<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="Ellis Co. rolls out EllisCARES" height="400" width="400" style="border: none;" scrolling="no" data-name="pb-iframe-player" src="https://www.podbean.com/media/player/5yqps-e45cb4?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: Ellis Co. rolls out EllisCARES

Active cases: 34 Recovered cases: 70 Deceased: 1 Total cases: 104

ECHD has been notified of seven new positive cases since Wednesday, 7/22/2020. ECHD is following KDHE guidelines to identify any close contacts of the new positive cases.

Contacts will be notified and directed to self-quarantine for 14 days. The positive cases are in isolation. ECHD is currently investigating the cases. 

Thirteen previous cases have recovered since our last press release.

Ellis County Health Department has added a new Case Update Dashboard to its website. It will utilize this moving forward to ensure the public is up to date on case counts. Please visit the webpage at <a href="https://www.ellisco.net/97/Health">https://www.ellisco.net/97/Health</a> for the latest numbers.

Hays City Commissioners approved Ordinance No. 3988, requiring the wearing of masks or other face coverings, at their regular meeting Thursday, July 23.

The Ordinance requires all persons in the City of Hays to cover their mouths and noses with a mask or other face covering in certain circumstances.

This ordinance becomes effective 8 a.m. Monday, July 27.

If you have questions regarding this ordinance, please visit the City of Hays webpage at <a href="http://www.haysusa.com.">www.haysusa.com.</a>

The Hays Police Department will field complaints of ordinance violation by email at <a href="http://masks@haysusa.com">masks@haysusa.com</a>. Do not call 911 or ECHD to report a violation of this ordinance.

Residents and visitors of Ellis County need to remain diligent in social distancing as well as basic precautions like washing your hands, covering your cough and staying home when you are ill.

ECHD encourages all Ellis County residents to avoid gatherings and wear a mask if you cannot distance yourself. If you become symptomatic, please contact your local physician.

Continue to follow and understand guidance provided by the CDC, KDHE and ECHD. Make the individual choice to protect yourself and others around you. 

Active cases: 34 Recovered cases: 70 Deceased: 1 Total cases: 104ECHD has been notified of seven new positive cases since Wednesday, 7/22/2020. ECHD is following KDHE guidelines to identify any close contacts of the new positive cases.Contacts will be notified and directed to self-quarantine for 14 days. The positive cases are in isolation. ECHD is currently investigating the cases. Thirteen previous cases have recovered since our last press release.Ellis County Health Department has added a new Case Update Dashboard to its website. It will utilize this moving forward to ensure the public is up to date on case counts. Please visit the webpage at <a href="https://www.ellisco.net/97/Health">https://www.ellisco.net/97/Health</a> for the latest numbers.Hays City Commissioners approved Ordinance No. 3988, requiring the wearing of masks or other face coverings, at their regular meeting Thursday, July 23.The Ordinance requires all persons in the City of Hays to cover their mouths and noses with a mask or other face covering in certain circumstances.This ordinance becomes effective 8 a.m. Monday, July 27.If you have questions regarding this ordinance, please visit the City of Hays webpage at <a href="http://www.haysusa.com.">www.haysusa.com.</a>The Hays Police Department will field complaints of ordinance violation by email at <a href="http://masks@haysusa.com">masks@haysusa.com</a>. Do not call 911 or ECHD to report a violation of this ordinance.Residents and visitors of Ellis County need to remain diligent in social distancing as well as basic precautions like washing your hands, covering your cough and staying home when you are ill.ECHD encourages all Ellis County residents to avoid gatherings and wear a mask if you cannot distance yourself. If you become symptomatic, please contact your local physician.Continue to follow and understand guidance provided by the CDC, KDHE and ECHD. Make the individual choice to protect yourself and others around you.

7 new positive cases in Ellis County since Wed.

Do you have questions about the Hays school reopening plan? Please send us your questions via Facebook below, and we will direct them to school officials.

Click <a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/ef244bb2-c045-4c85-9b08-7666fdf0c313">HERE</a> to see the proposed reopening plan.

Do you have questions about the Hays school reopening plan? Please send us your questions via Facebook below, and we will direct them to school officials.Click <a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/ef244bb2-c045-4c85-9b08-7666fdf0c313">HERE</a> to see the proposed reopening plan.<div><iframe src="https://www.facebook.com/plugins/post.php?href=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2Fhayspost%2Fposts%2F3161337490598081&width=500" width="500" height="519" style="border:none;overflow:hidden" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" allowTransparency="true" allow="encrypted-media"></iframe></div>

Send in your questions about proposed school reopening plan

UPDATED 11:30 a.m. Friday to include additional comments from Ellis County Clerk Donna Maskus and Deputy Clerk Bobbi Dreiling.

By CRISTINA JANNEY Hays Post

If you are voting by mail in the Ellis County primary, you need to put return postage on your ballot envelope, according to the Hays postmaster.

Donnie Shubert, Hays postmaster, said Thursday primary mail-in ballots need to have the required $1.20 postage to be returned to the Ellis County Clerk's office.

Laura Allen, Democratic write-in candidate for Ellis County Clerk, suggested <a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/f1002742-6ba7-4c5b-8995-e6b1a438f0bd">in a letter to Hays Post </a>that voters with mail-in ballots return their ballots through the mail without postage.

Ellis County Clerk Donna Maskus also said the mail-in ballots need to be returned with the $1.20 postage.

Shubert said if the postage is not affixed to the envelope, the ballots will be returned to the clerk's office with $1.20 postage due.

Allen was critical of Maskus for not paying the postage for return ballots.

"Election officials should want our citizens to vote," Allen said in her letter. "We should want their voices to be heard. We should facilitate that process as much as possible, and we should find ways to do that without actually costing Ellis County residents more in the long run."

Allen would face Republican Bobbi Dreiling in the general election, who is the current assistant clerk.

She alleged the county clerk had federal funds available to pay the postage for returning the mail-in primary ballots. 

Maskus said the clerk's office received $27,877 in federal funds to be spent on election functions. A portion of that money was spent to send applications for mail-in ballots for the primary and general elections to Ellis County residents. Some of the money was used to place the outdoor ballot drop box at the county building. Money was also used to send letters to potential election workers.&nbsp;

"Clerk Maskus made a judgment call on how to use the money that unfortunately did not include the return postage on the advance envelopes," Maskus and Deputy County Clerk Bobbi Dreiling said in a response to Hays Post. "There is absolutely nothing in Kansas law that requires the election officer to put on return postage. Historically, Ellis County has never put return postage on advance ballots due to not having the budget to do so. (Maskus) chose to spend it in other areas including a drop box so that the voter would not have to spend money on postage."

Although paying for return postage for primary ballots was an option for the federal funds, Maskus said the federal money had already been spent on other election functions.

"If we would have done&nbsp; what Ms. Allen is suggesting, the cost of return postage would have been $3,000. Supposing a 50% return rate by mail, Ellis County just wasted $1,500&nbsp; of the CARES fund for ballots not returned through the mail," Maskus and Dreiling said. "Many voters do&nbsp; choose to return their ballot personally or through our drop box. Theoretically, this $1,500 could have been well spent in other areas in Ellis County."&nbsp;

Ballots can be returned in person without postage to either a ballot drop box on the south side of county administration building, 718 Main, or to the clerk's office during business hours at the same address.

Voters can also advance vote in person at the clerk's office between now and July 31 during office hours 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. The last day to advance vote is Monday, Aug. 3. Voting is open that day from 8 a.m. to noon. Primary Election Day is Tuesday, Aug. 4.

If you vote in person, you will need to bring your driver's license or other voter ID.

If you would like to check to see if the clerk's office has received your ballot, you can do so by going to the <a href="https://myvoteinfo.voteks.org/voterview">Voter&nbsp;View</a> link&nbsp;on the Election page of the Ellis County website. This is under&nbsp;View Your Ballot &amp; Know Your Polling Location heading.

Maskus urged anyone with voting questions to call the clerk's office at 785-628-9410.

UPDATED 11:30 a.m. Friday to include additional comments from Ellis County Clerk Donna Maskus and Deputy Clerk Bobbi Dreiling.By CRISTINA JANNEY Hays PostIf you are voting by mail in the Ellis County primary, you need to put return postage on your ballot envelope, according to the Hays postmaster.Donnie Shubert, Hays postmaster, said Thursday primary mail-in ballots need to have the required $1.20 postage to be returned to the Ellis County Clerk's office.Laura Allen, Democratic write-in candidate for Ellis County Clerk, suggested <a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/f1002742-6ba7-4c5b-8995-e6b1a438f0bd">in a letter to Hays Post </a>that voters with mail-in ballots return their ballots through the mail without postage.Ellis County Clerk Donna Maskus also said the mail-in ballots need to be returned with the $1.20 postage.Shubert said if the postage is not affixed to the envelope, the ballots will be returned to the clerk's office with $1.20 postage due.Allen was critical of Maskus for not paying the postage for return ballots."Election officials should want our citizens to vote," Allen said in her letter. "We should want their voices to be heard. We should facilitate that process as much as possible, and we should find ways to do that without actually costing Ellis County residents more in the long run."Allen would face Republican Bobbi Dreiling in the general election, who is the current assistant clerk.She alleged the county clerk had federal funds available to pay the postage for returning the mail-in primary ballots. Maskus said the clerk's office received $27,877 in federal funds to be spent on election functions. A portion of that money was spent to send applications for mail-in ballots for the primary and general elections to Ellis County residents. Some of the money was used to place the outdoor ballot drop box at the county building. Money was also used to send letters to potential election workers.&nbsp;"Clerk Maskus made a judgment call on how to use the money that unfortunately did not include the return postage on the advance envelopes," Maskus and Deputy County Clerk Bobbi Dreiling said in a response to Hays Post. "There is absolutely nothing in Kansas law that requires the election officer to put on return postage. Historically, Ellis County has never put return postage on advance ballots due to not having the budget to do so. (Maskus) chose to spend it in other areas including a drop box so that the voter would not have to spend money on postage."Although paying for return postage for primary ballots was an option for the federal funds, Maskus said the federal money had already been spent on other election functions."If we would have done&nbsp; what Ms. Allen is suggesting, the cost of return postage would have been $3,000. Supposing a 50% return rate by mail, Ellis County just wasted $1,500&nbsp; of the CARES fund for ballots not returned through the mail," Maskus and Dreiling said. "Many voters do&nbsp; choose to return their ballot personally or through our drop box. Theoretically, this $1,500 could have been well spent in other areas in Ellis County."&nbsp;Ballots can be returned in person without postage to either a ballot drop box on the south side of county administration building, 718 Main, or to the clerk's office during business hours at the same address.Voters can also advance vote in person at the clerk's office between now and July 31 during office hours 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. The last day to advance vote is Monday, Aug. 3. Voting is open that day from 8 a.m. to noon. Primary Election Day is Tuesday, Aug. 4.If you vote in person, you will need to bring your driver's license or other voter ID.If you would like to check to see if the clerk's office has received your ballot, you can do so by going to the <a href="https://myvoteinfo.voteks.org/voterview">Voter&nbsp;View</a> link&nbsp;on the Election page of the Ellis County website. This is under&nbsp;View Your Ballot &amp; Know Your Polling Location heading.Maskus urged anyone with voting questions to call the clerk's office at 785-628-9410.

Postmaster: Put postage on your mail-in ballots UPDATE

In case this is the first time you are hearing about me or this particular race, my name is Robert Anderson Jr., and I am running to be your next County Attorney. There has been a considerable amount of opinion letters, mailers, social media posts, and even videos about the Ellis County Attorney’s race. Some of what has been said is true, some is false, and some things I have no personal knowledge of. I have tried to stay out of the “mudslinging." However, I MUST share my side of this story. I know this letter is lengthy, but I hope you will read through to the end. It is critical that you are aware of this information before casting a vote in this year’s primary election.

On July 17, 2020, my opponent released an opinion piece in the Hays Post and sent a second campaign mailer that followed this week. In both publications, my opponent, Chris Lyon, implied that I was omitting information from you because it “doesn’t help my campaign” and accused me of spreading “Fake News." He gave you his set of “True Facts” surrounding his living situation. As true as they may be, they are incomplete and wanting. I will address this first and foremost. Second, I will address my experience. Third, I will address the budget and why you should choose me to be your next County Attorney.

It’s true: I have not been able to accurately keep you, the citizens of Ellis County, apprised of where Mr. Lyon is, where he plans to go next, how long he plans to be there, and with whom he plans to be with. Truthfully, I didn’t know that it was my duty to decipher his actions and words and then deliver a clear-cut answer to that quagmire.&nbsp;

I have chosen the words I have used in my campaign VERY deliberately. I have stated on my campaign materials that Chris Lyon does not live here full-time so as to be truthful and accurate throughout this process. Here is what Mr. Lyon had to say about my campaign materials in a text message conversation on July 10, 2020: “Thanks for being careful about the wording. I looked at your campaign material and you were professional and courteous."&nbsp;

Since Chris evidently expects me to report on his most up-to-date plans, and in the interest of transparency, here is what I know as of today:

From January 28, 2020, until around June 8, 2020 (the day Chris officially re-entered this race), Chris Lyon’s <a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/5e3207427d7daa72b30ec0b9">public intention was to move his family to Kansas City</a>. I believe he also shared with some people, but not the general public, that it was his intent to search for a small home in WaKeeney, Kansas so that he could split his time between Kansas City and WaKeeney while fulfilling his duties as Trego County Attorney, Hays City Prosecutor, City of WaKeeney Prosecutor, and whatever other jobs he holds.&nbsp;

It appeared, based upon his actions, that this was exactly what his intent was. His home at 3001 Thunderbird Drive, Hays, Kansas, was put on the market. Then, in March, Mr. Lyon and his wife purchased a home in Overland Park, Kansas. All of this in line with his publicly stated intent.&nbsp;

It is true that in the July 10th text message conversation between Chris and myself, Chris did reveal to me that his family health situation had gotten better and that he and his wife were looking to buy a house in the area after the primary. His exact words were: “After the primary we are going to buy another house in the area. My [family situation] has drastically improved.” He goes on to say that “[the] family health stuff is private please [so don’t share it]”. So, even now, I am trying to balance respecting his wishes for privacy and defending myself against his claims of spreading “fake news." Surely you can understand and appreciate my frustration. &nbsp;

As Chris stated in his July 17th opinion letter in the Hays Post, his home at 3001 Thunderbird Drive, Hays, Kansas, sold on July 2, 2020.&nbsp;

What I find fascinating is that Chris, being on the ballot in three counties (Ellis, Trego, &amp; Gove) and knowing that his race in Ellis County would be hotly contested, had from June 8th or thereabouts until July 2, 2020 to take his home OFF the market and ensure that he maintained a residence here. He knew that my message was: “Chris Lyon does not live here full-time; he has six other jobs; he cannot commit to this job full-time; I am your only full-time option."&nbsp; Despite all of that, he went ahead and sold his home on July 2nd.&nbsp;

The likely explanation, while I cannot prove it because I am not a mind reader, is that he intended to find a small home in “the area” and split his time between Kansas City and “the area” – which again, was his stated intention since back in January.

Fifteen days after Mr. Lyon sells his home in Hays, he writes his opinion piece in which he tries to persuade you, the citizens of Ellis County, to believe that he’s coming right back. He follows up with a second mailer, around 20 days after selling his home, asking you to believe that he’s coming right back.

His actions and his words are not clear. So, my attempt to explain his intentions moving forward are futile. All I can do is ask questions. The questions I hope you are also asking.&nbsp;

Mr. Lyon states that he and his wife are looking for a home “in the area." What does that mean? In Hays? In Ellis County? Is this “area” contingent upon whether or not you win the primary? Will you be selling the home in Overland Park that you purchased three months ago? Are you moving to “the area” full-time or will you be splitting your time with some other place? Why did you sell your home in Hays 20-some days ago?

Furthermore, he stated that his family situation has improved “leaving [him] the time [he] needs to run the Ellis County Attorney’s Office." OK, I have more questions: you have the time needed? How much time is that exactly? Full-time? Why didn’t you say full-time? Is it part-time? Are you quitting your other jobs?

Nothing has changed, my message remains the same: I, Robert Anderson, Jr., am your ONLY FULL-TIME option for this position. Even if Chris Lyon and his family purchase a home adjacent to the Ellis County Courthouse, his several other government jobs do not allow him to commit to the Ellis County Attorney’s Office full-time. That is the real news.

I’m sure a lot of you received two political mailers from my opponent by now. Did you see?! He’s “The Only Experienced Candidate!” This is a bold-faced lie.

He could have put “The Only Experienced Prosecutor” and even that would have been inaccurate.&nbsp;

I am experienced and highly skilled. I have handled thousands of legal cases. I have spent thousands of hours in the courtroom. I am trained to spot the same legal issues and make the same legal arguments as a prosecutor. It does not matter which side of the courtroom I sit on.&nbsp; I am undefeated in felony jury trials (something very few attorneys can say – certainly not Mr. Lyon).&nbsp; I have primarily defended cases, but I have also acted as a special prosecutor and have even served as a municipal judge. I have spent five years handling ALL of the types of cases that the Ellis County Attorney’s Office files. To suggest that I have no experience is, again, a bold-faced lie.

You want to know what Chris Lyon really thinks about my experience?

Chris had no issue with my experience, or supposed lack thereof, when he begged me to run for Ellis County Attorney in January. Chris had no issue with my experience, or supposed lack thereof, when he deputized me as an “Assistant Trego County Attorney” and left me to handle anything that popped up in his jurisdiction while he was on vacation last year. At least one case, to my recollection, did pop up and was handled without issue or the need for Chris to come rushing home.

In a couple of phone conversations with Chris around June 4th or 5th and on June 8th, when Chris was deciding if he was truly going to get back in this race, he suggested that one possible outcome was: if he won, he would hire me as an Assistant Ellis County Attorney. He even suggested that he would be willing to pay me more than his own salary (which would be more than anyone in that office is paid or has ever been paid). That’s what he truly thinks of me.

The only area in which I truly have no experience is, as Mr. Lyon stated, with writing a budget for a public office. All of my experience comes from the private sector, where I’ve operated my own business that I’ve built from the ground up. I’ve had to write my budgets not knowing how much money will be available to me (unlike a government budget). I’ve had to save for rainy days. I’ve had to spend wisely and conservatively. I’ve had to work efficiently. I’ve had to succeed or fail based upon MY performance.&nbsp;

Since we’re on the topic of the budget, let’s talk about item III.&nbsp;

Chris Lyon’s campaign brags that he can save the taxpayers over $100,000.00! That would be quite impressive…if the current County Attorney, Tom Drees, hadn’t already proposed a $90,000 cut approximately four months ago (which was set aside for the next County Attorney to use or not use). So, both Chris and I have the ability to snap our fingers on day one and “save the taxpayers $90,000." You just won’t hear me acting like it was my idea or that I’ve written some new wonderful plan.&nbsp;

Another thing Chris Lyon won’t tell you is that when Tom Drees proposed that cut a few months back, Chris called me FURIOUS about it. I remained calm and explained that I would be willing to work within whatever budget that was passed by our commissioners.&nbsp;

Saving taxpayer money is extremely important to me. I hate paying taxes, but I understand it is necessary. I don’t want to wastefully spend a single penny. That’s why I have created a two-pronged plan to save taxpayer dollars through a decrease in the budget AND through policies that will lessen the costs associated with housing inmates in jail and prison.&nbsp;

What you need to understand about the proposed Ellis County Attorney’s Office budget for 2021 is that 95% of it ($739,282 of the $777,282) is salaries and benefits. So, when we talk about making any significant changes to that budget, what we are really talking about is hiring and firing people. And, to some degree, when we talk about hiring and firing people, what we are talking about is our ability to prosecute cases. Each year, there are more police reports made than cases prosecuted. This is what creates “backlog." Backlog can be thought of as accumulated work debt.&nbsp;

As your next County Attorney, I promise that the number of cases prosecuted will increase without a rise in costs for the taxpayers. This will be executed through the new policies I will implement AND because I, personally, will be in that office AT LEAST 40 hours a week. I am the only one who can increase the number of cases prosecuted without increasing the budget because I am the only one committed to this job full-time. I am your only chance to increase or maintain public safety without an increase in costs.&nbsp;

As a citizen of this county, I care deeply about this community. I am invested. I am your only full-time option. Mr. Lyon is willing to say anything to earn your vote, but ask yourself: “What has he DONE to earn your vote – what has he actually committed himself to?”&nbsp;

Please, use your common sense. When you go to the polls on August 4th, vote for the only full-time option, Robert Anderson, Jr. for Ellis County Attorney.&nbsp;

Robert Anderson Jr., candidate for Ellis County Attorney

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/2/1582312931775.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Citizens of Ellis County,In case this is the first time you are hearing about me or this particular race, my name is Robert Anderson Jr., and I am running to be your next County Attorney. There has been a considerable amount of opinion letters, mailers, social media posts, and even videos about the Ellis County Attorney’s race. Some of what has been said is true, some is false, and some things I have no personal knowledge of. I have tried to stay out of the “mudslinging." However, I MUST share my side of this story. I know this letter is lengthy, but I hope you will read through to the end. It is critical that you are aware of this information before casting a vote in this year’s primary election.On July 17, 2020, my opponent released an opinion piece in the Hays Post and sent a second campaign mailer that followed this week. In both publications, my opponent, Chris Lyon, implied that I was omitting information from you because it “doesn’t help my campaign” and accused me of spreading “Fake News." He gave you his set of “True Facts” surrounding his living situation. As true as they may be, they are incomplete and wanting. I will address this first and foremost. Second, I will address my experience. Third, I will address the budget and why you should choose me to be your next County Attorney.<ol>
 <li>Robert Anderson has failed to inform the electorate of Chris Lyon’s intention regarding where he will live, when he will live there, how long he will live there, and with whom he will be living.</li>
 </ol>It’s true: I have not been able to accurately keep you, the citizens of Ellis County, apprised of where Mr. Lyon is, where he plans to go next, how long he plans to be there, and with whom he plans to be with. Truthfully, I didn’t know that it was my duty to decipher his actions and words and then deliver a clear-cut answer to that quagmire.&nbsp;I have chosen the words I have used in my campaign VERY deliberately. I have stated on my campaign materials that Chris Lyon does not live here full-time so as to be truthful and accurate throughout this process. Here is what Mr. Lyon had to say about my campaign materials in a text message conversation on July 10, 2020: “Thanks for being careful about the wording. I looked at your campaign material and you were professional and courteous."&nbsp;Since Chris evidently expects me to report on his most up-to-date plans, and in the interest of transparency, here is what I know as of today:From January 28, 2020, until around June 8, 2020 (the day Chris officially re-entered this race), Chris Lyon’s <a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/5e3207427d7daa72b30ec0b9">public intention was to move his family to Kansas City</a>. I believe he also shared with some people, but not the general public, that it was his intent to search for a small home in WaKeeney, Kansas so that he could split his time between Kansas City and WaKeeney while fulfilling his duties as Trego County Attorney, Hays City Prosecutor, City of WaKeeney Prosecutor, and whatever other jobs he holds.&nbsp;It appeared, based upon his actions, that this was exactly what his intent was. His home at 3001 Thunderbird Drive, Hays, Kansas, was put on the market. Then, in March, Mr. Lyon and his wife purchased a home in Overland Park, Kansas. All of this in line with his publicly stated intent.&nbsp;It is true that in the July 10th text message conversation between Chris and myself, Chris did reveal to me that his family health situation had gotten better and that he and his wife were looking to buy a house in the area after the primary. His exact words were: “After the primary we are going to buy another house in the area. My [family situation] has drastically improved.” He goes on to say that “[the] family health stuff is private please [so don’t share it]”. So, even now, I am trying to balance respecting his wishes for privacy and defending myself against his claims of spreading “fake news." Surely you can understand and appreciate my frustration. &nbsp;As Chris stated in his July 17th opinion letter in the Hays Post, his home at 3001 Thunderbird Drive, Hays, Kansas, sold on July 2, 2020.&nbsp;What I find fascinating is that Chris, being on the ballot in three counties (Ellis, Trego, &amp; Gove) and knowing that his race in Ellis County would be hotly contested, had from June 8th or thereabouts until July 2, 2020 to take his home OFF the market and ensure that he maintained a residence here. He knew that my message was: “Chris Lyon does not live here full-time; he has six other jobs; he cannot commit to this job full-time; I am your only full-time option."&nbsp; Despite all of that, he went ahead and sold his home on July 2nd.&nbsp;The likely explanation, while I cannot prove it because I am not a mind reader, is that he intended to find a small home in “the area” and split his time between Kansas City and “the area” – which again, was his stated intention since back in January.Fifteen days after Mr. Lyon sells his home in Hays, he writes his opinion piece in which he tries to persuade you, the citizens of Ellis County, to believe that he’s coming right back. He follows up with a second mailer, around 20 days after selling his home, asking you to believe that he’s coming right back.His actions and his words are not clear. So, my attempt to explain his intentions moving forward are futile. All I can do is ask questions. The questions I hope you are also asking.&nbsp;Mr. Lyon states that he and his wife are looking for a home “in the area." What does that mean? In Hays? In Ellis County? Is this “area” contingent upon whether or not you win the primary? Will you be selling the home in Overland Park that you purchased three months ago? Are you moving to “the area” full-time or will you be splitting your time with some other place? Why did you sell your home in Hays 20-some days ago?Furthermore, he stated that his family situation has improved “leaving [him] the time [he] needs to run the Ellis County Attorney’s Office." OK, I have more questions: you have the time needed? How much time is that exactly? Full-time? Why didn’t you say full-time? Is it part-time? Are you quitting your other jobs?Nothing has changed, my message remains the same: I, Robert Anderson, Jr., am your ONLY FULL-TIME option for this position. Even if Chris Lyon and his family purchase a home adjacent to the Ellis County Courthouse, his several other government jobs do not allow him to commit to the Ellis County Attorney’s Office full-time. That is the real news.<ol>
 <li>Experience – Is Chris Lyon the “Only Experienced Candidate”?!</li>
 </ol>I’m sure a lot of you received two political mailers from my opponent by now. Did you see?! He’s “The Only Experienced Candidate!” This is a bold-faced lie.He could have put “The Only Experienced Prosecutor” and even that would have been inaccurate.&nbsp;I am experienced and highly skilled. I have handled thousands of legal cases. I have spent thousands of hours in the courtroom. I am trained to spot the same legal issues and make the same legal arguments as a prosecutor. It does not matter which side of the courtroom I sit on.&nbsp; I am undefeated in felony jury trials (something very few attorneys can say – certainly not Mr. Lyon).&nbsp; I have primarily defended cases, but I have also acted as a special prosecutor and have even served as a municipal judge. I have spent five years handling ALL of the types of cases that the Ellis County Attorney’s Office files. To suggest that I have no experience is, again, a bold-faced lie.You want to know what Chris Lyon really thinks about my experience?Chris had no issue with my experience, or supposed lack thereof, when he begged me to run for Ellis County Attorney in January. Chris had no issue with my experience, or supposed lack thereof, when he deputized me as an “Assistant Trego County Attorney” and left me to handle anything that popped up in his jurisdiction while he was on vacation last year. At least one case, to my recollection, did pop up and was handled without issue or the need for Chris to come rushing home.In a couple of phone conversations with Chris around June 4th or 5th and on June 8th, when Chris was deciding if he was truly going to get back in this race, he suggested that one possible outcome was: if he won, he would hire me as an Assistant Ellis County Attorney. He even suggested that he would be willing to pay me more than his own salary (which would be more than anyone in that office is paid or has ever been paid). That’s what he truly thinks of me.The only area in which I truly have no experience is, as Mr. Lyon stated, with writing a budget for a public office. All of my experience comes from the private sector, where I’ve operated my own business that I’ve built from the ground up. I’ve had to write my budgets not knowing how much money will be available to me (unlike a government budget). I’ve had to save for rainy days. I’ve had to spend wisely and conservatively. I’ve had to work efficiently. I’ve had to succeed or fail based upon MY performance.&nbsp;Since we’re on the topic of the budget, let’s talk about item III.&nbsp;<ol>
 <li>The Budget &amp; what Chris Lyon won’t tell you</li>
 </ol>Chris Lyon’s campaign brags that he can save the taxpayers over $100,000.00! That would be quite impressive…if the current County Attorney, Tom Drees, hadn’t already proposed a $90,000 cut approximately four months ago (which was set aside for the next County Attorney to use or not use). So, both Chris and I have the ability to snap our fingers on day one and “save the taxpayers $90,000." You just won’t hear me acting like it was my idea or that I’ve written some new wonderful plan.&nbsp;Another thing Chris Lyon won’t tell you is that when Tom Drees proposed that cut a few months back, Chris called me FURIOUS about it. I remained calm and explained that I would be willing to work within whatever budget that was passed by our commissioners.&nbsp;Saving taxpayer money is extremely important to me. I hate paying taxes, but I understand it is necessary. I don’t want to wastefully spend a single penny. That’s why I have created a two-pronged plan to save taxpayer dollars through a decrease in the budget AND through policies that will lessen the costs associated with housing inmates in jail and prison.&nbsp;What you need to understand about the proposed Ellis County Attorney’s Office budget for 2021 is that 95% of it ($739,282 of the $777,282) is salaries and benefits. So, when we talk about making any significant changes to that budget, what we are really talking about is hiring and firing people. And, to some degree, when we talk about hiring and firing people, what we are talking about is our ability to prosecute cases. Each year, there are more police reports made than cases prosecuted. This is what creates “backlog." Backlog can be thought of as accumulated work debt.&nbsp;As your next County Attorney, I promise that the number of cases prosecuted will increase without a rise in costs for the taxpayers. This will be executed through the new policies I will implement AND because I, personally, will be in that office AT LEAST 40 hours a week. I am the only one who can increase the number of cases prosecuted without increasing the budget because I am the only one committed to this job full-time. I am your only chance to increase or maintain public safety without an increase in costs.&nbsp;As a citizen of this county, I care deeply about this community. I am invested. I am your only full-time option. Mr. Lyon is willing to say anything to earn your vote, but ask yourself: “What has he DONE to earn your vote – what has he actually committed himself to?”&nbsp;Please, use your common sense. When you go to the polls on August 4th, vote for the only full-time option, Robert Anderson, Jr. for Ellis County Attorney.&nbsp;Robert Anderson Jr., candidate for Ellis County Attorney

LETTER: Ellis Co. Attorney candidate's view of race

My name is Laura Allen.&nbsp; I am the Democratic write in candidate for the August 4th Primary election. I want to be your Ellis County Clerk. I want to work with other county officials to make sure that we are doing what is best for Ellis County and its residents. As Clerk, transparency and engagement are key. Each Ellis County resident should feel as if they matter when it comes to the workings of our county and those that represent us.&nbsp;

Advance ballots have been sent, and many have been returned. Not as many as should have been returned because our Election Office has, again, dropped the ball. For instance, instead of using a mailing permit for the return envelope, the Clerk left it to us to pay postage.&nbsp; How much?&nbsp; $1.20! WHY? &nbsp; When the County conducted the Sales Tax Election and wanted everyone to vote so it could impose more taxes, the Clerk made sure the postage was prepaid.&nbsp; Now, even though the federal government would reimburse for the postage, she makes us buy stamps.&nbsp; This is to suppress turnout so the insiders can manipulate the results.&nbsp; They don’t really want us to return these ballots.&nbsp; In the midst of a pandemic, they should encourage voters to vote in the most convenient, safest way possible.&nbsp; Instead they tell us to go buy stamps or drive to the Administrative Center to put the ballot in a box.

Fortunately, I have found a solution, which will save us up to $18,000 in Ellis County.&nbsp; Don’t put postage on the envelope!&nbsp; <a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/430b310f-a958-44fd-a494-d04d3dbe58ce">The Post Master in Hays has assured us that every ballot, whether or not it has postage, will be delivered to the Clerk.</a>&nbsp; She has the money available to pay any postage due from Federal CARES/HAVA money.&nbsp; She should have used it in the first place, but this will work, too.&nbsp;

I am publicly calling on Donna Maskus and her Deputy, my opponent in this election, to inform Ellis County voters, whether Republican, Democrat, or Unaffiliated of their right to vote in advance, to mail the ballot without postage by signing the back of the envelope, and be assured that their vote will be counted.

Election officials should want our citizens to vote. We should want their voices to be heard. We should facilitate that process as much as possible, and we should find ways to do that without actually costing Ellis County Residents more in the long run. After calling the Clerk’s office I was told:&nbsp;

The election process should be encouraging more voting, not discouraging it. It’s the most fundamental means for citizens to be engaged in their local government. As an Election Official, I will make sure that voters are our priority. If you haven’t yet sent in your advance ballot, put it in any mailbox, whether or not you write in Laura Allen for County Clerk.&nbsp; If you do write me in, please mark the bubble, so the Clerk counts your vote.&nbsp; You do not need to put postage on it!

Recently a new voter told me of her awful experience trying to vote in person.&nbsp; She was quizzed by the person in the Clerk’s office as to why she was declaring as a Democrat, why she was bothering to vote, and generally treated as an inconvenience.&nbsp; The person who “helped” her didn’t even get off the phone to explain the process to this new voter.&nbsp; This is no way to treat the public, especially a young person who is trying to do the right thing, and obviously asking for guidance.

I believe that the issues I see with current processes are simple complacency. When it’s just another day in the office, it’s easy to overlook the bigger picture and our end goal. Complacency is the antithesis of innovation and engagement. This is why I believe it is imperative that we have new blood, new ideas, and new strategies in the County Clerk’s office. For Ellis County to be served in the best manner possible, it can’t be just another day at the office.&nbsp;

I recently asked the County Clerk to recuse the Deputy County Clerk from any discretionary decisions regarding the office for which she herself is running. I was told that the Deputy Clerk would not be on counting boards, and the Clerk’s office would uphold their responsibilities in a professional manner. I have also been told that voter intent when writing my name in will be considered. My last name, or combination of names, even misspelled, that clearly indicate a voter intended to write me in will be counted. With those assurances, I offer, again, these ways for your voice to be heard:

Advanced mail in ballots may be requested until July 28th. You can request an advance ballot by visiting&nbsp;<a href="http://www.ksvotes.org/">www.ksvotes.org</a>&nbsp;or by calling the Ellis County Clerk at 785-628-9410. These completed ballots can be mailed (No postage necessary) back to 718 Main Street, Hays, Kansas 67601, or watch the following tutorial on using the drop box at the same address:&nbsp;<a href="https://m.youtube.com/watch?feature=youtu.be&amp;v=eyLKdLKmHHs&amp;fbclid=IwAR0XM1iPoA4LLJfNhSTlcPcb2GwdTk80AxcJYKLOTuEcRrKFfBdwbTxNnlg">https://m.youtube.com/watch?feature=youtu.be&amp;v=eyLKdLKmHHs</a>. &nbsp;

You can vote early, in person, by visiting 718 Main Street until noon on August 3, 2020. As always, you may vote during the primary election held on August 4th, 2020. Find your polling place (or check your voter registration) at&nbsp;<a href="https://myvoteinfo.voteks.org/voterview">https://myvoteinfo.voteks.org/voterview</a>.&nbsp;

If you are a registered Democrat, please mark the bubble, then write my name (Laura Allen) in for County Clerk. Any unaffiliated voter may affiliate with a party when voting in the primary in person or when requesting an advance ballot. Please take a moment and support my write in campaign and affiliate as a Democrat in order to write me in.

Every single vote counts. Every time.&nbsp; Please write in Laura Allen for Ellis County Clerk.&nbsp; Your vote will make a difference.&nbsp;

Laura Allen, write-in candidate for Ellis County Clerk

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/12/1575913663048.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>My name is Laura Allen.&nbsp; I am the Democratic write in candidate for the August 4th Primary election. I want to be your Ellis County Clerk. I want to work with other county officials to make sure that we are doing what is best for Ellis County and its residents. As Clerk, transparency and engagement are key. Each Ellis County resident should feel as if they matter when it comes to the workings of our county and those that represent us.&nbsp;Advance ballots have been sent, and many have been returned. Not as many as should have been returned because our Election Office has, again, dropped the ball. For instance, instead of using a mailing permit for the return envelope, the Clerk left it to us to pay postage.&nbsp; How much?&nbsp; $1.20! WHY? &nbsp; When the County conducted the Sales Tax Election and wanted everyone to vote so it could impose more taxes, the Clerk made sure the postage was prepaid.&nbsp; Now, even though the federal government would reimburse for the postage, she makes us buy stamps.&nbsp; This is to suppress turnout so the insiders can manipulate the results.&nbsp; They don’t really want us to return these ballots.&nbsp; In the midst of a pandemic, they should encourage voters to vote in the most convenient, safest way possible.&nbsp; Instead they tell us to go buy stamps or drive to the Administrative Center to put the ballot in a box.Fortunately, I have found a solution, which will save us up to $18,000 in Ellis County.&nbsp; Don’t put postage on the envelope!&nbsp; <a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/430b310f-a958-44fd-a494-d04d3dbe58ce">The Post Master in Hays has assured us that every ballot, whether or not it has postage, will be delivered to the Clerk.</a>&nbsp; She has the money available to pay any postage due from Federal CARES/HAVA money.&nbsp; She should have used it in the first place, but this will work, too.&nbsp;I am publicly calling on Donna Maskus and her Deputy, my opponent in this election, to inform Ellis County voters, whether Republican, Democrat, or Unaffiliated of their right to vote in advance, to mail the ballot without postage by signing the back of the envelope, and be assured that their vote will be counted.Election officials should want our citizens to vote. We should want their voices to be heard. We should facilitate that process as much as possible, and we should find ways to do that without actually costing Ellis County Residents more in the long run. After calling the Clerk’s office I was told:&nbsp;<ol>
 <li>In order to return your ballot, you must use the drop box or pay the postage.&nbsp; That is not true.&nbsp; When I specifically asked, the clerk’s office finally admitted that if we just send the return envelope the Clerk will pay the postage.</li><li>There was federal money to send out the initial mailings (there was a Hays Daily News article in May with this information), but not to cover return postage.&nbsp; Again, not true.&nbsp; The Clerk decided not to put the mailing permit on and do it cheaply.&nbsp; Now she will have to pay the postage due, at a higher rate, but she can pay it out of CARES funds at no cost to the County budget.&nbsp;</li>
 </ol>The election process should be encouraging more voting, not discouraging it. It’s the most fundamental means for citizens to be engaged in their local government. As an Election Official, I will make sure that voters are our priority. If you haven’t yet sent in your advance ballot, put it in any mailbox, whether or not you write in Laura Allen for County Clerk.&nbsp; If you do write me in, please mark the bubble, so the Clerk counts your vote.&nbsp; You do not need to put postage on it!Recently a new voter told me of her awful experience trying to vote in person.&nbsp; She was quizzed by the person in the Clerk’s office as to why she was declaring as a Democrat, why she was bothering to vote, and generally treated as an inconvenience.&nbsp; The person who “helped” her didn’t even get off the phone to explain the process to this new voter.&nbsp; This is no way to treat the public, especially a young person who is trying to do the right thing, and obviously asking for guidance.I believe that the issues I see with current processes are simple complacency. When it’s just another day in the office, it’s easy to overlook the bigger picture and our end goal. Complacency is the antithesis of innovation and engagement. This is why I believe it is imperative that we have new blood, new ideas, and new strategies in the County Clerk’s office. For Ellis County to be served in the best manner possible, it can’t be just another day at the office.&nbsp;I recently asked the County Clerk to recuse the Deputy County Clerk from any discretionary decisions regarding the office for which she herself is running. I was told that the Deputy Clerk would not be on counting boards, and the Clerk’s office would uphold their responsibilities in a professional manner. I have also been told that voter intent when writing my name in will be considered. My last name, or combination of names, even misspelled, that clearly indicate a voter intended to write me in will be counted. With those assurances, I offer, again, these ways for your voice to be heard:Advanced mail in ballots may be requested until July 28th. You can request an advance ballot by visiting&nbsp;<a href="http://www.ksvotes.org/">www.ksvotes.org</a>&nbsp;or by calling the Ellis County Clerk at 785-628-9410. These completed ballots can be mailed (No postage necessary) back to 718 Main Street, Hays, Kansas 67601, or watch the following tutorial on using the drop box at the same address:&nbsp;<a href="https://m.youtube.com/watch?feature=youtu.be&amp;v=eyLKdLKmHHs&amp;fbclid=IwAR0XM1iPoA4LLJfNhSTlcPcb2GwdTk80AxcJYKLOTuEcRrKFfBdwbTxNnlg">https://m.youtube.com/watch?feature=youtu.be&amp;v=eyLKdLKmHHs</a>. &nbsp;You can vote early, in person, by visiting 718 Main Street until noon on August 3, 2020. As always, you may vote during the primary election held on August 4th, 2020. Find your polling place (or check your voter registration) at&nbsp;<a href="https://myvoteinfo.voteks.org/voterview">https://myvoteinfo.voteks.org/voterview</a>.&nbsp;If you are a registered Democrat, please mark the bubble, then write my name (Laura Allen) in for County Clerk. Any unaffiliated voter may affiliate with a party when voting in the primary in person or when requesting an advance ballot. Please take a moment and support my write in campaign and affiliate as a Democrat in order to write me in.Every single vote counts. Every time.&nbsp; Please write in Laura Allen for Ellis County Clerk.&nbsp; Your vote will make a difference.&nbsp;Laura Allen, write-in candidate for Ellis County Clerk

LETTER: A dispute of required postage on ballots

Hays USD 489 released the following draft reopening plan to staff and student families Thursday afternoon.

The yet-to-be-approved plan includes options for on-site, hybrid or remote learning, as well as face masks and temperature checks for those attending classes in person.

Check Hays Post for more as information becomes available.

Read the entire plan by following the links below:

Thank you, all, for your patience and support as USD 489 develops a plan for safely reopening our schools.&nbsp; It is our hope that the documents provided will help answer any questions you may have as we approach the start of the 2020-21 school year.&nbsp; Feedback can be provided on the&nbsp;<a href="http://u345601.ct.sendgrid.net/ls/click?upn=XW1NTHBqW6zU1SSVv-2BWv9Hh288-2FvSApyKr4iN4wSHiXM4XolnezRJ3AIi3QrZ8nioZlnhBEqMdZKMpUEnioWMTaujZtYoc-2FDDA2tGoT7fY8-3D2X86_-2FnwFlkKVzcKMOkDYhP8GUyFUplsqhIzQPvqFQr864lFs7-2FL1-2BRYyrVzgcNisJ0-2F5V4KeKXf0FAq3PATlLP7mYEt1Rnu-2BvL2vi-2Bxlrt-2FUUv8WAhrW3zgbHzaXS80C8T7BwaW-2Bkr4Ud0o-2B0Egv3XhU6N5O-2B5f-2FCyFi-2F4Dob9jF60Pzv0tApv1EcCKVGo8CY67HtwlW-2BTmqdlBFuG6P4DDi0EeSd1DlHwMA-2Be3IkR1KqKg-3D" target="_blank">Reopening page</a>&nbsp;of the district website.&nbsp;

&nbsp;Please check the district website frequently as it will be updated when new information becomes available.&nbsp;<a href="http://u345601.ct.sendgrid.net/ls/click?upn=XW1NTHBqW6zU1SSVv-2BWv9Hh288-2FvSApyKr4iN4wSHiUpY2an3DEkyCvGpT42rAw8ZctXCmwhN7IRN5AZmoPiviNEO6kUwOplVnmpp4BLbGtwMKe108Unimq81xn7Wayi5vHc_-2FnwFlkKVzcKMOkDYhP8GUyFUplsqhIzQPvqFQr864lFs7-2FL1-2BRYyrVzgcNisJ0-2F5C5u2y58mAR7TE2SEVANzvaKWegohVaZ-2B5ebrKgkH0VZ8j3ubOD58X4lkyoLOW6oIZcroN1mWfehQqPFgH9zVE2s1AiIoGxi1pjL4j2uZpGz5fSrM0g6vkNSNAGZzl0B3tVZXseetb0xEL6FB-2BAooWAIU4ob6qrRNl9n1mcWP-2Brw-3D" target="_blank">Enrollment information</a>&nbsp;can be found on the website as well.&nbsp;

<a href="http://u345601.ct.sendgrid.net/ls/click?upn=KK1-2FdFmhG1lSbfSgI76420P7x-2BNJOUzJZen-2FyacKw8c-3DrE2q_-2FnwFlkKVzcKMOkDYhP8GUyFUplsqhIzQPvqFQr864lFs7-2FL1-2BRYyrVzgcNisJ0-2F5TSEzQ0UhkNUZNnHX6HgNaUCQD4fS4-2FcyfIcvIslQuJ9HR3MDP2oA-2F3ZeEWEoyjpsdWmO9QZzleXMExKgAM-2BY-2BuKsj4Y6372SamSI6iFp7NtF7eBTEz4JBIB7tNUeXuSgFRGQnovrD5PGlnttewEh2rc0EqsMJO58T54WSb7t-2Faw-3D" target="_blank">USD 489 Reopening Plan Draft</a>

<a href="http://u345601.ct.sendgrid.net/ls/click?upn=KK1-2FdFmhG1lSbfSgI764298NLJKr5gBDb3xty53fjK4-3DRkfw_-2FnwFlkKVzcKMOkDYhP8GUyFUplsqhIzQPvqFQr864lFs7-2FL1-2BRYyrVzgcNisJ0-2F5ZCauABDVok13KOUhjz6CBKCxZQu1EYwuTbVCAHwZ7HwojPK89hcWaNwUjYmyf7uM-2Bysz0ed5KZUSlT-2FXQn-2BG-2BXRpwJYBbnhBo-2F3mq4w6b0fdpLbUqy9Xg7MjYNIxJcbtzrQMSSJevuaNWsecbm7p7GwrWRjO46-2BYQJagBPaLdP4-3D" target="_blank">Parent Choice Off-Site Learning FAQ</a>

<a href="http://u345601.ct.sendgrid.net/ls/click?upn=KK1-2FdFmhG1lSbfSgI76423z7Dq51iyRhONpncXgpeZ0-3D9w5q_-2FnwFlkKVzcKMOkDYhP8GUyFUplsqhIzQPvqFQr864lFs7-2FL1-2BRYyrVzgcNisJ0-2F5d8n-2BPa7h7d6TYm9DmirSZtTCDV-2BIHST6j6Sy1teAxAuPeW-2FfyI2sCOWoLD-2BW3D71jKrdJyqObx8Jj-2FwVHtl5gdVOWWLXQXBR3cKvu-2FZ7kpdtSrS77rmOJZEC6r3GgqC4-2FhpGH46tJyctN03ojL1Xtr71tDFbPWWnwADrp72ikBs-3D" target="_blank">USD 489 Timeline</a>

Hays USD 489 released the following draft reopening plan to staff and student families Thursday afternoon.The yet-to-be-approved plan includes options for on-site, hybrid or remote learning, as well as face masks and temperature checks for those attending classes in person.Check Hays Post for more as information becomes available.Read the entire plan by following the links below:Hays USD 489Parents/Guardians and Staff,Thank you, all, for your patience and support as USD 489 develops a plan for safely reopening our schools.&nbsp; It is our hope that the documents provided will help answer any questions you may have as we approach the start of the 2020-21 school year.&nbsp; Feedback can be provided on the&nbsp;<a href="http://u345601.ct.sendgrid.net/ls/click?upn=XW1NTHBqW6zU1SSVv-2BWv9Hh288-2FvSApyKr4iN4wSHiXM4XolnezRJ3AIi3QrZ8nioZlnhBEqMdZKMpUEnioWMTaujZtYoc-2FDDA2tGoT7fY8-3D2X86_-2FnwFlkKVzcKMOkDYhP8GUyFUplsqhIzQPvqFQr864lFs7-2FL1-2BRYyrVzgcNisJ0-2F5V4KeKXf0FAq3PATlLP7mYEt1Rnu-2BvL2vi-2Bxlrt-2FUUv8WAhrW3zgbHzaXS80C8T7BwaW-2Bkr4Ud0o-2B0Egv3XhU6N5O-2B5f-2FCyFi-2F4Dob9jF60Pzv0tApv1EcCKVGo8CY67HtwlW-2BTmqdlBFuG6P4DDi0EeSd1DlHwMA-2Be3IkR1KqKg-3D" target="_blank">Reopening page</a>&nbsp;of the district website.&nbsp;&nbsp;Please check the district website frequently as it will be updated when new information becomes available.&nbsp;<a href="http://u345601.ct.sendgrid.net/ls/click?upn=XW1NTHBqW6zU1SSVv-2BWv9Hh288-2FvSApyKr4iN4wSHiUpY2an3DEkyCvGpT42rAw8ZctXCmwhN7IRN5AZmoPiviNEO6kUwOplVnmpp4BLbGtwMKe108Unimq81xn7Wayi5vHc_-2FnwFlkKVzcKMOkDYhP8GUyFUplsqhIzQPvqFQr864lFs7-2FL1-2BRYyrVzgcNisJ0-2F5C5u2y58mAR7TE2SEVANzvaKWegohVaZ-2B5ebrKgkH0VZ8j3ubOD58X4lkyoLOW6oIZcroN1mWfehQqPFgH9zVE2s1AiIoGxi1pjL4j2uZpGz5fSrM0g6vkNSNAGZzl0B3tVZXseetb0xEL6FB-2BAooWAIU4ob6qrRNl9n1mcWP-2Brw-3D" target="_blank">Enrollment information</a>&nbsp;can be found on the website as well.&nbsp;<a href="http://u345601.ct.sendgrid.net/ls/click?upn=KK1-2FdFmhG1lSbfSgI76420P7x-2BNJOUzJZen-2FyacKw8c-3DrE2q_-2FnwFlkKVzcKMOkDYhP8GUyFUplsqhIzQPvqFQr864lFs7-2FL1-2BRYyrVzgcNisJ0-2F5TSEzQ0UhkNUZNnHX6HgNaUCQD4fS4-2FcyfIcvIslQuJ9HR3MDP2oA-2F3ZeEWEoyjpsdWmO9QZzleXMExKgAM-2BY-2BuKsj4Y6372SamSI6iFp7NtF7eBTEz4JBIB7tNUeXuSgFRGQnovrD5PGlnttewEh2rc0EqsMJO58T54WSb7t-2Faw-3D" target="_blank">USD 489 Reopening Plan Draft</a><a href="http://u345601.ct.sendgrid.net/ls/click?upn=KK1-2FdFmhG1lSbfSgI764298NLJKr5gBDb3xty53fjK4-3DRkfw_-2FnwFlkKVzcKMOkDYhP8GUyFUplsqhIzQPvqFQr864lFs7-2FL1-2BRYyrVzgcNisJ0-2F5ZCauABDVok13KOUhjz6CBKCxZQu1EYwuTbVCAHwZ7HwojPK89hcWaNwUjYmyf7uM-2Bysz0ed5KZUSlT-2FXQn-2BG-2BXRpwJYBbnhBo-2F3mq4w6b0fdpLbUqy9Xg7MjYNIxJcbtzrQMSSJevuaNWsecbm7p7GwrWRjO46-2BYQJagBPaLdP4-3D" target="_blank">Parent Choice Off-Site Learning FAQ</a><a href="http://u345601.ct.sendgrid.net/ls/click?upn=KK1-2FdFmhG1lSbfSgI76423z7Dq51iyRhONpncXgpeZ0-3D9w5q_-2FnwFlkKVzcKMOkDYhP8GUyFUplsqhIzQPvqFQr864lFs7-2FL1-2BRYyrVzgcNisJ0-2F5d8n-2BPa7h7d6TYm9DmirSZtTCDV-2BIHST6j6Sy1teAxAuPeW-2FfyI2sCOWoLD-2BW3D71jKrdJyqObx8Jj-2FwVHtl5gdVOWWLXQXBR3cKvu-2FZ7kpdtSrS77rmOJZEC6r3GgqC4-2FhpGH46tJyctN03ojL1Xtr71tDFbPWWnwADrp72ikBs-3D" target="_blank">USD 489 Timeline</a>

Hays USD 489 shares draft of reopening proposal

Updated 12:25 p.m. Saturday to clarify Ellis County Commissioner Dustin Roths positition.

By BECKY KISER Hays Post

An ordinance requiring mandatory face masks in public was approved 4-1 Thursday night by Hays city commissioners.

Face masks must be worn inside any indoor public space where distancing of 6 feet is not possible for five weeks, beginning Monday, July 27, through Monday, Aug. 31.&nbsp;

There are 10 exemptions, primarily for health and work-related situations, as well as for children younger than 8.&nbsp;

The ordinance is published on the city's website, <a href="https://www.haysusa.com/DocumentCenter/View/3151/Ordinance-3988-">haysusa.com</a>.

Commissioner Mason Ruder voted against the ordinance, saying he will wear a mask as recommended by his doctor, but believes the decision should not be a mandate.

"I think the risk for mitigation is up to the organizations, a majority of which in this community have stepped up to the plate and done what they need to do to protect their customers and their employees, and it didn't take any of us up here to do that," Ruder said.

He also emphasized the need for people to social distance and wash their hands regularly, as well as wearing masks.&nbsp;

"You need to do all of these things together," Ruder said. "You just can't just do one and expect this virus to go away."

Sandy Jacobs, vice-mayor, and Michael Berges both said their votes were based on public input, the majority of which favored the ordinance.

"I read every single email. I responded to every single email," said Jacobs, "and (it's) 65 percent in favor and 35 percent against."

Ron Mellick compared the situation to pain management.&nbsp;

"Whenever you are in extreme pain, the doctor wants you to get ahead of the curve, not behind the curve. They want to do the minimum that they can," said Mellick. "We want to start out with face masks. We don't want to go back to having businesses close down, wrecking the economy."&nbsp;&nbsp;

Adam Peters had earlier sent an email to commissioners with signatures of other people saying they would not shop in Hays if a mask ordinance was enacted.

 Speaking in person, Peters quoted research he found contraindicating the use of masks.

"I and other people are going to go elsewhere if compelled to were a mask in the city of Hays," Peters said. "And that's not something I want to do. I'd like to support my local community."&nbsp; &nbsp;

Cheryl Duffy, who spoke just ahead of Peters, said she would no longer&nbsp; shop in Hays if masks are not required.

"I think a lot more people would feel safe if there were a mask ordinance," said Duffy, a breast cancer survivor. "I think it would be better for business."

Concern about the coronavirus' effect on the elderly and those with compromised immune systems were discussed by others attending the meeting.

"We took personal responsibility not to be in public," said Dave Staab, whose deceased daughter had a poor immune system.&nbsp;

"I didn't expect my neighbors, my city, to all wear masks. You guys are elected to represent all of us, not just a few vocal people," he said to the commission.

Elizabeth Schmeidler talked about her constitutional right not to be forced to wear a mask.

County Commissioner Roths offers support to Hays commissioners

On Monday, the Ellis County Commission reiterated its earlier decision not to enforce the governor's July 2 executive order for Kansans to wear face coverings in public. Counties are allowed to exempt themselves from the order.

Dustin Roths, county commissioner, also spoke to the city commissioners Thursday night.

"Of the 105 counties in Kansas — just so everybody doesn't think that somehow the county commission is off their rocker — 90 counties did not keep this mandate," Roths pointed out, "so I want you to think about the precedence you are setting."

Then Roths talked about the county commission's trust in Jason Kennedy, Ellis County Health Department health director, and about Kennedy's decisions and advice for controlling coronavirus.&nbsp;

"But I do want to tell you that if you do decide to put an ordinance in for masks, I will support you because I think that's what we should do," Roth said. "I'm so sick and tired of people taking public officials like us who are in really tough situations, and making our vote make it seem like we don't love or care about this community.

"I want you guys to make the decision that's right for you with the data that you are given. ... This does get emotional and I'll concede that to you," Roths said.&nbsp;

Speaking to the commission by phone was Dr. Ernesto Lopez-Corona, who was asked to explain face mask efficacy by HaysMed CEO Edward Herrman.

"Masks will stop the respiratory droplets from becoming aerosolized and becoming very small particles that will injure the other person's airway (when inhaled)," he said.&nbsp;

According to Lopez-Corona, such studies were conducted during SARS and MRSA pandemics in other countries, prior to the advent of COVID-19.

Empathy is the only thing that will get us through this, says health officer

"We currently have 34 active cases in Ellis County," Kennedy reported, "with two hospitalizations and, unfortunately, one death."&nbsp;

Ellis County has 3.5 cases per 1,000 residents.&nbsp;&nbsp;

"That puts us 39th in the state of Kansas as far as cases per thousand as they stand across the entire duration of the pandemic," Kennedy said.

Mandatory face masks are not included in the county's pandemic plan, based on 150 years of local viral transmission data, according to Kennedy. The plan was approved prior to the onset of the coronavirus.

"KDHE, CDC, public health officers all recommend.&nbsp;We don't get the ability to make mandates. That's for governing bodies," Kennedy said to the commission. "I understand you have a pretty difficult decision in front of you.

"KDHE and CDC recommend wearing cloth face coverings anytime you cannot maintain social distancing greater than 6 feet.&nbsp;

"Face masks work. They work in indoor environments. They work in high population density and high viral load environments. They show effectiveness on both sides.&nbsp;&nbsp;

"I think the only way we get through this is with empathy," Kennedy said.

Kennedy has three young children, an elderly grandmother in a long term care center, and both his parents are battling cancer.&nbsp;

"Every single one of us a population that we care about, a population that we serve," he noted.

"How we do that, how we impact them, how we emphasize with them, how we build leadership and trust and how they build trust in us, determines how we make it through the back side of this."&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/7/1595594976197.jpeg" alt="Ellis Co. Public Health Officer Jason Kennedy updates Hays city commissioners on local COVID-19 cases Thursday evening prior to the commission's 4-1 vote approving a mandatory face mask ordinance. It will be in effect July 27 to Aug. 31." />
 <figcaption>Ellis Co. Public Health Officer Jason Kennedy updates Hays city commissioners on local COVID-19 cases Thursday evening prior to the commission's 4-1 vote approving a mandatory face mask ordinance. It will be in effect July 27 to Aug. 31.</figcaption>
 </figure>Updated 12:25 p.m. Saturday to clarify Ellis County Commissioner Dustin Roths positition.By BECKY KISER Hays PostAn ordinance requiring mandatory face masks in public was approved 4-1 Thursday night by Hays city commissioners.Face masks must be worn inside any indoor public space where distancing of 6 feet is not possible for five weeks, beginning Monday, July 27, through Monday, Aug. 31.&nbsp;There are 10 exemptions, primarily for health and work-related situations, as well as for children younger than 8.&nbsp;The ordinance is published on the city's website, <a href="https://www.haysusa.com/DocumentCenter/View/3151/Ordinance-3988-">haysusa.com</a>.<figure>
 <iframe width="560" height="315" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/BmRLCkafjWU"></iframe>
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Commissioner Mason Ruder voted against the ordinance, saying he will wear a mask as recommended by his doctor, but believes the decision should not be a mandate."I think the risk for mitigation is up to the organizations, a majority of which in this community have stepped up to the plate and done what they need to do to protect their customers and their employees, and it didn't take any of us up here to do that," Ruder said.He also emphasized the need for people to social distance and wash their hands regularly, as well as wearing masks.&nbsp;"You need to do all of these things together," Ruder said. "You just can't just do one and expect this virus to go away."Sandy Jacobs, vice-mayor, and Michael Berges both said their votes were based on public input, the majority of which favored the ordinance."I read every single email. I responded to every single email," said Jacobs, "and (it's) 65 percent in favor and 35 percent against."Ron Mellick compared the situation to pain management.&nbsp;"Whenever you are in extreme pain, the doctor wants you to get ahead of the curve, not behind the curve. They want to do the minimum that they can," said Mellick. "We want to start out with face masks. We don't want to go back to having businesses close down, wrecking the economy."&nbsp;&nbsp;<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/7/1595605338087.jpeg" alt="Adam Peters said he will not shop in Hays if masks are required." />
 <figcaption>Adam Peters said he will not shop in Hays if masks are required.</figcaption>
 </figure>Adam Peters had earlier sent an email to commissioners with signatures of other people saying they would not shop in Hays if a mask ordinance was enacted. Speaking in person, Peters quoted research he found contraindicating the use of masks."I and other people are going to go elsewhere if compelled to were a mask in the city of Hays," Peters said. "And that's not something I want to do. I'd like to support my local community."&nbsp; &nbsp;<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/7/1595605736863.jpeg" alt="Cheryl Duffy believes business will thrive in Hays under a mask ordinance." />
 <figcaption>Cheryl Duffy believes business will thrive in Hays under a mask ordinance.</figcaption>
 </figure>Cheryl Duffy, who spoke just ahead of Peters, said she would no longer&nbsp; shop in Hays if masks are not required."I think a lot more people would feel safe if there were a mask ordinance," said Duffy, a breast cancer survivor. "I think it would be better for business."Concern about the coronavirus' effect on the elderly and those with compromised immune systems were discussed by others attending the meeting."We took personal responsibility not to be in public," said Dave Staab, whose deceased daughter had a poor immune system.&nbsp;"I didn't expect my neighbors, my city, to all wear masks. You guys are elected to represent all of us, not just a few vocal people," he said to the commission.Elizabeth Schmeidler talked about her constitutional right not to be forced to wear a mask.<h2>County Commissioner Roths offers support to Hays commissioners</h2>On Monday, the Ellis County Commission reiterated its earlier decision not to enforce the governor's July 2 executive order for Kansans to wear face coverings in public. Counties are allowed to exempt themselves from the order.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/7/1595602708314.jpeg" alt="While he said he would be supportive of the Hays City Commission's decision, Ellis County Commissioner Dustin Roths defended the county's position to lessen the governor's mandate at their Monday meeting." />
 <figcaption>While he said he would be supportive of the Hays City Commission's decision, Ellis County Commissioner Dustin Roths defended the county's position to lessen the governor's mandate at their Monday meeting.</figcaption>
 </figure>Dustin Roths, county commissioner, also spoke to the city commissioners Thursday night. "Of the 105 counties in Kansas — just so everybody doesn't think that somehow the county commission is off their rocker — 90 counties did not keep this mandate," Roths pointed out, "so I want you to think about the precedence you are setting."Then Roths talked about the county commission's trust in Jason Kennedy, Ellis County Health Department health director, and about Kennedy's decisions and advice for controlling coronavirus.&nbsp;"But I do want to tell you that if you do decide to put an ordinance in for masks, I will support you because I think that's what we should do," Roth said. "I'm so sick and tired of people taking public officials like us who are in really tough situations, and making our vote make it seem like we don't love or care about this community."I want you guys to make the decision that's right for you with the data that you are given. ... This does get emotional and I'll concede that to you," Roths said.&nbsp;<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/7/1595609725627.jpeg" alt="Residents listen to the debate about mandatory face masks in the hallway during Thursday's Hays city commission meeting." />
 <figcaption>Residents listen to the debate about mandatory face masks in the hallway during Thursday's Hays city commission meeting.</figcaption>
 </figure>Speaking to the commission by phone was Dr. Ernesto Lopez-Corona, who was asked to explain face mask efficacy by HaysMed CEO Edward Herrman."Masks will stop the respiratory droplets from becoming aerosolized and becoming very small particles that will injure the other person's airway (when inhaled)," he said.&nbsp;According to Lopez-Corona, such studies were conducted during SARS and MRSA pandemics in other countries, prior to the advent of COVID-19.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/7/1595607652175.jpeg" alt="Jason Kennedy, Ellis County Health Department" />
 <figcaption>Jason Kennedy, Ellis County Health Department</figcaption>
 </figure><h2>Empathy is the only thing that will get us through this, says health officer</h2>"We currently have 34 active cases in Ellis County," Kennedy reported, "with two hospitalizations and, unfortunately, one death."&nbsp;Ellis County has 3.5 cases per 1,000 residents.&nbsp;&nbsp;"That puts us 39th in the state of Kansas as far as cases per thousand as they stand across the entire duration of the pandemic," Kennedy said.Mandatory face masks are not included in the county's pandemic plan, based on 150 years of local viral transmission data, according to Kennedy. The plan was approved prior to the onset of the coronavirus."KDHE, CDC, public health officers all recommend.&nbsp;We don't get the ability to make mandates. That's for governing bodies," Kennedy said to the commission. "I understand you have a pretty difficult decision in front of you."KDHE and CDC recommend wearing cloth face coverings anytime you cannot maintain social distancing greater than 6 feet.&nbsp;"Face masks work. They work in indoor environments. They work in high population density and high viral load environments. They show effectiveness on both sides.&nbsp;&nbsp;"I think the only way we get through this is with empathy," Kennedy said.Kennedy has three young children, an elderly grandmother in a long term care center, and both his parents are battling cancer.&nbsp;"Every single one of us a population that we care about, a population that we serve," he noted."How we do that, how we impact them, how we emphasize with them, how we build leadership and trust and how they build trust in us, determines how we make it through the back side of this."&nbsp;&nbsp;

🎥 Hays City Commission approves mandatory face mask ordinance 

COVID-19 testing typically should be free, but health consumers often don't know the rules

By CELIA LLOPIS-JEPSEN <a href="https://www.kcur.org/news/2020-07-22/billed-wrongly-for-a-covid-19-test-the-kansas-insurance-department-wants-to-know">Kansas News Service</a>

After a state employee received a coronavirus test and got charged a 
facility fee not allowed under federal rules, the insurance department 
put out a consumer alert.

It was largely prompted by the slew of 
news stories across the country about patients being billed for COVID-19
 tests and related services that should be covered without having to 
pony up for copays, coinsurance or deductibles.

More than 200,000 
Kansans have been tested for COVID-19 so far. The Kansas Insurance 
Department wants to make sure bills for all those tests are handled 
correctly.

And if you get billed for something you shouldn’t have to pay, the agency wants to know.

“We
 would like to be able to track if this is an issue,” commissioner Vicki
 Schmidt said, “because in some other states it has really become an 
issue.”

On the surface, the rules look easy. Congress passed a law in March that should make <a href="https://www.kff.org/coronavirus-covid-19/issue-brief/five-things-to-know-about-the-cost-of-covid-19-testing-and-treatment/" target="_blank">coronavirus testing free</a> for most folks. No cost-sharing. No forking over money for things related to the test, like visiting your clinic to get it.

In
 practice, though, there are all sorts of caveats. Did you get the test 
because you had a fever and a cough? Or because you were scheduled for a
 hip replacement and your hospital insists that patients get tested in 
case they’re <a href="https://www.healthline.com/health-news/50-percent-of-people-with-covid19-not-aware-have-virus" target="_blank">asymptomatic carriers</a>?

If you get charged in that second scenario, Schmidt says the federal rules won’t protect you.

So one of her tips is to check before the test. Ask your doctor, “Is this a diagnostic test?”

If
 so, “Tell them, you know, ‘Now I assume this will be billed as a 
diagnostic COVID test, and there won’t be any cost-sharing according to 
the federal government guidelines.’”

Her second tip? Don’t be shy about calling her agency.

So
 if you suspect you were wrongly charged fees related to a COVID-19 
test, and you haven’t been able to get answers from your insurer, you 
can try the Kansas Insurance Department.

Its consumer hotline is (800) 432-2484. Or, send an email (kid.webcomplaints@ks.gov) or fill out <a href="https://sbs.naic.org/solar-web/pages/public/onlineComplaintForm/onlineComplaintForm.jsf?state=KS&amp;dswid=-8725" target="_blank">this online form</a>.

Celia Llopis-Jepsen reports on consumer health and education for the Kansas News Service. You can follow her on Twitter <a href="https://twitter.com/Celia_LJ" target="_blank">@celia_LJ</a> or email her at celia@kcur.org.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/7/1595533905892.png" alt="Coronavirus testing materials. Celia Llopis-Jepsen / Kansas News Service" />
 <figcaption>Coronavirus testing materials. Celia Llopis-Jepsen / Kansas News Service</figcaption>
 </figure><h2>COVID-19 testing typically should be free, but health consumers often don't know the rules</h2>By CELIA LLOPIS-JEPSEN <a href="https://www.kcur.org/news/2020-07-22/billed-wrongly-for-a-covid-19-test-the-kansas-insurance-department-wants-to-know">Kansas News Service</a>After a state employee received a coronavirus test and got charged a 
facility fee not allowed under federal rules, the insurance department 
put out a consumer alert.It was largely prompted by the slew of 
news stories across the country about patients being billed for COVID-19
 tests and related services that should be covered without having to 
pony up for copays, coinsurance or deductibles.More than 200,000 
Kansans have been tested for COVID-19 so far. The Kansas Insurance 
Department wants to make sure bills for all those tests are handled 
correctly.And if you get billed for something you shouldn’t have to pay, the agency wants to know.“We
 would like to be able to track if this is an issue,” commissioner Vicki
 Schmidt said, “because in some other states it has really become an 
issue.”<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/7/1595534022182.png" alt="This story is part of the series, Bills of Health. Do you have a medical bill from Kansas that you want to share with a reporter? Email celia@kcur.org." />
 <figcaption>This story is part of the series, Bills of Health. Do you have a medical bill from Kansas that you want to share with a reporter? Email celia@kcur.org.</figcaption>
 </figure>On the surface, the rules look easy. Congress passed a law in March that should make <a href="https://www.kff.org/coronavirus-covid-19/issue-brief/five-things-to-know-about-the-cost-of-covid-19-testing-and-treatment/" target="_blank">coronavirus testing free</a> for most folks. No cost-sharing. No forking over money for things related to the test, like visiting your clinic to get it.In
 practice, though, there are all sorts of caveats. Did you get the test 
because you had a fever and a cough? Or because you were scheduled for a
 hip replacement and your hospital insists that patients get tested in 
case they’re <a href="https://www.healthline.com/health-news/50-percent-of-people-with-covid19-not-aware-have-virus" target="_blank">asymptomatic carriers</a>?If you get charged in that second scenario, Schmidt says the federal rules won’t protect you.So one of her tips is to check before the test. Ask your doctor, “Is this a diagnostic test?”If
 so, “Tell them, you know, ‘Now I assume this will be billed as a 
diagnostic COVID test, and there won’t be any cost-sharing according to 
the federal government guidelines.’”Her second tip? Don’t be shy about calling her agency.So
 if you suspect you were wrongly charged fees related to a COVID-19 
test, and you haven’t been able to get answers from your insurer, you 
can try the Kansas Insurance Department.Its consumer hotline is (800) 432-2484. Or, send an email (kid.webcomplaints@ks.gov) or fill out <a href="https://sbs.naic.org/solar-web/pages/public/onlineComplaintForm/onlineComplaintForm.jsf?state=KS&amp;dswid=-8725" target="_blank">this online form</a>.Celia Llopis-Jepsen reports on consumer health and education for the Kansas News Service. You can follow her on Twitter <a href="https://twitter.com/Celia_LJ" target="_blank">@celia_LJ</a> or email her at celia@kcur.org.

Billed wrongly for COVID-19 test? Kansas Insurance Department wants to know

The Hays school board approved two capital projects at its meeting Monday night.&nbsp;

The board approved a bid of $25,606 from Kansas Contract Design of Wichita for the replacement of the bleachers in gym B at Hays High School.

The board also approved a project to replace and move the gas line at Roosevelt Elementary School. This is part of a larger project to replace the HVAC system at the school.

Rusty Lindsay, buildings and grounds director, said the gas line project might not reach the $20,000 threshold for board approval, but he wanted the board's blessing to move forward with the project.

He said he was hoping to have the project finished before the start of school. Although the school likely will not need the gas for heating soon, the kitchen will need gas for cooking.

Lindsay also gave updates on other capital projects.

The engineering work is moving forward with the HVAC replacement at Roosevelt.&nbsp;

Replacement of the roof and work on a wall at the bus barn is about 75 percent complete. Work to compete the conversion of a boiler room to a classroom at Hays Middle School is also about 75 percent complete.

Work on the secure entrance at Roosevelt is still in progress. Lindsay said the project was delayed because the contractor had a hard time getting all the needed materials because of the pandemic.

Work on a secure entrance at Lincoln Elementary School was set to start this week.

Work on a room in the O'Loughlin Elementary School library is 95 percent complete.

The district continues to convert its older lighting to more energy-efficient LED lighting.

Because students have been out of school buildings since March, the maintenance crews are ahead of schedule on their summer cleaning and painting, Lindsay said.

Lindsay presented a report to the board Monday on a new database the district has created to track keys and key cards.

Using the database, the district identified and deactivated 200 cards for staff who were no longer active in the district.

The district has been in the process of rekeying both its exterior and interior locks. The new keys are&nbsp;proprietary and can't be duplicated outside of the district.&nbsp;

Lindsay said the goal of the new system is to increase security.

By CRISTINA JANNEY Hays PostThe Hays school board approved two capital projects at its meeting Monday night.&nbsp;The board approved a bid of $25,606 from Kansas Contract Design of Wichita for the replacement of the bleachers in gym B at Hays High School.The board also approved a project to replace and move the gas line at Roosevelt Elementary School. This is part of a larger project to replace the HVAC system at the school.Rusty Lindsay, buildings and grounds director, said the gas line project might not reach the $20,000 threshold for board approval, but he wanted the board's blessing to move forward with the project.He said he was hoping to have the project finished before the start of school. Although the school likely will not need the gas for heating soon, the kitchen will need gas for cooking.<h2>Capital projects in progress</h2>Lindsay also gave updates on other capital projects.The engineering work is moving forward with the HVAC replacement at Roosevelt.&nbsp;Replacement of the roof and work on a wall at the bus barn is about 75 percent complete. Work to compete the conversion of a boiler room to a classroom at Hays Middle School is also about 75 percent complete.Work on the secure entrance at Roosevelt is still in progress. Lindsay said the project was delayed because the contractor had a hard time getting all the needed materials because of the pandemic.Work on a secure entrance at Lincoln Elementary School was set to start this week.Work on a room in the O'Loughlin Elementary School library is 95 percent complete.The district continues to convert its older lighting to more energy-efficient LED lighting.Because students have been out of school buildings since March, the maintenance crews are ahead of schedule on their summer cleaning and painting, Lindsay said.<h2>Key database</h2>Lindsay presented a report to the board Monday on a new database the district has created to track keys and key cards.Using the database, the district identified and deactivated 200 cards for staff who were no longer active in the district.The district has been in the process of rekeying both its exterior and interior locks. The new keys are&nbsp;proprietary and can't be duplicated outside of the district.&nbsp;Lindsay said the goal of the new system is to increase security.

Hays BOE approves bleacher replacement, gas line project

WICHITA — Wichita State University has announced the names of more than 3,700 students who were on the WSU dean's honor roll for spring 2020.

To be included on the dean's honor roll, a student must be enrolled full time (at least 12 credit hours) and earn at least a 3.5 grade point average on a 4.0 scale.

WSU enrolls about 16,000 students and offers more than 50 undergraduate degree programs in more than 150 areas of study in six undergraduate colleges.

The Graduate School offers an extensive program including more than 40 master's degrees that offer study in more than 100 areas; a specialist in education degree; and doctoral degrees in applied mathematics; audiology; chemistry; communication sciences and disorders; human factors and community/clinical psychology; educational leadership; nursing practice; physical therapy; and aerospace, electrical, industrial and mechanical engineering.

Bird City, KS Bergan W Bock &nbsp;Kelly K Schroeder Colby, KS&nbsp; Wendy Chavez &nbsp;Mariah P Thompson &nbsp;Jakob P Tubbs Goodland, KS&nbsp; Sara B Amend &nbsp;Sarah J Bieker &nbsp;Amanda R Coon &nbsp;Ella B Ihrig Grainfield, KS&nbsp; Pamela Love Hays, KS&nbsp; Maci M Gerhard &nbsp;Bridget M Heimann &nbsp;Chelsey A Lujano &nbsp;Akim Niyonzima &nbsp;Michaela N Spalsbury &nbsp;Xander T Swayne Hill City, KS&nbsp; Taylor Gobin Kensington, KS&nbsp; Maira Banuelos Galicia Oakley, KS&nbsp; Katie R Hefner &nbsp;Caitlin M Lunsway &nbsp;Jessica L Nichols &nbsp;Hayden K Ribordy &nbsp;Mason D Runnalls Osborne, KS&nbsp; Emma C Carlin Palco, KS&nbsp; Mindy M Wiebke Phillipsburg, KS&nbsp; Falon D Bretton &nbsp;Kinzee L Hoover &nbsp;Katelyn K Swanson Plainville, KS&nbsp; Brianna C Casey Quinter, KS&nbsp; Brice R Hackler &nbsp;Codi L Kentner &nbsp;Rebekah R Kitch Rexford, KS&nbsp; Devin J Carter &nbsp;Trey M Schwarz &nbsp;Koi W Wessel Russell, KS&nbsp; Isabella E Boxberger &nbsp;Caitlyn M Hammack &nbsp;Tammy J Miller &nbsp;Christopher V Pummell &nbsp;Mackenzie L Thomas Smith Center, KS&nbsp; Michelle M Palmer &nbsp;Mitchell D Topel WaKeeney, KS&nbsp; Bailey A Mattke Weskan, KS&nbsp; Charice E Winter Winona, KS&nbsp; Karen M Nichols

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/11/1573140949621.png" alt="wichita state.png" />
 <figcaption>wichita state.png</figcaption>
 </figure>WICHITA — Wichita State University has announced the names of more than 3,700 students who were on the WSU dean's honor roll for spring 2020.To be included on the dean's honor roll, a student must be enrolled full time (at least 12 credit hours) and earn at least a 3.5 grade point average on a 4.0 scale.WSU enrolls about 16,000 students and offers more than 50 undergraduate degree programs in more than 150 areas of study in six undergraduate colleges.The Graduate School offers an extensive program including more than 40 master's degrees that offer study in more than 100 areas; a specialist in education degree; and doctoral degrees in applied mathematics; audiology; chemistry; communication sciences and disorders; human factors and community/clinical psychology; educational leadership; nursing practice; physical therapy; and aerospace, electrical, industrial and mechanical engineering.Northwest Kansas students include:Bird City, KS Bergan W Bock &nbsp;Kelly K Schroeder Colby, KS&nbsp; Wendy Chavez &nbsp;Mariah P Thompson &nbsp;Jakob P Tubbs Goodland, KS&nbsp; Sara B Amend &nbsp;Sarah J Bieker &nbsp;Amanda R Coon &nbsp;Ella B Ihrig Grainfield, KS&nbsp; Pamela Love Hays, KS&nbsp; Maci M Gerhard &nbsp;Bridget M Heimann &nbsp;Chelsey A Lujano &nbsp;Akim Niyonzima &nbsp;Michaela N Spalsbury &nbsp;Xander T Swayne Hill City, KS&nbsp; Taylor Gobin Kensington, KS&nbsp; Maira Banuelos Galicia Oakley, KS&nbsp; Katie R Hefner &nbsp;Caitlin M Lunsway &nbsp;Jessica L Nichols &nbsp;Hayden K Ribordy &nbsp;Mason D Runnalls Osborne, KS&nbsp; Emma C Carlin Palco, KS&nbsp; Mindy M Wiebke Phillipsburg, KS&nbsp; Falon D Bretton &nbsp;Kinzee L Hoover &nbsp;Katelyn K Swanson Plainville, KS&nbsp; Brianna C Casey Quinter, KS&nbsp; Brice R Hackler &nbsp;Codi L Kentner &nbsp;Rebekah R Kitch Rexford, KS&nbsp; Devin J Carter &nbsp;Trey M Schwarz &nbsp;Koi W Wessel Russell, KS&nbsp; Isabella E Boxberger &nbsp;Caitlyn M Hammack &nbsp;Tammy J Miller &nbsp;Christopher V Pummell &nbsp;Mackenzie L Thomas Smith Center, KS&nbsp; Michelle M Palmer &nbsp;Mitchell D Topel WaKeeney, KS&nbsp; Bailey A Mattke Weskan, KS&nbsp; Charice E Winter Winona, KS&nbsp; Karen M Nichols

NW Kan. students earn distinction at Wichita State University

COLBY — Students will have access to personal protection equipment and follow new protocols when classes begin Aug. 17 at Colby Community College. It will be the first time the campus is open to the general student population since CCC abruptly halted face-to-face classes on March 12 because of the coronavirus pandemic.

"Colby Community College is diligently working to ensure that our campus is as safe and as prepared as it can be for the fall semester," said CCC President Dr. Seth Carter. "We continually evaluate our operational plan and make the necessary changes to ensure the safety of our employees, students, and the communities we serve."

On Monday, Dr. Carter sent an email to students with&nbsp;<a href="https://www.colbycc.edu/about/public-info/covid-19/student-plan.html">a plan</a>&nbsp;that details daily operations as well as procedures for quarantining and isolating.&nbsp;

The actions CCC has completed or will complete include:

More information on the college's response to the pandemic is available at&nbsp;<a href="http://www.colbycc.edu/covid19">www.colbycc.edu/covid19</a>.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/2/1581529246979.png" alt="" />
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 </figure>CCCCOLBY — Students will have access to personal protection equipment and follow new protocols when classes begin Aug. 17 at Colby Community College. It will be the first time the campus is open to the general student population since CCC abruptly halted face-to-face classes on March 12 because of the coronavirus pandemic."Colby Community College is diligently working to ensure that our campus is as safe and as prepared as it can be for the fall semester," said CCC President Dr. Seth Carter. "We continually evaluate our operational plan and make the necessary changes to ensure the safety of our employees, students, and the communities we serve."On Monday, Dr. Carter sent an email to students with&nbsp;<a href="https://www.colbycc.edu/about/public-info/covid-19/student-plan.html">a plan</a>&nbsp;that details daily operations as well as procedures for quarantining and isolating.&nbsp;The actions CCC has completed or will complete include:<ul>
 <li>A modified academic calendar to end face-to-face classes before the Thanksgiving break.</li><li>Installing&nbsp;145 contactless hand sanitizers campus-wide.</li><li>Installing 55 contactless soap dispensers across campus.</li><li>Providing every face-to-face student and employee with at least five washable cloth masks.&nbsp;</li><li>Providing every employee and student with two bottles of hand sanitizer.</li><li>Providing sanitizing wipes in every classroom and dorm room.</li><li>Providing disposable masks in every classroom.</li><li>The installation of several mobile plexiglass barriers across campus.</li><li>Posting more than 120 signs from the Centers for Disease Control to encourage social distancing, proper hygienic techniques, and other information to reduce the possible transmission of the virus.</li><li>Ordering nine electric-static cleaner dispensers. Every custodian has one for their respective buildings, as well as the fleet director to use for sanitizing buses and vehicles.</li><li>Staggering schedules to reduce the number of students in the cafeteria at one time.</li>
 </ul>More information on the college's response to the pandemic is available at&nbsp;<a href="http://www.colbycc.edu/covid19">www.colbycc.edu/covid19</a>.

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