TOPEKA –&nbsp;The Kansas Department of Health and Environment has issued a boil water advisory for Ellis Co RWD 1C.&nbsp;This includes the community of Antonino but does not include the city of Hays.&nbsp;This advisory is not related to COVID-19.

Customers should observe the following precautions until further notice:

The advisory took effect Monday and will remain in effect until the conditions that placed the system at risk of bacterial contamination are resolved. KDHE issued the advisory because of a loss of pressure in the system. Failure to maintain adequate pressure may result in a loss of chlorine residuals and bacterial contamination.

Regardless of whether the public water supplier or KDHE announced a boil water advisory, only KDHE can issue the rescind order following testing at a certified laboratory.

For consumer questions, contact the water system or KDHE at 785-296-5514.&nbsp;For consumer information, visit KDHE’s PWS Consumer Information webpage:<a href="https://gcc01.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.kdheks.gov%2Fpws%2Femergencyresponse%2Fwater_disruption.htm&amp;data=02%7C01%7C%7C5e5c89f6d16843abfe8f08d863b68ef2%7Cdcae8101c92d480cbc43c6761ccccc5a%7C0%7C0%7C637368983012148261&amp;sdata=fVyiErqJaTAxiRDG%2Fh4akrXiPCNGWtahMjlzGJC883k%3D&amp;reserved=0">http://www.kdheks.gov/pws/emergencyresponse/water_disruption.htm</a>

Restaurants and other food establishments that have questions about the impact of the boil water advisory on their business can contact the Kansas Department of Agriculture’s food safety &amp; lodging program at&nbsp;&nbsp;<a href="mailto:kda.fsl@ks.gov">kda.fsl@ks.gov</a>&nbsp;or call 785-564-6767.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/6/1593197472741.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>KDHETOPEKA –&nbsp;The Kansas Department of Health and Environment has issued a boil water advisory for Ellis Co RWD 1C.&nbsp;This includes the community of Antonino but does not include the city of Hays.&nbsp;This advisory is not related to COVID-19.Customers should observe the following precautions until further notice:<ol>
 <li>If your tap water appears dirty, flush the water lines by letting the water run until it clears.</li><li>Boil water for one minute prior to drinking or food preparation or use bottled water.</li><li>Dispose of ice cubes and do not use ice from a household automatic ice maker.</li><li>Disinfect dishes and other food contact surfaces by immersion for at least one minute in clean tap water that contains one teaspoon of unscented household bleach per gallon of water.</li><li>Water used for bathing does not generally need to be boiled. Supervision of children is necessary while bathing so that water is not ingested. Persons with cuts or severe rashes may wish to consult their physicians.</li>
 </ol>The advisory took effect Monday and will remain in effect until the conditions that placed the system at risk of bacterial contamination are resolved. KDHE issued the advisory because of a loss of pressure in the system. Failure to maintain adequate pressure may result in a loss of chlorine residuals and bacterial contamination.Regardless of whether the public water supplier or KDHE announced a boil water advisory, only KDHE can issue the rescind order following testing at a certified laboratory.For consumer questions, contact the water system or KDHE at 785-296-5514.&nbsp;For consumer information, visit KDHE’s PWS Consumer Information webpage:<a href="https://gcc01.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.kdheks.gov%2Fpws%2Femergencyresponse%2Fwater_disruption.htm&amp;data=02%7C01%7C%7C5e5c89f6d16843abfe8f08d863b68ef2%7Cdcae8101c92d480cbc43c6761ccccc5a%7C0%7C0%7C637368983012148261&amp;sdata=fVyiErqJaTAxiRDG%2Fh4akrXiPCNGWtahMjlzGJC883k%3D&amp;reserved=0">http://www.kdheks.gov/pws/emergencyresponse/water_disruption.htm</a>Restaurants and other food establishments that have questions about the impact of the boil water advisory on their business can contact the Kansas Department of Agriculture’s food safety &amp; lodging program at&nbsp;&nbsp;<a href="mailto:kda.fsl@ks.gov">kda.fsl@ks.gov</a>&nbsp;or call 785-564-6767.

Boil order issued for rural Ellis Co. water district

TMP-Marian is deeply saddened by the unexpected death of Mr. Jim Balthazor,  Junior High Science Instructor and Director of Monarch Music Ministry.

TMP-Marian Chaplains, Campus Ministry and School Counselors are available to students and staff throughout the day and going forward as needed. Instructors are being urged to work with their students as they are affected. 

Faculty and staff of Hays Catholic Schools were informed on Sunday evening and students were informed in small groups at the beginning of the school day. Parents received information regarding student support through their dedicated email channel. 

Further information as it pertains to TMP-Marian and its students will be released as it becomes available. Please join us in prayer for Mr. Balthazor and his family. Students will pray the rosary each hour of the day during theology classes in the Marian Chapel and a recitation of the rosary will be held at 3:45 pm today (Monday) in which the public is welcome to join.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/9/1601300459917.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>TMP-MTMP-Marian is deeply saddened by the unexpected death of Mr. Jim Balthazor, Junior High Science Instructor and Director of Monarch Music Ministry.TMP-Marian Chaplains, Campus Ministry and School Counselors are available to students and staff throughout the day and going forward as needed. Instructors are being urged to work with their students as they are affected. Faculty and staff of Hays Catholic Schools were informed on Sunday evening and students were informed in small groups at the beginning of the school day. Parents received information regarding student support through their dedicated email channel. Further information as it pertains to TMP-Marian and its students will be released as it becomes available. Please join us in prayer for Mr. Balthazor and his family. Students will pray the rosary each hour of the day during theology classes in the Marian Chapel and a recitation of the rosary will be held at 3:45 pm today (Monday) in which the public is welcome to join.<div><iframe src="https://www.facebook.com/plugins/post.php?href=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2Ftmpmarian%2Fposts%2F1612386892265925&show_text=true&width=552&height=610&appId" width="552" height="610" style="border:none;overflow:hidden" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" allowTransparency="true" allow="encrypted-media"></iframe></div>

TMP-M family mourns death of teacher

In a message to parents Sunday evening, Hays High School announced it would postpone Homecoming activities scheduled for the week.

Abilene already had canceled the scheduled Friday night football game due to COVID-19 concerns in its school district.

Read the notice from Hays High Principal Marty Straub below:

HC will now begin Friday, Oct 2, with "Wild West Festival".&nbsp;Time will be 8:00-10:30 OR 10:00-12:00.&nbsp;Stay tuned.

Class games 7:00 pm Thurs., Oct 8, followed by bonfire.

Candidate/honoree recognition at Lewis Field, 6:30 p.m., prior to the Oct 9 Football game versus Dodge.

King/Queen will be crowned at halftime.

Watch&nbsp;<a href="http://www.hayshighindians.com/">www.hayshighindians.com</a>&nbsp;for more information and please ask any question you might have.

Thank you for your patience as we continue to adjust so our kids can have a homecoming. Go Indians!!

Martin Straub, HHS Principal<a href="mailto:mstraub@usd489.com">mstraub@usd489.com</a>

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/8/1598107003328.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>In a message to parents Sunday evening, Hays High School announced it would postpone Homecoming activities scheduled for the week.Abilene already had canceled the scheduled Friday night football game due to COVID-19 concerns in its school district.Read the notice from Hays High Principal Marty Straub below:We are postponing Homecoming.HC will now begin Friday, Oct 2, with "Wild West Festival".&nbsp;Time will be 8:00-10:30 OR 10:00-12:00.&nbsp;Stay tuned.Class games 7:00 pm Thurs., Oct 8, followed by bonfire.Candidate/honoree recognition at Lewis Field, 6:30 p.m., prior to the Oct 9 Football game versus Dodge.King/Queen will be crowned at halftime.Watch&nbsp;<a href="http://www.hayshighindians.com/">www.hayshighindians.com</a>&nbsp;for more information and please ask any question you might have.Thank you for your patience as we continue to adjust so our kids can have a homecoming. Go Indians!!Martin Straub, HHS Principal<a href="mailto:mstraub@usd489.com">mstraub@usd489.com</a><figure>
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Hays High postpones Homecoming 2020

By CRISTINA JANNEY Hays Post

The Hays High School Electric Car Club participated in electric car races Thursday at Frontier Park in Hays.&nbsp;

&nbsp;The students compete for most laps in an hour; ties are broken with the fastest lap.

The cars each have three tires, two batteries, a chain and motor. Each car is fabricated from scratch each year.

The students weld their own frames. Leon’s Welding bends some of the metal for the students, but the rest of the metal work is done by students.

The program sprung from grants from the Green Energies Act in 1995. Although federal money has gone away, HHS has been able to sustain the program through local donations and sponsorships.

By CRISTINA JANNEY Hays PostThe Hays High School Electric Car Club participated in electric car races Thursday at Frontier Park in Hays.&nbsp;&nbsp;The students compete for most laps in an hour; ties are broken with the fastest lap.The cars each have three tires, two batteries, a chain and motor. Each car is fabricated from scratch each year.The students weld their own frames. Leon’s Welding bends some of the metal for the students, but the rest of the metal work is done by students.The program sprung from grants from the Green Energies Act in 1995. Although federal money has gone away, HHS has been able to sustain the program through local donations and sponsorships.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/9/1601065087381.jpeg" alt="HHS electric car races" />
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Hays High runs in electric car race in Hays on Thursday

When school was forced to go to remote learning this spring, Tasha Lang and her staff at the STAR program at Roosevelt Elementary School went into overdrive.

Karen&nbsp;McCullough, nominated Lang, a low-incidents special education teacher, for September's Hays Post Teacher of the Month for the help she provided her special needs daughter, Natalie, during the shutdown.&nbsp;

"We saw regression in our daughter after a few days of being home, as she could not cognitively understand why she couldn't go to school and spend time with the teachers and friends she loves,"&nbsp;McCullough said.

The family reached out to Lang and asked how they could work with her to make remote learning possible for Natalie. Within a day, Natalie's desk at school arrived at the family's home with tubs of learning materials, which Lang and her paras used to work online with Natalie for three 30-minute Zoom sessions each day.

"Our daughter really liked connecting with teachers and paras and learning from our home,"&nbsp;McCullough said. "She regained old skills and learned new skills while at home."

McCullough added, "Mrs. Tasha and her team at STAR school did an amazing job of supporting families and dealing with so many uncertainties. 

"We are forever grateful of the support Mrs. Tasha has given our daughter throughout her time as her teacher and appreciate all the work she did to ensure she could continue to learn from home, which was not an easy feat!"

McCullough was not the only one singing Lang's praises.

"Tasha’s dedication to her students is not only while they are in her class, but also outside the classroom," Renee Hoffman said in a Teacher of the Month nomination.

"I have seen her attend many events that her students have participated in. Her tears of happiness for their accomplishments are evidence of her love for her students and her special education career."

 Jamie Wolbert also said in a nomination, "Tasha works with students with special needs with such care and compassion. She also has many paras who work for her, and she is just as kind and compassionate with them. She is overall the teacher I aim to be."

Lang said she was honored to hear the kind words.

"I'm emotional to think people see what we do day in and day out and they appreciate it, because, to us, it's a job," she said,&nbsp; "and we love it. It's normal day-to-day activities."

When the students moved to online learning in the spring, Lang and other special education teachers trained on how to deal with remote learning.

"The biggest thing that I took from that training was we have to presume potential for our students, and so that was our mindset all through remote," Lang said.

Parents learned their children could do things at home they never knew they could do by using their communication devices or visual aids and putting schedules in place.&nbsp;

She said the parents did a great job connecting with the school staff and helping their kids grow while they were at home.

"We are ready," she said. "For any reason we have to hybrid or remote again, I think we have a good plan in place."

Sending kids home was hard emotionally on the teachers and staff.

Lang cried when she learned the students would not finish their school year in person.&nbsp;

"It was very hard to know there was never a goodbye or end to it," she said. "We usually have an end-of-the-year party."

Lang and staff dropped off gifts and activities for the kids at their doors during the shutdown. Parents also sent pictures back to the teachers of the children completing their activities.

She said she never wants to go remote again.

"Contact with the kids is what myself and my paras need day in and day out," Lang said. "It's what keeps us going. It keeps us thinking about how we can better their education and better their lives and their life skills."

Lang said she gets excited every time a student learns a new word.

"I love seeing how smart they are," she said.&nbsp;

"Today, a kid, we spaced out her letters. She was able to tell us what the letter N was," Lang said. "It was a big celebration in here that she does know. We just have to pursue potential and change things up to help them show us how they learn."

Lang said STAR is like a family, not only for her, but all her staff. Twenty students are part of the STAR program this year.

"We don't just stop at 3 o'clock. There is a lot of family contact time after," she said. "There are pictures and videos shared from school to home."

Lang, 34, said she fell in love with special education as a peer tutor when she was a student at Hays Middle School. As a senior at HHS,&nbsp; she worked with students in the life skills class as part of a horticulture therapy project.

She went on to study at Kansas State University, where she earned a bachelor's degree in elementary education, special education. She received a master's degree at K-State in low-incidents and high-incidents special education. She also has an autism certificate from Pittsburg State University.

Lang started her career in the Maize school district before moving back to Hays in 2012. She taught at Wilson Elementary School before the STAR program merged at Roosevelt in 2017.

STAR gives a place for students with special needs to belong, Lang said.

"Not all of our students can participate in outside sports," she said. "They can call this place home. They have friends. They have staff who care about them. They get to do fun activities outside in the community."

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/9/1600974230751.jpeg" alt="Tasha Lang, special education teacher at Roosevelt Elementary School, is September's Hays Post Teacher of the Month." />
 <figcaption>Tasha Lang, special education teacher at Roosevelt Elementary School, is September's Hays Post Teacher of the Month.</figcaption>
 </figure>By CRISTINA JANNEY Hays PostWhen school was forced to go to remote learning this spring, Tasha Lang and her staff at the STAR program at Roosevelt Elementary School went into overdrive.Karen&nbsp;McCullough, nominated Lang, a low-incidents special education teacher, for September's Hays Post Teacher of the Month for the help she provided her special needs daughter, Natalie, during the shutdown.&nbsp;"We saw regression in our daughter after a few days of being home, as she could not cognitively understand why she couldn't go to school and spend time with the teachers and friends she loves,"&nbsp;McCullough said.The family reached out to Lang and asked how they could work with her to make remote learning possible for Natalie. Within a day, Natalie's desk at school arrived at the family's home with tubs of learning materials, which Lang and her paras used to work online with Natalie for three 30-minute Zoom sessions each day."Our daughter really liked connecting with teachers and paras and learning from our home,"&nbsp;McCullough said. "She regained old skills and learned new skills while at home."McCullough added, "Mrs. Tasha and her team at STAR school did an amazing job of supporting families and dealing with so many uncertainties. "We are forever grateful of the support Mrs. Tasha has given our daughter throughout her time as her teacher and appreciate all the work she did to ensure she could continue to learn from home, which was not an easy feat!"McCullough was not the only one singing Lang's praises."Tasha’s dedication to her students is not only while they are in her class, but also outside the classroom," Renee Hoffman said in a Teacher of the Month nomination."I have seen her attend many events that her students have participated in. Her tears of happiness for their accomplishments are evidence of her love for her students and her special education career." Jamie Wolbert also said in a nomination, "Tasha works with students with special needs with such care and compassion. She also has many paras who work for her, and she is just as kind and compassionate with them. She is overall the teacher I aim to be."Lang said she was honored to hear the kind words."I'm emotional to think people see what we do day in and day out and they appreciate it, because, to us, it's a job," she said,&nbsp; "and we love it. It's normal day-to-day activities."When the students moved to online learning in the spring, Lang and other special education teachers trained on how to deal with remote learning."The biggest thing that I took from that training was we have to presume potential for our students, and so that was our mindset all through remote," Lang said.Parents learned their children could do things at home they never knew they could do by using their communication devices or visual aids and putting schedules in place.&nbsp;She said the parents did a great job connecting with the school staff and helping their kids grow while they were at home."We are ready," she said. "For any reason we have to hybrid or remote again, I think we have a good plan in place."Sending kids home was hard emotionally on the teachers and staff.Lang cried when she learned the students would not finish their school year in person.&nbsp;"It was very hard to know there was never a goodbye or end to it," she said. "We usually have an end-of-the-year party."Lang and staff dropped off gifts and activities for the kids at their doors during the shutdown. Parents also sent pictures back to the teachers of the children completing their activities.She said she never wants to go remote again."Contact with the kids is what myself and my paras need day in and day out," Lang said. "It's what keeps us going. It keeps us thinking about how we can better their education and better their lives and their life skills."Lang said she gets excited every time a student learns a new word."I love seeing how smart they are," she said.&nbsp;"Today, a kid, we spaced out her letters. She was able to tell us what the letter N was," Lang said. "It was a big celebration in here that she does know. We just have to pursue potential and change things up to help them show us how they learn."Lang said STAR is like a family, not only for her, but all her staff. Twenty students are part of the STAR program this year."We don't just stop at 3 o'clock. There is a lot of family contact time after," she said. "There are pictures and videos shared from school to home."Lang, 34, said she fell in love with special education as a peer tutor when she was a student at Hays Middle School. As a senior at HHS,&nbsp; she worked with students in the life skills class as part of a horticulture therapy project.She went on to study at Kansas State University, where she earned a bachelor's degree in elementary education, special education. She received a master's degree at K-State in low-incidents and high-incidents special education. She also has an autism certificate from Pittsburg State University.Lang started her career in the Maize school district before moving back to Hays in 2012. She taught at Wilson Elementary School before the STAR program merged at Roosevelt in 2017.STAR gives a place for students with special needs to belong, Lang said."Not all of our students can participate in outside sports," she said. "They can call this place home. They have friends. They have staff who care about them. They get to do fun activities outside in the community."&nbsp;

Teacher of the Month: STAR teacher kicks in overdrive during shutdown

By ESTHER HONIG <a href="https://www.kcur.org/news/2020-09-21/there-was-no-imaginary-fence-keeping-coronavirus-out-of-this-rural-kansas-county">Kansas News Service</a>

WALLACE, Kansas – Wallace County is at the western edge of 
Kansas, on the border with Colorado. It’s the second-least populated 
county in the state, and for the first half of 2020, life here 
maintained a sense of normalcy while the rest of world dealt with the 
COVID-19 pandemic.

Sure, businesses closed in March and 
stay-at-home orders went into effect, just like the rest of the state. 
But by summer, many in Wallace County, <a href="https://www.census.gov/quickfacts/wallacecountykansas" target="_blank">population about 1,500</a>,
 felt it unnecessary to take more severe precautions. Officials voted 
against enforcing the statewide mask order. Riders competed in an 
amateur rodeo and the annual county fair went off without a hitch. The 
local pool even opened.

Social distancing is a way of life, with 
about one square mile for every two residents. So, it may have come as a
 shock when the first case of coronavirus was finally reported on Aug. 
20. About a month later, that number has grown to 17.

“I don't 
think there was a magic imaginary fence around our county that kept it 
out and somebody just forgot to close the gate,” said Erin Wright, who 
owns and operates the Townsend Tavern in Wallace.

On
 a Friday afternoon in September, Henry Crawford sat on the open prairie
 wearing a blue flannel and knee-high leather boots, showing a group of 
elementary students how to carefully pack an antique cartridge with 
gunpowder.

Normally, this would not be a part of the lesson plan, 
but students were visiting a historic re-enactment at the Fort Wallace 
Museum. Crawford, a historian and retired university professor, traveled
 here from Texas to teach visitors about buffalo hunting, which was one 
of the main economic activities on the High Plains in the early 19th 
century.

The encampment, as it’s called, had about two dozen 
re-enactors, all of them dressed in period clothing as they demonstrated
 activities like churning butter or building a wagon wheel.

Also true to the time period, no one was wearing a facemask.

Jayne Humphrey Pearce, head of the Fort Wallace Memorial Association,
 said masks are optional. Instead, museum staff routinely disinfected 
surfaces, and moved this event outside with the displays spaced far 
apart.

“I think this is a great solution because we are following 
state guidelines,” she said. “And yet we're sharing history in a very 
rich way. So, who's losing?”

Every 10 minutes, someone fired a gun
 to let the students know it’s time to rotate to the next display, which
 helped prevent the groups from commingling.

This is the museum’s 
big annual event. Hundreds would pass through over the next few days and
 a buffalo hunting trip was raffled off to one lucky visitor. 

Humphrey
 said people in Wallace County need a middle ground between being 
careful and still allowing the types of activities that are a 
cornerstone to life here.

“You're balancing all these cultural needs against a pandemic and trying to make common-sense decisions,” she said.

Some might consider these moderate precautions to be a gamble, but 
it’s one that this rural county may be well positioned to take. 
According to data from the U.S. Department of Agriculture, rural farming
 communities tend to have a<a href="https://www.ers.usda.gov/covid-19/rural-america/" target="_blank"> lower prevalence of COVID-19 cases</a>. (That’s not to be confused with rural counties with manufacturing or processing facilities, which have seen large outbreaks.)

Wallace
 County’s economy is rooted in agriculture, mostly wheat and corn. Even 
the local unemployment rate has remained relatively unchanged: The 
majority of local businesses, grocery stores and a few restaurants are 
essential, so hardly anyone has been out of work.

In July, when 
Gov. Laura Kelly signed an executive order mandating masks in public, 
Wallace County opted out. County Commissioner Bruce Bolen said his 
reasoning at the time was that Wallace had yet to report a single case 
of COVID-19.

Bolen, a fourth-generation resident, said the people of Wallace are just as independent as their pioneering ancestors.

“If
 we end up having to do a mask order, I think they will be more 
accepting because then they know that we allow them the freedom to make 
their own choices at first,” he said.

As is typical for many rural
 communities, Bolen wears many hats. He’s also a school superintendent 
and if the football team needs a ride to next town over, he fills in as 
the bus driver.

Over the summer, life felt a bit disconnected from
 what was happening in the rest of the country. Even as people watched 
the news and talked to friends and family in nearby cities, Bolen said 
there was a sense that somehow the virus wouldn’t be an issue for them.

Bolen
 said it can be difficult for a small community like theirs to identify 
with a large city. For instance, his daughter works at a school in 
Topeka with 2,000 students. That’s quite a bit larger than the entire 
community of Wallace, Kansas, (about 60), not to mention the county 
itself.

“Which in the same time makes it a little bit more of a challenge to make people understand this (virus) is real,” he said.

If the number of cases in Wallace County continues to climb — and it 
is expected to — Bolen said officials will impose stricter regulations. 
When that happens, he worries not everyone is going to be onboard.

Wright, the restaurant owner, expects it’ll be a mixed bag.

“There will be people that do whatever is asked, there will be a lot of rebels,” she said, “I mean, it's the West.”

A
 new establishment serving western fare, Townsend Tavern is inside a 
100-year-old building that the family remodeled. The décor is modern but
 pulls from the local history. The head of a buffalo, hunted on a nearby
 ranch, is on display in the dining room.

Wright said they opened 
last year and like any restaurant, their bottom line has been impacted 
by the pandemic. When they had to close her dining room for 48 days, 
Wright said she got creative.

“We went to car-hop service 
1950s-style,” she said. “I put my waitresses in poodle skirts, and we 
brought in a milkshake machine and we showed a drive-in movie on the 
wall outside."

Wright said it’s easy for people to feel like 
they’re in a bubble and safe from everything, and admits herself that’s 
it’s easy to be complacent at times. But more people have started 
masking up and keeping a safe distance.

Making do is what the 
people Wallace County have always done. In fact, several people 
interviewed for this story admitted that while they were afraid of 
COVID-19, they were more afraid about being the first case in the county
 — where there is no anonymity.

“We went so long without a case 
and everyone kept saying everything will change when we have a positive 
case here,” she said, “And it really, I mean, it did.

“Luckily, 
people didn't get pitchforks out and want to try to find out who so they
 could contact trace and then burn everybody at the stake.”

Esther Honig is a freelance journalist and photographer based in Denver.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/9/1600782231145.png" alt="Henry Crawford demonstrates to Wallace County schoolkids during a field trip in September how to load the antique cartridges once used for buffalo hunting on the Kansas plains.&nbsp;Esther Honig / For the Kansas News Service" />
 <figcaption>Henry Crawford demonstrates to Wallace County schoolkids during a field trip in September how to load the antique cartridges once used for buffalo hunting on the Kansas plains.&nbsp;Esther Honig / For the Kansas News Service</figcaption>
 </figure>By ESTHER HONIG <a href="https://www.kcur.org/news/2020-09-21/there-was-no-imaginary-fence-keeping-coronavirus-out-of-this-rural-kansas-county">Kansas News Service</a>WALLACE, Kansas – Wallace County is at the western edge of 
Kansas, on the border with Colorado. It’s the second-least populated 
county in the state, and for the first half of 2020, life here 
maintained a sense of normalcy while the rest of world dealt with the 
COVID-19 pandemic.Sure, businesses closed in March and 
stay-at-home orders went into effect, just like the rest of the state. 
But by summer, many in Wallace County, <a href="https://www.census.gov/quickfacts/wallacecountykansas" target="_blank">population about 1,500</a>,
 felt it unnecessary to take more severe precautions. Officials voted 
against enforcing the statewide mask order. Riders competed in an 
amateur rodeo and the annual county fair went off without a hitch. The 
local pool even opened. Social distancing is a way of life, with 
about one square mile for every two residents. So, it may have come as a
 shock when the first case of coronavirus was finally reported on Aug. 
20. About a month later, that number has grown to 17.“I don't 
think there was a magic imaginary fence around our county that kept it 
out and somebody just forgot to close the gate,” said Erin Wright, who 
owns and operates the Townsend Tavern in Wallace.<h2>Seeking middle ground</h2>On
 a Friday afternoon in September, Henry Crawford sat on the open prairie
 wearing a blue flannel and knee-high leather boots, showing a group of 
elementary students how to carefully pack an antique cartridge with 
gunpowder.Normally, this would not be a part of the lesson plan, 
but students were visiting a historic re-enactment at the Fort Wallace 
Museum. Crawford, a historian and retired university professor, traveled
 here from Texas to teach visitors about buffalo hunting, which was one 
of the main economic activities on the High Plains in the early 19th 
century.The encampment, as it’s called, had about two dozen 
re-enactors, all of them dressed in period clothing as they demonstrated
 activities like churning butter or building a wagon wheel.Also true to the time period, no one was wearing a facemask.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/9/1600782327153.png" alt="Rich Walter demonstrates knife sharpening and buffalo hides at an annual event by the Wallace County’s museum. It was held outside due to the pandemic." />
 <figcaption>Rich Walter demonstrates knife sharpening and buffalo hides at an annual event by the Wallace County’s museum. It was held outside due to the pandemic.</figcaption>
 </figure>Jayne Humphrey Pearce, head of the Fort Wallace Memorial Association,
 said masks are optional. Instead, museum staff routinely disinfected 
surfaces, and moved this event outside with the displays spaced far 
apart.“I think this is a great solution because we are following 
state guidelines,” she said. “And yet we're sharing history in a very 
rich way. So, who's losing?”Every 10 minutes, someone fired a gun
 to let the students know it’s time to rotate to the next display, which
 helped prevent the groups from commingling.This is the museum’s 
big annual event. Hundreds would pass through over the next few days and
 a buffalo hunting trip was raffled off to one lucky visitor. Humphrey
 said people in Wallace County need a middle ground between being 
careful and still allowing the types of activities that are a 
cornerstone to life here.“You're balancing all these cultural needs against a pandemic and trying to make common-sense decisions,” she said.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/9/1600782356622.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Some might consider these moderate precautions to be a gamble, but 
it’s one that this rural county may be well positioned to take. 
According to data from the U.S. Department of Agriculture, rural farming
 communities tend to have a<a href="https://www.ers.usda.gov/covid-19/rural-america/" target="_blank"> lower prevalence of COVID-19 cases</a>. (That’s not to be confused with rural counties with manufacturing or processing facilities, which have seen large outbreaks.)Wallace
 County’s economy is rooted in agriculture, mostly wheat and corn. Even 
the local unemployment rate has remained relatively unchanged: The 
majority of local businesses, grocery stores and a few restaurants are 
essential, so hardly anyone has been out of work.In July, when 
Gov. Laura Kelly signed an executive order mandating masks in public, 
Wallace County opted out. County Commissioner Bruce Bolen said his 
reasoning at the time was that Wallace had yet to report a single case 
of COVID-19.Bolen, a fourth-generation resident, said the people of Wallace are just as independent as their pioneering ancestors.“If
 we end up having to do a mask order, I think they will be more 
accepting because then they know that we allow them the freedom to make 
their own choices at first,” he said.As is typical for many rural
 communities, Bolen wears many hats. He’s also a school superintendent 
and if the football team needs a ride to next town over, he fills in as 
the bus driver.Over the summer, life felt a bit disconnected from
 what was happening in the rest of the country. Even as people watched 
the news and talked to friends and family in nearby cities, Bolen said 
there was a sense that somehow the virus wouldn’t be an issue for them.Bolen
 said it can be difficult for a small community like theirs to identify 
with a large city. For instance, his daughter works at a school in 
Topeka with 2,000 students. That’s quite a bit larger than the entire 
community of Wallace, Kansas, (about 60), not to mention the county 
itself.“Which in the same time makes it a little bit more of a challenge to make people understand this (virus) is real,” he said.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/9/1600782392833.png" alt="At the Townsend Tavern in Wallace, Kansas, Erin Wright’s niece plays on a phone below the family’s buffalo head." />
 <figcaption>At the Townsend Tavern in Wallace, Kansas, Erin Wright’s niece plays on a phone below the family’s buffalo head.</figcaption>
 </figure>If the number of cases in Wallace County continues to climb — and it 
is expected to — Bolen said officials will impose stricter regulations. 
When that happens, he worries not everyone is going to be onboard.Wright, the restaurant owner, expects it’ll be a mixed bag.“There will be people that do whatever is asked, there will be a lot of rebels,” she said, “I mean, it's the West.”A
 new establishment serving western fare, Townsend Tavern is inside a 
100-year-old building that the family remodeled. The décor is modern but
 pulls from the local history. The head of a buffalo, hunted on a nearby
 ranch, is on display in the dining room.Wright said they opened 
last year and like any restaurant, their bottom line has been impacted 
by the pandemic. When they had to close her dining room for 48 days, 
Wright said she got creative.“We went to car-hop service 
1950s-style,” she said. “I put my waitresses in poodle skirts, and we 
brought in a milkshake machine and we showed a drive-in movie on the 
wall outside."Wright said it’s easy for people to feel like 
they’re in a bubble and safe from everything, and admits herself that’s 
it’s easy to be complacent at times. But more people have started 
masking up and keeping a safe distance.Making do is what the 
people Wallace County have always done. In fact, several people 
interviewed for this story admitted that while they were afraid of 
COVID-19, they were more afraid about being the first case in the county
 — where there is no anonymity.“We went so long without a case 
and everyone kept saying everything will change when we have a positive 
case here,” she said, “And it really, I mean, it did.“Luckily, 
people didn't get pitchforks out and want to try to find out who so they
 could contact trace and then burn everybody at the stake.”Esther Honig is a freelance journalist and photographer based in Denver.

There was no 'imaginary fence' protecting Wallace Co. from COVID-19

Three recent Fort Hays State University graduates were inducted into the Epsilon Omicron Chapter of the Phi Alpha National Social Work Honor Society as lifetime members earlier this year during their final semester of undergraduate work.

Itzel Moya, Monica Gamez and Annika Panek all graduated with Bachelor of Social Work degrees in May. The induction into Phi Alpha National Honor Society is the highest honor that a student can receive in social work education. Moya, Gamez and Panek have attained academic excellence and are dedicated to the idea of action and service to humanity. The students have also demonstrated a commitment to the mission, ethics, standards, and goals of the profession of social work.

The purpose of Phi Alpha is to provide a closer bond among students of social work and to promote humanitarian goals and ideals. The honor society fosters high standards of education for social workers and invites into membership those who have demonstrated excellence in scholarship and achievement in social work. There are more than 400 chapters across the United States, and Epsilon Omicron is the Fort Hays State University Chapter.

The Fort Hays State University Social Work Department features an online undergraduate Bachelor of Social Work program, an on-campus option, and cohort programs in Garden City, Dodge City, Liberal, and Colby, Kansas. The Social Work Department also offers an online Master of Social Work degree program to take advantage of the flexibility and outreach aspects of online education while maintaining a strong hands-on clinical training emphasis.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/9/1600982152960.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>FHSU University RelationsThree recent Fort Hays State University graduates were inducted into the Epsilon Omicron Chapter of the Phi Alpha National Social Work Honor Society as lifetime members earlier this year during their final semester of undergraduate work.Itzel Moya, Monica Gamez and Annika Panek all graduated with Bachelor of Social Work degrees in May. The induction into Phi Alpha National Honor Society is the highest honor that a student can receive in social work education. Moya, Gamez and Panek have attained academic excellence and are dedicated to the idea of action and service to humanity. The students have also demonstrated a commitment to the mission, ethics, standards, and goals of the profession of social work.The purpose of Phi Alpha is to provide a closer bond among students of social work and to promote humanitarian goals and ideals. The honor society fosters high standards of education for social workers and invites into membership those who have demonstrated excellence in scholarship and achievement in social work. There are more than 400 chapters across the United States, and Epsilon Omicron is the Fort Hays State University Chapter.The Fort Hays State University Social Work Department features an online undergraduate Bachelor of Social Work program, an on-campus option, and cohort programs in Garden City, Dodge City, Liberal, and Colby, Kansas. The Social Work Department also offers an online Master of Social Work degree program to take advantage of the flexibility and outreach aspects of online education while maintaining a strong hands-on clinical training emphasis.

FHSU grads inducted into the Phi Alpha National Honor Society

Beginning at 7 a.m. Tuesday, the west leg of the intersection of Cody Avenue and General Hays (1000 block of Cody) will be closed to through traffic for pavement repairs. 

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

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/9/1600102455401.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>City of HaysBeginning at 7 a.m. Tuesday, the west leg of the intersection of Cody Avenue and General Hays (1000 block of Cody) will be closed to through traffic for pavement repairs. Repairs are expected to be completed by the end of the day on Friday. For more information, call 785-628-7350.

Portion of Cody and General Hays closes Tuesday for street repairs 

Three-day weather outlook

High Plains Mental Health Center is needing additional volunteers to serve regional children through its Homeward Bound respite care program.

This innovative program provides additional resources for families with a child who experiences emotional or behavioral challenges. Homeward Bound resource families open their hearts and their homes to welcome children for a short-term stay, providing a much-needed respite for the family and a safe haven for the child.

Resource families are licensed as foster parents, receive extensive training and have daily support from a social worker during placements. 

The goal of the program is to help keep the family unit together by providing temporary respite and offering additional support for the children and their guardians. Research indicates early intervention, along with supportive services, can reduce the need for more restrictive placements, such as hospitalization or long-term foster care.

Resource homes are needed to help meet the needs of local families in 20 counties of northwest Kansas.

The program offers flexible scheduling for our volunteers and placements are based on their availability. Resource families are encouraged to include the children in their typical routines, including hobbies, recreation and household responsibilities.

Placements can range from overnight to 21 days, but most placements occur during weekends. Children remain in the legal custody of their parents during Homeward Bound placements.

Resource parents must be at least 21 years old and possess a high school education or GED. Background checks are required and mandatory training must be completed prior to accepting child placements. All resource homes must meet safety requirements outlined by the Kansas Department of Health and Environment.

Homeward Bound resource families are compensated for placements on a daily basis, and mental health professionals will be available 24/7 to assist if needed. For more information about the program or to become a volunteer, contact Audrey at 785-628-2871.

High Plains Mental Health Center is a licensed community mental health center dedicated to the aggressive pursuit of providing a comprehensive mental health program to the residents of northwest Kansas.

Embodied in this pursuit are fundamental principles of establishing quality services as close to home as possible, at an affordable fee, and delivered in the least disruptive manner available.

Such services will offer a continuum of care so that treatment can be individualized, and our staff can respond quickly and compassionately to those reaching out to us.

By CRISTINA JANNEY Hays PostHigh Plains Mental Health Center is needing additional volunteers to serve regional children through its Homeward Bound respite care program.This innovative program provides additional resources for families with a child who experiences emotional or behavioral challenges. Homeward Bound resource families open their hearts and their homes to welcome children for a short-term stay, providing a much-needed respite for the family and a safe haven for the child.Resource families are licensed as foster parents, receive extensive training and have daily support from a social worker during placements. The goal of the program is to help keep the family unit together by providing temporary respite and offering additional support for the children and their guardians. Research indicates early intervention, along with supportive services, can reduce the need for more restrictive placements, such as hospitalization or long-term foster care.Resource homes are needed to help meet the needs of local families in 20 counties of northwest Kansas.The program offers flexible scheduling for our volunteers and placements are based on their availability. Resource families are encouraged to include the children in their typical routines, including hobbies, recreation and household responsibilities.Placements can range from overnight to 21 days, but most placements occur during weekends. Children remain in the legal custody of their parents during Homeward Bound placements.Resource parents must be at least 21 years old and possess a high school education or GED. Background checks are required and mandatory training must be completed prior to accepting child placements. All resource homes must meet safety requirements outlined by the Kansas Department of Health and Environment.Homeward Bound resource families are compensated for placements on a daily basis, and mental health professionals will be available 24/7 to assist if needed. For more information about the program or to become a volunteer, contact Audrey at 785-628-2871.High Plains Mental Health Center is a licensed community mental health center dedicated to the aggressive pursuit of providing a comprehensive mental health program to the residents of northwest Kansas.Embodied in this pursuit are fundamental principles of establishing quality services as close to home as possible, at an affordable fee, and delivered in the least disruptive manner available.Such services will offer a continuum of care so that treatment can be individualized, and our staff can respond quickly and compassionately to those reaching out to us.

Resource homes needed for Homeward Bound Respite Program

The Ellis County Noxious Weed Department is beginning its annual agricultural chemical container recycling collection in cooperation with the Agricultural Container Recycling Council.

Only empty, clean, triple-rinsed chemical containers will be accepted now until November 10, at no charge.&nbsp; 

All container sizes are acceptable.&nbsp;

Home and garden pesticide containers are not eligible for the program.

Containers should be brought to the Ellis County Noxious Weed Department, 1197 280th Ave.

For further information, call the Ellis County Noxious Weed Department at 785-628-9445.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/9/1600784299564.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Ellis CountyThe Ellis County Noxious Weed Department is beginning its annual agricultural chemical container recycling collection in cooperation with the Agricultural Container Recycling Council.Only empty, clean, triple-rinsed chemical containers will be accepted now until November 10, at no charge.&nbsp; All container sizes are acceptable.&nbsp;Home and garden pesticide containers are not eligible for the program.Containers should be brought to the Ellis County Noxious Weed Department, 1197 280th Ave.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/9/1600784390738.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>For further information, call the Ellis County Noxious Weed Department at 785-628-9445.

Agricultural chemical container recycling collection underway

TOPEKA – The Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE), in conjunction with the Kansas Department of Wildlife, Parks and Tourism (KDWPT), has revised its list of public health advisories for Kansas lakes due to blue-green algae.

<a href="https://gcc01.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.kdheks.gov%2Falgae-illness%2Fdownload%2Fmilford-lake-zoned.pdf&amp;data=02%7C01%7C%7C92951bf678d24961c32e08d860d2e6f3%7Cdcae8101c92d480cbc43c6761ccccc5a%7C0%7C0%7C637365806224662496&amp;sdata=5prKF%2BxWDy5lGmhaYw%2BK6D88nuaOUxEWhH1Gvb10h2E%3D&amp;reserved=0" target="_blank">Milford Lake Zone B</a>,&nbsp;Geary County

<a href="https://gcc01.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.kdheks.gov%2Falgae-illness%2Fdownload%2Fmilford-lake-zoned.pdf&amp;data=02%7C01%7C%7C92951bf678d24961c32e08d860d2e6f3%7Cdcae8101c92d480cbc43c6761ccccc5a%7C0%7C0%7C637365806224667475&amp;sdata=1Ho4fAe2aO8GOksdrchIVGQHo3GZHvKCX%2FopyB4Yjag%3D&amp;reserved=0" target="_blank">Milford Lake Zone C</a>,&nbsp;Geary County

Camp Hawk Lake, Harvey County (upgraded from watch 9/24)

Agra Lake, Phillips County (upgraded from watch 9/24)

<a href="https://gcc01.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.kdheks.gov%2Falgae-illness%2Fdownload%2Fmilford-lake-zoned.pdf&amp;data=02%7C01%7C%7C92951bf678d24961c32e08d860d2e6f3%7Cdcae8101c92d480cbc43c6761ccccc5a%7C0%7C0%7C637365806224667475&amp;sdata=1Ho4fAe2aO8GOksdrchIVGQHo3GZHvKCX%2FopyB4Yjag%3D&amp;reserved=0" target="_blank">Milford Lake Zone A</a>,&nbsp;Geary County

Horsethief Reservoir, Hodgeman County (downgraded from warning 9/24)

Prairie Center Park Pond, Johnson County (new 9/24)

Yates Center Kids’ Fishing Pond, Woodson County

Advisories Lifted September 24, 2020

Unit G Marais des Cygnes Wildlife Area, Linn County

When a warning is issued, KDHE recommends the following precautions be taken:

A watch means that blue-green algae have been detected and a harmful algal bloom is present or likely to develop. People are encouraged to avoid areas of algae accumulation and keep pets and livestock away from the water. During the watch status, KDHE recommends the following precautions be taken:

KDHE investigates publicly-accessible bodies of water for blue-green algae when the agency receives reports of potential algae blooms in Kansas lakes. Based on credible field observation and sampling results, KDHE reports on potentially harmful conditions.

Kansans should be aware that blooms are unpredictable. They can develop rapidly and may float around the lake, requiring visitors to exercise their best judgment. If there is scum, a paint-like surface or the water is bright green, avoid contact and keep pets away. These are indications that a harmful bloom may be present. Pet owners should be aware that animals that swim in or drink water affected by a harmful algal bloom or eat dried algae along the shore may become seriously ill or die.

For information on blue-green algae and reporting potential harmful algal blooms, please visit <a href="https://www.kdheks.gov/algae-illness/index.htm">www.kdheks.gov/algae-illness/index.htm</a>. KDHE updates the listings of advisories every Thursday but may update more frequently if needed.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/9/1599858932822.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>KDHETOPEKA – The Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE), in conjunction with the Kansas Department of Wildlife, Parks and Tourism (KDWPT), has revised its list of public health advisories for Kansas lakes due to blue-green algae.Warning<a href="https://gcc01.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.kdheks.gov%2Falgae-illness%2Fdownload%2Fmilford-lake-zoned.pdf&amp;data=02%7C01%7C%7C92951bf678d24961c32e08d860d2e6f3%7Cdcae8101c92d480cbc43c6761ccccc5a%7C0%7C0%7C637365806224662496&amp;sdata=5prKF%2BxWDy5lGmhaYw%2BK6D88nuaOUxEWhH1Gvb10h2E%3D&amp;reserved=0" target="_blank">Milford Lake Zone B</a>,&nbsp;Geary County<a href="https://gcc01.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.kdheks.gov%2Falgae-illness%2Fdownload%2Fmilford-lake-zoned.pdf&amp;data=02%7C01%7C%7C92951bf678d24961c32e08d860d2e6f3%7Cdcae8101c92d480cbc43c6761ccccc5a%7C0%7C0%7C637365806224667475&amp;sdata=1Ho4fAe2aO8GOksdrchIVGQHo3GZHvKCX%2FopyB4Yjag%3D&amp;reserved=0" target="_blank">Milford Lake Zone C</a>,&nbsp;Geary CountyCamp Hawk Lake, Harvey County (upgraded from watch 9/24)Agra Lake, Phillips County (upgraded from watch 9/24)WatchBrown State Fishing Lake, Brown CountyEl Dorado Reservoir, Butler CountyFord State Fishing Lake, Ford County<a href="https://gcc01.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.kdheks.gov%2Falgae-illness%2Fdownload%2Fmilford-lake-zoned.pdf&amp;data=02%7C01%7C%7C92951bf678d24961c32e08d860d2e6f3%7Cdcae8101c92d480cbc43c6761ccccc5a%7C0%7C0%7C637365806224667475&amp;sdata=1Ho4fAe2aO8GOksdrchIVGQHo3GZHvKCX%2FopyB4Yjag%3D&amp;reserved=0" target="_blank">Milford Lake Zone A</a>,&nbsp;Geary CountyHorsethief Reservoir, Hodgeman County (downgraded from warning 9/24)Prairie Center Park Pond, Johnson County (new 9/24)Rose’s Pond, Johnson County (new 9/24)Yates Center Kids’ Fishing Pond, Woodson CountyAdvisories Lifted September 24, 2020Unit G Marais des Cygnes Wildlife Area, Linn CountyWebster Reservoir, Rooks CountyWarning ProtocolsWhen a warning is issued, KDHE recommends the following precautions be taken:<ol>
 <li>Lake water is not safe to drink for pets or livestock.</li><li>Lake water, regardless of blue-green algae status, should never be consumed by humans.</li><li>Water contact should be avoided.</li><li>Fish may be eaten if they are rinsed with clean water and only the fillet portion is consumed, while all other parts are discarded.</li><li>Do not allow pets to eat dried algae.</li><li>If lake water contacts skin, wash with clean water as soon as possible.</li><li>Avoid areas of visible algae accumulation.</li>
 </ol>Watch ProtocolsA watch means that blue-green algae have been detected and a harmful algal bloom is present or likely to develop. People are encouraged to avoid areas of algae accumulation and keep pets and livestock away from the water. During the watch status, KDHE recommends the following precautions be taken:<ol>
 <li>Water may be unsafe for humans/animals.</li><li>Avoid areas of algae accumulation and do not let people/pets eat dried algae or drink contaminated water.</li><li>Swimming, wading, skiing and jet skiing are discouraged near visible blooms.</li><li>Boating and fishing are safe. However, inhalation of the spray may affect some individuals. Avoid direct contact with water, and wash with clean water after any contact.</li><li>Clean fish well with potable water and eat fillet portion only.</li>
 </ol>KDHE investigates publicly-accessible bodies of water for blue-green algae when the agency receives reports of potential algae blooms in Kansas lakes. Based on credible field observation and sampling results, KDHE reports on potentially harmful conditions.Kansans should be aware that blooms are unpredictable. They can develop rapidly and may float around the lake, requiring visitors to exercise their best judgment. If there is scum, a paint-like surface or the water is bright green, avoid contact and keep pets away. These are indications that a harmful bloom may be present. Pet owners should be aware that animals that swim in or drink water affected by a harmful algal bloom or eat dried algae along the shore may become seriously ill or die.For information on blue-green algae and reporting potential harmful algal blooms, please visit <a href="https://www.kdheks.gov/algae-illness/index.htm">www.kdheks.gov/algae-illness/index.htm</a>. KDHE updates the listings of advisories every Thursday but may update more frequently if needed.

Webster Reservoir removed from algae watch; Agra Lake upgraded to warning

U.S. 183 guardrail work in Rush County to begin

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🎙 Post Podcast: Housing developments moving forward in Ellis County

PHILLIPS COUNTY—One person died in an accident just after 2:30a.m. Sunday in Phillips County.

The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a 2012 Dodge Ram driven by&nbsp; Nicholas Barton Shaffer, 23, Kensington, was eastbound on U.S. 36 four miles west of Kansas 248.

The pickup veered right, entered the south ditch, continued eastbound in the south ditch, ramped a field entrance, went airborne and landed on the south shoulder of U.S. 36.

The pickup turned sideways and rolled into the south ditch facing southwest.

Shaffer was pronounced dead at the scene and was transported to&nbsp;Olliff-Boeve Memorial Chapel. He was not wearing a seat belt, according to the KHP.

PHILLIPS COUNTY—One person died in an accident just after 2:30a.m. Sunday in Phillips County.The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a 2012 Dodge Ram driven by&nbsp; Nicholas Barton Shaffer, 23, Kensington, was eastbound on U.S. 36 four miles west of Kansas 248.The pickup veered right, entered the south ditch, continued eastbound in the south ditch, ramped a field entrance, went airborne and landed on the south shoulder of U.S. 36.The pickup turned sideways and rolled into the south ditch facing southwest.Shaffer was pronounced dead at the scene and was transported to&nbsp;Olliff-Boeve Memorial Chapel. He was not wearing a seat belt, according to the KHP.

23-year-old NW Kansas man dies after pickup rolls

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Catholic schools...schools you can believe in.

Memorial of St. Wenceslaus, Martyr, &amp; St. Lawrence Ruiz &amp; Companions, Martyrs. Advisory Council Mtg. 5:15 p.m. in Library.

Feast of Saints Michael, Gabriel, &amp; Raphael – Archangels. Mass was prepared by 5A and celebrated by Fr. Ryan – “A” Class Mass.&nbsp;

Memorial of St. Jerome, Priest &amp; Doctor of the Church. Spirit Day!&nbsp;

Memorial of St. Therese of the Child Jesus, Doctor of the Church. Mass was prepared by 6B and celebrated by Fr. Nick – “B” Class Mass. Custodian Appreciation Day – today we thank Larry, Robert and Ray for all that they do to keep our school clean, our floors sparkling, and our building &amp; playground safe! They fix our desks, install equipment, take out all of the school trash, carry all of the heavy lifting, and keep plenty of cleaning supplies on hand for us! Give them a wave today!

Hearing Screenings for Preschool &amp; KP in the upper IHM Room today. The volunteers will come collect your students when they are ready!

Just a reminder that tomorrow is “Lauren Strong Day!” Students &amp; staff, you can all wear a blue, orange, or your Lauren Strong shirts with jeans tomorrow, but please bring $1 or a free-will donation!&nbsp;

Memorial of the Holy Guardian Angels. First Friday Prayer Service ~ for Lauren Schmeidler! LAUREN STRONG DAY! Students &amp; staff, we hope you wore your blue or orange today with jeans! Students, please hand your donations to the classroom teacher. Teachers, please send your donations with a messenger to the office this morning. The money will be counted by our bookkeeper and used to provide gift cards for Lauren’s family!

Today we also celebrate Oktoberfest with our class! Students will enjoy a special Oktoberfest snack this afternoon with a little fun in your classrooms!

SubmittedThe successes of tomorrow begin today, catholic education is a lifetime advantage.Catholic schools...schools you can believe in.MONDAYMemorial of St. Wenceslaus, Martyr, &amp; St. Lawrence Ruiz &amp; Companions, Martyrs. Advisory Council Mtg. 5:15 p.m. in Library.TUESDAYFeast of Saints Michael, Gabriel, &amp; Raphael – Archangels. Mass was prepared by 5A and celebrated by Fr. Ryan – “A” Class Mass.&nbsp;WEDNESDAYMemorial of St. Jerome, Priest &amp; Doctor of the Church. Spirit Day!&nbsp;THURSDAYMemorial of St. Therese of the Child Jesus, Doctor of the Church. Mass was prepared by 6B and celebrated by Fr. Nick – “B” Class Mass. Custodian Appreciation Day – today we thank Larry, Robert and Ray for all that they do to keep our school clean, our floors sparkling, and our building &amp; playground safe! They fix our desks, install equipment, take out all of the school trash, carry all of the heavy lifting, and keep plenty of cleaning supplies on hand for us! Give them a wave today!Hearing Screenings for Preschool &amp; KP in the upper IHM Room today. The volunteers will come collect your students when they are ready!Just a reminder that tomorrow is “Lauren Strong Day!” Students &amp; staff, you can all wear a blue, orange, or your Lauren Strong shirts with jeans tomorrow, but please bring $1 or a free-will donation!&nbsp;FRIDAYMemorial of the Holy Guardian Angels. First Friday Prayer Service ~ for Lauren Schmeidler! LAUREN STRONG DAY! Students &amp; staff, we hope you wore your blue or orange today with jeans! Students, please hand your donations to the classroom teacher. Teachers, please send your donations with a messenger to the office this morning. The money will be counted by our bookkeeper and used to provide gift cards for Lauren’s family!Today we also celebrate Oktoberfest with our class! Students will enjoy a special Oktoberfest snack this afternoon with a little fun in your classrooms!<figure>
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Holy Family Elementary weekly update

By BECKY KISER Hays Post

The 2020 WaterSmart Landscape Award winners have been announced by the city of Hays and the Department of Water Resources, although the presentation was different this year due to the coronavirus.

The commercial and residential winners were chosen by the Ellis County Extension Master Gardeners from submitted nominees submitted. 

Residential Property winners Dale and&nbsp;Sherry Chaffin, 3501 Hillcrest, and Commercial Property winner&nbsp;Alpha Gamma Delta Sorority, 409 W. 8th, were recognized by Mayor Shaun Musil during a short ceremony Sept. 21 in the Downtown Hays Pavilion.

The Fort Hays State University sorority was represented by Liz Haury, chapter advisor, and Kathie Taylor, property advisor and past chapter advisor.

"The goal of the award program is to increase awareness of the importance of water conservation in the landscape," said Holly Dickman, Hays water conservation specialist, "and to recognize those in the community that have made great strides towards that effort."

"A WaterSmart landscape involves more than just watering plants correctly. It is actually the combination of several gardening principles that together create a landscape that not only conserves water but is creative and beautiful as well," Dickman explained.

The principles of a WaterSmart landscape include: 1) Planning and Design 2) Soil Preparation 3) Right Plants in the Right Place 4) Practical Turf Areas 5) Efficient Irrigation 6) Proper Mulch 7) Proper Maintenance

&nbsp;Since 2016, one residential and one commercial property has been chosen to receive a WaterSmart Landscape Award.&nbsp;

Additional information regarding WaterSmart Landscaping can be found at <a href="https://www.haysusa.com/160/Water-Conservation">www.watersmarthays.com</a>.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/9/1601044674436.jpeg" alt="City of Hays 2020 WaterSmart Awards with Holly Dickman, water conservation specialist; Shaun Musil, mayor; Residential Winners Sherry and Dale Chaffin; and Commercial Winner Alpha Gamma Delta Sorority represented by Kathie Taylor and&nbsp; Liz Haury." />
 <figcaption>City of Hays 2020 WaterSmart Awards with Holly Dickman, water conservation specialist; Shaun Musil, mayor; Residential Winners Sherry and Dale Chaffin; and Commercial Winner Alpha Gamma Delta Sorority represented by Kathie Taylor and&nbsp; Liz Haury.</figcaption>
 </figure>By BECKY KISER Hays PostThe 2020 WaterSmart Landscape Award winners have been announced by the city of Hays and the Department of Water Resources, although the presentation was different this year due to the coronavirus.The commercial and residential winners were chosen by the Ellis County Extension Master Gardeners from submitted nominees submitted. Residential Property winners Dale and&nbsp;Sherry Chaffin, 3501 Hillcrest, and Commercial Property winner&nbsp;Alpha Gamma Delta Sorority, 409 W. 8th, were recognized by Mayor Shaun Musil during a short ceremony Sept. 21 in the Downtown Hays Pavilion.The Fort Hays State University sorority was represented by Liz Haury, chapter advisor, and Kathie Taylor, property advisor and past chapter advisor.<figure>
 <iframe width="560" height="315" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/NbVbl9Trasc"></iframe>
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>"The goal of the award program is to increase awareness of the importance of water conservation in the landscape," said Holly Dickman, Hays water conservation specialist, "and to recognize those in the community that have made great strides towards that effort.""A WaterSmart landscape involves more than just watering plants correctly. It is actually the combination of several gardening principles that together create a landscape that not only conserves water but is creative and beautiful as well," Dickman explained.The principles of a WaterSmart landscape include: 1) Planning and Design 2) Soil Preparation 3) Right Plants in the Right Place 4) Practical Turf Areas 5) Efficient Irrigation 6) Proper Mulch 7) Proper Maintenance<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/9/1601045516020.jpeg" alt="Residential WaterSmart Landscape winner&nbsp;Dale and Sherry Chaffin, 3501 Hillcrest" />
 <figcaption>Residential WaterSmart Landscape winner&nbsp;Dale and Sherry Chaffin, 3501 Hillcrest</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/9/1601045611028.jpeg" alt="Commercial&nbsp; WaterSmart Landscape winner&nbsp; Alpha Gamma Delta Sorority, 409 W. 8th" />
 <figcaption>Commercial&nbsp; WaterSmart Landscape winner&nbsp; Alpha Gamma Delta Sorority, 409 W. 8th</figcaption>
 </figure>&nbsp;Since 2016, one residential and one commercial property has been chosen to receive a WaterSmart Landscape Award.&nbsp;Additional information regarding WaterSmart Landscaping can be found at <a href="https://www.haysusa.com/160/Water-Conservation">www.watersmarthays.com</a>.

🎥 WaterSmart Landscape awards for 2020 presented 

By DAVE BERGMEIER <a href="https://www.hpj.com">High Plains Journal</a>

President Donald J. Trump and U.S. 
Secretary of Agriculture Sonny Perdue recently announced that up to $14 
billion will be available to help producers who face market disruptions 
and associated costs because of COVID-19 and the news was endorsed in 
the industry.

The aid was 
authorized as part of the Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security 
Act signed into law in March. The Coronavirus Food Assistance Program 
has already distributed one round of direct payments to agricultural 
producers whose markets have been disrupted or lost due to the pandemic,
 according to the U.S. Senate Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition and 
Forestry. On Aug. 11, U.S. Department of Agriculture announced approximately 60 additional commodities that would be eligible for assistance under CFAP.

U.S.
 Sen. Pat Roberts, R-KS, who chairs the Senate Agriculture Committee, 
thanked Trump and Perdue for their efforts to help farmers and ranchers 
who have continued to feed the world amidst depressed commodity prices 
and disrupted markets.&nbsp;

“I have heard directly from our farmers 
and ranchers about the harsh conditions in farm country. I will continue
 to advocate for certainty and predictability for agricultural 
producers, especially during these challenging and unprecedented times,”
 Roberts said.

Congress 
authorized funding for CFAP in the CARES Act, which was approved by a 
unanimous vote in the U.S. Senate and signed by Trump into law on March 
27. The CARES Act included $9.5 billion in funds to assist agricultural 
producers and resources to partially replenish the Commodity Credit 
Corporation. Additionally, Congress provided flexibility for Perdue to 
purchase commodities for emergency distribution in the Families First 
Coronavirus Response Act.&nbsp;

House Agriculture Chairman Collin Peterson, D-MN, said the program will help but much work is ahead.

“There
 are some good things in this second CFAP plan, and the secretary should
 be commended for simplifying the application process for specialty crop
 growers and making sure livestock producers, like the turkey growers in
 my district, have what they need. It also expands the program to all 
classes of wheat and makes sure most commodities left out in the first 
round receive some support,” Peterson said. “And while this version of 
CFAP takes those good steps, there is some frustration over the 
participation rate among some sectors, including specialty crop 
producers.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/9/1601059498543.png" alt="By Larry Carver, Hutchinson, Kansas." />
 <figcaption>By Larry Carver, Hutchinson, Kansas.</figcaption>
 </figure>By DAVE BERGMEIER <a href="https://www.hpj.com">High Plains Journal</a>President Donald J. Trump and U.S. 
Secretary of Agriculture Sonny Perdue recently announced that up to $14 
billion will be available to help producers who face market disruptions 
and associated costs because of COVID-19 and the news was endorsed in 
the industry.The aid was 
authorized as part of the Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security 
Act signed into law in March. The Coronavirus Food Assistance Program 
has already distributed one round of direct payments to agricultural 
producers whose markets have been disrupted or lost due to the pandemic,
 according to the U.S. Senate Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition and 
Forestry. On Aug. 11, U.S. Department of Agriculture announced approximately 60 additional commodities that would be eligible for assistance under CFAP.U.S.
 Sen. Pat Roberts, R-KS, who chairs the Senate Agriculture Committee, 
thanked Trump and Perdue for their efforts to help farmers and ranchers 
who have continued to feed the world amidst depressed commodity prices 
and disrupted markets.&nbsp;“I have heard directly from our farmers 
and ranchers about the harsh conditions in farm country. I will continue
 to advocate for certainty and predictability for agricultural 
producers, especially during these challenging and unprecedented times,”
 Roberts said.Congress 
authorized funding for CFAP in the CARES Act, which was approved by a 
unanimous vote in the U.S. Senate and signed by Trump into law on March 
27. The CARES Act included $9.5 billion in funds to assist agricultural 
producers and resources to partially replenish the Commodity Credit 
Corporation. Additionally, Congress provided flexibility for Perdue to 
purchase commodities for emergency distribution in the Families First 
Coronavirus Response Act.&nbsp;House Agriculture Chairman Collin Peterson, D-MN, said the program will help but much work is ahead.“There
 are some good things in this second CFAP plan, and the secretary should
 be commended for simplifying the application process for specialty crop
 growers and making sure livestock producers, like the turkey growers in
 my district, have what they need. It also expands the program to all 
classes of wheat and makes sure most commodities left out in the first 
round receive some support,” Peterson said. “And while this version of 
CFAP takes those good steps, there is some frustration over the 
participation rate among some sectors, including specialty crop 
producers.“I still want to see
 help for the ethanol industry that has been hurt by the drop in fuel 
demand, textile mills that are helping create COVID medical supplies, 
pork and poultry producers that had to depopulate as a result of plant 
closures, and contract growers who have faced loss of income.”House
 Agriculture Committee Ranking Member K. Michael Conaway, R-TX, said the
 program was needed relief for farmers, ranchers and dairy producers but
 expressed concern the Democratic leadership might block Commodity 
Credit Corporation funding that would halt farm bill funding and further
 COVID-19 relief.“Sadly, the 
aid could have been much stronger had Congressional Democrats not 
blocked critical funding of the Department of Agriculture through the 
Commodity Credit Corporation during the CARES Act debate,” Conaway said.
 “Now, Democrats are trying once again to block USDA funding in the 
debate over the continuing resolution, which Congress must approve this 
month to keep the government open.”Roberts
 took to the Senate floor to urge colleagues to replenish the CCC, which
 is used to implement farm bill programs and to provide additional 
assistance to agricultural producers affected by the pandemic. Failure 
to replenish the CCC would jeopardize the continued implementation of 
2018 farm bill programs and hurt already struggling farmers, ranchers 
and growers.U.S. Rep. Roger 
Marshall, R-KS, a member of the House Agriculture Committee, said 
farmers and ranchers never missed a day of work due to COVID but they 
faced serious challenges associated with the ongoing pandemic.“This
 second round of payments continues this administration’s commitment to 
the agriculture industry and includes all Kansas wheat farmers, many of 
which were left out of the first round of payments,” Marshall said. “It 
is essential we continue to provide our hard working farmers, ranchers 
and farm families with the resources and assistance necessary to 
continue providing Americans and the world the safest, highest quality 
and most affordable food supply in the world.”<h2>Additional comments</h2>Grower groups and others organizations were supportive of the actions of the $14 billion program.“It’s
 been a tough year for agriculture and there’s still a lot of 
uncertainty across the Corn Belt as we head into harvest,” said National
 Corn Growers Association President Kevin Ross. “We’re doing all we can 
to get back on solid ground but we can’t do it alone, which is why 
today’s announcement is a positive and welcome step forward.”NCGA
 analysis projects a $59 per acre average revenue decline for the 2019 
corn crop and an $89 per acre average revenue decline for 2020, compared
 to pre-COVID-19 projections. If realized, the 2020 crop year revenue 
would be the lowest corn revenues since 2006. Residual impacts from 
COVID-19 on corn prices are very likely to persist into 2021 and 
possibly beyond.The Iowa Corn Growers Association said an Aug. 10 derecho damaged millions of acres of corn on top of the coronavirus’ impact.“The
 Iowa Corn Growers Association has continually contacted&nbsp;Secretary 
Perdue by personally handing him a letter and speaking directly to him 
at the beginning of the month urging him and the administration to 
provide additional relief for our farmers including&nbsp;CFAP payments,” said
 ICGA President Carl Jardon.Iowa Secretary of Agriculture Mike Naig said the program should help the state’s producers.“The
 COVID-19 pandemic continues to create significant market and trade 
disruptions, and this poses very real challenges for Iowa farmers. The 
agriculture economy will rebound but it will take time,” Naig said, 
adding the program helps turkey producers because they have also been 
impacted by the coronavirus. “I’m very pleased to see Iowa’s turkey 
producers were included in this round of CFAP funding, as they too have 
been hit hard by the decreased demand at delis and quick-service 
restaurants.”The National Cattlemen’s Beef Association said monies will help cattle producers.“We
 are pleased to see that USDA is using unspent funds in the Coronavirus 
Food Assistance Program to provide further relief to cattle producers 
who have been hit hardest by the COVID-19 pandemic,” said NCBA Vice 
President of Government Affairs Ethan Lane. “The initial CFAP
 payments served as an important stopgap in the immediate wake of the 
coronavirus. Unfortunately, many in our industry are still reeling from 
abnormal marketing decisions they were forced to make in the spring, 
unprecedented supply chain disruptions, and an overall tumultuous farm 
economy.&nbsp;He said the organization is calling on Congress to eliminate the program’s remaining disparities.Two farmer and rancher organizations also echoed the need for relief.The
 second round of aid may provide added relief, according to the American
 Farm Bureau Federation. Almost $10 billion from the first CFAP provided
 much-needed support to livestock, dairy, non-specialty and specialty 
crop producers throughout the country. Many farmers were initially left 
out of CFAP, and although the program was expanded to include more 
commodities, aid was only made available for losses suffered before 
April 15, 2020, the AFBF noted. The deadline for most producers to apply
 for the first round of CFAP assistance expired on Sept. 11.“Farmers
 and ranchers saw demand for their markets disappear during the initial 
shockwave of the pandemic. Even though concerns over food supplies have 
now subsided, the economic hardships are still taking their toll on farm
 families across the country,” said American Farm Bureau Federation 
President Zippy Duvall. “We don’t know when this pandemic will end and 
we are still feeling the effects of trade imbalances and severe weather.
 This lifeline will keep farmers and ranchers afloat as they continue to
 keep America’s pantries stocked.”In
 a statement, National Farmers Union President Rob Larew conveyed 
appreciation for the financial support and urged that it be distributed 
to those who need it most. Citing economy-wide impacts and high 
unemployment rates, he also called on Congress to provide the relief 
hungry Americans and rural communities need to withstand this crisis.“Even
 as restrictions ease, it is evident that farmers will be feeling the 
effects of the pandemic for quite some time. Markets have been slow to 
recover, prices remain low and processing facilities are still backed 
up. While these challenges persist, farmers will certainly need 
assistance to stay solvent—and we are grateful that USDA is providing it
 through another round of CFAP.“This
 support is absolutely crucial—but it is just as crucial that it is 
distributed fairly and equitably. The first round of funding, though 
greatly appreciated, was not without its flaws; not only did it favor 
large farms over smaller ones, it also sent millions of dollars to 
foreign-owned operations and excluded some farmers entirely. With 
congressional oversight, we ask that USDA rectify these issues and 
ensure that payments are commensurate with demonstrated need.“It’s
 important to note that farmers are by far not the only Americans in 
need of relief right now; millions are out of work and experiencing food
 insecurity, family-owned businesses are struggling to stay afloat, 
already strained rural hospitals are hemorrhaging money, and students 
without broadband access are falling behind in school. It’s unacceptable
 that it has been months since these groups have received any help at 
all; Congress must act quickly to provide the support that all Americans
 need to withstand this crisis.”Dave Bergmeier can be reached at 620-227-1822 or <a href="mailto:dbergmeier@hpj.com">dbergmeier@hpj.com</a>. Republished with permission.

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