facebook.

When you need prompt medical attention, whether your condition is minor or serious, we have the care teams to meet your needs. Experts at the Convenient Care Walk-In Clinic at St. Rose Medical Pavilion provide symptoms to cuts and sprains. No appointment is necessary. And for serious or life-threatening conditions, our Emergency Department team at Great Bend Campus provides excellent care around the clock.

Learn more about where to go for the care you need at KansasHealthSystem.com/GreatBend.

Convenient Care Walk-In Clinic

St. Rose Medical Pavilion

3515 Broadway Ave.

Great Bend, KS 67530 620-792-2511

Monday-Friday: 7 a.m.-7 p.m.

Saturday-Sunday: 9 a.m.-5 p.m.

Emergency Department

Great Bend Campus

514 Cleveland St. Great Bend, KS 67530 620-792-8833

Open 24/7

Shopping

Discover what makes your community different from any other in the country. Supporting local businesses gives back to your economy and ensures that its unique flair remains intact for the future.

When researching establishments to include on your shopping venture, social media and review-based websites are a valuable resource. Search your community for distinct shops that offer a gift which stands out to your recipient.