Kansas faces many challenges and the 2021 legislative session will be one of the most consequential in our state’s history.&nbsp;

During August, we’ve seen lawmakers start the process for the 2021 session by convening a series of select committees that were formed to take testimony, study the issues and prepare recommendations for lawmakers to consider when they convene in regular session in January. This year’s select committees are looking at economic recovery, emergency management, foster care and mental health.&nbsp;

Select committees are a normal part of the legislative process and this year’s groups are starting early, which is good. Some of the past panels held their only meetings for a day or two in November and December, looking to cram testimony and thoughtful deliberation into what amounted to six to 12 hours of work in Topeka. Not a lot of time to study issues and leading to questions on how useful these panels are.&nbsp;

While it is good to see the select committees starting work now and laying out plans for more hearings to get a comprehensive view of the issues in their portfolio, the question is will these panels have a long-term impact. Hours of hearings and thoughtful deliberation cannot have any impact if the final report ends up collecting dust on some committee chair’s bookshelf.&nbsp;

Kansas cannot afford for this year’s select committees to issue recommendations that do not move our state forward and address our most pressing issues. Our state’s economic recovery will be one of our most important concerns in 2021 and the initial testimony shows how important it is.&nbsp;

This year showed a need to address our state’s emergency management system and its impact on all sectors of Kansas. While we have not spent much time thinking about this in the past, we have now seen a need to address this system.&nbsp;

Mental health plays a key role in many aspects of society and there are many advocates for mental health in Topeka. This committee is a good step and the panel does consist of many legislative advocates for mental health policy.&nbsp;

Our state’s foster care system has been in crisis for years and the issues facing our state’s most vulnerable children are immense. The foster care committee seems to be acknowledging this by spending the first two days of hearings just going through the issues and any pending work. This includes the work several years ago by a child welfare task force the Legislature created. The committee has also outlined an aggressive set of hearings to put a report together.&nbsp;

Our foster care system has been studied to death and at times there seems to be only baby steps to move forward. We need to make sure that this time we take steps to move forward to help our children.&nbsp;

Topeka has had too many examples of reports being commissioned and then just collecting dust. The government efficiency report is a prime example. There are also a few examples of studies that impacted good policy, like the 2018 transportation task force.&nbsp;

Time and effort are going into this year’s select committees. Taxpayer money is being spent on these meetings. As a state we need to make sure that this year’s efforts move our state forward and serve as a blueprint for 2021 and not as a decoration on a bookshelf.&nbsp;

Wink Hartman is the CEO of the Hartman Group of Companies in Wichita and the 2018 Republican nominee for lieutenant governor.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/12/1576860566850.jpeg" alt="Wink Hartman is the CEO of the Hartman Group of Companies in Wichita and the 2018 Republican nominee for lieutenant governor. " />
 <figcaption>Wink Hartman is the CEO of the Hartman Group of Companies in Wichita and the 2018 Republican nominee for lieutenant governor. </figcaption>
 </figure>By WINK HARTMANKansas faces many challenges and the 2021 legislative session will be one of the most consequential in our state’s history.&nbsp;During August, we’ve seen lawmakers start the process for the 2021 session by convening a series of select committees that were formed to take testimony, study the issues and prepare recommendations for lawmakers to consider when they convene in regular session in January. This year’s select committees are looking at economic recovery, emergency management, foster care and mental health.&nbsp;<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/12/1575913663048.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Select committees are a normal part of the legislative process and this year’s groups are starting early, which is good. Some of the past panels held their only meetings for a day or two in November and December, looking to cram testimony and thoughtful deliberation into what amounted to six to 12 hours of work in Topeka. Not a lot of time to study issues and leading to questions on how useful these panels are.&nbsp;While it is good to see the select committees starting work now and laying out plans for more hearings to get a comprehensive view of the issues in their portfolio, the question is will these panels have a long-term impact. Hours of hearings and thoughtful deliberation cannot have any impact if the final report ends up collecting dust on some committee chair’s bookshelf.&nbsp;Kansas cannot afford for this year’s select committees to issue recommendations that do not move our state forward and address our most pressing issues. Our state’s economic recovery will be one of our most important concerns in 2021 and the initial testimony shows how important it is.&nbsp;This year showed a need to address our state’s emergency management system and its impact on all sectors of Kansas. While we have not spent much time thinking about this in the past, we have now seen a need to address this system.&nbsp;Mental health plays a key role in many aspects of society and there are many advocates for mental health in Topeka. This committee is a good step and the panel does consist of many legislative advocates for mental health policy.&nbsp;Our state’s foster care system has been in crisis for years and the issues facing our state’s most vulnerable children are immense. The foster care committee seems to be acknowledging this by spending the first two days of hearings just going through the issues and any pending work. This includes the work several years ago by a child welfare task force the Legislature created. The committee has also outlined an aggressive set of hearings to put a report together.&nbsp;Our foster care system has been studied to death and at times there seems to be only baby steps to move forward. We need to make sure that this time we take steps to move forward to help our children.&nbsp;Topeka has had too many examples of reports being commissioned and then just collecting dust. The government efficiency report is a prime example. There are also a few examples of studies that impacted good policy, like the 2018 transportation task force.&nbsp;Time and effort are going into this year’s select committees. Taxpayer money is being spent on these meetings. As a state we need to make sure that this year’s efforts move our state forward and serve as a blueprint for 2021 and not as a decoration on a bookshelf.&nbsp;Wink Hartman is the CEO of the Hartman Group of Companies in Wichita and the 2018 Republican nominee for lieutenant governor.&nbsp;

OPINION: Kan. legislative committees must move state forward

By BECKY KISER Hays Post

The mayor of Hays woke up early Saturday morning to find his family's three vehicles had been vandalized.

Shaun Musil is unsure if the incident is related to Thursday's <a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/71b2e036-1db2-45b6-86a9-c9d86520f000">contentious city commission meeting</a> where an extension of the city's face mask ordinance was approved 3-2 to continue through Oct. 5.

Musil voted in favor of the extension after a long discussion among the commissioners and hearing from five residents opposed to the ordinance.&nbsp;

At one point during the meeting, Musil had an audience member escorted from the room during the commission discussion.

"The vehicles had been TP'ed (toilet paper) and red paint sprayed on them," Musil said Tuesday morning. "There were also rolls of toilet paper in the trees which have since fallen to the ground."&nbsp;

Two of the vehicles were in Musil's driveway. A third was parked on the street.&nbsp;

The 2 inches of rain that fell late Friday night mostly dissolved the toilet paper and also made it a little easier to get the paint off, he said.

"Just took a little bit of elbow grease and a towel."

The father of three children, Musil said he was most concerned about his young daughter being scared by the situation.

Musil said a neighbor told him he also had some vandalism Friday night.

The incident is under investigation by the Hays Police Department.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/9/1598979112303.jpeg" alt="Shaun Musil, Hays mayor" />
 <figcaption>Shaun Musil, Hays mayor</figcaption>
 </figure>By BECKY KISER Hays PostThe mayor of Hays woke up early Saturday morning to find his family's three vehicles had been vandalized.Shaun Musil is unsure if the incident is related to Thursday's <a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/71b2e036-1db2-45b6-86a9-c9d86520f000">contentious city commission meeting</a> where an extension of the city's face mask ordinance was approved 3-2 to continue through Oct. 5.Musil voted in favor of the extension after a long discussion among the commissioners and hearing from five residents opposed to the ordinance.&nbsp;At one point during the meeting, Musil had an audience member escorted from the room during the commission discussion."The vehicles had been TP'ed (toilet paper) and red paint sprayed on them," Musil said Tuesday morning. "There were also rolls of toilet paper in the trees which have since fallen to the ground."&nbsp;Two of the vehicles were in Musil's driveway. A third was parked on the street.&nbsp;The 2 inches of rain that fell late Friday night mostly dissolved the toilet paper and also made it a little easier to get the paint off, he said."Just took a little bit of elbow grease and a towel."The father of three children, Musil said he was most concerned about his young daughter being scared by the situation.Musil said a neighbor told him he also had some vandalism Friday night.The incident is under investigation by the Hays Police Department.

Mayor's vehicles vandalized; police investigation underway

The Trego County Health Department on Tuesday announced four new cases of COVID-19 in the county.

Trego County currently has 30 total cases, including 14 active cases, 15 recovered and one death.

Among the new cases is one additional Trego County-Lemke Memorial Long Term Care resident. There have been a total of five residents test positive there.

There is a mask mandate in effect at both the hospital and the long-term care unit.

Kathleen Fabrizius, Trego County Emergency Management director, said last week the uptick in cases is related exposure at a recent event.&nbsp;

The Trego County Health Department on Tuesday announced four new cases of COVID-19 in the county.Trego County currently has 30 total cases, including 14 active cases, 15 recovered and one death.Among the new cases is one additional Trego County-Lemke Memorial Long Term Care resident. There have been a total of five residents test positive there.There is a mask mandate in effect at both the hospital and the long-term care unit.Kathleen Fabrizius, Trego County Emergency Management director, said last week the uptick in cases is related exposure at a recent event.&nbsp;<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/9/1598979380228.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>

Four new coronavirus cases reported from Trego Co. cluster

Beginning Tuesday, APAC, a contractor for the City
 of Hays, will be doing chip seal at various locations throughout the 
city. &nbsp;

The chip seal treatment is a spray applied oil followed 
immediately by small rock chips. Traffic will be limited during a very 
short period of time when the streets are being sealed. Vehicles must 
not be parked on the street prior to chip sealing, and the street should
 not be wet, so sprinkler systems should not spray on the street prior 
to chip sealing. &nbsp;The attached map is preliminary and may be subject to 
weather, mechanical failures, or other production issues; therefore, 
adjacent property owners will be notified prior to sealing of the 
streets. The work is estimated to be completed in three days (weather 
permitting).&nbsp;

&nbsp;Signs will be in place to direct the traveling 
public. The traveling public should use caution and avoid driving in the
 wet oil.&nbsp; For more information, call (785) 628-7350.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/9/1598976560196.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>City of HaysBeginning Tuesday, APAC, a contractor for the City
 of Hays, will be doing chip seal at various locations throughout the 
city. &nbsp;The chip seal treatment is a spray applied oil followed 
immediately by small rock chips. Traffic will be limited during a very 
short period of time when the streets are being sealed. Vehicles must 
not be parked on the street prior to chip sealing, and the street should
 not be wet, so sprinkler systems should not spray on the street prior 
to chip sealing. &nbsp;The attached map is preliminary and may be subject to 
weather, mechanical failures, or other production issues; therefore, 
adjacent property owners will be notified prior to sealing of the 
streets. The work is estimated to be completed in three days (weather 
permitting).&nbsp;&nbsp;Signs will be in place to direct the traveling 
public. The traveling public should use caution and avoid driving in the
 wet oil.&nbsp; For more information, call (785) 628-7350.

Chip seal work begins Tuesday on Hays streets

<a>Officials from the Kansas Department of Transportation and the Kansas Department of Wildlife, Parks and Tourism celebrated the reopening of the bridge over the Cedar Bluff reservoir on K-147 in Trego County during a ribbon cutting ceremony today.</a>

Built in conjunction with the construction of the reservoir and dam, the original steel-tied arch bridge was completed in the early 1950s. Although it had been maintained and repaired through the years, public safety concerns about structural deficiencies prompted KDOT to close the bridge in June 2019.

To minimize the closure’s impact on the surrounding area, KDOT was able to quickly develop and finalize plans for the replacement bridge. Construction began in February 2020 and was closely coordinated with the Bureau of Reclamation since the structure is attached to the dam walls. The bridge was reopened on Aug. 17.

“This project is a good example of various stakeholders working together to accomplish a common goal,” said KDOT area engineer Kevin Zimmer. “We know how important this bridge is to visitors traveling into the state park and to the farming community, so we are pleased that we could deliver a finished product ahead of the Labor Day holiday and fall harvest.”

Wildcat Construction of Wichita was the primary contractor for the $2.2 million project.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/9/1598975189589.jpeg" alt="Officals from KDOT, KDWPT, the Bureau of Reclamation and the Smoky Hills Scenic Byway committee, along with Sen. Rick Billinger and Rep. Don Hineman, cut the ribbon to commemorate the reopening of the Cedar Bluff reservoir bridge on K-147 in Trego County." />
 <figcaption>Officals from KDOT, KDWPT, the Bureau of Reclamation and the Smoky Hills Scenic Byway committee, along with Sen. Rick Billinger and Rep. Don Hineman, cut the ribbon to commemorate the reopening of the Cedar Bluff reservoir bridge on K-147 in Trego County.</figcaption>
 </figure>KDOT<a>Officials from the Kansas Department of Transportation and the Kansas Department of Wildlife, Parks and Tourism celebrated the reopening of the bridge over the Cedar Bluff reservoir on K-147 in Trego County during a ribbon cutting ceremony today.</a>Built in conjunction with the construction of the reservoir and dam, the original steel-tied arch bridge was completed in the early 1950s. Although it had been maintained and repaired through the years, public safety concerns about structural deficiencies prompted KDOT to close the bridge in June 2019.To minimize the closure’s impact on the surrounding area, KDOT was able to quickly develop and finalize plans for the replacement bridge. Construction began in February 2020 and was closely coordinated with the Bureau of Reclamation since the structure is attached to the dam walls. The bridge was reopened on Aug. 17.“This project is a good example of various stakeholders working together to accomplish a common goal,” said KDOT area engineer Kevin Zimmer. “We know how important this bridge is to visitors traveling into the state park and to the farming community, so we are pleased that we could deliver a finished product ahead of the Labor Day holiday and fall harvest.”Wildcat Construction of Wichita was the primary contractor for the $2.2 million project.

KDOT hosts ribbon cutting for Cedar Bluff bridge

By NOAH TABORDA <a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2020/09/01/kansas-universities-see-jump-in-covid-19-cases-as-students-congregate/">Kansas Reflector</a>

Ellis County is 
experiencing a surge in COVID-19 cases since students and employees 
returned for class at Fort Hays State University.

Although the university 
has mostly conducted testing on a voluntary basis, it has recorded 90 
positive cases from a campus population of 5,200. That’s also more than 
half of the 179 active cases in Ellis County.

At the university’s 
student health center, testing is conducted for symptomatic patients. 
Results have been alarming as 33 of 56 have tested positive for the 
virus.

“We did not know what to 
expect because testing was voluntary, and like many universities, we saw
 a spike that first weekend,” said FHSU spokesman Scott Cason. “Ellis 
County health department has credited that spike to student activity and
 gatherings.”

Universities and colleges 
of all sizes across Kansas are seeing a spike in case numbers as 
students return to campus, due in part to mass gatherings at dormitories
 and Greek life.

Amid those campus 
clusters, Kansas hit record case numbers. The Kansas Department of 
Health and Environment reported 1,564 new cases over the weekend, 
bringing the total to 42,162 statewide.

Gov. Laura Kelly said 
Friday if proper protocols are not in place soon, university students 
pose a serious threat of becoming “super-spreaders” for COVID-19.

College campuses are the 
perfect environment for outbreaks to occur, Kelly said, pointing to the 
University of Kansas, where the Douglas County Health Department <a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2020/08/26/douglas-county-health-officials-issuing-quarantine-to-10-greek-houses-at-ku/">quarantined 10 sorority and fraternity houses last week</a>.

“We need to, now, move 
into prevention and make sure we have protocols in place and 
accountability in place,” the governor said. “We just can’t let this 
continue to happen. These same kids who are in fraternities and 
sororities or at mass gatherings at dorms are going back into the 
communities, and we can’t have them become super spreaders.”

KDHE will soon begin to 
report case data by school and university, said Kansas Department of 
Health and Environment secretary Lee Norman.

In a briefing with Steve 
Stites, chief medical officer for the University of Kansas Health 
System, Norman said he is closely monitoring this trend.

“We’ve already seen 
hundreds of cases popping up in college settings, and a lot of those 
weren’t locally transmitted. They were brought in from their 
communities,” Norman said.

At larger universities 
under the Kansas Board of Regents, cases are rising quickly. As of Aug. 
27, KU reported 474 positive cases from among 21,719 test results, for a
 positivity rate of 2.2%.

The Greek life community reported much higher numbers. Of 2,698 tested, 270 tested positive, a rate of 10.01%.

Despite the unusually high
 positivity rate among fraternities and sororities, KU chancellor Doug 
Girod is optimistic the university can handle these outbreaks.

“The overall number of 
positive cases and positivity rate remain in line with what we have 
expected from these results so far and continue to align with what we 
are prepared to manage,” Girod said.

Kansas State University 
has seen similarly high testing returns. In the first week of testing at
 Lafene Health Center, there was an average of 13 positive tests per 
day, with a positive rate of 9.3%.

When testing volume expanded, positive cases increased to 35 per day, a positive rate of 19.1%.

“The recent outbreaks 
demonstrate the need for us to work together and keep lines of 
communication open,” said K-State president Richard Myers. “We 
appreciate the leadership shown by the representatives of these 
organizations and expect them to cooperate with our health officials. 
All of us need to work together to help mitigate the spread of this 
virus.”

Some schools, however, 
have chosen not to disclose all information to the public. Wichita State
 University is only reporting to Sedgwick County health officials. 
Hutchinson Community College only reports to Reno County.

The situations at most community colleges, private universities and technical schools around Kansas are a bit steadier.

Johnson County Community 
College only has three active cases. Highland Community College reported
 none. Northwest Kansas Technical College reported its first case on 
campus last week.

Flint Hills Technical 
College vice president of student services Lisa Kermer said the school 
currently has three active cases and seven in quarantine.

“Our cases have come from outside of campus, before school, not from interactions on our campus,” Kermer said.

Baker University, a 
private college, currently has 11 active positive cases among students 
and employees. Since returning to campus Aug. 20, there have been 24 
positive cases.

In Northeast Kansas, 
Benedictine College performed a baseline test on all 2,489 students and 
employees returning to campus. Currently, the school has 66 active 
positive cases or 2.7% of the campus population.

“Before we brought 
everyone to campus, we were told by medical professionals to expect 1% 
to 3% of the population would be positive. We are within that range,” 
said Benedictine College spokesman Steve Johnson. “Now, we need to work 
to bring it down some.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/9/1598973883471.png" alt="Like many universities and colleges across the state, Kansas State University has seen case numbers spike since school began. (Kansas State University)" />
 <figcaption>Like many universities and colleges across the state, Kansas State University has seen case numbers spike since school began. (Kansas State University)</figcaption>
 </figure>By NOAH TABORDA <a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2020/09/01/kansas-universities-see-jump-in-covid-19-cases-as-students-congregate/">Kansas Reflector</a>Ellis County is 
experiencing a surge in COVID-19 cases since students and employees 
returned for class at Fort Hays State University.Although the university 
has mostly conducted testing on a voluntary basis, it has recorded 90 
positive cases from a campus population of 5,200. That’s also more than 
half of the 179 active cases in Ellis County.At the university’s 
student health center, testing is conducted for symptomatic patients. 
Results have been alarming as 33 of 56 have tested positive for the 
virus.“We did not know what to 
expect because testing was voluntary, and like many universities, we saw
 a spike that first weekend,” said FHSU spokesman Scott Cason. “Ellis 
County health department has credited that spike to student activity and
 gatherings.”Universities and colleges 
of all sizes across Kansas are seeing a spike in case numbers as 
students return to campus, due in part to mass gatherings at dormitories
 and Greek life.Amid those campus 
clusters, Kansas hit record case numbers. The Kansas Department of 
Health and Environment reported 1,564 new cases over the weekend, 
bringing the total to 42,162 statewide.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/9/1598973939834.png" alt="Gov. Laura Kelly says protocols need to be in place to prevent students who are mass gathering on campuses from spreading COVID-19 in their communities. (Sherman Smith/Kansas Reflector)" />
 <figcaption>Gov. Laura Kelly says protocols need to be in place to prevent students who are mass gathering on campuses from spreading COVID-19 in their communities. (Sherman Smith/Kansas Reflector)</figcaption>
 </figure>Gov. Laura Kelly said 
Friday if proper protocols are not in place soon, university students 
pose a serious threat of becoming “super-spreaders” for COVID-19.College campuses are the 
perfect environment for outbreaks to occur, Kelly said, pointing to the 
University of Kansas, where the Douglas County Health Department <a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2020/08/26/douglas-county-health-officials-issuing-quarantine-to-10-greek-houses-at-ku/">quarantined 10 sorority and fraternity houses last week</a>.“We need to, now, move 
into prevention and make sure we have protocols in place and 
accountability in place,” the governor said. “We just can’t let this 
continue to happen. These same kids who are in fraternities and 
sororities or at mass gatherings at dorms are going back into the 
communities, and we can’t have them become super spreaders.”KDHE will soon begin to 
report case data by school and university, said Kansas Department of 
Health and Environment secretary Lee Norman.In a briefing with Steve 
Stites, chief medical officer for the University of Kansas Health 
System, Norman said he is closely monitoring this trend.“We’ve already seen 
hundreds of cases popping up in college settings, and a lot of those 
weren’t locally transmitted. They were brought in from their 
communities,” Norman said.At larger universities 
under the Kansas Board of Regents, cases are rising quickly. As of Aug. 
27, KU reported 474 positive cases from among 21,719 test results, for a
 positivity rate of 2.2%.The Greek life community reported much higher numbers. Of 2,698 tested, 270 tested positive, a rate of 10.01%.Despite the unusually high
 positivity rate among fraternities and sororities, KU chancellor Doug 
Girod is optimistic the university can handle these outbreaks.“The overall number of 
positive cases and positivity rate remain in line with what we have 
expected from these results so far and continue to align with what we 
are prepared to manage,” Girod said.Kansas State University 
has seen similarly high testing returns. In the first week of testing at
 Lafene Health Center, there was an average of 13 positive tests per 
day, with a positive rate of 9.3%.When testing volume expanded, positive cases increased to 35 per day, a positive rate of 19.1%.“The recent outbreaks 
demonstrate the need for us to work together and keep lines of 
communication open,” said K-State president Richard Myers. “We 
appreciate the leadership shown by the representatives of these 
organizations and expect them to cooperate with our health officials. 
All of us need to work together to help mitigate the spread of this 
virus.”Some schools, however, 
have chosen not to disclose all information to the public. Wichita State
 University is only reporting to Sedgwick County health officials. 
Hutchinson Community College only reports to Reno County.The situations at most community colleges, private universities and technical schools around Kansas are a bit steadier.Johnson County Community 
College only has three active cases. Highland Community College reported
 none. Northwest Kansas Technical College reported its first case on 
campus last week.Flint Hills Technical 
College vice president of student services Lisa Kermer said the school 
currently has three active cases and seven in quarantine.“Our cases have come from outside of campus, before school, not from interactions on our campus,” Kermer said.Baker University, a 
private college, currently has 11 active positive cases among students 
and employees. Since returning to campus Aug. 20, there have been 24 
positive cases.In Northeast Kansas, 
Benedictine College performed a baseline test on all 2,489 students and 
employees returning to campus. Currently, the school has 66 active 
positive cases or 2.7% of the campus population.“Before we brought 
everyone to campus, we were told by medical professionals to expect 1% 
to 3% of the population would be positive. We are within that range,” 
said Benedictine College spokesman Steve Johnson. “Now, we need to work 
to bring it down some.”

Kan. universities see jump in COVID-19 cases as students congregate

The W.R. and Yvonne Robbins College of Business and Entrepreneurship at Fort Hays State University is pleased to announce John Egan and Makenna Allen as recipients of the Robbins Ambassador Scholarship for the 2020-2021 academic year.

The Robbins Ambassador Scholarship is a prestigious opportunity available to undergraduate students majoring in business programs within FHSU’s Robbins College of Business and Entrepreneurship. Students apply annually through the FHSU Scholarship Services online portal. Finalists are narrowed through a competitive review process, which includes personal interviews. Students selected as recipients exemplify leadership, academic excellence, extracurricular involvement, and a desire to serve the college. Robbins Ambassadors may represent fellow students and the college at events such as Tiger Friends and Family Day, Student Recognition Programs, and networking receptions, as well as connect with prospective and current students through social media platforms.

Egan is a senior finance major with a minor in accounting and a certificate in insurance. He grew up in Wichita and is a graduate of Collegiate High School. Egan is involved in Catholic Disciples, Economics Club, Finance Club, the FHSU Honors College, Alpha Kappa Psi, serves as President of Tiger Pals, and is a VIP Ambassador. Egan received the MIIAA Academic Excellence Award during his freshman year as a member of the FHSU baseball team and has been on the Deans Honor Roll each semester.

“I am incredibly humbled to be a recipient of the Robbins Ambassador Award for the 2020-2021 school year,” Egan said. “It is because of the generosity of people like W.R. and Yvonne Robbins that students at FHSU are able to thrive inside and outside the classroom. I look forward to representing the Robbins College of Business and Entrepreneurship&nbsp;in whatever capacity is&nbsp;possible this year.”

Allen is a junior pursuing a degree in digital marketing. She is from Highlands Ranch, Colo. and is a graduate of Rock Canyon High School. She is a marketing assistant for the Department of Informatics, a sports reporter for Tiger Media Network, and a member of the FHSU Honor Society.

“I am so excited to be representing the Robbins College of Business and Entrepreneurship as a Robbins Ambassador for the 2020-2021 school year,” Allen said. “During this tumultuous year, it is very important that students understand the benefits offered by the college and that those students have a voice in our FHSU community. I am honored to have the opportunity to be part of that process.”

Dr. Muhammad Chishty, dean of the Robbins College of Business and Entrepreneurship, adds that the scholarships reward excellence and reinvest in the college’s success by providing key connections among the Robbins Ambassadors and alumni, donors, faculty, staff, and both current and prospective students.

“We congratulate John and Makenna for receiving the Robbins Ambassador Scholarship, and we’re excited for their commitment to serve this important role in the upcoming year,” Chishty said.

The Robbins Ambassador awards are made possible through the continued support of W.R. and Yvonne Robbins, the namesake donors of FHSU’s Robbins College of Business and Entrepreneurship. In his congratulations to the students, W.R. commented: “I am so excited about the two students selected for the Robbins Ambassador Scholarship. They both bring passion and commitment to the job as they represent the face of the Robbins College of Business and Entrepreneurship.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/9/1598972248378.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>FHSU University RelationsThe W.R. and Yvonne Robbins College of Business and Entrepreneurship at Fort Hays State University is pleased to announce John Egan and Makenna Allen as recipients of the Robbins Ambassador Scholarship for the 2020-2021 academic year.The Robbins Ambassador Scholarship is a prestigious opportunity available to undergraduate students majoring in business programs within FHSU’s Robbins College of Business and Entrepreneurship. Students apply annually through the FHSU Scholarship Services online portal. Finalists are narrowed through a competitive review process, which includes personal interviews. Students selected as recipients exemplify leadership, academic excellence, extracurricular involvement, and a desire to serve the college. Robbins Ambassadors may represent fellow students and the college at events such as Tiger Friends and Family Day, Student Recognition Programs, and networking receptions, as well as connect with prospective and current students through social media platforms.Egan is a senior finance major with a minor in accounting and a certificate in insurance. He grew up in Wichita and is a graduate of Collegiate High School. Egan is involved in Catholic Disciples, Economics Club, Finance Club, the FHSU Honors College, Alpha Kappa Psi, serves as President of Tiger Pals, and is a VIP Ambassador. Egan received the MIIAA Academic Excellence Award during his freshman year as a member of the FHSU baseball team and has been on the Deans Honor Roll each semester.“I am incredibly humbled to be a recipient of the Robbins Ambassador Award for the 2020-2021 school year,” Egan said. “It is because of the generosity of people like W.R. and Yvonne Robbins that students at FHSU are able to thrive inside and outside the classroom. I look forward to representing the Robbins College of Business and Entrepreneurship&nbsp;in whatever capacity is&nbsp;possible this year.”Allen is a junior pursuing a degree in digital marketing. She is from Highlands Ranch, Colo. and is a graduate of Rock Canyon High School. She is a marketing assistant for the Department of Informatics, a sports reporter for Tiger Media Network, and a member of the FHSU Honor Society.“I am so excited to be representing the Robbins College of Business and Entrepreneurship as a Robbins Ambassador for the 2020-2021 school year,” Allen said. “During this tumultuous year, it is very important that students understand the benefits offered by the college and that those students have a voice in our FHSU community. I am honored to have the opportunity to be part of that process.”Dr. Muhammad Chishty, dean of the Robbins College of Business and Entrepreneurship, adds that the scholarships reward excellence and reinvest in the college’s success by providing key connections among the Robbins Ambassadors and alumni, donors, faculty, staff, and both current and prospective students.“We congratulate John and Makenna for receiving the Robbins Ambassador Scholarship, and we’re excited for their commitment to serve this important role in the upcoming year,” Chishty said.The Robbins Ambassador awards are made possible through the continued support of W.R. and Yvonne Robbins, the namesake donors of FHSU’s Robbins College of Business and Entrepreneurship. In his congratulations to the students, W.R. commented: “I am so excited about the two students selected for the Robbins Ambassador Scholarship. They both bring passion and commitment to the job as they represent the face of the Robbins College of Business and Entrepreneurship.”

FHSU announces recipients of Robbins Ambassador Scholarships

By CRISTINA JANNEY Hays Post

Dr. Barbara Bollier, <a href="https://bollierforkansas.com/">Democratic candidate for U.S. Senate</a>, said she is hearing people's frustrations concerning COVID-19 and the politicization of the pandemic as she made a stop in Hays on Saturday.

"People want our economy back on track. They want their kids going to school," Bollier said. "We know masks can help make that happen. That is the No. 1 thing I have heard in the last two days."

Bollier won a seat in the Kansas Legislature in 2010 and was elected to the Kansas Senate in 2016.

Bollier said Congress needs to get help to small businesses. She spoke to local business owners Shaun and Heather Musil at the Paisley Pear Saturday during a meet and greet there. She also made a stop at Fort Hays State University.

She said that help needs to arrive before she is elected to Congress.

"We need to stop being partisan and bickering with each other and come back and work together and get money to people who aren't even employed and want to work," she said.

She said COVID is not going away, but she is hopeful a vaccine will be developed soon.

"But until that happens, we need to follow public heath guidelines so we can get our kids back in school and keep our businesses open," she said. "I know this is hard. We are Americans, and we should be able to hang together to help each other through this hard time."

Bollier, an&nbsp;anesthesiologist, is a member of&nbsp;Governor’s Council on Medicaid Expansion.

As a member on the Kansas Senate Public Health and Welfare Committee, she was an advocate for patient protection, writing and introducing legislation to end the practice of surprise medical billing in Kansas.

She said she would push for similar federal legislation if she is elected to Congress.

She said she wanted to make it clear she is not for Medicare for all. She said she supports Americans' choice to keep private insurance.

"I would like us to build on the system we have right now," she said, "and grow it by having a public option for health care."

She continued, "Let's start with ways to bring down costs and create a public option buy in that people can afford."

She said the government needs the ability to negotiate prices with&nbsp;pharmaceutical companies, something she said her opponent Rep. Roger Marshall voted against.

"We have got to bring down cost of medication," she said.&nbsp;

Bollier discussed the need to expand access to high-speed broadband, especially in rural areas of northwest Kansas.

"People need that not only for education right now, but for telemedicine. We need broadband so people will want to stay in these towns or come to live," she said. "People are finding that big cities might not be what they are cracked up to be during this crisis.

" 'I might like that smaller area better, but I need that internet access,' " she said.

Bollier said she has a strong record on supporting infrastructure in the Kansas Legislature, voting to end the Brownback tax plan that was diverting funds from the Kansas transportation plan.

"If we are going to get our products to market around this country," she said. "We are going to have to have roads to get it there."

Bollier said she has voted on issues critical to agriculture during her full tenure in the Kansas Legislature.

"I know what people need, and the best thing is that I am willing to listen," she said.

She said tariff's have hurt Kansas farmers. Bollier said she would work to improve foreign relations and reopen markets for Kansas products.

"Instead of ending or hurting those relationships, we need to be building those markets," Bollier said. "Once you lose those trade agreement, it is hard to get them back."

"We need someone who will stand up for the people. I will continue to do that, and I will be committed to service to Kansans and their families," she said.

She said she is a moderate and will continue that record in Washington.

Bollier grew up as a Republican and switched parties two years ago because she said she felt she was at odds with the Republican leadership in the state that would not support public education, refused to expand Medicaid and put in place the Brownback tax plan.

"At some point, you have to say, this isn't working. My values have not changed. My roots have not changed," she said.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/8/1598892460666.jpeg" alt="Dr. Barbara Bollier,&nbsp;<a href="https://bollierforkansas.com/">Democratic candidate for U.S. Senate</a>, speaks to business owners Shaun and Heather Musil at the Paisley Pear during a meet and greet Saturday in Hays." />
 <figcaption>Dr. Barbara Bollier,&nbsp;<a href="https://bollierforkansas.com/">Democratic candidate for U.S. Senate</a>, speaks to business owners Shaun and Heather Musil at the Paisley Pear during a meet and greet Saturday in Hays.</figcaption>
 </figure>By CRISTINA JANNEY Hays PostDr. Barbara Bollier, <a href="https://bollierforkansas.com/">Democratic candidate for U.S. Senate</a>, said she is hearing people's frustrations concerning COVID-19 and the politicization of the pandemic as she made a stop in Hays on Saturday."People want our economy back on track. They want their kids going to school," Bollier said. "We know masks can help make that happen. That is the No. 1 thing I have heard in the last two days."Bollier won a seat in the Kansas Legislature in 2010 and was elected to the Kansas Senate in 2016.Bollier said Congress needs to get help to small businesses. She spoke to local business owners Shaun and Heather Musil at the Paisley Pear Saturday during a meet and greet there. She also made a stop at Fort Hays State University.She said that help needs to arrive before she is elected to Congress."We need to stop being partisan and bickering with each other and come back and work together and get money to people who aren't even employed and want to work," she said.She said COVID is not going away, but she is hopeful a vaccine will be developed soon."But until that happens, we need to follow public heath guidelines so we can get our kids back in school and keep our businesses open," she said. "I know this is hard. We are Americans, and we should be able to hang together to help each other through this hard time."<h2>Health care</h2>Bollier, an&nbsp;anesthesiologist, is a member of&nbsp;Governor’s Council on Medicaid Expansion.As a member on the Kansas Senate Public Health and Welfare Committee, she was an advocate for patient protection, writing and introducing legislation to end the practice of surprise medical billing in Kansas.She said she would push for similar federal legislation if she is elected to Congress.She said she wanted to make it clear she is not for Medicare for all. She said she supports Americans' choice to keep private insurance."I would like us to build on the system we have right now," she said, "and grow it by having a public option for health care."She continued, "Let's start with ways to bring down costs and create a public option buy in that people can afford."She said the government needs the ability to negotiate prices with&nbsp;pharmaceutical companies, something she said her opponent Rep. Roger Marshall voted against."We have got to bring down cost of medication," she said.&nbsp;<h2>Infrastructure</h2>Bollier discussed the need to expand access to high-speed broadband, especially in rural areas of northwest Kansas."People need that not only for education right now, but for telemedicine. We need broadband so people will want to stay in these towns or come to live," she said. "People are finding that big cities might not be what they are cracked up to be during this crisis." 'I might like that smaller area better, but I need that internet access,' " she said.Bollier said she has a strong record on supporting infrastructure in the Kansas Legislature, voting to end the Brownback tax plan that was diverting funds from the Kansas transportation plan."If we are going to get our products to market around this country," she said. "We are going to have to have roads to get it there."<h2>Agriculture</h2>Bollier said she has voted on issues critical to agriculture during her full tenure in the Kansas Legislature."I know what people need, and the best thing is that I am willing to listen," she said.She said tariff's have hurt Kansas farmers. Bollier said she would work to improve foreign relations and reopen markets for Kansas products."Instead of ending or hurting those relationships, we need to be building those markets," Bollier said. "Once you lose those trade agreement, it is hard to get them back."Bollier said Washington is broken."We need someone who will stand up for the people. I will continue to do that, and I will be committed to service to Kansans and their families," she said.She said she is a moderate and will continue that record in Washington.Bollier grew up as a Republican and switched parties two years ago because she said she felt she was at odds with the Republican leadership in the state that would not support public education, refused to expand Medicaid and put in place the Brownback tax plan."At some point, you have to say, this isn't working. My values have not changed. My roots have not changed," she said.

Bollier pushes health care reform, support for ag during stop in Hays

Despite COVID-19 restrictions and safety measures in place, the staff at Good Samaritan Society–Hays has come up with innovative ways to keep its residents busy, active and happy.

Activities Director Jackie Honings transformed the skilled nursing facility into a fair last week, declaring it “Fair Week.” Residents can win tickets and participate in classic fair games like ring toss, can knock down, bucket ball toss and duck pond. Residents also displayed their painting and crochet masterpieces for this special week. No fair is complete without a petting zoo and Hays has brought in its own version — farm animals and all.

From judging a baked goods contest and Wii bowling tournaments to crocheting and painting, Fair Week was a hit with all residents.

“The residents told me how much fun they used to have at the fair and reminisced about going as children with their families,” said Honings. “They loved looking at the animals, and of course, eating all the food. I felt that we needed to bring the fair to them. With the help of other staff members, we brainstormed this amazing idea to do the fair. Sure enough, we made it happen!"

Residents have been buzzing about the activities to their staff members, families and loved ones.

"It’s been nice to keep busy and show my crochet artwork. I have never done anything like this, so it has been fun,” said resident Frankie Ream.

Fair Week is a week to celebrate both residents and staff. The community at Good Samaritan Society–Hays has become even more like a family over the past few months.

"This week has been a blessing to those we serve. It is truly a joy to witness our residents and staff are smiling behind their masks. The spirit of the fair is alive and well on our campus. While we are still diligent in ensuring we are doing our best to keep those we serve safe, fellowship and fun are driving the bus this week,” said Noe Gillespie, administrator of Good Samaritan Society–Hays.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/8/1598888744685.jpeg" alt="Frankie Ream sits near some crocheted items that are part of the craft fair. Courtesy photo" />
 <figcaption>Frankie Ream sits near some crocheted items that are part of the craft fair. Courtesy photo</figcaption>
 </figure>Good Samaritan Society-HaysDespite COVID-19 restrictions and safety measures in place, the staff at Good Samaritan Society–Hays has come up with innovative ways to keep its residents busy, active and happy.Activities Director Jackie Honings transformed the skilled nursing facility into a fair last week, declaring it “Fair Week.” Residents can win tickets and participate in classic fair games like ring toss, can knock down, bucket ball toss and duck pond. Residents also displayed their painting and crochet masterpieces for this special week. No fair is complete without a petting zoo and Hays has brought in its own version — farm animals and all.From judging a baked goods contest and Wii bowling tournaments to crocheting and painting, Fair Week was a hit with all residents.“The residents told me how much fun they used to have at the fair and reminisced about going as children with their families,” said Honings. “They loved looking at the animals, and of course, eating all the food. I felt that we needed to bring the fair to them. With the help of other staff members, we brainstormed this amazing idea to do the fair. Sure enough, we made it happen!"<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/8/1598888775273.jpeg" alt="Henny Karlin plays a can toss game during the fair. Courtesy photo" />
 <figcaption>Henny Karlin plays a can toss game during the fair. Courtesy photo</figcaption>
 </figure>Residents have been buzzing about the activities to their staff members, families and loved ones."It’s been nice to keep busy and show my crochet artwork. I have never done anything like this, so it has been fun,” said resident Frankie Ream.Fair Week is a week to celebrate both residents and staff. The community at Good Samaritan Society–Hays has become even more like a family over the past few months."This week has been a blessing to those we serve. It is truly a joy to witness our residents and staff are smiling behind their masks. The spirit of the fair is alive and well on our campus. While we are still diligent in ensuring we are doing our best to keep those we serve safe, fellowship and fun are driving the bus this week,” said Noe Gillespie, administrator of Good Samaritan Society–Hays.Submitted

'Fair Week' at Good Samaritan Society-Hays

RUSSELL – 2020 has been a year of challenges for everyone, and Russell Community Theater has faced the unique situation of a shortened season. The RCT Board of Directors has made it possible to present a full, three-show season by adding a production of one-act shows to be presented Sept. 4 to 6.&nbsp;

Don’t miss out on the one-act excitement at the Russell Community Theater Playhouse at 5TH &amp; Kansas. Showtime each evening is 8:00 pm. Admission is by season ticket or $12.00 at the door – reservations are not required. Social distancing will be encouraged, and masks are strongly recommended.

By adding this evening of one-acts, RCT will still be able to wrap up the 2020 season with our 100th production. Since its inception in 1986, RCT volunteers have worked nearly 300,000 hours to present a wide variety of theater experiences for Russell area patrons. The Russell Community Theater Board of Directors spends time each year, selecting the season productions and promoting season ticket sales and gift giving. Each production involves an average of 45 volunteers, including ticket takers, set design and construction crews, sound and lighting designers, stage managers, property masters, makeup and hair stylists, directors, and of course, actors.&nbsp; 
Russell Community Theater is a nonprofit theater company in Russell, Kansas. The sole purpose of RCT is to produce theater for the community and the surrounding area. Completely volunteer-driven, RCT is supported financially solely through ticket admissions and gifts from those supportive of community theater. For more information, call 785-483-4057.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/8/1598820420167.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>SubmittedRUSSELL – 2020 has been a year of challenges for everyone, and Russell Community Theater has faced the unique situation of a shortened season. The RCT Board of Directors has made it possible to present a full, three-show season by adding a production of one-act shows to be presented Sept. 4 to 6.&nbsp;Don’t miss out on the one-act excitement at the Russell Community Theater Playhouse at 5TH &amp; Kansas. Showtime each evening is 8:00 pm. Admission is by season ticket or $12.00 at the door – reservations are not required. Social distancing will be encouraged, and masks are strongly recommended.By adding this evening of one-acts, RCT will still be able to wrap up the 2020 season with our 100th production. Since its inception in 1986, RCT volunteers have worked nearly 300,000 hours to present a wide variety of theater experiences for Russell area patrons. The Russell Community Theater Board of Directors spends time each year, selecting the season productions and promoting season ticket sales and gift giving. Each production involves an average of 45 volunteers, including ticket takers, set design and construction crews, sound and lighting designers, stage managers, property masters, makeup and hair stylists, directors, and of course, actors.&nbsp; 
Russell Community Theater is a nonprofit theater company in Russell, Kansas. The sole purpose of RCT is to produce theater for the community and the surrounding area. Completely volunteer-driven, RCT is supported financially solely through ticket admissions and gifts from those supportive of community theater. For more information, call 785-483-4057.&nbsp;

Russell theater presents special night of one-acts

The Kansas Department of Transportation plans to begin a project to install tower lights at exits 95 and 99 in Gove County the week of Aug. 31.

Ramp traffic is expected to remain normal during the project but may occasionally be directed by flaggers with brief delays. Work is expected to be completed by mid-November, weather permitting.

Atlas Electric of Wichita is the primary contractor with a total contract cost of $233,000.&nbsp;

KDOTThe Kansas Department of Transportation plans to begin a project to install tower lights at exits 95 and 99 in Gove County the week of Aug. 31.Ramp traffic is expected to remain normal during the project but may occasionally be directed by flaggers with brief delays. Work is expected to be completed by mid-November, weather permitting.Atlas Electric of Wichita is the primary contractor with a total contract cost of $233,000.&nbsp;

Lighting project begins on I-70 exits 95, 99

Three-day weather outlook

DSNWK ribbon cutting to include time capsule rededication

Eagle Communications Inc. continues to grow its Midwest footprint. The employee-owned company announced Monday the acquisition of two western Nebraska radio stations.

Eagle, which operates 31 stations in three states, has acquired Paxton, Neb.-based KZTL-FM (93.5) and Sutherland, Neb.-based KRNP-FM (100.7) from Legacy Communications Inc., who was represented by Kalil &amp; Co. Inc.

"At Eagle Radio, serving our communities is what we do best, and we're proud to serve the Midwest from Kansas to Missouri, Nebraska to South Dakota and into Colorado," said Olivia Hasenauer, Eagle Regional Manager North Platte, Alliance and Chadron. "With the addition of these two new stations, it only strengthens our footprint and our ability to grow the communities we serve, our clients, as well as our listener and viewer engagement." &nbsp;

Eagle currently operates 7 Nebraska stations in North Platte, Alliance, and Chadron. Multiple stations within the Nebraska footprint were recently honored for on-air excellence by the Nebraska Broadcasters Association.

All current employees of the two new Eagle stations will become employee-owners of Eagle Communications, which is based in Hays, Kan., and employs 170.

"Eagle Communications is excited to continue to grow, and these new stations will be important pieces of our growth strategy in 2020 and beyond," Eagle Chairman Gary Shorman said. "And we are just as excited to bring these stations' listeners Eagle's commitment to quality entertainment, news, sports and information."

Country station KZTL-FM operates at 93.5 FM, and rock station KRNP-AM operates at 100.7 FM.

"This is an exciting time for our Nebraska team and Eagle Radio, and we look forward to what the future will bring with the continued expansion in western Nebraska," Hasenauer said.

Founded in 1948, Eagle Communications Inc. is a Kansas-based media company with over 165 employee-owners. The company operates more than 30 radio stations in Kansas, Nebraska and Missouri. In addition to radio, the company offers online solutions, web development, video production and creative services. Eagle is the parent company of the Post News Network. For more, visit <a href="https://eagleradio.net/">eagleradio.net</a>.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/8/1598910820070.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Eagle Communications Inc. continues to grow its Midwest footprint. The employee-owned company announced Monday the acquisition of two western Nebraska radio stations.Eagle, which operates 31 stations in three states, has acquired Paxton, Neb.-based KZTL-FM (93.5) and Sutherland, Neb.-based KRNP-FM (100.7) from Legacy Communications Inc., who was represented by Kalil &amp; Co. Inc."At Eagle Radio, serving our communities is what we do best, and we're proud to serve the Midwest from Kansas to Missouri, Nebraska to South Dakota and into Colorado," said Olivia Hasenauer, Eagle Regional Manager North Platte, Alliance and Chadron. "With the addition of these two new stations, it only strengthens our footprint and our ability to grow the communities we serve, our clients, as well as our listener and viewer engagement." &nbsp;Eagle currently operates 7 Nebraska stations in North Platte, Alliance, and Chadron. Multiple stations within the Nebraska footprint were recently honored for on-air excellence by the Nebraska Broadcasters Association.All current employees of the two new Eagle stations will become employee-owners of Eagle Communications, which is based in Hays, Kan., and employs 170."Eagle Communications is excited to continue to grow, and these new stations will be important pieces of our growth strategy in 2020 and beyond," Eagle Chairman Gary Shorman said. "And we are just as excited to bring these stations' listeners Eagle's commitment to quality entertainment, news, sports and information."Country station KZTL-FM operates at 93.5 FM, and rock station KRNP-AM operates at 100.7 FM."This is an exciting time for our Nebraska team and Eagle Radio, and we look forward to what the future will bring with the continued expansion in western Nebraska," Hasenauer said.Founded in 1948, Eagle Communications Inc. is a Kansas-based media company with over 165 employee-owners. The company operates more than 30 radio stations in Kansas, Nebraska and Missouri. In addition to radio, the company offers online solutions, web development, video production and creative services. Eagle is the parent company of the Post News Network. For more, visit <a href="https://eagleradio.net/">eagleradio.net</a>.

Eagle expands with the acquisition of two new stations

The Ellis County Health Department on Monday announced 78 positive cases of COVID-19 had been identified in the county — 38 since Friday and an additional 40 from last week.

"Due to the inability of KDHE to provide relevant, up-to-date data, discrepancies in reports exist," the department said in a news release Monday afternoon. "Moving forward, ECHD will present data that is current as of 10 a.m. the date of reporting. This data will not always coincide with KDHE data."

Monday's update represents the largest single report of case increases in the county. <a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/d96483ff-a057-4189-9240-5851e5d4c2be">On Monday, Aug. 24, the county reported 72 new cases,</a> many of them occurring among the <a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/6232ede5-1a93-4349-866c-f1c9124f8309">Fort Hays State University student population.</a>

There are currently 179 active cases of COVID-19 in the county, including four active hospitalizations, and 235 recovered cases.&nbsp;

The seven-day average of positive test results is more than 22 percent, the department reported. Of the nearly 4,200 tests conducted on Ellis County residents, 10 percent have returned as positive.

Since reporting began, there have been 415 cases of coronavirus identified in Ellis County, including one death.

Read the entire release from the Ellis County Health Department below:

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/6/1593005366466.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/8/1598911515520.png" alt="KDHE" />
 <figcaption>KDHE</figcaption>
 </figure>The Ellis County Health Department on Monday announced 78 positive cases of COVID-19 had been identified in the county — 38 since Friday and an additional 40 from last week."Due to the inability of KDHE to provide relevant, up-to-date data, discrepancies in reports exist," the department said in a news release Monday afternoon. "Moving forward, ECHD will present data that is current as of 10 a.m. the date of reporting. This data will not always coincide with KDHE data."Monday's update represents the largest single report of case increases in the county. <a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/d96483ff-a057-4189-9240-5851e5d4c2be">On Monday, Aug. 24, the county reported 72 new cases,</a> many of them occurring among the <a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/6232ede5-1a93-4349-866c-f1c9124f8309">Fort Hays State University student population.</a>There are currently 179 active cases of COVID-19 in the county, including four active hospitalizations, and 235 recovered cases.&nbsp;The seven-day average of positive test results is more than 22 percent, the department reported. Of the nearly 4,200 tests conducted on Ellis County residents, 10 percent have returned as positive.Since reporting began, there have been 415 cases of coronavirus identified in Ellis County, including one death.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/8/1598908235702.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Read the entire release from the Ellis County Health Department below:<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/8/1598905085056.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>

UPDATE: 78 new cases of coronavirus identified in Ellis Co.

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🎙 Post Podcast: Contentious city meeting leads to controversial decision

Roughly one in five of the manned oil and gas production platforms in the Gulf of Mexico are still evacuated, according to a report Sunday from the Bureau of Safety and Environmental Enforcement. The Bureau says personnel at 137 production platforms remain evacuated. The report also says personnel have not yet returned to two of the 12 moored drilling rigs working in the region. The unmoored, so-called "dynamically positioned" rigs have all returned to their working locations. The government estimates nearly 70% of the oil production and nearly 50% of the gas production in the Gulf remain shut in. Baker Hughes reported 254 active drilling rigs nationwide. That's a decline of three oil rigs but an increase of three seeking natural gas. The counts in Texas and New Mexico were each down one. Independent Oil &amp; Gas Service reports five active rigs in eastern Kansas, down one from last week, and five west of Wichita, which is also down one.&nbsp; Operators in the Sunflower State completed seven wells last week, all of them west of Wichita. Independent Oil &amp; Gas Service reports the total so far this year is just 612 completed wells, compared to 964 at this time last year. Regulators approved seven permits for drilling at new locations across Kansas last week, five of them east of Wichita and two in the western half of the state. Triple-A says the national average price for a gallon of regular gasoline last week was $2.20. Kansas remains just a fraction below two dollars, among just ten states below that price. Most of the stations across Hays and Great Bend were at $1.999 on Thursday. Filling up your 15-gallon tank will cost you about four dollars less than a year ago at this time. The Energy Information Administration says U.S. crude-oil inventories dropped by nearly half a million barrels last week to 507.8 million barrels. EIA reports stockpiles are about 15% above the five-year average for this time of year. The government reported an increase in U.S. crude production for the third week in a row. The Energy Information Administration reports total output of over 10.8 million barrels during the week ending August 14. That's an increase of 143,000 barrels a day over the week before. The government said U.S. refineries imported 5.9 million barrels per day last week, an increase of 185,000 barrels per day. The four-week average shows we imported nearly 17% less than during the same four week period a year ago. Oil-by-rail in the United States slumped again last week, down nearly 14% compared to a year ago at 10,517 tanker cars. The Association of American Railroads says increases in shipments of grain and other farm products helped bolster the totals for intermodal traffic, but overall, freight train use is still three percent lower than last year at this time. The Bureau of Land Management is moving forward with energy lease sales along the northern coastal plain of Alaska. The Alaskan National Wildlife Refuge is listed in 2017's federal tax cut bill, which requires at least two lease sales of 400,000 acres each. A formal Record of Decision by the BLM last week set the standards for land use and bidding in an auction expected before December 21. State officials hailed the move, which has been blocked or delayed for nearly forty years due to concerns over wildlife in the area. The Alaska governor's office says there are between four and twelve billion barrels of crude oil there. Federal lease sales for parcels in New Mexico, Oklahoma and Texas netted more than eight million dollars last week. There were 113 parcels totaling more than 76 square miles in the offering. The government says about half of that will go to the states where the leases are located. One company paid more than $21,000 per acre for a 120-acre parcel in southeastern New Mexico. One of the largest brokerages in the U.S. is being sued by traders who lost money back in April when futures prices dropped below zero. Bloomberg reports the plaintiffs were unable to sell the worthless contracts due to a system failure. The lawsuit was filed August 18 in the Northern District of California. It alleges that E-Trade Securities did not properly test its online trading platform for the possibility of negative oil futures prices in advance. The plaintiffs also say the firm failed to disclose that futures prices could fall below the zero mark. That's exactly what happened April 20. The plaintiffs say they tried to mitigate their losses by selling their worthless futures contracts, but they say the system crashed. This is not the first lawsuit over negative futures prices. In June, a class action suit was filed against the United States Oil Fund, also known as USO, for allegedly not disclosing risks properly.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/6/1592847975802.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>By JOHN P. TRETBARRoughly one in five of the manned oil and gas production platforms in the Gulf of Mexico are still evacuated, according to a report Sunday from the Bureau of Safety and Environmental Enforcement. The Bureau says personnel at 137 production platforms remain evacuated. The report also says personnel have not yet returned to two of the 12 moored drilling rigs working in the region. The unmoored, so-called "dynamically positioned" rigs have all returned to their working locations. The government estimates nearly 70% of the oil production and nearly 50% of the gas production in the Gulf remain shut in. Baker Hughes reported 254 active drilling rigs nationwide. That's a decline of three oil rigs but an increase of three seeking natural gas. The counts in Texas and New Mexico were each down one. Independent Oil &amp; Gas Service reports five active rigs in eastern Kansas, down one from last week, and five west of Wichita, which is also down one.&nbsp; Operators in the Sunflower State completed seven wells last week, all of them west of Wichita. Independent Oil &amp; Gas Service reports the total so far this year is just 612 completed wells, compared to 964 at this time last year. Regulators approved seven permits for drilling at new locations across Kansas last week, five of them east of Wichita and two in the western half of the state. Triple-A says the national average price for a gallon of regular gasoline last week was $2.20. Kansas remains just a fraction below two dollars, among just ten states below that price. Most of the stations across Hays and Great Bend were at $1.999 on Thursday. Filling up your 15-gallon tank will cost you about four dollars less than a year ago at this time. The Energy Information Administration says U.S. crude-oil inventories dropped by nearly half a million barrels last week to 507.8 million barrels. EIA reports stockpiles are about 15% above the five-year average for this time of year. The government reported an increase in U.S. crude production for the third week in a row. The Energy Information Administration reports total output of over 10.8 million barrels during the week ending August 14. That's an increase of 143,000 barrels a day over the week before. The government said U.S. refineries imported 5.9 million barrels per day last week, an increase of 185,000 barrels per day. The four-week average shows we imported nearly 17% less than during the same four week period a year ago. Oil-by-rail in the United States slumped again last week, down nearly 14% compared to a year ago at 10,517 tanker cars. The Association of American Railroads says increases in shipments of grain and other farm products helped bolster the totals for intermodal traffic, but overall, freight train use is still three percent lower than last year at this time. The Bureau of Land Management is moving forward with energy lease sales along the northern coastal plain of Alaska. The Alaskan National Wildlife Refuge is listed in 2017's federal tax cut bill, which requires at least two lease sales of 400,000 acres each. A formal Record of Decision by the BLM last week set the standards for land use and bidding in an auction expected before December 21. State officials hailed the move, which has been blocked or delayed for nearly forty years due to concerns over wildlife in the area. The Alaska governor's office says there are between four and twelve billion barrels of crude oil there. Federal lease sales for parcels in New Mexico, Oklahoma and Texas netted more than eight million dollars last week. There were 113 parcels totaling more than 76 square miles in the offering. The government says about half of that will go to the states where the leases are located. One company paid more than $21,000 per acre for a 120-acre parcel in southeastern New Mexico. One of the largest brokerages in the U.S. is being sued by traders who lost money back in April when futures prices dropped below zero. Bloomberg reports the plaintiffs were unable to sell the worthless contracts due to a system failure. The lawsuit was filed August 18 in the Northern District of California. It alleges that E-Trade Securities did not properly test its online trading platform for the possibility of negative oil futures prices in advance. The plaintiffs also say the firm failed to disclose that futures prices could fall below the zero mark. That's exactly what happened April 20. The plaintiffs say they tried to mitigate their losses by selling their worthless futures contracts, but they say the system crashed. This is not the first lawsuit over negative futures prices. In June, a class action suit was filed against the United States Oil Fund, also known as USO, for allegedly not disclosing risks properly.

News From the Oil Patch: Storms wreak havoc on Gulf production

TOPEKA&nbsp;– Governor Laura Kelly has announced the finalists for the 2020 Governor’s Exporter of the Year award.&nbsp;&nbsp;

A winner will be selected after the five finalist companies make a formal presentation to a panel of judges on September 1. The judges’ panel from the Kansas International Trade Coordinating Council consists of representatives from businesses, academics, services providers, and governments agencies engaged in exporting or export promotion.

“These exceptional businesses are perfect examples of exporting excellence in Kansas,”&nbsp;Governor Laura Kelly said. “Our state is proud to share our products with the world, and I’m proud to know that companies like these are ambassadors of our state to customers everywhere.”

“Exporting is a major component of the Kansas economy,”&nbsp;Secretary of Commerce David Toland said.&nbsp;“These incredible Kansas companies set the standard for excellence in exporting. Though only one will ultimately be named the Governor’s Exporter of the Year, each company deserves very high praise.”

Plans for the awards ceremony will be announced at a later date.&nbsp;

The following five Kansas companies are the finalists for the 2020 Governor’s Exporter of the Year Award:&nbsp;

Compass Minerals produces salt, plant nutrients, and magnesium chloride for distribution in 20-plus countries globally. Its products serve a variety of applications in industrial, agricultural, commercial, and consumer markets. The company takes great pride in helping to keep people safe, feed the world, and enrich lives every day. Compass Minerals’ headquarters is in Overland Park, Kan.&nbsp;

Creekstone Farms Premium Beef&nbsp; &nbsp;

The Creekstone Farms program is unique to the industry because it combines superior Black Angus cattle, exceptional cattle management practices, carefully controlled feeding practices, and a company-owned, state-of-the-art processing facility. This combination helps the company to produce some of the best beef in the world. The company’s name appears on menus for some of the top restaurants in the largest cities across the globe. Creekstone Farms Premium Beef operates in Arkansas City.&nbsp;

Dragon-Line&nbsp;has designed,&nbsp;developed, patented, and proven the concept of mobile&nbsp;drip irrigation. The company offers a solution&nbsp;for center pivots and linear irrigation systems to improve the use of irrigation water by 20 to 50%.&nbsp;Dragon-Line's&nbsp;game-changing,&nbsp;revolutionary&nbsp;irrigation system has been recognized around the world.&nbsp;Dragon-Line&nbsp;is located in&nbsp;Ulysses. &nbsp;

Whether it’s filtering, pneumatic conveyance, blending, dust control, or a complete processing facility, the company&nbsp;works closely with its customers&nbsp;in 70-plus countries globally&nbsp;to deliver the best air-quality solutions needed for their processes.&nbsp;Industries served include&nbsp;food,&nbsp;milling, oil seed processing, plastic, and wood.&nbsp;Kice Industries&nbsp;is in&nbsp;Wichita. &nbsp;

Petron Plus Formula 7 products are an innovation in specialty chemicals and lubricants. Petron Plus’ extreme pressure properties, anti-rust, and anti-oxidation benefits in an environmentally safe configuration&nbsp;fill an industrial market need.&nbsp;The Petron Plus Global product line&nbsp; has now evolved to include&nbsp; more than&nbsp;450 different products. Petron Plus Global, Inc. is headquartered in Hutchinson. &nbsp;

About the Governor’s Exporter of the Year Award

The&nbsp;Governor’s Exporter of the Year&nbsp;award recognizes Kansas companies committed to expanding sales in international markets and showcases those exporters as role models to other Kansas companies seeking similar success.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/8/1598904111381.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Office of GovernorTOPEKA&nbsp;– Governor Laura Kelly has announced the finalists for the 2020 Governor’s Exporter of the Year award.&nbsp;&nbsp;A winner will be selected after the five finalist companies make a formal presentation to a panel of judges on September 1. The judges’ panel from the Kansas International Trade Coordinating Council consists of representatives from businesses, academics, services providers, and governments agencies engaged in exporting or export promotion.“These exceptional businesses are perfect examples of exporting excellence in Kansas,”&nbsp;Governor Laura Kelly said. “Our state is proud to share our products with the world, and I’m proud to know that companies like these are ambassadors of our state to customers everywhere.”“Exporting is a major component of the Kansas economy,”&nbsp;Secretary of Commerce David Toland said.&nbsp;“These incredible Kansas companies set the standard for excellence in exporting. Though only one will ultimately be named the Governor’s Exporter of the Year, each company deserves very high praise.”Plans for the awards ceremony will be announced at a later date.&nbsp;The following five Kansas companies are the finalists for the 2020 Governor’s Exporter of the Year Award:&nbsp;Compass Minerals &nbsp;Compass Minerals produces salt, plant nutrients, and magnesium chloride for distribution in 20-plus countries globally. Its products serve a variety of applications in industrial, agricultural, commercial, and consumer markets. The company takes great pride in helping to keep people safe, feed the world, and enrich lives every day. Compass Minerals’ headquarters is in Overland Park, Kan.&nbsp;Creekstone Farms Premium Beef&nbsp; &nbsp;The Creekstone Farms program is unique to the industry because it combines superior Black Angus cattle, exceptional cattle management practices, carefully controlled feeding practices, and a company-owned, state-of-the-art processing facility. This combination helps the company to produce some of the best beef in the world. The company’s name appears on menus for some of the top restaurants in the largest cities across the globe. Creekstone Farms Premium Beef operates in Arkansas City.&nbsp;Dragon-LineDragon-Line&nbsp;has designed,&nbsp;developed, patented, and proven the concept of mobile&nbsp;drip irrigation. The company offers a solution&nbsp;for center pivots and linear irrigation systems to improve the use of irrigation water by 20 to 50%.&nbsp;Dragon-Line's&nbsp;game-changing,&nbsp;revolutionary&nbsp;irrigation system has been recognized around the world.&nbsp;Dragon-Line&nbsp;is located in&nbsp;Ulysses. &nbsp;Kice IndustriesWhether it’s filtering, pneumatic conveyance, blending, dust control, or a complete processing facility, the company&nbsp;works closely with its customers&nbsp;in 70-plus countries globally&nbsp;to deliver the best air-quality solutions needed for their processes.&nbsp;Industries served include&nbsp;food,&nbsp;milling, oil seed processing, plastic, and wood.&nbsp;Kice Industries&nbsp;is in&nbsp;Wichita. &nbsp;Petron Plus Global, Inc. &nbsp;Petron Plus Formula 7 products are an innovation in specialty chemicals and lubricants. Petron Plus’ extreme pressure properties, anti-rust, and anti-oxidation benefits in an environmentally safe configuration&nbsp;fill an industrial market need.&nbsp;The Petron Plus Global product line&nbsp; has now evolved to include&nbsp; more than&nbsp;450 different products. Petron Plus Global, Inc. is headquartered in Hutchinson. &nbsp;About the Governor’s Exporter of the Year AwardThe&nbsp;Governor’s Exporter of the Year&nbsp;award recognizes Kansas companies committed to expanding sales in international markets and showcases those exporters as role models to other Kansas companies seeking similar success.

W. Kansas business is finalist for Governor's Exporter of the Year award 

A COVID-19 Dashboard, released last week, provides a weekly summary of on-campus tests administered, positive test results, and the number of students in quarantine or isolation. The dashboard will be updated every Tuesday on the University’s&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsu.edu/covid-19-response/index">COVID-19 Response web page</a>.

In this first dashboard report, the University reported 81 positive cases among the on-campus population for the period August 17 through August 27, 2020. This data includes testing results from the university’s initial mass re-entry testing of on-campus students and employees, and its ongoing testing of symptomatic individuals administered by the Student Health Center.

The University began collecting COVID testing data on August 17, the first day of fall semester classes. In an email to the campus community on Friday, August 21, university President Tisa Mason shared the first-week numbers on COVID-19, reporting 21 positive cases on campus, stating, “While the number of positive cases will fluctuate, our isolation&nbsp;and&nbsp;quarantine protocols are working. If we continue to work together&nbsp;and&nbsp;follow our health&nbsp;and&nbsp;safety policies, these can be among our finest hours as a unified Tiger Nation.”

Students experiencing symptoms should contact the Student Health Center at&nbsp;785-639-7341&nbsp;to set up an appointment. Faculty and staff should contact their primary care physician.

For more information, visit&nbsp;<a href="https://www.fhsu.edu/student-health/">https://www.fhsu.edu/student-health/</a>&nbsp;or&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsu.edu/covid-19-response/">https://fhsu.edu/covid-19-response/</a>.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/8/1598819864373.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>FHSU University RelationsA COVID-19 Dashboard, released last week, provides a weekly summary of on-campus tests administered, positive test results, and the number of students in quarantine or isolation. The dashboard will be updated every Tuesday on the University’s&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsu.edu/covid-19-response/index">COVID-19 Response web page</a>.In this first dashboard report, the University reported 81 positive cases among the on-campus population for the period August 17 through August 27, 2020. This data includes testing results from the university’s initial mass re-entry testing of on-campus students and employees, and its ongoing testing of symptomatic individuals administered by the Student Health Center.The University began collecting COVID testing data on August 17, the first day of fall semester classes. In an email to the campus community on Friday, August 21, university President Tisa Mason shared the first-week numbers on COVID-19, reporting 21 positive cases on campus, stating, “While the number of positive cases will fluctuate, our isolation&nbsp;and&nbsp;quarantine protocols are working. If we continue to work together&nbsp;and&nbsp;follow our health&nbsp;and&nbsp;safety policies, these can be among our finest hours as a unified Tiger Nation.”Students experiencing symptoms should contact the Student Health Center at&nbsp;785-639-7341&nbsp;to set up an appointment. Faculty and staff should contact their primary care physician.For more information, visit&nbsp;<a href="https://www.fhsu.edu/student-health/">https://www.fhsu.edu/student-health/</a>&nbsp;or&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsu.edu/covid-19-response/">https://fhsu.edu/covid-19-response/</a>.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/8/1598819953880.png" alt="" />
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 </figure>

Fort Hays State University launches COVID-19 data dashboard

HILL CITY — The Graham County Health Department has announced the first death of a resident related to COVID-19.

The individual was a female in her 60s who died Aug. 28.

There is currently one active case of coronavirus in Graham County, with 18 previously confirmed cases recovered.

HILL CITY — The Graham County Health Department has announced the first death of a resident related to COVID-19.The individual was a female in her 60s who died Aug. 28.There is currently one active case of coronavirus in Graham County, with 18 previously confirmed cases recovered.See the release below:<div><iframe src="https://www.facebook.com/plugins/post.php?href=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2Fpermalink.php%3Fstory_fbid%3D10159020408004653%26id%3D154973624652&width=500" width="500" height="297" style="border:none;overflow:hidden" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" allowTransparency="true" allow="encrypted-media"></iframe></div>

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