By CRISTINA JANNEY Hays Post

&nbsp;Twenty-month-old Kelton Wolf is known as one of the butterfly children.

He was born with a rare skin condition that makes his skin as delicate as a butterflies wings.

Kelton is unable to make a protein that helps keep skin together. Nicole Wolf, Kelton's mother, explained it's as if Kelton is missing the glue he needs for strong skin.

"It's called the worst disorder you've never heard of because it is very rare," Kelton's mother, Nicole Wolf, said.

Kelton's mother and father of Quinter both have a recessive gene for epidermolysis bullosa, which is also know as EB. Neither parent were aware they carried the gene. Neither family was aware of anyone in their families having the disorder.

Kelton's older sister, Adaline,&nbsp; 4, is healthy, but she also carries one of the recessive genes.

There is no cure for the disease. Kelton will have the disorder for the rest of his life. It will not likely get better, but get worse, his mother said.

Kelton's skin is so fragile even the rubbing of his clothes against his skin can cause sores and blisters. He wears clothes made of 100 percent cotton or silk, which is softer on his skin.

He wears dressings on his body, arms and legs to protect his fragile skin.

"If you see us in public, don't be afraid to ask," Nicole said. "I get a lot of looks. Normally [people ask], 'What happened?' 'Was he in a fire or a car crash?' I have also had a few who asked me what I did to him."

She said she would rather people ask so she can spread awareness of EB. About one in every 20,000 babies are born with the disorder. Kelton's disease is considered to be severe.

Kelton's condition also affects him internally. Some children who have EB have so many sores in their mouth, they can't eat. Kelton has also had issues with his throat tightening.&nbsp;

Kelton receives supplemental nutrition, because he can't keep up with the calories needed to heal his wounds.&nbsp;

Nicole started to cry softly as she talked about caring for her son.

"It's very hard on our family," she said. "Every day is a blessing for us because we never know that is going to be the day God calls him home."

Nicole said she knows that her son is in pain and struggles. He receives pain and anxiety medication during his regular dressing changes.

The family has been especially concerned since the emergence of COVID-19. Kelton's lungs and immune system have been compromised by the EB. COVID-19 could be fatal, Nicole said.

Nicole said her daughter has learned great compassion and gentleness in dealing with her younger brother.&nbsp;

"My daughter is amazing with him," she said. "You have to be super careful with him — kind of act like he is wrapped in Syran Wrap."

However, like delicate Monarch butterflies that fly hundreds of miles even with torn and battered wings, Kelton is also beating the odds.

Many children, who have EB never learn to walk, in part because of the wounds they develop on their feet.&nbsp;

Thanks to physical therapy, Kelton has learned to walk with the help of a walker.

"I am a very religious woman, so I thank God. We've prayed that he would be able to walk because we were told he probably wouldn't," Nicole said.

She also thanks Theraplay Learning Center in Hays, which has helped Kelton get to where he is today.

Despite his struggles, Nicole said Kelton is a happy little boy. Whether its eating ice cream, vanilla dripping off his chin, or feeling the soft feathers of a baby chick.&nbsp;

"If you ever meet Kelton, he is the happiest guy you will ever meet," his mother said. "He has bright blue eyes and a cute little smile. You would never guess what he goes through in a day."

Kelton has extensive medical bills. The Wolfs have insurance, but some costs are not covered, such as&nbsp; travel expenses to a special EB clinic in Denver every three months.

His family has organized a softball tournament and raffle to defray some of Kelton's medical costs.&nbsp;

The softball tournament, which is scheduled for&nbsp; 8 a.m. Aug. 29 in WaKeeney, has reached its 10-team limit for this year. However, organizers are taking donations for a raffle that will be conducted in conjunction with the tournament.&nbsp;

You can contact Nicole at 785-299-0096 or her sister, Tabby&nbsp;Ummel,&nbsp;785-731-1039. Both sisters are in Hays once a week and would be happy to pick up raffle items or donations.&nbsp;

The raffle already includes coolers and Fort Hays State University corn hole boards. You can check out the raffle items and keep up with Kelton's journey on the <a href="https://www.facebook.com/Keeping-Kelton-Strong-351997178862268">Keeping Kelton Strong Facebook page</a>.&nbsp;Tickets for the large item raffle will be $5 each or five tickets for $20. Tickets for the smaller raffle items are $1 each or six for $5.

The family is also selling T-shirts to raise funds. Those can also be found on the Facebook page.

Kelton has a nonprofit bank account set up in his name for use for his medical expenses. Proceeds from the tournament and the raffle will go there. If money raised exceeds Kelton's needs, the Wolfs plan to make a gift to the EB clinic, where Kelton is treated, to help other families who have children with EB.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/8/1596577548461.jpeg" alt="Kelton Wolf, center, suffers from a rare skin disease. He is being held by his mother, Nicole Wolf of Quinter. Also pictured are his aunts and his sister Adaline, 4. Courtesy photo" />
 <figcaption>Kelton Wolf, center, suffers from a rare skin disease. He is being held by his mother, Nicole Wolf of Quinter. Also pictured are his aunts and his sister Adaline, 4. Courtesy photo</figcaption>
 </figure>By CRISTINA JANNEY Hays Post&nbsp;Twenty-month-old Kelton Wolf is known as one of the butterfly children.He was born with a rare skin condition that makes his skin as delicate as a butterflies wings.Kelton is unable to make a protein that helps keep skin together. Nicole Wolf, Kelton's mother, explained it's as if Kelton is missing the glue he needs for strong skin."It's called the worst disorder you've never heard of because it is very rare," Kelton's mother, Nicole Wolf, said.Kelton's mother and father of Quinter both have a recessive gene for epidermolysis bullosa, which is also know as EB. Neither parent were aware they carried the gene. Neither family was aware of anyone in their families having the disorder.Kelton's older sister, Adaline,&nbsp; 4, is healthy, but she also carries one of the recessive genes.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/8/1596577707514.jpeg" alt="Kelton Wolf&nbsp;wears dressings on his body, arms and legs to protect his fragile skin. Courtesy photo" />
 <figcaption>Kelton Wolf&nbsp;wears dressings on his body, arms and legs to protect his fragile skin. Courtesy photo</figcaption>
 </figure>There is no cure for the disease. Kelton will have the disorder for the rest of his life. It will not likely get better, but get worse, his mother said.Kelton's skin is so fragile even the rubbing of his clothes against his skin can cause sores and blisters. He wears clothes made of 100 percent cotton or silk, which is softer on his skin.He wears dressings on his body, arms and legs to protect his fragile skin."If you see us in public, don't be afraid to ask," Nicole said. "I get a lot of looks. Normally [people ask], 'What happened?' 'Was he in a fire or a car crash?' I have also had a few who asked me what I did to him."She said she would rather people ask so she can spread awareness of EB. About one in every 20,000 babies are born with the disorder. Kelton's disease is considered to be severe.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/8/1596577941785.jpeg" alt="Kelton Wolf / Courtesy photo" />
 <figcaption>Kelton Wolf / Courtesy photo</figcaption>
 </figure>Kelton's condition also affects him internally. Some children who have EB have so many sores in their mouth, they can't eat. Kelton has also had issues with his throat tightening.&nbsp;Kelton receives supplemental nutrition, because he can't keep up with the calories needed to heal his wounds.&nbsp;Nicole started to cry softly as she talked about caring for her son."It's very hard on our family," she said. "Every day is a blessing for us because we never know that is going to be the day God calls him home."Nicole said she knows that her son is in pain and struggles. He receives pain and anxiety medication during his regular dressing changes.The family has been especially concerned since the emergence of COVID-19. Kelton's lungs and immune system have been compromised by the EB. COVID-19 could be fatal, Nicole said.Nicole said her daughter has learned great compassion and gentleness in dealing with her younger brother.&nbsp;"My daughter is amazing with him," she said. "You have to be super careful with him — kind of act like he is wrapped in Syran Wrap."<div><div id="fb-root"></div>
<script async defer crossorigin="anonymous" src="https://connect.facebook.net/en_US/sdk.js#xfbml=1&version=v8.0" nonce="4vcPt5lT"></script>

<div class="fb-video" data-href="https://www.facebook.com/351997178862268/videos/297825244906407/" data-show-text="false" data-width=""><blockquote cite="https://developers.facebook.com/351997178862268/videos/297825244906407/" class="fb-xfbml-parse-ignore"><a href="https://developers.facebook.com/351997178862268/videos/297825244906407/"></a>😭😭 my baby is walking! I was running errors while he was in therapy today and when I got back they surprised me with this! Did I cry? You bet I did!Posted by <a href="https://www.facebook.com/Keeping-Kelton-Strong-351997178862268/">Keeping Kelton Strong</a> on Thursday, July 9, 2020</blockquote></div>
</div>However, like delicate Monarch butterflies that fly hundreds of miles even with torn and battered wings, Kelton is also beating the odds.Many children, who have EB never learn to walk, in part because of the wounds they develop on their feet.&nbsp;Thanks to physical therapy, Kelton has learned to walk with the help of a walker."I am a very religious woman, so I thank God. We've prayed that he would be able to walk because we were told he probably wouldn't," Nicole said.She also thanks Theraplay Learning Center in Hays, which has helped Kelton get to where he is today.Despite his struggles, Nicole said Kelton is a happy little boy. Whether its eating ice cream, vanilla dripping off his chin, or feeling the soft feathers of a baby chick.&nbsp;"If you ever meet Kelton, he is the happiest guy you will ever meet," his mother said. "He has bright blue eyes and a cute little smile. You would never guess what he goes through in a day."<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/8/1596578011895.jpeg" alt="Kelton Wolf eats an ice cream cone. Some children with Kelton's disorder can't eat or talk because of sores or scars in their mouths. Courtesy photo" />
 <figcaption>Kelton Wolf eats an ice cream cone. Some children with Kelton's disorder can't eat or talk because of sores or scars in their mouths. Courtesy photo</figcaption>
 </figure>Kelton has extensive medical bills. The Wolfs have insurance, but some costs are not covered, such as&nbsp; travel expenses to a special EB clinic in Denver every three months.His family has organized a softball tournament and raffle to defray some of Kelton's medical costs.&nbsp;The softball tournament, which is scheduled for&nbsp; 8 a.m. Aug. 29 in WaKeeney, has reached its 10-team limit for this year. However, organizers are taking donations for a raffle that will be conducted in conjunction with the tournament.&nbsp;You can contact Nicole at 785-299-0096 or her sister, Tabby&nbsp;Ummel,&nbsp;785-731-1039. Both sisters are in Hays once a week and would be happy to pick up raffle items or donations.&nbsp;The raffle already includes coolers and Fort Hays State University corn hole boards. You can check out the raffle items and keep up with Kelton's journey on the <a href="https://www.facebook.com/Keeping-Kelton-Strong-351997178862268">Keeping Kelton Strong Facebook page</a>.&nbsp;Tickets for the large item raffle will be $5 each or five tickets for $20. Tickets for the smaller raffle items are $1 each or six for $5.The family is also selling T-shirts to raise funds. Those can also be found on the Facebook page.Kelton has a nonprofit bank account set up in his name for use for his medical expenses. Proceeds from the tournament and the raffle will go there. If money raised exceeds Kelton's needs, the Wolfs plan to make a gift to the EB clinic, where Kelton is treated, to help other families who have children with EB.

'Butterfly boy' beats the odds; family organizes fundraiser

My name is Eric Norris, I am the State Librarian of Kansas, and this is a response to <a href="https://www.cjonline.com/opinion/20200729/letter-to-editor-we-need-to-lean-on-libraries">Keri Strahler’s letter to the editor</a>&nbsp;printed on Thursday, July 30, in the Topeka Capital-Journal.

The State Library of Kansas, located on the third floor of the Capitol Building, is an agency of the Governor’s Office and though we are one of the oldest library organizations in the state, it is sometimes difficult to inform and educate the public about our work. Not to let a great opportunity go to waste, the following is a very brief and partial overview of a few services we provide at no cost to you, our patron.

The State Library makes available to all residents an extremely wide range of resources for work, life, and leisure. These include research databases covering a multitude of topics and disciplines through magazine, periodical and news coverage, encyclopedia and critical analysis, video, photos, statistical data, activities, and games.&nbsp;

Our skill-building collection includes language learning (non-English and ESL courses), resume, career, and job-seeking skills, literacy and reading skills, business and computer training, parenting and family information, crafts and hobbies, real estate, self-help, pet training, and much more.

The collection of digital books, in audio and ebook formats, circulated over 680,000 titles last year, and in our continued effort to meet current demand, popular and literary fiction along with timely non-fiction titles are featured and added constantly.

Since most digital books circulate from reader to reader, one check out at time, just like books off the shelf, an individual account is necessary to request and check out a title. The Kansas Library eCard is not a traditional library card. Rather it is an account that lets readers borrow from any of our digital book providers.&nbsp;

The research and skill building collections generally don't have this requirement, so for most Kansans, they are available and usable right from our website. When this doesn't work (for Kansans traveling, attending school or in military service outside the state), the eCard also lets you take your library with you, by providing alternate access to the same online materials available in-state.

During this current time of isolation and difficulty, it should be recognized that some of our content partners like Encyclopedia Britannica, EBSCO and Tumblebooks are providing all Kansans with new and expanded book and research resources at no additional cost to the State Library.&nbsp;

Another service of the State Library is the Talking Books of Kansas. Just this month, Talking Books celebrated 50 years of providing personalized support and materials specific to Kansans who are blind, have physical impairments, or are otherwise print disabled. Accessible audio and braille reading materials are available via mail at no cost to the patron or by direct download, to all qualifying Kansas residents of any age.&nbsp;

Through the pandemic, our dedicated staff have continued to engage and work with our Talking Book patrons through daily phone and email contact, providing themed reading lists and quarterly phone book discussions, and facilitating a yearlong Youth Reading Club.

Public libraries across the state are staying engaged with their communities online through so many exciting and imaginative ways – interactive story times, book clubs, trivia nights, author talks, photography clubs, writing workshops, cooking classes, genealogy groups, just to name a few that I have seen on Facebook alone. For those of us in Shawnee County, I strongly encourage you to take advantage of all that the Topeka &amp; Shawnee County Public Library has to offer by visiting <a href="https://tscpl.org/events">https://tscpl.org/events</a>.&nbsp;

Editor's Note: The Hays Public Library's activities page can be found <a href="https://hayslibrary.evanced.info/signup/Calendar">HERE</a>.

Undoubtedly, this is an unprecedented time of stress, we are unsure about almost all aspects of our lives and the immediate future. Everything feels strange, and temporary, and unstable, and frightening –but through all of this, the State Library of Kansas and your local public library have been stalwart in our dedication to serving our communities.&nbsp;

It might not look the same as it did at the beginning of the year, it might not be what you would have imagined, but every librarian in Kansas is working out how to keep providing the same access to informational, educational, and recreational materials and programs you would normally expect.

Ms. Strahler’s letter was titled “We need to lean on libraries” and I couldn’t agree more. If I have learned anything in almost 15-years of working with and for public libraries in Kansas – we are here for you and, to paraphrase the late Bill Withers, we can help you carry on.

More information about the State Library of Kansas and contact information can be found at our website,&nbsp;<a href="https://kslib.info/">https://kslib.info/</a>&nbsp;

Eric Norris is a native Kansan who received a bachelor’s degree from the University of Kansas, MA from Fort Hays State University, and MLS from the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee. Prior to joining the State Library in 2018, he served as the Adult Department Librarian and Director of the Hays Public Library. He has also worked as a Director of Human Resources and a newspaper reporter.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/8/1596738441444.jpeg" alt="Kansas State Librarian Eric Norris is Fort Hays State University alum and former director of the Hays Public Library.&nbsp;" />
 <figcaption>Kansas State Librarian Eric Norris is Fort Hays State University alum and former director of the Hays Public Library.&nbsp;</figcaption>
 </figure>My name is Eric Norris, I am the State Librarian of Kansas, and this is a response to <a href="https://www.cjonline.com/opinion/20200729/letter-to-editor-we-need-to-lean-on-libraries">Keri Strahler’s letter to the editor</a>&nbsp;printed on Thursday, July 30, in the Topeka Capital-Journal.The State Library of Kansas, located on the third floor of the Capitol Building, is an agency of the Governor’s Office and though we are one of the oldest library organizations in the state, it is sometimes difficult to inform and educate the public about our work. Not to let a great opportunity go to waste, the following is a very brief and partial overview of a few services we provide at no cost to you, our patron.The State Library makes available to all residents an extremely wide range of resources for work, life, and leisure. These include research databases covering a multitude of topics and disciplines through magazine, periodical and news coverage, encyclopedia and critical analysis, video, photos, statistical data, activities, and games.&nbsp;Our skill-building collection includes language learning (non-English and ESL courses), resume, career, and job-seeking skills, literacy and reading skills, business and computer training, parenting and family information, crafts and hobbies, real estate, self-help, pet training, and much more.The collection of digital books, in audio and ebook formats, circulated over 680,000 titles last year, and in our continued effort to meet current demand, popular and literary fiction along with timely non-fiction titles are featured and added constantly.Since most digital books circulate from reader to reader, one check out at time, just like books off the shelf, an individual account is necessary to request and check out a title. The Kansas Library eCard is not a traditional library card. Rather it is an account that lets readers borrow from any of our digital book providers.&nbsp;The research and skill building collections generally don't have this requirement, so for most Kansans, they are available and usable right from our website. When this doesn't work (for Kansans traveling, attending school or in military service outside the state), the eCard also lets you take your library with you, by providing alternate access to the same online materials available in-state.During this current time of isolation and difficulty, it should be recognized that some of our content partners like Encyclopedia Britannica, EBSCO and Tumblebooks are providing all Kansans with new and expanded book and research resources at no additional cost to the State Library.&nbsp;Another service of the State Library is the Talking Books of Kansas. Just this month, Talking Books celebrated 50 years of providing personalized support and materials specific to Kansans who are blind, have physical impairments, or are otherwise print disabled. Accessible audio and braille reading materials are available via mail at no cost to the patron or by direct download, to all qualifying Kansas residents of any age.&nbsp;Through the pandemic, our dedicated staff have continued to engage and work with our Talking Book patrons through daily phone and email contact, providing themed reading lists and quarterly phone book discussions, and facilitating a yearlong Youth Reading Club.Public libraries across the state are staying engaged with their communities online through so many exciting and imaginative ways – interactive story times, book clubs, trivia nights, author talks, photography clubs, writing workshops, cooking classes, genealogy groups, just to name a few that I have seen on Facebook alone. For those of us in Shawnee County, I strongly encourage you to take advantage of all that the Topeka &amp; Shawnee County Public Library has to offer by visiting <a href="https://tscpl.org/events">https://tscpl.org/events</a>.&nbsp;Editor's Note: The Hays Public Library's activities page can be found <a href="https://hayslibrary.evanced.info/signup/Calendar">HERE</a>.Undoubtedly, this is an unprecedented time of stress, we are unsure about almost all aspects of our lives and the immediate future. Everything feels strange, and temporary, and unstable, and frightening –but through all of this, the State Library of Kansas and your local public library have been stalwart in our dedication to serving our communities.&nbsp;It might not look the same as it did at the beginning of the year, it might not be what you would have imagined, but every librarian in Kansas is working out how to keep providing the same access to informational, educational, and recreational materials and programs you would normally expect.Ms. Strahler’s letter was titled “We need to lean on libraries” and I couldn’t agree more. If I have learned anything in almost 15-years of working with and for public libraries in Kansas – we are here for you and, to paraphrase the late Bill Withers, we can help you carry on.More information about the State Library of Kansas and contact information can be found at our website,&nbsp;<a href="https://kslib.info/">https://kslib.info/</a>&nbsp;Eric Norris is a native Kansan who received a bachelor’s degree from the University of Kansas, MA from Fort Hays State University, and MLS from the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee. Prior to joining the State Library in 2018, he served as the Adult Department Librarian and Director of the Hays Public Library. He has also worked as a Director of Human Resources and a newspaper reporter.&nbsp;

NORRIS: Kansas State Library a key resource — especially now

By SHAWN LINENBERGER <a href="http://www.tonganoxiemirror.com">Tonganoxie Mirror</a>

TONGANOXIE — Educators and administrators are getting ready for an unprecedented school year.

Witte is the new activities director at Tonganoxie High School. He 
also serves as a new assistant principal, taking over for Brandon 
Mellen, who stepped down to take on another job at an American academy 
in Peru.

Witte comes to THS from Jackson Heights, a Class 2A school near 
Holton. He was there three years and served as high school and middle 
school athletics director at Jackson Heights.

“There’s been no slowly getting the ball rolling,” Witte said of his new post. He started at THS on July 1.

Originally from Udall near Wichita, he eventually played football at 
Winfield High School and continued his football career at Fort Hays 
State University where he played as a wide receiver for the Tigers.

He got into coaching as a Rule 10 coach at LaCrosse while he finished up his degree at FHSU in 2008.

His first job was at Chisholm Trail Middle School in Newton.

After two years there, he taught in the Auburn-Washburn school 
district and then taught strength and conditioning and physical 
education at Mission Valley, also near Topeka. 

He served as head coach of football and track during his four years at MVHS.

From there it was on to Jackson Heights and the home of the Cobras.

Now he takes on his next challenge while navigating more situations with COVID-19 pandemic precautions and regulations.

The Kansas State High School Activities Association has approved 
keeping the start of fall practices at Aug. 17. Competition schedules 
for some sports might be pushed back and other changes might be 
implemented, but the first day of practices is at least one constant 
right now.

“There’s been no slowly getting the ball rolling,” Witte said last 
week. “It’s not what you really want, but it has given us the ability to
 really get in and get going right off the bat.

“It’s that sense of urgency from Day 1 and really getting to work.”

Witte said there are many modifications the THS athletics department 
is working on to help minimize the risk of getting COVID-19. 

“We’re taking a lot of measures to keep doing everything as safely as possible with those changes,” Witte said.

There also will be fall sports parents meeting on Aug. 13, but those 
meetings will be conducted  virtually. Head coaches of fall sports — 
boys soccer cross country, football, girls golf and volleyball will lead
 those virtual meetings.

He noted that conversations also were taking place as far as what 
competition events might look like with fans and the various pandemic 
precautions, but those are still in the works. 

Like any planning during the pandemic, it’s a moving target.

“We’ve had no positive cases this summer and that’s allowed us to continue to have our workouts,” he said last week.

As for his philosophies as an activities director, Witte said it’s 
important to shape the students’ lives as best educators and 
administrators can.

“For me, I feel strongly that we as a school need to provide as many 
opportunities we can for our students to be successful,” he said, adding
 that includes helping develop good life skills for the rest of their 
lives and having the focus on both academics and activities.

He said he’s eager to interact with the many new faces at THS.

“I do enjoy getting to work with our coaches and student-athletes and
 being part of the experiences also of debate, band and choir and 
scholars bowl,” he said. “The list goes on.”

He and his wife, Rebecca, who is the public information officer with 
the Department of Corrections in Topeka, have two children: a son, 
Layton, who is 8, and daughter, Logan, who is 6.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/8/1596829654129.jpeg" alt="Cody Witte is the new activities director at Tonganoxie High School. He started the new post July 1. He comes to THS from Jackson Heights near Holton. Photo by Shawn Linenberger" />
 <figcaption>Cody Witte is the new activities director at Tonganoxie High School. He started the new post July 1. He comes to THS from Jackson Heights near Holton. Photo by Shawn Linenberger</figcaption>
 </figure>By SHAWN LINENBERGER <a href="http://www.tonganoxiemirror.com">Tonganoxie Mirror</a>TONGANOXIE — Educators and administrators are getting ready for an unprecedented school year.Cody Witte is doing so at new school.Witte is the new activities director at Tonganoxie High School. He 
also serves as a new assistant principal, taking over for Brandon 
Mellen, who stepped down to take on another job at an American academy 
in Peru.Witte comes to THS from Jackson Heights, a Class 2A school near 
Holton. He was there three years and served as high school and middle 
school athletics director at Jackson Heights.“There’s been no slowly getting the ball rolling,” Witte said of his new post. He started at THS on July 1.Originally from Udall near Wichita, he eventually played football at 
Winfield High School and continued his football career at Fort Hays 
State University where he played as a wide receiver for the Tigers.He got into coaching as a Rule 10 coach at LaCrosse while he finished up his degree at FHSU in 2008.His first job was at Chisholm Trail Middle School in Newton.After two years there, he taught in the Auburn-Washburn school 
district and then taught strength and conditioning and physical 
education at Mission Valley, also near Topeka. He served as head coach of football and track during his four years at MVHS.From there it was on to Jackson Heights and the home of the Cobras.Now he takes on his next challenge while navigating more situations with COVID-19 pandemic precautions and regulations.The Kansas State High School Activities Association has approved 
keeping the start of fall practices at Aug. 17. Competition schedules 
for some sports might be pushed back and other changes might be 
implemented, but the first day of practices is at least one constant 
right now.“There’s been no slowly getting the ball rolling,” Witte said last 
week. “It’s not what you really want, but it has given us the ability to
 really get in and get going right off the bat.“It’s that sense of urgency from Day 1 and really getting to work.”Witte said there are many modifications the THS athletics department 
is working on to help minimize the risk of getting COVID-19. “We’re taking a lot of measures to keep doing everything as safely as possible with those changes,” Witte said.There also will be fall sports parents meeting on Aug. 13, but those 
meetings will be conducted virtually. Head coaches of fall sports — 
boys soccer cross country, football, girls golf and volleyball will lead
 those virtual meetings.He noted that conversations also were taking place as far as what 
competition events might look like with fans and the various pandemic 
precautions, but those are still in the works. Like any planning during the pandemic, it’s a moving target.“We’ve had no positive cases this summer and that’s allowed us to continue to have our workouts,” he said last week.As for his philosophies as an activities director, Witte said it’s 
important to shape the students’ lives as best educators and 
administrators can.“For me, I feel strongly that we as a school need to provide as many 
opportunities we can for our students to be successful,” he said, adding
 that includes helping develop good life skills for the rest of their 
lives and having the focus on both academics and activities.He said he’s eager to interact with the many new faces at THS.“I do enjoy getting to work with our coaches and student-athletes and
 being part of the experiences also of debate, band and choir and 
scholars bowl,” he said. “The list goes on.”He and his wife, Rebecca, who is the public information officer with 
the Department of Corrections in Topeka, have two children: a son, 
Layton, who is 8, and daughter, Logan, who is 6.

FHSU alum with La Crosse ties takes reins as Tonganoxie AD

The Hays Police Department responded to 14 animal calls and conducted 11 traffic stops Mon., July 27, 2020, according to the HPD Activity Log.

Lost Animals ONLY--2000 block Walnut St, Hays; 7:05 AM Lost Animals ONLY--300 block W 8th St, Hays; 7:53 AM Animal At Large--200 block W 23rd St,
Hays; 8:44 AM Welfare Check--2500 block Sherman Ave, Hays; 10:48 AM Welfare Check--3500 block Canal Blvd, Hays; 12:04 PM Animal At Large--4400 block Vine St, Hays; 12:33 PM Theft (general)--400 block W 4th St, Hays; 7/20 10 AM; 7/24 5 PM&nbsp; Unattended Death--100 block E 15th St, Hay; 2:35 PM Harassment, Telephone/FAX--1000 block E 15th St, Hays; 7/26 8 PM; 7/27 12 PM Lost
Animals ONLY--1300 block E 33rd St, Hays; 2:58 PM Found/Lost Property--Hays; 3:58 PM Mental Health Call--1300 block Oak St, Hays; 5:25 PM Abandoned Vehicle--300 block E 21st St, Hays; 8:22 PM Welfare Check--1700 block Dechant Rd, Hays; 9:08 PM Bicycle - Lost,Found,Stolen--1700 block E 21st St, Hays; 7/13 5 PM; 9:18 PM

The Hays Police Department responded to 7 animal calls and conducted 6 traffic stops Tue., July 28, 2020, according to the HPD Activity Log.

Suspicious Person--1900 block Vine St, Hays; 12:04 AM Suspicious Person--900 block Main St, Hays; 1:55 AM Mental Health Call--2800 block Indian Trl, Hays; 2:34 AM; 2:40 AM Rape--500 block E 8th St, Hays; 12 AM; 3:36 AM Domestic Disturbance--1300 block E 33rd St, Hays; 7 AM Dead
Animal Call--1500 block Allen St, Hays;7:47 AM Found/Lost Property--Hays; 8:22 AM Animal Injured--400 block Elm St, Hays; 9:53 AM Welfare Check--1300 block E 21st St, Hays; 7/20 Criminal Trespass-- 2500 block Vine St, Hays; 11:02 AM Criminal Trespass--700 block Main St, Hays; 11:40 AM Found/Lost Property--200
block W 7th St, Hays; 1:11 PM Criminal Damage to Property--100 block W 12th St, Hays; 1:51 PM Found/Lost Property--100 block W 13th St, Hays; 2:25 PM; 2:30 PM MV Accident-City Street/Alley--2600 block Vine St, Hays; 2:47 PM&nbsp; Civil Dispute--200 block E 6th St, Hays; 3:11 PM Search Warrant--3300 block Hall St, Hays; 3:13 PM Harassment (All Other)--500 block W 36th St, Hays; 5:11 PM Mental Health Call--2500 block Gen Hancock Rd, Hays; 7:27 PM Found/Lost Property--1400 block Elm St, Hays; 1:26 PM

The Hays Police Department responded to 11 animal calls and conducted 23 traffic stops Wed., July 29, 2020, according to the HPD Activity Log.

Drug Offenses--1000 block E 37th St, Hays; 12:45 AM Intoxicated Subject--1300 block E 17th St, Hays; 5:44 AM Criminal Transport--1300 block Kansas Highway 264, Larned; 7:35 AM Drug Offenses--600 block Riley St, Hays; 7:59 AM; 8:30 AM Animal At Large--1600 block E
28th St, Hays; 9:05 AM Animal
At Large--2600 block Augusta Ln, Hays; 9:04 AM Animal Call--100 block W 14th St, Hays; 9:23 AM Found/Lost Property--1600 block Allen St, Hays; 10:37 AM Mental Health Call--1300 block Oak St,
Hays; 11:57 AM Civil Dispute--2100 block Elm St, Hays; 12:30 PM Animal At
Large--2700 block Hall St, Hays; 12:36 PM Lost Animals ONLY--200 block W 26th St, Hays; 1:44 PM Civil Dispute--500 block E 8th St, Hays; 3:49 PM Dead Animal Call--100 block Main St, Hays; 3:05 PM Open Door/Window--200 block W 33rd St,
Hays; 3:47 PM Suicidal Subject--2200 block Canterbury Dr, Hays; 10:15 AM; 4:55 PM P - Found/Lost Property--Hays; 4:43 PM Missing Person --500 block Pine St, Hays; 9:47 PM Lost
Animals ONLY--100 block W 16th St, Hays: 10:41 PM Criminal Damage to Property--400 block E 19th St, Hays; 11:30 PM; 7/30 12:08 AM

The Hays Police Department responded to 3 animal calls and conducted 14 traffic stops Thu., July 30, 2020, according to the HPD Activity Log.

Missing Person--500 block Pine St, Hays; 12:02 AM Lost Animals ONLY--4100 block Kings Ct, Hays; 1:18 AM Theft (general)--1700 block Douglas Dr, Hays; 7/29 6:30 PM; 7/30 6:30 AM Welfare Check--Hays; 8:07 AM Juvenile Complaint--200 block E 7th St, Hays; 7/1; 7/24 Rape--2100 block E 21st St, Hays; 7/1; 7/28 Criminal Damage to
Property--600 block E 13th St, Hays; 6/30 8:46 AM; 7/30 8:30 AM Disorderly Conduct--4300 block Vine St, Hays; 9:59 AM Battery - Domestic--2900 block Willow St, Hays; 11:32 AM Civil
Dispute--1600 block E 27th St, Hays; 12:04 PM MV Accident-City Street/Alley--200 block E 27th St, Hays; 3:25 AM Phone/Mail Scam--1600 block E 27th St, Hay; 4:33 PM Harassment,
Telephone/FAX--300 block W 6th St, Hays; 5:02 PM Theft (general)--4300 block Vine St, Hays; 5 PM; 5:30 PM Assist - Other (not MV)--2200 block Canterbury Dr, Hay; 7:26 PM Search Warrant--Hays; 7/24 11:46 AM Search Warrant--Hays; 7/23 10:14 AM Search Warrant--Hays; 7/23 10:19 AM Welfare Check--500 block E 8th St, Hay; 10:17 PM Mental Health Call--1300 block Oak, Hays; 11:49 PM

The Hays Police Department responded to 8 animal calls and conducted 8 traffic stops Fri., July 31, 2020, according to the HPD Activity Log.

Water Use Violation--200 block&nbsp;W 13th St, Hays;&nbsp;1:48 AM Intoxicated Subject--700 block E 8th St, Hays; 3:36 AM Mental Health Call--1300 block Oak St, Hays; 6:12 AM Unattended Death--4600 block Roth Ave, Hay; 7/30; 7/31 8 AM Criminal Damage to Property--3700 block Summer Ln, Hays; 7/29 1:20 AM; 1:40 AM Animal Bite Investigation--Hays; 11:11 AM MV Accident-Private Property--2700 block Vine St, Hays; 12:38 PM Dead Animal Call--27th St and Willow St, Hays; 1:19 PM Welfare Check--1000 block E 8th St, Hays; 2:40 PM MV Accident-City Street/Alley--13th St and Main St, Hays; 4:21 AM Runaway Juvenile--1900 block Ash St, Hays; 7:08 PM; 8:30 PM Animal Call--19th and Main, Hays; 7:35 PM Aggravated Battery--1700 block Pine St, Hays; 7:20 PM; 7:40 PM

The Hays Police Department responded to 3 animal calls and conducted 12 traffic stops Sat., Aug. 1, 2020, according to the HPD Activity Log.

Harassment, Telephone/FAX--800 block Elm St, Hays; 12:14 AM Driving Under the Influence--200 block
W 9th St, Hays; 1:36 AM Domestic
Disturbance--1000 block E 17th St, Hays; 2:57 AM; 3 AM Drug Offenses--3400 block Vine St, Hays; 6:29 AM; 8:37 AM Criminal Damage to Property--400 block W 6th St, Hays; 12:50 AM; 1:30 AM Civil Dispute--300 block W 9th St, Hays;&nbsp;11:44 AM Theft
(general)--2900 block Vine St, Hays; 11:50 AM; 12:34 PM Animal At Large--2000 block 40 Hwy, Ellis County; 2:37 PM Theft (general)--1300 block E
41st St, Hays; 3 PM Animal
Bite Investigation--2700 block Walnut St, Hays; 3:20 PM Drug Offenses-3500 block Vine St, Hays; 6:43 PM Mental Health Call--Kohala Kai Pl,
Weimea; 6:54 PM Mental Health
Call--400 block Milner St, Hays; 7:23 PM; 7:54 PM MV Accident-Private Property-Hit and Run--700
E 6th St, Hays; 10:07 PM Mental
Health Call--1300 block Oak St, Hays; 10:16 PM Missing Person--2200 block Canterbury Dr, Hays; 10:34 PM Welfare Check--400 block Milner St, Hays; 9:16 PM; 10:49 PM Disturbance - Noise--300 block W 6th St, Hays; 11:06 PM

The Hays Police Department responded to 4 animal calls and conducted 5 traffic stops Sun., Aug. 2, 2020, according to the HPD Activity&nbsp;Log.

Disorderly Conduct--200 block Ash St, Hays; 12:50 AM; 12:50 AM Welfare Check-- 5th
and Walnut, Hays; 2:41 AM Welfare Check--4600 block Roth Ave, Hays; 2:53 AM Criminal Damage to Property--1400 block Hall St, Hays; 10:00 PM;&nbsp; 10:30 PM Animal At Large--2000 block 40 Hwy, Ellis County; 11:58 AM Suspicious Person--500 block E 12th St, Hays; 12:13 PM Civil Dispute--2900 block Willow St, Hays; 12:32 PM Criminal Damage to Property--400 block W 21st St, Hays; 1:30 AM; 1:45 AM Suspicious Activity--2000 block Vine St, Hays; 2:33 PM Mental Health Call--1300 block Oak St, Hays; 3:42 PM Battery - simple--500 block W 7th St, Hays; 4:54 PM MV Accident-Private Property--4300 block Vine St, Hay; 6:14 PM

The Hays Police Department responded to 11 animal calls and conducted 20 traffic stops Mon., Aug. 3, 2020, according to the HPD Activity&nbsp;Log.

Drug Offenses--1000 block 43rd St, Hays; 1:51 AM Animal At Large--900 block Commerce Pkwy, Hays; 7:21 AM Disturbance - Fight--900 block Walnut St, Hays; 9:22 AM Animal
At Large--2600 block Augusta Ln, Hays; 9:47 AM Found/Lost Property-- 3700 block Vine, Hays; 10:11 AM Animal At Large--700 block E 6th St, Hays; 10:34 AM Drug Offenses--300 block W 8th St, Hays; 10:20 AM; 10:35 AM Battery - Domestic--1000 block Country Club Dr, Hays; 12:15 PM; 12:30 PM Lost Animals ONLY--500 block W 15th St, Hay; 12:44 PM Animal At Large--400 block W 13th St, Hays; 12:46 PM Unwanted Person--1500 block Vine St, Hays; 1:05 PM MV Accident-Private Property-Hit and Run--4300 block Vine St, Hays; 1:05 PM; 1:50 PM Theft (general)--1000 block E 41st St, Hays; 2:22 PM Theft (general)--2700 block Epworth St, Hays; 2:23 PM Theft (general)--1900 block Vine St, Hays; 4:17 PM Intoxicated Subject--1100 block Pinehurst St, Hays; 5:52 PM Mental Health Call--1400 block E 29th St, Hays; 8:53 PM Suspicious Activity--1100 block E 43rd St, Hays; 9:35 PM

The Hays Police Department responded to 7 animal calls and conducted 10 traffic stops Tue., Aug. 4, 2020, according to the HPD Activity&nbsp;Log.

Found/Lost Property--1400 block Hall St, Hays; 6:36 AM Drug Offenses/DUI--700 block Vine St, Hays; 8:31 AM; 9:06 AM&nbsp; Mental Health Call--100 block E 11th St, Hays; 9:05 AM Animal At Large--2600 block Augusta Ln, Hays; 9:20 AM Abandoned Vehicle--2700 block Hickory St,
Hays; 10:26 AM Mental Health Call--1400 block E 29th St, Hays; 11 AM Harassment (All Other)--100 block E 5th St, Hays; 11:45 AM Dead Animal Call--Centennial Blvd and General Hays, Hays; 12:01 PM Suspicious Activity--1100 block E 17th St, Hays; 1:24 PM Mental Health Call--2200 block Canterbury Dr, Hays; 2:02 PM Identity Theft--2220 block Canterbury Dr, Hays; 2:27 PM Drug Offenses--1000 block E 8th St, Hays; 2:49 PM Unwanted Person--1000 block E
41st St, Hays; 4:40 PM Disturbance - General--2900 block Cottonwood Ln, Hays; 5:31 PM Drug Offenses--2700 block Colonial St, Hays; 6:46 PM Disturbance - General--200 block E 7th St, Hays; 7:17 PM Assist - Other (not MV)--2200 block Canterbury Dr, Hay; 7:24 PM Suspicious Person--2900 block Sherman Ave, Hays; 8:08 PM Welfare Check--400 block E
15th St, Hays; 6:45 PM; 8:52 PM Driving Under the Influence--400 block W 20th St, Hays; 9:04 PM; 9:00 PM Criminal Threat--1300 block E 17th St, Hays; 11:40 PM; 11:48 PM

Theft (general)--200 block W 37th St, Hays; 8/4 8 PM; 8/5 8:30 AM Animal At Large--1000 block Reservation Rd, Hays; 10:39 Lost Animals ONLY--1300 block Steven Dr, Hays; 11:13 AM Harassment, Telephone/FAX--1200 block Main St, Hays; 8/4 3:32 PM; 3:34 PM Theft (general)--200 block W 37th St, Hays; 9 AM; 9:30 AM Drug Offenses--1300 block E 33rd St, Hays; 1:41 PM Drug Offenses--100 block E 15th St, Hays; 1:41 PM Found/Lost Property--24th and Hall, Hays; 5:48 PM MV Accident-Hit and Run--1700 block Fort St, Hays; 7:16 PM Animal Bite Investigation--100 block E 16th St, Hays; 7:15 PM; 8:41 PM Traffic/Driving Complaint--3500 block Vine St, Hay; 9:06 PM Drug Offenses--700 block E 6th St, Hays; 9:18 PM Assist - Other (not MV)--3200 block Vine St, Hays; 9:54 PM Suspicious Vehicle--400 block W 5th St, Hays; 11:41 PM Disorderly Conduct--100 block E 7th St, Hays; 11:45 PM Suspicious Person--600 block Main St, Hays; 11:52 PM

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/6/1592410704431.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>The Hays Police Department responded to 14 animal calls and conducted 11 traffic stops Mon., July 27, 2020, according to the HPD Activity Log.Lost Animals ONLY--2000 block Walnut St, Hays; 7:05 AM Lost Animals ONLY--300 block W 8th St, Hays; 7:53 AM Animal At Large--200 block W 23rd St,
Hays; 8:44 AM Welfare Check--2500 block Sherman Ave, Hays; 10:48 AM Welfare Check--3500 block Canal Blvd, Hays; 12:04 PM Animal At Large--4400 block Vine St, Hays; 12:33 PM Theft (general)--400 block W 4th St, Hays; 7/20 10 AM; 7/24 5 PM&nbsp; Unattended Death--100 block E 15th St, Hay; 2:35 PM Harassment, Telephone/FAX--1000 block E 15th St, Hays; 7/26 8 PM; 7/27 12 PM Lost
Animals ONLY--1300 block E 33rd St, Hays; 2:58 PM Found/Lost Property--Hays; 3:58 PM Mental Health Call--1300 block Oak St, Hays; 5:25 PM Abandoned Vehicle--300 block E 21st St, Hays; 8:22 PM Welfare Check--1700 block Dechant Rd, Hays; 9:08 PM Bicycle - Lost,Found,Stolen--1700 block E 21st St, Hays; 7/13 5 PM; 9:18 PMThe Hays Police Department responded to 7 animal calls and conducted 6 traffic stops Tue., July 28, 2020, according to the HPD Activity Log.Suspicious Person--1900 block Vine St, Hays; 12:04 AM Suspicious Person--900 block Main St, Hays; 1:55 AM Mental Health Call--2800 block Indian Trl, Hays; 2:34 AM; 2:40 AM Rape--500 block E 8th St, Hays; 12 AM; 3:36 AM Domestic Disturbance--1300 block E 33rd St, Hays; 7 AM Dead
Animal Call--1500 block Allen St, Hays;7:47 AM Found/Lost Property--Hays; 8:22 AM Animal Injured--400 block Elm St, Hays; 9:53 AM Welfare Check--1300 block E 21st St, Hays; 7/20 Criminal Trespass-- 2500 block Vine St, Hays; 11:02 AM Criminal Trespass--700 block Main St, Hays; 11:40 AM Found/Lost Property--200
block W 7th St, Hays; 1:11 PM Criminal Damage to Property--100 block W 12th St, Hays; 1:51 PM Found/Lost Property--100 block W 13th St, Hays; 2:25 PM; 2:30 PM MV Accident-City Street/Alley--2600 block Vine St, Hays; 2:47 PM&nbsp; Civil Dispute--200 block E 6th St, Hays; 3:11 PM Search Warrant--3300 block Hall St, Hays; 3:13 PM Harassment (All Other)--500 block W 36th St, Hays; 5:11 PM Mental Health Call--2500 block Gen Hancock Rd, Hays; 7:27 PM Found/Lost Property--1400 block Elm St, Hays; 1:26 PMThe Hays Police Department responded to 11 animal calls and conducted 23 traffic stops Wed., July 29, 2020, according to the HPD Activity Log.Drug Offenses--1000 block E 37th St, Hays; 12:45 AM Intoxicated Subject--1300 block E 17th St, Hays; 5:44 AM Criminal Transport--1300 block Kansas Highway 264, Larned; 7:35 AM Drug Offenses--600 block Riley St, Hays; 7:59 AM; 8:30 AM Animal At Large--1600 block E
28th St, Hays; 9:05 AM Animal
At Large--2600 block Augusta Ln, Hays; 9:04 AM Animal Call--100 block W 14th St, Hays; 9:23 AM Found/Lost Property--1600 block Allen St, Hays; 10:37 AM Mental Health Call--1300 block Oak St,
Hays; 11:57 AM Civil Dispute--2100 block Elm St, Hays; 12:30 PM Animal At
Large--2700 block Hall St, Hays; 12:36 PM Lost Animals ONLY--200 block W 26th St, Hays; 1:44 PM Civil Dispute--500 block E 8th St, Hays; 3:49 PM Dead Animal Call--100 block Main St, Hays; 3:05 PM Open Door/Window--200 block W 33rd St,
Hays; 3:47 PM Suicidal Subject--2200 block Canterbury Dr, Hays; 10:15 AM; 4:55 PM P - Found/Lost Property--Hays; 4:43 PM Missing Person --500 block Pine St, Hays; 9:47 PM Lost
Animals ONLY--100 block W 16th St, Hays: 10:41 PM Criminal Damage to Property--400 block E 19th St, Hays; 11:30 PM; 7/30 12:08 AMThe Hays Police Department responded to 3 animal calls and conducted 14 traffic stops Thu., July 30, 2020, according to the HPD Activity Log.Missing Person--500 block Pine St, Hays; 12:02 AM Lost Animals ONLY--4100 block Kings Ct, Hays; 1:18 AM Theft (general)--1700 block Douglas Dr, Hays; 7/29 6:30 PM; 7/30 6:30 AM Welfare Check--Hays; 8:07 AM Juvenile Complaint--200 block E 7th St, Hays; 7/1; 7/24 Rape--2100 block E 21st St, Hays; 7/1; 7/28 Criminal Damage to
Property--600 block E 13th St, Hays; 6/30 8:46 AM; 7/30 8:30 AM Disorderly Conduct--4300 block Vine St, Hays; 9:59 AM Battery - Domestic--2900 block Willow St, Hays; 11:32 AM Civil
Dispute--1600 block E 27th St, Hays; 12:04 PM MV Accident-City Street/Alley--200 block E 27th St, Hays; 3:25 AM Phone/Mail Scam--1600 block E 27th St, Hay; 4:33 PM Harassment,
Telephone/FAX--300 block W 6th St, Hays; 5:02 PM Theft (general)--4300 block Vine St, Hays; 5 PM; 5:30 PM Assist - Other (not MV)--2200 block Canterbury Dr, Hay; 7:26 PM Search Warrant--Hays; 7/24 11:46 AM Search Warrant--Hays; 7/23 10:14 AM Search Warrant--Hays; 7/23 10:19 AM Welfare Check--500 block E 8th St, Hay; 10:17 PM Mental Health Call--1300 block Oak, Hays; 11:49 PMThe Hays Police Department responded to 8 animal calls and conducted 8 traffic stops Fri., July 31, 2020, according to the HPD Activity Log. Water Use Violation--200 block&nbsp;W 13th St, Hays;&nbsp;1:48 AM Intoxicated Subject--700 block E 8th St, Hays; 3:36 AM Mental Health Call--1300 block Oak St, Hays; 6:12 AM Unattended Death--4600 block Roth Ave, Hay; 7/30; 7/31 8 AM Criminal Damage to Property--3700 block Summer Ln, Hays; 7/29 1:20 AM; 1:40 AM Animal Bite Investigation--Hays; 11:11 AM MV Accident-Private Property--2700 block Vine St, Hays; 12:38 PM Dead Animal Call--27th St and Willow St, Hays; 1:19 PM Welfare Check--1000 block E 8th St, Hays; 2:40 PM MV Accident-City Street/Alley--13th St and Main St, Hays; 4:21 AM Runaway Juvenile--1900 block Ash St, Hays; 7:08 PM; 8:30 PM Animal Call--19th and Main, Hays; 7:35 PM Aggravated Battery--1700 block Pine St, Hays; 7:20 PM; 7:40 PMThe Hays Police Department responded to 3 animal calls and conducted 12 traffic stops Sat., Aug. 1, 2020, according to the HPD Activity Log.Harassment, Telephone/FAX--800 block Elm St, Hays; 12:14 AM Driving Under the Influence--200 block
W 9th St, Hays; 1:36 AM Domestic
Disturbance--1000 block E 17th St, Hays; 2:57 AM; 3 AM Drug Offenses--3400 block Vine St, Hays; 6:29 AM; 8:37 AM Criminal Damage to Property--400 block W 6th St, Hays; 12:50 AM; 1:30 AM Civil Dispute--300 block W 9th St, Hays;&nbsp;11:44 AM Theft
(general)--2900 block Vine St, Hays; 11:50 AM; 12:34 PM Animal At Large--2000 block 40 Hwy, Ellis County; 2:37 PM Theft (general)--1300 block E
41st St, Hays; 3 PM Animal
Bite Investigation--2700 block Walnut St, Hays; 3:20 PM Drug Offenses-3500 block Vine St, Hays; 6:43 PM Mental Health Call--Kohala Kai Pl,
Weimea; 6:54 PM Mental Health
Call--400 block Milner St, Hays; 7:23 PM; 7:54 PM MV Accident-Private Property-Hit and Run--700
E 6th St, Hays; 10:07 PM Mental
Health Call--1300 block Oak St, Hays; 10:16 PM Missing Person--2200 block Canterbury Dr, Hays; 10:34 PM Welfare Check--400 block Milner St, Hays; 9:16 PM; 10:49 PM Disturbance - Noise--300 block W 6th St, Hays; 11:06 PMThe Hays Police Department responded to 4 animal calls and conducted 5 traffic stops Sun., Aug. 2, 2020, according to the HPD Activity&nbsp;Log.Disorderly Conduct--200 block Ash St, Hays; 12:50 AM; 12:50 AM Welfare Check-- 5th
and Walnut, Hays; 2:41 AM Welfare Check--4600 block Roth Ave, Hays; 2:53 AM Criminal Damage to Property--1400 block Hall St, Hays; 10:00 PM;&nbsp; 10:30 PM Animal At Large--2000 block 40 Hwy, Ellis County; 11:58 AM Suspicious Person--500 block E 12th St, Hays; 12:13 PM Civil Dispute--2900 block Willow St, Hays; 12:32 PM Criminal Damage to Property--400 block W 21st St, Hays; 1:30 AM; 1:45 AM Suspicious Activity--2000 block Vine St, Hays; 2:33 PM Mental Health Call--1300 block Oak St, Hays; 3:42 PM Battery - simple--500 block W 7th St, Hays; 4:54 PM MV Accident-Private Property--4300 block Vine St, Hay; 6:14 PMThe Hays Police Department responded to 11 animal calls and conducted 20 traffic stops Mon., Aug. 3, 2020, according to the HPD Activity&nbsp;Log.Drug Offenses--1000 block 43rd St, Hays; 1:51 AM Animal At Large--900 block Commerce Pkwy, Hays; 7:21 AM Disturbance - Fight--900 block Walnut St, Hays; 9:22 AM Animal
At Large--2600 block Augusta Ln, Hays; 9:47 AM Found/Lost Property-- 3700 block Vine, Hays; 10:11 AM Animal At Large--700 block E 6th St, Hays; 10:34 AM Drug Offenses--300 block W 8th St, Hays; 10:20 AM; 10:35 AM Battery - Domestic--1000 block Country Club Dr, Hays; 12:15 PM; 12:30 PM Lost Animals ONLY--500 block W 15th St, Hay; 12:44 PM Animal At Large--400 block W 13th St, Hays; 12:46 PM Unwanted Person--1500 block Vine St, Hays; 1:05 PM MV Accident-Private Property-Hit and Run--4300 block Vine St, Hays; 1:05 PM; 1:50 PM Theft (general)--1000 block E 41st St, Hays; 2:22 PM Theft (general)--2700 block Epworth St, Hays; 2:23 PM Theft (general)--1900 block Vine St, Hays; 4:17 PM Intoxicated Subject--1100 block Pinehurst St, Hays; 5:52 PM Mental Health Call--1400 block E 29th St, Hays; 8:53 PM Suspicious Activity--1100 block E 43rd St, Hays; 9:35 PMThe Hays Police Department responded to 7 animal calls and conducted 10 traffic stops Tue., Aug. 4, 2020, according to the HPD Activity&nbsp;Log.Found/Lost Property--1400 block Hall St, Hays; 6:36 AM Drug Offenses/DUI--700 block Vine St, Hays; 8:31 AM; 9:06 AM&nbsp; Mental Health Call--100 block E 11th St, Hays; 9:05 AM Animal At Large--2600 block Augusta Ln, Hays; 9:20 AM Abandoned Vehicle--2700 block Hickory St,
Hays; 10:26 AM Mental Health Call--1400 block E 29th St, Hays; 11 AM Harassment (All Other)--100 block E 5th St, Hays; 11:45 AM Dead Animal Call--Centennial Blvd and General Hays, Hays; 12:01 PM Suspicious Activity--1100 block E 17th St, Hays; 1:24 PM Mental Health Call--2200 block Canterbury Dr, Hays; 2:02 PM Identity Theft--2220 block Canterbury Dr, Hays; 2:27 PM Drug Offenses--1000 block E 8th St, Hays; 2:49 PM Unwanted Person--1000 block E
41st St, Hays; 4:40 PM Disturbance - General--2900 block Cottonwood Ln, Hays; 5:31 PM Drug Offenses--2700 block Colonial St, Hays; 6:46 PM Disturbance - General--200 block E 7th St, Hays; 7:17 PM Assist - Other (not MV)--2200 block Canterbury Dr, Hay; 7:24 PM Suspicious Person--2900 block Sherman Ave, Hays; 8:08 PM Welfare Check--400 block E
15th St, Hays; 6:45 PM; 8:52 PM Driving Under the Influence--400 block W 20th St, Hays; 9:04 PM; 9:00 PM Criminal Threat--1300 block E 17th St, Hays; 11:40 PM; 11:48 PMWed., Aug. 5, 2020Theft (general)--200 block W 37th St, Hays; 8/4 8 PM; 8/5 8:30 AM Animal At Large--1000 block Reservation Rd, Hays; 10:39 Lost Animals ONLY--1300 block Steven Dr, Hays; 11:13 AM Harassment, Telephone/FAX--1200 block Main St, Hays; 8/4 3:32 PM; 3:34 PM Theft (general)--200 block W 37th St, Hays; 9 AM; 9:30 AM Drug Offenses--1300 block E 33rd St, Hays; 1:41 PM Drug Offenses--100 block E 15th St, Hays; 1:41 PM Found/Lost Property--24th and Hall, Hays; 5:48 PM MV Accident-Hit and Run--1700 block Fort St, Hays; 7:16 PM Animal Bite Investigation--100 block E 16th St, Hays; 7:15 PM; 8:41 PM Traffic/Driving Complaint--3500 block Vine St, Hay; 9:06 PM Drug Offenses--700 block E 6th St, Hays; 9:18 PM Assist - Other (not MV)--3200 block Vine St, Hays; 9:54 PM Suspicious Vehicle--400 block W 5th St, Hays; 11:41 PM Disorderly Conduct--100 block E 7th St, Hays; 11:45 PM Suspicious Person--600 block Main St, Hays; 11:52 PM <figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/6/1592410704431.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>

HPD Activity Log, July 27-Aug. 5

Three-day weather outlook

Beginning at 7 a.m. Monday, the 500 block of West 16th will be closed at the Hall Street intersection for pavement repairs. 

Repairs are expected to be completed by the end of the day on Friday. 

For more information, call (785) 628-7350.

City of HaysBeginning at 7 a.m. Monday, the 500 block of West 16th will be closed at the Hall Street intersection for pavement repairs. Repairs are expected to be completed by the end of the day on Friday. For more information, call (785) 628-7350.

16th Street closed at Hall this week for repairs

By C.J. JANOVY <a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2020/08/07/congratulations-to-all-of-the-kansas-republicans-who-have-already-won-in-november/">Kansas Reflector</a>

Before we close out <a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2020/08/05/kansas-primary-undercuts-gop-moderates-rogue-democrat-clings-to-victory/">primary week</a>, let’s toast the members of the Kansas Legislature who can already plan victory parties on Election Day three months from now.

A few special folks can 
take leisurely walks from now until January because no one from the 
opposing party filed to run against them.

To no one’s surprise, most
 are Republicans. Democrats pre-emptively conceded 34 out of 125 seats 
in the Kansas House of Representatives by not putting anyone’s name on a
 ballot. It’s also no surprise that much of the uncontested territory is
 in rural areas.

There’s <a href="http://www.kslegislature.org/li/m/pdf/district_maps/district_map_h_120.pdf">District 120</a>, for example, where <a href="http://www.kslegislature.org/li/b2019_20/members/rep_smith_adam_1/">Rep. Adam Smith</a>,
 a farmer/rancher from Weskan, is in the middle of his second term 
representing 22,453 people spread out over six counties in the 
Colorado-Nebraska corner. Holding down the Oklahoma-Colorado corner to 
the south of him is a spread of four districts — <a href="http://www.kslegislature.org/li/m/pdf/district_maps/district_map_h_122.pdf">122</a>, <a href="http://www.kslegislature.org/li/m/pdf/district_maps/district_map_h_123.pdf">123</a>, <a href="http://www.kslegislature.org/li/m/pdf/district_maps/district_map_h_124.pdf">124</a> and <a href="http://www.kslegislature.org/li/m/pdf/district_maps/district_map_h_125.pdf">125</a> — where no Dems filed. But not all of the empty-Dem ballots represent ranchland. One’s in Overland Park, where <a href="http://www.kslegislature.org/li/b2019_20/members/rep_croft_chris_1/">Rep. Chris Croft</a> just survived a primary challenge from one of his party’s moderates.

There are also districts 
so heavily Democratic that Republicans didn’t bother, either. Each 
member of the Kansas House represents around 20,000 people, and some 
places are so thick with members of one party that running from the 
opposite party would be a waste of time, effort and money.

“We’re definitely playing 
catch-up,” says Vicki Hiatt, chair of the Kansas Democratic Party. 
“We’ve been building our bench, because statewide we did not have 
Democrats in local positions at all. In 2017, we really targeted 
candidates to run for city councils and school boards. I think we 
recruited almost 600, and around 400 of them won.”

“Democrats in rural areas 
still have the mindset that, ‘I’m the only Democrat here,’ and they 
don’t want the communities to know that they’re Democrats,” she says. 
“People think, ‘I don’t dare run for office and let them know I’m a 
Democrat, because I own this small business and it’ll kill it.’”

Still, Hiatt points to Democratic Gov. Laura Kelly’s election for some encouragement.

“Our numbers show, even 
though people might not be broadcasting that they’re Democrats, they’re 
voting for Democrats. We didn’t win some of those rural counties, but 
she certainly decreased the margin (of loss).”

Over in the Senate, where 40 people generally represent around 70,000 Kansans, one Democrat and ten Republicans can coast.

With Democrats having surrendered a quarter of the upper chamber, the lone member of that party with no Republican opponent is&nbsp;<a href="http://www.kslegislature.org/li/b2019_20/members/sen_francisco_marci_1/">Sen. Marci Francisco,</a> of Lawrence, who has represented <a href="http://www.kslegislature.org/li/m/pdf/district_maps/district_map_s_002.pdf">District 2</a> since 2005.

Of the Republicans who now
 face no contest, five at least saw a little bit of action this week, 
either surviving a primary challenge (<a href="http://www.kslegislature.org/li/b2019_20/members/sen_doll_john_1/">Sen. John Doll,</a> of Garden City) or beating incumbents (<a href="https://familypolicyalliance.com/issues/2020/07/13/breaking-family-policy-alliance-endorses-michael-fagg-for-s-d-14/">Michael Fagg,</a> of El Dorado; <a href="https://www.virgil4senate.com/">Virgil Peck,</a> of Haven, assuming the 35-vote edge he had on Thursday holds through the final mail-in count; <a href="http://jrclaeys.com/">J.R. Claeys,</a> of Salina; and <a href="https://www.gbtribune.com/news/local-news/straub-files-run-kansas-senate-district-33/">Alicia Straub,</a> of Ellinwood).

But let’s wrap up the week
 with special recognition of six others, whose constituents are 
apparently so happy that no one, Republican or otherwise, felt it 
necessary to throw in for the seat:

McGinn doesn’t need any 
ads but she made a video anyway, and it’s so quintessentially Kansas 
that we all ought to pause for 46 seconds and enjoy it:

As McGinn’s closing joke 
about manure confirms, serving as a Kansas legislator is a high-cow-pie,
 low-cash job (it pays $88.66 per day during the session). Running for 
office is fun only for certain types of people, and losing is no fun at 
all.

But not even trying? That’s worse than losing.

C.J. Janovy is a veteran journalist with deep roots in the Midwest. Before joining the Kansas Reflector, she was an editor and reporter at Kansas City’s NPR affiliate, KCUR. Before that, she edited the city’s alt-weekly newspaper, The Pitch.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/8/1596821888254.jpeg" alt="Kansas Sen. Carolyn McGinn in a July 2020 campaign ad." />
 <figcaption>Kansas Sen. Carolyn McGinn in a July 2020 campaign ad.</figcaption>
 </figure>By C.J. JANOVY <a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2020/08/07/congratulations-to-all-of-the-kansas-republicans-who-have-already-won-in-november/">Kansas Reflector</a>Before we close out <a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2020/08/05/kansas-primary-undercuts-gop-moderates-rogue-democrat-clings-to-victory/">primary week</a>, let’s toast the members of the Kansas Legislature who can already plan victory parties on Election Day three months from now.A few special folks can 
take leisurely walks from now until January because no one from the 
opposing party filed to run against them.To no one’s surprise, most
 are Republicans. Democrats pre-emptively conceded 34 out of 125 seats 
in the Kansas House of Representatives by not putting anyone’s name on a
 ballot. It’s also no surprise that much of the uncontested territory is
 in rural areas.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/12/1575913663048.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>There’s <a href="http://www.kslegislature.org/li/m/pdf/district_maps/district_map_h_120.pdf">District 120</a>, for example, where <a href="http://www.kslegislature.org/li/b2019_20/members/rep_smith_adam_1/">Rep. Adam Smith</a>,
 a farmer/rancher from Weskan, is in the middle of his second term 
representing 22,453 people spread out over six counties in the 
Colorado-Nebraska corner. Holding down the Oklahoma-Colorado corner to 
the south of him is a spread of four districts — <a href="http://www.kslegislature.org/li/m/pdf/district_maps/district_map_h_122.pdf">122</a>, <a href="http://www.kslegislature.org/li/m/pdf/district_maps/district_map_h_123.pdf">123</a>, <a href="http://www.kslegislature.org/li/m/pdf/district_maps/district_map_h_124.pdf">124</a> and <a href="http://www.kslegislature.org/li/m/pdf/district_maps/district_map_h_125.pdf">125</a> — where no Dems filed. But not all of the empty-Dem ballots represent ranchland. One’s in Overland Park, where <a href="http://www.kslegislature.org/li/b2019_20/members/rep_croft_chris_1/">Rep. Chris Croft</a> just survived a primary challenge from one of his party’s moderates.There are also districts 
so heavily Democratic that Republicans didn’t bother, either. Each 
member of the Kansas House represents around 20,000 people, and some 
places are so thick with members of one party that running from the 
opposite party would be a waste of time, effort and money.But it also just seems sad.“We’re definitely playing 
catch-up,” says Vicki Hiatt, chair of the Kansas Democratic Party. 
“We’ve been building our bench, because statewide we did not have 
Democrats in local positions at all. In 2017, we really targeted 
candidates to run for city councils and school boards. I think we 
recruited almost 600, and around 400 of them won.”Rural areas are tough, though.“Democrats in rural areas 
still have the mindset that, ‘I’m the only Democrat here,’ and they 
don’t want the communities to know that they’re Democrats,” she says. 
“People think, ‘I don’t dare run for office and let them know I’m a 
Democrat, because I own this small business and it’ll kill it.’”Let that sink in, friends.Still, Hiatt points to Democratic Gov. Laura Kelly’s election for some encouragement.“Our numbers show, even 
though people might not be broadcasting that they’re Democrats, they’re 
voting for Democrats. We didn’t win some of those rural counties, but 
she certainly decreased the margin (of loss).”Over in the Senate, where 40 people generally represent around 70,000 Kansans, one Democrat and ten Republicans can coast.With Democrats having surrendered a quarter of the upper chamber, the lone member of that party with no Republican opponent is&nbsp;<a href="http://www.kslegislature.org/li/b2019_20/members/sen_francisco_marci_1/">Sen. Marci Francisco,</a> of Lawrence, who has represented <a href="http://www.kslegislature.org/li/m/pdf/district_maps/district_map_s_002.pdf">District 2</a> since 2005.Of the Republicans who now
 face no contest, five at least saw a little bit of action this week, 
either surviving a primary challenge (<a href="http://www.kslegislature.org/li/b2019_20/members/sen_doll_john_1/">Sen. John Doll,</a> of Garden City) or beating incumbents (<a href="https://familypolicyalliance.com/issues/2020/07/13/breaking-family-policy-alliance-endorses-michael-fagg-for-s-d-14/">Michael Fagg,</a> of El Dorado; <a href="https://www.virgil4senate.com/">Virgil Peck,</a> of Haven, assuming the 35-vote edge he had on Thursday holds through the final mail-in count; <a href="http://jrclaeys.com/">J.R. Claeys,</a> of Salina; and <a href="https://www.gbtribune.com/news/local-news/straub-files-run-kansas-senate-district-33/">Alicia Straub,</a> of Ellinwood).But let’s wrap up the week
 with special recognition of six others, whose constituents are 
apparently so happy that no one, Republican or otherwise, felt it 
necessary to throw in for the seat:<ul>
 <li><a href="http://www.kslegislature.org/li/b2019_20/members/sen_kerschen_dan_1/">Sen. Dan Kerschen</a>, of Garden Plain, who has represented <a href="http://www.kslegislature.org/li/m/pdf/district_maps/district_map_s_026.pdf">District 26</a>, west of Wichita, since 2009.</li><li><a href="http://www.kslegislature.org/li/b2019_20/members/sen_alley_larry_1/">Sen. Larry Alley</a>, of Winfield, whose <a href="http://www.kslegislature.org/li/m/pdf/district_maps/district_map_s_032.pdf">District 32</a> consists of a handful of rural counties along the Oklahoma border, which he’s represented since 2017.</li><li><a href="http://www.kslegislature.org/li/b2019_20/members/sen_wilborn_rick_1/">Sen. Rick Wilborn</a>, of McPherson, who has served the residents of Chase, Ellsworth, Marion, McPherson and Morris counties in <a href="http://www.kslegislature.org/li/m/pdf/district_maps/district_map_s_035.pdf">District 35</a> since 2015.</li><li><a href="http://www.kslegislature.org/li/b2019_20/members/sen_bowers_elaine_1/">Sen. Elaine Bowers</a>, of Concordia, who moved up to the Senate in 2013 after three terms in the House, and whose <a href="http://www.kslegislature.org/li/m/pdf/district_maps/district_map_s_036.pdf">District 36</a>
 covers 11 counties — Cloud, Jewell, Lincoln, Mitchell, Osborne, Ottawa,
 Republic, Rooks, Russell, Smith and Washington — in the central part of
 the state along the Nebraska border.</li><li><a href="http://www.kslegislature.org/li/b2019_20/members/sen_mcginn_carolyn_1/">Sen. Carolyn McGinn,</a> of Sedgwick, who has represented <a href="http://www.kslegislature.org/li/m/pdf/district_maps/district_map_s_031.pdf">District 31</a>, which includes Harvey County and part of northern Sedgwick County, since 2005.</li>
 </ul>McGinn doesn’t need any 
ads but she made a video anyway, and it’s so quintessentially Kansas 
that we all ought to pause for 46 seconds and enjoy it:<figure>
 <iframe width="560" height="315" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/Fm-PG9wEVjs"></iframe>
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>As McGinn’s closing joke 
about manure confirms, serving as a Kansas legislator is a high-cow-pie,
 low-cash job (it pays $88.66 per day during the session). Running for 
office is fun only for certain types of people, and losing is no fun at 
all.But not even trying? That’s worse than losing.C.J. Janovy is a veteran journalist with deep roots in the Midwest. Before joining the Kansas Reflector, she was an editor and reporter at Kansas City’s NPR affiliate, KCUR. Before that, she edited the city’s alt-weekly newspaper, The Pitch.

OPINION: Congrats to Kan. Republicans who have already won in November

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

<div><iframe title="K-State Ag Research Center prepares for upcoming Field Day" height="400" width="400" style="border: none;" scrolling="no" data-name="pb-iframe-player" src="https://www.podbean.com/media/player/2tjc6-e614bc?from=pb6admin&amp;download=1&amp;version=1&amp;vjs=1&amp;auto=1&amp;share=1&amp;download=1&amp;rtl=0&amp;fonts=Helvetica&amp;skin=3&amp;pfauth="></iframe></div><a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/5dd2f46c897d147ad4bb104b">To find out more about The Post Podcast, or subscribe to mobile&nbsp;</a><a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/5dd2f46c897d147ad4bb104b">notifications click here.</a>

🎙 Post Podcast: K-State Ag Research Center prepares for upcoming Field Day

TOPEKA&nbsp;– Gov. Laura Kelly and Lt. Governor Lynn Rogers announced plans and dates for the Office of Rural Prosperity’s 2020 Tour. This year’s tour will be completely virtual and will build off the ORP Listening Tour Rogers led last summer.

“The Office of Rural Prosperity was established to give all Kansans a voice at the Statehouse,” Kelly said.&nbsp;“This tour will continue to remind rural communities that we are here to support them, and we are continuing to work towards solutions that will foster growth and prosperity in these areas.”

Last summer, Rogers took to the road as part of a <a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/5e2b3cc77d7daa72b30ebb26">statewide Listening Tour</a> where he connected with&nbsp;hundreds of Kansans across the state. These discussions established the foundation for the Office of Rural Prosperity and its priorities to help streamline polices and coordinate programs that aid rural Kansas.&nbsp;

The 2020 tour will consist of 7 virtual meeting across the state that will be open to the public.&nbsp;State agency leaders and local stakeholders will join Rogers to talk about policies and projects that are targeted to rural areas.

“One of my favorite things is connecting with people and I’m very much looking forward to getting ‘back on the road’ again, even if it’s virtual,”&nbsp;Rogers said. “To contrast last year’s tour, this year we will focus around listening and action, meaning we will be showing Kansans how we’ve been working towards sustainable solutions to concerns we’ve heard across the state.”

Kelly cited COVID-19 concerns and the safety of Kansans for the move to a virtual platform. Rogers echoed her sentiments but acknowledge the challenges of broadband internet for some rural areas.&nbsp;Participants will still have opportunities to ask questions during the meetings and provide feedback through surveys and the comments section.

The ORP’s priority areas consist of broadband and infrastructure, early education and childcare, healthcare, housing, and community development. The tour will also discuss the impacts of COVID-19 on rural communities.

Participants must register for their specific region at&nbsp;<a href="https://www.ruralkanprosper.ks.gov/">www.ruralkanprosper.gov/2020-tour</a>. Call-in options for those with limited internet access will be available and all sessions will be recorded and streamed to&nbsp;<a href="https://gcc01.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2FLtGovRogers%2F&amp;data=02%7C01%7C%7C34684d8abd464e1f8c9208d8330ba9b6%7Cdcae8101c92d480cbc43c6761ccccc5a%7C0%7C0%7C637315472460810881&amp;sdata=0jkVyrGpR5HFDFG5SZ1w%2BvocH19qrP%2FpBCqrqari%2FNs%3D&amp;reserved=0" target="_blank">Lt. Governor’s Facebook page</a>. Press and public officials are encouraged to attend.

All meetings will be held 5:30-7:00 p.m. except for the Saturday statewide meeting.

About The Office of Rural Prosperity ORP is a nonpartisan initiative established in part to ensure that rural Kansas is heard and represented in the Statehouse. ORP is an effort to streamline rural policy, create an inventory of existing resources and initiatives while aiding in rural improvement efforts.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/8/1596668424257.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>ORP TOPEKA&nbsp;– Gov. Laura Kelly and Lt. Governor Lynn Rogers announced plans and dates for the Office of Rural Prosperity’s 2020 Tour. This year’s tour will be completely virtual and will build off the ORP Listening Tour Rogers led last summer.“The Office of Rural Prosperity was established to give all Kansans a voice at the Statehouse,” Kelly said.&nbsp;“This tour will continue to remind rural communities that we are here to support them, and we are continuing to work towards solutions that will foster growth and prosperity in these areas.”Last summer, Rogers took to the road as part of a <a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/5e2b3cc77d7daa72b30ebb26">statewide Listening Tour</a> where he connected with&nbsp;hundreds of Kansans across the state. These discussions established the foundation for the Office of Rural Prosperity and its priorities to help streamline polices and coordinate programs that aid rural Kansas.&nbsp;<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/8/1596727554643.png" alt="Rogers" />
 <figcaption>Rogers</figcaption>
 </figure>The 2020 tour will consist of 7 virtual meeting across the state that will be open to the public.&nbsp;State agency leaders and local stakeholders will join Rogers to talk about policies and projects that are targeted to rural areas.“One of my favorite things is connecting with people and I’m very much looking forward to getting ‘back on the road’ again, even if it’s virtual,”&nbsp;Rogers said. “To contrast last year’s tour, this year we will focus around listening and action, meaning we will be showing Kansans how we’ve been working towards sustainable solutions to concerns we’ve heard across the state.”Kelly cited COVID-19 concerns and the safety of Kansans for the move to a virtual platform. Rogers echoed her sentiments but acknowledge the challenges of broadband internet for some rural areas.&nbsp;Participants will still have opportunities to ask questions during the meetings and provide feedback through surveys and the comments section.The ORP’s priority areas consist of broadband and infrastructure, early education and childcare, healthcare, housing, and community development. The tour will also discuss the impacts of COVID-19 on rural communities.Participants must register for their specific region at&nbsp;<a href="https://www.ruralkanprosper.ks.gov/">www.ruralkanprosper.gov/2020-tour</a>. Call-in options for those with limited internet access will be available and all sessions will be recorded and streamed to&nbsp;<a href="https://gcc01.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2FLtGovRogers%2F&amp;data=02%7C01%7C%7C34684d8abd464e1f8c9208d8330ba9b6%7Cdcae8101c92d480cbc43c6761ccccc5a%7C0%7C0%7C637315472460810881&amp;sdata=0jkVyrGpR5HFDFG5SZ1w%2BvocH19qrP%2FpBCqrqari%2FNs%3D&amp;reserved=0" target="_blank">Lt. Governor’s Facebook page</a>. Press and public officials are encouraged to attend.Tour Schedule:All meetings will be held 5:30-7:00 p.m. except for the Saturday statewide meeting.<ul>
 <li>North Central- Thursday, August 6th&nbsp;</li><li>North West- Wednesday August 12th</li><li>Statewide- Saturday, August 22nd&nbsp;(1:30-3:00 p.m.)</li><li>Southwest- Tuesday, August 25th</li><li>South Central- Wednesday, September 2nd</li><li>South&nbsp;East- Wednesday, September 9th&nbsp;</li><li>North East Kansas- Wednesday, September</li>
 </ul>About The Office of Rural Prosperity ORP is a nonpartisan initiative established in part to ensure that rural Kansas is heard and represented in the Statehouse. ORP is an effort to streamline rural policy, create an inventory of existing resources and initiatives while aiding in rural improvement efforts.

Office of Rural Prosperity's northwest Kan. session will be Aug. 12

TOPEKA—Kansas Court of Appeals judges will hear appeals by videoconference Monday, Aug. 10. The oral arguments will be&nbsp;<a href="https://kansascourts.org/l/cMnNBXXjyG39_TRJHMotaVOhk5CygdZ3FdGlK_ja49M" target="_blank">livestreamed on YouTube</a>.

Judge Stephen Hill is the presiding judge and is joined by Judge Thomas Malone and Senior Judge Richard Walker for the&nbsp;<a href="https://kansascourts.org/l/cMnNBXXjyG39_TRJHMotaQbiT3eXwMFQZmvvA1lbCzg" target="_blank">August 10 docket</a>.

9 a.m.&nbsp;•&nbsp;August 10, 2020

Appeal No. 120,054:&nbsp;Denise Ann Roenne, Jeanette Marie Miller, Mark Benton Miller and Justin Miller v. Lawrence Bradley Miller and Amy Starr Miller

Rooks County: This action involves a testamentary trust that held royalty interests in certain oil leases. The beneficiaries of the trust were five siblings—the parties to this suit. The defendant, Brad Miller, was also named the trustee. The four plaintiffs sued Brad and his wife after learning Brad had conveyed all the trust assets to himself. The district court ruled Brad did not breach his fiduciary duties as trustee because the trust gave him absolute discretion over the trust. The plaintiffs appeal from that judgment.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/6/1592516692814.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>OJATOPEKA—Kansas Court of Appeals judges will hear appeals by videoconference Monday, Aug. 10. The oral arguments will be&nbsp;<a href="https://kansascourts.org/l/cMnNBXXjyG39_TRJHMotaVOhk5CygdZ3FdGlK_ja49M" target="_blank">livestreamed on YouTube</a>.Judge Stephen Hill is the presiding judge and is joined by Judge Thomas Malone and Senior Judge Richard Walker for the&nbsp;<a href="https://kansascourts.org/l/cMnNBXXjyG39_TRJHMotaQbiT3eXwMFQZmvvA1lbCzg" target="_blank">August 10 docket</a>.9 a.m.&nbsp;•&nbsp;August 10, 2020Appeal No. 120,054:&nbsp;Denise Ann Roenne, Jeanette Marie Miller, Mark Benton Miller and Justin Miller v. Lawrence Bradley Miller and Amy Starr MillerRooks County: This action involves a testamentary trust that held royalty interests in certain oil leases. The beneficiaries of the trust were five siblings—the parties to this suit. The defendant, Brad Miller, was also named the trustee. The four plaintiffs sued Brad and his wife after learning Brad had conveyed all the trust assets to himself. The district court ruled Brad did not breach his fiduciary duties as trustee because the trust gave him absolute discretion over the trust. The plaintiffs appeal from that judgment.

Rooks Co. case to be heard by Kansas Court of Appeals via video

	When we turned the calendar to August it can mean only one thing; school bells will be ringing soon. The challenges that COVID19 has brought to our school boards and administrators are many, but in the end, children need to continue learning in whichever format is available. With the start of another school year, it is the perfect time to call a family meeting and get everyone on board with the new routine.

	Research shows that kids ages 3 to 6 need ten to twelve hours of sleep each day. As youngsters begin pre-school or the early grades it is important to have a set bedtime with a routine that encourages success. Perhaps you want to target 8 p.m. as bedtime. If so you will want to begin the wind down process around 7. Perhaps a warm bath and bed time story would help your child to relax. Planning what will be worn the next day or eaten for breakfast also encourages a less hectic morning when the alarm goes off. Whatever you want to adopt as a routine, now is a good time to start working toward your final goal. If the summer schedule has been lax, start moving the bedtime up a few minutes each day until your target is reached. That should help make the first day of school a success.

	As families strive to get the school year off to a good start, the morning rush can create a huge obstacle. Whether your kids catch an early morning bus, if you provide the ride, or if they bike or walk to school, make sure time is set aside to eat a healthy breakfast. It has long been reported that eating breakfast is a good thing – first by moms, and then backed up by numerous research studies. Nutrition educators have shown that eating breakfast is important to weight control. It also helps youngsters perform better in school.

	If you live close enough to school, perhaps your child can walk or bike safely to school. Research shows that starting your day with some physical activity (i.e. walking to school) encourages better concentration and behavior in the classroom. If your schedule allows it, do a trial run with your child; either walking or biking on a safe route to the front door of the school.&nbsp;

	Here’s hoping your school year gets off to a great start!

Donna Krug is the District Director and Family &amp; Consumer Science Agent with K-State Research and Extension – Cottonwood District. You may reach her at: (620)793-1910 or <a href="mailto:dkrug@ksu.edu">dkrug@ksu.edu</a>&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/6/1593016082485.png" alt="Donna Krug is the District Director and Family &amp; Consumer Science Agent with K-State Research and Extension – Cottonwood District.&nbsp;" />
 <figcaption>Donna Krug is the District Director and Family &amp; Consumer Science Agent with K-State Research and Extension – Cottonwood District.&nbsp;</figcaption>
 </figure>	When we turned the calendar to August it can mean only one thing; school bells will be ringing soon. The challenges that COVID19 has brought to our school boards and administrators are many, but in the end, children need to continue learning in whichever format is available. With the start of another school year, it is the perfect time to call a family meeting and get everyone on board with the new routine.	Research shows that kids ages 3 to 6 need ten to twelve hours of sleep each day. As youngsters begin pre-school or the early grades it is important to have a set bedtime with a routine that encourages success. Perhaps you want to target 8 p.m. as bedtime. If so you will want to begin the wind down process around 7. Perhaps a warm bath and bed time story would help your child to relax. Planning what will be worn the next day or eaten for breakfast also encourages a less hectic morning when the alarm goes off. Whatever you want to adopt as a routine, now is a good time to start working toward your final goal. If the summer schedule has been lax, start moving the bedtime up a few minutes each day until your target is reached. That should help make the first day of school a success.	As families strive to get the school year off to a good start, the morning rush can create a huge obstacle. Whether your kids catch an early morning bus, if you provide the ride, or if they bike or walk to school, make sure time is set aside to eat a healthy breakfast. It has long been reported that eating breakfast is a good thing – first by moms, and then backed up by numerous research studies. Nutrition educators have shown that eating breakfast is important to weight control. It also helps youngsters perform better in school.	If you live close enough to school, perhaps your child can walk or bike safely to school. Research shows that starting your day with some physical activity (i.e. walking to school) encourages better concentration and behavior in the classroom. If your schedule allows it, do a trial run with your child; either walking or biking on a safe route to the front door of the school.&nbsp;	Here’s hoping your school year gets off to a great start!Donna Krug is the District Director and Family &amp; Consumer Science Agent with K-State Research and Extension – Cottonwood District. You may reach her at: (620)793-1910 or <a href="mailto:dkrug@ksu.edu">dkrug@ksu.edu</a>&nbsp;

KRUG: Settling in to the school routine

&nbsp;By RON WILSON Huck Boyd National Institute for Rural Development

“Let’s go one lap around.” That sounds easy. But what if that one lap didn’t refer to the local walking track? What if it referred to one lap – around the entire globe? This week, we’ll meet a young Kansas couple who took on the amazing goal of circumnavigating the globe by themselves.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

Heidi Plumb and Kale Dankenbring are the remarkable young couple who made this amazing journey. Heidi grew up near Dallas. Kale grew up at St. Francis, Kansas. He studied information technology at Northwest Kansas Technical College in Goodland, a rural community of 4,489 people. Now, that’s rural.&nbsp;

After graduation, Kale’s IT career took him to Phoenix where he met Heidi. The two shared lots of interests, including nutrition, coffee and travel. They had an incredible idea: What if they could travel around the world on a shoestring budget?&nbsp;&nbsp;

They got married, prepared their travel plans, finished up their jobs and sold their belongings. On May 17, 2011, they left to visit family in Kansas and Texas before flying to New York for the transcontinental flight to Ireland.&nbsp;

This trip would ultimately include the proverbial planes, trains and automobiles, plus buses, boats, bicycles, scooters, hitch-hiking, rickshaws and even camels.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

In Ireland, they did sight-seeing around Dublin, Cork and Killarney. They found that the private hotel room which they had booked online was no longer available, so they ended up sharing a room with another couple – who snored. Later conditions would be much worse. They did see magnificent cathedrals, beautiful countryside, lots of sheep, and fascinating people.&nbsp;

They took the ferry to Wales and stayed in London for a month, sightseeing and traveling to Scotland.&nbsp;

From London, they flew to Luxor, Egypt. They spent a week in Cairo, saw the pyramids and walked along the Nile River before flying to Mumbai. They stayed on the beach and then moved to the Himalayan region.&nbsp;

Kale suggested they find some sort of volunteer service which they could perform while in the country. They found such an opportunity through&nbsp;<a href="http://www.workaway.info/">www.workaway.info</a>. On this site, they learned about a remote school near the Himalayas where they could teach classes for room and board. Heidi taught English, and Kale taught math and science to kids ages four to 10. The students were from very poor, rural families. Heidi and Kale would teach there for about a month.&nbsp;

Heidi wrote in their blog: “This experience makes me think of how fortunate our kids (are) in America and other western societies as a whole … . The kids here got extremely excited when we brought out a basketball during playtime. Even though there was no hoop, just the chance at kicking or throwing a ball around was pure happiness to them. They are so grateful for such simple offerings … for every drawing we make, for every game we play, for every song we sing and for every word we teach them.”&nbsp;&nbsp;

One day while at a coffee shop in Pushkar, India, Kale and Heidi got to talking about having a coffee roastery of their own. One thing led to another, and they learned about an abandoned building which was for sale in Kale’s hometown. It could serve as a site for their motorcycle shop and apartment as well as a base for their coffee roastery trailer. They bought the building sight unseen and made plans to return to the United States.&nbsp;

First, they went to Nepal and flew over Mount Everest before stopping in Bangkok and having a layover in Japan on their way home. By the date of Heidi’s birthday in December 2011, they were back in the USA.&nbsp;

They went one lap around – not just the track, but around the world. We commend Kale Dankenbring and Heidi Plumb for making a difference by teaching in an impoverished region of the world. As Heidi wrote of her students: “Their confidence, happy smiles and genuine laughter is proof that the school is changing these children’s lives for the better and expanding their opportunities by providing an excellent education.”&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

And there’s more. What about that roastery back home? We’ll learn about that next week.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/8/1596633654531.png" alt="Heidi Plumb and Kale Dankenbring" />
 <figcaption>Heidi Plumb and Kale Dankenbring</figcaption>
 </figure>&nbsp;By RON WILSON Huck Boyd National Institute for Rural Development“Let’s go one lap around.” That sounds easy. But what if that one lap didn’t refer to the local walking track? What if it referred to one lap – around the entire globe? This week, we’ll meet a young Kansas couple who took on the amazing goal of circumnavigating the globe by themselves.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Heidi Plumb and Kale Dankenbring are the remarkable young couple who made this amazing journey. Heidi grew up near Dallas. Kale grew up at St. Francis, Kansas. He studied information technology at Northwest Kansas Technical College in Goodland, a rural community of 4,489 people. Now, that’s rural.&nbsp;After graduation, Kale’s IT career took him to Phoenix where he met Heidi. The two shared lots of interests, including nutrition, coffee and travel. They had an incredible idea: What if they could travel around the world on a shoestring budget?&nbsp;&nbsp;They made it happen.&nbsp;They got married, prepared their travel plans, finished up their jobs and sold their belongings. On May 17, 2011, they left to visit family in Kansas and Texas before flying to New York for the transcontinental flight to Ireland.&nbsp;This trip would ultimately include the proverbial planes, trains and automobiles, plus buses, boats, bicycles, scooters, hitch-hiking, rickshaws and even camels.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;In Ireland, they did sight-seeing around Dublin, Cork and Killarney. They found that the private hotel room which they had booked online was no longer available, so they ended up sharing a room with another couple – who snored. Later conditions would be much worse. They did see magnificent cathedrals, beautiful countryside, lots of sheep, and fascinating people.&nbsp;They took the ferry to Wales and stayed in London for a month, sightseeing and traveling to Scotland.&nbsp;From London, they flew to Luxor, Egypt. They spent a week in Cairo, saw the pyramids and walked along the Nile River before flying to Mumbai. They stayed on the beach and then moved to the Himalayan region.&nbsp;Kale suggested they find some sort of volunteer service which they could perform while in the country. They found such an opportunity through&nbsp;<a href="http://www.workaway.info/">www.workaway.info</a>. On this site, they learned about a remote school near the Himalayas where they could teach classes for room and board. Heidi taught English, and Kale taught math and science to kids ages four to 10. The students were from very poor, rural families. Heidi and Kale would teach there for about a month.&nbsp;Heidi wrote in their blog: “This experience makes me think of how fortunate our kids (are) in America and other western societies as a whole … . The kids here got extremely excited when we brought out a basketball during playtime. Even though there was no hoop, just the chance at kicking or throwing a ball around was pure happiness to them. They are so grateful for such simple offerings … for every drawing we make, for every game we play, for every song we sing and for every word we teach them.”&nbsp;&nbsp;One day while at a coffee shop in Pushkar, India, Kale and Heidi got to talking about having a coffee roastery of their own. One thing led to another, and they learned about an abandoned building which was for sale in Kale’s hometown. It could serve as a site for their motorcycle shop and apartment as well as a base for their coffee roastery trailer. They bought the building sight unseen and made plans to return to the United States.&nbsp;First, they went to Nepal and flew over Mount Everest before stopping in Bangkok and having a layover in Japan on their way home. By the date of Heidi’s birthday in December 2011, they were back in the USA.&nbsp;They went one lap around – not just the track, but around the world. We commend Kale Dankenbring and Heidi Plumb for making a difference by teaching in an impoverished region of the world. As Heidi wrote of her students: “Their confidence, happy smiles and genuine laughter is proof that the school is changing these children’s lives for the better and expanding their opportunities by providing an excellent education.”&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;And there’s more. What about that roastery back home? We’ll learn about that next week.&nbsp;

Now That’s Rural: Kale Dankenbring and Heidi Plumb, Part 1

Each August, Earth passes through a stream of dust and debris left behind by the Swift-Tuttle Comet. With perfect weather conditions and no light pollution from the moon, the Perseid meteor shower can produce up to 100 shooting stars an hour.&nbsp; Fort Hays State University’s Kansas Wetlands Education Center will host its annual Perseid meteor shower watch party Friday, Aug. 14, from 8:30 to 10:30 p.m. Join Wetlands staff for a night of activities, crafts, and shooting stars. Visitors are encouraged to bring lawn chairs or blankets to enjoy the night sky.&nbsp; Come make an Alka-Seltzer rocket, explore how the chemical composition of a meteor affects its color, create a colorful planetary craft, discover if gravity makes a difference in plant growth, and view the constellations and hear the mythology behind them during a planetarium show. Actual meteorite specimens will be on display on loan from the FHSU Sternberg Museum of Natural History.&nbsp; Due to Covid-19, the event may change as needed. Masks are required inside the KWEC. There will not be a Hershey S’mores station this year, but a celestial pre-packaged snack will be available.&nbsp; The KWEC is located 10 miles northeast of Great Bend along Kansas Highway 156 at Cheyenne Bottoms,&nbsp;592 NE K-156 HWY, Great Bend, KS 67530.&nbsp; For more information, visit its website at&nbsp;<a href="http://wetlandscenter.fhsu.edu/">wetlandscenter.fhsu.edu</a>&nbsp;or call 1-877-243-9268.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/8/1596467237321.jpeg" alt="KWEC is hosting a Perseid Meteor Shower Watch Party Aug. 14 with planetarium shows, crafts, and science experiments. " />
 <figcaption>KWEC is hosting a Perseid Meteor Shower Watch Party Aug. 14 with planetarium shows, crafts, and science experiments. </figcaption>
 </figure>FHSU University RelationsEach August, Earth passes through a stream of dust and debris left behind by the Swift-Tuttle Comet. With perfect weather conditions and no light pollution from the moon, the Perseid meteor shower can produce up to 100 shooting stars an hour.&nbsp; Fort Hays State University’s Kansas Wetlands Education Center will host its annual Perseid meteor shower watch party Friday, Aug. 14, from 8:30 to 10:30 p.m. Join Wetlands staff for a night of activities, crafts, and shooting stars. Visitors are encouraged to bring lawn chairs or blankets to enjoy the night sky.&nbsp; Come make an Alka-Seltzer rocket, explore how the chemical composition of a meteor affects its color, create a colorful planetary craft, discover if gravity makes a difference in plant growth, and view the constellations and hear the mythology behind them during a planetarium show. Actual meteorite specimens will be on display on loan from the FHSU Sternberg Museum of Natural History.&nbsp; Due to Covid-19, the event may change as needed. Masks are required inside the KWEC. There will not be a Hershey S’mores station this year, but a celestial pre-packaged snack will be available.&nbsp; The KWEC is located 10 miles northeast of Great Bend along Kansas Highway 156 at Cheyenne Bottoms,&nbsp;592 NE K-156 HWY, Great Bend, KS 67530.&nbsp; For more information, visit its website at&nbsp;<a href="http://wetlandscenter.fhsu.edu/">wetlandscenter.fhsu.edu</a>&nbsp;or call 1-877-243-9268.&nbsp;

Kansas Wetlands Education Center annual meteor shower watch party

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

According to the health department, there are now 13 active coronavirus cases, with two active hospitalizations, and 127 recovered cases.

Since reporting began, there has been 141 cases of COVID-19 in Ellis County, including one death.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/6/1593005366466.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>The Ellis County Health Department on Friday announced that four new cases of COVID-19 have been identified in the county since Wednesday.According to the health department, there are now 13 active coronavirus cases, with two active hospitalizations, and 127 recovered cases.Since reporting began, there has been 141 cases of COVID-19 in Ellis County, including one death.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/8/1596824125959.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>

Four new cases of COVID-19 identified in Ellis Co.

By BECKY KISER Hays Post

The city of Hays has had less feedback than it anticipated about the mandatory mask ordinance in effect from July 27 to Aug. 31.

The response has been mixed, according to Collin Bielser, assistant city manager, who said&nbsp; there were quite a few phone calls to city officials the first day the ordinance was in place — but those have dropped off since then.

"Right now, we’re taking an educational approach—voluntary compliance," Bielser said.

People in Hays are required to wear a face covering inside any indoor public space where distancing of 6 feet is not possible.

"There is an email — masks@haysusa.com — where you can report or ask questions of the police department," Bielser said.

"I’m aware that they’ve responded to two or three incidents at private businesses for trespassing because of refusing to wear a mask.”

Sandy Jacobs, vice-mayor, said she has received support
from residents since the city’s face mask ordinance went into effect.

"We all know it was a challenging issue," she said during Thursday's city commission work session. "I've had more emails and handwritten notes, which nobody takes the time to write any more, thanking the commission for what we did."

Jacobs recalled what Commissioner Michael Berges said during their discussion prior to <a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/78a708f5-4f1e-401f-9bd3-85c618edb4de">approving the ordinance</a>&nbsp;on July 23.

"You said the worse that can happen is that is an inconvenience.&nbsp; The best that can happen is that we're going to keep somebody alive," Jacobs said.

There are 10 exemptions to the <a href="https://www.haysusa.com/733/Face-Mask-Ordinance">ordinance</a>, including children
younger than age 8. The ordinance is enforceable inside city limits and at the Hays Regional Airport.

Violators can be <a href="https://www.haysusa.com/DocumentCenter/View/3154/Mask-Frequently-Asked-Questions">fined</a>.

Ellis County is one of <a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/172dfb63-0643-4592-ad45-f1129e6064ff">90 Kansas counties that is not
enforcing</a> the governor’s executive order last month for face coverings in public.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/8/1596805526389.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>By BECKY KISER Hays PostThe city of Hays has had less feedback than it anticipated about the mandatory mask ordinance in effect from July 27 to Aug. 31.The response has been mixed, according to Collin Bielser, assistant city manager, who said&nbsp; there were quite a few phone calls to city officials the first day the ordinance was in place — but those have dropped off since then."Right now, we’re taking an educational approach—voluntary compliance," Bielser said.People in Hays are required to wear a face covering inside any indoor public space where distancing of 6 feet is not possible.<figure>
 <iframe width="560" height="315" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/OZXCwWyX3fA"></iframe>
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>"There is an email — masks@haysusa.com — where you can report or ask questions of the police department," Bielser said."I’m aware that they’ve responded to two or three incidents at private businesses for trespassing because of refusing to wear a mask.”Sandy Jacobs, vice-mayor, said she has received support
from residents since the city’s face mask ordinance went into effect."We all know it was a challenging issue," she said during Thursday's city commission work session. "I've had more emails and handwritten notes, which nobody takes the time to write any more, thanking the commission for what we did."Jacobs recalled what Commissioner Michael Berges said during their discussion prior to <a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/78a708f5-4f1e-401f-9bd3-85c618edb4de">approving the ordinance</a>&nbsp;on July 23."You said the worse that can happen is that is an inconvenience.&nbsp; The best that can happen is that we're going to keep somebody alive," Jacobs said.There are 10 exemptions to the <a href="https://www.haysusa.com/733/Face-Mask-Ordinance">ordinance</a>, including children
younger than age 8. The ordinance is enforceable inside city limits and at the Hays Regional Airport.Violators can be <a href="https://www.haysusa.com/DocumentCenter/View/3154/Mask-Frequently-Asked-Questions">fined</a>.Ellis County is one of <a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/172dfb63-0643-4592-ad45-f1129e6064ff">90 Kansas counties that is not
enforcing</a> the governor’s executive order last month for face coverings in public.

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