Three-day weather outlook

Soil organic matter (SOM) is an indicator of how healthy and productive a soil is and serves many important functions. The higher the SOM, the better the soil is. It is the part of the soil that is composed of anything that once lived. It includes plant and animal remains in various states of decomposition, cells and tissues of soil organisms, and substances from plant roots and soil microbes.

After this material is well decomposed through time, about 10% of it forms into stable SOM, or humus. This is the porous, spongy material of the soil that has a pleasant, earthy smell that is dark in color. SOM forms slower in warmer and drier climates where the amount of plant biomass that can be grown is limited.

Soil organic matter is a reservoir of nutrients that are mineralized by microorganisms and released in the soil that plants can use. For each percent of SOM in the soil about 25 pounds of nitrogen, 5 pounds of P2O5, and 3 pounds of sulfur become plant available annually. In high SOM soils this can lead to significant fertilizer savings. The warmer the soil temperature the more nutrients are released, so summer crops benefit more from SOM mineralization than winter crops.

SOM behaves like a sponge and increases the water holding capacity of the soil. It can and hold up to 90% of its weight in water. This is especially important in drier climates where soil moisture is almost always the most limiting factor when it comes to crop yields.

High SOM soils have a higher percentage of stable soil aggregates which don’t break down, consolidate or condense when it rains. This improved soil structure increases the pore space in the soil which helps the soil take in more water. It also decreases runoff and erosion.

It is not easy, and it takes years to see a significant improvement, but there are ways that we can increase SOM levels in the soil.

* Reduce tillage. Tillage aerates the soil and causes a flush of soil microbial activity that speeds up the decomposition of organic matter. Tillage also increases erosion so when soil leaves the field organic matter goes with it, since most of the SOM is near the surface of the soil. Before our prairie soils were broken out, they naturally had about 3 to 4% SOM. The use of intensive tillage over several decades has reduced soil SOM levels by about half of what they originally were. By decreasing the amount of tillage, we can stabilize, and through time, increase SOM levels.

* Soil test on a regular basis and fertilize accordingly. Proper fertilization, based on a soil analysis and realistic yield goals, encourages plant growth and more root development. This can help build or maintain SOM levels, even when top growth is removed for forage.

* Intensify the crop rotation with additional cash or cover crops. Without a green growing plant that provides plant residue and roots that feed the soil biology, there is nothing there to build organic matter.

It makes economic sense to do what you can to maintain and improve organic matter levels in your soils. 

The higher the organic matter the less fertilizer you will need because more plant nutrients are released in the soil. High organic matter soils can help keep a crop growing and healthier longer during prolonged dry periods because of the higher water holding capacity. In some years this can be the difference between growing a profitable crop and not growing one, so it can affect the bottom line.

Consider using these practices on your operation to build and maintain organic matter levels in your soil.

For more information about this or other soil health practices you can contact me at dale.younker@ks.usda.gov or contact any local NRCS office.

Dale Younker is a&nbsp;soil health specialist with the&nbsp;Natural Resources Conservation Service in Jetmore.&nbsp;&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/7/1593956609910.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Soil organic matter (SOM) is an indicator of how healthy and productive a soil is and serves many important functions. The higher the SOM, the better the soil is. It is the part of the soil that is composed of anything that once lived. It includes plant and animal remains in various states of decomposition, cells and tissues of soil organisms, and substances from plant roots and soil microbes.After this material is well decomposed through time, about 10% of it forms into stable SOM, or humus. This is the porous, spongy material of the soil that has a pleasant, earthy smell that is dark in color. SOM forms slower in warmer and drier climates where the amount of plant biomass that can be grown is limited.Soil organic matter is a reservoir of nutrients that are mineralized by microorganisms and released in the soil that plants can use. For each percent of SOM in the soil about 25 pounds of nitrogen, 5 pounds of P2O5, and 3 pounds of sulfur become plant available annually. In high SOM soils this can lead to significant fertilizer savings. The warmer the soil temperature the more nutrients are released, so summer crops benefit more from SOM mineralization than winter crops.SOM behaves like a sponge and increases the water holding capacity of the soil. It can and hold up to 90% of its weight in water. This is especially important in drier climates where soil moisture is almost always the most limiting factor when it comes to crop yields.High SOM soils have a higher percentage of stable soil aggregates which don’t break down, consolidate or condense when it rains. This improved soil structure increases the pore space in the soil which helps the soil take in more water. It also decreases runoff and erosion.It is not easy, and it takes years to see a significant improvement, but there are ways that we can increase SOM levels in the soil. Here are just a few:* Reduce tillage. Tillage aerates the soil and causes a flush of soil microbial activity that speeds up the decomposition of organic matter. Tillage also increases erosion so when soil leaves the field organic matter goes with it, since most of the SOM is near the surface of the soil. Before our prairie soils were broken out, they naturally had about 3 to 4% SOM. The use of intensive tillage over several decades has reduced soil SOM levels by about half of what they originally were. By decreasing the amount of tillage, we can stabilize, and through time, increase SOM levels.* Soil test on a regular basis and fertilize accordingly. Proper fertilization, based on a soil analysis and realistic yield goals, encourages plant growth and more root development. This can help build or maintain SOM levels, even when top growth is removed for forage.* Intensify the crop rotation with additional cash or cover crops. Without a green growing plant that provides plant residue and roots that feed the soil biology, there is nothing there to build organic matter.It makes economic sense to do what you can to maintain and improve organic matter levels in your soils. The higher the organic matter the less fertilizer you will need because more plant nutrients are released in the soil. High organic matter soils can help keep a crop growing and healthier longer during prolonged dry periods because of the higher water holding capacity. In some years this can be the difference between growing a profitable crop and not growing one, so it can affect the bottom line.Consider using these practices on your operation to build and maintain organic matter levels in your soil.For more information about this or other soil health practices you can contact me at dale.younker@ks.usda.gov or contact any local NRCS office.Dale Younker is a&nbsp;soil health specialist with the&nbsp;Natural Resources Conservation Service in Jetmore.&nbsp;&nbsp;

YOUNKER: Soil organic matter is important to soil health and profitability

TOPEKA – A Hays organization has been awarded nearly $77,000 in grants to provide services for victims of crime, Kansas Attorney General Derek Schmidt announced Friday.

Options: Domestic and Sexual Violence Services Inc. was awarded grants to support the following programs in 18 counties across Kansas:

“Organizations across Kansas do great work every day to support victims of crime,” Schmidt said. “We are proud to support these organizations through the victims services grant programs.”

The awards were made from the Protection from Abuse Fund and the State Crime Victims’ Assistance Fund. The Protection from Abuse Fund is funded by State General Fund appropriations, marriage license fees, county court costs and municipal court assessments. The State Crime Victims’ Assistance Fund is funded though the remittance of applicable fines, penalties and forfeitures from clerks of the district courts.

This year, the attorney general’s office awarded nearly $2.6 million in grants to local and state crime victim assistance organizations. More information on the grant programs and the full list of award recipients is available on the attorney general’s website at&nbsp;<a href="http://www.ag.ks.gov/#_blank">www.ag.ks.gov</a>.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/7/1594750931446.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Office of the Attorney GeneralTOPEKA – A Hays organization has been awarded nearly $77,000 in grants to provide services for victims of crime, Kansas Attorney General Derek Schmidt announced Friday.Options: Domestic and Sexual Violence Services Inc. was awarded grants to support the following programs in 18 counties across Kansas:<ul>
 <li>$31,970 to provide survivor-centered services to those experiencing domestic violence, sexual assault, stalking or human trafficking by providing services directly to survivors in their communities.</li><li>$45,000 to strengthen organizational activities including direct services programming and administrative services, which ensures these critical services remain available.&nbsp;</li>
 </ul>“Organizations across Kansas do great work every day to support victims of crime,” Schmidt said. “We are proud to support these organizations through the victims services grant programs.”The awards were made from the Protection from Abuse Fund and the State Crime Victims’ Assistance Fund. The Protection from Abuse Fund is funded by State General Fund appropriations, marriage license fees, county court costs and municipal court assessments. The State Crime Victims’ Assistance Fund is funded though the remittance of applicable fines, penalties and forfeitures from clerks of the district courts.This year, the attorney general’s office awarded nearly $2.6 million in grants to local and state crime victim assistance organizations. More information on the grant programs and the full list of award recipients is available on the attorney general’s website at&nbsp;<a href="http://www.ag.ks.gov/#_blank">www.ag.ks.gov</a>.

Kansas AG Schmidt announces grants for Options

The National Weather Service in Dodge City is warning of the possibility of thunderstorms Friday night across western Kansas.

"Strong to marginally severe thunderstorms will be possible late this afternoon through tonight across west-central, southwest and portions of central Kansas," the NWS said in a hazardous weather outlook statement.

The strongest storms will be capable of producing up to quarter-size hail and winds gusting up to 60 mph.

There is a marginal risk of severe thunderstorms Saturday and Sunday, as well, withheavy rainfall possible.

Check Hays Post and tune in to your Eagle Radio of Hays stations for the latest on severe weather.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/8/1598640059946.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>The National Weather Service in Dodge City is warning of the possibility of thunderstorms Friday night across western Kansas."Strong to marginally severe thunderstorms will be possible late this afternoon through tonight across west-central, southwest and portions of central Kansas," the NWS said in a hazardous weather outlook statement.The strongest storms will be capable of producing up to quarter-size hail and winds gusting up to 60 mph.There is a marginal risk of severe thunderstorms Saturday and Sunday, as well, withheavy rainfall possible.Check Hays Post and tune in to your Eagle Radio of Hays stations for the latest on severe weather.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Scattered thunderstorms will be possible across southwest and north central Kansas tonight (Friday 8/28). A few of these storms may be strong to marginally severe with the primary hazard being wind gusts of 50 to 60 mph and possibly even some hail. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/kswx?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#kswx</a> <a href="https://t.co/lbsqc6He78">pic.twitter.com/lbsqc6He78</a>&mdash; NWS Dodge City (@NWSDodgeCity) <a href="https://twitter.com/NWSDodgeCity/status/1299401293799120902?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 28, 2020</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script> </div>

NWS: Severe thunderstorms possible across western Kansas 

The Ellis County Health Department on Friday announced 47 new cases of COVID-19 have been identified in the county.

There are now 159 active cases, including two active hospitalizations, with 177 recovered cases.

Since reporting began, there have been 337 cases of coronavirus reported in Ellis County, including one death. The seven-day average of positive test results has risen to nearly 23 percent.

More than 150 of the new cases of COVID-19 have been reported since Monday.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/8/1598637671246.png" alt="Ellis County / KDHE" />
 <figcaption>Ellis County / KDHE</figcaption>
 </figure>The Ellis County Health Department on Friday announced 47 new cases of COVID-19 have been identified in the county.There are now 159 active cases, including two active hospitalizations, with 177 recovered cases.Since reporting began, there have been 337 cases of coronavirus reported in Ellis County, including one death. The seven-day average of positive test results has risen to nearly 23 percent.More than 150 of the new cases of COVID-19 have been reported since Monday.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/8/1598637611244.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>

47 new cases of COVID-19 reported in Ellis Co. since Wednesday

WAKEENEY — The Trego County Health Department on Friday said two additional cases of COVID-19 had been identified in the county since Wednesday.

Currently, Trego County-Lemke Memorial Hospital has seven staff members who have tested positive, as well as four residents of the long-term care facility there. Four of the staff members live outside of Trego County, and they are counted in the results of their county of residence.

Kathleen Fabrizius, Trego County Emergency Management director, said Thursday the uptick in cases is related to a recent event. Nineteen new cases have been added to county totals since Monday, 17 of those active as of Friday.

The health department said test results for a round of testing at the hospital and long-term care facility are still pending. Neither the hospital nor the long-term care facility are currently allowing no visitors, and there is a mask mandate in effect for both.

Since reporting began, there have been 26 total cases of coronavirus reported in Trego County.

WAKEENEY — The Trego County Health Department on Friday said two additional cases of COVID-19 had been identified in the county since Wednesday.Currently, Trego County-Lemke Memorial Hospital has seven staff members who have tested positive, as well as four residents of the long-term care facility there. Four of the staff members live outside of Trego County, and they are counted in the results of their county of residence.Kathleen Fabrizius, Trego County Emergency Management director, said Thursday the uptick in cases is related to a recent event. Nineteen new cases have been added to county totals since Monday, 17 of those active as of Friday.The health department said test results for a round of testing at the hospital and long-term care facility are still pending. Neither the hospital nor the long-term care facility are currently allowing no visitors, and there is a mask mandate in effect for both.All active cases are in isolation.Since reporting began, there have been 26 total cases of coronavirus reported in Trego County.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/8/1598630064521.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>

Two new cases reported from Trego Co. COVID-19 cluster

By BECKY KISER Hays Post

Hays city commissioners voted 3-2 Thursday night to extend the city's face mask ordinance through Oct. 5, 2020. It was set to expire Aug. 31.

Five residents spoke against the mandate, along with a Salina physician, Amy Hogan, M.D., who talked by phone about her concerns, especially for the psychological well-being of young children wearing face masks.

No supporters of the extension had signed up to make comments on the agenda item, although Mayor Shaun Musil read an email submitted by Heather Harris, D.O., medical director at HaysMed, who favors the mask ordinance, along with hand washing and social distancing.

The commission first heard from Jason Kennedy, Ellis County Health Services director.

"Coronavirus is not going away. It's part of society," Kennedy said. "We don't get to be tired of the virus, and that doesn't make it go away."

Kennedy talked about research underway to produce a COVID-19 medical vaccine, predicting it is "at least four or five months away. ... Hopefully, it's effective and hopefully, we'll get enough people vaccinated to the point where we feel safe. But as long as we continue to test [in Ellis County], we'll see waves and we'll see plateaus."

The number of positive COVID-19 cases in Ellis County recently<a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/cd3a0e67-18ff-4994-9791-68b06e842388"> jumped significantly</a>, coinciding with the return of college students at Fort Hays State University, where classes started Aug. 17.&nbsp;

Kennedy asked the commission to "vote for time, and sentiment of the public, to develop a plan of what the next year looks like.&nbsp;

"If we don't plan this, the public will continue to get less and less involved in mitigation measures.

"Ask them tonight for time, and to trust the plan that you guys put together will be based in fact and science, and will carry us through so that we can continue to make decent, educated decisions," Kennedy said.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Commissioners had a lengthy, emotional discussion of the issue.

At one point, Musil had an audience member,&nbsp;Komoss Creamer, escorted from commission chambers by Police Chief Don Scheibler after an outburst in which she objected to a motion made by Sandy Jacobs, vice mayor, to extend the mandate through the end of the year.&nbsp;

Creamer, a therapist who specializes in child trauma, was one of the five people in opposition to the mandate&nbsp; who spoke earlier to the commission.

"We need to be able to decide what we want to do with our healthcare, not someone else who says this is the doctor to listen to, and then there's the mandate," Creamer said. "When government starts deciding healthcare, there is a big issue."

Tammy Werth said she had seen some "horrible things on Facebook, both for and against," and implored residents to "be kind to each other and respect each other. Let them choose if they want to wear a mask or they don't want to wear a mask."

A Type 1 diabetic at "high risk," Werth told the commission she had the coronavirus seven weeks ago, and no one else she was in contact with contracted it.

 "I got through it," Werth said. "There's a low death rate. Influenza's worse."

Jacobs finally amended her motion to end the mandate on Mon., Oct. 5.

All the commissioners spoke of emails and social media comments they had received. Some notes were favorable, supporting the ordinance extension and the commission. Others messages opposed the mandate and included personal condemnations of commissioners.&nbsp;

"I am sad, angry, horrified and disappointed," Ron Mellick said. "It's tearing this community apart because people won't compromise."

Mellick also noted Fort Hays State University and NCK Technical College have their own COVID policies and USD 489 is following state guidelines.&nbsp;

Musil teared up as he related messages he got accusing him personally of "causing people to die and commit suicide" because of the mandate.&nbsp;

The mayor said he would not vote for extending the mandate unless the city moves from educating the public to enforcing fines for violators.

Jacobs agreed with the enforcement.&nbsp;

"I dread it for the police department," Musil sighed.

"My goal is to keep the schools open, keep the
businesses open. 

"With the recent spread, the businesses are closing. The
governor isn’t telling them to close this time," Musil pointed out. "They’re having to do it because
they have no employees. And this is just the start of it.”

Mason Ruder and Michael Berges voted against the measure.

"I think it's working," Berges said, "but we need to find the end."

Ruder, who also voted against the original mandate, suggested the commission should develop a "plan for how things should go" at an upcoming work session.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/8/1598582433411.jpeg" alt="About 25 adults and children gather outside city hall protesting the face mask ordinance in Hays prior to Thursday's city commission meeting. (Photo by James Bell/Hays Post)" />
 <figcaption>About 25 adults and children gather outside city hall protesting the face mask ordinance in Hays prior to Thursday's city commission meeting. (Photo by James Bell/Hays Post)</figcaption>
 </figure>By BECKY KISER Hays PostHays city commissioners voted 3-2 Thursday night to extend the city's face mask ordinance through Oct. 5, 2020. It was set to expire Aug. 31.Five residents spoke against the mandate, along with a Salina physician, Amy Hogan, M.D., who talked by phone about her concerns, especially for the psychological well-being of young children wearing face masks.No supporters of the extension had signed up to make comments on the agenda item, although Mayor Shaun Musil read an email submitted by Heather Harris, D.O., medical director at HaysMed, who favors the mask ordinance, along with hand washing and social distancing.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/8/1598587541997.jpeg" alt="Heather Harris, D.O., medical director at HaysMed, expresses her support of extending the face mask ordinance in an email." />
 <figcaption>Heather Harris, D.O., medical director at HaysMed, expresses her support of extending the face mask ordinance in an email.</figcaption>
 </figure>The commission first heard from Jason Kennedy, Ellis County Health Services director."Coronavirus is not going away. It's part of society," Kennedy said. "We don't get to be tired of the virus, and that doesn't make it go away."Kennedy talked about research underway to produce a COVID-19 medical vaccine, predicting it is "at least four or five months away. ... Hopefully, it's effective and hopefully, we'll get enough people vaccinated to the point where we feel safe. But as long as we continue to test [in Ellis County], we'll see waves and we'll see plateaus."The number of positive COVID-19 cases in Ellis County recently<a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/cd3a0e67-18ff-4994-9791-68b06e842388"> jumped significantly</a>, coinciding with the return of college students at Fort Hays State University, where classes started Aug. 17.&nbsp;<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/8/1598582308861.jpeg" alt="Jason Kennedy, Ellis Co. Health Services director, speaks to Hays city commissioners Thursday.&nbsp;(Photo by James Bell/Hays Post)" />
 <figcaption>Jason Kennedy, Ellis Co. Health Services director, speaks to Hays city commissioners Thursday.&nbsp;(Photo by James Bell/Hays Post)</figcaption>
 </figure>Kennedy asked the commission to "vote for time, and sentiment of the public, to develop a plan of what the next year looks like.&nbsp;"If we don't plan this, the public will continue to get less and less involved in mitigation measures."Ask them tonight for time, and to trust the plan that you guys put together will be based in fact and science, and will carry us through so that we can continue to make decent, educated decisions," Kennedy said.&nbsp;&nbsp;Commissioners had a lengthy, emotional discussion of the issue.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/8/1598591688138.jpeg" alt="Komoss Creamer is escorted out of city commission chambers by Hays Police Chief Don Scheibler at the direction of&nbsp; Mayor Shaun Musil (right) after Creamer objected to an initial motion by Vice Mayor Sandy Jacobs to extend the city's mask ordinance until Dec. 31." />
 <figcaption>Komoss Creamer is escorted out of city commission chambers by Hays Police Chief Don Scheibler at the direction of&nbsp; Mayor Shaun Musil (right) after Creamer objected to an initial motion by Vice Mayor Sandy Jacobs to extend the city's mask ordinance until Dec. 31.</figcaption>
 </figure>At one point, Musil had an audience member,&nbsp;Komoss Creamer, escorted from commission chambers by Police Chief Don Scheibler after an outburst in which she objected to a motion made by Sandy Jacobs, vice mayor, to extend the mandate through the end of the year.&nbsp;Musil later apologized.&nbsp;Creamer, a therapist who specializes in child trauma, was one of the five people in opposition to the mandate&nbsp; who spoke earlier to the commission."We need to be able to decide what we want to do with our healthcare, not someone else who says this is the doctor to listen to, and then there's the mandate," Creamer said. "When government starts deciding healthcare, there is a big issue."<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/8/1598594637355.jpeg" alt="During the 3 minutes allotted per speaker, Tammy Werth (at podium) talks about being diagnosed with coronavirus 7 weeks ago with no spread of the disease to people she was in contact with." />
 <figcaption>During the 3 minutes allotted per speaker, Tammy Werth (at podium) talks about being diagnosed with coronavirus 7 weeks ago with no spread of the disease to people she was in contact with.</figcaption>
 </figure>Tammy Werth said she had seen some "horrible things on Facebook, both for and against," and implored residents to "be kind to each other and respect each other. Let them choose if they want to wear a mask or they don't want to wear a mask."A Type 1 diabetic at "high risk," Werth told the commission she had the coronavirus seven weeks ago, and no one else she was in contact with contracted it. "I got through it," Werth said. "There's a low death rate. Influenza's worse."Jacobs finally amended her motion to end the mandate on Mon., Oct. 5.<figure>
 <iframe width="560" height="315" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/XE_9vaic2CY"></iframe>
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>All the commissioners spoke of emails and social media comments they had received. Some notes were favorable, supporting the ordinance extension and the commission. Others messages opposed the mandate and included personal condemnations of commissioners.&nbsp;"I am sad, angry, horrified and disappointed," Ron Mellick said. "It's tearing this community apart because people won't compromise."Mellick also noted Fort Hays State University and NCK Technical College have their own COVID policies and USD 489 is following state guidelines.&nbsp;Musil teared up as he related messages he got accusing him personally of "causing people to die and commit suicide" because of the mandate.&nbsp;"Abhorrent," Jacobs declared.The mayor said he would not vote for extending the mandate unless the city moves from educating the public to enforcing fines for violators.Jacobs agreed with the enforcement.&nbsp;"I dread it for the police department," Musil sighed."My goal is to keep the schools open, keep the
businesses open. "With the recent spread, the businesses are closing. The
governor isn’t telling them to close this time," Musil pointed out. "They’re having to do it because
they have no employees. And this is just the start of it.”Mason Ruder and Michael Berges voted against the measure."I think it's working," Berges said, "but we need to find the end."Ruder, who also voted against the original mandate, suggested the commission should develop a "plan for how things should go" at an upcoming work session.&nbsp;The entire meeting can be seen below:<figure>
 <iframe width="560" height="315" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/95krZn5iFVs"></iframe>
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>

🎥 City commission extends face mask ordinance after emotional discussion

By CRISTINA JANNEY Hays Post

The Hays USD 489 school district is considering moving The Learning Center back to Rockwell Administration Center.

Superintendent Ron Wilson discussed the move with the school board on Monday night.&nbsp;

The Learning Center was located in the Rockwell basement. However, heavy rains last year resulted in flooding in the basement.

The program was temporarily moved to the former Washington school building. However, that building is set to be sold in Decemeber.

Wilson proposed The Learning Center be moved back to Rockwell in space that is being used now by the HHS Helping Hands program.

Although the area in Rockwell that was affected by the flooding has been gutted, Wilson said the space is not an ideal space for learning.

He proposed building an addition to the HHS vocational wing for the commercial kitchen for Helping Hands. Wilson said this would mean the Helping Hands students would no longer need to be bused to Rockwell.

Wilson said he did not yet have firm numbers to present to the board on the construction of the new kitchen for Helping Hands.&nbsp;

"This serves us in getting The Learning Center back to a better spot," Wilson said. "It also serves Helping Hands in terms of being closer to the site all of those students attend. It makes it way more useful."

Until Helping Hands can be moved and its former space readied for The Learning Center, Wilson proposed finding space in the community to house The Learning Center.

Wilson said the district is about a year away from being able to complete both moves.

Wilson said he would like to convert the space in the basement that was used by The Learning Center into office space.&nbsp;

The school board took no action on the proposal Monday night. It will consider the project at a later board meeting.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/8/1598391934059.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>By CRISTINA JANNEY Hays PostThe Hays USD 489 school district is considering moving The Learning Center back to Rockwell Administration Center.Superintendent Ron Wilson discussed the move with the school board on Monday night.&nbsp;The Learning Center was located in the Rockwell basement. However, heavy rains last year resulted in flooding in the basement.The program was temporarily moved to the former Washington school building. However, that building is set to be sold in Decemeber.Wilson proposed The Learning Center be moved back to Rockwell in space that is being used now by the HHS Helping Hands program.Although the area in Rockwell that was affected by the flooding has been gutted, Wilson said the space is not an ideal space for learning.He proposed building an addition to the HHS vocational wing for the commercial kitchen for Helping Hands. Wilson said this would mean the Helping Hands students would no longer need to be bused to Rockwell.Wilson said he did not yet have firm numbers to present to the board on the construction of the new kitchen for Helping Hands.&nbsp;"This serves us in getting The Learning Center back to a better spot," Wilson said. "It also serves Helping Hands in terms of being closer to the site all of those students attend. It makes it way more useful."Until Helping Hands can be moved and its former space readied for The Learning Center, Wilson proposed finding space in the community to house The Learning Center.Wilson said the district is about a year away from being able to complete both moves.Wilson said he would like to convert the space in the basement that was used by The Learning Center into office space.&nbsp;The school board took no action on the proposal Monday night. It will consider the project at a later board meeting.

USD 489 proposes moving Learning Center back to Rockwell

By STEVE NICHOLSON <a href="https://www.americancommunities.org/gearing-up-to-teach-again-in-northwest-kansas-during-covid-19/">American Communities Project</a>

QUINTER — Recently, I posted on Facebook that I was returning to the classroom to start my 25th year teaching. I quickly received many positive comments from family and friends — and most importantly, some former students. Then without warning, my day shifted.

At 2:54 p.m., my wife called, instructing me to come home immediately. She’s part of Gove County’s Emergency Operations Committee, which handles the collection and release of information connected to the pandemic. A few minutes later in the driveway, she said my mom tested positive for COVID-19.

I knew she had been having flu-like symptoms since the previous Friday.&nbsp;Because she is 82, it was very concerning.

Then I revealed to my wife that I had been experiencing some nasal drainage and a slight cough since Friday.&nbsp;In rural northwest Kansas, those symptoms don’t warrant much worry. I thought they were due to allergies and/or dust — no big deal.

However, since my mom was positive and I had been having symptoms, I needed to get tested, too. A few hours later, I became the eighth positive case in our town of Quinter, home to fewer than 1,000 residents.

Over the next few days, my symptoms worsened, but thankfully they were nothing serious.

My mom was another story.&nbsp;Her oxygen saturation dropped, and she was admitted to a COVID-only ICU ward in a nearby hospital about 50 miles away. An X-ray revealed fluid and a partially collapsed lung. Good news — she has been improving steadily.

While my family is quarantined for two weeks, I am praying that my family, friends, co-workers, and community can stay healthy.

I am also preparing to start the first week of school with students — from home.

Only other teachers really know what it’s like to gear up for a school year.&nbsp;Many spend several days in their classrooms prepping beyond any official contracted days.

Here’s what teaching looks like for me this year:

In addition to these classes spread over six periods, I have one prep period. The last period of the day is Power Hour, which at this point is to be full of pep assemblies, counseling exercises, homework assistance, class/club meetings, etc.

We’ve also adopted new safety protocols and contingency plans for students and staff. For instance, we might need to shift back to online learning before the end of the first nine weeks.&nbsp;Or sooner.&nbsp;Or later.&nbsp;Hopefully never!

In a smaller district like mine, a high school teacher can have 50 or so students in and out of their classroom each day.&nbsp;Each student comes from a home with another set of variables — family members, incomes, psychological factors, etc. Additionally, each teacher may be in and out of the office, restroom, staff room, copy room, library, etc.&nbsp;The custodians, paraprofessionals, bus drivers, cooks, any visitors, secretaries, etc. add more human elements to this environment.

The couple of statistics classes that I took many years ago help me understand the number of permutations in this scenario — and the wildcard the pandemic response presents.

But it’s important to be at school — if we can be. Schools provide a safe place for kids.&nbsp;A place for kids to be kids.&nbsp;To be around other kids.&nbsp;To have access to professional educators and at least one healthy meal a day.

As educators, we’ll strive to make it work for our community, but I know my 25th year of teaching will be like no other. As I quarantine, I’m steeling myself for what lies ahead.

After nearly three decades of teaching and coaching, Steve Nicholson is still going strong as a junior-senior high school science teacher in Gove County, Kansas. When he is not geeking out with his students, he is a devoted husband, father, son and sibling. Steve loves outdoor activities and is an avid brewer.

Editor's Note: This article is republished with permission from <a href="https://www.americancommunities.org/gearing-up-to-teach-again-in-northwest-kansas-during-covid-19/">American Communities Project</a>,&nbsp;

a combined social science/journalism effort based at&nbsp;<a href="https://smpa.gwu.edu/">The George Washington University’s School of Media &amp; Public Affairs</a>.&nbsp; &nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/8/1598377205647.jpeg" alt="Steve Nicholson teaches science at the Quinter junior and senior high schools." />
 <figcaption>Steve Nicholson teaches science at the Quinter junior and senior high schools.</figcaption>
 </figure>By STEVE NICHOLSON <a href="https://www.americancommunities.org/gearing-up-to-teach-again-in-northwest-kansas-during-covid-19/">American Communities Project</a>QUINTER — Recently, I posted on Facebook that I was returning to the classroom to start my 25th year teaching. I quickly received many positive comments from family and friends — and most importantly, some former students. Then without warning, my day shifted.At 2:54 p.m., my wife called, instructing me to come home immediately. She’s part of Gove County’s Emergency Operations Committee, which handles the collection and release of information connected to the pandemic. A few minutes later in the driveway, she said my mom tested positive for COVID-19.I knew she had been having flu-like symptoms since the previous Friday.&nbsp;Because she is 82, it was very concerning.Then I revealed to my wife that I had been experiencing some nasal drainage and a slight cough since Friday.&nbsp;In rural northwest Kansas, those symptoms don’t warrant much worry. I thought they were due to allergies and/or dust — no big deal.However, since my mom was positive and I had been having symptoms, I needed to get tested, too. A few hours later, I became the eighth positive case in our town of Quinter, home to fewer than 1,000 residents.Over the next few days, my symptoms worsened, but thankfully they were nothing serious.My mom was another story.&nbsp;Her oxygen saturation dropped, and she was admitted to a COVID-only ICU ward in a nearby hospital about 50 miles away. An X-ray revealed fluid and a partially collapsed lung. Good news — she has been improving steadily.While my family is quarantined for two weeks, I am praying that my family, friends, co-workers, and community can stay healthy.<h2>PREPARING FOR EVERYTHING</h2>I am also preparing to start the first week of school with students — from home.Only other teachers really know what it’s like to gear up for a school year.&nbsp;Many spend several days in their classrooms prepping beyond any official contracted days.Here’s what teaching looks like for me this year:<ul>
 <li>Seventh-grade science:&nbsp;Can you remember your first day of middle school? These kiddos need a lot of TLC for the first few weeks.&nbsp;Now add new textbooks with online features that I need to acquaint myself with — not just the content but the new tools for presenting it.</li><li>Biology:&nbsp;This is usually my easiest group to bond with.&nbsp;My passion for sharing biology flows like the river of chocolate through Willy Wonka’s factory.&nbsp;Not all students learn to share that with me, and that’s OK.&nbsp;My challenge is to help them find their passion.</li><li>Advanced Biology:&nbsp;The kids select and develop three to five individual projects on topics they want to learn more about.&nbsp;I just need to guide them and troubleshoot along the way.&nbsp;This year, four kids have signed up.</li><li>Human Anatomy &amp; Physiology:&nbsp;Usually a handful of kids take this class, so I’m excited to work with 14 this year!&nbsp;I updated my textbook from the 2012 version to the 2018 version, plus all of the online options.</li>
 </ul>In addition to these classes spread over six periods, I have one prep period. The last period of the day is Power Hour, which at this point is to be full of pep assemblies, counseling exercises, homework assistance, class/club meetings, etc.We’ve also adopted new safety protocols and contingency plans for students and staff. For instance, we might need to shift back to online learning before the end of the first nine weeks.&nbsp;Or sooner.&nbsp;Or later.&nbsp;Hopefully never!<h2>RUMINATING OVER THE PERMUTATIONS</h2>In a smaller district like mine, a high school teacher can have 50 or so students in and out of their classroom each day.&nbsp;Each student comes from a home with another set of variables — family members, incomes, psychological factors, etc. Additionally, each teacher may be in and out of the office, restroom, staff room, copy room, library, etc.&nbsp;The custodians, paraprofessionals, bus drivers, cooks, any visitors, secretaries, etc. add more human elements to this environment.The couple of statistics classes that I took many years ago help me understand the number of permutations in this scenario — and the wildcard the pandemic response presents.But it’s important to be at school — if we can be. Schools provide a safe place for kids.&nbsp;A place for kids to be kids.&nbsp;To be around other kids.&nbsp;To have access to professional educators and at least one healthy meal a day.As educators, we’ll strive to make it work for our community, but I know my 25th year of teaching will be like no other. As I quarantine, I’m steeling myself for what lies ahead.After nearly three decades of teaching and coaching, Steve Nicholson is still going strong as a junior-senior high school science teacher in Gove County, Kansas. When he is not geeking out with his students, he is a devoted husband, father, son and sibling. Steve loves outdoor activities and is an avid brewer.Editor's Note: This article is republished with permission from <a href="https://www.americancommunities.org/gearing-up-to-teach-again-in-northwest-kansas-during-covid-19/">American Communities Project</a>,&nbsp;

a combined social science/journalism effort based at&nbsp;<a href="https://smpa.gwu.edu/">The George Washington University’s School of Media &amp; Public Affairs</a>.&nbsp; &nbsp;

Gearing up to teach again in NW Kansas during COVID-19

The Kansas Department of Transportation plans to begin a resurfacing project on 16 miles of Interstate 70 in Trego County on Monday.&nbsp;

Project work will consist of a mill and overlay in both the eastbound and westbound lanes beginning at Exit 127 at WaKeeney and ending at the Ellis County line. Traffic will be reduced to one lane through the work zones with a lowered speed limit. Minor delays not exceeding five minutes should be expected.

KDOT anticipates work to be completed by the end of December, weather permitting.

APAC Shears of Hays is the primary contractor for the $9.4 million project. For more information, contact KDOT area construction engineer Nick Rogers at 785-625-9718 or&nbsp;<a href="mailto:nick.rogers@ks.gov">nick.rogers@ks.gov</a>.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/6/1592777344559.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>KDOTThe Kansas Department of Transportation plans to begin a resurfacing project on 16 miles of Interstate 70 in Trego County on Monday.&nbsp;Project work will consist of a mill and overlay in both the eastbound and westbound lanes beginning at Exit 127 at WaKeeney and ending at the Ellis County line. Traffic will be reduced to one lane through the work zones with a lowered speed limit. Minor delays not exceeding five minutes should be expected.KDOT anticipates work to be completed by the end of December, weather permitting.APAC Shears of Hays is the primary contractor for the $9.4 million project. For more information, contact KDOT area construction engineer Nick Rogers at 785-625-9718 or&nbsp;<a href="mailto:nick.rogers@ks.gov">nick.rogers@ks.gov</a>.

I-70 roadwork starting in Trego County

Marches, protests and demonstrations, on the street or now online, 
are how the United States talks to itself. And, to the benefit of the 
nation, we are doing a lot of talking these days.

Propelled and protected by the First Amendment freedoms of speech, 
assembly and petition, we have taken to the streets today and in the 
past to call the country to consider national challenges and solve 
national inequities, to press for change or to voice opposition to 
policies, plans and practices.

Our next national moment: Friday, Aug. 28, the planned commemoration 
of the 1963 March on Washington for Jobs and Freedom. It could not come 
at a more appropriate time.

If 2020 is to be remembered for more than the COVID-19 pandemic, it 
will be as a year in which our fellow citizens — and, very often, those 
among us who see themselves as outside the majority in one way or 
another — demanded to be heard in matters of freedom and social justice 
and, even more, demanded more loudly than ever to see positive change as
 a result.

The planned commemorations will include Rep. John Lewis, the youngest speaker at the ’63 event and all but certain to be the patron-in-absentia for the event and others now planned:

The marches, however they mesh, will be about more than memories. 
Some will be demonstrating that day against continuing police brutality 
targeting Black citizens or other people of color. Others will press for
 major reforms in policing and funding for police overall, and for 
sentencing and prison reform.

Consider for a moment the lasting impact of the critical moment of the 1963 march, when Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. delivered his historic “I Have a Dream” speech, with words that have resounded through the years.

King’s speech, some 10 minutes longer than the six minutes he was 
allotted, didn’t include its memorable title until gospel singer Mahalia Jackson,
 recalling earlier King speeches as she stood behind him at the podium 
on the steps of the Lincoln Memorial, said to him, “Tell ’em about the 
dream, Martin, tell ’em about the dream!”

Setting aside his prepared remarks, King told an estimated 150,000 at
 the memorial and nearby Reflecting Pool that “ … even though we face 
the difficulties of today and tomorrow, I still have a dream … that … we
 will be able to speed up that day when all God’s children, Black men 
and white men, Jews and Gentiles, Protestants and Catholics, will be 
able to join hands and sing in the words of the old Negro spiritual, 
‘Free at last! Free at last! Thank God Almighty, we are free at last!’”

It may not be a focus of this year’s commemorations, but the march 57
 years ago was rooted in a similar event planned but not held more than 
two decades earlier. In 1941, A. Philip Randolph, 
founder of the Brotherhood of Sleeping Car Porters labor union, called 
for a march on Washington, D.C., to protest exclusion of Black workers 
from defense industry jobs. In return for cancelling that event, 
Randolph gained an executive order issued by President Franklin D. Roosevelt forming the Fair Employment Practices Commission to investigate racial discrimination in the national defense industry.

Lest we forget, commemorations around the 1963 march likely won’t be 
the only calls for a “redress of grievances” on that day. Ongoing 
national protests include groups opposing each other in public over 
COVID-19-related issues — back-to-school plans, government orders to 
wear face coverings in public, the renewal of limits on store hours or 
openings, restrictions on worship services and social public gatherings,
 even the very nature and extent of the pandemic itself.

The breadth of current public outcries may be surprising, but the 
depth of emotion behind them shouldn’t be — protest is backed into the 
nation’s civic DNA: From pre-revolutionary times, when colonials took to
 cobblestone streets to protest taxes and British rule, to rallies and 
marches by pro- and anti-slavery advocates in the early- to mid-1800s; 
from anti-draft demonstrations during the Civil War to a decade of 
anti-war rallies during the Vietnam War; from suffragette marches in the
 late 1800s and early 1900s to the ERA battles of the 1970s; from 
marches that led to a Prohibition amendment in 1920 to marches that led 
to its repeal in 1933; from white-robed Ku Klux Klan demonstrations 
across the nation peaking in the 1920s to the civil rights movement 
peaking in the 1960s; to the LGBTQ movement, from Stonewall in 1969 to 
recent demonstrations over marriage laws and employment equality.

“We Protest” may well stand next to “In God We Trust” as a national 
motto. Certainly, the founders saw those core freedoms of speech, 
assembly and petition as central to keeping the nation safe from the 
“tyranny of the majority,” where minority voices and calls for change 
were stifled before having any real chance to produce reforms or form a 
new majority, seen all-too often in the European nations of their time.

There’s no guarantee under the First Amendment that when America 
talks to itself, Americans will listen. But our history is marked by 
those moments when as a nation we do hear, sometimes belatedly, what 
protesters, demonstrators and marchers are saying. And we are a fairer, 
more honest, more just country as a result.

As King said in his last public speech in 1968, nearly five years 
after the March on Washington: “Somewhere I read of the freedom of 
assembly. Somewhere I read of the freedom of speech. Somewhere I read of
 the freedom of press. Somewhere I read that the greatness of America is
 the right to protest for right.”

March on, citizens, on Aug. 28 and the days after. Use your freedoms.

Gene Policinski is a senior fellow for the First Amendment at the
 Freedom Forum, and president and chief operating officer of the Freedom
 Forum Institute. He can be reached at <a href="mailto:gpolicinski@freedomforum.org" target="_blank">gpolicinski@freedomforum.org</a>, or follow him on Twitter at&nbsp;<a href="https://twitter.com/@genefac" target="_blank">@genefac</a>.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/7/1593729871227.png" alt="Gene Policinski is a senior fellow for the First Amendment at the Freedom Forum, and president and chief operating officer of the Freedom Forum Institute. " />
 <figcaption>Gene Policinski is a senior fellow for the First Amendment at the Freedom Forum, and president and chief operating officer of the Freedom Forum Institute. </figcaption>
 </figure>Marches, protests and demonstrations, on the street or now online, 
are how the United States talks to itself. And, to the benefit of the 
nation, we are doing a lot of talking these days.Propelled and protected by the First Amendment freedoms of speech, 
assembly and petition, we have taken to the streets today and in the 
past to call the country to consider national challenges and solve 
national inequities, to press for change or to voice opposition to 
policies, plans and practices.Our next national moment: Friday, Aug. 28, the planned commemoration 
of the 1963 March on Washington for Jobs and Freedom. It could not come 
at a more appropriate time.If 2020 is to be remembered for more than the COVID-19 pandemic, it 
will be as a year in which our fellow citizens — and, very often, those 
among us who see themselves as outside the majority in one way or 
another — demanded to be heard in matters of freedom and social justice 
and, even more, demanded more loudly than ever to see positive change as
 a result.The planned commemorations will include Rep. John Lewis, the youngest speaker at the ’63 event and all but certain to be the patron-in-absentia for the event and others now planned:<ul>
 <li>The Rev. Al Sharpton’s National Action Network 
(NAN), in collaboration with several other sponsors, plans a march with 
as many as 100,000 participants and tents on or near the National Mall 
and other events, according to permit information made public in June. 
Officially, it’s the “Get Your Knee Off Our Necks” march, recognizing 
the death of George Floyd.</li><li>The NAACP plans a Virtual March on Washington, streamed across key 
social media platforms and television networks starting Thursday 
evening, Aug. 27 and concluding the next evening. At midday Friday, Martin Luther King III
 and representatives of the families of Black people who have died at 
the hands of police, will march online, bolstered by an actual march in 
Washington, D.C.</li>
 </ul>The marches, however they mesh, will be about more than memories. 
Some will be demonstrating that day against continuing police brutality 
targeting Black citizens or other people of color. Others will press for
 major reforms in policing and funding for police overall, and for 
sentencing and prison reform.Consider for a moment the lasting impact of the critical moment of the 1963 march, when Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. delivered his historic “I Have a Dream” speech, with words that have resounded through the years.King’s speech, some 10 minutes longer than the six minutes he was 
allotted, didn’t include its memorable title until gospel singer Mahalia Jackson,
 recalling earlier King speeches as she stood behind him at the podium 
on the steps of the Lincoln Memorial, said to him, “Tell ’em about the 
dream, Martin, tell ’em about the dream!”Setting aside his prepared remarks, King told an estimated 150,000 at
 the memorial and nearby Reflecting Pool that “ … even though we face 
the difficulties of today and tomorrow, I still have a dream … that … we
 will be able to speed up that day when all God’s children, Black men 
and white men, Jews and Gentiles, Protestants and Catholics, will be 
able to join hands and sing in the words of the old Negro spiritual, 
‘Free at last! Free at last! Thank God Almighty, we are free at last!’”It may not be a focus of this year’s commemorations, but the march 57
 years ago was rooted in a similar event planned but not held more than 
two decades earlier. In 1941, A. Philip Randolph, 
founder of the Brotherhood of Sleeping Car Porters labor union, called 
for a march on Washington, D.C., to protest exclusion of Black workers 
from defense industry jobs. In return for cancelling that event, 
Randolph gained an executive order issued by President Franklin D. Roosevelt forming the Fair Employment Practices Commission to investigate racial discrimination in the national defense industry.Lest we forget, commemorations around the 1963 march likely won’t be 
the only calls for a “redress of grievances” on that day. Ongoing 
national protests include groups opposing each other in public over 
COVID-19-related issues — back-to-school plans, government orders to 
wear face coverings in public, the renewal of limits on store hours or 
openings, restrictions on worship services and social public gatherings,
 even the very nature and extent of the pandemic itself.The breadth of current public outcries may be surprising, but the 
depth of emotion behind them shouldn’t be — protest is backed into the 
nation’s civic DNA: From pre-revolutionary times, when colonials took to
 cobblestone streets to protest taxes and British rule, to rallies and 
marches by pro- and anti-slavery advocates in the early- to mid-1800s; 
from anti-draft demonstrations during the Civil War to a decade of 
anti-war rallies during the Vietnam War; from suffragette marches in the
 late 1800s and early 1900s to the ERA battles of the 1970s; from 
marches that led to a Prohibition amendment in 1920 to marches that led 
to its repeal in 1933; from white-robed Ku Klux Klan demonstrations 
across the nation peaking in the 1920s to the civil rights movement 
peaking in the 1960s; to the LGBTQ movement, from Stonewall in 1969 to 
recent demonstrations over marriage laws and employment equality.“We Protest” may well stand next to “In God We Trust” as a national 
motto. Certainly, the founders saw those core freedoms of speech, 
assembly and petition as central to keeping the nation safe from the 
“tyranny of the majority,” where minority voices and calls for change 
were stifled before having any real chance to produce reforms or form a 
new majority, seen all-too often in the European nations of their time.There’s no guarantee under the First Amendment that when America 
talks to itself, Americans will listen. But our history is marked by 
those moments when as a nation we do hear, sometimes belatedly, what 
protesters, demonstrators and marchers are saying. And we are a fairer, 
more honest, more just country as a result.As King said in his last public speech in 1968, nearly five years 
after the March on Washington: “Somewhere I read of the freedom of 
assembly. Somewhere I read of the freedom of speech. Somewhere I read of
 the freedom of press. Somewhere I read that the greatness of America is
 the right to protest for right.”March on, citizens, on Aug. 28 and the days after. Use your freedoms.Gene Policinski is a senior fellow for the First Amendment at the
 Freedom Forum, and president and chief operating officer of the Freedom
 Forum Institute. He can be reached at <a href="mailto:gpolicinski@freedomforum.org" target="_blank">gpolicinski@freedomforum.org</a>, or follow him on Twitter at&nbsp;<a href="https://twitter.com/@genefac" target="_blank">@genefac</a>.

FIRST FIVE: We march, demonstrate and protest — we’re America

ELLIS COUNTY —Two people were injured in an accident during a police chase just before 10:30p.m. Thursday in Ellis County

The Kansas Highway patrol reported a 2013 Dodge Challenger driven by&nbsp; William R.&nbsp;Dalrymple, 25, Richmond, TX., was in a pursuit on Toulon Avenue when he swerved to miss spike strips at Vineyard Road&nbsp;two miles southwest of Catharine.

 The driver lost control and ramped a driveway, hit another driveway and came to rest after hitting the second driveway's retaining wall.&nbsp; &nbsp;

EMS transported Dalrymple and a passenger&nbsp; Victoria D.&nbsp;Deakin, 32, Oconomowoc, WI., to Hays Medical Center.&nbsp; She was later transferred to Via Christi in Wichita.

Both passengers were properly restrained at the time of the accident, according to the KHP. Authorities have not released details on what prompted the chase. Check&nbsp; Hays Post for additional details as they become available.

ELLIS COUNTY —Two people were injured in an accident during a police chase just before 10:30p.m. Thursday in Ellis CountyThe Kansas Highway patrol reported a 2013 Dodge Challenger driven by&nbsp; William R.&nbsp;Dalrymple, 25, Richmond, TX., was in a pursuit on Toulon Avenue when he swerved to miss spike strips at Vineyard Road&nbsp;two miles southwest of Catharine. The driver lost control and ramped a driveway, hit another driveway and came to rest after hitting the second driveway's retaining wall.&nbsp; &nbsp;EMS transported Dalrymple and a passenger&nbsp; Victoria D.&nbsp;Deakin, 32, Oconomowoc, WI., to Hays Medical Center.&nbsp; She was later transferred to Via Christi in Wichita.Both passengers were properly restrained at the time of the accident, according to the KHP. Authorities have not released details on what prompted the chase. Check&nbsp; Hays Post for additional details as they become available.

2 hospitalized after crash during police chase in Ellis County

RUSSELL COUNTY —One person was injured in an accident just before 9:30p.m. Thursday in Russell County.

The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a 2013 Chevy Tahoe driven by&nbsp; Sonia L&nbsp;Offerle, 47, Offerle, was westbound on Interstate 70 one mile east of Bunker Hill. 

The SUV rear ended a 2017 Freightliner semi that was stopped on the north shoulder of the interstate.

EMS transported Offerle to Russell Regional Hospital. The semi driver&nbsp; Mohamed A&nbsp;Hassan, 27, Westerville, OH., was not injured. Both drivers were properly restrained at the time of the accident, according to the KHP.

RUSSELL COUNTY —One person was injured in an accident just before 9:30p.m. Thursday in Russell County.The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a 2013 Chevy Tahoe driven by&nbsp; Sonia L&nbsp;Offerle, 47, Offerle, was westbound on Interstate 70 one mile east of Bunker Hill. The SUV rear ended a 2017 Freightliner semi that was stopped on the north shoulder of the interstate.EMS transported Offerle to Russell Regional Hospital. The semi driver&nbsp; Mohamed A&nbsp;Hassan, 27, Westerville, OH., was not injured. Both drivers were properly restrained at the time of the accident, according to the KHP.

Kansas woman hospitalized after SUV rear ends stopped semi

In a contentious meeting Thursday, the Hays City Commission voted to extend the face covering mandate.

The vote passed 3-2, with Commissioners Mason Ruder and Michael Berges opposing.&nbsp;

The mask mandate will be extended until Oct. 5.

Five Hays residents spoke in favor of ending the mask mandate, while no one appeared in favor of the ordinance.

One of the speakers was escorted out of the commission chambers by law enforcement at the request of Mayor Shaun Musil.

Check Hays Post for more as details become available.

In a contentious meeting Thursday, the Hays City Commission voted to extend the face covering mandate.The vote passed 3-2, with Commissioners Mason Ruder and Michael Berges opposing.&nbsp;The mask mandate will be extended until Oct. 5.Five Hays residents spoke in favor of ending the mask mandate, while no one appeared in favor of the ordinance.One of the speakers was escorted out of the commission chambers by law enforcement at the request of Mayor Shaun Musil.Check Hays Post for more as details become available.

Hays commission votes to extend mask ordinance

ELLIS COUNTY — Law enforcement authorities are investigating a suspect after a high speed chase Wednesday evening on Interstate 70.

Just before 7p.m. a Kansas Highway Patrol did a speed check on a westbound mini van with Texas license plates just east of Victoria, according to Trooper Tod Hileman.

The driver later identified as 26-year-old Demareon Gaskin of Grandview, Missouri took the Victoria exit and quickly returned to I-70 eastbound and the pursuit was underway.

Gaskin crossed over the median of the interstate, traveling eastbound in the westbound lanes and exited the I-70 using the Walker Avenue on ramp. The van then returned to I-70 traveling westbound at speeds of 105 miles per hour, according to Hileman.

Gaskin used the on ramp at Gorham to exit the interstate and traveled north on 176th Street into and out of the city of Gorham. At this point the state trooper lost the van, according to Hileman.

At 7:29p.m. Hays Police located the van that was now westbound back on Interstate 70 just east of Commerce Parkway. Police stopped the van, now driven by an unidentified woman, at the Vine Street off-ramp.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Authorities took Gaskin and the woman to the hospital as a precaution, according to Hileman. They were not injured.

Police booked Gaskin into the Ellis County Jail on requested charges that included reckless driving, flee and elude, transporting an open container, possession of marijuana and paraphernalia, felony possession of a firearm and numerous traffic violations, according to Hileman. Police did arrest the woman.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/8/1598556477216.png" alt="Gaskin-photo Ellis County" />
 <figcaption>Gaskin-photo Ellis County</figcaption>
 </figure>ELLIS COUNTY — Law enforcement authorities are investigating a suspect after a high speed chase Wednesday evening on Interstate 70.Just before 7p.m. a Kansas Highway Patrol did a speed check on a westbound mini van with Texas license plates just east of Victoria, according to Trooper Tod Hileman.The driver later identified as 26-year-old Demareon Gaskin of Grandview, Missouri took the Victoria exit and quickly returned to I-70 eastbound and the pursuit was underway.Gaskin crossed over the median of the interstate, traveling eastbound in the westbound lanes and exited the I-70 using the Walker Avenue on ramp. The van then returned to I-70 traveling westbound at speeds of 105 miles per hour, according to Hileman.Gaskin used the on ramp at Gorham to exit the interstate and traveled north on 176th Street into and out of the city of Gorham. At this point the state trooper lost the van, according to Hileman.At 7:29p.m. Hays Police located the van that was now westbound back on Interstate 70 just east of Commerce Parkway. Police stopped the van, now driven by an unidentified woman, at the Vine Street off-ramp.&nbsp;&nbsp;Authorities took Gaskin and the woman to the hospital as a precaution, according to Hileman. They were not injured.Police booked Gaskin into the Ellis County Jail on requested charges that included reckless driving, flee and elude, transporting an open container, possession of marijuana and paraphernalia, felony possession of a firearm and numerous traffic violations, according to Hileman. Police did arrest the woman.

Driver jailed after wrong-way chase on I-70

At 10 a.m. Saturday, an event organized by four Hays residents will hope to raise awareness of the issue of child trafficking.

Whitney Yarmer, Cindy Karlin, Jolene Amrien and Savannah Seltmann organized the event, which will be at the notheast and northwest corners of 27th and Vine.

"We feel that this movement should really hit home with people that have children or the ones that don’t," Seltmann said.

At 10 a.m. Saturday, an event organized by four Hays residents will hope to raise awareness of the issue of child trafficking.Whitney Yarmer, Cindy Karlin, Jolene Amrien and Savannah Seltmann organized the event, which will be at the notheast and northwest corners of 27th and Vine."We feel that this movement should really hit home with people that have children or the ones that don’t," Seltmann said.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/8/1598548881814.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>

Hays demonstration will raise awareness of child trafficking

WAKEENEY — The Trego County Health Department on Wednesday announced an additional five new positive cases of COVID-19 had been identified in the county.

Kathleen Fabrizius, Trego County Emergency Management director, said Thursday the uptick in cases is related to a recent event. Seventeen new cases have been added to county totals since Monday.

Those cases include three staff members of Trego County-Lemke Memorial Hospital and four residents of the long-term care unit there.

Additional testing of hospital staff and long-term care residents has begun, Fabrizius said, noting the county is waiting on those results.

Trego County now has 24 total coronavirus cases, with 18 of those active. All cases are in isolation.

WAKEENEY — The Trego County Health Department on Wednesday announced an additional five new positive cases of COVID-19 had been identified in the county.Kathleen Fabrizius, Trego County Emergency Management director, said Thursday the uptick in cases is related to a recent event. Seventeen new cases have been added to county totals since Monday.Those cases include three staff members of Trego County-Lemke Memorial Hospital and four residents of the long-term care unit there.Additional testing of hospital staff and long-term care residents has begun, Fabrizius said, noting the county is waiting on those results.Trego County now has 24 total coronavirus cases, with 18 of those active. All cases are in isolation.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/8/1598547987428.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>

Five new cases reported from Trego Co. COVID-19 cluster

Public is encouraged to email comments to Hays commissioners

Due to the potential for a large crowd at Thursday's Hays City Commission meeting and very limited seating, Mayor Shaun Musil&nbsp; announced this morning he will only allow a total of 10 individuals to address the commission. 

Five individuals will be allowed to speak in support of extending the mask requirement, and five people will have the opportunity to speak against an extension. 

Each speaker will be allowed three minutes, the city announced in a news release Thursday morning.

"I encourage citizens to submit your public comments electronically to the email address&nbsp;<a href="mailto:publiccomment@haysusa.com">publiccomment@haysusa.com</a>. All comments will be shared with the city commission," Musil said in the release. "Seating in the city commission chambers is limited so that proper social distancing can be maintained. Face coverings will be required. Persons not wearing a mask must produce a note from a medical doctor exempting them from the ordinance."

Petitions <a href="https://www.change.org/p/hays-kansas-extend-and-keep-the-mask-mandate-in-hays-kansas-and-ellis-county?recruiter=1097998128&amp;recruited_by_id=2220e880-a1c6-11ea-b153-f3ddb7cc5784&amp;utm_source=share_petition&amp;utm_medium=copylink&amp;utm_campaign=petition_dashboard">for</a> and <a href="https://www.change.org/p/hays-city-commissioners-lift-the-mask-mandate-for-hays-ks-including-all-schools-06d033ec-5a3f-4964-b380-401f94c879ea?recruiter=974453886&amp;utm_source=share_petition&amp;utm_medium=facebook&amp;utm_campaign=psf_combo_share_abi&amp;recruited_by_id=f2978010-946a-11e9-9565-2f9b7f173930&amp;utm_content=fht-24289628-en-us%3A1">against</a> extending the mask ordinance have been organized locally.

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 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/3/1584473406560.jpeg" alt="" />
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 </figure><h2>Public is encouraged to email comments to Hays commissioners</h2>Due to the potential for a large crowd at Thursday's Hays City Commission meeting and very limited seating, Mayor Shaun Musil&nbsp; announced this morning he will only allow a total of 10 individuals to address the commission. Five individuals will be allowed to speak in support of extending the mask requirement, and five people will have the opportunity to speak against an extension. Each speaker will be allowed three minutes, the city announced in a news release Thursday morning.Doors to City Hall will open at 6 p.m. "I encourage citizens to submit your public comments electronically to the email address&nbsp;<a href="mailto:publiccomment@haysusa.com">publiccomment@haysusa.com</a>. All comments will be shared with the city commission," Musil said in the release. "Seating in the city commission chambers is limited so that proper social distancing can be maintained. Face coverings will be required. Persons not wearing a mask must produce a note from a medical doctor exempting them from the ordinance."Petitions <a href="https://www.change.org/p/hays-kansas-extend-and-keep-the-mask-mandate-in-hays-kansas-and-ellis-county?recruiter=1097998128&amp;recruited_by_id=2220e880-a1c6-11ea-b153-f3ddb7cc5784&amp;utm_source=share_petition&amp;utm_medium=copylink&amp;utm_campaign=petition_dashboard">for</a> and <a href="https://www.change.org/p/hays-city-commissioners-lift-the-mask-mandate-for-hays-ks-including-all-schools-06d033ec-5a3f-4964-b380-401f94c879ea?recruiter=974453886&amp;utm_source=share_petition&amp;utm_medium=facebook&amp;utm_campaign=psf_combo_share_abi&amp;recruited_by_id=f2978010-946a-11e9-9565-2f9b7f173930&amp;utm_content=fht-24289628-en-us%3A1">against</a> extending the mask ordinance have been organized locally.

Comments on mask ordinance will be limited to 10 people

VICTORIA — A new practitioner is set to take over the clinic owned by the city of Victoria soon after the city council voted to remove First Care from the facility at its meeting last Monday.

Jamie Schneider, nurse practitioner and owner of Golden Rule Health, is currently seeing patients in Victoria on an as-needed basis in a one-room space rented in Robben Insurance, 416 Main, and spoke to the council during the meeting about potentially moving into the clinic.

"Right now, I am seeing patients in Victoria just by appointment only," Schneider said.&nbsp;"I am wanting to expand, but I can't do that where I am."

Schneider said, even working out of the small space, she has already picked up over 200 clients through word of mouth alone, and believes she is ready to take the next step towards being a full-time clinician.

"I am growing, slowly, but that's how I wanted to do it," she said.

She told the council if she was allowed to work out of the clinic she would offer far more open hours than First Care is currently providing.

"I am missing opportunities because I am not here three or four days a week," Schneider said.

She currently works seven days a week between an emergency room position in Great Bend and Russell Urgent Care.

"What I want to do is focus on the clinic," she said.&nbsp;

She currently is seeing patients in Victoria nights and weekends in order to build her following, but with the new space, she said she could expand her practice and fill a need in the community.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/8/1598482887292.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>By JAMES BELL Hays PostVICTORIA — A new practitioner is set to take over the clinic owned by the city of Victoria soon after the city council voted to remove First Care from the facility at its meeting last Monday.Jamie Schneider, nurse practitioner and owner of Golden Rule Health, is currently seeing patients in Victoria on an as-needed basis in a one-room space rented in Robben Insurance, 416 Main, and spoke to the council during the meeting about potentially moving into the clinic."Right now, I am seeing patients in Victoria just by appointment only," Schneider said.&nbsp;"I am wanting to expand, but I can't do that where I am."Schneider said, even working out of the small space, she has already picked up over 200 clients through word of mouth alone, and believes she is ready to take the next step towards being a full-time clinician."I am growing, slowly, but that's how I wanted to do it," she said.She told the council if she was allowed to work out of the clinic she would offer far more open hours than First Care is currently providing."I am missing opportunities because I am not here three or four days a week," Schneider said.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/8/1598483023517.jpeg" alt="A plaque showing the construction date of 1998 for the Victoria Health and Public Safety Center, current home of the First Care Clinic." />
 <figcaption>A plaque showing the construction date of 1998 for the Victoria Health and Public Safety Center, current home of the First Care Clinic.</figcaption>
 </figure>She currently works seven days a week between an emergency room position in Great Bend and Russell Urgent Care."What I want to do is focus on the clinic," she said.&nbsp;She currently is seeing patients in Victoria nights and weekends in order to build her following, but with the new space, she said she could expand her practice and fill a need in the community."I would love to use the health clinic that is already set up here in town," Schneider told the council. "All I really want is to be able to utilize that building."After moving in, she said she would commit to operating the clinic at least three days a week, with plans to expand hours as the practice grows and revenue can cover expenses.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/8/1598483046992.jpeg" alt="A sign on the door of the Victoria First Care Clinic shows current office hours of 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. Wednesday and 8:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. Friday." />
 <figcaption>A sign on the door of the Victoria First Care Clinic shows current office hours of 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. Wednesday and 8:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. Friday.</figcaption>
 </figure>"One of the biggest complaints is that it is not open enough," said Erica Dinges, council member. "So hearing that you want to grow is music to our ears, because that is what we want to do too."And Schneider has family ties to the area and no plans to leave in the foreseeable future."I am looking for long term," she said. "I want this to grow and I want this to succeed. I want it to be my one and only job because that is what I am passionate about."Moving into the larger facility will also allow Schneider to see more patients, including those on Medicare, who are currently unable to come to her current location due to facility regulations."I am very grateful for even the opportunity to utilize that building," she said.The change comes as the council has discussed over the last year the utilization of the building and potentially other options for the clinic space, including converting it into a new city hall.The commissioners, however, agreed that having a clinic that is open more is the best use of the building after hearing from Schneider.&nbsp;"This is better overall for the city," said&nbsp;John Schulte, mayor.The council unanimously approved the termination of the contract with First Care and they were notified last week. They now have 60 days to vacate the facility.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/8/1598483082553.jpeg" alt="The building that is the current home of the First Care Clinic in Victoria, also houses the&nbsp; Victora Police Department and a branch of the Ellis County Emergency Medical Services department." />
 <figcaption>The building that is the current home of the First Care Clinic in Victoria, also houses the&nbsp; Victora Police Department and a branch of the Ellis County Emergency Medical Services department.</figcaption>
 </figure>But Schulte said the termination did not cause any hard feelings with First Care and, in previous meetings between the council and First Care leadership, the hardship around providing more hours in the Victoria clinic had been discussed.The proposed contract with Schneider will be the same as First Care — a one-year contract that will automatically renew and can be canceled by either party with a 60-day notice.Schneider said she would move into the clinic as soon as it is available.The council hopes to sign the contract with Schneider at its September meeting.

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