Ellis County Clerk Donna Maskus reported to Hays Post on Friday an error on ballots sent to voters requesting advance ballots.

The initial ballot listed the race between incumbent state Sen. Rick Billinger, R-Goodland, and challenger Larry Dreiling, D-Hays, as a U.S. Senate contest rather than a Kansas legislative race.

"An &nbsp;error was found on the ballot and has been corrected," Maskus told Hays Post Friday. "Any voter coming to vote advance starting Monday will get the correct ballot. 

"We mailed out over 4,000 ballots and if a voter wants the correct ballot he may come into the office and we will exchange his ballot for the correct one," she added. "We will be able to process all ballots."

Check Hays Post for more as details become available.

Ellis County Clerk Donna Maskus reported to Hays Post on Friday an error on ballots sent to voters requesting advance ballots.The initial ballot listed the race between incumbent state Sen. Rick Billinger, R-Goodland, and challenger Larry Dreiling, D-Hays, as a U.S. Senate contest rather than a Kansas legislative race."An &nbsp;error was found on the ballot and has been corrected," Maskus told Hays Post Friday. "Any voter coming to vote advance starting Monday will get the correct ballot. "We mailed out over 4,000 ballots and if a voter wants the correct ballot he may come into the office and we will exchange his ballot for the correct one," she added. "We will be able to process all ballots."Check Hays Post for more as details become available.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/10/1602960602393.png" alt="Screenshot of the incorrect ballot" />
 <figcaption>Screenshot of the incorrect ballot</figcaption>
 </figure>

Ellis Co. Clerk reports error on ballots sent to voters

<a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/5dd2f46c897d147ad4bb104b">To find out more about The Post Podcast, or subscribe to mobile notifications click here.</a>

*This episode of the Post Podcast originally aired on March 5, 2020.

<div><iframe title="ECSO shares pedestrian safety tips" height="400" width="400" style="border: none;" scrolling="no" data-name="pb-iframe-player" src="https://www.podbean.com/media/player/d2wiy-d587e8?from=yiiadmin&download=1&version=1&vjs=1&skin=3&auto=1&share=1&fonts=Helvetica&download=1&rtl=0&pbad=1"></iframe></div><a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/5dd2f46c897d147ad4bb104b">To find out more about The Post Podcast, or subscribe to mobile notifications click here.</a>*This episode of the Post Podcast originally aired on March 5, 2020.

🎤Post Podcast: ECSO shares pedestrian safety tips

The successes of tomorrow begin today, catholic education is a lifetime advantage.

Catholic schools...schools you can believe in.

MONDAY Memorial of St. John de Brebeuf and St. Isaac Jogues, Priests, Companions&amp; Martyrs. It’s also “National New Friends Day” – have you made any new friends this year, maybe somebody new in your class that you didn’t know very well before?&nbsp;

TUESDAY Memorial of St. Paul of the Cross, Priest. Mass was prepared by 4B and celebrated by Fr. Ryan.&nbsp;

WEDNESDAY Spirit Day! It’s also “International NACHOS Day” and also “National APPLE Day” – this is a great time of the year to pick apples, make caramel or candied apples!&nbsp;

THURSDAY Memorial of St. John Paul II, Pope. Mass was prepared by 3A and celebrated by Fr. Nick.&nbsp;

FRIDAY Memorial of St. John of Capistrano, Priest. Hourly staff timesheets are due to Karla in the office this morning.&nbsp;

SubmittedThe successes of tomorrow begin today, catholic education is a lifetime advantage.Catholic schools...schools you can believe in.MONDAY Memorial of St. John de Brebeuf and St. Isaac Jogues, Priests, Companions&amp; Martyrs. It’s also “National New Friends Day” – have you made any new friends this year, maybe somebody new in your class that you didn’t know very well before?&nbsp;TUESDAY Memorial of St. Paul of the Cross, Priest. Mass was prepared by 4B and celebrated by Fr. Ryan.&nbsp;WEDNESDAY Spirit Day! It’s also “International NACHOS Day” and also “National APPLE Day” – this is a great time of the year to pick apples, make caramel or candied apples!&nbsp;THURSDAY Memorial of St. John Paul II, Pope. Mass was prepared by 3A and celebrated by Fr. Nick.&nbsp;FRIDAY Memorial of St. John of Capistrano, Priest. Hourly staff timesheets are due to Karla in the office this morning.&nbsp;<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/10/1602792858166.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>

Holy Family Elementary weekly update

By ERICA HUNZINGER <a href="https://www.kcur.org/politics-elections-and-government/2020-10-14/your-cheat-sheet-to-the-kansas-2020-general-election">Kansas News Service</a>

The time has come to cast a ballot — but for whom? The Kansas News Service can help you make your decision with this rundown of the major races, links to our stories and handy comparisons of the congressional candidates.

Democrat Barbara
 Bollier is a state senator (who left the Republican Party in 2018) from
 the ritzy Kansas City suburb of Mission Hills. She’s also a retired 
anesthesiologist.

Republican U.S. Rep. Roger Marshall has spent 
two terms in Congress for the vast 1st District. He’s a retired 
obstetrician from Great Bend.

Find out <a href="https://www.kcur.org/news/2020-09-22/trump-and-the-economy-start-to-define-the-race-for-kansas-u-s-senate-seat" target="_blank">how the candidates feel about President Donald Trump and economic issues</a>, and where they stand on <a href="https://www.kcur.org/news/2020-10-07/the-2-kansas-doctors-running-for-u-s-senate-and-their-2-plans-for-health-care" target="_blank">pressing health care issues</a> — including the coronavirus.&nbsp;

1st Congressional District: Battle for Farm Country

The
 Big First values its seat at the table in the U.S. House Agriculture 
Committee, which is instrumental in the every-five-year farm bill. So 
it’s little surprise two people with farming backgrounds are vying to 
replace Marshall.

Democrat Kali Barnett is a music teacher in 
Garden City. Republican Tracey Mann was the former lieutenant governor 
during the short-lived Jeff Colyer administration. <a href="https://www.kcur.org/news/2020-10-05/at-a-glance-where-kansas-1st-congressional-district-candidates-stand-on-the-major-issues" target="_blank">Learn more about their platforms here</a>.

2nd Congressional District: GOP’s Young Gun vs. Topeka’s Mayor

The seat for this district, which includes Lawrence and Topeka, came open when incumbent Steve Watkins lost his primary.

For
 the Democrats, there’s Topeka Mayor Michelle De La Isla, who lived in 
New York City and Puerto Rico before moving to Kansas. For Republicans, 
32-year-old Treasurer Jake LaTurner is seen as a rising star. <a href="https://www.kcur.org/news/2020-09-29/at-a-glance-where-kansas-2nd-congressional-district-candidates-stand-on-the-major-issues" target="_blank">Find out more about their thoughts on major issues</a>.

3rd Congressional District: Battle For The Suburbs

Democratic
 U.S. Rep. Sharice Davids took over this largely suburban Kansas City 
district in 2018, and has mostly hewed to a moderate stance in 
Washington. Former Cerner executive and ex-state GOP head Amanda Adkins 
emerged from a crowded primary.

The coronavirus forced <a href="https://www.kcur.org/news/2020-09-23/how-the-coronavirus-altered-the-kansas-congressional-race-between-rep-davids-and-adkins" target="_blank">both of them to address health care </a>this year, and we <a href="https://www.kcur.org/news/2020-09-29/at-a-glance-where-kansas-3rd-congressional-district-candidates-stand-on-the-major-issues" target="_blank">compared their stances </a>on what else is at stake.

4th Congressional District: The Establishment vs. The Newbie

Republican
 Ron Estes replaced now-U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo in this 
district in 2017, and he’s now looking for his second full term. He’s up
 against Democrat Laura Lombard, a political newcomer, but someone 
well-versed in the world of government contracting.

<a href="https://www.kmuw.org/post/coronavirus-trade-shape-race-between-estes-and-lombard-kansas-4th-district" target="_blank">Here's a full breakdown</a> of this race.

Kansas offers a range
 of voting options, from in-person on Nov. 3 to advance voting by mail. 
Find details about all of them at the <a href="https://www.kssos.org/elections/voter-information.html" target="_blank">Secretary of State’s website</a>.

Erica Hunzinger is the news editor for the Kansas News Service. You can follow her on Twitter <a href="https://twitter.com/ehunzinger" target="_blank">@ehunzinger</a>.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/10/1602686671925.png" alt=" Crysta Henthorne / Kansas News Service" />
 <figcaption> Crysta Henthorne / Kansas News Service</figcaption>
 </figure>By ERICA HUNZINGER <a href="https://www.kcur.org/politics-elections-and-government/2020-10-14/your-cheat-sheet-to-the-kansas-2020-general-election">Kansas News Service</a>The time has come to cast a ballot — but for whom? The Kansas News Service can help you make your decision with this rundown of the major races, links to our stories and handy comparisons of the congressional candidates.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/10/1602686755686.png" alt="Republican U.S. Rep. Roger Marshall (left) and Democrat Barbara Bollier (right)." />
 <figcaption>Republican U.S. Rep. Roger Marshall (left) and Democrat Barbara Bollier (right).</figcaption>
 </figure><h2>U.S. Senate: Doctor vs. Doctor</h2>Democrat Barbara
 Bollier is a state senator (who left the Republican Party in 2018) from
 the ritzy Kansas City suburb of Mission Hills. She’s also a retired 
anesthesiologist.Republican U.S. Rep. Roger Marshall has spent 
two terms in Congress for the vast 1st District. He’s a retired 
obstetrician from Great Bend.Find out <a href="https://www.kcur.org/news/2020-09-22/trump-and-the-economy-start-to-define-the-race-for-kansas-u-s-senate-seat" target="_blank">how the candidates feel about President Donald Trump and economic issues</a>, and where they stand on <a href="https://www.kcur.org/news/2020-10-07/the-2-kansas-doctors-running-for-u-s-senate-and-their-2-plans-for-health-care" target="_blank">pressing health care issues</a> — including the coronavirus.&nbsp;<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/10/1602686801438.png" alt="Republican Tracey Mann (left) and Democrat Kali Barnett." />
 <figcaption>Republican Tracey Mann (left) and Democrat Kali Barnett.</figcaption>
 </figure><h2>1st Congressional District: Battle for Farm Country</h2>The
 Big First values its seat at the table in the U.S. House Agriculture 
Committee, which is instrumental in the every-five-year farm bill. So 
it’s little surprise two people with farming backgrounds are vying to 
replace Marshall.Democrat Kali Barnett is a music teacher in 
Garden City. Republican Tracey Mann was the former lieutenant governor 
during the short-lived Jeff Colyer administration. <a href="https://www.kcur.org/news/2020-10-05/at-a-glance-where-kansas-1st-congressional-district-candidates-stand-on-the-major-issues" target="_blank">Learn more about their platforms here</a>.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/10/1602686841264.png" alt="Republican Jake LaTurner (left) and Democrat Michelle De La Isla (right)." />
 <figcaption>Republican Jake LaTurner (left) and Democrat Michelle De La Isla (right).</figcaption>
 </figure><h2>2nd Congressional District: GOP’s Young Gun vs. Topeka’s Mayor</h2>The seat for this district, which includes Lawrence and Topeka, came open when incumbent Steve Watkins lost his primary.For
 the Democrats, there’s Topeka Mayor Michelle De La Isla, who lived in 
New York City and Puerto Rico before moving to Kansas. For Republicans, 
32-year-old Treasurer Jake LaTurner is seen as a rising star. <a href="https://www.kcur.org/news/2020-09-29/at-a-glance-where-kansas-2nd-congressional-district-candidates-stand-on-the-major-issues" target="_blank">Find out more about their thoughts on major issues</a>.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/10/1602686870278.png" alt="Republican Amanda Adkins (left) and Democratic U.S. Rep. Sharice Davids (right)." />
 <figcaption>Republican Amanda Adkins (left) and Democratic U.S. Rep. Sharice Davids (right).</figcaption>
 </figure><h2>3rd Congressional District: Battle For The Suburbs</h2>Democratic
 U.S. Rep. Sharice Davids took over this largely suburban Kansas City 
district in 2018, and has mostly hewed to a moderate stance in 
Washington. Former Cerner executive and ex-state GOP head Amanda Adkins 
emerged from a crowded primary.The coronavirus forced <a href="https://www.kcur.org/news/2020-09-23/how-the-coronavirus-altered-the-kansas-congressional-race-between-rep-davids-and-adkins" target="_blank">both of them to address health care </a>this year, and we <a href="https://www.kcur.org/news/2020-09-29/at-a-glance-where-kansas-3rd-congressional-district-candidates-stand-on-the-major-issues" target="_blank">compared their stances </a>on what else is at stake.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/10/1602686910098.png" alt="Democrat Laura Lombard (left) and Republican Ron Estes (right). " />
 <figcaption>Democrat Laura Lombard (left) and Republican Ron Estes (right). </figcaption>
 </figure><h2>4th Congressional District: The Establishment vs. The Newbie</h2>Republican
 Ron Estes replaced now-U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo in this 
district in 2017, and he’s now looking for his second full term. He’s up
 against Democrat Laura Lombard, a political newcomer, but someone 
well-versed in the world of government contracting.<a href="https://www.kmuw.org/post/coronavirus-trade-shape-race-between-estes-and-lombard-kansas-4th-district" target="_blank">Here's a full breakdown</a> of this race.<h2>What Do You Need To Vote?</h2>Kansas offers a range
 of voting options, from in-person on Nov. 3 to advance voting by mail. 
Find details about all of them at the <a href="https://www.kssos.org/elections/voter-information.html" target="_blank">Secretary of State’s website</a>.Erica Hunzinger is the news editor for the Kansas News Service. You can follow her on Twitter <a href="https://twitter.com/ehunzinger" target="_blank">@ehunzinger</a>.

Your cheat sheet to the Kansas 2020 general election

LEAWOOD — The American Academy of Family Physicians held elections for its board of directors this week at its annual Congress of Delegates, the organization’s governing body. 

Members of the board of directors advocate on behalf of family physicians and patients nationwide to inspire positive change in the US health care system. The AAFP represents 136,700 physicians and medical students. 

Kansas family physician, Jen Brull, MD, FAAFP was elected as a member of the board of directors. 

Brull is a family physician in Plainville. Brull has practiced family medicine in rural Kansas for 19 years. She is CEO and owner of Prairie Star Family Practice, PA, in Plainville. 

In addition, she serves as regional medical director for five accountable care organizations of independent primary care practices located in Kansas, Oklahoma, Missouri, Colorado and Utah. 

She serves the Rooks County Health Center Surgical Clinics as medical director and operations manager, and formerly served 12 years as health officer for the Rooks County Health Department. She is also the Kansas Medical Director for VaxCare. 

Brull is the ninth Kansan and the second Kansas woman, to be elected to the AAFP Board of Directors.

 “The beauty of family medicine is the diversity in practice. I am a business owner and regional medical director for a group of primary care accountable care organizations, an advocate for family medicine, and a passionate performance improvement teammate. I am incredibly excited to add this role to my work and look forward to my time on the AAFP Board of Directors,” Brull said in her acceptance speech. 

Read more about Dr. Brull and her journey at <a href="https://adastrabrull.com/">https://adastrabrull.com/</a>.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/10/1602863576928.jpeg" alt="Jennifer Brull, M.D.&nbsp;" />
 <figcaption>Jennifer Brull, M.D.&nbsp;</figcaption>
 </figure>AAFPLEAWOOD — The American Academy of Family Physicians held elections for its board of directors this week at its annual Congress of Delegates, the organization’s governing body. Members of the board of directors advocate on behalf of family physicians and patients nationwide to inspire positive change in the US health care system. The AAFP represents 136,700 physicians and medical students. Kansas family physician, Jen Brull, MD, FAAFP was elected as a member of the board of directors. Brull is a family physician in Plainville. Brull has practiced family medicine in rural Kansas for 19 years. She is CEO and owner of Prairie Star Family Practice, PA, in Plainville. In addition, she serves as regional medical director for five accountable care organizations of independent primary care practices located in Kansas, Oklahoma, Missouri, Colorado and Utah. She serves the Rooks County Health Center Surgical Clinics as medical director and operations manager, and formerly served 12 years as health officer for the Rooks County Health Department. She is also the Kansas Medical Director for VaxCare. Brull is the ninth Kansan and the second Kansas woman, to be elected to the AAFP Board of Directors. “The beauty of family medicine is the diversity in practice. I am a business owner and regional medical director for a group of primary care accountable care organizations, an advocate for family medicine, and a passionate performance improvement teammate. I am incredibly excited to add this role to my work and look forward to my time on the AAFP Board of Directors,” Brull said in her acceptance speech. Read more about Dr. Brull and her journey at <a href="https://adastrabrull.com/">https://adastrabrull.com/</a>.

Plainville doctor elected to national family physicians board 

Incumbent Rep. Barb Wasinger, R-Hays, and challenger Eber Phelps, D-Hays, debate Monday from the campus of Fort Hays State University.

<figure>
 <iframe width="560" height="315" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/ZHHsw4zQNLQ"></iframe>
 <figcaption>Video courtesy Tiger Media Network</figcaption>
 </figure>Incumbent Rep. Barb Wasinger, R-Hays, and challenger Eber Phelps, D-Hays, debate Monday from the campus of Fort Hays State University.

🎥 Wasinger, Phelps debate in race for 111th District

BATON ROUGE, La. — Derek Dreher of Hays, was recently initiated into the honor society of Phi Kappa Phi, the nation's oldest and most selective all-discipline collegiate honor society. 

Dreher was initiated at Fort Hays State University.

Dreher is among approximately 30,000 students, faculty, professional staff and alumni to be initiated into Phi Kappa Phi each year. 

Membership is by invitation only and requires nomination and approval by a chapter. Only the top 10 percent of seniors and 7.5 percent of juniors are eligible for membership. Graduate students in the top 10 percent of the number of candidates for graduate degrees may also qualify, as do faculty, professional staff and alumni who have achieved scholarly distinction.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/5/1588607096005.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>BATON ROUGE, La. — Derek Dreher of Hays, was recently initiated into the honor society of Phi Kappa Phi, the nation's oldest and most selective all-discipline collegiate honor society. Dreher was initiated at Fort Hays State University.Dreher is among approximately 30,000 students, faculty, professional staff and alumni to be initiated into Phi Kappa Phi each year. Membership is by invitation only and requires nomination and approval by a chapter. Only the top 10 percent of seniors and 7.5 percent of juniors are eligible for membership. Graduate students in the top 10 percent of the number of candidates for graduate degrees may also qualify, as do faculty, professional staff and alumni who have achieved scholarly distinction.- Submitted&nbsp;

Hays student initiated into collegiate honor society

Three-day weather outlook

The Oct. 22 Hays City Commission meeting has been canceled.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/11/1574093858004.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>City of HaysThe Oct. 22 Hays City Commission meeting has been canceled.

Upcoming Hays City Commission meeting canceled 

The 2020 election is no laughing matter — except that it is, in the 
great American tradition of humor and satire that has marked virtually 
every election.

This time around: Jim Carey’s nascent “Joe Biden” and Alec Baldwin’s long-running “Donald Trump;” the late-nightly salvoes of Stephen Colbert
 and the daily — sometimes hourly — haranguing tweets from Trump 
himself; conservative talk radio’s sharp-edged verbal darts and the 
Lincoln Project’s wickedly humorous videos.

As it has since the 1970s, NBC’s “Saturday Night Live” again steps 
into the role of the nation’s satirist, continuing a tradition that 
stretches back nearly 250 years, into the colonial era with its biting 
print depictions of King George III and frequent effigies burned or hung from trees in public squares.

The First Amendment’s protection of free speech shelters those who 
poke, prod and even anger those in power — via satire and parody — and 
elections bring out those efforts tenfold.

Thomas Jefferson and John Adams 
tossed insults and satirized images of each other in competing 
newspapers in the 1800 presidential race. Blunt, single-sheet cartoons 
were hung in taverns and homes depicting Andrew Jackson
 as a ruthless authoritarian. One, published in 1830, showed him dressed
 as a king, complete with crown, trampling on the U.S. Constitution.

“Political satire has been used throughout American history as a more gentle way of commentary,” says Alison Dagnes,
 a Shippensburg University political science professor and author of the
 book “A Conservative Walks Into a Bar: The Politics of Political 
Humor.”

One recurring question: Why there are more liberal political 
satirists than conservatives, both today and in the past? Dagnes writes 
that “conservatism supports institutions and satire aims to take those 
institutions down a peg … the very nature of satire mandates challenges 
to the power structure.”

Two modern-day comedians exemplify those who have swum against that liberal tide: Dennis Miller,
 who pivoted to a conservative view after the Sept. 11 attacks, who said
 of his political views that he found “liberalism is like a nude beach —
 it sounds great until you get there.” And self-described “libertarian 
conservative” P.J. O’Rourke, who said the Obama administration was simply “the Carter administration in better sweaters” and supported Hillary Clinton in 2016 over Trump, saying “She’s wrong about absolutely everything, but she’s wrong within normal parameters.”

How effective can satirists be in shaping events in the real world? William “Boss” Tweed,
 whose crime syndicate in the 1870s stole or extorted more than $2 
billion dollars (today’s value) in public funds, was the target of Harper’s Weekly cartoonist Thomas Nast.
 Nast drew the corpulent Tweed as a bulgingly fat character with a money
 bag in place of his head and historians often credit Nast as fueling 
the charge to bring Tweed to justice.

Another Nast cartoon of note, as seen to the left, from the Newseum 
collection, “The Only Thing They Respect or Fear,” shows Tweed doffing 
his hat to a row of hangman nooses, as his cronies cringe in fear.

Political cartoonists are credited with helping Abraham Lincoln win reelection in 1864 and a century later, The Washington Post’s Herblock (Herbert Block)
 was viewed by critics and admirers as a major reason the Watergate 
scandal remained in public view even as the administration worked to 
downplay it.

Block relished his work, writing that it was “an irreverent form of 
expression, and one particularly suited to scoffing at the high and the 
mighty. If the prime role of a free press is to serve as critic of 
government, cartooning is often the cutting edge of that criticism.”

Social media often focuses on the “cut” in cutting edge: When Trump 
returned to the White House from treatment for COVID-19, satirists 
immediately posted their own version of his purposeful balcony 
appearance and maskless salute — from titling single images as “Benito 
Trumpolini” (after a similar pose by Italian dictator Benito Mussolini)
 to a Lincoln Project video, “Covita,” parodying the lyrics from 
Broadway showtune “Don’t Cry for Me, Argentina” as “Don’t Cry For Me, 
White House Staffers.”

Trump has done his own part on social media to carry satire forward 
in history, with memorable tweeted nicknames such as “Sleepy Joe” 
(Biden), “Crooked Hillary” (Clinton), “Little Marco” (Rubio) and “Lyin’ 
Ted” (Cruz).

Mark Twain, often called the father of modern 
American satire, wrote such classics as “Huckleberry Finn” and “A 
Connecticut Yankee in King Arthur’s Court” using exaggeration and irony 
to make fun of closed-minded, corrupt officeholders and religious 
hypocrites.

A direct Twain descendant-in-humor, early radio celebrity and newspaper columnist Will Rogers
 used homespun language to jab politics in general. “I don’t belong to 
any organized political party,” he once said. “I’m a Democrat.” Another 
line from Rogers: “The trouble with practical jokes is that very often 
they get elected.”

“Saturday Night Live” (SNL) and “The Daily Show,” with comedians Jon Stewart and now Trevor Noah, have set the tone for modern political satire.

Each election cycle for more than 40 years, SNL has produced memorable political parody — from Chevy Chase’s devasting portrayals of Gerald Ford (actually an accomplished athlete) as a bumbler, to Phil Hartman’s cheeseburger-guzzling Bill Clinton, to Tina Fey’s remarkable and transformative skewering of 2008 GOP vice-presidential candidate Sarah Palin.

Stewart’s prominence in political satire from 1999 to 2015 produced a
 unique form of praise: Some credited him and his program as a new form 
of journalism. While his staff of writers and researchers included 
former journalists as fact-checkers to ensure accuracy, Stewart 
consistently said he put comedy first. Still, as my Freedom Forum 
colleague Patty Rhule said of Stewart and his program in a New York Times
 interview about the show as centerpiece of the Newseum’s 2019 
“Seriously Funny” exhibit: “For a generation, he was their voice of the 
news.”

Stewart was the latest iteration of post-World War II comedians 
willing to take on social mores, censors and sometimes the courts: Mort Sahl and Lenny Bruce
 both mocked powerful political figures of their era — with Bruce 
famously being prosecuted for using so-called “blue” language that today
 is a common feature across cable TV comedy specials.

For two seasons in the late 1960s, brothers Tommy and Dick Smothers used satire via a prime-time CBS variety show — prompting President Lyndon B. Johnson to make an angry late-night call to network President William S. Paley. The show later was canceled over fights with network censors.

“Doonesbury” cartoons have made fun of presidents and politicians and
 found humor and targets across American culture since the 1970s. But 
writing in 2015 in The Atlantic, cartoonist Gary Trudeau reflected on whether there are lines not to be crossed in satire.

In 2015, terrorists angered at French magazine Charlie Hebdo’s criticism of Islam and reprinting of cartoons of the Prophet Muhammad that had originally appeared in the Danish newspaper Jyllands-Posten, attacked the magazine’s Paris office, killing 11 staffers and a security officer.

“Traditionally, satire has comforted the afflicted while afflicting 
the comfortable. Satire punches up, against authority of all kinds, the 
little guy against the powerful,” Trudeau wrote. “By punching downward, 
by attacking a powerless, disenfranchised minority with crude, vulgar 
drawings closer to graffiti than cartoons, Charlie wandered into the realm of hate speech.” Trudeau called the resulting violence a “bitter harvest.”

Whether they entertain or enrage, inspire or infuriate, comfort or 
inflame, humor and satire in a political setting often serve to bring 
out truths. From the subtle to the complex, satire focuses us on facts 
that otherwise might be lost in the daily horserace reporting that 
dominates modern-day election reporting.

As that 21st-century sage Homer Simpson once observed, and was quoted in a different Newseum exhibit, First Amendment freedoms of speech, <a href="https://www.freedomforum.org/petition/" target="_blank">petition</a>
 and assembly do not exist to protect “burping” — they are there to 
allow us to speak to our fellow citizens about matters of public 
importance.

Satire and parody provide information, a release from the seriousness
 of much of politics and are a means to express ideas that might not 
find audiences in other settings.

Humor with an edge has been part of American political life as long 
as there was life in American politics. There’s no requirement that we 
be polite, respectful or even tasteful in doing it — and there’s also no
 barrier to getting a laugh at the same time we make a point.

Gene Policinski is a senior fellow for the First Amendment at the
 Freedom Forum, and president and chief operating officer of the Freedom
 Forum Institute. He can be reached at <a href="mailto:gpolicinski@freedomforum.org" target="_blank">gpolicinski@freedomforum.org</a>, or follow him on Twitter at&nbsp;<a href="https://twitter.com/@genefac" target="_blank">@genefac</a>.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/7/1593729871227.png" alt="Gene Policinski is a senior fellow for the First Amendment at the Freedom Forum, and president and chief operating officer of the Freedom Forum Institute. " />
 <figcaption>Gene Policinski is a senior fellow for the First Amendment at the Freedom Forum, and president and chief operating officer of the Freedom Forum Institute. </figcaption>
 </figure>The 2020 election is no laughing matter — except that it is, in the 
great American tradition of humor and satire that has marked virtually 
every election.This time around: Jim Carey’s nascent “Joe Biden” and Alec Baldwin’s long-running “Donald Trump;” the late-nightly salvoes of Stephen Colbert
 and the daily — sometimes hourly — haranguing tweets from Trump 
himself; conservative talk radio’s sharp-edged verbal darts and the 
Lincoln Project’s wickedly humorous videos.As it has since the 1970s, NBC’s “Saturday Night Live” again steps 
into the role of the nation’s satirist, continuing a tradition that 
stretches back nearly 250 years, into the colonial era with its biting 
print depictions of King George III and frequent effigies burned or hung from trees in public squares.The First Amendment’s protection of free speech shelters those who 
poke, prod and even anger those in power — via satire and parody — and 
elections bring out those efforts tenfold.Thomas Jefferson and John Adams 
tossed insults and satirized images of each other in competing 
newspapers in the 1800 presidential race. Blunt, single-sheet cartoons 
were hung in taverns and homes depicting Andrew Jackson
 as a ruthless authoritarian. One, published in 1830, showed him dressed
 as a king, complete with crown, trampling on the U.S. Constitution.“Political satire has been used throughout American history as a more gentle way of commentary,” says Alison Dagnes,
 a Shippensburg University political science professor and author of the
 book “A Conservative Walks Into a Bar: The Politics of Political 
Humor.”One recurring question: Why there are more liberal political 
satirists than conservatives, both today and in the past? Dagnes writes 
that “conservatism supports institutions and satire aims to take those 
institutions down a peg … the very nature of satire mandates challenges 
to the power structure.”Two modern-day comedians exemplify those who have swum against that liberal tide: Dennis Miller,
 who pivoted to a conservative view after the Sept. 11 attacks, who said
 of his political views that he found “liberalism is like a nude beach —
 it sounds great until you get there.” And self-described “libertarian 
conservative” P.J. O’Rourke, who said the Obama administration was simply “the Carter administration in better sweaters” and supported Hillary Clinton in 2016 over Trump, saying “She’s wrong about absolutely everything, but she’s wrong within normal parameters.”How effective can satirists be in shaping events in the real world? William “Boss” Tweed,
 whose crime syndicate in the 1870s stole or extorted more than $2 
billion dollars (today’s value) in public funds, was the target of Harper’s Weekly cartoonist Thomas Nast.
 Nast drew the corpulent Tweed as a bulgingly fat character with a money
 bag in place of his head and historians often credit Nast as fueling 
the charge to bring Tweed to justice.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/10/1602770181643.jpeg" alt="Credit: Newseum Collection" />
 <figcaption>Credit: Newseum Collection</figcaption>
 </figure>Another Nast cartoon of note, as seen to the left, from the Newseum 
collection, “The Only Thing They Respect or Fear,” shows Tweed doffing 
his hat to a row of hangman nooses, as his cronies cringe in fear.Political cartoonists are credited with helping Abraham Lincoln win reelection in 1864 and a century later, The Washington Post’s Herblock (Herbert Block)
 was viewed by critics and admirers as a major reason the Watergate 
scandal remained in public view even as the administration worked to 
downplay it.Block relished his work, writing that it was “an irreverent form of 
expression, and one particularly suited to scoffing at the high and the 
mighty. If the prime role of a free press is to serve as critic of 
government, cartooning is often the cutting edge of that criticism.”Social media often focuses on the “cut” in cutting edge: When Trump 
returned to the White House from treatment for COVID-19, satirists 
immediately posted their own version of his purposeful balcony 
appearance and maskless salute — from titling single images as “Benito 
Trumpolini” (after a similar pose by Italian dictator Benito Mussolini)
 to a Lincoln Project video, “Covita,” parodying the lyrics from 
Broadway showtune “Don’t Cry for Me, Argentina” as “Don’t Cry For Me, 
White House Staffers.”Trump has done his own part on social media to carry satire forward 
in history, with memorable tweeted nicknames such as “Sleepy Joe” 
(Biden), “Crooked Hillary” (Clinton), “Little Marco” (Rubio) and “Lyin’ 
Ted” (Cruz).Mark Twain, often called the father of modern 
American satire, wrote such classics as “Huckleberry Finn” and “A 
Connecticut Yankee in King Arthur’s Court” using exaggeration and irony 
to make fun of closed-minded, corrupt officeholders and religious 
hypocrites.A direct Twain descendant-in-humor, early radio celebrity and newspaper columnist Will Rogers
 used homespun language to jab politics in general. “I don’t belong to 
any organized political party,” he once said. “I’m a Democrat.” Another 
line from Rogers: “The trouble with practical jokes is that very often 
they get elected.”“Saturday Night Live” (SNL) and “The Daily Show,” with comedians Jon Stewart and now Trevor Noah, have set the tone for modern political satire.Each election cycle for more than 40 years, SNL has produced memorable political parody — from Chevy Chase’s devasting portrayals of Gerald Ford (actually an accomplished athlete) as a bumbler, to Phil Hartman’s cheeseburger-guzzling Bill Clinton, to Tina Fey’s remarkable and transformative skewering of 2008 GOP vice-presidential candidate Sarah Palin.Stewart’s prominence in political satire from 1999 to 2015 produced a
 unique form of praise: Some credited him and his program as a new form 
of journalism. While his staff of writers and researchers included 
former journalists as fact-checkers to ensure accuracy, Stewart 
consistently said he put comedy first. Still, as my Freedom Forum 
colleague Patty Rhule said of Stewart and his program in a New York Times
 interview about the show as centerpiece of the Newseum’s 2019 
“Seriously Funny” exhibit: “For a generation, he was their voice of the 
news.”Stewart was the latest iteration of post-World War II comedians 
willing to take on social mores, censors and sometimes the courts: Mort Sahl and Lenny Bruce
 both mocked powerful political figures of their era — with Bruce 
famously being prosecuted for using so-called “blue” language that today
 is a common feature across cable TV comedy specials.For two seasons in the late 1960s, brothers Tommy and Dick Smothers used satire via a prime-time CBS variety show — prompting President Lyndon B. Johnson to make an angry late-night call to network President William S. Paley. The show later was canceled over fights with network censors.“Doonesbury” cartoons have made fun of presidents and politicians and
 found humor and targets across American culture since the 1970s. But 
writing in 2015 in The Atlantic, cartoonist Gary Trudeau reflected on whether there are lines not to be crossed in satire.In 2015, terrorists angered at French magazine Charlie Hebdo’s criticism of Islam and reprinting of cartoons of the Prophet Muhammad that had originally appeared in the Danish newspaper Jyllands-Posten, attacked the magazine’s Paris office, killing 11 staffers and a security officer.“Traditionally, satire has comforted the afflicted while afflicting 
the comfortable. Satire punches up, against authority of all kinds, the 
little guy against the powerful,” Trudeau wrote. “By punching downward, 
by attacking a powerless, disenfranchised minority with crude, vulgar 
drawings closer to graffiti than cartoons, Charlie wandered into the realm of hate speech.” Trudeau called the resulting violence a “bitter harvest.”Whether they entertain or enrage, inspire or infuriate, comfort or 
inflame, humor and satire in a political setting often serve to bring 
out truths. From the subtle to the complex, satire focuses us on facts 
that otherwise might be lost in the daily horserace reporting that 
dominates modern-day election reporting.As that 21st-century sage Homer Simpson once observed, and was quoted in a different Newseum exhibit, First Amendment freedoms of speech, <a href="https://www.freedomforum.org/petition/" target="_blank">petition</a>
 and assembly do not exist to protect “burping” — they are there to 
allow us to speak to our fellow citizens about matters of public 
importance.Satire and parody provide information, a release from the seriousness
 of much of politics and are a means to express ideas that might not 
find audiences in other settings.Humor with an edge has been part of American political life as long 
as there was life in American politics. There’s no requirement that we 
be polite, respectful or even tasteful in doing it — and there’s also no
 barrier to getting a laugh at the same time we make a point.Gene Policinski is a senior fellow for the First Amendment at the
 Freedom Forum, and president and chief operating officer of the Freedom
 Forum Institute. He can be reached at <a href="mailto:gpolicinski@freedomforum.org" target="_blank">gpolicinski@freedomforum.org</a>, or follow him on Twitter at&nbsp;<a href="https://twitter.com/@genefac" target="_blank">@genefac</a>.

FIRST FIVE: Making the political ‘cut,’ from our earliest days

THOMAS COUNTY –&nbsp;The Kansas Bureau of Investigation (KBI) responded to investigate an officer-involved shooting at that occurred at a rest stop in Colby, Kansas.

Preliminary information indicates just after 8:30p.m. Friday, Thomas County Dispatch received a report of a stolen vehicle from the Pilot Travel Center in Colby. A Thomas County Sheriff’s Office deputy was on duty and located the vehicle approximately 10 miles west of Colby at mile marker 49.

During the incident, a shot was fired by the deputy that struck the driver of the stolen vehicle, 24-year-old Colorado resident, Jackson Bayer. EMS responded, and Bayer was transported to the Swedish Medical Center in Englewood, Colo. with non-life threatening injuries. Bayer is in stable condition.

The investigation is ongoing. The KBI will conduct a complete and thorough investigation into this incident. Once completed, the findings will be turned over to the Thomas County Attorney for review.

THOMAS COUNTY –&nbsp;The Kansas Bureau of Investigation (KBI) responded to investigate an officer-involved shooting at that occurred at a rest stop in Colby, Kansas.Preliminary information indicates just after 8:30p.m. Friday, Thomas County Dispatch received a report of a stolen vehicle from the Pilot Travel Center in Colby. A Thomas County Sheriff’s Office deputy was on duty and located the vehicle approximately 10 miles west of Colby at mile marker 49.During the incident, a shot was fired by the deputy that struck the driver of the stolen vehicle, 24-year-old Colorado resident, Jackson Bayer. EMS responded, and Bayer was transported to the Swedish Medical Center in Englewood, Colo. with non-life threatening injuries. Bayer is in stable condition.The investigation is ongoing. The KBI will conduct a complete and thorough investigation into this incident. Once completed, the findings will be turned over to the Thomas County Attorney for review.

KBI investigates officer-involved shooting in Colby

By LAURA ALLEN Write-in candidate for Ellis County Clerk

As we near the general election, I want to emphasize how important it is for each and every one of us&nbsp;to exercise our right to vote, and to do so, regardless of the incompetence of our current County Clerk’s office.&nbsp;

Yesterday advance ballots began arriving in mailboxes.<a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/f9220856-bca1-443f-a89a-7a8dd0ee0bbb"> It was brought to my attention that the Senate races were incorrectly listed.&nbsp;&nbsp;</a>

Instead of a section for Kansas State Senator, there are 2 sections for United States Senator. At the very least, we should have ballots that correctly list the offices for which candidates are running. This can be fixed.&nbsp; As I understand it, the Clerk’s office will have corrected ballots by Monday, October 19. But at what cost? Financially and in confidence? Any remedy now will be at the will of the Secretary of State, who will decide how the incorrect ballots will be handled.&nbsp; It is embarrassing that the state has to specify how to fix the clerk’s error.&nbsp;&nbsp;

After noticing the initial glaring mistake, I looked closer.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Another mistake is that this ballot does not include proper verbiage in the President/Vice President section. The United States of America votes using an Electoral College. Your vote is given to electors, who then cast our state’s votes through the electoral college. Kansas Statute 25-616 specifies that the ballot states we are voting for electors, not for the candidate. The Ellis County Clerk and Deputy Clerk have ignored this requirement completely.

Yet another mistake is that the Clerk’s office employees have initialed the bottom of each ballot. This violates Kansas Statute 25-4608, stating that “a unique mark shall be of such a manner so as not to identify any individual ballot and shall be consistent on every ballot delivered to a voter in the voting place”. Kansas guarantees the right to vote in private. By personalizing ballots with, essentially, their names, the clerk’s office has created the possibility that ballots are identifiable. This is completely unacceptable.&nbsp;&nbsp;

At great expense, these errors can be corrected. But, can you have confidence in your clerk’s office when errors are consistently made? Deputy Clerk Bobbi Dreiling recently offered incorrect information on who was able to vote. How many people has she told, incorrectly, over the past 8 years, they could not vote? How much will it cost the county to reprint these ballots, because your elected officials didn’t proofread?&nbsp; In 2018 voting machines were not calibrated, causing election results to be questioned.&nbsp;

At what point do we say enough is enough? It is time to fix an office riddled&nbsp;with mistakes and constant issues.&nbsp;Write in Laura Allen for Ellis County Clerk. We have an opportunity to make sure our Clerk’s office is run with deference to the law and the citizens it serves.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Our Ellis County Clerk and her Deputy Clerk have continuously jeopardized the integrity of our most basic right to participate in our government. Hold them accountable, and tell them “Enough is enough”. Write in Laura Allen for Ellis County Clerk.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Laura Allen, write-in candidate, Ellis County Clerk

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/12/1575913663048.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>By LAURA ALLEN Write-in candidate for Ellis County ClerkAs we near the general election, I want to emphasize how important it is for each and every one of us&nbsp;to exercise our right to vote, and to do so, regardless of the incompetence of our current County Clerk’s office.&nbsp;Yesterday advance ballots began arriving in mailboxes.<a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/f9220856-bca1-443f-a89a-7a8dd0ee0bbb"> It was brought to my attention that the Senate races were incorrectly listed.&nbsp;&nbsp;</a>Instead of a section for Kansas State Senator, there are 2 sections for United States Senator. At the very least, we should have ballots that correctly list the offices for which candidates are running. This can be fixed.&nbsp; As I understand it, the Clerk’s office will have corrected ballots by Monday, October 19. But at what cost? Financially and in confidence? Any remedy now will be at the will of the Secretary of State, who will decide how the incorrect ballots will be handled.&nbsp; It is embarrassing that the state has to specify how to fix the clerk’s error.&nbsp;&nbsp;After noticing the initial glaring mistake, I looked closer.&nbsp;&nbsp;Another mistake is that this ballot does not include proper verbiage in the President/Vice President section. The United States of America votes using an Electoral College. Your vote is given to electors, who then cast our state’s votes through the electoral college. Kansas Statute 25-616 specifies that the ballot states we are voting for electors, not for the candidate. The Ellis County Clerk and Deputy Clerk have ignored this requirement completely.Yet another mistake is that the Clerk’s office employees have initialed the bottom of each ballot. This violates Kansas Statute 25-4608, stating that “a unique mark shall be of such a manner so as not to identify any individual ballot and shall be consistent on every ballot delivered to a voter in the voting place”. Kansas guarantees the right to vote in private. By personalizing ballots with, essentially, their names, the clerk’s office has created the possibility that ballots are identifiable. This is completely unacceptable.&nbsp;&nbsp;At great expense, these errors can be corrected. But, can you have confidence in your clerk’s office when errors are consistently made? Deputy Clerk Bobbi Dreiling recently offered incorrect information on who was able to vote. How many people has she told, incorrectly, over the past 8 years, they could not vote? How much will it cost the county to reprint these ballots, because your elected officials didn’t proofread?&nbsp; In 2018 voting machines were not calibrated, causing election results to be questioned.&nbsp;At what point do we say enough is enough? It is time to fix an office riddled&nbsp;with mistakes and constant issues.&nbsp;Write in Laura Allen for Ellis County Clerk. We have an opportunity to make sure our Clerk’s office is run with deference to the law and the citizens it serves.&nbsp;&nbsp;Our Ellis County Clerk and her Deputy Clerk have continuously jeopardized the integrity of our most basic right to participate in our government. Hold them accountable, and tell them “Enough is enough”. Write in Laura Allen for Ellis County Clerk.&nbsp;&nbsp;Laura Allen, write-in candidate, Ellis County Clerk

LETTER: Ballot errors call into question election integrity

By JONATHAN ZWEYGARDT Hays Post

With a record number of voters set to cast their November ballot
by mail amid the coronavirus pandemic, voters in Ellis County have
two more locations they can drop off ballots.

Ellis County Clerk Donna Maskus said two ballot boxes — paid
for by federal funds through the Kansas Secretary of State’s office — were
installed last week in front of the Ellis and Victoria city clerks' offices.

“Anybody can drop their ballots in there for Ellis County,” Maskus
said. “We will have designated people that will be picking those (ballots) up
periodically.”

<a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/f9220856-bca1-443f-a89a-7a8dd0ee0bbb">RELATED: Error discovered on ballots sent to Ellis County voters</a>

Voters in Hays can also drop their ballot off at the drop
box south of the County Administrative Building at 718 Main.

The clerk’s office began mailing advanced ballots that
had been requested on Wednesday, and Maskus said they had received nearly 3,800
requests for mail-in ballots as of this week.

According to the Kansas Secretary of State’s office, more
than 463,000 advanced mailing ballots have been mailed in the state of Kansas. 

Maskus said those voters who receive a mail-in ballot can
also drop their ballot at any of nine polling locations on Election Day, the administrative center until 7 p.m. on Election
Day, or return via mail.

Maskus stressed that if a voter does mail the ballot back, they must fill it out and then attach the required postage.

“As long as that ballot is postmarked Election Day or prior, it can arrive up to our office until that following Friday of election week and
we will count it,” said Maskus. “After that, it won’t even be opened or counted.”

The deadline to request an advance ballot is Oct. 27.

Maskus also reminded voters to sign the ballot envelope
before returning it. The clerk’s office will verify the signature on the ballot
but it is not counted until Election Day.

Advance voting will begin Monday at the administrative center. Advance
voting is open until noon Nov. 2. Election day is Nov. 3.

Voters who choose to vote in person — advanced or on
Election Day — will see the same kind of precaution taken as they did for the
August primary.

Maskus said her office has added another person at each polling
location whose job will be to sanitize any areas voters might touch. Voters
will also be given a pen to fill out the ballot, which they will be allowed to keep. There will also be glass dividers in place again at each location.

"Of course, we want to election board workers, the voters
(and) my staff, we want to keep everybody safe and healthy,” Maskus said.

She also reminded voters who vote in person to bring their
ID to the polls.

The election canvass is scheduled for Nov. 16 — the final day that a canvass can be
held. 

County Commission Chairman Butch Schyler said the canvass will
be held after the regularly scheduled commission meeting that night, and the
election will be certified that night.

“Regardless if there are any controversies,” Schlyer said. “We
will certify it if it takes it all night.”

The board of election canvassers delayed its final vote on
the canvass following the primary election after Hays attorney John Bird, on
behalf of the Ellis County Democratic Party, raised concerns. 

In 2018, the race for the 111th Kansas House came down to a recount between Republican Barb Wasinger and Democrat Eber Phelps.
Wasinger defeated Phelps by 35 votes.

Maskus urged voters with questions to check out the elections
tab under Ellisco.net or by calling the clerk’s office.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/10/1602706584512.jpeg" alt="Ellis County ballot drop box" />
 <figcaption>Ellis County ballot drop box</figcaption>
 </figure>By JONATHAN ZWEYGARDT Hays PostWith a record number of voters set to cast their November ballot
by mail amid the coronavirus pandemic, voters in Ellis County have
two more locations they can drop off ballots.Ellis County Clerk Donna Maskus said two ballot boxes — paid
for by federal funds through the Kansas Secretary of State’s office — were
installed last week in front of the Ellis and Victoria city clerks' offices.“Anybody can drop their ballots in there for Ellis County,” Maskus
said. “We will have designated people that will be picking those (ballots) up
periodically.”<a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/f9220856-bca1-443f-a89a-7a8dd0ee0bbb">RELATED: Error discovered on ballots sent to Ellis County voters</a>Voters in Hays can also drop their ballot off at the drop
box south of the County Administrative Building at 718 Main.The clerk’s office began mailing advanced ballots that
had been requested on Wednesday, and Maskus said they had received nearly 3,800
requests for mail-in ballots as of this week.According to the Kansas Secretary of State’s office, more
than 463,000 advanced mailing ballots have been mailed in the state of Kansas. Maskus said those voters who receive a mail-in ballot can
also drop their ballot at any of nine polling locations on Election Day, the administrative center until 7 p.m. on Election
Day, or return via mail.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/10/1602877213738.jpeg" alt="Sample ballot — ballots sent to voters requesting advance ballots incorrectly listed the legislative race between Billinger and Dreiling as a U.S. Senate race." />
 <figcaption>Sample ballot — ballots sent to voters requesting advance ballots incorrectly listed the legislative race between Billinger and Dreiling as a U.S. Senate race.</figcaption>
 </figure>Maskus stressed that if a voter does mail the ballot back, they must fill it out and then attach the required postage.“As long as that ballot is postmarked Election Day or prior, it can arrive up to our office until that following Friday of election week and
we will count it,” said Maskus. “After that, it won’t even be opened or counted.”The deadline to request an advance ballot is Oct. 27.Maskus also reminded voters to sign the ballot envelope
before returning it. The clerk’s office will verify the signature on the ballot
but it is not counted until Election Day.Advance voting will begin Monday at the administrative center. Advance
voting is open until noon Nov. 2. Election day is Nov. 3.Voters who choose to vote in person — advanced or on
Election Day — will see the same kind of precaution taken as they did for the
August primary.Maskus said her office has added another person at each polling
location whose job will be to sanitize any areas voters might touch. Voters
will also be given a pen to fill out the ballot, which they will be allowed to keep. There will also be glass dividers in place again at each location."Of course, we want to election board workers, the voters
(and) my staff, we want to keep everybody safe and healthy,” Maskus said.She also reminded voters who vote in person to bring their
ID to the polls.The election canvass is scheduled for Nov. 16 — the final day that a canvass can be
held. County Commission Chairman Butch Schyler said the canvass will
be held after the regularly scheduled commission meeting that night, and the
election will be certified that night.“Regardless if there are any controversies,” Schlyer said. “We
will certify it if it takes it all night.”The board of election canvassers delayed its final vote on
the canvass following the primary election after Hays attorney John Bird, on
behalf of the Ellis County Democratic Party, raised concerns. In 2018, the race for the 111th Kansas House came down to a recount between Republican Barb Wasinger and Democrat Eber Phelps.
Wasinger defeated Phelps by 35 votes.Maskus urged voters with questions to check out the elections
tab under Ellisco.net or by calling the clerk’s office.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/10/1602877236178.jpeg" alt="Sample ballot" />
 <figcaption>Sample ballot</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/10/1602706568955.jpeg" alt="Ellis County ballot drop box" />
 <figcaption>Ellis County ballot drop box</figcaption>
 </figure>

Ellis County Clerk preps voters on options for upcoming election

*This episode of the Post Podcast originally aired on Jan. 28, 2020.

<div><iframe title="Stay safe this winter with these tips" height="400" width="400" style="border: none;" scrolling="no" data-name="pb-iframe-player" src="https://www.podbean.com/media/player/9v35c-d16d97?from=yiiadmin&download=1&version=1&vjs=1&skin=3&auto=1&share=1&fonts=Helvetica&download=1&rtl=0&pbad=1"></iframe></div><a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/5dd2f46c897d147ad4bb104b">To find out more about The Post Podcast, or subscribe to mobile notifications click here.</a>*This episode of the Post Podcast originally aired on Jan. 28, 2020.

🎤Post Podcast: Stay safe this winter with these driving tips

GREAT BEND — A wide range of local artists’ work will be on display in the Shafer Gallery at Barton Community College&nbsp; as part of the Barton County Arts Council Friends and Acquaintances exhibit Oct. 23 through Dec. 1. 

The virtual reception will be at 6:30 p.m. Oct. 23 at <a href="https://www.facebook.com/shafergallery">Facebook.com/shafergallery</a> and will include brief interviews with participating artists. A catalog of all the pieces will be posted as well.

The show is underwritten by the Bill J. McKown Memorial Endowment distributed by the Golden Belt Foundation. 

Gallery Director Dave Barnes said this exhibit is a chance to let community members showcase their talents in a professional gallery setting. The exhibit consists of 2D and 3D entries.

“It’s the time of year when we try to honor and encourage the wonderful and dedicated artists that grace our front porch,” he said. “Barton Community College services a wonderful chunk of the state of Kansas that is filled with incredible artistic talent. Seeing the new work presented by all our friends is the highlight of our year. It is amazing to watch the development of the work of artists who have exhibited year after year.” 

This exhibit usually coincides with the McKown Masquerade Ball, which will unfortunately not be taking place this year, but community members are encouraged to come out to the exhibit. Masks are required in the gallery.

“The creative community is strong and well,” he said. “The Shafer Gallery is a safe place to visit and we encourage everyone to come out and support our local artists. You might find a treasure.” 

The Shafer Gallery is open Monday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Admission is always free. 

For more information, contact Shafer Gallery Director Dave Barnes at barnesd@bartonccc.edu or (620) 792-9342.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/10/1602620619536.jpeg" alt="“Twins” is a ceramic piece by&nbsp; Hays artist Sheldon Ganstrom." />
 <figcaption>“Twins” is a ceramic piece by&nbsp; Hays artist Sheldon Ganstrom.</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/10/1602620931015.jpeg" alt="“After Rain,” is a watercolor painting by Hays artist Nichole Thibodeau." />
 <figcaption>“After Rain,” is a watercolor painting by Hays artist Nichole Thibodeau.</figcaption>
 </figure>BCCGREAT BEND — A wide range of local artists’ work will be on display in the Shafer Gallery at Barton Community College&nbsp; as part of the Barton County Arts Council Friends and Acquaintances exhibit Oct. 23 through Dec. 1. The virtual reception will be at 6:30 p.m. Oct. 23 at <a href="https://www.facebook.com/shafergallery">Facebook.com/shafergallery</a> and will include brief interviews with participating artists. A catalog of all the pieces will be posted as well. The show is underwritten by the Bill J. McKown Memorial Endowment distributed by the Golden Belt Foundation. Gallery Director Dave Barnes said this exhibit is a chance to let community members showcase their talents in a professional gallery setting. The exhibit consists of 2D and 3D entries.“It’s the time of year when we try to honor and encourage the wonderful and dedicated artists that grace our front porch,” he said. “Barton Community College services a wonderful chunk of the state of Kansas that is filled with incredible artistic talent. Seeing the new work presented by all our friends is the highlight of our year. It is amazing to watch the development of the work of artists who have exhibited year after year.” This exhibit usually coincides with the McKown Masquerade Ball, which will unfortunately not be taking place this year, but community members are encouraged to come out to the exhibit. Masks are required in the gallery.“The creative community is strong and well,” he said. “The Shafer Gallery is a safe place to visit and we encourage everyone to come out and support our local artists. You might find a treasure.” The Shafer Gallery is open Monday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Admission is always free. For more information, contact Shafer Gallery Director Dave Barnes at barnesd@bartonccc.edu or (620) 792-9342.

Hays artists featured in Barton County exhibit

COVID-19 is threatening the way Kansas schools do their work.&nbsp;&nbsp;Randy Watson, state education commissioner, told members of the Kansas Association of School Boards recently that the way schools deliver education currently is “not sustainable.”&nbsp;&nbsp;

Although 1A to small 4A schools are returning to traditional five-day-a-week on-site classes because they can keep class sizes to fewer than 15 and require masks and social distancing, most larger schools are obliged to operate differently.&nbsp;&nbsp;They are using all online, remote or hybrid models where students alternate attending on-site for part of the week and study remotely the remainder of the week.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Kansas is not alone in this. These school schedules are in operation from California to South Carolina to comply with COVID-19 safety measures.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Outside the small on-site schools, almost no one is satisfied.&nbsp;&nbsp;Students not only miss their friends and the social learning that comes with that; they have trouble working successfully with remote learning and often need at home help.&nbsp;&nbsp;Yet, the adults in their lives are either overextended from working at home and supporting their children’s learning or work outside the home and cannot be there to help their children.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Teachers are extremely overloaded with instruction for both on-site and remote lessons while grappling with new distance-learning technology.&nbsp;&nbsp;Administrators are overwhelmed with the details involved in implementing the changes and constant fluctuation in school-wide COVID-19 infections, plus everyone wants a stable football schedule.&nbsp;&nbsp;People just wish things to get back to normal, but they can’t completely.&nbsp;&nbsp;

The education system was totally unprepared for COVID-19.&nbsp;&nbsp;

In the midst of a statewide teacher shortage, schools hadn’t fully recovered from the Brownback years.&nbsp;&nbsp;Teachers and students didn’t have new learning technology or know how to use it.&nbsp;&nbsp;Class sizes in city schools could push the high 20s.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Schools needed better health safety protection including more effective HVAC air filtering.

Pressed to meet the COVID-19 challenge, Watson has offered ways to get back on-site fulltime:&nbsp;&nbsp;Use school gyms and libraries and community venues like churches for classrooms to provide enough social distancing.&nbsp;&nbsp;Assign non-teaching personnel, retired teachers and substitutes as teachers for the added classrooms and provide district contingency funds for one year and federal COVID-19 funding to cover the added expenses.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Watson should be commended for working within existing financial resources to bring traditional schooling back.&nbsp;&nbsp;Additional support will come from Governor Kelly’s new Office of Broadband Development with $49 million of CARES Act funding, some of which will benefit the estimated 156,000 Kansas students who lack online access to complete their assignments.&nbsp;&nbsp;CARES Act funding also will also improve school cleaning and PPE.&nbsp;

Even with these improvements there are not enough extant resources to run hybrid models successfully or return to safe on-site learning for medium-to-large schools while the pandemic rages.&nbsp;&nbsp;Neither are there enough instructional resources to restore the academic achievement students lost while at home this spring and summer.&nbsp;&nbsp;

There’s no easy solution—it’s wrong to return to fulltime school without following COVID-19 safety rules and it’s wrong to make everyday people—children, parents, teachers, school administrators--endure an unmanageable situation because of COVID-19’s effect on schools.

Next week, U.S. Senate Republicans plan to bring to a vote additional stimulus legislation that includes help for public schools.&nbsp;&nbsp;While it won’t solve all the problems, All Kansans should press our legislators to back this funding.&nbsp;

Sharon Hartin Iorio is Dean Emerita Wichita State University College of Education.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/7/1593719779701.jpeg" alt="Sharon Hartin Iorio is Dean Emerita Wichita State University College of Education." />
 <figcaption>Sharon Hartin Iorio is Dean Emerita Wichita State University College of Education.</figcaption>
 </figure>COVID-19 is threatening the way Kansas schools do their work.&nbsp;&nbsp;Randy Watson, state education commissioner, told members of the Kansas Association of School Boards recently that the way schools deliver education currently is “not sustainable.”&nbsp;&nbsp;Although 1A to small 4A schools are returning to traditional five-day-a-week on-site classes because they can keep class sizes to fewer than 15 and require masks and social distancing, most larger schools are obliged to operate differently.&nbsp;&nbsp;They are using all online, remote or hybrid models where students alternate attending on-site for part of the week and study remotely the remainder of the week.&nbsp;&nbsp;Kansas is not alone in this. These school schedules are in operation from California to South Carolina to comply with COVID-19 safety measures.&nbsp;&nbsp;Outside the small on-site schools, almost no one is satisfied.&nbsp;&nbsp;Students not only miss their friends and the social learning that comes with that; they have trouble working successfully with remote learning and often need at home help.&nbsp;&nbsp;Yet, the adults in their lives are either overextended from working at home and supporting their children’s learning or work outside the home and cannot be there to help their children.&nbsp;&nbsp;Teachers are extremely overloaded with instruction for both on-site and remote lessons while grappling with new distance-learning technology.&nbsp;&nbsp;Administrators are overwhelmed with the details involved in implementing the changes and constant fluctuation in school-wide COVID-19 infections, plus everyone wants a stable football schedule.&nbsp;&nbsp;People just wish things to get back to normal, but they can’t completely.&nbsp;&nbsp;The education system was totally unprepared for COVID-19.&nbsp;&nbsp;In the midst of a statewide teacher shortage, schools hadn’t fully recovered from the Brownback years.&nbsp;&nbsp;Teachers and students didn’t have new learning technology or know how to use it.&nbsp;&nbsp;Class sizes in city schools could push the high 20s.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Schools needed better health safety protection including more effective HVAC air filtering.Pressed to meet the COVID-19 challenge, Watson has offered ways to get back on-site fulltime:&nbsp;&nbsp;Use school gyms and libraries and community venues like churches for classrooms to provide enough social distancing.&nbsp;&nbsp;Assign non-teaching personnel, retired teachers and substitutes as teachers for the added classrooms and provide district contingency funds for one year and federal COVID-19 funding to cover the added expenses.&nbsp;&nbsp;Watson should be commended for working within existing financial resources to bring traditional schooling back.&nbsp;&nbsp;Additional support will come from Governor Kelly’s new Office of Broadband Development with $49 million of CARES Act funding, some of which will benefit the estimated 156,000 Kansas students who lack online access to complete their assignments.&nbsp;&nbsp;CARES Act funding also will also improve school cleaning and PPE.&nbsp;Even with these improvements there are not enough extant resources to run hybrid models successfully or return to safe on-site learning for medium-to-large schools while the pandemic rages.&nbsp;&nbsp;Neither are there enough instructional resources to restore the academic achievement students lost while at home this spring and summer.&nbsp;&nbsp;There’s no easy solution—it’s wrong to return to fulltime school without following COVID-19 safety rules and it’s wrong to make everyday people—children, parents, teachers, school administrators--endure an unmanageable situation because of COVID-19’s effect on schools.Next week, U.S. Senate Republicans plan to bring to a vote additional stimulus legislation that includes help for public schools.&nbsp;&nbsp;While it won’t solve all the problems, All Kansans should press our legislators to back this funding.&nbsp;Sharon Hartin Iorio is Dean Emerita Wichita State University College of Education.

INSIGHT KANSAS: Living with COVID-19 is challenging Kan. schools

Colby High School Auditorium is the venue for The Denver Brass and baritone Steven Taylor, at 3 p.m. central, Sunday, Oct. 25. The Western Plains Arts Association program is made possible with support from businesses and individual donors throughout northwest Kansas, including a special gift from the Dane G. Hansen, Logan. The primary Colby venue, Frahm Theatre, has suspended all public events since at least through the end of 2020. Because of COVID 19 precautions, social distancing is required and masks are encouraged inside Colby High School. Admission by WPAA season ticket or adults $20, students $10.

The Denver Brass was founded in 1981 by Kathy and Chuck Brantigan, as an all-new, one-of-a-kind brass chamber ensemble which would be in the forefront of performance, entertainment, commissions and education.&nbsp; Today, The Denver Brass is an elite ensemble recognized throughout the U.S. and the world as one of the premier ensembles of its kind – setting itself apart through its sound, original repertoire, recordings and concert productions.

&nbsp;“Soundtrack of America” features music that celebrates the enduring American spirit. Revel in sounds from all across the nation—from Broadway to Hollywood, Aaron Copeland to Leonard Bernstein, and songs celebrating the great mountains to the plains and deserts. People from every background find inspiration in diverse programming – classical, jazz, Broadway, Latin, multi-cultural fusions, and new sound sensations created by brass with bagpipes, steel drums, hand-bells, fiddles, voices, and distinguished soloists.&nbsp;

With 14 world-class musicians, The Denver Brass performs its own original compositions and arrangements and reaches 60,000+ persons annually through more than 150 concerts and outreach services.&nbsp; The ensemble has more than 30 recordings and is heard daily on radio stations throughout the world. &nbsp;The group works diligently and methodically to increase outreach and exposure, not just to be heard or appreciated, but to provide inspiration, pleasure, and sustenance to as many people as possible.

The trademark sound of The Denver Brass features a dazzling array of more than 13 distinct brass instruments plus percussion, utilizing mutes, technique and sound expertise to produce a rainbow of sound phenomena -&nbsp;not a band, not an orchestra, an entirely new sound

The Denver Brass is also unique in the world for its cohesive and enthusiastic team.&nbsp; Musicians are selected not only for exceptional technical and creative skills, but also for their integrity, dedication to community, and support of fellow musicians and mission. In addition to remarkable musicians, our team boasts a creative and resourceful staff, forward-thinking Board, large and dedicated volunteer core, and creative artists engaged in new music composition, story line, choreography, and state-of-the art lighting and staging. The Denver Brass received the Mayor’s Award for Excellence in the Arts in 2008.&nbsp;

Visit <a href="http://www.denverbrass.org">www.denverbrass.org</a> for additional information including how you can attend or watch YouTube concerts of the group’s Halloween, November and holiday shows for a suggested donation.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/10/1602178787449.jpeg" alt="Courtesy photo" />
 <figcaption>Courtesy photo</figcaption>
 </figure>WPAAColby High School Auditorium is the venue for The Denver Brass and baritone Steven Taylor, at 3 p.m. central, Sunday, Oct. 25. The Western Plains Arts Association program is made possible with support from businesses and individual donors throughout northwest Kansas, including a special gift from the Dane G. Hansen, Logan. The primary Colby venue, Frahm Theatre, has suspended all public events since at least through the end of 2020. Because of COVID 19 precautions, social distancing is required and masks are encouraged inside Colby High School. Admission by WPAA season ticket or adults $20, students $10.The Denver Brass was founded in 1981 by Kathy and Chuck Brantigan, as an all-new, one-of-a-kind brass chamber ensemble which would be in the forefront of performance, entertainment, commissions and education.&nbsp; Today, The Denver Brass is an elite ensemble recognized throughout the U.S. and the world as one of the premier ensembles of its kind – setting itself apart through its sound, original repertoire, recordings and concert productions.&nbsp;“Soundtrack of America” features music that celebrates the enduring American spirit. Revel in sounds from all across the nation—from Broadway to Hollywood, Aaron Copeland to Leonard Bernstein, and songs celebrating the great mountains to the plains and deserts. People from every background find inspiration in diverse programming – classical, jazz, Broadway, Latin, multi-cultural fusions, and new sound sensations created by brass with bagpipes, steel drums, hand-bells, fiddles, voices, and distinguished soloists.&nbsp;With 14 world-class musicians, The Denver Brass performs its own original compositions and arrangements and reaches 60,000+ persons annually through more than 150 concerts and outreach services.&nbsp; The ensemble has more than 30 recordings and is heard daily on radio stations throughout the world. &nbsp;The group works diligently and methodically to increase outreach and exposure, not just to be heard or appreciated, but to provide inspiration, pleasure, and sustenance to as many people as possible.The trademark sound of The Denver Brass features a dazzling array of more than 13 distinct brass instruments plus percussion, utilizing mutes, technique and sound expertise to produce a rainbow of sound phenomena -&nbsp;not a band, not an orchestra, an entirely new soundThe Denver Brass is also unique in the world for its cohesive and enthusiastic team.&nbsp; Musicians are selected not only for exceptional technical and creative skills, but also for their integrity, dedication to community, and support of fellow musicians and mission. In addition to remarkable musicians, our team boasts a creative and resourceful staff, forward-thinking Board, large and dedicated volunteer core, and creative artists engaged in new music composition, story line, choreography, and state-of-the art lighting and staging. The Denver Brass received the Mayor’s Award for Excellence in the Arts in 2008.&nbsp;Visit <a href="http://www.denverbrass.org">www.denverbrass.org</a> for additional information including how you can attend or watch YouTube concerts of the group’s Halloween, November and holiday shows for a suggested donation.

Denver Brass set to perform at Colby High School

CHEYENNE COUNTY—One person was injured in an accident just after 6p.m. Friday in Cheyenne County.

The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a 2019 Peterbilt semi driven by&nbsp;Johnson, Heather Joann Johnson, 47, Concordia, was southbound on Kansas 27 seven miles south of U.S. 36.

The vehicle struck the struck the rear axels of a 1998 Kenworth semi driven by Chelli Dee Smith, 58, Kanorado, that had left the stop sign on County Road E turning north on K27.

The Kenworth continued north on Kansas 27 before coming to rest in the west ditch. The Peterbilt continued south left the road and entered the ditch.&nbsp;

EMS transported Johnson to&nbsp;Cheyenne County Hospital. Smith was not injured. The KHP did not have seat belt information on the drivers.

CHEYENNE COUNTY—One person was injured in an accident just after 6p.m. Friday in Cheyenne County.The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a 2019 Peterbilt semi driven by&nbsp;Johnson, Heather Joann Johnson, 47, Concordia, was southbound on Kansas 27 seven miles south of U.S. 36.The vehicle struck the struck the rear axels of a 1998 Kenworth semi driven by Chelli Dee Smith, 58, Kanorado, that had left the stop sign on County Road E turning north on K27.The Kenworth continued north on Kansas 27 before coming to rest in the west ditch. The Peterbilt continued south left the road and entered the ditch.&nbsp;EMS transported Johnson to&nbsp;Cheyenne County Hospital. Smith was not injured. The KHP did not have seat belt information on the drivers.

Kan. woman hospitalized after semi strikes semi's rear axel

The Ellis County Health Department reported on Friday the average number of new coronavirus cases per day in the last seven days rose for the first time since Oct. 5 to 13.

The department also reported two additional coronavirus-related deaths, bringing the total to 16.

On Oct. 2, the Hays City Commission voted to extend the ordinance requiring face coverings until the seven-day new case average was five or fewer for 14 straight days.

<a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/095697ac-eb4b-4005-867a-bb049ec8c10f">RELATED:&nbsp;Hays commissioners vote to extend mask ordinance</a>

There were 38 new cases of COVID-19 identified in the county since Wednesday. There are currently 146 active cases, including 10 active hospitalizations, and 1,111 recovered cases.

The seven-day average of percent of positive tests rose to 23 percent.

Since reporting began, there have been 1,273 cases of COVID-19 identified in Ellis County including 16 deaths.

NOTE:&nbsp;"New cases" reflects cases reported by the Ellis County Health Department between regular reporting periods of Monday, Wednesday and Friday. "Total cases" reflects all cases reported by the department. Because of delayed test results, total cases might include cases prior to the previous reporting period, so the figures might not necessarily correspond.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/10/1602868140273.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>The Ellis County Health Department reported on Friday the average number of new coronavirus cases per day in the last seven days rose for the first time since Oct. 5 to 13.The department also reported two additional coronavirus-related deaths, bringing the total to 16.On Oct. 2, the Hays City Commission voted to extend the ordinance requiring face coverings until the seven-day new case average was five or fewer for 14 straight days.<a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/095697ac-eb4b-4005-867a-bb049ec8c10f">RELATED:&nbsp;Hays commissioners vote to extend mask ordinance</a>There were 38 new cases of COVID-19 identified in the county since Wednesday. There are currently 146 active cases, including 10 active hospitalizations, and 1,111 recovered cases.The seven-day average of percent of positive tests rose to 23 percent.Since reporting began, there have been 1,273 cases of COVID-19 identified in Ellis County including 16 deaths.NOTE:&nbsp;"New cases" reflects cases reported by the Ellis County Health Department between regular reporting periods of Monday, Wednesday and Friday. "Total cases" reflects all cases reported by the department. Because of delayed test results, total cases might include cases prior to the previous reporting period, so the figures might not necessarily correspond.<figure>
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COVID-19 per-day case trend rises; two Ellis Co. deaths reported

The Hays USD 489 Board of Education will meet in special session at 5:30 p.m. Monday at Rockwell Administration Center to discuss adjusting coronavirus-related protocols.

The board will hear information about adjusting quarantine requirements and implementing the use of school gating criteria in the district's COVID-19 plan for the 2020-21 school year.

Through collaboration with the Ellis County Health Department and Dr. Heather Harris and based upon Ellis County Schools data from the first nine weeks of school, USD 489 is adjusting quarantine requirements and implementing the use of building gating criteria to be included in the USD 489 Updated COVID plan for 2020-21 School Year.&nbsp;

Please NOTE: Staffing and total building absences may impact the decision to become more restrictive than any of the above levels at any given time.						&nbsp;

Rationale for the change is based upon the following data sample taken for students and staff within the school buildings as of 8:00am Oct. 15, 2020. Six hundred eleven students &amp; staff have missed days because of quarantine and/or isolation. None of the students or staff placed in quarantine due to close contact in school have tested positive during their quarantine period.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/4/1587078674452.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>The Hays USD 489 Board of Education will meet in special session at 5:30 p.m. Monday at Rockwell Administration Center to discuss adjusting coronavirus-related protocols.The board will hear information about adjusting quarantine requirements and implementing the use of school gating criteria in the district's COVID-19 plan for the 2020-21 school year.The updated measures are below:<h2>Update to Gating and Quarantine</h2>Through collaboration with the Ellis County Health Department and Dr. Heather Harris and based upon Ellis County Schools data from the first nine weeks of school, USD 489 is adjusting quarantine requirements and implementing the use of building gating criteria to be included in the USD 489 Updated COVID plan for 2020-21 School Year.&nbsp;<h2>Building-Level Gating Criteria</h2><ul>
 <li>If a classroom has two or more students or staff in isolation (Isolation = positive COVID test result)</li><li>Classroom will go remote for a minimum of seven calendar days.</li><li>If a building has more than 1% of its total population in isolation</li><li>Notify staff and parents of status and potential move to remote if numbers continue to increase.&nbsp;</li><li>Consider one day move to remote to allow for additional sanitization measures.</li>
 </ul><ul>
 <li>If a building has more than 1.5% of its total population in isolation			</li><li>Evaluate Epidemiological (EPI) Links (team, band, classroom etc.) to determine risk of spread.</li><li>Based upon EPI, building may move to remote learning for one to five school days.</li>
 </ul><ul>
 <li>If a building has more than 2% of its total population in isolation (minimum of five if the total building population is less than 250)			</li><li>The building will move to remote learning for a minimum of five school days.</li>
 </ul>Please NOTE: Staffing and total building absences may impact the decision to become more restrictive than any of the above levels at any given time.						&nbsp;<h2>Changes to Quarantine Requirements&nbsp;</h2><ul>
 <li>If anyone in the home setting is awaiting test results due to close contact and/or COVID symptoms, staff and students are asked to quarantine until results are received.</li>
 </ul><ul>
 <li>If a staff or student has COVID exposure in the home or outside of a school setting there will be no change to current quarantine period set by Ellis County Health.&nbsp;</li><li>Close contacts identified outside of the school setting will be subject to Ellis County Health Department quarantine guidelines.</li><li>If a student or staff member is identified in the school environment through contact tracing as a close contact AND all parties were wearing a mask at the time of ‘contact’</li><li>Parents and students will be notified of the potential exposure and the individual will be required to quarantine for seven calendar days from last day of contact.&nbsp;</li><li>Parents/guardians may choose to quarantine for the full quarantine period as set by Ellis County Health and should make that known to the school.&nbsp;</li>
 </ul>Please NOTE:<ul>
 <li>If identified as a close contact while not wearing a mask, the quarantine will be the period set by Ellis County Health.&nbsp;</li><li>All quarantines - school, home, or community related – are to include quarantine from all school and community activities.</li><li>The seven-day adjustment in quarantine is based on the number of days most individuals develop symptoms after exposure.</li>
 </ul>Rationale for the change is based upon the following data sample taken for students and staff within the school buildings as of 8:00am Oct. 15, 2020. Six hundred eleven students &amp; staff have missed days because of quarantine and/or isolation. None of the students or staff placed in quarantine due to close contact in school have tested positive during their quarantine period.<ul>
 <li>6035 school days missed because of quarantine &amp; isolation</li><li>5554 school days missed because of quarantine due to exposure either in school, in the home, in the community, or while awaiting test results</li><li>481 school days missed because of isolation</li>
 </ul>While this data does not rule out spread of the virus within the school building, it does suggest that mitigation measures being taken in schools are impacting the spread.&nbsp; It also suggests a shorter quarantine would still protect students and staff while limiting the negative impact of lost school days.

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