Deer migration and mating season, known as “the rut,” has begun. In Kansas the season runs from October through December with the peak occuring within the first two weeks of November, said Matt Farmer, public lands wildlife biologist technician with Kansas Wildlife and Parks.

Falling short of having the “super majority” needed to ratify an ordinance that would have broadened the location options for restaurants desiring to serve liquor by the drink, the Hills­boro Council decided at its Oct. 16 meeting to table the issue.

Alice Anna Jordan, 3, daughter of Jeremy and Amy Jordan, Hillsboro, eyes the Halloween candy display at Alco. Hillsboro dentist Loren Loewen and physician Randal Claassen encourage eating candy in moderation. Malinda Just / Free Press

The doorbell rings. As soon as you open the door, myriad pirates, princesses, cowboys and other imaginative characters yell “trick-or-treat” and wait for goodies to be placed in open bags.