PHILLIPS COUNTY—was injured in an accident just before 8:30a.m. Monday in Phillips County.

The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a 2003 Ford pickup driven by&nbsp;Karlin, Larry G. Karlin, 71, Phillipsburg, was westbound on U.S. 36 nine miles east of Phillipsburg. 

The driver attempted to make a u-turn and struck an eastbound 2006 Harley Davidson motorcycle driven by&nbsp; Brett A. Sykes, 53, Phillipsburg. Sykes and a passenger were ejected from the motorcycle.

EMS transported Sykes to Hays Medical Center and a passenger Danielle L. Green, 31, Phillipsburg, to the Phillips County Hospital. She was later airlifted to&nbsp; Good Samaritan in Kearney, Nebraska. Karlin was not injured and properly restrained at the time of the accident.

Both occupants of the motorcycle were wearing helmets, according to the KHP.

PHILLIPS COUNTY—was injured in an accident just before 8:30a.m. Monday in Phillips County.The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a 2003 Ford pickup driven by&nbsp;Karlin, Larry G. Karlin, 71, Phillipsburg, was westbound on U.S. 36 nine miles east of Phillipsburg. The driver attempted to make a u-turn and struck an eastbound 2006 Harley Davidson motorcycle driven by&nbsp; Brett A. Sykes, 53, Phillipsburg. Sykes and a passenger were ejected from the motorcycle.EMS transported Sykes to Hays Medical Center and a passenger Danielle L. Green, 31, Phillipsburg, to the Phillips County Hospital. She was later airlifted to&nbsp; Good Samaritan in Kearney, Nebraska. Karlin was not injured and properly restrained at the time of the accident.Both occupants of the motorcycle were wearing helmets, according to the KHP.

2 hospitalized after driver makes u-turn, strikes motorcycle

ELLIS — We have been informed that one of our junior high school football coaches and a high school soccer coach have been placed on self-quarantine as they have been deemed a close contact of a positive coronavirus individual. 

They are monitoring for symptoms and will be tested if needed. Per guidelines, these coaches have been directed to self-quarantine until permitted to return.

At this time, our players and other coaches are not directly affected. If this situation changes, we will alert you ASAP and make the necessary adjustments.

We have also been informed by one of our Washington Grade School staff members that they have tested positive for the coronavirus. 

The staff member who tested positive was in close contact with a number of other staff members last week during in-service time. 

The staff member who tested positive and those who were deemed close contacts will serve their self-quarantine time before returning to school.

We are alerting you to this development because we believe that open communication and district health is important. 

We are working closely with the Ellis County Health Department (ECHD) to keep our students and staff as safe as possible.

In the meantime, know that USD 388 will continue with our safety and health protocols. These protocols include masks, sanitizing hands, wiping down equipment and other sanitizing processes.

In the interim, if you feel you are showing signs and symptoms of Covid-19, we encourage you to seek medical advice and contact the Ellis County Health Department for more information. They can be reached at (785) 628-9440.

We are committed to providing a safe and healthy educational experience and work environment for all of our students, athletes, and employees. 

We also endeavor to be a positive service to our community. It is in the interest of those goals that we provide this information out of an abundance of caution.

We also want to take this opportunity to remind you that one of our core values as a district is respect for and among our employees and students. 

We will treat information regarding the identity of employees/students with suspected or confirmed cases of COVID-19 as confidential to the extent feasible and we will comply with applicable laws regarding the handling of such information. 

Further, per district policy, we will not tolerate harassment of, or discrimination or retaliation against, employees and students.

Please contact Corey Burton, Superintendent at (785) 726-4281 if you have any questions or concerns.

For more information about COVID-19, please visit the CDC website at:&nbsp;<a href="https://l.facebook.com/l.php?u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.cdc.gov%2Fcoronavirus%2F2019-ncov%2Findex.html%3Ffbclid%3DIwAR0ka-BIGD9hBW_O9RLpLtXI9dvStESvPiSZdPHeZjdYryW37ZyY1AleAiU&amp;h=AT27S6h1EPT4wSLuf5GXEiuIobSHxU4-uE8puQH8Gdlm3b6_ddDdsX7B4cmyKe5kuJzcz440-MMmdu0XBVf7T7JlvSaJUxY5S_gxJheAjWpf15qggJXJ5lqOlNnGTPIAwjut3NaSI4R47l-dTkp9KdypQ1QDaE5iv2ZOz4Bg7T_DRAXk09CYFIXX_eGtNVyGr3SjSGLOlKWks23gDTHOl8WDt3rGTI-cx5TP6Zx7UeDQbsvXTyrUjmcSLc0y1kNFeHRu1ceTYZ-qxV25K3sksmVAsA6nCoSNn7bvbj7ScjxWdWCs9Yov6gx5JxFEGoALax1oyBs-y8SArPBsck2UX0hu_Chr2L2KKCVLYwqiLOq9uuMAEIi5fjlJT9w5VavPaEPjQhn6Le5ES7nIxSQ92ZGnBXMqSb8ObxI0La3apzE_5RRh1DVd6svUH727k4UED4ZNWMNxYehUa3CicCaKy5fMIhGgmORx972uFD1-f38KqL-gWG-NLJtV4b8Mqav7imRrbeK9QTFII6nP718VyU_374RR1x4NQb89T5p9WPfY2xGWOVoBwpqB_g7h7SzIF7pdgY4LselpohYI-rTiWTFNjZwqXwpOeSWpRvl6EsWT2OpqJfVBlTdbA59In-CS" target="_blank">http://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/index.html</a>

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/1/1579030633433.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>USD 388ELLIS — We have been informed that one of our junior high school football coaches and a high school soccer coach have been placed on self-quarantine as they have been deemed a close contact of a positive coronavirus individual. They are monitoring for symptoms and will be tested if needed. Per guidelines, these coaches have been directed to self-quarantine until permitted to return.At this time, our players and other coaches are not directly affected. If this situation changes, we will alert you ASAP and make the necessary adjustments.We have also been informed by one of our Washington Grade School staff members that they have tested positive for the coronavirus. The staff member who tested positive was in close contact with a number of other staff members last week during in-service time. The staff member who tested positive and those who were deemed close contacts will serve their self-quarantine time before returning to school.We are alerting you to this development because we believe that open communication and district health is important. We are working closely with the Ellis County Health Department (ECHD) to keep our students and staff as safe as possible.In the meantime, know that USD 388 will continue with our safety and health protocols. These protocols include masks, sanitizing hands, wiping down equipment and other sanitizing processes.In the interim, if you feel you are showing signs and symptoms of Covid-19, we encourage you to seek medical advice and contact the Ellis County Health Department for more information. They can be reached at (785) 628-9440.We are committed to providing a safe and healthy educational experience and work environment for all of our students, athletes, and employees. We also endeavor to be a positive service to our community. It is in the interest of those goals that we provide this information out of an abundance of caution.We also want to take this opportunity to remind you that one of our core values as a district is respect for and among our employees and students. We will treat information regarding the identity of employees/students with suspected or confirmed cases of COVID-19 as confidential to the extent feasible and we will comply with applicable laws regarding the handling of such information. Further, per district policy, we will not tolerate harassment of, or discrimination or retaliation against, employees and students.Please contact Corey Burton, Superintendent at (785) 726-4281 if you have any questions or concerns.For more information about COVID-19, please visit the CDC website at:&nbsp;<a href="https://l.facebook.com/l.php?u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.cdc.gov%2Fcoronavirus%2F2019-ncov%2Findex.html%3Ffbclid%3DIwAR0ka-BIGD9hBW_O9RLpLtXI9dvStESvPiSZdPHeZjdYryW37ZyY1AleAiU&amp;h=AT27S6h1EPT4wSLuf5GXEiuIobSHxU4-uE8puQH8Gdlm3b6_ddDdsX7B4cmyKe5kuJzcz440-MMmdu0XBVf7T7JlvSaJUxY5S_gxJheAjWpf15qggJXJ5lqOlNnGTPIAwjut3NaSI4R47l-dTkp9KdypQ1QDaE5iv2ZOz4Bg7T_DRAXk09CYFIXX_eGtNVyGr3SjSGLOlKWks23gDTHOl8WDt3rGTI-cx5TP6Zx7UeDQbsvXTyrUjmcSLc0y1kNFeHRu1ceTYZ-qxV25K3sksmVAsA6nCoSNn7bvbj7ScjxWdWCs9Yov6gx5JxFEGoALax1oyBs-y8SArPBsck2UX0hu_Chr2L2KKCVLYwqiLOq9uuMAEIi5fjlJT9w5VavPaEPjQhn6Le5ES7nIxSQ92ZGnBXMqSb8ObxI0La3apzE_5RRh1DVd6svUH727k4UED4ZNWMNxYehUa3CicCaKy5fMIhGgmORx972uFD1-f38KqL-gWG-NLJtV4b8Mqav7imRrbeK9QTFII6nP718VyU_374RR1x4NQb89T5p9WPfY2xGWOVoBwpqB_g7h7SzIF7pdgY4LselpohYI-rTiWTFNjZwqXwpOeSWpRvl6EsWT2OpqJfVBlTdbA59In-CS" target="_blank">http://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/index.html</a>— USD 388

Ellis USD 388 staff members in quarantine after COVID-19 exposure

By CRISTINA JANNEY Hays Post

The Hays school board will have its annual budget hearing at its meeting at 6:30 p.m. Monday at Rockwell Administration Center.

The proposed budget includes expenditures of $52.4 million compared to actual expenditures of $49.3 million for the 2019-20 school year.&nbsp;

This equals per pupil funding of $5,788 compared to $5,497 per pupil in 2019-20, a 5 percent increase.

The budget proposes a slight decrease in the total mill levy. The proposed mill levy for the 2020-21 budget is 41.175 mills compared to 42.145 mills in the 2019-20 school year.&nbsp;

Eight mills of the total mill levy are dedicated to capital improvements — the same levy for capital improvements as last school year.

Assessed valuation for the district was down from $326.1 million in 2019-20 to $322.9 million in 2020-21.

The school board is also set to approve 3.6 mills for the Hays Recreation Commission. These are pass-through funds.&nbsp;

The budget also includes an approximate&nbsp;2.48 percent raise for both certified and classified staff.&nbsp;

Average pay for full-time teachers in the school district for 2020-21 will be $64,452.

The school board will consider increasing substitute teacher pay in anticipation of a substitute teacher shortage this school year.

Superintendent Ron Wilson told the board at its last meeting Hays has the lowest substitute pay in the area. He said he thought the district would need to increase its pay this year to be competitive.

• The BOE will hear information about possible options&nbsp;for the relocation of The Learning Center after the anticipated sale of the former Washington School in December.

• Hear information about Hays High Tribe Broadcasting expanding their program through a purchase of an FM radio station.

• Discuss and vote on KASB policy changes.

• Hear an update on the district's data center technology network.

By CRISTINA JANNEY Hays PostThe Hays school board will have its annual budget hearing at its meeting at 6:30 p.m. Monday at Rockwell Administration Center.The proposed budget includes expenditures of $52.4 million compared to actual expenditures of $49.3 million for the 2019-20 school year.&nbsp;This equals per pupil funding of $5,788 compared to $5,497 per pupil in 2019-20, a 5 percent increase.The budget proposes a slight decrease in the total mill levy. The proposed mill levy for the 2020-21 budget is 41.175 mills compared to 42.145 mills in the 2019-20 school year.&nbsp;Eight mills of the total mill levy are dedicated to capital improvements — the same levy for capital improvements as last school year.Assessed valuation for the district was down from $326.1 million in 2019-20 to $322.9 million in 2020-21.The school board is also set to approve 3.6 mills for the Hays Recreation Commission. These are pass-through funds.&nbsp;The budget also includes an approximate&nbsp;2.48 percent raise for both certified and classified staff.&nbsp;Average pay for full-time teachers in the school district for 2020-21 will be $64,452.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/8/1598296329679.png" alt="Average salary USD 489" />
 <figcaption>Average salary USD 489</figcaption>
 </figure><h2>Substitute teacher pay</h2>The school board will consider increasing substitute teacher pay in anticipation of a substitute teacher shortage this school year.Superintendent Ron Wilson told the board at its last meeting Hays has the lowest substitute pay in the area. He said he thought the district would need to increase its pay this year to be competitive.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/8/1598296748685.png" alt="USD 489 substitute pay proposal" />
 <figcaption>USD 489 substitute pay proposal</figcaption>
 </figure><h2>Other business</h2>• The BOE will hear information about possible options&nbsp;for the relocation of The Learning Center after the anticipated sale of the former Washington School in December.• Hear information about Hays High Tribe Broadcasting expanding their program through a purchase of an FM radio station.• Discuss and vote on KASB policy changes.• Vote on classified handbook changes.• Hear an update on the district's data center technology network.

Hays USD 489 school board set to consider budget tonight

UPDATED: 1:40 p.m. Monday to include additional information.

The Ellis County Health Department on Monday announced an additional of 72 new COVID-19 cases in the county since Aug. 17 after a reporting error by a Lenexa-based testing company uncovered unreported cases.

"CRL Reference Labs, who is providing testing to FHSU students, was not reporting electronically to the State of Kansas," the health department said in a news release. "From Saturday, Aug.
22, (to) Monday, Aug. 24, ECHD was notified of 483 test results (from all labs) that were completed over
the last week. Of these tests, 72 returned positive for COVID-19."

According to the health department, there are now 98 active cases of coronavirus, with one active hospitalization, and 153 recovered cases. Since reporting began, there have been 252 cases of COVID-19 in the county, including one death.

The department said there was a 700 percent increase in average daily cases from Aug. 12 to Aug. 20 — rising from 1.1 cases per day to nearly 8 a day. The department also said 77 percent of the active cases are age 18 to 24.

"Many of the
new cases have mild to no symptoms, which can make it difficult to control the spread of the virus
through contact tracing and isolation. Everyone needs to take personal precautions to help mitigate the
spread; avoid gathering in groups, especially parties and gatherings where social distancing and the use
of masks is difficult or not enforced. No one is immune to the effects of COVID-19 whether they are
physical, emotional or financial," the department said. "We all desire a return to normal but that can only take place if we all work
together to take simple steps in our personal lives to slow the spread:


Do NOT gather in groups. 
Do social distance. 
Do wash your hands frequently. 
Do wear a mask if you cannot socially distance. 
Do isolate immediately if you feel ill. 
Do call your doctor for questions regarding your symptoms and testing.
Do continue to protect yourself, loved ones and the community."

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/8/1598291553202.png" alt="Ellis County cases / KDHE" />
 <figcaption>Ellis County cases / KDHE</figcaption>
 </figure>UPDATED: 1:40 p.m. Monday to include additional information.The Ellis County Health Department on Monday announced an additional of 72 new COVID-19 cases in the county since Aug. 17 after a reporting error by a Lenexa-based testing company uncovered unreported cases."CRL Reference Labs, who is providing testing to FHSU students, was not reporting electronically to the State of Kansas," the health department said in a news release. "From Saturday, Aug.
22, (to) Monday, Aug. 24, ECHD was notified of 483 test results (from all labs) that were completed over
the last week. Of these tests, 72 returned positive for COVID-19."According to the health department, there are now 98 active cases of coronavirus, with one active hospitalization, and 153 recovered cases. Since reporting began, there have been 252 cases of COVID-19 in the county, including one death.The department said there was a 700 percent increase in average daily cases from Aug. 12 to Aug. 20 — rising from 1.1 cases per day to nearly 8 a day. The department also said 77 percent of the active cases are age 18 to 24."Many of the
new cases have mild to no symptoms, which can make it difficult to control the spread of the virus
through contact tracing and isolation. Everyone needs to take personal precautions to help mitigate the
spread; avoid gathering in groups, especially parties and gatherings where social distancing and the use
of masks is difficult or not enforced. No one is immune to the effects of COVID-19 whether they are
physical, emotional or financial," the department said. "We all desire a return to normal but that can only take place if we all work
together to take simple steps in our personal lives to slow the spread:
Do NOT gather in groups. 
Do social distance. 
Do wash your hands frequently. 
Do wear a mask if you cannot socially distance. 
Do isolate immediately if you feel ill. 
Do call your doctor for questions regarding your symptoms and testing.
Do continue to protect yourself, loved ones and the community."Read the entire release below:<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/8/1598291284419.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/8/1598294224201.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>

UPDATE: 72 new virus cases identified in Ellis Co. since Aug. 17

By LESLIE EIKLEBERRY Salina Post

Throughout our lives, certain days hold special meaning. For the Sunset Sinners, Friday was one of those days. 

On
 Friday, the group's newest single, appropriately named "Friday Night," 
was released on Spotify and all streaming services.

"This song
 was a collaboration with us and two very heavy hitter Nashville 
songwriters from Anthem Entertainment/Publishing that we’ve been working
 with -- Randy Montana, who wrote Luke Combs' massive hit song 'Beer 
Never Broke My Heart,' and Blake Chaffin, who has written hits for 
Brantley Gilbert, Logan Mize, Rodney Atkins, and others," said Blake 
Blackim, Sunset Sinners' drummer.

All
 four Sunset Sinners -- Chris Brungardt, Tony Bowell, Brad Johnson, and 
Blackim -- had been in different bands and projects before, Blackim 
said. Blackim had a vision for a new band, one that included the other 
three men, so he brought them together and explained his idea.

"I 
just met with those guys and gave them the vision I had: not only taking
 some cool cover songs and what we call 'Sinnerizing' 'em, so we kind of
 tweak 'em and change 'em up, then writing our own material and 
recording our own material and then just trying to make it as cool as we
 possibly can, play as many cool venues as possible, and just see where 
it goes," he said.

"One thing that had been on my mind, for 
whatever reason, all of a sudden I had a bunch of song ideas that kind 
of fit more of this red dirt country, '70s rock vibe," he continued. 
"And so I named it like its own genre called Whisky Barrel Rock, which 
is kind of a fusion of red dirt country, southern rock, and '70s classic
 rock."

That new genre is also the URL for the band's new website: <a href="https://www.whiskeybarrelrock.com">whiskeybarrelrock.com</a>.

Blackim said the band didn't come together with the idea of making big money.

"The
 music business is a brutal business and a brutal game and it's hard to 
make any real money, so we all have our own regular jobs, but this is 
kind of our passion," said Blackim, president of Midwest Music.

The band began rehearsing two years ago and tossing around ideas for songs to write and record.

"I
 was wanting to write song, and I had a bunch of lyric ideas about 
people getting together, drinking beer, and partying," he said. "There's
 all this political in-fighting, but you know, it's kind of funny 
because when everyone gets together, say on a Friday after work, that 
part goes by the wayside and everyone's together, just hanging out, 
drinking beer, and having a good time." 

That idea was the basis 
for the band's first single and music video, "Always Time For One More 
Beer," which was released last fall.

Blackim credits one of his 
best friends for the title of the song and video. He explained that 
whenever the two of them were out enjoying a few brews together, his 
friend would always be looking at his watch, telling Blackim that he 
needed to get home, only to then decide that he had time for one more 
beer.

"If you think about it, you hear people do that all the 
time," Blackim said. "I'm like 'bam!' That's it! And that was the 
inspiration for the song title."

The "Always Time For One More 
Beer" video, which includes footage from a shoot at The Hideaway with 
several hundred Salina extras, has become quite popular.

"The music video today, which basically has been promoted through 
Facebook, has like 350,000 views now, and that actually grows about 
1,000 to 2,000 views per day," Blackim said. "It's pretty cool to track 
because it really is shared a lot -- we can see who is watching -- 
especially in the deep south of the United States, like Louisiana and 
Alabama, because it's kind of got that swampy southern rock vibe."

What is even more interesting is how the video is trending internationally, he said.

"Also,
 it's gone international, and this is what's kind of cool: it's like 
really big and tracking in Prague and Eastern Europe," Blackim added.

He
 explained that the Sunset Sinners' fan base is made up primarily of 
first responders, military personnel, and motorcycle enthusiasts, 
including motorcycle clubs in Eastern Europe.

Big-time recording contract no longer necessary

It
 used to be that a sign of success for a band was to sign a contract 
with a well-known recording label and head to a recording hotspot such 
as Nashville to make music that would be distributed to the public. 
That's no longer the case.

"The good news-bad news about the music
 industry today is you really don't have to be living in or from 
Nashville or Austin or L.A. You can be from anywhere," Blackim said. 

The Sunset Sinners record locally, at Studio 1117 in Salina, although
 guitarist Chris Brungardt, of Hays, records his guitar parts in his own
 studio and then mixes those with the recording/tracking from Studio 
1117, Blackim said. 

"After that he and I trade the song back and 
forth to swap ideas, tones, phrasing, etc., and listen in multiple 
devices until we think we have it ready for release," Blackim explained.

While
 they do play concerts, when not hindered by the COVID-19 pandemic, the 
Sunset Sinners do not rely on the antiquated method of touring to 
promote themselves and their music. Instead, they rely on social media, 
which, considering their first music video has 350,000 views, seems to 
work well for them.

While a recording contract might not be necessary, the old adage about "who you know" still holds true.

"There's
 a guy in Nashville, a little bit younger than us, named 'Blake' also --
 we call him 'Nashville Blake.' He's been down there about 15 years. 
He's originally from Hays, Kansas. Ironically, my guitar player, Chris, 
used to give him guitar lessons and I used to actually sell him stuff 
when he was a kid," Blackim said. "His parents still live in Hays, but 
he went down to Nashville as a guitar player and song writer and he now 
is a signed publisher with a group called Anthem Entertainment and 
Publishing. They're one of the largest in the world."

Blackim said
 he made arrangements for he and lead singer Tony Bowell to go to Music 
City, U.S.A. to meet with Nashville Blake (Blake Chaffin). 

"At the facility we were at, they (Anthem) have about 26 song writers
 on staff. A lot of times when songs are written, it's very rare that it
 is just one person doing it. It's usually a collaboration of two or 
three people. Sometime the actual artist is involved and a lot of times 
not," Blackim explained.

"They were totally cool with showing us 
around and telling us how the business works. We also spent some time in
 a listening room," he continued. 

After Blackim and Bowell 
returned to Salina, Chaffin called Blackim to discuss a song. Chaffin 
told Blackim that he had a song that no one else had picked up on that 
he thought fit the Sunset Sinners. After listening to the song, Blackim 
asked Chaffin, "why hasn't one of the big boys picked up on this." 
Blackim said that Chaffin replied that he asked himself the same 
question every day.

While the 
song was released on Friday, the band also planned to shoot footage 
for the "Friday Night" music video last weekend, Blackim said. That 
video should be out within the next couple of months, he added.

If you would like to hear the Sunset Sinners' music and watch their videos, head to their <a href="https://www.whiskeybarrelrock.com/">website</a> or their <a href="https://www.facebook.com/Sunsetsinnerssalina/">Facebook page</a>.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/8/1598293191979.jpeg" alt="The Sunset Sinners -- from left, Chris Brungardt, Tony Bowell , Brad Johnson, Blake Blackim -- released their next single, "Friday Night" on Friday. All photos courtesy Blake Blackim, with Salina photos by Jeff Haines Photography" />
 <figcaption>The Sunset Sinners -- from left, Chris Brungardt, Tony Bowell , Brad Johnson, Blake Blackim -- released their next single, "Friday Night" on Friday. All photos courtesy Blake Blackim, with Salina photos by Jeff Haines Photography</figcaption>
 </figure>By LESLIE EIKLEBERRY Salina PostThroughout our lives, certain days hold special meaning. For the Sunset Sinners, Friday was one of those days. On
 Friday, the group's newest single, appropriately named "Friday Night," 
was released on Spotify and all streaming services."This song
 was a collaboration with us and two very heavy hitter Nashville 
songwriters from Anthem Entertainment/Publishing that we’ve been working
 with -- Randy Montana, who wrote Luke Combs' massive hit song 'Beer 
Never Broke My Heart,' and Blake Chaffin, who has written hits for 
Brantley Gilbert, Logan Mize, Rodney Atkins, and others," said Blake 
Blackim, Sunset Sinners' drummer.Bringing the band togetherAll
 four Sunset Sinners -- Chris Brungardt, Tony Bowell, Brad Johnson, and 
Blackim -- had been in different bands and projects before, Blackim 
said. Blackim had a vision for a new band, one that included the other 
three men, so he brought them together and explained his idea."I 
just met with those guys and gave them the vision I had: not only taking
 some cool cover songs and what we call 'Sinnerizing' 'em, so we kind of
 tweak 'em and change 'em up, then writing our own material and 
recording our own material and then just trying to make it as cool as we
 possibly can, play as many cool venues as possible, and just see where 
it goes," he said."One thing that had been on my mind, for 
whatever reason, all of a sudden I had a bunch of song ideas that kind 
of fit more of this red dirt country, '70s rock vibe," he continued. 
"And so I named it like its own genre called Whisky Barrel Rock, which 
is kind of a fusion of red dirt country, southern rock, and '70s classic
 rock."That new genre is also the URL for the band's new website: <a href="https://www.whiskeybarrelrock.com">whiskeybarrelrock.com</a>.Blackim said the band didn't come together with the idea of making big money."The
 music business is a brutal business and a brutal game and it's hard to 
make any real money, so we all have our own regular jobs, but this is 
kind of our passion," said Blackim, president of Midwest Music.The band began rehearsing two years ago and tossing around ideas for songs to write and record."I
 was wanting to write song, and I had a bunch of lyric ideas about 
people getting together, drinking beer, and partying," he said. "There's
 all this political in-fighting, but you know, it's kind of funny 
because when everyone gets together, say on a Friday after work, that 
part goes by the wayside and everyone's together, just hanging out, 
drinking beer, and having a good time." That idea was the basis 
for the band's first single and music video, "Always Time For One More 
Beer," which was released last fall.Blackim credits one of his 
best friends for the title of the song and video. He explained that 
whenever the two of them were out enjoying a few brews together, his 
friend would always be looking at his watch, telling Blackim that he 
needed to get home, only to then decide that he had time for one more 
beer."If you think about it, you hear people do that all the 
time," Blackim said. "I'm like 'bam!' That's it! And that was the 
inspiration for the song title."The "Always Time For One More 
Beer" video, which includes footage from a shoot at The Hideaway with 
several hundred Salina extras, has become quite popular.<figure>
 <iframe width="560" height="315" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/k0VjeSh3co8"></iframe>
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>"The music video today, which basically has been promoted through 
Facebook, has like 350,000 views now, and that actually grows about 
1,000 to 2,000 views per day," Blackim said. "It's pretty cool to track 
because it really is shared a lot -- we can see who is watching -- 
especially in the deep south of the United States, like Louisiana and 
Alabama, because it's kind of got that swampy southern rock vibe."What is even more interesting is how the video is trending internationally, he said."Also,
 it's gone international, and this is what's kind of cool: it's like 
really big and tracking in Prague and Eastern Europe," Blackim added.He
 explained that the Sunset Sinners' fan base is made up primarily of 
first responders, military personnel, and motorcycle enthusiasts, 
including motorcycle clubs in Eastern Europe.Big-time recording contract no longer necessaryIt
 used to be that a sign of success for a band was to sign a contract 
with a well-known recording label and head to a recording hotspot such 
as Nashville to make music that would be distributed to the public. 
That's no longer the case."The good news-bad news about the music
 industry today is you really don't have to be living in or from 
Nashville or Austin or L.A. You can be from anywhere," Blackim said. <figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/8/1598293291816.jpeg" alt="Sunset Sinners in Studio 1117" />
 <figcaption>Sunset Sinners in Studio 1117</figcaption>
 </figure>The Sunset Sinners record locally, at Studio 1117 in Salina, although
 guitarist Chris Brungardt, of Hays, records his guitar parts in his own
 studio and then mixes those with the recording/tracking from Studio 
1117, Blackim said. "After that he and I trade the song back and 
forth to swap ideas, tones, phrasing, etc., and listen in multiple 
devices until we think we have it ready for release," Blackim explained.While
 they do play concerts, when not hindered by the COVID-19 pandemic, the 
Sunset Sinners do not rely on the antiquated method of touring to 
promote themselves and their music. Instead, they rely on social media, 
which, considering their first music video has 350,000 views, seems to 
work well for them.Who you knowWhile a recording contract might not be necessary, the old adage about "who you know" still holds true."There's
 a guy in Nashville, a little bit younger than us, named 'Blake' also --
 we call him 'Nashville Blake.' He's been down there about 15 years. 
He's originally from Hays, Kansas. Ironically, my guitar player, Chris, 
used to give him guitar lessons and I used to actually sell him stuff 
when he was a kid," Blackim said. "His parents still live in Hays, but 
he went down to Nashville as a guitar player and song writer and he now 
is a signed publisher with a group called Anthem Entertainment and 
Publishing. They're one of the largest in the world."Blackim said
 he made arrangements for he and lead singer Tony Bowell to go to Music 
City, U.S.A. to meet with Nashville Blake (Blake Chaffin). <figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/8/1598293322393.jpeg" alt="Tony Bowell, left, and Blake Blackim, right, with Blake Chaffin in the Anthem facility in Nashville." />
 <figcaption>Tony Bowell, left, and Blake Blackim, right, with Blake Chaffin in the Anthem facility in Nashville.</figcaption>
 </figure>"At the facility we were at, they (Anthem) have about 26 song writers
 on staff. A lot of times when songs are written, it's very rare that it
 is just one person doing it. It's usually a collaboration of two or 
three people. Sometime the actual artist is involved and a lot of times 
not," Blackim explained."They were totally cool with showing us 
around and telling us how the business works. We also spent some time in
 a listening room," he continued. After Blackim and Bowell 
returned to Salina, Chaffin called Blackim to discuss a song. Chaffin 
told Blackim that he had a song that no one else had picked up on that 
he thought fit the Sunset Sinners. After listening to the song, Blackim 
asked Chaffin, "why hasn't one of the big boys picked up on this." 
Blackim said that Chaffin replied that he asked himself the same 
question every day.That song was "Friday Night."While the 
song was released on Friday, the band also planned to shoot footage 
for the "Friday Night" music video last weekend, Blackim said. That 
video should be out within the next couple of months, he added.If you would like to hear the Sunset Sinners' music and watch their videos, head to their <a href="https://www.whiskeybarrelrock.com/">website</a> or their <a href="https://www.facebook.com/Sunsetsinnerssalina/">Facebook page</a>.

📹'Heavy hitter' Nashville songwriters behind latest Sunset Sinners single

Last week's inspection results from the Kansas Department of Agriculture:

Gambino's Pizza - Aug. 20 - 2102 Vine - Hays

A routine inspection found four violations.

Mokas Coffee - Aug. 20 - 1230 27th St. - Hays

A routine inspection found three violations.

Smallcakes - Aug. 20 - 4320 Vine - Hays

A routine inspection found two violations.

Subway - Aug. 20 - 3408 Vine - Hays

A routine inspection found one violation.

Breathe Coffee House - Aug. 19 - 703 B Main St. - Hays

Burger King - Aug. 19 - 1212 Vine - Hays

Last week's inspection results from the Kansas Department of Agriculture:Gambino's Pizza - Aug. 20 - 2102 Vine - HaysA routine inspection found four violations.<ol>
 <li>In the small refrigerated prep-table, there was fully cooked hamburger, tomato sauce, cheese sauce and fully cooked sausage at temperatures from 46-50 F. All other Cold Holding Temperatures are in compliance.</li><li>In the walk-in cooler, there was a container of cut lettuce that had a date of 8/27/20. The product would have been held for eight days instead of seven.</li><li>In the large refrigerated prep-table, there were opened packages of Canadian Bacon, fully cooked hamburger and fully cooked sausage that were date marked for eight days, not seven.</li><li>In the large refrigerated prep-table, there was a container of cut ham with the date of 8-18-20. The product was held over seven days.</li>
 </ol>Mokas Coffee - Aug. 20 - 1230 27th St. - HaysA routine inspection found three violations.<ol>
 <li>In the refrigerated prep-table, there was a container of cut ham with no date of when it was cut.&nbsp;</li><li>In the refrigerated prep-table, there was an opened container of fully cooked veggie burgers with no date of when it was opened.</li><li>In the refrigerated prep-table, there was a non-food grade container that held lettuce.</li>
 </ol>Smallcakes - Aug. 20 - 4320 Vine - HaysA routine inspection found two violations.<ol>
 <li>In the Norlake AdvantEdge single-door refrigerator, there was a container of raw shelled eggs that were being stored on a wire shelf directly above an opened container of milk. No evidence of leaking was observed.</li><li>In the Norlake AdvantEdge single-door refrigerator, there was an opened container of milk with no date of when it was opened.</li>
 </ol>Subway - Aug. 20 - 3408 Vine - HaysA routine inspection found one violation.<ol>
 <li>In the back prep area, the handwashing sink had paper and a cup present in the sink base.&nbsp;</li>
 </ol>Breathe Coffee House - Aug. 19 - 703 B Main St. - HaysA routine inspection found two violations.<ol>
 <li>In the mini-refrigerator, there was a sealed tube of raw sausage that was being stored on a solid glass shelf. The raw sausage was directly above a covered container of cut mushrooms. No evidence of leaking was observed.&nbsp;</li><li>In the middle sink of the three-compartment sink, there was a hose with no backflow prevention device present was hanging below the flood rim of the sink. </li>
 </ol>Burger King - Aug. 19 - 1212 Vine - HaysA routine inspection found two violations.<ol>
 <li>The ice cream machine dairy mixture tested at 51 F. Person in Charge was unsure when it last in temperature. All Other Cold Holding Temperatures are in compliance.</li><li>On the refrigerated cooking line, there was a container of cheese that had no timestamp of when it was removed from the freezer.&nbsp; </li>
 </ol>

Ellis Co. restaurant and lodging inspections 8/17 ⁠–  8/23

After two positive tests last week, there are now confirmed cases of COVID-19 in all 105 Kansas counties.&nbsp;

The northwest Kansas counties of Rawlins and Wallace were the last two counties to report confirmed cases of coronavirus.

Rawlins County announced its first case Tuesday, while Wallace County announced a positive case on Thursday.

After two positive tests last week, there are now confirmed cases of COVID-19 in all 105 Kansas counties.&nbsp;The northwest Kansas counties of Rawlins and Wallace were the last two counties to report confirmed cases of coronavirus.Rawlins County announced its first case Tuesday, while Wallace County announced a positive case on Thursday.Read the releases below:<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/8/1598295269616.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/8/1598295288619.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>

Rawlins, Wallace counties report first coronavirus cases

Ellis County Joint Planning Commission to reorganize at Aug. 26 meeting

UPDATE: Virtual sessions will be scheduled for Friday. Last chance to sign up.

The Kansas News Service, with the help of <a href="https://www.americaamplified.org/">America Amplified</a>, is looking 
to talk to residents of Hays, Atwood and the surrounding areas about 
what they like about their communities and what could be better, what 
brings them joy and what brings them down. We don’t know your community,
 but you do. And by listening to you, you’ll help the Kansas News 
Service do more informed reporting that matters to all of Kansas – not 
just in the towns with public radio stations. Hays Post and 
Eagle Radio of Hays invite area residents to volunteer to have a short, 
candid discussion with our partners at the Kansas News Service about the
 issues that matter to you. These discussions are not necessarily for stories, but to help northwest Kansas have a voice in the coverage of issues in the coming months and beyond.

To LET YOUR VOICE BE HEARD, simply fill out the form 
below.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/6/1593547329910.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>UPDATE: Virtual sessions will be scheduled for Friday. Last chance to sign up.Kansas News ServiceThe Kansas News Service, with the help of <a href="https://www.americaamplified.org/">America Amplified</a>, is looking 
to talk to residents of Hays, Atwood and the surrounding areas about 
what they like about their communities and what could be better, what 
brings them joy and what brings them down. We don’t know your community,
 but you do. And by listening to you, you’ll help the Kansas News 
Service do more informed reporting that matters to all of Kansas – not 
just in the towns with public radio stations. Hays Post and 
Eagle Radio of Hays invite area residents to volunteer to have a short, 
candid discussion with our partners at the Kansas News Service about the
 issues that matter to you. These discussions are not necessarily for stories, but to help northwest Kansas have a voice in the coverage of issues in the coming months and beyond. To LET YOUR VOICE BE HEARD, simply fill out the form 
below.<div><iframe src="https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSf7H17KZ22WqiJP8SnG-BrTofJ_QEMGtQDFuoBpDhc03U0EUw/viewform?embedded=true" width="640" height="1119" frameborder="0" marginheight="0" marginwidth="0">Loading…</iframe></div><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/6/1593553014104.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>

Kansas News Service wants to hear from NW Kansans

Breathe Coffee House, 703B Main, announced via social media Sunday that it would be closed Monday through Friday this week after a recent rise in cases of COVID-19 in Ellis County.

<a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/d8401632-e0ea-4aed-9ca7-aeebfcebc166">Also this weekend, Taco Shop announced it would temporarily close.</a>

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/8/1598277629574.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Breathe Coffee House, 703B Main, announced via social media Sunday that it would be closed Monday through Friday this week after a recent rise in cases of COVID-19 in Ellis County.<a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/d8401632-e0ea-4aed-9ca7-aeebfcebc166">Also this weekend, Taco Shop announced it would temporarily close.</a>See below for more:<div><iframe src="https://www.facebook.com/plugins/post.php?href=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2FBreatheCoffeeHouse%2Fphotos%2Fa.1040679842637629%2F3303002836405307%2F%3Ftype%3D3&width=500" width="500" height="668" style="border:none;overflow:hidden" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" allowTransparency="true" allow="encrypted-media"></iframe></div>

Downtown Hays coffee shop temporarily closes 

By BECKY KISER Hays Post

KANORADO - With traffic constantly passing behind him on Interstate 70 near Kanorado Thursday, Sen. Rick Billinger, R-Goodland, talked about the 50th anniversary of the completion of I-70 in Kansas.&nbsp;

"I-70 is our connection to the world," Billinger told the audience gathered at the Kanorado weigh station. "It's an economic lifeline for Kansas."

 Thursday's celebration near the Kansas/Colorado state line included the unveiling of a replica of signs located on eastbound I-70 highlighting the&nbsp;June 17, 1970 completion.

"I remember as a kid when they started the construction and they put the overpass over the interstate there in&nbsp; Park," he said.

As his family drove on completed sections of the new road, "all of a sudden we'd be back on two-lane, switch back and forth," Billinger recalled.

"I know how appreciative everyone was when the final piece of I-70 (in Kansas) was completed and opened up."

Kansas opened the first section of interstate in the nation on I-70 just west of Topeka on November 14, 1956.

The interstate system was created when the Federal-Aid Highway Act was signed by President Dwight D.&nbsp;Eisenhower, an Abilene native and former World War II general, on June 29, 1956.&nbsp;&nbsp;

His youngest granddaughter, Mary Eisenhower, 64, also attended the ceremony.

Eisenhower joked about the fact that her famous grandfather had a pilot's license, but no driver's license until he left the presidency in 1961 and retired to his farm outside Gettysburg, Penn.

"As a military man he didn't need it and as president he had Secret Service," Eisenhower explained.

The former president eventually did get his driver's license and a car, "but unfortunately, there was still a little bit of military lead left in his foot."

Eisenhower was stopped for speeding numerous times by the Gettysburg police but was as a well-known citizen was given just a warning, his granddaughter said.&nbsp;

"Finally, I remember, the chief of police came to the farm one day for a little visit.&nbsp;

"He and Granddad had a Coke, sat down and chatted. The conclusion of this conversation was that Granddad needed to find a different hobby," Eisenhower said with a smile.

Eisenhower grew up on her grandfather's estate in Pennsylvania which is now designated as&nbsp;Eisenhower National Historic Site.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Kansas has a total of 875 miles of interstate, which carries 24.6% of all travel in the state.

Interstate 70 stretches a total of&nbsp;2,151 miles between Maryland and Utah.

Also attending the event were Kansas Transportation Secretary Julie Lorenz and Kansas Department of Wildlife, Parks and Tourism Secretary Brad Loveless.

The ceremony can be viewed on the <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-GlK6MvRV7g">KDOT YouTube channel</a>.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/8/1598044581698.jpeg" alt="Sen. Rick Billinger, R-Goodland, speaks at Thursday's celebration of the 50-year anniversary of completion of I-70 in Kansas.&nbsp;" />
 <figcaption>Sen. Rick Billinger, R-Goodland, speaks at Thursday's celebration of the 50-year anniversary of completion of I-70 in Kansas.&nbsp;</figcaption>
 </figure>By BECKY KISER Hays PostKANORADO - With traffic constantly passing behind him on Interstate 70 near Kanorado Thursday, Sen. Rick Billinger, R-Goodland, talked about the 50th anniversary of the completion of I-70 in Kansas.&nbsp;"I-70 is our connection to the world," Billinger told the audience gathered at the Kanorado weigh station. "It's an economic lifeline for Kansas." Thursday's celebration near the Kansas/Colorado state line included the unveiling of a replica of signs located on eastbound I-70 highlighting the&nbsp;June 17, 1970 completion.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/8/1598025841851.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Billinger grew up near I-70 in Quinter."I remember as a kid when they started the construction and they put the overpass over the interstate there in&nbsp; Park," he said.As his family drove on completed sections of the new road, "all of a sudden we'd be back on two-lane, switch back and forth," Billinger recalled."I know how appreciative everyone was when the final piece of I-70 (in Kansas) was completed and opened up."Kansas opened the first section of interstate in the nation on I-70 just west of Topeka on November 14, 1956.The interstate system was created when the Federal-Aid Highway Act was signed by President Dwight D.&nbsp;Eisenhower, an Abilene native and former World War II general, on June 29, 1956.&nbsp;&nbsp;His youngest granddaughter, Mary Eisenhower, 64, also attended the ceremony.<figure>
 <iframe width="560" height="315" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/ZLIfcjUnPds"></iframe>
 <figcaption>(Video courtesy of KDOT)</figcaption>
 </figure>Eisenhower joked about the fact that her famous grandfather had a pilot's license, but no driver's license until he left the presidency in 1961 and retired to his farm outside Gettysburg, Penn."As a military man he didn't need it and as president he had Secret Service," Eisenhower explained.The former president eventually did get his driver's license and a car, "but unfortunately, there was still a little bit of military lead left in his foot."Eisenhower was stopped for speeding numerous times by the Gettysburg police but was as a well-known citizen was given just a warning, his granddaughter said.&nbsp;"Finally, I remember, the chief of police came to the farm one day for a little visit.&nbsp;"He and Granddad had a Coke, sat down and chatted. The conclusion of this conversation was that Granddad needed to find a different hobby," Eisenhower said with a smile.Eisenhower grew up on her grandfather's estate in Pennsylvania which is now designated as&nbsp;Eisenhower National Historic Site.&nbsp;&nbsp;Kansas has a total of 875 miles of interstate, which carries 24.6% of all travel in the state.Interstate 70 stretches a total of&nbsp;2,151 miles between Maryland and Utah.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/8/1598045150699.jpeg" alt="

Kansas Sen. Rick Billinger; Mary Eisenhower, granddaughter of President Dwight D. Eisenhower;&nbsp;Kansas Department of Wildlife, Parks and Tourism&nbsp;Secretary Brad Loveless; and Kansas Transportation Secretary Julie Lorenz participate in I-70’s 50th&nbsp;anniversary celebration Aug. 20 at the Kanorado weigh station. (Photo courtesy KDOT)" />
 <figcaption>

Kansas Sen. Rick Billinger; Mary Eisenhower, granddaughter of President Dwight D. Eisenhower;&nbsp;Kansas Department of Wildlife, Parks and Tourism&nbsp;Secretary Brad Loveless; and Kansas Transportation Secretary Julie Lorenz participate in I-70’s 50th&nbsp;anniversary celebration Aug. 20 at the Kanorado weigh station. (Photo courtesy KDOT)</figcaption>
 </figure>Also attending the event were Kansas Transportation Secretary Julie Lorenz and Kansas Department of Wildlife, Parks and Tourism Secretary Brad Loveless.The ceremony can be viewed on the <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-GlK6MvRV7g">KDOT YouTube channel</a>.&nbsp;

🎥 Billinger remembers I-70 construction 50 years after completion

By STEPHAN BISAHA <a href="https://www.kmuw.org/post/heres-how-universities-kansas-are-reopening-campuses-during-coronavirus">Kansas News Service</a>

WICHITA — Some students at public universities in Kansas have, or will yet get, the coronavirus.

Football
 players training over the summer have tested positive. A frat house in 
Manhattan has an outbreak. And some dorm students elsewhere in the state
 have gone from just-unpacked to quarantined.

Schools
 spent the summer preparing. Desks have been moved six feet apart. 
In-person classes are getting cut back. Masks must be worn.

But 
universities know they can’t keep the virus completely off campus. 
Instead they hope to slow the spread. Here’s what happens when a Kansas 
student comes down with COVID-19 symptoms and what information public 
colleges in the state will — and won’t — share.

For
 university students, getting tested is as simple as stopping by the 
school’s health center — just make sure to call ahead first. Centers 
want time to don their protective equipment, but they expect to get 
students in same-day.

Before testing, universities screen 
students for other potential causes of their symptoms. Emporia State 
University says most of the students it’s seen asking for tests at its 
wellness center had nothing more than a common illness like strep 
throat.

“We get so focused on all COVID all the time and, what do
 you know, strep throat still happens,” said Mary McDaniel Anschutz, the
 director of Emporia State’s wellness center.

The universities 
promise a much faster turnaround time than the five-to-seven-days wait 
time off campus. Kansas State University and Emporia State have antigen 
tests, which produces results in twenty minutes. But because those are 
more likely to produce false positives, universities are also partnering
 with labs for other tests to get results between one and three days.

Depending
 on which school a student goes to, they have already been tested before
 they got to campus. Pittsburg State University required athletes and 
students moving on campus to get tested — as of Tuesday, 15 of 756 
tested students were positive for the virus. The University of Kansas 
requires testing for students living off campus, too.

Other 
schools did not require testing before classes started because the 
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention does not recommend entry 
testing.

Students who test 
positive are required to quarantine. Some universities have set aside 
special dorms and floors for infected students to stay on campus. Fort 
Hays State University has both dorms and hotel rooms set aside. 
Pittsburg State students living on campus will be quarantined at a spot 
in the city off campus.

“We’re following up personally every 
single day with every student who’s isolated or quarantined,” said 
Pittsburg State spokeswoman Abigail Fern.

And if your roommate gets a positive test, you’ll also be isolated in a separate living area, even if you don’t have symptoms.

Wichita
 State does not provide separate housing for students who test positive.
 Instead, the students are expected to stay in their dorms and limit 
their use of common spaces.

Schools
 are mostly hands-off when it comes to contact tracing. That 
responsibility falls on public health departments — assuming they get 
the infected student’s permission first.

A recently passed Kansas law lets people opt out of contact tracing.

Even
 if the students agree, their classmates are unlikely to find out 
someone in their class tested positive. Universities said that’s because
 sharing a class doesn’t count as close contact, defined as being within
 six feet for more than 10 minutes. The schools are keeping students 
seated six feet apart.

Universities are still deciding if they’ll
 publicly release the number of coronavirus cases on campus and how 
often. K-State says it’s working on a website but doesn’t know how often
 it’ll be updated. Fort Hays says it’s compiling daily internal reports 
on case numbers, but is still figuring out what it will share.

Wichita
 State does not currently plan on releasing case numbers for its campus.
 The school says because so many of its students are commuters, the 
Sedgwick County infection data will reveal more about the campus 
community than positive cases found on campus.

“We’re smack in 
the middle of Wichita,” said Camille Childers, the director of Wichita 
State’s student health services. “The Sedgwick County data is more 
reflective of us.”

Stephan Bisaha reports on education and young adult life for the Kansas News Service. You can follow him on Twitter <a href="https://twitter.com/stevebisaha">@SteveBisaha</a> or email him at bisaha@kmuw.org.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/8/1598021350221.png" alt=" Celia Llopis-Jepsen / Kansas News Service " />
 <figcaption> Celia Llopis-Jepsen / Kansas News Service </figcaption>
 </figure>By STEPHAN BISAHA <a href="https://www.kmuw.org/post/heres-how-universities-kansas-are-reopening-campuses-during-coronavirus">Kansas News Service</a>WICHITA — Some students at public universities in Kansas have, or will yet get, the coronavirus.Football
 players training over the summer have tested positive. A frat house in 
Manhattan has an outbreak. And some dorm students elsewhere in the state
 have gone from just-unpacked to quarantined.Schools
 spent the summer preparing. Desks have been moved six feet apart. 
In-person classes are getting cut back. Masks must be worn.But 
universities know they can’t keep the virus completely off campus. 
Instead they hope to slow the spread. Here’s what happens when a Kansas 
student comes down with COVID-19 symptoms and what information public 
colleges in the state will — and won’t — share.<h2>Getting tested</h2>For
 university students, getting tested is as simple as stopping by the 
school’s health center — just make sure to call ahead first. Centers 
want time to don their protective equipment, but they expect to get 
students in same-day.Before testing, universities screen 
students for other potential causes of their symptoms. Emporia State 
University says most of the students it’s seen asking for tests at its 
wellness center had nothing more than a common illness like strep 
throat.“We get so focused on all COVID all the time and, what do
 you know, strep throat still happens,” said Mary McDaniel Anschutz, the
 director of Emporia State’s wellness center.The universities 
promise a much faster turnaround time than the five-to-seven-days wait 
time off campus. Kansas State University and Emporia State have antigen 
tests, which produces results in twenty minutes. But because those are 
more likely to produce false positives, universities are also partnering
 with labs for other tests to get results between one and three days.Depending
 on which school a student goes to, they have already been tested before
 they got to campus. Pittsburg State University required athletes and 
students moving on campus to get tested — as of Tuesday, 15 of 756 
tested students were positive for the virus. The University of Kansas 
requires testing for students living off campus, too.Other 
schools did not require testing before classes started because the 
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention does not recommend entry 
testing.<h2>Quarantining</h2>Students who test 
positive are required to quarantine. Some universities have set aside 
special dorms and floors for infected students to stay on campus. Fort 
Hays State University has both dorms and hotel rooms set aside. 
Pittsburg State students living on campus will be quarantined at a spot 
in the city off campus.“We’re following up personally every 
single day with every student who’s isolated or quarantined,” said 
Pittsburg State spokeswoman Abigail Fern.And if your roommate gets a positive test, you’ll also be isolated in a separate living area, even if you don’t have symptoms.Wichita
 State does not provide separate housing for students who test positive.
 Instead, the students are expected to stay in their dorms and limit 
their use of common spaces.<h2>Tracing And transparency</h2>Schools
 are mostly hands-off when it comes to contact tracing. That 
responsibility falls on public health departments — assuming they get 
the infected student’s permission first.A recently passed Kansas law lets people opt out of contact tracing.Even
 if the students agree, their classmates are unlikely to find out 
someone in their class tested positive. Universities said that’s because
 sharing a class doesn’t count as close contact, defined as being within
 six feet for more than 10 minutes. The schools are keeping students 
seated six feet apart.Universities are still deciding if they’ll
 publicly release the number of coronavirus cases on campus and how 
often. K-State says it’s working on a website but doesn’t know how often
 it’ll be updated. Fort Hays says it’s compiling daily internal reports 
on case numbers, but is still figuring out what it will share.Wichita
 State does not currently plan on releasing case numbers for its campus.
 The school says because so many of its students are commuters, the 
Sedgwick County infection data will reveal more about the campus 
community than positive cases found on campus.“We’re smack in 
the middle of Wichita,” said Camille Childers, the director of Wichita 
State’s student health services. “The Sedgwick County data is more 
reflective of us.”Stephan Bisaha reports on education and young adult life for the Kansas News Service. You can follow him on Twitter <a href="https://twitter.com/stevebisaha">@SteveBisaha</a> or email him at bisaha@kmuw.org.

Here's how Kan. universities are reopening during coronavirus

On this episode of Forward Ever: Leading in Challenging Times, host Gary Shorman speaks with Sarah Meitner.

<div><iframe title="Forward Ever: Sarah Meitner" height="400" width="400" style="border: none;" scrolling="no" data-name="pb-iframe-player" src="https://www.podbean.com/media/player/cb2vm-e7fee1?from=pb6admin&download=1&version=1&vjs=1&auto=0&share=1&download=1&rtl=0&fonts=Helvetica&skin=3&pfauth="></iframe></div>On this episode of Forward Ever: Leading in Challenging Times, host Gary Shorman speaks with Sarah Meitner.

🎤Forward Ever: Sarah Meitner

The Ellis County Public Works Road &amp; Bridge division announced last week that a culvert replacement
will take place in the 2300 block of 280th Avenue. This is located between Severin Road
and St. John-St. Andrew Road. 

This 1-mile stretch will be closed to through traffic beginning at
9 a.m. on Monday and will remain closed until the project is completed.
The expected completion date will be Sept. 3, pending weather conditions.


Motorists traveling in the affected closure area should use alternate routes of travel until the
project is complete. Direct any questions to the Ellis County Public Works Road &amp; Bridge
division at (785)-628-9455.

The Ellis County Public Works Road &amp; Bridge division announced last week that a culvert replacement
will take place in the 2300 block of 280th Avenue. This is located between Severin Road
and St. John-St. Andrew Road. This 1-mile stretch will be closed to through traffic beginning at
9 a.m. on Monday and will remain closed until the project is completed.
The expected completion date will be Sept. 3, pending weather conditions.
Motorists traveling in the affected closure area should use alternate routes of travel until the
project is complete. Direct any questions to the Ellis County Public Works Road &amp; Bridge
division at (785)-628-9455.

Culvert replacement will close portion of 280th

Three-day weather outlook

I have to admit, I deserve to get beat up. I have brought this on myself. All of the warnings were there and I just ignored them. I knew a long time ago I needed to do something—or I would get beat up.

The beating has left me sore in my neck and my shoulders. My hands hurt. When I went to church Sunday morning, I had no idea that there were so many stairs, as every muscle in my legs hurt and my knees were screaming at me.&nbsp;

I spent this last winter doing very little, other than an occasional workout. I knew that by June 20th, I needed to be ready—but I delayed and waited.&nbsp;

Finally, Saturday, April 25th, I got back on my bicycle to get ready for a bicycle trip beginning June 20th. It felt great to get out and ride. Though it was windy, I pushed on—riding just over 15 short miles.&nbsp;

That evening, in the middle of the night, I woke up hurting everywhere, convinced that someone had snuck into my room and beat me with a baseball bat. I looked over at my wife, Barbara, but she was asleep. I ruled her out.&nbsp;

Sometimes, I have families come into my office seeking help. One family recently had been to two of my workshops (as well as a workshop of an estate/trust planning attorney) and had even visited with my staff on the phone.&nbsp;

Now they were here, some three years later, both elderly, and wanting to preserve assets in light of a new illness one of them had.

I will be able to help them, but unfortunately, it will not work the same as if they had come to me before the illness—if they had come to me three years ago. Now our opportunities are more limited. The plan is more complicated, more costly and will have a less favorable result—but it is the best that we can do.&nbsp;

After a two and a half hour meeting, I am sure they felt beat up. In fact, I stopped the meeting so that we could get together again and finish the planning—at a time that they were not so beat up.&nbsp;

One of the most disappointing parts of my practice is when someone comes in to see me, I lay out a plan for them, and they decide not to do anything. I always wonder what I could have done differently. I always feel like I have let them down by not convincing them. I have to admit, it wakes me up at night.

I know that if I keep plugging away at riding my bicycle, the soreness will leave me, and then eventually riding will become enjoyable again. If I keep plugging away, I will be ready for my bicycle trip on June 20th. If I falter, the June 20th trip is going to be very, very difficult.&nbsp;

I know that the family that recently came to see me will one day enjoy peace of mind- they just need to let me help them “train” them—just as I am trying to train myself on my bicycle.

Please, please do not wait. If you are facing a chronic illness or want to get a plan in place as not to lose everything, DO SOMETHING NOW.&nbsp;

As with bike riding, the longer the wait, the harder it is going to be to get a plan in place—in fact, one day it may be too late.

*Article previously published in April 2015

Randy Clinkscales of Clinkscales Elder Law Practice, PA, Hays, 
Kansas, is an elder care attorney, practicing in western Kansas. To 
contact him, please send an email to randy@clinkscaleslaw.com. 
Disclaimer: The information in the column is for general information 
purposes and does not constitute legal advice. Each case is different 
and outcomes depend on the fact of each case and the then applicable 
law. For specific questions, you should contact a qualified attorney.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/1/1578498921842.png" alt="Randy Clinkscales" />
 <figcaption>Randy Clinkscales</figcaption>
 </figure>I have to admit, I deserve to get beat up. I have brought this on myself. All of the warnings were there and I just ignored them. I knew a long time ago I needed to do something—or I would get beat up.The beating has left me sore in my neck and my shoulders. My hands hurt. When I went to church Sunday morning, I had no idea that there were so many stairs, as every muscle in my legs hurt and my knees were screaming at me.&nbsp;Yes, I got beat up.I spent this last winter doing very little, other than an occasional workout. I knew that by June 20th, I needed to be ready—but I delayed and waited.&nbsp;Finally, Saturday, April 25th, I got back on my bicycle to get ready for a bicycle trip beginning June 20th. It felt great to get out and ride. Though it was windy, I pushed on—riding just over 15 short miles.&nbsp;That evening, in the middle of the night, I woke up hurting everywhere, convinced that someone had snuck into my room and beat me with a baseball bat. I looked over at my wife, Barbara, but she was asleep. I ruled her out.&nbsp;Sometimes, I have families come into my office seeking help. One family recently had been to two of my workshops (as well as a workshop of an estate/trust planning attorney) and had even visited with my staff on the phone.&nbsp;Now they were here, some three years later, both elderly, and wanting to preserve assets in light of a new illness one of them had.I will be able to help them, but unfortunately, it will not work the same as if they had come to me before the illness—if they had come to me three years ago. Now our opportunities are more limited. The plan is more complicated, more costly and will have a less favorable result—but it is the best that we can do.&nbsp;After a two and a half hour meeting, I am sure they felt beat up. In fact, I stopped the meeting so that we could get together again and finish the planning—at a time that they were not so beat up.&nbsp;One of the most disappointing parts of my practice is when someone comes in to see me, I lay out a plan for them, and they decide not to do anything. I always wonder what I could have done differently. I always feel like I have let them down by not convincing them. I have to admit, it wakes me up at night.I know that if I keep plugging away at riding my bicycle, the soreness will leave me, and then eventually riding will become enjoyable again. If I keep plugging away, I will be ready for my bicycle trip on June 20th. If I falter, the June 20th trip is going to be very, very difficult.&nbsp;I know that the family that recently came to see me will one day enjoy peace of mind- they just need to let me help them “train” them—just as I am trying to train myself on my bicycle.Please, please do not wait. If you are facing a chronic illness or want to get a plan in place as not to lose everything, DO SOMETHING NOW.&nbsp;As with bike riding, the longer the wait, the harder it is going to be to get a plan in place—in fact, one day it may be too late.Do not let that happen to you.*Article previously published in April 2015Randy Clinkscales of Clinkscales Elder Law Practice, PA, Hays, 
Kansas, is an elder care attorney, practicing in western Kansas. To 
contact him, please send an email to randy@clinkscaleslaw.com. 
Disclaimer: The information in the column is for general information 
purposes and does not constitute legal advice. Each case is different 
and outcomes depend on the fact of each case and the then applicable 
law. For specific questions, you should contact a qualified attorney.

CLINKSCALES: 'Getting beat up'

The Fort Hays State University Stripes for Hope student organization made a significant donation to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital this summer.

St. Jude, a non-profit organization based in Memphis, Tenn., performs research about and provides treatment for children who have been diagnosed with severe illnesses. All care from St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital is provided to children free of charge.

FHSU Stripes for Hope donated $3,500&nbsp;to the&nbsp;American Lebanese Syrian Associated Charities, the fundraising organization for St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. They made the donation after a series of fundraising activities and events, such as the sale of T-shirts during a “No More Cancer” rally.

Dr. Christopher Olds, faculty advisor for Stripes for Hope, said the efforts of FHSU Stripes for Hope represent the civic-minded nature of FHSU students.

“Fort Hays State University students both on-campus and online have a passion for helping others and consistently make an effort to assist individuals who are in need,” Olds said.

He credits, in particular, the efforts of students Itzel Muñoz and Evelyn Irigoyen-Aguirre for coordinating fundraising efforts that made the contribution to St. Jude possible.

To learn more about FHSU Stripes for Hope, contact Olds at&nbsp;<a href="mailto:cpolds@fhsu.edu" target="_blank">cpolds@fhsu.edu</a>. For additional information about St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, visit&nbsp;<a href="https://www.stjude.org/" target="_blank">https://www.stjude.org/</a>.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/8/1597864590991.jpeg" alt="Stripes for Hope T-shirt sales event to raise funds for St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital." />
 <figcaption>Stripes for Hope T-shirt sales event to raise funds for St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.</figcaption>
 </figure>FHSU University RelationsThe Fort Hays State University Stripes for Hope student organization made a significant donation to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital this summer.St. Jude, a non-profit organization based in Memphis, Tenn., performs research about and provides treatment for children who have been diagnosed with severe illnesses. All care from St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital is provided to children free of charge.FHSU Stripes for Hope donated $3,500&nbsp;to the&nbsp;American Lebanese Syrian Associated Charities, the fundraising organization for St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. They made the donation after a series of fundraising activities and events, such as the sale of T-shirts during a “No More Cancer” rally.Dr. Christopher Olds, faculty advisor for Stripes for Hope, said the efforts of FHSU Stripes for Hope represent the civic-minded nature of FHSU students.“Fort Hays State University students both on-campus and online have a passion for helping others and consistently make an effort to assist individuals who are in need,” Olds said.He credits, in particular, the efforts of students Itzel Muñoz and Evelyn Irigoyen-Aguirre for coordinating fundraising efforts that made the contribution to St. Jude possible.To learn more about FHSU Stripes for Hope, contact Olds at&nbsp;<a href="mailto:cpolds@fhsu.edu" target="_blank">cpolds@fhsu.edu</a>. For additional information about St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, visit&nbsp;<a href="https://www.stjude.org/" target="_blank">https://www.stjude.org/</a>.

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