Don't miss these events in the New Orleans area (Nov. 22-28)

FRIDAY

CELEBRATION IN THE OAKS PREVIEW PARTY: 7:30 p.m., New Orleans Botanical Garden, 5 Victory Ave., New Orleans. This adults-only party includes early access to the gardens, the train, food, spirits and live music. neworleanscitypark.com. Tickets $90-$120.

FRIDAY-SUNDAY

"FROZEN JR.": 7:30 p.m. Friday and Saturday, 2 p.m. Saturday and Sunday, Westwego Performing Arts Theatre, 177 Sala Ave., Westwego. The show features songs from the animated Disney film, plus five new songs written for the Broadway production of the story of true love and acceptance between sister Princesses Anna and Elsa; a JPAS Theatre Kids! Production. jpas.org. Tickets $15.

SATURDAY

GIRLS ON THE RUN 5K: 8 a.m., Audubon Park, 6500 Magazine St., New Orleans. The run marks the conclusion of a 10-week program, and there are Carnival dance krewes and more. gotrnola.org.

BEIGNETS WITH SANTA: 9:30 a.m., Academy of the Sacred Heart, 4521 St. Charles Ave., New Orleans. There are made-to-order beignets, food stations, holiday activities, face painting, princess meet and greets and photos with Santa Claus. Also at Fleur des Lis Center, 1645 N. Causeway Blvd., Mandeville. neworleansmom.com. Tickets $28. 

THANKSGIVING PIE MARKET: Noon, River House at Crevasse 22, 8122 Saro Lane, Poydras. The fundraiser features pies from restaurants and bakeries across the city, art-making opportunities using natural materials, exploration of the art center, sculpture garden and nature walks; seasonal snacks and drinks provided. cano-la.org. Free admission.

NATIVE AMERICAN HERITAGE MONTH EVENT: 1 p.m., Bayou Lacombe Museum, 61115 St. Mary St., Lacombe. Native American veterans are saluted in a monthlong series of activities. bayoulacombemuseum.com.

SAILING WITH SANTA: 2 p.m., Steamboat Natchez, 400 Toulouse St., New Orleans. The fundraising cruise offers free tickets to each person, adults and children, with a new, unwrapped gift for someone at the New Orleans Women and Children’s Shelter and the St. Bernard Battered Women’s Program, and Santa is available for boarding photos and visits during the cruise. steamboatnatchez.com.

JINGLE BELLS & BEER: 7 p.m., Carousel Gardens Amusement Park, 7 Victory Ave., New Orleans. The adults-only party features unlimited rides, beer bars, food vendors and more. neworleanscitypark.com. Tickets $35-$65.

SATURDAY-SUNDAY

HELEN BRETT JEWELRY SHOW: 10 a.m., Ernest N. Morial Convention Center, 900 Convention Center Blvd., New Orleans. The gift and jewelry show includes home décor, luggage, fashion and more. helenbrettexhibits.com. Admission $15.

SUNDAY

ST. CATHERINE'S DAY HAT PARADE: 10:30 a.m., St. Charles Avenue and Pleasant Street. "Hat on a Hot Tin Roof" is the theme for the parade in salute of patron saint of milliners, single women and those who work with a wheel in Paris, and there is music and more. hatnola.com.

ANI DIFRANCO'S BABEFEST: 4:30 p.m., Orpheum Theater, 129 Roosevelt Way, New Orleans. The event includes music and panel discussions about activism to benefit The Roots of Music; students get in free with their ID, and Roots of Music staff, students and their families are invited to attend the educational panels free of charge. orpheumnola.com. Tickets $39-$59.

CELEBRATION IN THE OAKS FAMILY PARTY: 5 p.m., Carousel Gardens Amusement Park, 7 Victory Ave., New Orleans. The family celebration previews the annual holiday light displays; advance tickets only. celebrationintheoaks.com. Tickets $30-$40. 

TUESDAY

TREE LIGHTING: 5 p.m., The Outlet Collection at Riverwalk, 500 Port of New Orleans Place, New Orleans. Lighting of the tree, plus music, beverage samples, face painting and more. riverwalkneworleans.com.

HOLIDAY LIGHTING CEREMONY: 5:30 p.m., Astor Crowne Plaza Hotel, 739 Canal St., New Orleans. Downtown Development District turns on holiday lights on Canal Street and downtown with the Voices of Peter Claver and a visit from Santa Claus; kids who bring an unwrapped toy can join Santa and decorate holiday cookies. downtownnola.com.

TUESDAY-WEDNESDAY

HOPPY THANKSGIVING: 10 a.m., Audubon Butterfly Garden and Insectarium, 423 Canal St., New Orleans. Lick off the holidays with a buggy twist with chefs offering guests the opportunity to taste new twists to traditional Thanksgiving family recipes such as turkey with waxworm cranberry sauce, cornbread and mealworm muffins, and cricket pumpkin pie. audubonnatureinstitute.org. 

THURSDAY

SHERIFF'S THANKSGIVING DAY CELEBRATION: 10 a.m., Ernest N. Morial Convention Center, 900 Convention Center Blvd., New Orleans. Orleans Parish Sheriff Marlin N. Gusman's annual Thanksgiving feast includes holiday cuisine with Irma Thomas, Leo Nocentelli, Rockin’ Dopsie, James Andrews, Earl Smith with house band and more; transportation information at (504) 202-9251. opcso.org. Free admission.

ONGOING

BROADWAY@NOCCA RETURNS: Superstars Audra McDonald, Beth Leavel, Liz Callaway, Seth Rudetsky, Bryan Batt and Will Swenson, of the New York stage, headline the eighth season of Mark Cortale's acclaimed concert series in New Orleans, hosted by Seth Rudetsky. For tickets and information, visit broadwaynola.com or call (800) 838-3006.

WANDS & WISHES MERMAIDS: 10 a.m. Friday-Sunday, Audubon Aquarium of the Americas, 1 Canal St., New Orleans. Mermaids will dive beneath the surface of the Great Maya Reef, which is home to stingrays and tropical fish. Guests can also meet a mermaid up close, have photos taken and enjoy activities. mermaidsataudubon.com.

Compiled by Marchaund Jones

Parents can video Santa's reindeer coming into their homes on Christmas - here's how

You can film Santa's reindeer coming to your home on Christmas - yes really.

McDonalds have created a website application where you can record a clip a reindeer coming to your house and eat the carrots.

They launched the site called Reindeer Ready Live, a tool allowing to parents to capture footage of Santa’s reindeers as they stop off at the house on Christmas Eve.

Using the technology parents can create video of the reindeer enjoying carrots in their home to show their children on Christmas morning.

All you need to do is open the Reindeer Ready Live website on your phone and then follow the instructions.

It will ask you to take a picture of your living room or wherever you leave carrots and you will get a video you can share with your children on Christmas morning.

Read More Related Articles

Did you know you can follow Father Christmas on his journey around the world on Christmas Eve?

There's a special interactive tool called the NORAD Santa Tracker.

It's estimated that Santa will travel about 510 million kilometers during that one night as he delivers presents to children across the globe.

And volunteers will be taking around 70,000 calls from children in 200 countries who phone up asking where Santa is.

NORAD - the air forces tasked with defending US airspace - tracks Santa's epic night of deliveries on a map.

It even includes a running total of the gifts delivered.

The NORAD tracker has existed ever since 1955 when an advert encouraged children to telephone Father Christmas â€" but gave the wrong number.

When Colonel Harry Shoup realised what had happened, he quickly told his staff to check the radar for indications of Santa making his way south of the North Pole and give the children who called updates on his current position.

How to follow the NORAD Santa Tracker

You can follow Santa's journey on the official NORAD Santa tracker here - or you can download the Santa tracker app for Android or iPhone

International Space Station

Experts say you may also be able to spot the International Space Station over Birmingham at around 7.30am on Christmas Eve .

It's visible as a fast-moving white moving dot making its way across the sky.

• There are lots of great things to do with kids in Birmingham. To keep updated, like our Brummie Mummies Facebook page. You can also sign up to our weekly Brummie Mummies email newsletter

Best Christmas gifts for children: Top toys and present ideas for boys and girls

Your little one is growing up fast, which means you need to think carefully about what gifts you get them for Christmas this year - especially as their lists get longer and longer.

It's great to watch them become their own person and they deserve a Christmas present or stocking filler that reflects that, whether that's an item of clothing, technology or a game. 

But don't despair, here's our pick of the best Christmas presents for girls and boys. Hopefully there's something for everyone, from the mini fashionista in your life to the science lover.

Best Christmas gifts for girls  Ages: 5-7 1.  Little Mashers Today I’m Going To Be T-shirt

£20, Trouva

Air Force investigating after 2 servicemen found dead in dorm room on Germany base

Berlin — The U.S. Air Force said Monday that it's investigating the cause of death of two servicemen who died at a base in Germany last week. Airman 1st Class Xavier Leaphart and Airman 1st Class Aziess Whitehurst, both aged 20, were found unresponsive in a dormitory room at Spangdahlem Air Base in western Germany on Thursday evening and pronounced dead shortly afterward.

"The cause of the death is still under investigation," said Valerie Seeley, an Air Force spokeswoman. "More information will be released as it becomes available."

She said no other base members were in the dormitory room and neither airman had roommates.

The Air Force said Leaphart, who was from Georgia, is survived by his father, Malik Muhammad, and mother, Pamela Leaphart. It said Whitehurst, from Arizona, is survived by his father and mother, Davin and Maria Whitehurst.

In a statement Sunday, base commander Colonel David Epperson expressed his condolences to "the friends and families that have been affected by this tragedy."

A U.S. serviceman stands guard in front of the U.S. Air Force base at Spangdahlem, western Germany, in a 2007 file photo. AFP/Getty

McDonald's eyes faster expansion in lower-tier cities

Phyllis Cheung, CEO of McDonald's China, speaks at the annual McBanquet event on Friday. [Photo provided to chinadaily.com.cn]

McDonald's China is expected to speed up its expansion to lower-tier cites to attract new customers and to update its menu with more nutritious and iconic food items, a top executive of the world largest fast-food chain said.

McDonald's China CEO Phyllis Cheung said the company opened 423 new restaurants in China last year and the number of new outlets in 2019 is expected to equal or slightly exceed last year's level. The speed at which those stores are being opened is going to surpass the company's five year goal by 2022 to add 2,000 restaurants from the 2,500 outlets it had in 2017.

Cheung said nearly half of the new restaurants are located in third-or fourth-tier cities and McDonald's will continue to penetrate more cities in their expansion to gain new customers and increase the brand awareness among those potential customers.

In 2017, the US chain sold most of its businesses in the Chinese mainland and in Hong Kong to CITIC and private equity group Carlyle for up to $2.1 billion. CITIC took the majority stake of 52 percent in McDonald's China operations. The deal has given the fast-food giant more localized resources and access to Chinese consumers.

"McDonald's has to gain their growth from expansion when their market saturation is high in first-and second-tier cities," said Zhu Danpeng, an independent food and beverage analyst.

"But how to differentiate them from the fierce competition with other Western food chain brands is to highlight the strengths of their products."

Last Friday, McDonald's China announced it has joined hands with global media and entertainment giant Walt Disney Co to launch themed Happy Meals based on Disney movies.

The collaboration with Disney covers the period from 2019 to 2025. China is the second market to launch this campaign. Last February, the two companies reached a multi-year agreement to bring the magic of characters from Disney films to updated Happy Meals in the US market.

The selected movies will be new releases from Disney's stable of studios. They include Walt Disney Animation Studios, Pixar Animation Studios, Disney Live Action, Marvel Studios and Lucasfilm.

The first batch of Happy Meal's free toys designed with Disney movie characters will be launched at all McDonald's stores in China on Nov 13 and the first film to be tied up will be Frozen 2, which arrives in theaters in the United States on Nov 22.

"Our partnership begins with toys inspired by Disney movie characters but it is more than that," said Cheung. "Disney has a strong presence in China in terms of its parks and consumer products. There is a lot of potential for our alliances in the future."

The launch is also part of efforts to celebrate the 40th anniversary this year of the Happy Meals. Cheung said the company has upgraded its Happy Meals from a three-item menu to a four-item menu with the addition of healthy fruit and vegetable options.

The price will increase by two yuan but the toys will remain free, she said. In 2018, McDonald's China sold over 27 million Happy Meals, including over 16 million servings of milk and more than 5.7 million servings of fruit and vegetables.

The 15 Hottest Christmas Toys to Buy Before They Sell Out

Start asking your kids what they want from Santa now, because if you wait until December to find out, these must-have toys will be long gone.

Every product is independently selected by our editors. If you buy something through our links, we may earn an affiliate commission.

The Christmas toys every child wants this year

PR Image Factory/Shutterstock

We shopped the aisles and websites and rounded up the top toys as predicted by The Toy Insider's Hot 20 list, the Amazon Top 100 Toys list, Target's kid gifting catalog, and more to come up with our list of must-have Christmas toys for 2019. Have a slightly older child? These are the Christmas gifts for teen girls that will impress even the pickiest recipient.

Note: Prices listed were accurate as of press time; pricing fluctuations may occur.

Ryan's World Surprise Safe

via walmart.com

$37.75

Shop Now

We've gotta hand it to the YouTube star: He knows exactly what kids these days want in a Christmas toy—and that includes surprises galore. Your kid will have a blast revealing toy figures, mix-and-match characters, tiny treasures, and more. This Walmart exclusive is on The Toy Insider's Hot 20 list. Discover 28 more gifts for boys that they'll brag about to their friends.

McDonald’s says it will use fresh, not frozen beef in quarter-pounders

A menu displays US fast food chain McDonald's beef burger menu, in New York, January 28, 2011. Beef prices have been increasing 6.1 percent for the consummer market linked to an increase in price in agriculture raw material. Large beef provider such as US fast food chain McDonald are expected to raise their price due to the increase. AFP PHOTO/Emmanuel Dunand (Photo credit should read EMMANUEL DUNAND/AFP/Getty Images)

× McDonald's says it will use fresh, not frozen beef in quarter-pounders

A menu displays US fast food chain McDonald's beef burger menu, in New York, January 28, 2011. Beef prices have been increasing 6.1 percent for the consummer market linked to an increase in price in agriculture raw material. Large beef provider such as US fast food chain McDonald are expected to raise their price due to the increase. AFP PHOTO/Emmanuel Dunand (Photo credit should read EMMANUEL DUNAND/AFP/Getty Images)

KANSAS CITY, Mo. — McDonald's is making a change to one of its iconic burgers, and it has some on social media a bit confused.

The fast-food giant announced Thursday that, by the middle of next year, all of its quarter pounders will be served with fresh, not frozen beef, and cooked fresh-to-order.

McDonald's tested the 'fresh beef' concept at hundreds of its restaurants in Oklahoma and Texas.

Now, the concept will spread to what McDonald's calls a 'majority' of its restaurants. The company's CEO says the move is part of McDonald's plan to improve the experience for customers, but the announcement had some on Twitter wondering what they have been eating all this time.

Customers are also asking what McDonald's means by 'most' of its US restaurants.

A company spokesperson clarified that eateries in Alaska and Hawaii won't make the switch for logistical reasons.

Top toys from Toys "R" Us to get your kids this Christmas

Get all your children's gifting needs met at Toys 'R' Us this festive season.

Proving that it is still the ultimate destination for kids big and small, the leading toy, baby and education product retailer has treats lined up for last-minute shoppers.

This Christmas, you can't go wrong with popular choices like its current top five best-selling toys - the Disney Frozen 2 Singing Doll Elsa, How To Train Your Dragon Hatching Dragon, Pixie Belles, L.O.L. Surprise! Winter Disco Outfit Of The Day and Lego City Rocket Assembly & Transport.

If you prefer other presents to fill your stockings, Toys 'R' Us also recommends Monopoly Speed, the latest sped-up rendition of the game that encourages positive social and academic skills; Pictionary Air, the now-digital classic family game for all ages that promotes teamwork and enhances communication skills; and Toy Story Air Hockey, a themed tabletop air hockey set that helps children develop hand-eye coordination, speed of thought and to focus energy in a positive way.

For more gifting ideas, take your pick of over 2,700 toys featured in the 100-page Greatest Christmas Toybook 2019, which includes 800 new and 900 exclusive to Toys 'R' Us products. Shoppers can also revel in Toys 'R' Us' exclusive promotions.

Spend $30 and above on Hasbro Disney Frozen 2 toys and receive a free exclusive Disney's Frozen 2 stationery set or get a free Cinderella doll set with a $30 purchase of Hasbro Frozen 2 or Disney Princess dolls.

For Star Card members, the top spender of Frozen 2 toys by Dec 25 will walk away with Disney's Frozen 2 Arendelle Castle worth $399.99, a Toys 'R' Us exclusive.

With an $80 spend on Lego sets, receive a free Lego Creator Santa polybag, while a $20 purchase on Play-Doh entitles you to a free cookie canister.

Lastly, a free mystery goody bag awaits with every $100 purchase of Sylvanian Families toys.

Mr Raymond Burt, Toys 'R' Us Asia's group country director for South-east Asia, told The New Paper: "Toys 'R' Us focuses on giving the perfect Christmas gift this season.

"In an age of digital games and entertainment, we will continue to work with leading toy manufacturers to provide toys that not only enable children to have fun, but also contribute to their well-being and development, to learn and create memorable moments for families, through play.

"We will also continue to provide toys that feature children's favourite movies and games, such as the Frozen 2 Pop Adventures Arendelle Castle, Star Wars Spark And Go Droid and the Nerf Fortnite series."

The toy retailer is certainly making a comeback after a period of challenges, and Toys 'R' Us Asia has implemented strategies to remain competitive and further engage the children of today.

Mr Burt said: "On top of our own e-commerce initiatives, we have developed play areas and organised Out-of-the-Box Play-Time events at our traditional physical stores to give children the chance to learn, create and do more with the toys they love, and arranged meet-and-greets for kids to meet iconic characters from their favourite TV shows or toys.

"Other initiatives include Make & Take, which includes quick, fun and easy craft activities that children can participate in and bring home, and Learn the Ways of a Jedi, which is an interactive Star Wars experience."

Kylie Jenner slammed for gifting daughter diamond ring for Christmas

By Chloe Melas, CNN

CNN — Who needs toys for Christmas when you can have diamonds?

That's exactly what Kylie Jenner did when she gifted her 1-year-old daughter Stormi a diamond ring for Christmas.

Jenner posted a short video of her daughter wearing the bling on her Instagram stories, but it has since been deleted. But the celebrity news outlet The Shade Room managed to get a screen grab of the extravagant gift.

Immediately following the post, Jenner received criticism on social media for the over-the-top present.

One person on Twitter wrote it was ridiculous, adding "I know people work for their money, but that money could have gone to putting food in someone's body, paying for medical bills, or planting trees."

Another user tweeted, "Kylie is so slow. She really got a one year old a diamond ring. The Kardashian/Jenner clan really go out their way to buy stupid expensive gifts."

Jenner shared another since-deleted Instagram story of another gift for her daughter, a pony which she captioned, "ok but Stormi had the best Christmas of all time."

Indeed, she has topped us all.

Guest column: Grocery stores may be next victim of dollar store invasion

Dollarama Inc beat quarterly same-store sales estimates and raised its full-year comparable sales forecast on Thursday as the discount store operator attracted more shoppers. Peter J. Thompson/National Post

In a few years Canada will likely be home to more dollar stores than Sobeys and Metro stores combined.

Dollar stores in Canada sold well over $2 billion dollars worth of food products this past year. And given how aggressive dollar stores are, that number could double in just a few years.

We've all been to them at least once. A visit to any dollar store is something to remember.

The bright lights, aisles filled with things you may or may not need, and the smell. The smell is distinctive, there's nothing like it.

In the United States, there's a true dollar store invasion. There are now more Dollar Stores in the U.S. than Starbucks and McDonald's combined, over 30,000 of them.

Major chains include Family Dollar, located mostly in cities, Dollar Tree where everything is actually $1, and Dollar General, the largest retailer in the country when it comes to the number of stores.

Dollar General has 16,000 stores in total. By 2025, given how aggressive these companies are, the number of dollar stores could increase by 20 per cent in just two years. Some claim dollar stores are creating food deserts, forcing grocery stores located in urban centres to close.

In Canada, the picture is becoming similar.

The leader in discount grocery stores in Canada is Dollarama, which has more than 1,200 stores now. Dollar Tree has roughly 220 stores nationwide. Canada is also home to other retailers such as Dollar Store and More, Great Canadian and Buck or Two.

That's over 1,700 dollar stores in Canada.

Per capita, the ratio is not as high as in the United States, but we are expecting that number to increase by almost 100 stores per year over the next few years. These stores sell everything from dishes, to gift wrapping, to clothes, to toys, and of course, food.

Dollar stores are increasing their food offering in order to compete against grocery stores.

Sales at Dollorama are exceeding $3.5 billion yearly. Last quarter, Dollorama reported that some store sales were up by 5.3 per cent. In other words, business is good. That number can only make grocers dream.

Food sales are lifting the company's financial results. Dollorama, the biggest Canadian chain, doesn't report food sales, but we estimate that they sold over 1.6 billion dollars worth of food products last year.

We can easily hypothesize that dollar stores in Canada sold to Canadians well over 2.1 billion dollars of food products this past year. That number represents the same amount of sales generated by 212 regular-sized grocery stores in Canada.

That number could reach $3 billion dollars by the end of 2020. This does not represent a huge portion of the grocery market, a little under 2 per cent really. But given low margins and how low-priced these products are in dollar stores, traditional grocers have certainly felt the pressure.

Most Canadians still grocery shop in traditional grocery stores, yet some of us are tempted by food sold in dollar stores. It's anything but inspiring and many of these products offer little or no health benefits. All of the food is non-perishable.

Unlike in the United States where several dollar stores have freezers and fresh produce, none of our dollar stores sell fresh products, at least that we know of.

However, what's happening in the United States may be a sign of things to come. We may one day see dollar stores with a produce section and freezers selling food products.

The main reason why consumers flock to dollar stores to buy food is snacking. Dollar stores are like convenience stores, at a discount. They offer cheap, portable, simple quick-fixes for that in-between-meal fix we often crave.

And let's face it, many Canadians struggle financially, even if they have a job, a mortgage and a car. Dollar stores are conveniently becoming more accessible for craft goods, sticky notes, gift bags, and of course, food.

Similar to the United States, snacking could be just the beginning. Dollar stores in Canada could soon collect more of our food dollars in the way of selling other staples such as fresh or frozen goods.

The dollar store invasion in North America is real, and it's hard to see an end to it. However, this hardly marks the end of the grocery store.

Grocers in Canada have also done an incredible job defending urban markets in recent years, but the threat is real in suburbs and small towns.

Given how well dollar store chains are managed it will be interesting to see how things may change over the next few years.

Dr. Sylvain Charlebois is senior director of the Agri-Food Analytic Lab and professor in Food Distribution and Policy at Dalhousie University.

Reader letter: General Amherst should be updated rather than replaced Reader letter: Goodfellows grateful for community support

Dollar General expanding fast in Missouri, nation

Construction trucks sat on an unfinished parking lot Thursday in front of the familiar white paint, brown sheet metal and yellow signage on the new Dollar General about a half-mile northwest of Interstate 70.

The store, about five miles west of Columbia on Highway 40, is expected to open within the month in an area with two gas stations, a hotel, fireworks store and antique mall but almost no other retail presence.

"We anticipate opening it within the month," Dollar General spokeswoman Mary Kathryn Colbert wrote in an email, but "that estimate might change pending any construction delays."

Dollar General brings mixed bags to small towns. Often the chain store provides lifelines to rural communities, but it's also known for devouring competition and scarce resources in towns with small populations.

Since 2014, Dollar General has opened 130 new stores in Missouri and created more than 1,000 jobs, Colbert said.

Nationally, the company plans to open 975 new stores, making it by far the retailer planning to open the most stores in the U.S., according to CBS News. In December, Dollar General had 15,227 U.S. stores, more than McDonald's 14,000 U.S. locations and Starbucks' 14,600 locations, according to Business Insider.

"We believe the addition of each new Dollar General store represents positive economic growth for the communities we serve, including the creation of local jobs, as well as opportunities for employee development and career advancement," Colbert said.

Dollar General is defying the odds. Across the country, the retail industry is in free fall with retailers like Sears, Toys 'R' Us and Shopko all filing for bankruptcy or closing hundreds of stores in recent years as online retailers ate away at their business. Dollar General is doing the opposite.

Typically Dollar General stores are around 7,400 square feet and cost only about $250,000 to construct, according to Crain's Detroit Business. Most stores employ just 6 to 10 employees, according to Colbert, The Guardian and other media reports.

Walmart once built its business by expanding rapidly into mid-sized towns in the 1980s. Dollar General has a similar expansion plan, but it goes into towns that Walmart never dreamed of touching.

The company opened a New Bloomfield location in 2015. New Bloomfield's last grocery store closed 25 years ago, said Mayor Terry Shaw.

"The closest place to buy a loaf of bread would be Holts Summit," Shaw said of life before Dollar General's store opened at 9388 Old U.S. Hwy 54. "Now you drive a quarter-mile at most."

NEARBY BUSINESSES

Paul James serves as the convenience store manager at the Midway Travel Plaza just off the westbound side of Interstate 70. James, a longtime Missouri Department of Corrections employee and military man, took on the job 11 months ago.

When James took over as manager, the C-Store looked more like a nearby antique mall at Midway than a convenience store. Racks full of trinkets clogged the aisles. Original wooden paneling from the 1970s made the interior look dark and old.

People were prone to bumping into and breaking the trinkets and other merchandise, James said.

"People didn't want to come in here," James said.

Renovations over the winter installed new wiring and new air ducts. James flipped the layout of his office, and he added a window and a high definition TV that displays feeds from 16 new security cameras.

Sleek modern flooring and countertops, along with more popular merchandise, make the store feel open and airy. All of this helped draw customers back to the truck stop and its restaurant.

Dollar General offers small selections of frozen food, including ice cream, frozen pizzas and frozen dinners. Other canned goods like soup, pastas and highly processed snacks can also be found at its stores.

Typically the stores' retail selection is limited to necessities and travel items, but the stores lack larger selections of items that Walmart and Target regularly carry.

James felt bullish about the nearby Dollar General opening soon on Highway 40. The two stores will not sell many of the same items or compete for the same clientele, he said.

Each day, 34,000 vehicles travel over the nearby I-70 bridge over the Missouri River near Rocheport, according to the Missouri Department of Transportation. James said 40,000 vehicles pass by his store every day. Most of the business comes from interstate customers and truckers who can sometimes spend days at the truck stop.

"It won't really affect us," James said early in the conversation.

Midway's Dollar General sits about a mile from the Midway Heights Elementary School, the Rost Landscaping Nursery and the Midway Storage Center. Farther down U.S. 40, homes progressively become spaced farther and farther apart as the tiny unincorporated community gives way to the countryside.

James admitted his store will likely lose some business when Dollar General opens, but he doesn't think it will ruin the momentum he built over the last year during the store's turnaround.

"Yeah, we're going to lose some business," James said. "It'll hurt us a little, but not that bad."

Seven to eight buses per day stop at the truck stop, so James said the truck stop will be fine, regardless of if business slumps a bit because of Dollar General.

As he sat at his desk, he paused. James worried about the Midway Little General Store half a mile west on Highway 40.

The store sits right next to Dollar General's southern wall and sells many of the same things: soft drinks, alcohol and bath items. An owner of the business could not be reached for comment.

A clerk at the counter did not want to be named, but she said residents feel excited they will have another place to pick up essentials.

"My boss is not that excited," the woman said. "The rest of us that live here are."

REGIONAL PRESENCE

Dollar General is expanding in mid-sized and large cities in mid-Missouri, Fulton Director of Administration Bill Johnson said. The company isn't just putting in stores. Since 1999, Dollar General has operated a Fulton distribution center that today employs about 600 people.

This past week, Dollar General opened its newest Columbia store off Clark Lane at 7300 Flanders Court. Flanders Court sits about 1 1/2 miles from the Broadway Shops shopping center that houses Hy-Vee, Walmart and Sam's Club, among other retailers.

When selecting store sites — whether it be Midway, Flanders Court, Russellville or elsewhere, Dollar General favors sites that draw customers from a three- to five-mile radius or 10-minute drive, Colbert said. Demographic trends, competitive factors and traffic patterns also factor in, Colbert said. Around 1:45 p.m. Thursday, about a dozen customers wandered around the new Columbia location, which still smelled like fresh paint.

Like Columbia, Fulton has multiple grocery stores. Because of Dollar General's distribution center, the company is an important employer in Fulton, Johnson said. Residents feel its impact less on the retail side in a community as big as Fulton, Johnson said.

"Fulton is large enough that the citizens have multiple locations to get their basic needs met," Johnson said. "I think Dollar General is a retail store that allows small towns to stay viable."

Dollar General has recently built stores in towns like Millersburg and Wardsville. A store in Mokane is under construction and hiring a store manager for a salary of $39,000 per year, according to a job posting.

Small towns across America face this same dilemma when Dollar General tries to move into town. Sources reached by the Tribune said mid-Missouri towns seem to have fared better than many other outposts where Dollar General moved in.

About 10 years ago, Russellville in Cole County formed the Route C Community Improvement District, City Clerk Jan Wyatt said. Often the chain uses its lobbying might to wring heavy incentives from communities, which also undercut local stores, according to The Guardian.

The Route C Community Improvement District did not file its annual report with the state, according to a report released Friday by Missouri State Auditor Nicole Galloway. An August 2018 audit said the district had estimated project costs of $222,000. Sales tax and other revenues from the district were also unavailable for 2017, according to the audit.  

Soon after the district formed, a Dollar General opened across from the town's high school baseball field, which often serves as a gathering spot on spring, summer and fall nights.

"We rely on it for the residents because they can't get to Jeff City," Wyatt said.

Russellville Mayor Pro Tem Matt Grayson said the town is far enough away from Jefferson City, California and Eldon to make grocery shopping hard for elderly residents. Grayson hesitated to call Russellville a food desert, but he said finding fresh food can be a challenge.

"I think it provides them a better option than doing your grocery shopping at a gas station," Grayson said.

A rare thing happened in Russellville last December, Grayson said.

For 68 years, from 1949 to 2017, Russellville Locker and Feed processed individual hogs and cattle. Owner Mike Wyss closed the business in October 2017 because he could not find enough workers to perform the task, according to the Jefferson City News Tribune.

So Wyss closed the business, spent more than a year renovating the building Russellville Locker and Feed occupied and turned it into the Covered Bridge Market grocery store.

Grayson said on Thursday that Covered Bridge Market plays an important role in Russellville. Wyss said the business found its footing and keeps improving.

"It's not working very well, but it's working better and better every day," Wyss said.

Dollar General drives many small-town grocery stores out of business because its sheer scale allows it to sell groceries for lower prices than most small-town businesses, according to The Guardian.

Covered Bridge sells a lot of discount and salvage grocery items, which makes many of its prices low, Wyss said. The store has a deli and customers can get a Central Dairy ice cream cone there.

Covered Bridge has a basic selection of fresh fruits and vegetables like bananas, lemons and watermelon. Both Dollar General and Covered Bridge sell some of the same canned items such as green beans, Wyss said. Instead of competing against each other, the stores complement each other, Wyss said.

"They don't have most of what we have and we don't have most of what they have," Wyss said. "Really it's not an issue."

Wyatt, the Russellville city clerk, did not know how much money Dollar General pays in sales tax but said the store is the largest retailer in Russellville and contributes heavily to its sales tax base.

Like Wyatt, Shaw did not have sales tax figures for New Bloomfield on hand. New Bloomfield has a mechanic and a gas station but nothing else that generates sales tax revenue like Dollar General, Shaw said.

"There's cars there all the time," Shaw said. "Sometimes it's 15 or 20 cars."

pjoens@columbiatribune.com

573-815-1722

McDonald's marks 40th anniversary of Happy Meal with retro toys

4 Your Health: The top silent killers of men News / 15 mins ago

49ers attend annual House of Prime Rib linemen's dinner in San Francisco News / 10 hours ago

Alameda County Health Department discusses Coronavirus News / 10 hours ago

Police arrest 8 following multi-million dollar crime bust in San Mateo County News / 10 hours ago

Former California congressman Pete Stark dies at 88 News / 10 hours ago

Questions remain unanswered after Hayward man shot, killed News / 11 hours ago

Fans gather for photos with new 49ers mural in San Jose News / 12 hours ago

San Rafael discourages panhandler donations News / 12 hours ago

Family to honor fallen soldier at Super Bowl thanks to 49ers 49ers' George Kittle News / 14 hours ago

49ers' George Kittle gives Super Bowl tickets to family of fallen military veteran News / 15 hours ago

San Francisco, Kansas City zoos kick off friendly competition ahead of Super Bowl News / 17 hours ago

2nd US patient with new virus from China News / 19 hours ago

UK's top toys for Christmas

[unable to retrieve full-text content]Business UK's top toys for Christmas Posted Nov. 2 - The UK Toy Retailers Association reveals its top 12 favourite toys they believe will be this year's Christmas favourties. Hayley Platt reports.

McDonald's Needs to Get Rid of 10 Million Pounds of Mighty Wings, So We Offer Up Some Suggestions

McDonald's

So you have 10 million pounds of chicken wings and you need to get rid of them? Well, though that's quite a pickle, you probably but don't have that problem, but McDonald's sure does.

The fast food franchise purchased 50 million pounds of their limited-time-only Mighty Wings to sell to consumers, but they sold less than expected, so now they have 20 percent of the original inventory leftover. Basically, ole Ronald McDonald is stuck with 10 million pounds of frozen Mighty Wings. And they need to get rid of them. Because we're givers, we're offering up some ideas on what McDonald's can do to take all them damn wings off their hands:

1. Eat Them: How many people does McDonald's employ, from fry cooks to executives? Probably a lot. Well, divide up the wings amongst everyone who represents the golden arches and give them out as Christmas bonuses. Who needs money when you can have fast food wings?

2. Shoot Them Into the Sun: Superman IV-style.

3. Munchies Delivery Service: Can they hold them until April 20? If so, use them for a Mighty Wings delivery service for those patrons who have, um, indulged in some herbal entertainment. Or start it off right away and just do daily food truck runs at 4:20 p.m. And 4.20 a.m. because a lot of people celebrate that time twice.

4. Competitive Eating: They've got 10 million wings, so why not hold a big wing-eating competition? Get that crazy hot-dog eating guy involved.

5. Shoot Them Out of T-Shirt Cannons at Sporting Events: We keep going back to shooting them places, don't we?

6 Make Them Into Toys: If you stick googly eyes on them, McDonald's can put them into Happy Meals and call them Mr. Salmonella! He's loads of fun, just don't lick them!

7. Give Them to BlendTec: Those things claim they can pulverize anything, so giving the wings will answer the age-old question: Will 10 million frozen Mighty Wings indeed blend?

8. Donate to Homeless Shelters: That's probably the best idea, although shooting them out of cannons at sporting events is our No. 2 pick.

21 Best Lego Christmas Sets

As is always the case, with every Christmas comes a bazillion new Lego Christmas sets. Thankfully, we're here to guide you through the most in-demand Lego toys for this holiday season. Here are the best LEGO Christmas sets available in 2019:

23 Best STEM Toys for 2020: The Ultimate List

Getting your kids to use their minds when they're playing is becoming more important than ever. After all, we're already seeing many of our jobs being eliminated and replaced with machines. Who do you think builds those machines? Well, other machines, but who do you think creates the machines that build the machines? Engineers.

See Also: Best New Toys

That is, of course, just one extreme example of why learning toys have become so important in today's world (and, admittedly, I'm using it for a more dramatic effect). Still, getting your kids learning early in their development is going to set them up for a more successful learning career later on. The good news is that it doesn't mean that they will have to sacrifice their childhood fun, thanks to STEM toys, toys that are specifically designed to educate your kids while they're having fun. STEM toys have come a long way in 2020, and we're seeing tons of new coding toys, science toys, and mathematics being incorporated into their playtime.

So if you're looking for some of the best STEM toys in 2020, we've got you covered with our list of the 24 great ones:

How bleak was Christmas for retailers? Even Target got coal.

Target reported a rare shortfall in holiday sales, raising concerns about the challenges ahead for the traditional retail industry even as the economy remains strong.

Target's disappointing growth of 1.4% percent for November and December, dragged down by toys and electronics, fell well below the previous year. Target joined a growing list of retailers reporting meager performances during the critical holiday shopping season.

Target cut its expectations for same-store sales growth for the entire quarter Wednesday. Shares fell more than 7% in afternoon trading, making it the biggest decliner in the benchmark S&P 500.

The latest evidence of weak numbers from a major retailer cast a pall over the entire sector, with investors leery of any hints that the consumer, a major driver of the U.S. economy, is getting nervous. The retail sector declined while overall markets were up..

The report of weak toys and electronics sales also hit other companies like Hasbro and Best Buy.

However, analysts say the consumer remains financially strong, and some blamed increasing competition from not only Amazon but a slew of online competitors from mattress maker Casper to home goods purveyor Wayfair. Many believe that they are all starting to create material headwinds for traditional retailers.

"We are seeing a healthy consumer that is choosing different ways to spend the same amount of money," said Joel Bines, managing director at consulting firm AlixPartners. "The consumer today is presented with an array of options for virtually every product you can think of from footwear to apparel to toys and games to electronics."

Bines added that many of these online retailers are held to different standards for profitability compared to traditional large companies.

Ken Perkins, president of Retail Metrics, a retail research firm, agrees.

"Consumers can sign up for all these subscription services from pies to clothing," he said. "That's definitely siphoning off sales from traditional retailers."

Target experienced weaker-than-expected sales of electronics, toys and home goods. Comparable sales of 1.4% in the November-December period contrasted with a very strong 5.7% increase a year earlier. Target's toy sales were flat, while consumer electronics business fell more than 6%. Home goods sales were down more than 1%.

Jim Silver, editor-in-chief of TTPM.com, a toy review site, believes Amazon picked up market share in toys this past holiday season, based on his talks with toy manufacturers. He also noted that the demise of Toys R Us in 2018 has hurt impulse buying.

"Impulse buying doesn't happen online and can add up to significant volume," Silver said.

Target's digital sales rose 19%, also down from last year's jump of 29%.

Target Corp., based in Minneapolis, said it now foresees fourth-quarter comparable-sales growth in line with the 1.4% increase it experienced during the holiday period. It had previously forecast a rise of between 3% and 4%.

Other department stores, namely those in malls, have not had the same success. J.C. Penney, Kohl's and L Brands, the parent company of Victoria's Secret, all reported holiday sales declines. Macy's reported a small decline in holiday sales, though it was better than what investors had expected.

The National Retail Federation, the nation's largest retail trade group, forecasts that holiday sales will rise between 3.8% and 4.2% for November and December. The holiday sales forecast marks an increase from the disappointing 2.1% for the 2018 period. But it's above the average holiday sales growth of 3.7% over the previous five years. The group is expected to release final holiday results Thursday following the government's release of December retail sales.

As it happens

When business news breaks, be the first to know.

Retailers post fiscal fourth-quarter results next month and that will certainly provide more insight into the mood of U.S. consumers through January.

Neil Saunders, managing director of research firm GlobalData Retail, said Target's holiday performance wasn't dire, as it was going to be tough for the chain to top its strong year-ago results. He also believes that the disappointing electronics and home sales were affected by the timing of Black Friday, coming later this year.

"Overall, Target remains a good retailer on the right trajectory," Saunders wrote. "It may have stumbled and slowed over the holidays, but it is still one of the most attractive runners in the retail race."

That was largely the sentiment among industry analysts.

Seth Sigman of Credit Suisse agreed, saying that "there are many bright spots within that would point to this being more of a blip rather than the start of a new trend."

McDonalds celebrates 40th anniversary of Happy Meal with retro toys

A GOP rules plan for the impeachment trial of President Donald Trump unveiled by Senate Republicans on Monday could pave the way for the trial to be finished in as little as two weeks, as the plan envisions squeezing 48 hours of opening arguments into just four days, with the option of voting on the impeachment articles without any additional witnesses or evidence. 'Just because the House proceedings were a circus that doesn't mean the Senate's trial needs to be,' said Sen. Lamar Alexander (R-TN), who fully endorsed the proposal from Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell. While GOP Senators said the plan would be modeled on a bipartisan rules deal at the start of the Clinton impeachment trial, there were two notable differences from 21 years ago, governing opening arguments, and the submission of evidence. While each side would get 24 hours to make their opening arguments, this GOP plan would force that time to be used in just two days - raising the specter of an impeachment trial which could stretch well into the night because of those time constraints. Another change would require an affirmative vote by the Senate to simply put the investigatory materials from the House into the trial record, something which was done automatically in the Clinton impeachment trial. Also, even if extra witnesses were approved by Senators, it would not guarantee their testimony on the Senate floor, as there would have to be a vote after the depositions on whether the witness would testify publicly. With a Tuesday debate set on the rules, Republicans also made clear they would not support any move to add witnesses until after opening arguments have been completed. 'If attempts are made to vote on witnesses prior to opening arguments, I would oppose those efforts,' said Sen. Mitt Romney (R-UT). Meanwhile, Democrats roundly denounced the GOP rules details. 'The proposal that Majority Leader McConnell just released looks more like a cover up than a fair trial,' said Sen. Chr is Coons (D-DE). 'Mitch McConnell doesn't want a fair trial, he wants a fast trial,' said Sen. Mazie Hirono (D-HI). 'It's all about the cover up,' said Sen. Chris Murphy (D-CT). 'These are not the Clinton rules.' 'There's nothing in this resolution that requires hearing witnesses or admitting evidence — which is unlike any trial I've ever seen,' said Sen. Tina Smith (D-MN). 'Under this resolution, Senator McConnell is saying he doesn't want to hear any of the existing evidence, and he doesn't want to hear any new evidence,' said Senate Democratic Leader Charles Schumer, who promised to offer amendments to the plan on Tuesday afternoon. Debate and votes on the rules resolution will start on Tuesday afternoon - and could turn into an extended battle on the floor of the U.S. Senate.

"SOS" sign helps man get rescued after weeks stranded in Alaska wilderness

Weeks after an Alaska man's remote cabin burned down, he was rescued by Alaska State Troopers who found him by a makeshift shelter with an "SOS" signal stamped in the snow. Tyson Steele, 30, was picked up Thursday in what appeared to be good health at his remote homestead 20 miles outside of Skwentna, troopers said in a dispatch.

In this image made from video released by the Alaska State Troopers, an aerial helicopter view from Jan. 9, 2020, shows a man waving with distress signal "S.O.S." outside Susitna Valley, Alaska. Alaska State Troopers via AP

CBS affiliate KTVA-TV reports a mid-December fire had killed his dog, a chocolate lab named Phil and left Steele with no means of communication. After his family members and friends hadn't heard from him for several weeks, they requested a welfare check.

The trooper helicopter crew reached the homestead at about 11 a.m. and saw Steele waving his arms near the makeshift shelter.

Skwentna, with a population of 35, is 70 miles northwest of Anchorage.

The trooper helicopter transported Steele to Anchorage, 20 days after his ordeal started.

In an interview with Alaska State Troopers, Steele said he put off eating some of the charred canned food as long as he could. "Last night's meal was probably one of the worst. I was leaving the burned-off stuff for the last. And last night's dinner was a can of plastic-smoked refried beans.

After his rescue, troopers made sure Steele got a shower and a McDonald's No. 2 combo meal.

This Week's Best Toys Include America's Arse And So Many Batmans (So Many)

Welcome back to Toy Aisle, Gizmodo's regular round-up of all the cool new toys we've seen on the internet lately. And by lately, we mean "already starting to write our Christmas 2020 gift lists!" This week, we've got not one, but two big new DC Comics lines revealed, a most impressive Star Wars model kit, and Hot Toys taking on the arse of a nation. Check it out!

Bandai Spirits Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker Kylo Ren Twelfth-Scale Model Kit

Not content with releasing intricate articulated figures of Star Wars characters, Bandai also has a line of model kits that lets you build the intricate articulated figures of Star Wars characters too, and it's now all on board with the latest film in the saga. Of course, the re-masked Kylo Ren is an easy choice for the model line's first Rise of Skywalker figure, thanks to his helmeted visage, but hey, who's gonna say no to another cool looking Kylo figure?

The kit comes with additional hands to pose the Supreme Leader gripping his lightsaber or reaching out through the Force, and as well as a cloth cape to drape over his shoulders. There's an extra piece to depict him with his hood up too, presumably getting his brood on. If you want to build your own Ben Solo, he'll set you back around $55, and is available now. [BBTS via The Fwoosh]

ThreeZero Bumblebee DLX Scale Collectible Series Soundwave and Ravage

Bumblebee finally delivered a Transformers movie that didn't feel like we had sold out our childhoods as we left the theatre. But the film's opening sequences, featuring a battle between Autobots and Decepticons on Cybertron, gave a glimpse at just how wonderful a Transformers film could be, including updated versions of fan-favourites Soundwave and Ravage that pay homage to the original '80s toy line. ThreeZero's 11-inch tall figures of the duo don't actually transform, but they include loads of articulation, die-cast metal parts, and LED illuminated features. Although, at about $290 for the pair, a little transforming wouldn't hurt.

Spin Master DC Comics Figures

A little over a year after it was revealed that Spin Master would be taking over the DC Comics toy licence from Mattel, the company has revealed its first line-up of figures which mostly focuses on the Batman universe, but also includes other select DC stalwarts like Superman, The Flash, and Shazam. At launch, which will presumably be closer to Toy Fair 2020 in New York next month, the lineup will include 12-inch, four-inch, and two-inch figurines, as well as vehicles, games, and puzzles.

Super7 My Pet Monster ReAction Figures

Super7 continues to dig real deep in the classic '80s toys record bin for its 3.75-inch tall ReAction figures line. The latest addition is a pair of My Pet Monster (a monster of a friend!) figures featuring the character's broken shackles, and his bizarre My Football Monster Phase. ReAction Cabbage Patch Kids, Strawberry Shortcake, and Rainbow Brite figures can't be far behind.

Hot Toys Avengers: Endgame 2012 Captain America

Not content with releasing a bazillion Iron Men, Hot Toys' Endgame line continues with another re-release: this time Captain America as he appeared in the first Avengers movie. Or, more specifically, Endgame-era Cap wearing the uniform he wore in that first Avengers, as part of the team's bonkers timey-wimey plan to reunite the Infinity Stones.

It essentially means you get to put a new Captain America head sculpt on top of the familiar uniform to call it a day, but Hot Toys at least gives you a bunch of accessories to make up for that. Steve comes with his shield, of course, as well as Loki's staff, complete with its own little carrying case. As well as a bunch of alternate hands for posing, there's also a masked helmet, so, really, if you had the spare change, you could buy two and have them fight each other!

Also, I cannot stress this enough, but the press material for this action figure includes the phrase that this toy has "a muscular body with enhanced articulation portraying Captain America's toned body." They know what they're talking about here. Anyhoo, if you want your very own plastic rendition of the United States' finest rear, Endgame But Also Avengers Sort Of Captain America will be out in the middle of 2021.

McFarlane DC Multiverse Action Figures

If you were unsatiated by Spin Master's offering of so many Batman figures in their new DC Comics line, well, McFarlane has you covered too. Although it's been known for a while that the toymaker had gotten a hold of the licence, it's finally revealed the first look at its new wave of "DC Multiverse" action figures, due this month. Taking a leaf from former licensor Mattel (and even a toy line name!) this series of 7-inch scale action figures draws upon multiple corners of the DC world—not just the comics, but the TV shows and cartoons.

The first wave does, unsurprisingly, lean on the Batman stable for characters—not only is Bruce himself represented in The Animated Series and comics forms, there's figures of Harley Quinn (ostensibly comics-inspired, but with a face sculpt that looks a lot like her animated counterpart), Nightwing, Rebirth Batgirl, and even variants like the Hellbat armour suit or the alt-reality, Joker-esque Batman Who Laughs. It's not all Gothamite glory, however: also included are the Justice League animated series' John Stewart Green Lantern, Arrow's version of Oliver Queen, and three versions of Superman: a version inspired by the modern comics, an armoured iteration from Superman Unchained, and a version inspired by Superman: The Animated Series.

Collecting every figure in the line lets you build a scaled model of the Batmobile, but if you wanted to put your figures in a vehicle actually scaled to their size, McFarlane is also releasing a 7-inch scaled Bat-Raptor bike, based on the one in the Batman Who Laughs comic miniseries. The figures in McFarlane's DC multiverse line will set you back between $30 and $36 each, while the Bat-Raptor itself will cost about $36. [Toyark]

Chili’s near mall to close Sunday

WILKES-BARRE TWP. — The Chili's restaurant on Wyoming Valley Mall Road will be closing after lunch on Sunday, servers are telling patrons this evening.

The news came down today, and further information was not immediately available.

According to the Times Leader archives, the restaurant opened in November 1992.

Its end will mark the latest closure of a chain restaurant in and around the mall area.

Arby's in the mall food court closed in October, while the Sonic fast food drive-through at the edge of the mall property closed last April. The Long John Silver's restaurant on Kidder Street nearby closed in May.

There have been new additions to the township's eating scene in the past year, however.

Chick-fil-A opened up in the former Lucky's Sporthouse location in October, while Mission BBQ debuted on Mundy Street last month.

These throwback McDonald's Happy Meal toys are coming to a location near you

CALGARY – Parents all across Canada will be able to share a little bit of their childhood with their own kids this month as McDonald's is celebrating a big milestone.

Beginning this week, McDonald's Canada will be selling special 40th anniversary Happy Meals that contain some of the most popular toys ever to be found inside them.

Between November 7 and 10, families will be able to collect one of 15 popular toys in the Surprise Happy Meal.

The toys included in the special meals are:

Cowboy McNugget (not available in Quebec) (McDonald's): 1988

Fireman McNugget (not available in Quebec) (McDonald's): 1988

Mail Carrier McNugget (not available in Quebec) (McDonald's): 1988

Hamburger Changeable (McDonald's): 1989

Grimace (McDonald's): 1990

Dino Happy Meal Box Changeable (not available in Quebec) (McDonald's): 1991

McDonald's Hot Wheels Thunderbird (not available in Quebec) (Mattel): 1993

Hamburglar (McDonald's): 1995

Power Rangers (Hasbro): 1995

Space Jam Bugs Bunny (Warner Brothers): 1996

Patti the Platypus (Ty Beanie Baby): 1997

Tamagotchi (Bandai): 1998

My Little Pony (Hasbro): 1998

Furby (Hasbro): 1999

Hello Kitty (Sanrio): 2013

"Happy Meal toys are as synonymous to childhood as the iconic red boxes are to the McDonald's brand," said Antoinette Benoit, chief marketing officer of McDonald's Canada in a release. "Now, parents can share fond memories with their kids while creating new ones as they unbox their Surprise Happy Meal to discover an old favourite."

In addition to providing fun and good food to Canadian families, a portion of each Happy Meal sold in Canada has gone towards supporting the Ronald McDonald House Charities. Since 2004, the Happy Meal program has raised more than $70 million to help families stay close together while their child receives medical treatment.

The Surprise Happy Meal is available in 90 countries around the world and will be available in Canada while supplies last.

Students Give Switch-Adapted Toys To Kids With Motor Impairments For Easier Play

Christmas has the power to bring out the best in everyone. Recently, students in Brunswick County, NC, showed this capacity for generosity is present in all ages. Students at the Center of Applied Sciences and Technology acted as Santa this December. They provided adapted toys as presents for students with motor impairments across the county.

Santa's Adaptive Workshop aims to give specialized toys and equipment for those with special needs. Their operations are possible thanks to an education grant from ATMC to the Brunswick County Schools Exceptional Children's Department. The Clean Energy Technology students volunteered to work with toys and adapt them to special needs.

Adapted toys are important for accessibility

SPECIAL DELIVERY: Students at The Center of Applied Sciences and Technology delivered the adaptive toys they personally…

Posted by Brunswick County Schools on Tuesday, December 10, 2019

Having impaired motor functions can make certain tasks harder or even impossible. Ordinary activities, including turning a doorknob may just not be an option. For this reason, public spaces must comply with the Americans with Disabilities Act. But toys demand the same mindfulness. Some gamers require adaptive controllers to enjoy their favorite video game like anyone else, and so on.

RELATED: Teen Girl Born Without A Leg Donates Barbies With Prosthetic Legs To Local Hospital

That's where the students at the Center of Applied Sciences and Technology come into play. The official Facebook page for Brunswick County Schools shared this uplifting news earlier this month. Photos show students handing out adapted toys at Mrs. Rowland's class at Supply Elementary School.

The dedicated work doesn't stop here

Students handed out switch adapted toys they adjusted for easier play / Brunswick County Schools on Facebook

After delivering adaptive toys at Mrs. Rowland's, the students had more stops to make. Next on their list was Mrs. Matthews's class at Bolivia Elementary School. There, they shall again disperse uniquely adjusted toys that allow for easier play. In particular, the students hand-adjusted toys to make them switch adapted. This means that any switches on a toy are replaced by larger ones.

Adjustments like these ultimately make a big difference at the end of the day. Some toys come with very tiny on/off switches that are difficult even for adults to work with. Children gradually learn new fine motor skills to build their dexterity. But children with motor skill impairments have a hard time working with toys that are not switch adapted. Incorporating a larger switch helps them interact with the toy with ease. When children can feel included, their confidence increases. Ultimately, Santa's newest helpers gave more than just toys this year. They provided a new way for children to interact with the world and feel confident in themselves.

An example of a switch adapted toy. These use larger switches so children with special needs can use them more comfortably / LDK Adapted Toys LLC

RELATED: After Reshaping His Life, Man Returns To His Poor Childhood Neighborhood To Give Out Free Toys

This Melissa & Doug wooden toy chest is the toy box I didn't know I needed — it's sturdy, safe for tiny fingers, and looks great

Alicia Betz

A toy box is a must to keep kids' spaces organized, especially if you don't have a designated playroom. 

The Melissa & Doug Wooden Toy Chest ($90) holds 8.25 cubic feet of toys, so a lot of my daughter's toys fit inside, and it keeps our living room looking at least somewhat organized. 

Little fingers won't get pinched with a lid that stays open on its own and a small gap between the lid and the chest. Much like our favorite Melissa & Doug toys, the box is high-quality and well-designed.

Last Christmas, my daughter was almost 6 months old, and when my dad asked if it would be a good idea to get her a toy box for Christmas, I honestly wasn't sure. She hadn't accumulated too many toys at that point, but I knew that her toy collection would only grow, so I said yes. Now a year and an overflowing toy box later, I realize that it was one of the best Christmas gifts she could have gotten. Toy boxes help kids keep their play space organized so they aren't so overwhelmed with all of their play options. 

The toy box I didn't know I needed

My dad ended up buying her the Melissa & Doug Wooden Toy Chest in espresso. It's also available in honey and white, so there is a color to match most decor. The toy box measures 33 inches long, 24 inches high (including the decorative bar at the top), and 19 inches deep. It provides 8.25 cubic feet of space inside for toys, and it weighs 25 pounds. Assembly was painless and took less than an hour.

The decorative bar across the top in the back makes it look more like a piece of furniture and less like a plain box. Since I don't have a playroom in my house, the subtle decorative touches look great in my living room. 

The weight of this toy box is perfect because it's light enough for me to easily pick it up by the handles on the sides without being so light that my daughter can tip it over. She's also not able to push it around, so it stays exactly where I want it to be. 

Parents might be afraid to choose the white toy box for their kids because well, kids. No matter what color you choose though, the finish is smooth and extremely easy to clean and wipe down both inside and outside the box. 

I'm impressed by the durability and safety features Alicia Betz

The best thing about this toy box is that it's so incredibly sturdy and well made. My daughter has it packed full of toys, and there are no signs of the bottom giving way. The real test of its durability is my 95-pound German shepherd who has jumped onto the box on more than one occasion. Aside from a few scratches from his nails, you would never know he even touched it. 

Not only is it durable, but the lid of the toy box has a safety hinge so it doesn't slam shut or pinch little fingers. Some toy box lids need to be held open, propped open, or they only stay open once they reach a certain height. This lid stays open on its own even if it's only opened an inch. It even has an extra protective measure of a gap between the lid and the box in the front so even if someone does slam the lid shut while little fingers are holding onto the box, they won't get hurt. 

Be careful: The toy box looks a lot like a seat, but the lid is not meant to bear weight

The only real complaint I have about this toy box is that it looks so much like a piece of furniture that belongs in our living room that visitors often mistake it for a bench. It's strong enough to hold my 23-pound daughter when she climbs on top of it, although that is obviously not recommended. Toddlers will be toddlers, though.

According to the instructions, it is not supposed to be used as a seat, so officially, no weight on top of the box is safe. Nobody that has sat on it has ever broken it, but it's frustrating to always tell guests they can't sit on it. 

The bottom line Alicia Betz

Melissa & Doug makes quality kids' products, and they did it again with this wooden toy chest. A toy box isn't just something that a kid will play with for a few months before it gets forgotten and eventually donated or thrown away. It will be a staple in your home for as long as your kids play with toys. 

I've only had this toy box for about a year, but it still looks and functions just as well as it did on the day I got it. I wasn't so sure about receiving it as a first Christmas present for my daughter at first, but if I had known what I know now, I would have put this toy box at the top of her Christmas list. 

Katy Lions Club thanks community for help with toy drive

The Katy Lions Club had the best year ever for its toy drive for Texas Children's Hospital West Campus, according to its president.

"Katy residents are so helpful and amazingly generous," said Lions Club President Carol Barnett. This year the Katy Lions Club partnered with Harris County Emergency Services District 48 and the Katy National Little League for the toy drive.

The Little League collected toys during a recent two-day tournament. Each player was asked to bring a toy. The number of toys collected filled a 15-foot truck and an additional 12-foot trailer,said Barnett. HCESD 48 and the Katy Lions Club picked up the toys and delivered them to Texas Children's Hospital West Campus on Dec. 20. Members of the Fire Department, EMS, The Little League and the Katy Lions Club unloaded the toys and managed to get them around the Christmas Tree in the lobby.

"The amazing part of this story is that this was the second delivery to the hospital," said Barnett. "The Katy Lions Club had started collecting toys during the month of November after putting out 15 collection boxes in local area businesses. The first delivery was Dec. 7 and filled a pick-up truck and several SUVs."

Barnett said The Katy Lions Club would like to thank Katy community residents, the 15 businesses that helped to collect, the HCESD 48 Fire Department and EMS and the Katy National Little League for pulling together and making Christmas a special one for the kids who were in the hospital for the holiday season.

"This is one Christmas that will be remembered for a long time," added Barnett.

After a not-so-Merry Christmas, Target lowers sales forecast for Oct.-Dec. period

Michelle Chapman and Anne D'Innocenzio, Associated Press Published 10:16 a.m. ET Jan. 15, 2020 | Updated 10:23 a.m. ET Jan. 15, 2020

Big-box retailer Target said Wednesday morning that holiday season comparable sales rose by 1.4%, well below expectations. (Photo: Mark Wilson / Getty Images)

Target’s comparable store sales fell well below the previous year and it joined a growing list of retailers reporting meager performances during the critical holiday shopping season.

The company cut its expectations for same-store sales growth for the entire quarter Wednesday. Shares fell almost 7% at the opening bell.

Target experienced weaker-than-expected sales of electronics, toys and home goods. Comparable sales climbed 1.4% in the November-December period, compared with a very strong 5.7% increase a year earlier.

Digital sales rose 19%, also down from last year’s jump of 29%.

Target Corp., based in Minneapolis, said it now foresees fourth-quarter comparable sales growth in line with the 1.4% increase it experienced during the holiday period. It had previously forecast a rise of between 3% and 4%.

Nominate, Commemorate, Celebrate: Who inspires you? USA TODAY seeks your Women of the Century to commemorate 19th Amendment

Retirement assessment: Here's the grade most Americans give themselves for retirement readiness

The latest evidence of weak numbers from a major retailer cast a pall over the entire sector and the broader markets as well, with investors leery of any hints that the consumer, a major driver of the U.S. economy, is getting nervous. The retail group was the worst performer on the S&P when markets opened.

The report of weak toys and electronics sales also hit other companies like Hasbro and Best Buy.

Target and big stores like Walmart have been one of the strongest performers in retail even as Amazon continues to make inroads. They have reconfigured product lineups and improved delivery services with some success.

Other department stores, namely those in malls, have not had the same success. J.C. Penney, Kohl’s and L Brands, the parent company of Victoria’s Secret, all reported holiday sales declines. Macy’s reported a small decline in holiday sales, though it was better than what investors had expected.

The National Retail Federation, the nation’s largest retail trade group, forecasts that holiday sales will rise between 3.8% and 4.2% for November and December. The holiday sales forecast marks an increase from the disappointing 2.1%. But it’s above the average holiday sales growth of 3.7% over the previous five years. The group is expected to release final holiday results Thursday following the government’s release of December retail sales Wednesday.

Retailers post fourth-quarter results next month and that will certainly provide more insight into the mood of U.S. consumers as 2019 came to a close.

Neil Saunders, managing director of research firm GlobalData Retail, said Target’s holiday performance wasn’t dire, as it was going to be tough for it to top its strong year-ago results. He also noted that the disappointing electronics and home sales were impacted by the timing of Black Friday, coming later this year.

“Overall, Target remains a good retailer on the right trajectory. It may have stumbled and slowed over the holidays, but it is still one of the most attractive runners in the retail race,” Saunders wrote.

That was largely the sentiment among industry analysts.

Seth Sigman of Credit Suisse agreed, saying that “there are many bright spots within that would point to this being more of a blip rather than the start of a new trend.” The analyst said while comparable sales of toys were flat, the category likely gained share. He also noted solid sales gains in categories such as clothing, beauty and food and beverage.

Read or Share this story: https://www.usatoday.com/story/money/2020/01/15/target-drops-q-4-sales-forecast-after-holiday-sales-miss-expectations/4476672002/

Donors push Christmas Bureau over fundraising goal for 15th year in a row

The greater Spokane area has come through in spectacular fashion again, pushing the Christmas Bureau over its fundraising goal for the 15th year in a row.

Catholic Charities and the Volunteers of America needed $535,000 to pay for the food vouchers, toys and books given out to needy families last month, and the $60,228.51 in new donations received since Christmas Day brought the total to $557,994.12.

What makes this feat all the more wonderful is the Christmas Bureau was not the only way people could support those in need during the holiday season. Local residents also supported the Salvation Army Red Kettle drive, Toys for Tots and other community efforts.

And it was not just Spokane and Spokane Valley residents who contributed to the Christmas Bureau. Donations came from Mead, Cheney, Newman Lake, Liberty Lake, Colbert, Rathdrum, Coeur d'Alene, Post Falls, Medical Lake, Chattaroy, Colville, Pullman, Rockford, Newport and more. But the message spread even farther than that, bringing in donations from Virginia, Tennessee and Arizona. The Christmas Bureau even went international this year, with a donation coming from Japan.

Many people now send contributions via PayPal, which deducts a small fee from each donation. Every year The Spokesman-Review pays the cost of those fees so that the full amount donated goes to the Christmas Bureau.

This year, the Christmas Bureau helped 27,548 people in 7,973 households. A book and a new toy were given to 15,036 children so they could have gifts waiting for them on Christmas morning.

It took gifts of all sizes to reach the goal. Children sent in their allowance. Retirees contributed from their limited income. Businesses, some of which faithfully give to the Christmas Bureau every year, sent large checks.

Several people wrote that they wished they could give more, but everything counted. A $25 donation was enough to cover a food voucher for a family of three; $20 was enough to buy a new toy.

One donor who gave $25 summed it up nicely, writing, "My donation is small but many small donations added together can make a goal."

Thank you, Spokane. We couldn't have done it without you.

Donations

James and J.L. Cowles, of Spokane, donated $20,000.

Cochrane & Company gave $10,000. "Cochrane & Company is excited to once again contribute to The Spokesman-Review Christmas Fund," wrote Trisha Gimpel. "We love that this charity helps families right here in our community that are in need. All of us at Cochrane & Company are thankful to the many volunteers that continue to do such a great job to make this happen."

Acme Concrete Paving Inc, of Spokane, gave $5,000, as did an anonymous Spokane donor.

"Two sisters" gave $2,000 "in memory of mom, dad, Peggy, Rick and Craig. To all the wonderful volunteers, shoppers and staff who put together this marvelous kindness to people who also need a Merry Christmas – thank you, thank you, thank you."

Donald Tuttle, of Spokane, sent $1,500.

Walker Construction Inc. sent $1,000. The Hendershot Family Charitable Fund contributed $1,000. "We are blessed to be able to share with our community in this Christmas season," they wrote. Glenn Breen, of Goodyear, Arizona, gave $1,000 via PayPal, as did Ted Olson, of Cheney.

The Charlie and Kathy Watson Family Fund, managed by the Innovia Foundation, donated $1,000. Angela Johnstone, of Spokane, contributed $1,000. John Altberg sent $1,000 via PayPal. "Please to contribute once again to help those in need in our community and many thanks to those who give themselves to make Christmas brighter for others," he wrote.

An anonymous Spokane donor gave $600 via PayPal.

Nancy Backes, of Pullman, sent $500 via PayPal. Matt and Kiersten Lyons, of Spokane, donated $500. "Like many other veterans who have adopted Spokane as our new hometown – well, it's been 12 years now – we are pleased to make our annual contribution to the SR Christmas Fund and continue to marvel at the compassion and generosity of our wonderful neighbors across the city. God bless all the volunteers and everyone who makes this effort such a blessings to so many each year!"

James Bankston, of Spokane, gave $300.

The Commellini Estate Inc., of Spokane, gave $250. Jack and Becky Severinghaus, of Spokane, donated $250 "to thank all our friends and family for their kindness." Graydon Baucom, of Spokane, gave $250 via PayPal. Craig and Linda Lenhart, of Spokane, contributed $250. "Blessings to all this holiday season!" they wrote.

Timothy and Sandra O'Doherty, of Spokane, donated $250. Darwin Page, of Spokane, sent $250. Brad Ennis and Terren Roloff, of Spokane, gave $250 "in honor of Marilee and Donna Roloff, who have been amazing supporters of the Christmas Bureau for many, many years." Margaret Farris and Richard Funge, of Mead, donated $250.

The Noon family of Spokane Valley donated $200 in memory of Gay Noon and Tom Noon. "Merry Christmas to all you hard working people," they wrote. "We appreciate you one and all." Christopher Sherfey, of Spokane, gave $200.

Tish and Tom Sawyer, of Spokane, sent $200. "Thanks so much for coordinating this amazing event to help those in need," they wrote. "Spokane is a special place to help so many people all yearlong." Craig Gruenig, of Spokane, contributed $200.

An anonymous Spokane donor gave $200, writing, "Loved the story of the wooden trucks! Good for the many who contributed." Alan McNeif, of Liberty Lake, gave $200. Lori Dixon, of Spokane Valley, donated $200 via PayPal. "Merry Christmas and a happy new year!" she wrote.

Danna Zahller, of Spokane, donated $200. "I'm sending this donation in honor of my dear friend, Katie Gneiting, who lost her battle with cancer this year," she wrote. "Katie was a school teacher and would have loved the idea of spreading Christmas joy through books and toys." An anonymous Spokane donor gave $200.

David Kappers donated $150. The Vuletich family, of Spokane, contributed $150. Darla Malone, of Hayden, sent $150 "in memory of Richard B. and Maxine F. Malone. I miss you every minute of every day."

Jeff and Julie Morris donated $180 in memory of Barry Jones. Michael and Doreen Lewis, of Spokane Valley, sent $105.

Jill and Jerry Skogstad, of Spokane, gave $100, as did Janie Slater, of Spokane. Bill Phipps donated $100 in memory of Shirley Phipps. Ken Dunlap, of Spokane, gave $100 in memory of Joann McNabb Dunlap. Bob and Judy, of Medical Lake, contributed $100. "God bless you for all the wonderful things you do for others," they wrote.

Norma Echelbarger, of Spokane Valley, donated $100, as did Daniel and Kathleen Johnson, of Spokane. An anonymous Spokane donor gave $100. Megan Steinhilber, of Spokane, sent $100 via PayPal. Greg and Sheila Krein, of Spokane, contributed $100, as did Steve and Theresa Helmbrecht, of Spokane.

An anonymous Spokane Valley donor contributed $100. Larry Tobin, of Spokane, gave $100. "Thanks for all you do," he wrote. Catherine Dixon, of Spokane Valley, donated $100 via PayPal. An anonymous donor sent $100. Russell Cornell, of Knoxville, Tennessee, gave $100 via PayPal "on behalf of Ardith Divine. Merry Christmas."

Thomas and Linda Hempel, of Apache Junction, Arizona, donated $100. "Merry Christmas from sunny Arizona," they wrote. "Hope this small contribution will help!" An anonymous Airway Heights donor gave $100, writing, "Thank you for continuing this tradition year after year!" Larry and Barb Nelson, of Spokane Valley, contributed $100.

An anonymous Spokane donor sent $100, writing, "Given in honor of Dominican Sister Pam Miller, lost this spring at 78 to complications from ALS, and Sister Peggy Glynn, now at the Sinsinawa Dominicans' motherhouse in Wisconsin. They served many years together in Alaska, including along the Yukon River, and in recent years in Spokane monitored the Christmas Fund with joy as the total grew toward its goal."

Russell Cornell, of Knoxville, Tennessee, gave $100 via PayPal "on behalf of Sue and Duke Cornell. Merry Christmas." John and Dolores Skelton, of Spokane, donated $100. Gratia Baugh, of Chattaroy, sent $100 "in honor of my daughter and son-in-law, Terry and Paul Giordanella, who are so caring of people and animals." Linda Greene sent $100 via PayPal.

Duanning Zhou, of Spokane, donated $100 via PayPal, writing, "I donate on behalf of the Spokane Chinese Association. We thank you for this opportunity to contribute!"

Robert Werth sent $80 via PayPal. John Spencer donated $75 via PayPal. "Please accept this donation in memory of my parents, Tom and Lois Spencer," he wrote. "And thanks to all the volunteers who make this possible."

Conner Slater contributed $50. John and Darla Webber, of Colbert, gave $50. "Thanks for having a Christmas Fund," they wrote. "Sorry this is being sent at the last minute." An anonymous Spokane donor sent $50, writing, "Thanks for doing this year after year. Our small gift is in memory of our parents."

Eli Tobin and Nancy Dunn each donated $50. "All this money is from my grandson, Eli Tobin," Dunn wrote. "It was his giving gift for Christmas that he is giving to you and I am matching." Mike Prager, of Spokane, gave $50. Ralph Walter, of Spokane, donated $50 via PayPal in memory of Carol Walter.

Joe and Mary Ann Busch, of Spokane, donated $50. "Thank you for what you do each year," they wrote. Cleve and Brit Penberth, of Spokane, sent $50. Shuming Bai, of Spokane, gave $50 via PayPal. "Merry Christmas to all," she wrote. Betty Thompson, of Spokane, sent $50. An anonymous Spokane donor contributed $50.

An anonymous Spokane donor gave $25, writing, "With many thanks for your years of bringing help and support to those in need." Stanley Cowart donated $25 via PayPal. Margaret Kobylus, of Spokane Valley, sent $25.

Jennifer Calvert, Xiaolan Muchmore and Lois Hughes each donated $20 via PayPal.

An anonymous Liberty Lake donor gave $10, writing, "Thank you for all you do."

The change was collected from the fountain in the courtyard at The Spokesman-Review, which totaled $2.51.