Couple celebrate 50th

Jack D. Ayers and Marilyn F. Solbach were married Aug. 11, 1954 at St. Mary Church in Clifton, Kans. Their six children and spouses will honor them with a reception after the 5 p.m. Mass of Thanksgiving on July 17 in Holy Family Parish Center at 3231 N. 14th Ave. in Dodge City. Friends and relatives are welcome.

Their children are, Richard and Debra Ayers, Roger and Deborah Ayers, Tom and Bea Ayers, Scott and Beth Reige, Brett and Diane Flam and Jeff Ayers. They have 20 grandchildren and two great grandsons. They request no gifts.

Happy birthday, Irene Eck

The family of Irene (Kingman) Eck invites the public to celebrate her 80th birthday on July 12 with a card shower.

Cards may be sent to:

Irene Eck

Prairie Sunset Nursing Home,

601 East Main, #306

Pretty Prairie, Kans. 67570

‘Spirituality of the Beatitudes for the Second Half of Life’

July 11-17; Sunday 7 p.m. – Saturday noon

Instructors: Mary Daniel OP and Marty Iott OP

Retreat: $175, Room and Board: $165

A Dominican sister for 44 years, Sister Mary has lived and ministered in New Orleans most of her life. Sister Mary is currently an itinerant preacher, spiritual director and formator.

Father Marty has served as associate pastor, hospital chaplain and campus minister, but most of his 33 years of priesthood have been in full time preaching.

For information, call (620) 792-1232, go to www.heartlandspirituality.org, or email office@heartlandspirituality.org

Sawlogs N’ Strings Bluegrass Festival coming August 14-15

The 15th Annual Sawlog N’ Strings Bluegrass Festival is coming to the Warner Grove north of Spearville August 14-15. The weekend will feature performing artists such as Barry Ward, The McLemore Family, The New Oldtimers, Kansas Heart, and The O’Brien Family, among others.

The weekend also offers a host of activities, including a playground, arts and crafts booths, games, food, draft horse-drawn wagon rides, and many demonstrations.

There will also be workshops for those wanting to dust off their old guitar, banjo or mandolin.

Warner Grove is nestled between creeks on the Black Diamond Angus Ranch off Hwy 283. Many participants choose to pitch a tent for the weekend. There is no extra charge for camping.

The cost for the weekend is $16 at the gate, or $14 in advance. Saturday only is $12, and Sunday only is $9. Saturday evening after 6 p.m., $9. Friday evening will feature an open stage, and is free. Children under 12 with family are admitted free.

For information or reservations, call (620) 357-6534, or (620) 385-2456.