<a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/a2ac36cd-ba53-4726-8015-b36745719e54">After announcing student meals would be free beginning Sept. 9,</a> Hays USD 489 on Thursday said that the change would be retroactive to the beginning of the school year.

Meals purchase at regular or reduced price beginning Aug. 26 have been reimbursed into student meal accounts, the district said in an update to parents. A la carte purchases still are being charged.

"We are thankful for this opportunity and sincerely hope our USD 489 families take advantage and
benefit from this savings," the district said. "Thank you for allowing us to serve your children breakfast and lunch and
supporting your local school nutrition department!"

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/4/1587078674452.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure><a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/a2ac36cd-ba53-4726-8015-b36745719e54">After announcing student meals would be free beginning Sept. 9,</a> Hays USD 489 on Thursday said that the change would be retroactive to the beginning of the school year.Meals purchase at regular or reduced price beginning Aug. 26 have been reimbursed into student meal accounts, the district said in an update to parents. A la carte purchases still are being charged."We are thankful for this opportunity and sincerely hope our USD 489 families take advantage and
benefit from this savings," the district said. "Thank you for allowing us to serve your children breakfast and lunch and
supporting your local school nutrition department!"

Free meals for Hays USD 489 student retroactive to Aug. 26

COVID-19 has fundamentally changed education in America. Digital literacy, the ability to leverage powerful learning technologies, is now an essential proficiency for teachers, administrators and learning technologists. 

Beginning&nbsp;in the spring of 2021, Fort Hays State University’s Department of Advanced Educational Programs will welcome its first class of rising educators and education administrators in the new Specialist in Education (Ed.S.) postgraduate program with a concentration in Digital Leadership.

Now, more than ever, teachers, trainers and leaders at all levels of education need to take advantage of emerging technologies and digital best practices that can bridge the time and distance challenges created by the global pandemic,” said Dr. Kim Chappell, who led the development of the program in FHSU’s College of Education.

This future-focused program is designed to develop leaders with the leadership skills essential to transforming any educational organization's digital culture. Graduates of the program will be prepared to create professional opportunities and advance in their role as a digital technology leader.

Education and academic technology administrators, as well as school principals and superintendents, can all benefit from this fully online,&nbsp;interdisciplinary program. Key areas of program focus are teaching, instructional design, informatics, and learning technologies. The program will be primarily offered via a series of flexible 4-week, one credit hour courses in the fall, spring and summer. Practicum and research courses are offered in 16-week sessions.

Founded as a teacher’s college on the edge of the Kansas frontier more than 100 years ago, FHSU is a nationally recognized leader in teacher education and educational leadership programs. The new Specialist in Education with a concentration on digital leadership represents yet another expansion in the University’s commitment to offering innovative, challenging and affordable programs that keep FHSU-trained education professionals on the cutting edge of innovation in teaching and leadership.&nbsp;

For more information, go to&nbsp;<a href="https://www.fhsu.edu/aep/digital-leadership/">https://www.fhsu.edu/aep/digital-leadership/</a>.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/9/1600282649253.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>FHSU University RelationsCOVID-19 has fundamentally changed education in America. Digital literacy, the ability to leverage powerful learning technologies, is now an essential proficiency for teachers, administrators and learning technologists. Beginning&nbsp;in the spring of 2021, Fort Hays State University’s Department of Advanced Educational Programs will welcome its first class of rising educators and education administrators in the new Specialist in Education (Ed.S.) postgraduate program with a concentration in Digital Leadership.Now, more than ever, teachers, trainers and leaders at all levels of education need to take advantage of emerging technologies and digital best practices that can bridge the time and distance challenges created by the global pandemic,” said Dr. Kim Chappell, who led the development of the program in FHSU’s College of Education.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/9/1600282709533.jpeg" alt="Dr. Kim Chappell" />
 <figcaption>Dr. Kim Chappell</figcaption>
 </figure>This future-focused program is designed to develop leaders with the leadership skills essential to transforming any educational organization's digital culture. Graduates of the program will be prepared to create professional opportunities and advance in their role as a digital technology leader.Education and academic technology administrators, as well as school principals and superintendents, can all benefit from this fully online,&nbsp;interdisciplinary program. Key areas of program focus are teaching, instructional design, informatics, and learning technologies. The program will be primarily offered via a series of flexible 4-week, one credit hour courses in the fall, spring and summer. Practicum and research courses are offered in 16-week sessions.Founded as a teacher’s college on the edge of the Kansas frontier more than 100 years ago, FHSU is a nationally recognized leader in teacher education and educational leadership programs. The new Specialist in Education with a concentration on digital leadership represents yet another expansion in the University’s commitment to offering innovative, challenging and affordable programs that keep FHSU-trained education professionals on the cutting edge of innovation in teaching and leadership.&nbsp;For more information, go to&nbsp;<a href="https://www.fhsu.edu/aep/digital-leadership/">https://www.fhsu.edu/aep/digital-leadership/</a>.

New Advanced Educational Program focuses on digital leadership

American Red Cross blood drives held in counties served by the Central and Western Kansas Red Cross Chapter provide lifesaving blood to nearly 70 area hospitals, making sure blood is available for patients in need. Volunteer Blood Drive Ambassadors play a vital role at these blood drives – engaging with donors, enhancing the donation experience and helping to create long-time blood donors.

Right now, there are not enough Blood Drive Ambassadors to cover all area drives. If you have a few hours each month, you could be helping by taking temperatures, guiding blood donors through the donation process and making a difference for your community like Jackie Nichols, from the Garden City area.

In addition to serving with the Red Cross Armed Forces Emergency Services and as a disaster volunteer Jackie spent 20 years as chairperson for her church’s blood drive. While retiring from the chairperson position in 2012, she continues to volunteer at drives. “I believe you should never pass up an opportunity to show kindness to someone,” said Jackie. “This is what the Red Cross and its volunteers do every day. Whether it’s at some type of disaster or helping so there is always a safe supply of blood when needed.”

If you’d like to be a volunteer blood drive ambassador like Jackie in the Ellis, Barton and Saline counties, please contact Sherry Dryden, executive director, Red Cross Kansas/Oklahoma Region at 785-259-0956 or online at redcross.org/volunteer to learn more.

Sherry Dryden, Executive Director, Kansas/Oklahoma Region, serving Central and Western Kansas, American Red Cross

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/4/1586216031348.jpeg" alt="Sherry Dryden" />
 <figcaption>Sherry Dryden</figcaption>
 </figure>American Red Cross blood drives held in counties served by the Central and Western Kansas Red Cross Chapter provide lifesaving blood to nearly 70 area hospitals, making sure blood is available for patients in need. Volunteer Blood Drive Ambassadors play a vital role at these blood drives – engaging with donors, enhancing the donation experience and helping to create long-time blood donors.Right now, there are not enough Blood Drive Ambassadors to cover all area drives. If you have a few hours each month, you could be helping by taking temperatures, guiding blood donors through the donation process and making a difference for your community like Jackie Nichols, from the Garden City area.In addition to serving with the Red Cross Armed Forces Emergency Services and as a disaster volunteer Jackie spent 20 years as chairperson for her church’s blood drive. While retiring from the chairperson position in 2012, she continues to volunteer at drives. “I believe you should never pass up an opportunity to show kindness to someone,” said Jackie. “This is what the Red Cross and its volunteers do every day. Whether it’s at some type of disaster or helping so there is always a safe supply of blood when needed.”If you’d like to be a volunteer blood drive ambassador like Jackie in the Ellis, Barton and Saline counties, please contact Sherry Dryden, executive director, Red Cross Kansas/Oklahoma Region at 785-259-0956 or online at redcross.org/volunteer to learn more.Sherry Dryden, Executive Director, Kansas/Oklahoma Region, serving Central and Western Kansas, American Red Cross

RED CROSS: Volunteers needed for critical roles

The Hays High football team is at home for the first time in 2020 as the play host to the Liberal Redskins.

Kickoff is set for 7 p.m. with the Hertz Rental Car Pregame Show set for 6:30.

&nbsp; You can also listen to the game on 96.9&nbsp;<a href="https://radio.securenetsystems.net/cwa/KFIX">KFIX</a>.&nbsp;&nbsp;

The Hays High football team is at home for the first time in 2020 as the play host to the Liberal Redskins.Kickoff is set for 7 p.m. with the Hertz Rental Car Pregame Show set for 6:30.<div><iframe width="750" height="720" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/mLWLDtYo-xE" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen></iframe></div>&nbsp; You can also listen to the game on 96.9&nbsp;<a href="https://radio.securenetsystems.net/cwa/KFIX">KFIX</a>.&nbsp;&nbsp;

🏈 WATCH - Hays High hosts Liberal

Three-day weather outlook

By RICK BILLINGER 40th District Kansas State Senator

The 2020 Census is a very important event for all Americans and all Kansans. It is a paramount civic duty that not only shapes the future of our state but our local communities as well.&nbsp;

As we approach mid-September, I am encouraging all Kansans to participate in the 2020 Census. I urge anyone who has not filled out their Census form to please do so by; filing electronically, by phone, by using a paper form or by responding to a census enumerator.&nbsp;

Please file BEFORE September 30th. There are only 10 short and easy to answer questions. The impact that registering has on our state and the 40th Senate District are immense. Our census numbers determine how many congressional seats our state will have and determines how many federal dollars Kansas receives and where they are distributed. Your census responses are confidential and are only done every ten years. I encourage all family members, neighbors and friends to fill out their census forms. YOU MAKE OUR COMMUNITIES COUNT. The census can be completed by logging into <a href="http://www.kansascounts.org">www.kansascounts.org</a> or by phone at 844-330-2020.

Times are different, due to the Coronavirus pandemic, but I hope to see many of the people in the 40th District as I campaign for re-election. If you are interested in helping with my campaign or would be willing to put a yard sign out, please contact me by email <a href="mailto:rb_rick@hotmail.com">rb_rick@hotmail.com</a> or text me at 785-899-4700.

Thank you in advance for helping to ensure that our local communities count and our voices are heard.

It is an honor and a pleasure to represent you and the 40th Senate District and I welcome your phone calls or emails.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/12/1576518921995.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>By RICK BILLINGER 40th District Kansas State SenatorThe 2020 Census is a very important event for all Americans and all Kansans. It is a paramount civic duty that not only shapes the future of our state but our local communities as well.&nbsp;As we approach mid-September, I am encouraging all Kansans to participate in the 2020 Census. I urge anyone who has not filled out their Census form to please do so by; filing electronically, by phone, by using a paper form or by responding to a census enumerator.&nbsp;Please file BEFORE September 30th. There are only 10 short and easy to answer questions. The impact that registering has on our state and the 40th Senate District are immense. Our census numbers determine how many congressional seats our state will have and determines how many federal dollars Kansas receives and where they are distributed. Your census responses are confidential and are only done every ten years. I encourage all family members, neighbors and friends to fill out their census forms. YOU MAKE OUR COMMUNITIES COUNT. The census can be completed by logging into <a href="http://www.kansascounts.org">www.kansascounts.org</a> or by phone at 844-330-2020.Times are different, due to the Coronavirus pandemic, but I hope to see many of the people in the 40th District as I campaign for re-election. If you are interested in helping with my campaign or would be willing to put a yard sign out, please contact me by email <a href="mailto:rb_rick@hotmail.com">rb_rick@hotmail.com</a> or text me at 785-899-4700.Thank you in advance for helping to ensure that our local communities count and our voices are heard.It is an honor and a pleasure to represent you and the 40th Senate District and I welcome your phone calls or emails.

BILLINGER: Completing Census critical for NW Kan.

A&nbsp;Fort Hays State University COVID-19 re-entry testing program that coincided with the re-opening of campus for the fall semester finished in August. Beginning next week, a new COVID-19 surveillance testing program will begin. This new testing program for asymptomatic members of the campus community will supplement the ongoing symptomatic testing available in the Student Health Center.

The primary goal of the surveillance testing program is to monitor the prevalence of COVID-19 among the on-campus community.&nbsp;FHSU’s&nbsp;Critical Incident Policy Group (CIPG) led the effort to develop the new program after receiving input from University constituencies and local healthcare partners.&nbsp;

The surveillance testing program will sample a small number of individuals within a campus cohort. A cohort is a group of individuals in regular contact with one another. If a member of the cohort tests positive expanded testing for the group will be available.

Groups designated as a cohort, and the dates, times and locations of testing sessions&nbsp;are subject to change, but at this point, they include&nbsp;the following groupings:

Individuals in these cohort groups will be notified in advance and provided with additional details including timing, location, and any specific testing protocols. Testing is voluntary and based on self-collected saliva specimen kits.&nbsp;Surveillance testing is scheduled to start the week of September 21 and will continue into December.&nbsp;

FHSU’s&nbsp;<a href="https://www.fhsu.edu/covid-19-response/index">COVID-19 Response website</a>&nbsp;is the primary source for information on the university’s ongoing efforts to mitigate the spread of COVID-19, including a testing, quarantine and isolation data dashboard that is updated weekly. For more information, contact Chief Communications Officer, Scott Cason, at 785.628.4208 or&nbsp;<a href="mailto:sacason@fhsu.edu">sacason@fhsu.edu</a>.

FHSU University RelationsA&nbsp;Fort Hays State University COVID-19 re-entry testing program that coincided with the re-opening of campus for the fall semester finished in August. Beginning next week, a new COVID-19 surveillance testing program will begin. This new testing program for asymptomatic members of the campus community will supplement the ongoing symptomatic testing available in the Student Health Center.The primary goal of the surveillance testing program is to monitor the prevalence of COVID-19 among the on-campus community.&nbsp;FHSU’s&nbsp;Critical Incident Policy Group (CIPG) led the effort to develop the new program after receiving input from University constituencies and local healthcare partners.&nbsp;The surveillance testing program will sample a small number of individuals within a campus cohort. A cohort is a group of individuals in regular contact with one another. If a member of the cohort tests positive expanded testing for the group will be available.Groups designated as a cohort, and the dates, times and locations of testing sessions&nbsp;are subject to change, but at this point, they include&nbsp;the following groupings:<ol>
 <li>Residents in university housing</li><li>Athletic teams</li><li>Faculty and students in on-campus classes&nbsp;</li><li>Employees in departments who are in frequent contact members of the campus community and public</li><li>Employees who are in frequent contact as a group&nbsp;</li>
 </ol>Individuals in these cohort groups will be notified in advance and provided with additional details including timing, location, and any specific testing protocols. Testing is voluntary and based on self-collected saliva specimen kits.&nbsp;Surveillance testing is scheduled to start the week of September 21 and will continue into December.&nbsp;FHSU’s&nbsp;<a href="https://www.fhsu.edu/covid-19-response/index">COVID-19 Response website</a>&nbsp;is the primary source for information on the university’s ongoing efforts to mitigate the spread of COVID-19, including a testing, quarantine and isolation data dashboard that is updated weekly. For more information, contact Chief Communications Officer, Scott Cason, at 785.628.4208 or&nbsp;<a href="mailto:sacason@fhsu.edu">sacason@fhsu.edu</a>.

Fort Hays State to begin weekly COVID-19 testing

By CRISTINA JANNEY Hays Post

After just a week the Kansas Department of Health and Environment has suspended its reporting of COVID-19 clusters in the state.&nbsp;

<a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/68cb000d-c0a0-4ca6-89d9-a290b881c382">Information released Sept. 9 by KDHE included a cluster at Fort Hays State University. </a>A Colby optometrist was also on the list.

KDHE said on its webpage that it would resume cluster reporting&nbsp;on Wednesday, Sept. 23, after a review.&nbsp;

Hays Post asked the governor about the suspension of the cluster reporting during a Zoom conference with rural hospital leaders Wednesday.

"It was clear from the reaction from not only business itself, but from the general public that it probably created more confusion and wasn't as clear as it needed to be," Kelly said. "We sort of pulled back and are going to try to figure out a way that would provide the information that I think people really need to have.

"I think it is important in the interest of public health to make that information known to the public, but we have to do it in a way that makes sense, it's accurate and it presents the picture as it really is."

Kansas has identified 596 COVID-19 clusters in the state.&nbsp;&nbsp;

The reporting policy released the locations of clusters of five or more cases. The threshold for businesses was 20 or more cases.

<a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/847953a3-e857-4c1c-a3de-486586a42354">Kelly’s administration has rejected an open records request by Kansas Reflector seeking the name and location of businesses connected to COVID-19 outbreaks of fewer than 20 infections.</a>

Seven business groups, <a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/142cd036-4273-4ed7-86a6-8a002ff59b5b">including the Kansas Chamber of Commerce</a>, sent a letter to the governor asking her not to move forward with plans to identify active cases associated with businesses.

In addition to the Kansas Chamber, the letter was sent on behalf of Associated General Contractors of Kansas, Kansas Livestock Association, Kansas Bankers Association, National Federation of Independent Businesses, the Builders Association, and Wichita Regional Chamber of Commerce.

"We know people appreciate the transparency and information, and that it allows Kansans to make informed decisions when assessing personal risk," KDHE said on its website. "KDHE staff has taken the feedback we received and is currently assessing ways in which we can report this information in a way that reflects current COVID-19 case increases."

By CRISTINA JANNEY Hays PostAfter just a week the Kansas Department of Health and Environment has suspended its reporting of COVID-19 clusters in the state.&nbsp;<a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/68cb000d-c0a0-4ca6-89d9-a290b881c382">Information released Sept. 9 by KDHE included a cluster at Fort Hays State University. </a>A Colby optometrist was also on the list.KDHE said on its webpage that it would resume cluster reporting&nbsp;on Wednesday, Sept. 23, after a review.&nbsp;Hays Post asked the governor about the suspension of the cluster reporting during a Zoom conference with rural hospital leaders Wednesday."It was clear from the reaction from not only business itself, but from the general public that it probably created more confusion and wasn't as clear as it needed to be," Kelly said. "We sort of pulled back and are going to try to figure out a way that would provide the information that I think people really need to have."I think it is important in the interest of public health to make that information known to the public, but we have to do it in a way that makes sense, it's accurate and it presents the picture as it really is."Kansas has identified 596 COVID-19 clusters in the state.&nbsp;&nbsp;The reporting policy released the locations of clusters of five or more cases. The threshold for businesses was 20 or more cases.<a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/847953a3-e857-4c1c-a3de-486586a42354">Kelly’s administration has rejected an open records request by Kansas Reflector seeking the name and location of businesses connected to COVID-19 outbreaks of fewer than 20 infections.</a>Seven business groups, <a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/142cd036-4273-4ed7-86a6-8a002ff59b5b">including the Kansas Chamber of Commerce</a>, sent a letter to the governor asking her not to move forward with plans to identify active cases associated with businesses.In addition to the Kansas Chamber, the letter was sent on behalf of Associated General Contractors of Kansas, Kansas Livestock Association, Kansas Bankers Association, National Federation of Independent Businesses, the Builders Association, and Wichita Regional Chamber of Commerce."We know people appreciate the transparency and information, and that it allows Kansans to make informed decisions when assessing personal risk," KDHE said on its website. "KDHE staff has taken the feedback we received and is currently assessing ways in which we can report this information in a way that reflects current COVID-19 case increases."

KDHE suspends COVID-19 cluster reporting

PHILLIPS COUNTY - The cause of a car fire in Phillipsburg Thursday morning is under investigation.

An exploding vape pen is believed responsible for the fire in a Chevy Cobalt that occurred near the middle school in the 600 Block of 7th Street, according to Deputy Charles Radabaugh.

The fire started in or near the driver's purse.&nbsp; She reportedly uses a vape pen, according to Radabaugh.

"The vape pen uses a rechargeable lithium battery and when a malfunction occurs, it can be catastrophic." In this case, the car is a total loss, according to Radabaugh.&nbsp; &nbsp;There were no injuries.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/9/1600366510079.png" alt="Photo courtesy Phillips County Sheriff" />
 <figcaption>Photo courtesy Phillips County Sheriff</figcaption>
 </figure>PHILLIPS COUNTY - The cause of a car fire in Phillipsburg Thursday morning is under investigation.An exploding vape pen is believed responsible for the fire in a Chevy Cobalt that occurred near the middle school in the 600 Block of 7th Street, according to Deputy Charles Radabaugh.The fire started in or near the driver's purse.&nbsp; She reportedly uses a vape pen, according to Radabaugh."The vape pen uses a rechargeable lithium battery and when a malfunction occurs, it can be catastrophic." In this case, the car is a total loss, according to Radabaugh.&nbsp; &nbsp;There were no injuries.

Sheriff: Exploding vape pen blamed for car fire

Derek Eichman completed his Eagle Scout Board of Review on March 17, and will receive his Eagle Scout on Sept. 20, in a ceremony at Celebration Community Church, Hays.&nbsp; 

Eagle Scout is the highest rank given by the Boy Scouts of America with less than five percent of all Scouts achieve the rank of Eagle Scout.&nbsp; Derek is a senior at Hays High School and is concurrently enrolled at North Central Kansas Technical College in its Automotive Technology Program.&nbsp; Derek joined Cub Scouts Pack 131 in 2010 and became part of Boy Scout Troup 101 in 2014.&nbsp; Derek was inducted into The Order of the Arrow, the National Honor Society of BSA in 2017 after being nominated by his peers.

Derek partnered with Celebration Community Church and Heartland Building Center, Hays, to completing his Eagle Scout Project.&nbsp; The Church maintains a Resource Room to collect clothing, hygiene, and other essential items, which are distributed to foster care families and adults with developmental disabilities in NW Kansas as well as missions in third-world countries.&nbsp; 

Derek designed a large wooden donation cart to provide for a central point to collection donations in the Church lobby.&nbsp; The cart is then used to transport items to the Resource Room, where volunteers sort and organize donated items.&nbsp; For the second part of his Project, Derek reclaimed lumber from old stage platforms no longer used by the church to construct shelving in the Resource Room to handle large plastic totes used to store donated items.&nbsp; Derek repurposed leftover paint to complete his Project and worked with church staff to design vinyl lettering to promote his Project.&nbsp; Derek’s Project will have local and global impacts for many years.

Derek is the son of David and Sheila Eichman, Hays, and the grandson of Ronald and Carol Whitehurst, Garden City, and the late Cleo and Frances Eichman formerly of Palco.&nbsp; In addition to Boy Scouts, Derek has been active in Celebration Community Church’s Cross Current youth group and Leadership Team and is Vice President of Hays High Industrial Technology Association.&nbsp; 

After high school, Derek plans to attend NCKTC’s Electrical Technology Program and become a licensed electrician. &nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/9/1600188083494.jpeg" alt="Eichman / Courtesy photo" />
 <figcaption>Eichman / Courtesy photo</figcaption>
 </figure>Community News ItemDerek Eichman completed his Eagle Scout Board of Review on March 17, and will receive his Eagle Scout on Sept. 20, in a ceremony at Celebration Community Church, Hays.&nbsp; Eagle Scout is the highest rank given by the Boy Scouts of America with less than five percent of all Scouts achieve the rank of Eagle Scout.&nbsp; Derek is a senior at Hays High School and is concurrently enrolled at North Central Kansas Technical College in its Automotive Technology Program.&nbsp; Derek joined Cub Scouts Pack 131 in 2010 and became part of Boy Scout Troup 101 in 2014.&nbsp; Derek was inducted into The Order of the Arrow, the National Honor Society of BSA in 2017 after being nominated by his peers.Derek partnered with Celebration Community Church and Heartland Building Center, Hays, to completing his Eagle Scout Project.&nbsp; The Church maintains a Resource Room to collect clothing, hygiene, and other essential items, which are distributed to foster care families and adults with developmental disabilities in NW Kansas as well as missions in third-world countries.&nbsp; Derek designed a large wooden donation cart to provide for a central point to collection donations in the Church lobby.&nbsp; The cart is then used to transport items to the Resource Room, where volunteers sort and organize donated items.&nbsp; For the second part of his Project, Derek reclaimed lumber from old stage platforms no longer used by the church to construct shelving in the Resource Room to handle large plastic totes used to store donated items.&nbsp; Derek repurposed leftover paint to complete his Project and worked with church staff to design vinyl lettering to promote his Project.&nbsp; Derek’s Project will have local and global impacts for many years.Derek is the son of David and Sheila Eichman, Hays, and the grandson of Ronald and Carol Whitehurst, Garden City, and the late Cleo and Frances Eichman formerly of Palco.&nbsp; In addition to Boy Scouts, Derek has been active in Celebration Community Church’s Cross Current youth group and Leadership Team and is Vice President of Hays High Industrial Technology Association.&nbsp; After high school, Derek plans to attend NCKTC’s Electrical Technology Program and become a licensed electrician. &nbsp;<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/9/1600188132454.jpeg" alt="Courtesy photos" />
 <figcaption>Courtesy photos</figcaption>
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Hays High senior earns Eagle Scout

WASHINGTON –The Internal Revenue Service today released a state-by-state breakdown of the roughly nine million people receiving a special mailing this month encouraging them to see if they’re eligible to claim an Economic Impact Payment.

The IRS will mail the letters to people who typically aren’t required to file federal income tax returns but may qualify for an Economic Impact Payment. The letter urges recipients to visit the special&nbsp;<a href="https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMjcsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsImJ1bGxldGluX2lkIjoiMjAyMDA5MTcuMjcyODMzMDEiLCJ1cmwiOiJodHRwczovL3d3dy5pcnMuZ292L2Nvcm9uYXZpcnVzL25vbi1maWxlcnMtZW50ZXItcGF5bWVudC1pbmZvLWhlcmUifQ.C5PWXGXhJRBIiUu0-7fls29bY1fYoJhfuqlNnq7npIg/s/1260222507/br/85086503709-l" target="_blank">Non-Filers</a><a href="https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMjgsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsImJ1bGxldGluX2lkIjoiMjAyMDA5MTcuMjcyODMzMDEiLCJ1cmwiOiJodHRwczovL3d3dy5pcnMuZ292L2Nvcm9uYXZpcnVzL25vbi1maWxlcnMtZW50ZXItcGF5bWVudC1pbmZvLWhlcmUifQ.HJy8Ix7G5RQYU-ovXQSS6Kpyvor1Zf9LqsBthXAqPOs/s/1260222507/br/85086503709-l" target="_blank">: Enter Payment Info</a>&nbsp;tool on <a href="http://IRS.gov">IRS.gov</a> before the Oct. 15 deadline to register for an Economic Impact Payment.

“The IRS continues to work hard to reach people eligible for these payments,” said IRS Commissioner Chuck Rettig. “These mailings are the latest step by the IRS to reach as many people as possible for these important payments. We are releasing this state-by-state information so that state and local leaders and organizations can better understand the size of this population in their communities and assist them in claiming these important payments. Time is running out to claim a payment before the deadline.”

These&nbsp;<a href="https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMjksInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsImJ1bGxldGluX2lkIjoiMjAyMDA5MTcuMjcyODMzMDEiLCJ1cmwiOiJodHRwczovL3d3dy5pcnMuZ292L3B1Yi9pcnMtcGRmL24xNDQ0YWVzLnBkZiJ9.i3s_UidHrWWPTIYAh0rcImN7m04W9bbVCF-6sOtiLgg/s/1260222507/br/85086503709-l" target="_blank">letters</a>&nbsp;are part of a final stage of the IRS’s sweeping outreach and public awareness campaign on the Economic Impact Payments that began in March. These efforts included IRS outreach to thousands of partner groups across the nation, including partner groups serving underserved communities, people experiencing homelessness, and those whose primary language isn’t English.

So far, more than 7 million people have already used the Non-Filers tool to register for a payment.

This month’s letters, delivered from an IRS address, are being sent to people who haven’t filed a return for either 2018 or 2019. Based on an internal analysis, these are people who don’t typically have a tax return filing requirement because they appear to have very low incomes based on Forms W-2 and 1099, and other third-party statements available to the IRS.

The breakdown below shows the number of individuals in each state to whom the IRS is sending a letter. In Kansas, the number of letters is&nbsp;69,595, the IRS noted.

The letter urges the recipient to register at <a href="http://IRS.gov">IRS.gov</a> by Oct. 15 in order to receive a payment by the end of the year. Individuals can receive up to $1,200, and married couples can receive up to $2,400. People with qualifying children under age 17 at the end of 2019 can get up to an additional $500 for each qualifying child.

The letter, officially known as IRS Notice 1444-A,&nbsp;is written in English and Spanish and includes information on eligibility criteria. If they haven’t done so already, this letter urges eligible individuals to register using the free&nbsp;<a href="https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMzAsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsImJ1bGxldGluX2lkIjoiMjAyMDA5MTcuMjcyODMzMDEiLCJ1cmwiOiJodHRwczovL3d3dy5pcnMuZ292L2Nvcm9uYXZpcnVzL25vbi1maWxlcnMtZW50ZXItcGF5bWVudC1pbmZvLWhlcmUifQ.VdawOgfwBPFyUpvkGbAV07DrSxt5_-m78Jiy61WRTKg/s/1260222507/br/85086503709-l" target="_blank">Non-Filers: Enter Payment Info</a>&nbsp;tool, available in English and Spanish and only on <a href="http://IRS.gov">IRS.gov</a>.&nbsp;To help address fraud concerns, a&nbsp;<a href="https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMzEsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsImJ1bGxldGluX2lkIjoiMjAyMDA5MTcuMjcyODMzMDEiLCJ1cmwiOiJodHRwczovL3d3dy5pcnMuZ292L3B1Yi9pcnMtcGRmL24xNDQ0YWVzLnBkZiJ9.8UVQ_FssFlDY1RcanKPRce203gey5w7WaPWiaW1w6Tc/s/1260222507/br/85086503709-l" target="_blank">copy of the letter</a>&nbsp;is available on <a href="http://IRS.gov">IRS.gov</a>.

The IRS cautions that receiving a letter is not a guarantee of eligibility. An individual is likely eligible&nbsp;for an Economic Impact Payment&nbsp;if they:

●have a work-eligible Social Security number; and

●can’t be claimed as a dependent on someone else’s federal income tax return.For more information on eligibility requirements, see the Economic Impact Payment&nbsp;eligibility FAQs&nbsp;on <a href="http://IRS.gov">IRS.gov</a>.&nbsp;

The registration deadline for non-filers to claim an Economic Impact Payment through the Non-Filers tool is Oct. 15, 2020. People who are eligible should not wait to receive a letter and should register now. Alternatively, people can wait until next year and claim the recovery rebate credit on their 2020 federal income tax return by filing in 2021.

The IRS emphasized that anyone required to file either a 2018 or 2019 tax return should file the tax return and not use the Non-Filers tool. That tool is designed for people with incomes typically below $24,400 for married couples, and $12,200 for singles. This includes couples and individuals who are experiencing homelessness.

Those unable to access the&nbsp;Non-Filers&nbsp;tool may submit a simplified paper return following the procedures described in the Economic Impact Payment&nbsp;<a href="https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMzMsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsImJ1bGxldGluX2lkIjoiMjAyMDA5MTcuMjcyODMzMDEiLCJ1cmwiOiJodHRwczovL3d3dy5pcnMuZ292L25ld3Nyb29tL2Vjb25vbWljLWltcGFjdC1wYXltZW50LWluZm9ybWF0aW9uLWNlbnRlci1yZXF1ZXN0aW5nLW15LWVjb25vbWljLWltcGFjdC1wYXltZW50In0.Z4HdxKE-Wrn3ICStPpP_4ym-f8RFuFkFL4vOa5N_Dqs/s/1260222507/br/85086503709-l" target="_blank">FAQs</a>&nbsp;on <a href="http://IRS.gov">IRS.gov</a>.

People can qualify for a payment, even if they don’t work or have no earned income. But low- and moderate-income workers and working families eligible to receive special tax benefits, such as the Earned Income Tax Credit or Child Tax Credit, cannot use this tool. They will need to file a regular tax return as soon as possible. The IRS will use their tax return information to determine and issue any&nbsp;Economic Impact Payment&nbsp;for which they are eligible.

Anyone using the Non-Filers tool can speed up the arrival of their payment by choosing to receive it by direct deposit. Those not choosing this option will get a check.

Beginning two weeks after they register, people can track the status of their payment using the&nbsp;<a href="https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMzQsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsImJ1bGxldGluX2lkIjoiMjAyMDA5MTcuMjcyODMzMDEiLCJ1cmwiOiJodHRwczovL3d3dy5pcnMuZ292L2Nvcm9uYXZpcnVzL2dldC1teS1wYXltZW50I19ibGFuayJ9.jx0at1_lMWg4zjA5iIzcr-_uSnFmfp5D_C2Z5uZdiBc/s/1260222507/br/85086503709-l" target="_blank">Get My Payment</a>&nbsp;tool, available only on <a href="http://IRS.gov">IRS.gov</a>.

WASHINGTON –The Internal Revenue Service today released a state-by-state breakdown of the roughly nine million people receiving a special mailing this month encouraging them to see if they’re eligible to claim an Economic Impact Payment.The IRS will mail the letters to people who typically aren’t required to file federal income tax returns but may qualify for an Economic Impact Payment. The letter urges recipients to visit the special&nbsp;<a href="https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMjcsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsImJ1bGxldGluX2lkIjoiMjAyMDA5MTcuMjcyODMzMDEiLCJ1cmwiOiJodHRwczovL3d3dy5pcnMuZ292L2Nvcm9uYXZpcnVzL25vbi1maWxlcnMtZW50ZXItcGF5bWVudC1pbmZvLWhlcmUifQ.C5PWXGXhJRBIiUu0-7fls29bY1fYoJhfuqlNnq7npIg/s/1260222507/br/85086503709-l" target="_blank">Non-Filers</a><a href="https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMjgsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsImJ1bGxldGluX2lkIjoiMjAyMDA5MTcuMjcyODMzMDEiLCJ1cmwiOiJodHRwczovL3d3dy5pcnMuZ292L2Nvcm9uYXZpcnVzL25vbi1maWxlcnMtZW50ZXItcGF5bWVudC1pbmZvLWhlcmUifQ.HJy8Ix7G5RQYU-ovXQSS6Kpyvor1Zf9LqsBthXAqPOs/s/1260222507/br/85086503709-l" target="_blank">: Enter Payment Info</a>&nbsp;tool on <a href="http://IRS.gov">IRS.gov</a> before the Oct. 15 deadline to register for an Economic Impact Payment.“The IRS continues to work hard to reach people eligible for these payments,” said IRS Commissioner Chuck Rettig. “These mailings are the latest step by the IRS to reach as many people as possible for these important payments. We are releasing this state-by-state information so that state and local leaders and organizations can better understand the size of this population in their communities and assist them in claiming these important payments. Time is running out to claim a payment before the deadline.”These&nbsp;<a href="https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMjksInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsImJ1bGxldGluX2lkIjoiMjAyMDA5MTcuMjcyODMzMDEiLCJ1cmwiOiJodHRwczovL3d3dy5pcnMuZ292L3B1Yi9pcnMtcGRmL24xNDQ0YWVzLnBkZiJ9.i3s_UidHrWWPTIYAh0rcImN7m04W9bbVCF-6sOtiLgg/s/1260222507/br/85086503709-l" target="_blank">letters</a>&nbsp;are part of a final stage of the IRS’s sweeping outreach and public awareness campaign on the Economic Impact Payments that began in March. These efforts included IRS outreach to thousands of partner groups across the nation, including partner groups serving underserved communities, people experiencing homelessness, and those whose primary language isn’t English.So far, more than 7 million people have already used the Non-Filers tool to register for a payment.This month’s letters, delivered from an IRS address, are being sent to people who haven’t filed a return for either 2018 or 2019. Based on an internal analysis, these are people who don’t typically have a tax return filing requirement because they appear to have very low incomes based on Forms W-2 and 1099, and other third-party statements available to the IRS.The breakdown below shows the number of individuals in each state to whom the IRS is sending a letter. In Kansas, the number of letters is&nbsp;69,595, the IRS noted.The letter urges the recipient to register at <a href="http://IRS.gov">IRS.gov</a> by Oct. 15 in order to receive a payment by the end of the year. Individuals can receive up to $1,200, and married couples can receive up to $2,400. People with qualifying children under age 17 at the end of 2019 can get up to an additional $500 for each qualifying child.The letter, officially known as IRS Notice 1444-A,&nbsp;is written in English and Spanish and includes information on eligibility criteria. If they haven’t done so already, this letter urges eligible individuals to register using the free&nbsp;<a href="https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMzAsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsImJ1bGxldGluX2lkIjoiMjAyMDA5MTcuMjcyODMzMDEiLCJ1cmwiOiJodHRwczovL3d3dy5pcnMuZ292L2Nvcm9uYXZpcnVzL25vbi1maWxlcnMtZW50ZXItcGF5bWVudC1pbmZvLWhlcmUifQ.VdawOgfwBPFyUpvkGbAV07DrSxt5_-m78Jiy61WRTKg/s/1260222507/br/85086503709-l" target="_blank">Non-Filers: Enter Payment Info</a>&nbsp;tool, available in English and Spanish and only on <a href="http://IRS.gov">IRS.gov</a>.&nbsp;To help address fraud concerns, a&nbsp;<a href="https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMzEsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsImJ1bGxldGluX2lkIjoiMjAyMDA5MTcuMjcyODMzMDEiLCJ1cmwiOiJodHRwczovL3d3dy5pcnMuZ292L3B1Yi9pcnMtcGRmL24xNDQ0YWVzLnBkZiJ9.8UVQ_FssFlDY1RcanKPRce203gey5w7WaPWiaW1w6Tc/s/1260222507/br/85086503709-l" target="_blank">copy of the letter</a>&nbsp;is available on <a href="http://IRS.gov">IRS.gov</a>.The IRS cautions that receiving a letter is not a guarantee of eligibility. An individual is likely eligible&nbsp;for an Economic Impact Payment&nbsp;if they:●are a U.S. citizen or resident alien;●have a work-eligible Social Security number; and●can’t be claimed as a dependent on someone else’s federal income tax return.For more information on eligibility requirements, see the Economic Impact Payment&nbsp;eligibility FAQs&nbsp;on <a href="http://IRS.gov">IRS.gov</a>.&nbsp;The registration deadline for non-filers to claim an Economic Impact Payment through the Non-Filers tool is Oct. 15, 2020. People who are eligible should not wait to receive a letter and should register now. Alternatively, people can wait until next year and claim the recovery rebate credit on their 2020 federal income tax return by filing in 2021.The IRS emphasized that anyone required to file either a 2018 or 2019 tax return should file the tax return and not use the Non-Filers tool. That tool is designed for people with incomes typically below $24,400 for married couples, and $12,200 for singles. This includes couples and individuals who are experiencing homelessness.Those unable to access the&nbsp;Non-Filers&nbsp;tool may submit a simplified paper return following the procedures described in the Economic Impact Payment&nbsp;<a href="https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMzMsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsImJ1bGxldGluX2lkIjoiMjAyMDA5MTcuMjcyODMzMDEiLCJ1cmwiOiJodHRwczovL3d3dy5pcnMuZ292L25ld3Nyb29tL2Vjb25vbWljLWltcGFjdC1wYXltZW50LWluZm9ybWF0aW9uLWNlbnRlci1yZXF1ZXN0aW5nLW15LWVjb25vbWljLWltcGFjdC1wYXltZW50In0.Z4HdxKE-Wrn3ICStPpP_4ym-f8RFuFkFL4vOa5N_Dqs/s/1260222507/br/85086503709-l" target="_blank">FAQs</a>&nbsp;on <a href="http://IRS.gov">IRS.gov</a>.People can qualify for a payment, even if they don’t work or have no earned income. But low- and moderate-income workers and working families eligible to receive special tax benefits, such as the Earned Income Tax Credit or Child Tax Credit, cannot use this tool. They will need to file a regular tax return as soon as possible. The IRS will use their tax return information to determine and issue any&nbsp;Economic Impact Payment&nbsp;for which they are eligible.Anyone using the Non-Filers tool can speed up the arrival of their payment by choosing to receive it by direct deposit. Those not choosing this option will get a check.Beginning two weeks after they register, people can track the status of their payment using the&nbsp;<a href="https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMzQsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsImJ1bGxldGluX2lkIjoiMjAyMDA5MTcuMjcyODMzMDEiLCJ1cmwiOiJodHRwczovL3d3dy5pcnMuZ292L2Nvcm9uYXZpcnVzL2dldC1teS1wYXltZW50I19ibGFuayJ9.jx0at1_lMWg4zjA5iIzcr-_uSnFmfp5D_C2Z5uZdiBc/s/1260222507/br/85086503709-l" target="_blank">Get My Payment</a>&nbsp;tool, available only on <a href="http://IRS.gov">IRS.gov</a>.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/9/1600360381579.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>

IRS sending letters to persons who may be eligible for EIPs

Hays High School is reminding fans of protocols for attendance at Friday's football game with Liberal at Lewis Field.

• As guests of Fort Hays State University when using Lewis Field and its parking lot for football games, we are reminded that alcohol is&nbsp;prohibited on the grounds; these games are in support of minors and their high school. The Hays High Administration is always present at&nbsp;events and supervises students and fans in the stadium. We need your help in assisting FHSU and law enforcement in keeping our events at&nbsp;Lewis Field and its parking lot alcohol free; consumption of alcohol at Lewis Field and its parking lot is considered “Public Possession”.

2020 Spectator Requirements for Football Game Attendance at Lewis Field (If you feel you cannot follow these expectations, please support the Indians by watching via live stream or listening via radio)

In compliance with FHSU policies, fans, teams, and staff will observe the following guidelines:

• Capacity Limitations / Masks / Social Distancing o The home side will be filled to 50% capacity, not including the student section. When 900 seats are occupied, fans will be directed to&nbsp;locate to the visitor’s side on the South end of the stadium. o All guests must wear masks to enter and leave the stadium. o All spectators closer than 6 feet from a non-family member must wear mask when seated. Being outside does not supersede the&nbsp;requirements of wearing a mask when unable to social distance. o Be willing to give up the "best" seats in order to distance. o Students in the student sections from both teams must wear masks, regardless of social distancing. o All spectators must wear a mask when going to restrooms, concessions, and when in the concourse under the stadium.

• Tailgating / Gatherings o Absolutely no tailgating or gatherings before or after the game on the FHSU campus is allowed this year. o Teams will immediately head to the locker rooms after the game. o Fans will leave the stadium as soon as the game is complete; gathering on the field after game will not be allowed. If an athlete is&nbsp;riding home with his/her family from the stadium, make prior arrangements on where to meet. o Middle school and elementary school students must stay in the stands with parents/guardians. o Middle school and elementary school who do not sit with a parent/guardian will be required to leave the game.

• Concessions o Two concession stands will be open on the west side.

• Band o The band will sit in the East visitor’s side bleachers, south end. This allows for space to distance. Their instruments will have covers.

Hays High School is reminding fans of protocols for attendance at Friday's football game with Liberal at Lewis Field.• As guests of Fort Hays State University when using Lewis Field and its parking lot for football games, we are reminded that alcohol is&nbsp;prohibited on the grounds; these games are in support of minors and their high school. The Hays High Administration is always present at&nbsp;events and supervises students and fans in the stadium. We need your help in assisting FHSU and law enforcement in keeping our events at&nbsp;Lewis Field and its parking lot alcohol free; consumption of alcohol at Lewis Field and its parking lot is considered “Public Possession”.2020 Spectator Requirements for Football Game Attendance at Lewis Field (If you feel you cannot follow these expectations, please support the Indians by watching via live stream or listening via radio) In compliance with FHSU policies, fans, teams, and staff will observe the following guidelines:• Capacity Limitations / Masks / Social Distancing o The home side will be filled to 50% capacity, not including the student section. When 900 seats are occupied, fans will be directed to&nbsp;locate to the visitor’s side on the South end of the stadium. o All guests must wear masks to enter and leave the stadium. o All spectators closer than 6 feet from a non-family member must wear mask when seated. Being outside does not supersede the&nbsp;requirements of wearing a mask when unable to social distance. o Be willing to give up the "best" seats in order to distance. o Students in the student sections from both teams must wear masks, regardless of social distancing. o All spectators must wear a mask when going to restrooms, concessions, and when in the concourse under the stadium. • Tailgating / Gatherings o Absolutely no tailgating or gatherings before or after the game on the FHSU campus is allowed this year. o Teams will immediately head to the locker rooms after the game. o Fans will leave the stadium as soon as the game is complete; gathering on the field after game will not be allowed. If an athlete is&nbsp;riding home with his/her family from the stadium, make prior arrangements on where to meet. o Middle school and elementary school students must stay in the stands with parents/guardians. o Middle school and elementary school who do not sit with a parent/guardian will be required to leave the game. • Concessions o Two concession stands will be open on the west side. • Band o The band will sit in the East visitor’s side bleachers, south end. This allows for space to distance. Their instruments will have covers.

🏈 HHS reminds fans of guidelines for football games

During a virtual conference call Wednesday, rural hospital administrators told Gov. Laura Kelly local control will be important as the state rolls out a vaccine for COVID-19&nbsp;

The governor said she doubted a vaccine will be available by Election Day, but she hoped Kansans could start being vaccinated by first of the year.

Melissa Atkins, CEO of the Graham County Hospital in Hill City, said she wanted officials to be sure any vaccine for the virus is ready to be mass distributed to the public.

"We talked earlier this morning in our medical staff meeting about what the implications would be if we release it too quickly," she said.

The medical community has struggled to get the public to accept flu vaccines, she said.

"I feel we are at a good place now with the flu vaccine, and everybody is pretty much a believer," Atkins said, "but if we would let the COVID vaccine get out there and not be effective or have some adverse effects , it could ruin people's perception about vaccines for a long, long time."

Harold Courtois, CEO of Memorial Health System in Abilene, said rural communities have significant numbers of older adults, which are at higher risk from the virus. He wanted to make sure those counties would receive adequate allocations of vaccine to cover those residents.

Kelly said health officials are developing a priority list for the vaccine, and the elderly and high-risk patients are going to be given a higher priority.

Allen Van Driel, CEO of Smith County Memorial Hospital, said what works in urban communities does not work in rural communities. He said Smith County Memorial has a strong relationship with its local health department.

"I think what we should concentrate on as the vaccine does become available, let the local authorities have a strong say in how we provide it in our own communities," he said. 

"We have good emergency preparedness programs in place that include mass vaccination, and we need to let those processes work, rather than having a process that works in Topeka or Wichita or where ever that is dictated to us from larger cities."

The governor said she saw the desimination of the vaccine much like the state responding to a wildfire or a flood.

"The state is really the resource, but the folks who do the implementation are on the ground and in the communities," she said.&nbsp;

The governor announced she will be extending a provision that will allow children to be served an additional year by the State Children's Health Insurance Program, which is also known as SCHIP.

Before the pandemic, children aged out of the program when they turned 19. The extended coverage will be valid through the end of 2020.

The governor also took the opportunity to make another push for Medicaid expansion.

All of the states surrounding Kansas have approved Medicaid expansion, which Kelly said made Kansas "an island in the Midwest."

Chad Austin, president of the Kansas Hospital Association, said he was concerned not expanding Medicaid in Kansas has placed the state at a competitive disadvantage in terms of recruiting medical providers.

Dr. Ronald Robinson, CEO of the Goodland Regional Medial Center, said health officials are having difficulty determining the prevalence of the virus in the community.

He said the community has the ability to do antibody testing, but is having difficulty implementing the testing in the community.

Courtois said Abilene is lacking PPE, especially N-95 masks, which concerns him as the flu season ramps up.

Van Driel said rural medical providers have used telemedicine throughout the pandemic, but reimbursements from some providers, including Medicare, are lower for telemedicine than for in-person visits.

He said some private insurers are now discontinuing coverage for telehealth, especially for primary care, as if the pandemic were over.

"We have the broadband capability here,"&nbsp;Van Driel said. "We can provide the services. We have the providers, but if we can't get paid for it, it has a significant impact on the financial stability of the health system."

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/9/1600293679889.jpeg" alt="Gov. Laura Kelly meets via Zoom with leaders in rural health care Wednesday." />
 <figcaption>Gov. Laura Kelly meets via Zoom with leaders in rural health care Wednesday.</figcaption>
 </figure>By CRISTINA JANNEY Hays PostDuring a virtual conference call Wednesday, rural hospital administrators told Gov. Laura Kelly local control will be important as the state rolls out a vaccine for COVID-19&nbsp;The governor said she doubted a vaccine will be available by Election Day, but she hoped Kansans could start being vaccinated by first of the year.Melissa Atkins, CEO of the Graham County Hospital in Hill City, said she wanted officials to be sure any vaccine for the virus is ready to be mass distributed to the public."We talked earlier this morning in our medical staff meeting about what the implications would be if we release it too quickly," she said.The medical community has struggled to get the public to accept flu vaccines, she said."I feel we are at a good place now with the flu vaccine, and everybody is pretty much a believer," Atkins said, "but if we would let the COVID vaccine get out there and not be effective or have some adverse effects , it could ruin people's perception about vaccines for a long, long time."Harold Courtois, CEO of Memorial Health System in Abilene, said rural communities have significant numbers of older adults, which are at higher risk from the virus. He wanted to make sure those counties would receive adequate allocations of vaccine to cover those residents.Kelly said health officials are developing a priority list for the vaccine, and the elderly and high-risk patients are going to be given a higher priority.Allen Van Driel, CEO of Smith County Memorial Hospital, said what works in urban communities does not work in rural communities. He said Smith County Memorial has a strong relationship with its local health department."I think what we should concentrate on as the vaccine does become available, let the local authorities have a strong say in how we provide it in our own communities," he said. "We have good emergency preparedness programs in place that include mass vaccination, and we need to let those processes work, rather than having a process that works in Topeka or Wichita or where ever that is dictated to us from larger cities."The governor said she saw the desimination of the vaccine much like the state responding to a wildfire or a flood."The state is really the resource, but the folks who do the implementation are on the ground and in the communities," she said.&nbsp;<h2>Governor extends SCHIP benefits</h2>The governor announced she will be extending a provision that will allow children to be served an additional year by the State Children's Health Insurance Program, which is also known as SCHIP.Before the pandemic, children aged out of the program when they turned 19. The extended coverage will be valid through the end of 2020.<h2>Gov. continue Medicaid push</h2>The governor also took the opportunity to make another push for Medicaid expansion.All of the states surrounding Kansas have approved Medicaid expansion, which Kelly said made Kansas "an island in the Midwest."Chad Austin, president of the Kansas Hospital Association, said he was concerned not expanding Medicaid in Kansas has placed the state at a competitive disadvantage in terms of recruiting medical providers.<h2>Rural hospitals discuss COVID challenges</h2>Dr. Ronald Robinson, CEO of the Goodland Regional Medial Center, said health officials are having difficulty determining the prevalence of the virus in the community.He said the community has the ability to do antibody testing, but is having difficulty implementing the testing in the community.Courtois said Abilene is lacking PPE, especially N-95 masks, which concerns him as the flu season ramps up.Van Driel said rural medical providers have used telemedicine throughout the pandemic, but reimbursements from some providers, including Medicare, are lower for telemedicine than for in-person visits.He said some private insurers are now discontinuing coverage for telehealth, especially for primary care, as if the pandemic were over."We have the broadband capability here,"&nbsp;Van Driel said. "We can provide the services. We have the providers, but if we can't get paid for it, it has a significant impact on the financial stability of the health system."

NW Kan. rural hospital leaders urge local control for COVID-19 vaccine rollout

One of the best ways to keep your body and mind functioning at their best is to exercise. Regular participation in strengthening exercises can help you build muscle and increase bone density, which prevents frailty and osteoporosis.

Stay Strong, Stay Healthy is an 8-week strengthening exercise program that meets twice a week for 1-hour. A class is scheduled to start Sept. 22 in Ellis at the old High School Gym. Participants will meet Tuesdays and Thursdays from 10 – 11 am until Nov. 12. Before participating in the class, members must complete a consent form and a questionnaire about their health status. A physician authorization form may be required.&nbsp; The cost is $20 for all 16 sessions. No special clothes or equipment needed.&nbsp;

During the program, you will learn exercises to improve strength, balance, and flexibility.&nbsp;

The program’s goal is to improve your health and quality of life.&nbsp; This class is in cooperation with the Ellis Recreation Commission. Contact Berny Unruh at the Extension Office 785-628-9430 if there are further questions.&nbsp;

Berny Unruh is the Family and Community Wellness Agent for the Cottonwood Extension District.&nbsp; She can be reached at 785-628-9430 or at <a href="mailto:bunruh@ksu.edu">bunruh@ksu.edu</a>

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/4/1588274071306.jpeg" alt="Berny Unruh is Family and Community Wellness agent for the Cottonwood Extension District." />
 <figcaption>Berny Unruh is Family and Community Wellness agent for the Cottonwood Extension District.</figcaption>
 </figure>One of the best ways to keep your body and mind functioning at their best is to exercise. Regular participation in strengthening exercises can help you build muscle and increase bone density, which prevents frailty and osteoporosis.Stay Strong, Stay Healthy is an 8-week strengthening exercise program that meets twice a week for 1-hour. A class is scheduled to start Sept. 22 in Ellis at the old High School Gym. Participants will meet Tuesdays and Thursdays from 10 – 11 am until Nov. 12. Before participating in the class, members must complete a consent form and a questionnaire about their health status. A physician authorization form may be required.&nbsp; The cost is $20 for all 16 sessions. No special clothes or equipment needed.&nbsp;Each hour-long class includes:&nbsp;<ol>
 <li>Warm-up exercises&nbsp;</li><li>Easy strengthening exercises, with or without weights&nbsp;</li><li>Cool-down stretches&nbsp;</li>
 </ol>During the program, you will learn exercises to improve strength, balance, and flexibility.&nbsp;The program’s goal is to improve your health and quality of life.&nbsp; This class is in cooperation with the Ellis Recreation Commission. Contact Berny Unruh at the Extension Office 785-628-9430 if there are further questions.&nbsp;	Berny Unruh is the Family and Community Wellness Agent for the Cottonwood Extension District.&nbsp; She can be reached at 785-628-9430 or at <a href="mailto:bunruh@ksu.edu">bunruh@ksu.edu</a>

UNRUH: Stay Strong Stay Healthy in Ellis

BUNKER HILL –&nbsp;The Sherman County Community Foundation has awarded Smoky Hills PBS with a grant for $1,500 to support the Smoky Hills PBS’ literacy initiative program in Sherman County.&nbsp;

The grant will support the following:&nbsp;&nbsp;

·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Children’s Programming on Smoky Hills PBS

·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Book distribution program that will provide books to children in head start and early head start programs in Sherman County.

“The Sherman County Community Foundation has been a longtime supporter of Smoky Hills PBS,” said Haley Gagnon, Smoky Hills PBS Special Events Coordinator. “It’s through the support of our communities and foundations like SCCF that Smoky Hills PBS is able to provide our youngest viewers with the resources they need to engage in a lifelong love of learning!”

The Sherman County Foundation is committed to providing opportunities for the people of Northwest Kansas to enjoy the highest possible quality of life.&nbsp; The foundation advances its mission by investing in the areas of education, health care, economic development, community social services and security, conservation and environment, arts and culture and community beautification.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/1/1579894481233.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>BUNKER HILL –&nbsp;The Sherman County Community Foundation has awarded Smoky Hills PBS with a grant for $1,500 to support the Smoky Hills PBS’ literacy initiative program in Sherman County.&nbsp;The grant will support the following:&nbsp;&nbsp;·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Children’s Programming on Smoky Hills PBS·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Book distribution program that will provide books to children in head start and early head start programs in Sherman County.“The Sherman County Community Foundation has been a longtime supporter of Smoky Hills PBS,” said Haley Gagnon, Smoky Hills PBS Special Events Coordinator. “It’s through the support of our communities and foundations like SCCF that Smoky Hills PBS is able to provide our youngest viewers with the resources they need to engage in a lifelong love of learning!”The Sherman County Foundation is committed to providing opportunities for the people of Northwest Kansas to enjoy the highest possible quality of life.&nbsp; The foundation advances its mission by investing in the areas of education, health care, economic development, community social services and security, conservation and environment, arts and culture and community beautification.

Sherman Co. foundation awards grant to Smoky Hills PBS

TOPEKA - The Kansas Department of Transportation announces approved bids for state highway construction and maintenance projects in Kansas. The letting took place Aug. 19, 2020, in Topeka. Some of the bids may include multiple projects that have been bundled based on proximity and type of work.

Leavenworth ‑&nbsp;92‑52 KA‑5619‑01 ‑ K‑92, bridge #026 over the Missouri River located just east of Union Pacific Railroad and East Dakota Street, bridge,&nbsp;Clarkson Construction Company, Kansas City, Mo., $414,911.04.

Wyandotte ‑&nbsp;169‑105 KA‑5613‑01 – U.S. 169, bridges #072 and #287 over the Kansas River and railroad yard located 0.55 mile north of I‑35 in Kansas City, bridge repair,&nbsp;Clarkson Construction Company, Kansas City, Mo., $3,200,088.11.

Statewide ‑&nbsp;106 KA‑5837‑01 ‑ Various locations in District One in the counties Johnson, Wyandotte, Leavenworth, Atchison, Jackson, Jefferson, Osage, Lyon, Pottawatomie, Riley and Marshall, milling,&nbsp;Bettis Asphalt &amp; Construction Inc., Topeka, Kan., $27,515.00.

Franklin ‑&nbsp;33‑30 KA‑3951‑01 ‑ K‑33, Bridge #064 over the Burlington Northern and Santa Fe Railway located 0.79 mile north of the I‑35/K‑33 junction in the City of Wellsville, bridge replacement,&nbsp;Pyramid Contractors Inc., and Pyramid Properties Inc., Olathe, Kan., $4,750,477.53.

Wilson ‑&nbsp;400‑103 KA‑5048‑02 – U.S. 400, from the Wilson/Greenwood county line east to the K‑47 junction, guard fence, 12.0 miles,&nbsp;Bettis Asphalt &amp; Construction Inc., Topeka, Kan., $323,780.56.

Butler ‑&nbsp;54‑8 KA‑5605‑01 – U.S. 54, from the east city limits of Augusta east to the U.S. 54/K‑77/U.S. 400 junction, 4-inch overlay, 7.0 miles,&nbsp;APAC-Kansas Inc. Shears Division, Hutchinson, Kan., $10,759,743.45.

Rush ‑&nbsp;83 C‑4932‑01 ‑ Various major collector roads including RS587, RS44, RS585, RS584 and RS524 in the county, pavement marking, 42.0 miles,&nbsp;Roadsafe Traffic Systems Inc., El Dorado, Kan., $170,031.13.

Hodgeman ‑&nbsp;42 C‑4964‑01 – Major and minor collector roads in the northeast quarter of the county and RS 313, signing, 50.0 miles,&nbsp;Mission Construction Co. Inc., St. Paul, Kan., $48,974.16.

Ness ‑&nbsp;04‑68 KA‑4049‑01 ‑ K‑4, from the west city limits of Brownell east to the east city limits, grade and surfacing, 0.3 mile,&nbsp;Morgan Brothers Construction, Inc., Lacrosse, Kan., $1,255,131.01.

Statewide ‑&nbsp;160‑106 KA‑4749‑01 ‑ K‑34, U.S. 283 and U.S. 160, signing, 57.5 miles,&nbsp;Signs Up LTD DBA Haren's Trees And Critters, Webster City, Iowa, $216,938.17.

Statewide ‑&nbsp;106 KA‑4749‑02 – U.S. 283, K-147 and K-4 in Ness, Lane, Trego and Rush counties, signing, 56.8 miles,&nbsp;Martin Outdoor Enterprises Inc., Pittsburg, Kan., $448,850.90.

Statewide ‑&nbsp;106 KA‑5698‑01 ‑ Various locations in District Six in the counties Kearny, Grant, Stanton, Morton, Finney, Haskell, Ford, Gray, Clark and Hodgeman, milling,&nbsp;Dustrol Inc., Towanda, Kan., $24,845.66.

The following projects were approved from the July 22, 2020, letting.

Atchison ‑&nbsp;3 C‑4959‑01 – Bridge over Tributary to Stranger Creek located 1.7 miles south and 1.9 miles east of Effingham, bridge replacement, 0.1 mile,&nbsp;King Construction Company Inc. &amp; Subsidiaries, Hesston, Kan., $361,960.07.

Riley ‑&nbsp;81 U‑2361‑01 – Bridge over Dry Branch located approximately 200 feet northeast of the intersection of 12th Street and Elm Street in Ogden, bridge replacement, 0.1 mile,&nbsp;Ebert Construction Co Inc &amp; Subsidiary, Wamego, Kan., $214,319.34.

Russell ‑&nbsp;84 C‑4933‑01 ‑ Major collectors located south of I‑70 in the county, signing, 120.0 miles,&nbsp;Martin Outdoor Enterprises Inc., Pittsburg, Kan., $164,820.70.

Labette ‑&nbsp;59‑50 KA‑5154‑01 – U.S. 59, from 75 feet north of Commerce Street north 1,420 feet, pavement reconstruction, 0.3 mile,&nbsp;Mission Construction Co. Inc., St. Paul, Kan., $1,346,559.50.

Butler ‑&nbsp;8 N‑0685‑01 ‑ Pedestrian/bike path on North Andover Road from U.S. 54 to Central Avenue in Andover, pedestrian and bicycle paths, 1.0 mile,&nbsp;Pearson Construction LLC, Wichita, Kan., $850,924.40.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/8/1564755565813.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>KDOTTOPEKA - The Kansas Department of Transportation announces approved bids for state highway construction and maintenance projects in Kansas. The letting took place Aug. 19, 2020, in Topeka. Some of the bids may include multiple projects that have been bundled based on proximity and type of work.District One — NortheastLeavenworth ‑&nbsp;92‑52 KA‑5619‑01 ‑ K‑92, bridge #026 over the Missouri River located just east of Union Pacific Railroad and East Dakota Street, bridge,&nbsp;Clarkson Construction Company, Kansas City, Mo., $414,911.04.Wyandotte ‑&nbsp;169‑105 KA‑5613‑01 – U.S. 169, bridges #072 and #287 over the Kansas River and railroad yard located 0.55 mile north of I‑35 in Kansas City, bridge repair,&nbsp;Clarkson Construction Company, Kansas City, Mo., $3,200,088.11.Statewide ‑&nbsp;106 KA‑5837‑01 ‑ Various locations in District One in the counties Johnson, Wyandotte, Leavenworth, Atchison, Jackson, Jefferson, Osage, Lyon, Pottawatomie, Riley and Marshall, milling,&nbsp;Bettis Asphalt &amp; Construction Inc., Topeka, Kan., $27,515.00.District Four — SoutheastFranklin ‑&nbsp;33‑30 KA‑3951‑01 ‑ K‑33, Bridge #064 over the Burlington Northern and Santa Fe Railway located 0.79 mile north of the I‑35/K‑33 junction in the City of Wellsville, bridge replacement,&nbsp;Pyramid Contractors Inc., and Pyramid Properties Inc., Olathe, Kan., $4,750,477.53.Wilson ‑&nbsp;400‑103 KA‑5048‑02 – U.S. 400, from the Wilson/Greenwood county line east to the K‑47 junction, guard fence, 12.0 miles,&nbsp;Bettis Asphalt &amp; Construction Inc., Topeka, Kan., $323,780.56.District Five — South CentralButler ‑&nbsp;54‑8 KA‑5605‑01 – U.S. 54, from the east city limits of Augusta east to the U.S. 54/K‑77/U.S. 400 junction, 4-inch overlay, 7.0 miles,&nbsp;APAC-Kansas Inc. Shears Division, Hutchinson, Kan., $10,759,743.45.Rush ‑&nbsp;83 C‑4932‑01 ‑ Various major collector roads including RS587, RS44, RS585, RS584 and RS524 in the county, pavement marking, 42.0 miles,&nbsp;Roadsafe Traffic Systems Inc., El Dorado, Kan., $170,031.13.District Six — SouthwestHodgeman ‑&nbsp;42 C‑4964‑01 – Major and minor collector roads in the northeast quarter of the county and RS 313, signing, 50.0 miles,&nbsp;Mission Construction Co. Inc., St. Paul, Kan., $48,974.16.Ness ‑&nbsp;04‑68 KA‑4049‑01 ‑ K‑4, from the west city limits of Brownell east to the east city limits, grade and surfacing, 0.3 mile,&nbsp;Morgan Brothers Construction, Inc., Lacrosse, Kan., $1,255,131.01.Statewide ‑&nbsp;160‑106 KA‑4749‑01 ‑ K‑34, U.S. 283 and U.S. 160, signing, 57.5 miles,&nbsp;Signs Up LTD DBA Haren's Trees And Critters, Webster City, Iowa, $216,938.17.Statewide ‑&nbsp;106 KA‑4749‑02 – U.S. 283, K-147 and K-4 in Ness, Lane, Trego and Rush counties, signing, 56.8 miles,&nbsp;Martin Outdoor Enterprises Inc., Pittsburg, Kan., $448,850.90.Statewide ‑&nbsp;106 KA‑5698‑01 ‑ Various locations in District Six in the counties Kearny, Grant, Stanton, Morton, Finney, Haskell, Ford, Gray, Clark and Hodgeman, milling,&nbsp;Dustrol Inc., Towanda, Kan., $24,845.66.The following projects were approved from the July 22, 2020, letting.Atchison ‑&nbsp;3 C‑4959‑01 – Bridge over Tributary to Stranger Creek located 1.7 miles south and 1.9 miles east of Effingham, bridge replacement, 0.1 mile,&nbsp;King Construction Company Inc. &amp; Subsidiaries, Hesston, Kan., $361,960.07.Riley ‑&nbsp;81 U‑2361‑01 – Bridge over Dry Branch located approximately 200 feet northeast of the intersection of 12th Street and Elm Street in Ogden, bridge replacement, 0.1 mile,&nbsp;Ebert Construction Co Inc &amp; Subsidiary, Wamego, Kan., $214,319.34.Russell ‑&nbsp;84 C‑4933‑01 ‑ Major collectors located south of I‑70 in the county, signing, 120.0 miles,&nbsp;Martin Outdoor Enterprises Inc., Pittsburg, Kan., $164,820.70.Labette ‑&nbsp;59‑50 KA‑5154‑01 – U.S. 59, from 75 feet north of Commerce Street north 1,420 feet, pavement reconstruction, 0.3 mile,&nbsp;Mission Construction Co. Inc., St. Paul, Kan., $1,346,559.50.Butler ‑&nbsp;8 N‑0685‑01 ‑ Pedestrian/bike path on North Andover Road from U.S. 54 to Central Avenue in Andover, pedestrian and bicycle paths, 1.0 mile,&nbsp;Pearson Construction LLC, Wichita, Kan., $850,924.40.

Highway improvements upcoming in NW Kan. counties

BY STACY CAMPBELL Cottonwood Extension District

The latest USDA-National Agricultural Statistics Service Crop Progress and Condition report for Kansas on August 6th classified 53% of the corn crop as ‘good’ or ‘excellent’ condition. Overall, 31% of Kansas’ corn is mature with 4% harvested.

The weather conditions experienced from late July to end of August are critical for corn as related to the grain-filling rate and determining final grain weight. In the month of August temperature and precipitation have split across the state, with cooler-than-normal conditions in the south central and southeast, while warmer conditions have dominated in the west. Most of the state had below-normal precipitation, despite isolated pockets of heaver precipitation.

In recent years, a common question from producers around the state, relates to the dry down rate for corn when approaching the end of the season. Based on previous information, the average dry down rate depends on the weather, primarily temperature and moisture conditions – but it might range from 1% in late August to less than 0.5% per day in October.

The weather outlook in early September calls for an increased chance of cooler-than-normal temperatures with chances for below-normal precipitation for all but the southeastern corner of the state.

Grain water loss occurs at different rates but with two distinct phases: 1) before “black layer” or maturity, and 2) after black layer.&nbsp;

To properly address questions from many producers on the rate of dry down, a study by K-State Research &amp; Extension agronomy is underway to investigate the grain dry down rate from the moment of “black layer” until commercial harvest grain moisture was reached. For the conditions experienced in 2017 and 2018 seasons (from late August until mid-September), the overall dry down rate was around 1% per day (from 36-35% to 15-17% grain moisture) – taking an overall period between 18-to-21 days.

&nbsp;*Note: It is desired to reach harvest with 15.5% grain moisture to maximize the final grain volume to be sold, thus the importance of timing harvest with the right grain moisture content.

It is expected that the dry down rate will decrease to &lt;0.5% per day for late-planted corn entering reproductive stages later in the growing season. Expect a similar decrease for corn that was exposed to late-season stress conditions (e.g., drought, heat). Under these conditions, maturity may be reached with high grain water content and the last stages after black layer formation could face lower temperatures and higher humidity. These main factors should be considered when the time comes to schedule corn harvest. You can track temperature and humidity levels on the Kansas Mesonet web site at <a href="http://mesonet.k-state.edu/weather/historical/">http://mesonet.k-state.edu/weather/historical/</a> by selecting the station and time period of interest.

Stacy Campbell is an Agriculture and Natural Resources agent in the Cottonwood District (which includes Barton and Ellis counties) for K-State Research and Extension. You can contact him by e-mail at scampbel@ksu.edu or calling 785-628-9430.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/9/1600113157064.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>BY STACY CAMPBELL Cottonwood Extension DistrictThe latest USDA-National Agricultural Statistics Service Crop Progress and Condition report for Kansas on August 6th classified 53% of the corn crop as ‘good’ or ‘excellent’ condition. Overall, 31% of Kansas’ corn is mature with 4% harvested.The weather conditions experienced from late July to end of August are critical for corn as related to the grain-filling rate and determining final grain weight. In the month of August temperature and precipitation have split across the state, with cooler-than-normal conditions in the south central and southeast, while warmer conditions have dominated in the west. Most of the state had below-normal precipitation, despite isolated pockets of heaver precipitation.In recent years, a common question from producers around the state, relates to the dry down rate for corn when approaching the end of the season. Based on previous information, the average dry down rate depends on the weather, primarily temperature and moisture conditions – but it might range from 1% in late August to less than 0.5% per day in October.The weather outlook in early September calls for an increased chance of cooler-than-normal temperatures with chances for below-normal precipitation for all but the southeastern corner of the state.Grain water loss occurs at different rates but with two distinct phases: 1) before “black layer” or maturity, and 2) after black layer.&nbsp;To properly address questions from many producers on the rate of dry down, a study by K-State Research &amp; Extension agronomy is underway to investigate the grain dry down rate from the moment of “black layer” until commercial harvest grain moisture was reached. For the conditions experienced in 2017 and 2018 seasons (from late August until mid-September), the overall dry down rate was around 1% per day (from 36-35% to 15-17% grain moisture) – taking an overall period between 18-to-21 days.&nbsp;*Note: It is desired to reach harvest with 15.5% grain moisture to maximize the final grain volume to be sold, thus the importance of timing harvest with the right grain moisture content.The dry down process can be delayed by:<ol>
 <li>Low temperatures</li><li>High humidity</li><li>High grain moisture content at black layer (38-40%)</li>
 </ol>It is expected that the dry down rate will decrease to &lt;0.5% per day for late-planted corn entering reproductive stages later in the growing season. Expect a similar decrease for corn that was exposed to late-season stress conditions (e.g., drought, heat). Under these conditions, maturity may be reached with high grain water content and the last stages after black layer formation could face lower temperatures and higher humidity. These main factors should be considered when the time comes to schedule corn harvest. You can track temperature and humidity levels on the Kansas Mesonet web site at <a href="http://mesonet.k-state.edu/weather/historical/">http://mesonet.k-state.edu/weather/historical/</a> by selecting the station and time period of interest.Stacy Campbell is an Agriculture and Natural Resources agent in the Cottonwood District (which includes Barton and Ellis counties) for K-State Research and Extension. You can contact him by e-mail at scampbel@ksu.edu or calling 785-628-9430.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/11/1574181994278.png" alt="Stacy Campbell" />
 <figcaption>Stacy Campbell</figcaption>
 </figure>

CAMPBELL: Rate of dry down in corn before harvest

PHILLIPS COUNTY—One person was injured in an accident just after 1p.m. Wednesday in Phillips County.

The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a 2013 Freightliner semi driven by Garry L. Thomas, 53, Beloit, was eastbound on Kansas 9 at East 500 Road.

The semi rear-ended a 2002 Kenworth semi driven by Darcie L.Vanallen, 57, Phillipsburg, that was slowing to&nbsp;&nbsp;make a left turn northbound onto E500 Road.

EMS transported&nbsp;Vanallen to the hospital in Phillipsburg. Thomas was not injured. Both drivers were properly restrained at the time of the accident, according to the KHP.

PHILLIPS COUNTY—One person was injured in an accident just after 1p.m. Wednesday in Phillips County.The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a 2013 Freightliner semi driven by Garry L. Thomas, 53, Beloit, was eastbound on Kansas 9 at East 500 Road.The semi rear-ended a 2002 Kenworth semi driven by Darcie L.Vanallen, 57, Phillipsburg, that was slowing to&nbsp;&nbsp;make a left turn northbound onto E500 Road.EMS transported&nbsp;Vanallen to the hospital in Phillipsburg. Thomas was not injured. Both drivers were properly restrained at the time of the accident, according to the KHP.

Kan. woman hospitalized after rear-end semi crash

TOPEKA – The Kansas Department of Health and Environment has issued a boil water advisory
for a portion of Ellis Co. Rural Water District 1C public water supply system. The
advisory applies to customers located in the city of Antonino only. This advisory is not related to the
COVID-19 pandemic.


Customers should observe the following precautions until further notice:


KDHETOPEKA – The Kansas Department of Health and Environment has issued a boil water advisory
for a portion of Ellis Co. Rural Water District 1C public water supply system. The
advisory applies to customers located in the city of Antonino only. This advisory is not related to the
COVID-19 pandemic.
Customers should observe the following precautions until further notice:
<ol>
 <li>If your tap water appears dirty, flush the water lines by letting the water run until it clears.

						</li><li>Boil water for one minute prior to drinking or food preparation or use bottled water.

						</li><li>Dispose of ice cubes and do not use ice from a household automatic icemaker.

						</li><li>Disinfect dishes and other food contact surfaces by immersion for at least one minute in clean tap
water that contains one teaspoon of unscented household bleach per gallon of water.

						</li><li>Water used for bathing does not generally need to be boiled. Supervision of children is necessary
while bathing so that water is not ingested. Persons with cuts or severe rashes may wish to consult
their physicians.
The advisory took effect on September 16 and will remain in effect until the conditions that placed the
system at risk of bacterial contamination are resolved. KDHE officials issued the advisory due to water
system repairs resulting in loss of pressure. Failure to maintain adequate pressure may result in a loss of
chlorine residuals and bacterial contamination.
Regardless of whether the public water supplier or KDHE announced a boil water advisory, only KDHE
can issue the rescind order following testing at a certified laboratory.

						</li>
 </ol>

Boil order issued for rural Ellis Co. water district

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

<div><iframe title="Hays Chamber readies for golf tournament Friday" height="400" width="400" style="border: none;" scrolling="no" data-name="pb-iframe-player" src="https://www.podbean.com/media/player/6czst-ebd41c?from=pb6admin&download=1&version=1&vjs=1&auto=1&share=1&download=1&rtl=0&fonts=Helvetica&skin=3&pfauth="></iframe></div><a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/5dd2f46c897d147ad4bb104b">To find out more about The Post Podcast, or subscribe to mobile&nbsp;</a><a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/5dd2f46c897d147ad4bb104b">notifications click here.</a>

🎙 Post Podcast: Hays Chamber readies for golf tournament Friday

The Ellis County Health Department on Wednesday announced 19 new cases of COVID-19 have been identified in the county.

There are currently 162 active cases of coronavirus in Ellis County, including eight active hospitalizations, and 548 recovered cases.

The seven-day percent of positive tests rose slightly to 16.1 percent after several days of declining. Overall, 700 of the 5,423 total tests have returned positive for COVID-19, or 12.7 percent.

Since reporting began, the department has reported 713 cases of COVID-19, including three deaths.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/9/1600284053619.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>The Ellis County Health Department on Wednesday announced 19 new cases of COVID-19 have been identified in the county.There are currently 162 active cases of coronavirus in Ellis County, including eight active hospitalizations, and 548 recovered cases.The seven-day percent of positive tests rose slightly to 16.1 percent after several days of declining. Overall, 700 of the 5,423 total tests have returned positive for COVID-19, or 12.7 percent.Since reporting began, the department has reported 713 cases of COVID-19, including three deaths.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/9/1600284194977.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>

19 new cases of COVID-19 in Ellis Co., eight hospitalized

While the beloved house cat can be a rewarding companion in the home, too much of any good thing is almost always a problem. 

While some enjoy the company of cats inside the home and out, cities across the region are struggling to tackle a growing cat population, a problem that is likely to become worse unless measures are taken to stem the tide of rising feral cat populations.

“It’s throughout the state,” said Betty Hansen, manager of the Humane Society of the High Plains. “We get so many
calls from these small towns about their feral cat population. It just keeps
growing and growing.”

Ellis is among those cities reeling from citizen concerns. During a recent work session, the city council discussed the problem and possible solutions with Hays Animal Control Officer Nikki Hausler.

“The most important thing that I can tell you is that if you
continue to do nothing, that is the absolute worst thing you could do,” she told the council.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/9/1599767098206.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure><div><iframe title="Humane society see late influx of cats" height="122" width="100%" style="border: none;" scrolling="no" data-name="pb-iframe-player" src="https://www.podbean.com/media/player/wj9j2-eb1279?from=pb6admin&download=1&version=1&auto=1&share=1&download=1&rtl=0&fonts=Helvetica&skin=3&pfauth=&btn-skin=101"></iframe></div>By JAMES BELL Hays PostWhile the beloved house cat can be a rewarding companion in the home, too much of any good thing is almost always a problem. While some enjoy the company of cats inside the home and out, cities across the region are struggling to tackle a growing cat population, a problem that is likely to become worse unless measures are taken to stem the tide of rising feral cat populations.“It’s throughout the state,” said Betty Hansen, manager of the Humane Society of the High Plains. “We get so many
calls from these small towns about their feral cat population. It just keeps
growing and growing.”Ellis is among those cities reeling from citizen concerns. During a recent work session, the city council discussed the problem and possible solutions with Hays Animal Control Officer Nikki Hausler.“The most important thing that I can tell you is that if you
continue to do nothing, that is the absolute worst thing you could do,” she told the council.But by no means is it a problem exclusive to Ellis."Even in Hays, there is a tremendous amount of ferals,” Hansen
said.“It’s a problem everywhere, not just in our county,” she said. “In all the surrounding counties, we get calls almost every day.”But combating the problem can be difficult — and expensive.“They can multiply so quickly it makes the situation almost unbearable,” Hansen said.Part of the reason for the high cost is a very low percentage of animals getting returned to the owners,&nbsp;Hausler said.“Over an eight-year period, we impounded over 2,240 cats (in Hays),” she said, noting only about 5 percent of impounded cats are claimed.She estimated around $35,000 per year is spent on control feral cats in Hays alone.In the city of Ellis, where there is no city cat registration, the problem is compounded even more, as some residents take on feeding neighborhood cats, with little ability to regulate populations in a neighborhood.While cities like Hays can spend money to help control the problem, smaller towns without a dedicated group of animal control officers, the cost can be prohibitive.“Cats are going to be very expensive,” Hausler said. “They
probably make up 70 percent of the cost (of animal control) to the city of Hays.”Animal shelters such as the Humane Society of the High Plains do not take feral cats, leaving tough choices for city leaders wanting to control the cat populations.“The problem is if you start trapping you are going to have
to have an animal control officer, or somebody that is willing to drive them to
the vet clinics,” Hausler said.Ellis Mayor Dave McDaniel said he had no desire for Ellis police officers or public works employees to be responsible for trapping and transporting feral cats.And a part-time person is also problematic, due to the continuing need to monitor the traps.“It’s a really tough situation, and I don’t know if it ever
going to get fixed,” Hansen said.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/9/1599767123118.jpeg" alt="" />
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 </figure><h2>No perfect solutions</h2>While there are options for controlling the feral cat populations, none are a perfect solution — and some are simply illegal.Within city limits where the populations are problematic, individuals trapping the animals for release outside the area is considered animal abandonment and is prohibited.It is also illegal for citizens to kill the animals.“Not only is it illegal to shoot in town, it is also cruelty to animals,”&nbsp;Hausler said.A method that is gaining popularity is what is commonly referred to as Trap-Neuter-Return-Monitor and is likely the best option."TNRM is the method of humanely trapping community cats, having them spayed or neutered and vaccinated against rabies, and then returning them to their colony to live out their lives," according to the&nbsp;American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals.In theory, those cats then do not reproduce and keep other cats from entering the area, creating what is referred to as a cat colony.But again this method of control is costly and requires dedicated staff to implement.In Hays since 2009, 309 cats have been released through the program, with a limit set to five cats in a neighborhood at a cost of about $100 per cat.“So it’s pretty costly,”&nbsp;Hausler said.The location of a cat colony is also a concern, and the number of neighbors that need to sign off on it can become problematic.“If there is anybody (in the neighborhood) that absolutely despises cats, then we can’t help,” Hausler said.People moving in and out of the colony areas also can cause problems, if the colony is not wanted by a new resident, she said.Trapped feral cats can also be released into the county when done properly and can be beneficial.Hausler said some veterinarians can work with local farmers to move the cats to the country, but there is still a&nbsp;cost associated with leaving a cat with a local veterinarian to be placed on a farm.The work of trapping cats for either community TNRM or farm placement should be handled by a professional if possible, Hausler said, adding to the cost of control.<figure>
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 </figure><h2>Humane Society of the High Plains offers cat specials to alleviate full shelter</h2>Even without taking in feral cats, the Humane Society is currently working to place cats that are currently in the shelter.“Right now, we are completely full,” Hansen said.In an effort to create room in the shelter and place cats the society is currently running a special — one cat for $15 or two for $25 with a spay or neuter deposit of $50.The society only works with domesticated cats, due to the inability to tame a feral cat.“There is no reasoning with a feral cat, nothing but claws and jaws,” Hansen said.Hansen said that is a primary reason they continually share the importance of spaying and neutering pets and keeping pets that are not fixed inside.There are currently three litters in the facility and 25 kittens on a waiting
list made up of only six or seven litters.The influx of cats this late in the year has been a surprise at the shelter, Hansen said.“It’s odd this year because we are really seeing the cats
coming in a lot later than normal,” she said.From May to June, the shelter typically sees an influx of cats, tapering off by fall.“Now were are seeing the influx that we normally see in late
spring,” Hansen said.“The cat situation has us kind of confused this year,” she said.

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