The Ellis County Health Department on Monday reported three new positive case of coronavirus in the county.

The department said the cases are under investigation. The individuals are symptomatic and in isolated.&nbsp;

The department also said two previous positive cases have recovered since last week. There are now seven active cases of COVID-19 in Ellis County, with 30 total cases since reporting began.

The Ellis County Health Department on Monday reported three new positive case of coronavirus in the county.The department said the cases are under investigation. The individuals are symptomatic and in isolated.&nbsp;The department also said two previous positive cases have recovered since last week. There are now seven active cases of COVID-19 in Ellis County, with 30 total cases since reporting began.Read the entire release below:<figure>
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Ellis County reports three new cases of COVID-19

Due to the current situation in our area regarding COVID-19, the Hays Community Theatre has decided to cancel all performances of "Picasso at the Lapin Agile," which had been scheduled for July 10, 11 12, 17, 18 and 19. 

We apologize for this inconvenience, but we believe the health of our actors and of our audience members is of the highest importance. We hope to perform this comedy sometime in the future.

Thank you for your continued support and patronage of the Hays Community Theatre.

&nbsp;We cannot continue to stay in existence if we don't receive financial support from our patrons — people like you. Please consider making a financial contribution to Hays Community Theatre in this time of financial crisis. You can make an online donation at our <a href="https://www.hctks.com/">website</a>, or you can send a check to Hays Community Theatre, PO Box 21, Hays, Kansas 67601. With your help, we look forward to providing many theatre performances in the future.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/7/1594053630444.png" alt="" />
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 </figure>Hays Community Theatre Due to the current situation in our area regarding COVID-19, the Hays Community Theatre has decided to cancel all performances of "Picasso at the Lapin Agile," which had been scheduled for July 10, 11 12, 17, 18 and 19. We apologize for this inconvenience, but we believe the health of our actors and of our audience members is of the highest importance. We hope to perform this comedy sometime in the future.Thank you for your continued support and patronage of the Hays Community Theatre.&nbsp;We cannot continue to stay in existence if we don't receive financial support from our patrons — people like you. Please consider making a financial contribution to Hays Community Theatre in this time of financial crisis. You can make an online donation at our <a href="https://www.hctks.com/">website</a>, or you can send a check to Hays Community Theatre, PO Box 21, Hays, Kansas 67601. With your help, we look forward to providing many theatre performances in the future.

HCT cancels 'Picasso' performances due to COVID-19 

The Hays Police Department responded to 8 animal calls and conducted 16 traffic stops Tue., June 30, 2020, according to the HPD Activity Log.

Drug Offenses--1000 block E 41st St, Hays; 12:29 AM Suspicious Person--1300 block E 8th St, Hays; 2 AM Criminal Trespass--400 block Oak St, Hays; 2:56 AM Lost Animals ONLY--1000 block E 8th St, Hays; 7:53 AM Drug Offenses--2200 block Canterbury Dr, Hays; 9:55 AM Bicycle - Lost,Found,Stolen--1000 block W 39th St, Hays; 10:40 AM&nbsp; Criminal Damage to Property--2900 block Sherman Ave, Hays 1/1 12 PM; 6/30 11:43 AM Suspicious Activity--300 block W 16th St, Hays; 11:56 AM Found/Lost Property--1300 block E 33rd St, Hays; 12:41 PM Lost Animals ONLY--300 block W 16th St, Hays; 1:51 PM Assist - Other (not MV)--1200 block Hall St, Hays; 2:20 PM Animal Cruelty/Neglect--400 block W 5th St, Hays; 2:45 PM Theft (general)--600 block Vine St, Hays; 6/13 7 PM; 6/30 9 AM Welfare Check--3800 block Vine St, Hays; 7:19 PM Criminal Threat--2500 block Virginia Dr, Hays; 10:22 PM; 10:52 Battery - Domestic--100 block W 6th St, Hays; 10:50 PM; 11:01 PM&nbsp;

The Hays Police Department responded to 6 animal calls and conducted 21 traffic stops Wed., July 1, 2020, according to the HPD Activity Log.

Drug Offenses--Hays; 12:40 AM Found/Lost Property--100 block E 17th St, Hays; 11:36 AM Drug Offenses--300 block W 6th St, Hays; 2:59 PM&nbsp; Lost Animals ONLY--33rd and Willow, Hays; 3:30 PM Welfare Check--2700 block Hall St, Hays; 5:09 Ambulance Run--1600 block Main St, Hays; 5:51 PM Civil Dispute--2100 block Pine St, Hays; 6:57 PM Water Use Violation--2300 block Virginia Dr, Hays; 7:50 PM 202008678 Theft of Vehicle--500 block E 6th St, Hays; 8:20 PM MV Accident w/Animal--400
block Commerce Pkwy, Hays:9:45 PM

The Hays Police Department responded to 6 animal calls and conducted 21 traffic stops Thu., July 2, 2020, according to the HPD Activity Log.

Found/Lost Property--1300 block&nbsp;Vine St, Hays;&nbsp;12:26 AM Assist - Other (not MV)--3700 block&nbsp; Canal Blvd, Hays; 1:27 AM Water Use Violation--2400 block Fort St, Hays; 6:49 AM Found/Lost Property--Hays; 10:50 AM MV Accident-City Street/Alley--27th and Oak, Hays;&nbsp;12:40 PM Water Use Violation--2500 block Donald Dr, Hays; 1:46 PM Bicycle - Lost,Found,Stolen--400 block W 8th St, Hays; 6/30 4 PM; 7/2 3 PM Civil Dispute--300 block E 16th St, Hays; 6:12 PM Lost Animals ONLY--1100 block Canterbury Dr, Hays; 6:14 PM Criminal Damage to Property--500 block E 8th St, Hays; 7:11 PM Lost Animals ONLY--1300 block W 43rd St, Hays; 7:50 PM Lost Animals ONLY--1300 block E 18th St, Hays; 8:41 PM Lost Animals ONLY--1700 block Anthony Dr, Hays; 10:38 PM MV Accident-City Street/Alley--2700 block Vine St, Hays; 11:24 PM; 11:30 PM Welfare Check--1700 block Sunset Trl, Hays; 11:41 PM

The Hays Police Department responded to 8 animal calls and conducted 32 traffic stops Fri., July 3, 2020, according to the HPD Activity Log.

Abandoned Vehicle--400 block E 7th St, Hays; 8:16 AM Civil Dispute--1700 block Haney Dr, Hays; 9:21 AM Animal At Large--500 block E 15th St, Hays; 9:22 AM MV Accident-Personal Injury--13th and Vine, Hays; 10:29 AM Motorist/Vehicle Assist--3200 block Vine St, Hays; 10:33 AM MV Accident-Hit and Run--2900 block Vine St, Hays; 10:31 AM Animal At Large--3300 block Hall St, Hays; 12:08 PM Animal At Large--4500 block Jagger Ct, Hays; 12:39 PM Suspicious Activity--2700 block Thunderbird Dr, Hays; 12:46 PM Disturbance - Noise--1300 block Felten Dr, Hays ; 1:13 PM Animal At Large--27th and Walnut St, Hays; 1:31 PM Animal Injured 17th and Hall St, Hays; 2:33 PM 44 - Traffic Stop--1400 block US 183 Alt Hwy, Hays; 3:14 PM Disturbance - General--700 block Vine St, Hays; 3:57 PM Civil Dispute--400 block W 3rd St, Hays; 4:21 PM Suspicious Activity--3700 block Vine St, Hays; 8:52 PM Civil Dispute--100 block W 20th St, Hays; 9:17 PM MV Accident-City Street/Alley--500 block W 7th St, Hays; 10:25 PM

The Hays Police Department responded to 11 animal calls and conducted 26 traffic stops Sat., July 4, 2020, according to the HPD Activity Log.

Driving Under the Influence--400 block W 10th St, Hays; 1 AM Drug Offenses--1400 block US 183 Alt Hwy,
Hays; 1:17 AM Intoxicated Subject--100 block E 7th St, Hays; 2:07 AM Suspicious Activity--3200 block Country Ln, Hays; 2:43 AM Intoxicated Subject--200 block E 7th St, Hays; 2:52 AM Lost
Animals ONLY--3800 block Butter Field Rd, Hays; 6:26 AM Animal At Large--1900 block Vine St, Hays; 8:01 AM Mental Health Call--200 block Northridge Dr, Hays; 8:12 AM Mental Health Call--1300 block E
33rd St, Hays; 8:15 AM; 8:42 AM Criminal Trespass--1800 block Fort St, Hays; 10 AM; 10:15 AM Animal At Large--2800 block Grant Ave, Hays; 10:36 AM Disturbance - General--500 block E 8th St, Hays; 10:54 AM Mental Health Call--100 block W 12th St, Hays; 11:32 AM Animal At Large--1000 block Reservation Rd, Hays; 1:13 PM Civil Dispute--1400 block E 29th St, Hays; 1:26 PM Welfare Check--2700 block Epworth St, Hays; 3:17 PM Found/Lost Property--Hays; 4:40 PM Water Use Violation--300 block E 15th St, Hays; 5:33 PM Lost Animals ONLY--300 block Main St, Hays; 5:51 PM Sex Offense--100 block W 12th St, Hays; 5/16 2:22 AM Found/Lost Property--2700 block Colonial St, Hays; 12 AM; 7:46 PM&nbsp; Fireworks Violation--1700 block Douglas Dr, Hays; 9:28 PM Fire--600 block E 5th St, Hays; 10:06 PM Missing Person--3300 block Lincoln Dr, Hays; 10:32 PM Fireworks Violation--100 block W 25th St, Hays; 11:08 PM Fire--1000 block W 27th St, Hays; 11:15 PM; 11:25 PM Suspicious Activity--1700 block Volga Dr, Hays; 11:26 PM Fireworks Violation--300 block E 15th St, Hays; 11:28 PM Fireworks Violation--400 block W 4th St, Hays; 11:45 PM&nbsp;

The Hays Police Department responded to 3 animal calls and conducted 15 traffic stops Sun., July 5, 2020, according to the HPD Activity Log.

Fireworks Violation--300 block E 11th St, Hays; 12:28 AM; 12:31 AM Disturbance -
General--4400 block Newton Cir, Hays; 12:50 AM Drug Offenses--1000 block Elm St, Hays; 1:50 AM Domestic Disturbance--1800 block Main St, Hays; 7/4 10 PM; 7/5 12 AM Suicidal Subject--300 block W 16th St, Hays; 2:46 AM Criminal Damage to Property--400 block Halladay St, Hays; 7/4 5:45 PM; 7/5 5:45 AM Abandoned Vehicle--2700 block Sherman Ave, Hays; 12:31 PM Found/Lost Property--3600 block Vine St, Hay; 1:55 PM Burglary/vehicle--300 block W 7th St, Hays; 7/4 11 PM; 7/5 2:20 PM Animal At Large--700 block W 12th St, Hays; 2:44 PM Civil Dispute--500 block Ash St, Hays; 6:05 PM; 6:05 AM Civil Dispute--200 block W 12th St, Hays; 7:22 PM 44 - Traffic
Stop--3600 block Vine St, Hays; 7:59 PM Civil Dispute--500 block block Ash St, Hays; 8:49 PM Parking Complaint--500 block W 16th St, Hays; 9 PM; 9:24 PM Fireworks Violation--1600 block E 28th St, Hays; 10:04 PM&nbsp; Lost Animals ONLY--1100 block Canterbury Dr, Hays; 11:36 PM

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/6/1592410704431.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>The Hays Police Department responded to 8 animal calls and conducted 16 traffic stops Tue., June 30, 2020, according to the HPD Activity Log.Drug Offenses--1000 block E 41st St, Hays; 12:29 AM Suspicious Person--1300 block E 8th St, Hays; 2 AM Criminal Trespass--400 block Oak St, Hays; 2:56 AM Lost Animals ONLY--1000 block E 8th St, Hays; 7:53 AM Drug Offenses--2200 block Canterbury Dr, Hays; 9:55 AM Bicycle - Lost,Found,Stolen--1000 block W 39th St, Hays; 10:40 AM&nbsp; Criminal Damage to Property--2900 block Sherman Ave, Hays 1/1 12 PM; 6/30 11:43 AM Suspicious Activity--300 block W 16th St, Hays; 11:56 AM Found/Lost Property--1300 block E 33rd St, Hays; 12:41 PM Lost Animals ONLY--300 block W 16th St, Hays; 1:51 PM Assist - Other (not MV)--1200 block Hall St, Hays; 2:20 PM Animal Cruelty/Neglect--400 block W 5th St, Hays; 2:45 PM Theft (general)--600 block Vine St, Hays; 6/13 7 PM; 6/30 9 AM Welfare Check--3800 block Vine St, Hays; 7:19 PM Criminal Threat--2500 block Virginia Dr, Hays; 10:22 PM; 10:52 Battery - Domestic--100 block W 6th St, Hays; 10:50 PM; 11:01 PM&nbsp;The Hays Police Department responded to 6 animal calls and conducted 21 traffic stops Wed., July 1, 2020, according to the HPD Activity Log. Drug Offenses--Hays; 12:40 AM Found/Lost Property--100 block E 17th St, Hays; 11:36 AM Drug Offenses--300 block W 6th St, Hays; 2:59 PM&nbsp; Lost Animals ONLY--33rd and Willow, Hays; 3:30 PM Welfare Check--2700 block Hall St, Hays; 5:09 Ambulance Run--1600 block Main St, Hays; 5:51 PM Civil Dispute--2100 block Pine St, Hays; 6:57 PM Water Use Violation--2300 block Virginia Dr, Hays; 7:50 PM 202008678 Theft of Vehicle--500 block E 6th St, Hays; 8:20 PM MV Accident w/Animal--400
block Commerce Pkwy, Hays:9:45 PMThe Hays Police Department responded to 6 animal calls and conducted 21 traffic stops Thu., July 2, 2020, according to the HPD Activity Log. Found/Lost Property--1300 block&nbsp;Vine St, Hays;&nbsp;12:26 AM Assist - Other (not MV)--3700 block&nbsp; Canal Blvd, Hays; 1:27 AM Water Use Violation--2400 block Fort St, Hays; 6:49 AM Found/Lost Property--Hays; 10:50 AM MV Accident-City Street/Alley--27th and Oak, Hays;&nbsp;12:40 PM Water Use Violation--2500 block Donald Dr, Hays; 1:46 PM Bicycle - Lost,Found,Stolen--400 block W 8th St, Hays; 6/30 4 PM; 7/2 3 PM Civil Dispute--300 block E 16th St, Hays; 6:12 PM Lost Animals ONLY--1100 block Canterbury Dr, Hays; 6:14 PM Criminal Damage to Property--500 block E 8th St, Hays; 7:11 PM Lost Animals ONLY--1300 block W 43rd St, Hays; 7:50 PM Lost Animals ONLY--1300 block E 18th St, Hays; 8:41 PM Lost Animals ONLY--1700 block Anthony Dr, Hays; 10:38 PM MV Accident-City Street/Alley--2700 block Vine St, Hays; 11:24 PM; 11:30 PM Welfare Check--1700 block Sunset Trl, Hays; 11:41 PMThe Hays Police Department responded to 8 animal calls and conducted 32 traffic stops Fri., July 3, 2020, according to the HPD Activity Log.Abandoned Vehicle--400 block E 7th St, Hays; 8:16 AM Civil Dispute--1700 block Haney Dr, Hays; 9:21 AM Animal At Large--500 block E 15th St, Hays; 9:22 AM MV Accident-Personal Injury--13th and Vine, Hays; 10:29 AM Motorist/Vehicle Assist--3200 block Vine St, Hays; 10:33 AM MV Accident-Hit and Run--2900 block Vine St, Hays; 10:31 AM Animal At Large--3300 block Hall St, Hays; 12:08 PM Animal At Large--4500 block Jagger Ct, Hays; 12:39 PM Suspicious Activity--2700 block Thunderbird Dr, Hays; 12:46 PM Disturbance - Noise--1300 block Felten Dr, Hays ; 1:13 PM Animal At Large--27th and Walnut St, Hays; 1:31 PM Animal Injured 17th and Hall St, Hays; 2:33 PM 44 - Traffic Stop--1400 block US 183 Alt Hwy, Hays; 3:14 PM Disturbance - General--700 block Vine St, Hays; 3:57 PM Civil Dispute--400 block W 3rd St, Hays; 4:21 PM Suspicious Activity--3700 block Vine St, Hays; 8:52 PM Civil Dispute--100 block W 20th St, Hays; 9:17 PM MV Accident-City Street/Alley--500 block W 7th St, Hays; 10:25 PMThe Hays Police Department responded to 11 animal calls and conducted 26 traffic stops Sat., July 4, 2020, according to the HPD Activity Log.Driving Under the Influence--400 block W 10th St, Hays; 1 AM Drug Offenses--1400 block US 183 Alt Hwy,
Hays; 1:17 AM Intoxicated Subject--100 block E 7th St, Hays; 2:07 AM Suspicious Activity--3200 block Country Ln, Hays; 2:43 AM Intoxicated Subject--200 block E 7th St, Hays; 2:52 AM Lost
Animals ONLY--3800 block Butter Field Rd, Hays; 6:26 AM Animal At Large--1900 block Vine St, Hays; 8:01 AM Mental Health Call--200 block Northridge Dr, Hays; 8:12 AM Mental Health Call--1300 block E
33rd St, Hays; 8:15 AM; 8:42 AM Criminal Trespass--1800 block Fort St, Hays; 10 AM; 10:15 AM Animal At Large--2800 block Grant Ave, Hays; 10:36 AM Disturbance - General--500 block E 8th St, Hays; 10:54 AM Mental Health Call--100 block W 12th St, Hays; 11:32 AM Animal At Large--1000 block Reservation Rd, Hays; 1:13 PM Civil Dispute--1400 block E 29th St, Hays; 1:26 PM Welfare Check--2700 block Epworth St, Hays; 3:17 PM Found/Lost Property--Hays; 4:40 PM Water Use Violation--300 block E 15th St, Hays; 5:33 PM Lost Animals ONLY--300 block Main St, Hays; 5:51 PM Sex Offense--100 block W 12th St, Hays; 5/16 2:22 AM Found/Lost Property--2700 block Colonial St, Hays; 12 AM; 7:46 PM&nbsp; Fireworks Violation--1700 block Douglas Dr, Hays; 9:28 PM Fire--600 block E 5th St, Hays; 10:06 PM Missing Person--3300 block Lincoln Dr, Hays; 10:32 PM Fireworks Violation--100 block W 25th St, Hays; 11:08 PM Fire--1000 block W 27th St, Hays; 11:15 PM; 11:25 PM Suspicious Activity--1700 block Volga Dr, Hays; 11:26 PM Fireworks Violation--300 block E 15th St, Hays; 11:28 PM Fireworks Violation--400 block W 4th St, Hays; 11:45 PM&nbsp;The Hays Police Department responded to 3 animal calls and conducted 15 traffic stops Sun., July 5, 2020, according to the HPD Activity Log.Fireworks Violation--300 block E 11th St, Hays; 12:28 AM; 12:31 AM Disturbance -
General--4400 block Newton Cir, Hays; 12:50 AM Drug Offenses--1000 block Elm St, Hays; 1:50 AM Domestic Disturbance--1800 block Main St, Hays; 7/4 10 PM; 7/5 12 AM Suicidal Subject--300 block W 16th St, Hays; 2:46 AM Criminal Damage to Property--400 block Halladay St, Hays; 7/4 5:45 PM; 7/5 5:45 AM Abandoned Vehicle--2700 block Sherman Ave, Hays; 12:31 PM Found/Lost Property--3600 block Vine St, Hay; 1:55 PM Burglary/vehicle--300 block W 7th St, Hays; 7/4 11 PM; 7/5 2:20 PM Animal At Large--700 block W 12th St, Hays; 2:44 PM Civil Dispute--500 block Ash St, Hays; 6:05 PM; 6:05 AM Civil Dispute--200 block W 12th St, Hays; 7:22 PM 44 - Traffic
Stop--3600 block Vine St, Hays; 7:59 PM Civil Dispute--500 block block Ash St, Hays; 8:49 PM Parking Complaint--500 block W 16th St, Hays; 9 PM; 9:24 PM Fireworks Violation--1600 block E 28th St, Hays; 10:04 PM&nbsp; Lost Animals ONLY--1100 block Canterbury Dr, Hays; 11:36 PM<figure>
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HPD Activity Log June 30-July 5

Last Thursday, July 2, I had one of my most disheartening and disturbing experiences as an Ellis County citizen. I attended the County Commissioner’s special meeting to decide whether Ellis County would honor the governor’s mandate for wearing masks. Given the fact that this significant health-related question was to be decided by a body of men with no medical background but with political points to gain, I should not have been surprised at their unanimous decision to ignore the mandate.

Let’s take a moment to consider one by one their arguments in support of their decision:

“Wear a mask if you believe you’re at risk. It’s a matter of personal preference.”

This argument completely ignores the often-repeated fact that wearing a mask protects OTHER PEOPLE more than it protects the wearer. Wearing a mask offers little protection if others are not also wearing masks—hence the need for a mandate.

“People don’t like to be told what to do. In fact, if someone tells me what to do, I’m going to do the opposite.”

This argument, made by Commissioner Schlyer, sounds like a teenager’s whining, not a sound reason to ignore a mandate that could help us avoid a spike of cases in Ellis County. Someone might want to go barefoot into a restaurant, but “No shirt, no shoes, no service” is a mandate we’ve accepted for years for health reasons.

“I’m not going to support a mandate in a free country.”

Commissioner Roths made this argument, similar to the one above. But even in a free country, we have mandates to protect public safety. Speed limits are just one example.

“It shouldn’t be ‘one size fits all.’ ”

The thinking here seems to be that because we are in a rural part of the state, we don’t have to take precautions to slow the spread of the pandemic. Only counties with larger populations or larger spikes of cases need those precautions. I’ll return to the speed limit example. There’s much more traffic along I-70 in Johnson County than in Ellis County, yet we still have comparable speed limits for public safety. And speaking of I-70—because travelers come through Ellis County, we should not become complacent and assume the virus won’t find us here.

“Many of my constituents called to say they opposed the mandate.”

Commissioners revealed that many constituents were opposed to the mandate, and some were in favor of it. One of those in favor, who called each commissioner, was a medical doctor. For a medical decision, wouldn’t it make more sense to listen to a doctor than to constituents with non-medical backgrounds? The main reason for not doing so seems to be political, with a fear of losing votes being stronger than any desire to protect at-risk citizens. And if you don’t think this decision was political, consider Commissioner Schlyer’s argument:

“If Kobach was governor, we wouldn’t even be having this conversation.”

That statement spoke volumes to me. Let me point out that even the staunchly conservative governor of Texas has finally called for a mask mandate. Governor Kelly was simply trying to be proactive, not waiting for unnecessary deaths and hospital ICUs at 95% capacity and climbing, as they’re seeing in Texas after waiting too long to act.

“This mandate is an attack on small business.”

I found this argument by Commissioner Roths especially ironic since the opposite is actually true. I and many of my at-risk friends have avoided shopping in Hays because of the lack of masks. On a recent trip to Steamboat Springs, I felt comfortable going in stores and restaurants because of a city-wide mask mandate. Not so in Hays. If businesses want everybody’s business, they need to ensure everyone feels safe walking in the door.

“Some people struggle with wearing a mask—for example, asthma sufferers.”

To me, this is actually the most convincing argument, but it, too, can be addressed. Wouldn’t it be possible for such individuals to receive an exemption? They could apply through the County Health Office, perhaps, and receive an exemption card they could carry. Yes, this would mean that a few such individuals would be in public without masks, but surely that’s preferable to having the vast majority of individuals carelessly going out in public without masks.

Since our County Commissioners have failed to support a mandate that would protect citizens’ health, I must appeal instead to the compassion and common sense of business owners and those who go out in public while COVID-19 is still a threat. Please ask your patrons to wear masks—and for everyone reading this, please wear a mask when you’re out in public.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/12/1575913663048.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Last Thursday, July 2, I had one of my most disheartening and disturbing experiences as an Ellis County citizen. I attended the County Commissioner’s special meeting to decide whether Ellis County would honor the governor’s mandate for wearing masks. Given the fact that this significant health-related question was to be decided by a body of men with no medical background but with political points to gain, I should not have been surprised at their unanimous decision to ignore the mandate.Let’s take a moment to consider one by one their arguments in support of their decision:“Wear a mask if you believe you’re at risk. It’s a matter of personal preference.”This argument completely ignores the often-repeated fact that wearing a mask protects OTHER PEOPLE more than it protects the wearer. Wearing a mask offers little protection if others are not also wearing masks—hence the need for a mandate.“People don’t like to be told what to do. In fact, if someone tells me what to do, I’m going to do the opposite.”This argument, made by Commissioner Schlyer, sounds like a teenager’s whining, not a sound reason to ignore a mandate that could help us avoid a spike of cases in Ellis County. Someone might want to go barefoot into a restaurant, but “No shirt, no shoes, no service” is a mandate we’ve accepted for years for health reasons.“I’m not going to support a mandate in a free country.”Commissioner Roths made this argument, similar to the one above. But even in a free country, we have mandates to protect public safety. Speed limits are just one example.“It shouldn’t be ‘one size fits all.’ ”The thinking here seems to be that because we are in a rural part of the state, we don’t have to take precautions to slow the spread of the pandemic. Only counties with larger populations or larger spikes of cases need those precautions. I’ll return to the speed limit example. There’s much more traffic along I-70 in Johnson County than in Ellis County, yet we still have comparable speed limits for public safety. And speaking of I-70—because travelers come through Ellis County, we should not become complacent and assume the virus won’t find us here.“Many of my constituents called to say they opposed the mandate.”Commissioners revealed that many constituents were opposed to the mandate, and some were in favor of it. One of those in favor, who called each commissioner, was a medical doctor. For a medical decision, wouldn’t it make more sense to listen to a doctor than to constituents with non-medical backgrounds? The main reason for not doing so seems to be political, with a fear of losing votes being stronger than any desire to protect at-risk citizens. And if you don’t think this decision was political, consider Commissioner Schlyer’s argument:“If Kobach was governor, we wouldn’t even be having this conversation.”That statement spoke volumes to me. Let me point out that even the staunchly conservative governor of Texas has finally called for a mask mandate. Governor Kelly was simply trying to be proactive, not waiting for unnecessary deaths and hospital ICUs at 95% capacity and climbing, as they’re seeing in Texas after waiting too long to act.“This mandate is an attack on small business.”I found this argument by Commissioner Roths especially ironic since the opposite is actually true. I and many of my at-risk friends have avoided shopping in Hays because of the lack of masks. On a recent trip to Steamboat Springs, I felt comfortable going in stores and restaurants because of a city-wide mask mandate. Not so in Hays. If businesses want everybody’s business, they need to ensure everyone feels safe walking in the door.“Some people struggle with wearing a mask—for example, asthma sufferers.”To me, this is actually the most convincing argument, but it, too, can be addressed. Wouldn’t it be possible for such individuals to receive an exemption? They could apply through the County Health Office, perhaps, and receive an exemption card they could carry. Yes, this would mean that a few such individuals would be in public without masks, but surely that’s preferable to having the vast majority of individuals carelessly going out in public without masks.Since our County Commissioners have failed to support a mandate that would protect citizens’ health, I must appeal instead to the compassion and common sense of business owners and those who go out in public while COVID-19 is still a threat. Please ask your patrons to wear masks—and for everyone reading this, please wear a mask when you’re out in public.Cheryl Hofstetter Duffy, Hays

LETTER: County decision on masks 'disheartening'

COLBY - The public is invited to the Prairie Museum of Art and History in Colby for a reception and “Bringing it all Home” and art exhibition to welcome the work of Annette Hutfles-Boardman, from 2 – 4 p.m. Sunday, July 12.

The title “Bringing it all Home” honors Hutfles-Boardman’s first art exhibition in her hometown of Colby.

Now living in Topeka, the northwest Kansas native is known throughout the state for her realism landscapes that depict country scenes, rolling prairies and iconic sunsets of the Midwest. Additionally, her experience as a traveling art teacher brings to life crashing waves on ocean coasts and serene islands waking to pink morning lights.

“I work in various mediums such as acrylics, watercolors and pencil,” explains Hutfles-Boardman. “And, before I earned by Bachelor of Fine Arts Degree from Kansas State University, my first formal art instruction came from Kenneth Mitchell at Colby Community College.”

Following college, Boardman entered the design and advertising world as a layout and campaign artist before teaching art classes in schools and arts councils throughout Kansas City, Wichita and Topeka. She also has experience illustrating children’s books and spent four years teaching private classes in her year-round art studio.

Most recently, an 11x14 acrylic titled “Through the Pines” was selected for a juried art show in Fremont, Cali., where it was received well and ultimately sold to a collector.

Today, with her 4-year old German Shepherd named Gracie, Boardman continues to paint fine art in her studio near Topeka.

“We hope people will enjoy this casual opportunity to meet Annette and see her impressive works of art,” said Prairie Museum Director Ann Miner. “We’re especially excited to honor the work of a Colby native, who attended the Sacred Heart Catholic School, Colby High School, and Colby Community College before making her mark in eastern Kansas and California.”

Boardman’s art exhibition featuring almost 40 works of art will be on display at the Prairie Museum through the end of August, many of which will also be available for sale.

Although admission is required to see the rest of the indoor galleries and outdoor exhibits at the Prairie Museum, visitors are always welcome to view art showings in the Garvey Education Room for free.

In light of Covid-19, exhibition guests are asked to maintain social distancing guidelines, and masks are recommended. For more information, please call the Prairie Museum at (785) 460-4590.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/7/1593949417699.jpeg" alt=""Bearded Iris" by&nbsp;&nbsp;Annette Hutfles-Boardman" />
 <figcaption>"Bearded Iris" by&nbsp;&nbsp;Annette Hutfles-Boardman</figcaption>
 </figure>COLBY - The public is invited to the Prairie Museum of Art and History in Colby for a reception and “Bringing it all Home” and art exhibition to welcome the work of Annette Hutfles-Boardman, from 2 – 4 p.m. Sunday, July 12.The title “Bringing it all Home” honors Hutfles-Boardman’s first art exhibition in her hometown of Colby.Now living in Topeka, the northwest Kansas native is known throughout the state for her realism landscapes that depict country scenes, rolling prairies and iconic sunsets of the Midwest. Additionally, her experience as a traveling art teacher brings to life crashing waves on ocean coasts and serene islands waking to pink morning lights.“I work in various mediums such as acrylics, watercolors and pencil,” explains Hutfles-Boardman. “And, before I earned by Bachelor of Fine Arts Degree from Kansas State University, my first formal art instruction came from Kenneth Mitchell at Colby Community College.”Following college, Boardman entered the design and advertising world as a layout and campaign artist before teaching art classes in schools and arts councils throughout Kansas City, Wichita and Topeka. She also has experience illustrating children’s books and spent four years teaching private classes in her year-round art studio.Most recently, an 11x14 acrylic titled “Through the Pines” was selected for a juried art show in Fremont, Cali., where it was received well and ultimately sold to a collector. <figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/7/1593949746870.jpeg" alt="Annette Boardman and Gracie" />
 <figcaption>Annette Boardman and Gracie</figcaption>
 </figure>Today, with her 4-year old German Shepherd named Gracie, Boardman continues to paint fine art in her studio near Topeka.“We hope people will enjoy this casual opportunity to meet Annette and see her impressive works of art,” said Prairie Museum Director Ann Miner. “We’re especially excited to honor the work of a Colby native, who attended the Sacred Heart Catholic School, Colby High School, and Colby Community College before making her mark in eastern Kansas and California.”Boardman’s art exhibition featuring almost 40 works of art will be on display at the Prairie Museum through the end of August, many of which will also be available for sale.Although admission is required to see the rest of the indoor galleries and outdoor exhibits at the Prairie Museum, visitors are always welcome to view art showings in the Garvey Education Room for free.In light of Covid-19, exhibition guests are asked to maintain social distancing guidelines, and masks are recommended. For more information, please call the Prairie Museum at (785) 460-4590.News release

Traveling art teacher brings her work to hometown of Colby

Science Café presents: “A Summer Series on Astronomy” Come learn about the night skies with Dr. Paul Adams.&nbsp; He will explain constellations, planets, and star gazing.

Presenter Adams is the Dean, College of Education, Professor of Physics and Anschutz Professor of Education, JPL Solar System Ambassador, Fort Hays State University

Summer Series presentations will end new videos on Wednesday, July 8th&nbsp;with a Special July 13th LIVE Virtual presentation. Click on the links or go to&nbsp;<a href="https://www.facebook.com/FHSUScienceCafe/" target="_blank">https://www.facebook.com/FHSUScienceCafe/</a>

Summer Observation 1: See the Stars tonight-How to have fun observing and be a Citizen Scientists!&nbsp;<a href="https://youtu.be/z4siUGAq_KE" target="_blank">https://youtu.be/z4siUGAq_KE</a> Summer Observation 2: Getting Started&nbsp;&nbsp;<a href="https://youtu.be/bhVc_Ekfjt4" target="_blank">https://youtu.be/bhVc_Ekfjt4</a>&nbsp;&nbsp;

Summer Observation 3: Hercules, the Northern Crown, and the Spider God&nbsp;<a href="https://youtu.be/Z769aBycuPc" target="_blank">https://youtu.be/Z769aBycuPc</a>&nbsp;

Summer Observation 4: The Summer Triangle, Vega, Altair, Deneb and tales of love lost and found and lost and…<a href="https://youtu.be/CDoLdbtKpsw" target="_blank">https://youtu.be/CDoLdbtKpsw</a>

Summer Observation 5: Milky Way, Sagittarius, Scorpio, and Maui's Hook&nbsp;&nbsp;<a href="https://youtu.be/sEGh0wu2YJ8" target="_blank">https://youtu.be/sEGh0wu2YJ8</a>

Summer Observation 6: Looking for Planets and things that move in the night&nbsp;July 8, 2020&nbsp;video released

Summer Observation 7: Prepping for the Perseid Meteor Shower&nbsp;July 8, 2020&nbsp;video released

Special LIVE Facebook Event&nbsp;July 13&nbsp;at 7:00 PM&nbsp;Science Café Virtual presentation&nbsp;Mars 2020 Mission: Perseverance Rover <a href="https://www.facebook.com/events/327053968321738/" target="_blank">https://www.facebook.com/events/327053968321738/</a>

Sponsored by Science and Mathematics Education Institute. More at&nbsp; <a href="http://www.fhsu.edu/smei" target="_blank">www.fhsu.edu/smei</a>

FHSU Science CaféScience Café presents: “A Summer Series on Astronomy” Come learn about the night skies with Dr. Paul Adams.&nbsp; He will explain constellations, planets, and star gazing.Presenter Adams is the Dean, College of Education, Professor of Physics and Anschutz Professor of Education, JPL Solar System Ambassador, Fort Hays State UniversitySummer Series presentations will end new videos on Wednesday, July 8th&nbsp;with a Special July 13th LIVE Virtual presentation. Click on the links or go to&nbsp;<a href="https://www.facebook.com/FHSUScienceCafe/" target="_blank">https://www.facebook.com/FHSUScienceCafe/</a> Summer Observation 1: See the Stars tonight-How to have fun observing and be a Citizen Scientists!&nbsp;<a href="https://youtu.be/z4siUGAq_KE" target="_blank">https://youtu.be/z4siUGAq_KE</a> Summer Observation 2: Getting Started&nbsp;&nbsp;<a href="https://youtu.be/bhVc_Ekfjt4" target="_blank">https://youtu.be/bhVc_Ekfjt4</a>&nbsp;&nbsp; Summer Observation 3: Hercules, the Northern Crown, and the Spider God&nbsp;<a href="https://youtu.be/Z769aBycuPc" target="_blank">https://youtu.be/Z769aBycuPc</a>&nbsp;Summer Observation 4: The Summer Triangle, Vega, Altair, Deneb and tales of love lost and found and lost and…<a href="https://youtu.be/CDoLdbtKpsw" target="_blank">https://youtu.be/CDoLdbtKpsw</a>Summer Observation 5: Milky Way, Sagittarius, Scorpio, and Maui's Hook&nbsp;&nbsp;<a href="https://youtu.be/sEGh0wu2YJ8" target="_blank">https://youtu.be/sEGh0wu2YJ8</a>Summer Observation 6: Looking for Planets and things that move in the night&nbsp;July 8, 2020&nbsp;video releasedSummer Observation 7: Prepping for the Perseid Meteor Shower&nbsp;July 8, 2020&nbsp;video releasedSpecial LIVE Facebook Event&nbsp;July 13&nbsp;at 7:00 PM&nbsp;Science Café Virtual presentation&nbsp;Mars 2020 Mission: Perseverance Rover <a href="https://www.facebook.com/events/327053968321738/" target="_blank">https://www.facebook.com/events/327053968321738/</a>Sponsored by Science and Mathematics Education Institute. More at&nbsp; <a href="http://www.fhsu.edu/smei" target="_blank">www.fhsu.edu/smei</a>

 'Mars 2020 Mission: Perseverance Rover' presented by FHSU Science Café 

By Betsy Wearing Northwest Kansas Today

The census is still happening!
With the many other issues in the news, don’t forget that Kansas needs to get a
complete count for the 2020 census.

It is not too late to complete
the information for your household. You can go online to 2020census.gov to
respond.&nbsp; If you are not comfortable responding online, you can either
fill out the paper form you should have received in the mail, or call, 1-844-330-2020
(1-844-468-2020 for Spanish language).

For every Kansan that is not
counted, our state, and by trickle down, our hometowns lose more than
$2,000&nbsp;every year&nbsp;for 10 years.

So, for each person counted,
Kansas gains $20,000 in federal dollars over the coming decade. 

These funds are
critical for schools, highways, and a host of other programs and projects that
affect our daily lives. The census also is used to determine our representation
in Washington.

Be sure to count every person
in your household, from newborn babies born on or before April 1, to
grandparents, other relatives or friends who live with you.

If you have a friend or
neighbor you suspect might need help completing the census, offer to help or
share the phone number above.

Currently Kansas is at just
over 65% response rate. It’s better than the national average, but not as good
as it was in 2010 or as good as Kansas needs it to be.

Here are the response rates as
of July 2 for Northwest Kansas counties, none of which have yet met the rate of
response from the 2010 census:

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/4/1587556040230.jpeg" alt="Ellis County has 66.10% response rate for the 2020 census as of July 2." />
 <figcaption>Ellis County has 66.10% response rate for the 2020 census as of July 2.</figcaption>
 </figure>By Betsy Wearing Northwest Kansas Today The census is still happening!
With the many other issues in the news, don’t forget that Kansas needs to get a
complete count for the 2020 census.It is not too late to complete
the information for your household. You can go online to 2020census.gov to
respond.&nbsp; If you are not comfortable responding online, you can either
fill out the paper form you should have received in the mail, or call, 1-844-330-2020
(1-844-468-2020 for Spanish language).For every Kansan that is not
counted, our state, and by trickle down, our hometowns lose more than
$2,000&nbsp;every year&nbsp;for 10 years. So, for each person counted,
Kansas gains $20,000 in federal dollars over the coming decade. These funds are
critical for schools, highways, and a host of other programs and projects that
affect our daily lives. The census also is used to determine our representation
in Washington.In short, it’s important!Be sure to count every person
in your household, from newborn babies born on or before April 1, to
grandparents, other relatives or friends who live with you.If you have a friend or
neighbor you suspect might need help completing the census, offer to help or
share the phone number above.Currently Kansas is at just
over 65% response rate. It’s better than the national average, but not as good
as it was in 2010 or as good as Kansas needs it to be.Here are the response rates as
of July 2 for Northwest Kansas counties, none of which have yet met the rate of
response from the 2010 census:<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/7/1593951672981.png" alt="Northwest Kansas 2020 census response rates as of July 2." />
 <figcaption>Northwest Kansas 2020 census response rates as of July 2.</figcaption>
 </figure>

NW Kan. census response rates lagging; Ellis Co. at 66%

Three-day weather outlook

As I’m out
and about promoting soil health at field days, crop tours and conferences, I typically
run into a farmer or two who think what I’m talking about is voodoo science
and this whole no-till/soil health thing is a bunch of malarkey.

&nbsp; They claim that you need to “open up and
fluff up the soil with tillage” so it can take in moisture and that no-till
just makes the ground hard making it difficult for water to get through.&nbsp; 

Tradition may make you think that is the
case.&nbsp; After all farmers have been using
tillage since almost the beginning of time and it is what dad and granddad did.&nbsp; 

To start with, most tillage creates
compaction layers that only allow the moisture to get into soil just a few
inches before it begins to runoff or pond.&nbsp;
But more importantly tillage destroys soil aggregates, and the soil
biology that helps form them.

A soil
aggregate is a whole bunch of individual soil particles held together into
bigger sizes by biological glues that soil organisms, like fungi, bacteria and earthworm
secrete. By the way, these soil organisms rely on a living plant to
survive.&nbsp; 

Decomposing soil organic matter
also provide organic glues.&nbsp; These bigger
“clumps” of soil provide pore spaces so when it does rainwater can get into the
soil.&nbsp; 

Think of it of how water well
works.&nbsp; We use large pieces of gravel and
rock to fill in behind the well casing to provide large pore spaces for water
to get into the well.&nbsp; 

If we would use
something smaller in size, like clay particles, there would be smaller and
fewer pore spaces so very little water would get into the well.&nbsp; Same goes for the soil.&nbsp; The fewer and smaller pore spaces the less
water infiltration there will be.

In addition,
soil particles easily break away from each other when water enters an aggregate
with low stability.&nbsp; These soil particles
fill surface pore spaces and form a hard crust on the soil surface when the
soil dries.&nbsp; Water has difficulty
penetrating this crust and it typically runs off, which causes erosion.&nbsp; The crust can also restrict seedling
emergence.&nbsp; 

In western
Kansas dryland cropping systems, it’s all about water.&nbsp;

 The more we can capture and store in the soil
profile the better chance we have a growing a good, productive crop.&nbsp;

 Stable soil aggregates, that don’t break
apart when water enters them, provide more pore spaces for water to enter.&nbsp; This also increases the soil’s water holding
capacity. Good aggregate stability also helps in root development, which helps
the plant take up more water and nutrients.&nbsp;
The soil is also more resistant to erosion.&nbsp; 

So how do we
improve our soil aggregate stability?&nbsp;
The simple answer is to reduce tillage.&nbsp;


Excessive tillage physically breaks down soil aggregates and disturbs
the soil organisms that secrete the glues that hold soil particles together.&nbsp; Over time it also depletes soil organic
matter which is also important to aggregate stability. &nbsp;

I get that an occasional tillage operation may
be necessary and the best tool to use for the circumstance.&nbsp; But when it comes to improving the water
infiltration and increasing the soil’s water holding cap<a></a>acity
tillage is not your friend.

For more
information about this or other soil health practices you can contact me at <a href="mailto:dale.younker@ks.usda.gov">dale.younker@ks.usda.gov</a> or any local NRCS office.

Dale Younker is a Soil Health Specialist at the USDA Natural Resources Conservation Services office in Jetmore.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/7/1593956609910.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>As I’m out
and about promoting soil health at field days, crop tours and conferences, I typically
run into a farmer or two who think what I’m talking about is voodoo science
and this whole no-till/soil health thing is a bunch of malarkey.&nbsp; They claim that you need to “open up and
fluff up the soil with tillage” so it can take in moisture and that no-till
just makes the ground hard making it difficult for water to get through.&nbsp; Tradition may make you think that is the
case.&nbsp; After all farmers have been using
tillage since almost the beginning of time and it is what dad and granddad did.&nbsp; But the opposite is true.&nbsp; To start with, most tillage creates
compaction layers that only allow the moisture to get into soil just a few
inches before it begins to runoff or pond.&nbsp;
But more importantly tillage destroys soil aggregates, and the soil
biology that helps form them.A soil
aggregate is a whole bunch of individual soil particles held together into
bigger sizes by biological glues that soil organisms, like fungi, bacteria and earthworm
secrete. By the way, these soil organisms rely on a living plant to
survive.&nbsp; Decomposing soil organic matter
also provide organic glues.&nbsp; These bigger
“clumps” of soil provide pore spaces so when it does rainwater can get into the
soil.&nbsp; Think of it of how water well
works.&nbsp; We use large pieces of gravel and
rock to fill in behind the well casing to provide large pore spaces for water
to get into the well.&nbsp; If we would use
something smaller in size, like clay particles, there would be smaller and
fewer pore spaces so very little water would get into the well.&nbsp; Same goes for the soil.&nbsp; The fewer and smaller pore spaces the less
water infiltration there will be.In addition,
soil particles easily break away from each other when water enters an aggregate
with low stability.&nbsp; These soil particles
fill surface pore spaces and form a hard crust on the soil surface when the
soil dries.&nbsp; Water has difficulty
penetrating this crust and it typically runs off, which causes erosion.&nbsp; The crust can also restrict seedling
emergence.&nbsp; In western
Kansas dryland cropping systems, it’s all about water.&nbsp; The more we can capture and store in the soil
profile the better chance we have a growing a good, productive crop.&nbsp; Stable soil aggregates, that don’t break
apart when water enters them, provide more pore spaces for water to enter.&nbsp; This also increases the soil’s water holding
capacity. Good aggregate stability also helps in root development, which helps
the plant take up more water and nutrients.&nbsp;
The soil is also more resistant to erosion.&nbsp; So how do we
improve our soil aggregate stability?&nbsp;
The simple answer is to reduce tillage.&nbsp;
Excessive tillage physically breaks down soil aggregates and disturbs
the soil organisms that secrete the glues that hold soil particles together.&nbsp; Over time it also depletes soil organic
matter which is also important to aggregate stability. &nbsp;I get that an occasional tillage operation may
be necessary and the best tool to use for the circumstance.&nbsp; But when it comes to improving the water
infiltration and increasing the soil’s water holding cap<a></a>acity
tillage is not your friend.For more
information about this or other soil health practices you can contact me at <a href="mailto:dale.younker@ks.usda.gov">dale.younker@ks.usda.gov</a> or any local NRCS office.Dale Younker is a Soil Health Specialist at the USDA Natural Resources Conservation Services office in Jetmore.&nbsp;

YOUNKER: The effects of tillage on aggregate stability

CHEYENNE COUNTY —Two people were injured in an accident just after 1:30p.m. Sunday in Cheyenne County.

The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a 2006 GMC Canyon driven by Kenneth Lorraine&nbsp;Beougher, 86, Bird City, was southbound on County Road 33 and proceeded through the intersection at U.S. 36.

An eastbound 2004 Dodge Durango driven by Joni D. Bolen, 34, Garden City,&nbsp;collided with the front passenger's side of the Canyon. Both vehicles came to rest in the south ditch.

EMS transported Beougher and Bolen to the hospital in St. Francis. Both were properly restrained at the time of the accident, according to the KHP.

CHEYENNE COUNTY —Two people were injured in an accident just after 1:30p.m. Sunday in Cheyenne County.The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a 2006 GMC Canyon driven by Kenneth Lorraine&nbsp;Beougher, 86, Bird City, was southbound on County Road 33 and proceeded through the intersection at U.S. 36.An eastbound 2004 Dodge Durango driven by Joni D. Bolen, 34, Garden City,&nbsp;collided with the front passenger's side of the Canyon. Both vehicles came to rest in the south ditch.EMS transported Beougher and Bolen to the hospital in St. Francis. Both were properly restrained at the time of the accident, according to the KHP.

2 hospitalized after pickup, SUV crash in NW Kansas

By BECKY KISER Hays Post&nbsp;

Face masks are now a requirement to enter Hays City Hall, even after the Ellis County Health Dept. issued a <a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/21423f8d-d261-4eb5-b117-ab3f25442f3f">statement</a> late Thursday that it will not enforce Gov. Laura Kelly's executive order.&nbsp;&nbsp;

The Ellis County Commission, serving as the county board of health, held a special meeting Thursday afternoon in response to Gov. Kelly’s<a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/fd80a903-c6c3-4b70-ae64-3ef420902ede"> order </a>requiring all Kansans wear a mask in public spaces beginning Friday. The mandate includes work spaces and any place where people can not be separated by at least six feet. The commission voted unanimously to <a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/21423f8d-d261-4eb5-b117-ab3f25442f3f">not require Ellis County residents to wear a mask</a>.

New signs are posted on the entrance door to Hays City Hall, 1507 Main, noting that visitors and its employees within are now required to wear a face mask. 

According to Kim Rupp, Hays public information officer and finance director, masks will be offered to those who enter without one. If the person refuses, they will not be assisted  and will be asked to leave the building.

"If we go through all that and the person finally exits, refusing to wear a mask, in that same amount of time we likely could have their business taken care of," Rupp said.

A hand sanitizer station has been in place at the front of the entrance hallway since city hall <a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/5ebeb34ceb7f170536050f56">reopened to the public</a> May 18.&nbsp;

During Thursday night's city commission work session, department heads and city manager Toby Dougherty were all wearing face masks as they waited to address commissioners.

Each person removed his mask while speaking at the podium and then put it back on afterwords.

Many chairs in the commission chambers have been moved and are not used so remaining chairs for the public are more than six feet apart. 

City commissioners are also social distancing with empty chairs in between each of them.&nbsp;

Rupp said the face mask requirement for city hall will be enforced as long as the governor's executive order in effect.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/7/1593900997079.jpeg" alt="Visitors to Hays City Hall and its employees within are now required to wear a face mask. Masks will be offered to those who enter without one. If the person refuses, they will not be assisted and will be asked to leave the building.&nbsp;" />
 <figcaption>Visitors to Hays City Hall and its employees within are now required to wear a face mask. Masks will be offered to those who enter without one. If the person refuses, they will not be assisted and will be asked to leave the building.&nbsp;</figcaption>
 </figure>By BECKY KISER Hays Post&nbsp;Face masks are now a requirement to enter Hays City Hall, even after the Ellis County Health Dept. issued a <a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/21423f8d-d261-4eb5-b117-ab3f25442f3f">statement</a> late Thursday that it will not enforce Gov. Laura Kelly's executive order.&nbsp;&nbsp;<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/7/1593901245395.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>The Ellis County Commission, serving as the county board of health, held a special meeting Thursday afternoon in response to Gov. Kelly’s<a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/fd80a903-c6c3-4b70-ae64-3ef420902ede"> order </a>requiring all Kansans wear a mask in public spaces beginning Friday. The mandate includes work spaces and any place where people can not be separated by at least six feet. The commission voted unanimously to <a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/21423f8d-d261-4eb5-b117-ab3f25442f3f">not require Ellis County residents to wear a mask</a>.New signs are posted on the entrance door to Hays City Hall, 1507 Main, noting that visitors and its employees within are now required to wear a face mask. According to Kim Rupp, Hays public information officer and finance director, masks will be offered to those who enter without one. If the person refuses, they will not be assisted and will be asked to leave the building.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/7/1593904284961.jpeg" alt="Face masks for the public alongside copies of Thursday's Hays city commission work session agenda." />
 <figcaption>Face masks for the public alongside copies of Thursday's Hays city commission work session agenda.</figcaption>
 </figure>"If we go through all that and the person finally exits, refusing to wear a mask, in that same amount of time we likely could have their business taken care of," Rupp said.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/7/1593902285159.jpeg" alt="Hand sanitizing station just inside Hays City Hall" />
 <figcaption>Hand sanitizing station just inside Hays City Hall</figcaption>
 </figure>A hand sanitizer station has been in place at the front of the entrance hallway since city hall <a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/5ebeb34ceb7f170536050f56">reopened to the public</a> May 18.&nbsp;During Thursday night's city commission work session, department heads and city manager Toby Dougherty were all wearing face masks as they waited to address commissioners.Each person removed his mask while speaking at the podium and then put it back on afterwords.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/7/1593903353675.jpeg" alt="John Braun, projects director, removes his face mask to address Hays city commissioners Thursday night. John Bird, city attorney, Kim Rupp, finance director, and Jesse Rohr, public works director, wear their masks in the city hall chambers.&nbsp;" />
 <figcaption>John Braun, projects director, removes his face mask to address Hays city commissioners Thursday night. John Bird, city attorney, Kim Rupp, finance director, and Jesse Rohr, public works director, wear their masks in the city hall chambers.&nbsp;</figcaption>
 </figure>Many chairs in the commission chambers have been moved and are not used so remaining chairs for the public are more than six feet apart. City commissioners are also social distancing with empty chairs in between each of them.&nbsp;<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/7/1593903076943.jpeg" alt="City commissioner&nbsp; Michael Berges wears a face mask at the July 2 work session. Berges removed it when he talked. Mayor Shaun Musil was absent from the meeting." />
 <figcaption>City commissioner&nbsp; Michael Berges wears a face mask at the July 2 work session. Berges removed it when he talked. Mayor Shaun Musil was absent from the meeting.</figcaption>
 </figure>Rupp said the face mask requirement for city hall will be enforced as long as the governor's executive order in effect.&nbsp;

Masks required at Hays City Hall, despite Ellis Co. decision not to enforce governor's order 

Residents from Hays and the surrounding area gathered together over the weekend to celebrate the Fourth of July with free concerts, a parade, fireworks, a block party and related events, put on by the Wild West Festival and the Downtown Hays Development Corporation.

By JAMES BELL Hays PostResidents from Hays and the surrounding area gathered together over the weekend to celebrate the Fourth of July with free concerts, a parade, fireworks, a block party and related events, put on by the Wild West Festival and the Downtown Hays Development Corporation.Take a look at the festivities below.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/7/1593903099926.jpeg" alt="" />
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Hays celebrates Fourth of July

Beef Extension specialist urges producers to plan ahead

MANHATTAN – Registration is now open for a webinar that will help Kansas beef cattle producers prepare to manage and reduce the impacts of drought and reduced forage availability on cow herds.

The webinar will be hosted by the Kansas State University Department of Animal Sciences and Industry and K-State Research and Extension via Zoom on Thursday, July 9, at noon.

“As the saying goes, failing to plan is planning to fail,” said K-State beef specialist Sandy Johnson. “This webinar is being conducted to help cow-calf producers evaluate the options they have to make strategic adjustments in response to reduced forage availability.&nbsp;We want producers to be prepared to take advantage of opportunities that may arise given current resources, markets and weather.”

The program features strategic reduction of grazing pressure, drought supplementation of cows, early weaned calf nutrition and management, and calf health considerations, presented by members of the K-State beef extension team.&nbsp;

Register for the webinar online at&nbsp;<a href="https://tinyurl.com/KSUBeef-Drought-Preparedness">https://tinyurl.com/KSUBeef-Drought-Preparedness</a>&nbsp;or at<a href="http://www.ksubeef.org/">www.KSUBeef.org</a>. For questions about the event or to register,&nbsp;contact Lois Schreiner,<a href="mailto:lschrein@ksu.edu">lschrein@ksu.edu,</a>&nbsp;or 785-532-1267.

<h2>Beef Extension specialist urges producers to plan ahead</h2>K-State Research &amp; ExtensionMANHATTAN – Registration is now open for a webinar that will help Kansas beef cattle producers prepare to manage and reduce the impacts of drought and reduced forage availability on cow herds.The webinar will be hosted by the Kansas State University Department of Animal Sciences and Industry and K-State Research and Extension via Zoom on Thursday, July 9, at noon.“As the saying goes, failing to plan is planning to fail,” said K-State beef specialist Sandy Johnson. “This webinar is being conducted to help cow-calf producers evaluate the options they have to make strategic adjustments in response to reduced forage availability.&nbsp;We want producers to be prepared to take advantage of opportunities that may arise given current resources, markets and weather.”The program features strategic reduction of grazing pressure, drought supplementation of cows, early weaned calf nutrition and management, and calf health considerations, presented by members of the K-State beef extension team.&nbsp;Register for the webinar online at&nbsp;<a href="https://tinyurl.com/KSUBeef-Drought-Preparedness">https://tinyurl.com/KSUBeef-Drought-Preparedness</a>&nbsp;or at<a href="http://www.ksubeef.org/">www.KSUBeef.org</a>. For questions about the event or to register,&nbsp;contact Lois Schreiner,<a href="mailto:lschrein@ksu.edu">lschrein@ksu.edu,</a>&nbsp;or 785-532-1267.

K-State to host drought preparedness webinar July 9

I’ve seen several articles lately both in print and on the TV evening news reminding Kansans that it’s snake season. 

It reminded me of a small story years ago on the back page of the Hutchinson News entitled “Rattlesnake Relocation Project comes to an End.” It seems that in the spring of 2007, Lenexa, Kansas residents began spotting an ever-increasing number of rattlesnakes in some neighborhoods. 

While checking on the construction site for a never-built Target store, the city construction inspector discovered numerous rattlesnakes lying around the site. It was determined that a large rattlesnake den existed somewhere under a big pile of construction rubble there. A biology professor at a major out-of-state university, saw it as the perfect opportunity to test a new conservation model; the attempted relocation of as many snakes as possible from a single population in hopes they would establish their same population somewhere else. Around-the-clock “snake watches” were established at the den, and over the next 2 or 3 weeks the professor and a host of her students and other volunteers caught 35 Timber Rattlesnakes, implanted them with radio transmitters to permit their being tracked and deposited them at another suitable den site some miles away at a “top-secret” location.

The professors reasoning for relocating the snakes and not “whacking” them was two-fold; first of all it seemed at that time, extreme eastern Kansas was probably the western most boundary of the Timber Rattlesnake in the U.S. and since their numbers were sparse, the Kansas Dept of Wildlife and Parks and Tourism (KDWPT) had made them a SINC species, which stands for Species In Need of Conservation.&nbsp; Because of this, Timber rattlesnakes can legally be killed in Kansas ONLY if they directly threaten your safety, not just because they happen to have rattles on their tail. She called them “the puppy dogs of the rattlesnake world,” and said a timber rattler’s first line of defense is to blend-in rather than to coil or strike, as they opt to save that energy for hunting. Secondly, she said that those snakes were likely there for years, possibly even before the area was built-up, meaning that we humans had encroached on their territory.

Now I’m more snake friendly than most, and because of the free, natural rodent control they provide I’ve been known to relocate a bull snake or two rather than to kill them. One I took to the river actually had duck eggs in its throat already when I drug it from the duck’s nest, so don’t get me wrong here, I see rattlesnakes place in Nature. You rescue Lassie or Timmy if they fall into the well, you rescue a kitten with its head stuck in a salmon can, heck one guy on YouTube even rescued a prairie dog from his swimming pool, but I have a tough time seeing any sane Kansan rescuing a rattlesnake. It all reminds me of the prairie dogs “recued” years ago from around the Mall in Hutchinson. The group went to great lengths to have them “sucked” from their dens into a big, padded truck, and taken to Quivera National Wildlife Refuge, only to discover later that the Quivera badgers were eating them like fast food. I feel sorry for the poor snakes, as the worst they probably ever encountered around their old home were little old ladies with garden hoses or hoes, but their new “secret” home was probably somewhere in the country where the resident farmers and ranchers would remove their heads and care less what species they were. The “puppy dog” of the rattlesnake world really doesn’t work for me either, as I refuse to give that nickname to anything that won’t curl up in my lap to have its ears scratched. And as far as killing Timber Rattlers in Kansas only if they threaten your safety, I have to ask you when you last saw a rattlesnake and did not fear for your safety.

I’ve never been able to find the final outcome of the experiment / project in terms of whether it was deemed successful or not. The article did go on to say that a few litters of young Timber Rattlers were born during the project, and that the students went so far as to name several of the adult snakes; the largest being a male about 4 ½ feet long that weighed 2 pounds. He was named Abuelo, Spanish for grandfather. And by the way, the Timber Rattlesnake is still on the SINC list (Species In Need of Conservation) in Kansas. So, if confronted by a rattlesnake or any snake, give them a chance to retreat if at all possible and live another day. Continue to Explore Kansas Outdoors.

Steve Gilliland, Inman, can be contacted by email at stevenrgilliland@gmail.com.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/11/1574696211722.png" alt="Steve Gilliland" />
 <figcaption>Steve Gilliland</figcaption>
 </figure>I’ve seen several articles lately both in print and on the TV evening news reminding Kansans that it’s snake season. It reminded me of a small story years ago on the back page of the Hutchinson News entitled “Rattlesnake Relocation Project comes to an End.” It seems that in the spring of 2007, Lenexa, Kansas residents began spotting an ever-increasing number of rattlesnakes in some neighborhoods. While checking on the construction site for a never-built Target store, the city construction inspector discovered numerous rattlesnakes lying around the site. It was determined that a large rattlesnake den existed somewhere under a big pile of construction rubble there. A biology professor at a major out-of-state university, saw it as the perfect opportunity to test a new conservation model; the attempted relocation of as many snakes as possible from a single population in hopes they would establish their same population somewhere else. Around-the-clock “snake watches” were established at the den, and over the next 2 or 3 weeks the professor and a host of her students and other volunteers caught 35 Timber Rattlesnakes, implanted them with radio transmitters to permit their being tracked and deposited them at another suitable den site some miles away at a “top-secret” location.The professors reasoning for relocating the snakes and not “whacking” them was two-fold; first of all it seemed at that time, extreme eastern Kansas was probably the western most boundary of the Timber Rattlesnake in the U.S. and since their numbers were sparse, the Kansas Dept of Wildlife and Parks and Tourism (KDWPT) had made them a SINC species, which stands for Species In Need of Conservation.&nbsp; Because of this, Timber rattlesnakes can legally be killed in Kansas ONLY if they directly threaten your safety, not just because they happen to have rattles on their tail. She called them “the puppy dogs of the rattlesnake world,” and said a timber rattler’s first line of defense is to blend-in rather than to coil or strike, as they opt to save that energy for hunting. Secondly, she said that those snakes were likely there for years, possibly even before the area was built-up, meaning that we humans had encroached on their territory.Now I’m more snake friendly than most, and because of the free, natural rodent control they provide I’ve been known to relocate a bull snake or two rather than to kill them. One I took to the river actually had duck eggs in its throat already when I drug it from the duck’s nest, so don’t get me wrong here, I see rattlesnakes place in Nature. You rescue Lassie or Timmy if they fall into the well, you rescue a kitten with its head stuck in a salmon can, heck one guy on YouTube even rescued a prairie dog from his swimming pool, but I have a tough time seeing any sane Kansan rescuing a rattlesnake. It all reminds me of the prairie dogs “recued” years ago from around the Mall in Hutchinson. The group went to great lengths to have them “sucked” from their dens into a big, padded truck, and taken to Quivera National Wildlife Refuge, only to discover later that the Quivera badgers were eating them like fast food. I feel sorry for the poor snakes, as the worst they probably ever encountered around their old home were little old ladies with garden hoses or hoes, but their new “secret” home was probably somewhere in the country where the resident farmers and ranchers would remove their heads and care less what species they were. The “puppy dog” of the rattlesnake world really doesn’t work for me either, as I refuse to give that nickname to anything that won’t curl up in my lap to have its ears scratched. And as far as killing Timber Rattlers in Kansas only if they threaten your safety, I have to ask you when you last saw a rattlesnake and did not fear for your safety.I’ve never been able to find the final outcome of the experiment / project in terms of whether it was deemed successful or not. The article did go on to say that a few litters of young Timber Rattlers were born during the project, and that the students went so far as to name several of the adult snakes; the largest being a male about 4 ½ feet long that weighed 2 pounds. He was named Abuelo, Spanish for grandfather. And by the way, the Timber Rattlesnake is still on the SINC list (Species In Need of Conservation) in Kansas. So, if confronted by a rattlesnake or any snake, give them a chance to retreat if at all possible and live another day. Continue to Explore Kansas Outdoors.Steve Gilliland, Inman, can be contacted by email at stevenrgilliland@gmail.com.

Exploring Outdoors Kansas: Rattlesnake relocation project

Beginning Monday, 23rd Street will be closed at Canal Blvd. in Hays for the reconstruction of pavement in that area.

Canal Blvd. will be restricted to one-way southbound traffic between 21st and 27th Street.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Construction is expected to last several weeks. 

If questions, call City of Hays Project Management at 785 628-7350 or J Corp at 785 628-8101.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/7/1564171611598.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>City of HaysBeginning Monday, 23rd Street will be closed at Canal Blvd. in Hays for the reconstruction of pavement in that area.Canal Blvd. will be restricted to one-way southbound traffic between 21st and 27th Street.&nbsp;&nbsp;Construction is expected to last several weeks. If questions, call City of Hays Project Management at 785 628-7350 or J Corp at 785 628-8101.

23rd Street closed at Canal Blvd. starting Monday

This spring-now-summer of protest shows no signs of fading away, as 
demonstrators make their voices heard on issues as disparate as health 
regulations, gun violence, Confederate statues and institutionalized 
racism.

Through it all, the First Amendment both fuels those voices and 
protects those rights — at times in collaboration with other amendments 
in the Bill of Rights.

Still, few of us are steeped in constitutional law and statutory 
regulations. Primers can provide any citizen with the basics on rights, 
responsibilities and potential entanglements with a patchwork quilt of 
federal, state and local laws.

Here’s a First Amendment-friendly guide with links to those primers, 
classes and advisories about protest — how the rights of free speech, 
assembly and petition work when you step outside — or go online — to be 
heard.

To all of that information, let’s add a few additional items:

Granted, a recitation of the rules, regulations and legal 
circumstances around exercising your free speech when assembling 
peaceably to petition for change may lack the passion of the real thing.

But it’s those freedoms that give legal protection for the passions 
that have changed the nation’s laws, policies and even attitudes, about 
women’s rights, racial injustice, juvenile protection laws, labor 
regulations and rights and much more.

And that’s a lot from a little: the simple but majestic 45 words of the First Amendment.

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>This spring-now-summer of protest shows no signs of fading away, as 
demonstrators make their voices heard on issues as disparate as health 
regulations, gun violence, Confederate statues and institutionalized 
racism.Through it all, the First Amendment both fuels those voices and 
protects those rights — at times in collaboration with other amendments 
in the Bill of Rights.Still, few of us are steeped in constitutional law and statutory 
regulations. Primers can provide any citizen with the basics on rights, 
responsibilities and potential entanglements with a patchwork quilt of 
federal, state and local laws.Here’s a First Amendment-friendly guide with links to those primers, 
classes and advisories about protest — how the rights of free speech, 
assembly and petition work when you step outside — or go online — to be 
heard.From the Freedom Forum:<ul>
 <li>Freedom of Assembly <a href="https://www.freedomforuminstitute.org/first-amendment-center/primers/protest-primer/" target="_blank">protects the right</a>
 to peacefully gather with others, without regard to views and opinions 
when we take the streets in protest or in support of a causes.</li><li><a href="https://www.freedomforuminstitute.org/first-amendment-center/primers/18655-2/" target="_blank">Everything you need to know</a> whether you’re a student, parent, teacher, school administrator or lawyer about classroom walk-outs and school protests.</li><li>Social media platforms are private companies and since the <a href="https://www.freedomforuminstitute.org/first-amendment-center/primers/free-expression-on-social-media/" target="_blank">First Amendment only applies to government</a>,
 they can accept or reject what people post. But given their growing 
role in public discourse, what are their censorship policies? How do 
they compare to each other and to the First Amendment’s protections?</li><li>I’m just <a href="https://www.freedomforuminstitute.org/first-amendment-center/primers/basics/" target="_blank">speaking my mind</a>, at work or in a public place — how protected is what I say?</li><li>Pushing the limits of <a href="https://newseumed.org/tools/debate-comparison/pushing-limits-protest" target="_blank">protected speech</a>: When is “disruptive” too disruptive?</li><li><a href="https://newseumed.org/tools/video-page/right-protest" target="_blank">How it was done</a>: (Video) Shirlene Mercer remembering the modern civil rights-era protests around lunch counter sit-ins in Greensboro,&nbsp;N.C.</li>
 </ul>From other sources:<ul>
 <li>The experts at New York University’s online First Amendment Watch have <a href="https://firstamendmentwatch.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/Citizens-Guide-to-Recording-the-Police-2.pdf" target="_blank">produced a detailed guide</a>
 for citizens when recording police activity. Learn about federal and 
state laws, how your rights apply in different situations and the legal 
roots for this still-new tool in holding police accountable.</li><li>The American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) has a quick, to-the-point <a href="https://www.naacpldf.org/files/our-work/Know_Your_Rights_at_a_Protest.pdf" target="_blank">general guide</a> to “know your rights at a protest.”</li><li>The online legal services site FindLaw has a <a href="https://civilrights.findlaw.com/enforcing-your-civil-rights/is-there-a-right-to-peaceful-protest.html" target="_blank">guide to legal issues</a> ranging from basic rights to a section titled — somewhat ominously — “wartime policies.” The same site also provides a <a href="https://civilrights.findlaw.com/enforcing-your-civil-rights/protest-laws-by-state.html" target="_blank">guide to each state’s unique laws</a> about protesting in public.</li>
 </ul>To all of that information, let’s add a few additional items:<ul>
 <li>When protesting, there is no immunity under the First Amendment that
 allows you to disregard, without potential arrest and penalty, a direct
 order — even one you believe is illegal — from a police officer.</li><li>The First Amendment rights of petition and assembly do not give you 
permission to cross or occupy private property; that’s still called 
trespassing. And as to occupying public property: Since the “occupy” 
movement a few years ago, many jurisdictions updated their policies 
regarding public squares, parks and such, with many outlawing overnight 
stays or blocking the space so that other, non-involved persons are 
unable to pass through it.</li><li>Blocking traffic on a public street, whether an individual effort or
 a mass protest, likely is illegal. Again, there is no First Amendment 
shield against arrest, though police action may well depend on balancing
 the taking of protesters into custody versus clearing the thoroughfare.</li><li>The rights of assembly and petition on National Park Service 
property have certain limitations, with permits required if a group of 
25 or more, or – pay attention to this — the protest is likely to 
attract a combined audience of participants and those watching of more 
than 25. A court decision some years ago cleared the way for individuals
 to protest with no permit conditions, as long as the person was not 
blocking others from using the park.</li>
 </ul>Granted, a recitation of the rules, regulations and legal 
circumstances around exercising your free speech when assembling 
peaceably to petition for change may lack the passion of the real thing.But it’s those freedoms that give legal protection for the passions 
that have changed the nation’s laws, policies and even attitudes, about 
women’s rights, racial injustice, juvenile protection laws, labor 
regulations and rights and much more.And that’s a lot from a little: the simple but majestic 45 words of the First Amendment.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: Our rights to speak, assemble, seek change

By DALE YOUNKER K-State Research &amp; Extension

One thing
about living in Kansas is if you don’t like to current weather, don’t worry,
because it will change to the other extreme on the pendulum.&nbsp; 

A year ago, we all struggled to get fall
crops planted and the wheat harvested due to the extremely wet conditions.&nbsp; This year it’s the opposite, where many of us
planted crops in a dry seedbed with the hope and a prayer that the rain in the
forecast happens.&nbsp; 

The majority of
western Kansas is in a moderate to extreme drought, with some counties in the
far southwest in exceptional drought.&nbsp;
Some forecast models are indicating that these conditions could persist
through the growing season.&nbsp; 

Given the
current dry conditions and the prospect that this may continue you may think
that the last thing I would be wanting to talk about is planting cover
crops.&nbsp; But cover crops can provide as
many benefits in dry periods as they can wet periods, especially in fallow
systems where there will not be a cash crop planted until next spring.&nbsp; 

Much of this year’s wheat crop will be
shorter and thinner due to the dry conditions. Some of the late spring freezes
also set the wheat back and reduced the number of tillers on the plant.&nbsp; As a result, soil water evaporation rates
will be significant in this thinner, shorter wheat stubble.&nbsp; 

Yes, cover
crops will use some soil moisture like any other living growing plant,
including weeds.&nbsp; But a cover crop, that
is properly designed with the right species in the mix, and planted and
terminated timely, can mitigate that moisture use by reducing soil water
evaporation, improving water infiltration and increasing organic matter.&nbsp; So, when the rains do come, we can capture
and store more water in the soil then we would of without the cover crop.&nbsp; 

I typically
like to get a cover crop established in wheat stubble within a day or two after
harvest.&nbsp; 

It’s been my experience that
there is typically enough moisture near the soil surface for the seeds to
germinate and emerge. &nbsp;But after losing
the canopy that the mature wheat provided the moisture evaporates quickly.&nbsp; 

This year may be the exception where there
simply is no soil moisture close to the surface to get anything to come
up.&nbsp; 

We may have to delay the cover crop
planting until we get some decent rain.&nbsp;
This would not necessarily be a bad thing.&nbsp; Likely there would then be a flush of weeds
and volunteer wheat that we could eliminate before planting the cover. 

I would
stick with predominately low water use species in the mix.&nbsp; 

Millets work well in this situation.&nbsp; They are shallow rooted and grow and mature
quickly and very drought tolerant once established.&nbsp; 

Seed costs are reasonable because the seed is
small and just a few pounds is all that is needed in a mix.&nbsp; 

Because of the small seed size planting depth
should be no more then about an inch deep.&nbsp;


I would also add a small amount deep rooted species like sunflowers
turnips or radishes.&nbsp; They can really
help with breaking compaction layers that almost all cropped fields have.&nbsp; &nbsp;Some
of these species can also be great habitat for beneficial insects and
pollinators.

&nbsp; Adding a legume, like sunn
hemp can also be beneficial in the mix if allowed to grow long enough the
nodulate and fix nitrogen.&nbsp; If the
planting is delayed until after early-August, oats could be added to the
mix.&nbsp; The oats really help feed the soil
biology that is critical to building and maintaining soil aggregates, which in
turn increases soil porosity.&nbsp; 

Most summer
planted cover mixes will frost terminate once temperatures get cold enough in
the fall.&nbsp; 

But if dry conditions persist
through late summer it may be appropriate to terminate the cover early so it
doesn’t continue to use moisture that may be needed for the next cash
crop.&nbsp; This is really a judgement call
based on current conditions at the time and long-term weather forecasts.&nbsp; 

If you used an
herbicide in the growing wheat herbicide carryover could be a concern.&nbsp; &nbsp;Many post
wheat herbicides provide long term residual weed control have long plant back restrictions.
&nbsp;These herbicides could inhibit the
germination and growth of many cover crop species.&nbsp; Always check your herbicide label and if in
doubt consult with your supplier or crop advisor. 

The Risk
Management Agency (RMA) has recently adjusted the crop insurance provisions
regarding cover crops and termination guidelines, easing many of the prior
restrictions.&nbsp; I would suggest that you
contact your crop insurance agent before planting the cover crop to make sure
you are meeting all the insurance requirements.

For more
information about cover crops or other soil health practices you can contact me
at <a href="mailto:dale.younker@usda.gov">dale.younker@usda.gov</a> or any local NRCS office.

Dale Younker is the&nbsp;Soil Health Specialist at the&nbsp;Natural Resources Conservation Service&nbsp;in Jetmore.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/6/1593473623000.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>By DALE YOUNKER K-State Research &amp; ExtensionOne thing
about living in Kansas is if you don’t like to current weather, don’t worry,
because it will change to the other extreme on the pendulum.&nbsp; A year ago, we all struggled to get fall
crops planted and the wheat harvested due to the extremely wet conditions.&nbsp; This year it’s the opposite, where many of us
planted crops in a dry seedbed with the hope and a prayer that the rain in the
forecast happens.&nbsp; The majority of
western Kansas is in a moderate to extreme drought, with some counties in the
far southwest in exceptional drought.&nbsp;
Some forecast models are indicating that these conditions could persist
through the growing season.&nbsp; Given the
current dry conditions and the prospect that this may continue you may think
that the last thing I would be wanting to talk about is planting cover
crops.&nbsp; But cover crops can provide as
many benefits in dry periods as they can wet periods, especially in fallow
systems where there will not be a cash crop planted until next spring.&nbsp; Much of this year’s wheat crop will be
shorter and thinner due to the dry conditions. Some of the late spring freezes
also set the wheat back and reduced the number of tillers on the plant.&nbsp; As a result, soil water evaporation rates
will be significant in this thinner, shorter wheat stubble.&nbsp; Yes, cover
crops will use some soil moisture like any other living growing plant,
including weeds.&nbsp; But a cover crop, that
is properly designed with the right species in the mix, and planted and
terminated timely, can mitigate that moisture use by reducing soil water
evaporation, improving water infiltration and increasing organic matter.&nbsp; So, when the rains do come, we can capture
and store more water in the soil then we would of without the cover crop.&nbsp; I typically
like to get a cover crop established in wheat stubble within a day or two after
harvest.&nbsp; It’s been my experience that
there is typically enough moisture near the soil surface for the seeds to
germinate and emerge. &nbsp;But after losing
the canopy that the mature wheat provided the moisture evaporates quickly.&nbsp; This year may be the exception where there
simply is no soil moisture close to the surface to get anything to come
up.&nbsp; We may have to delay the cover crop
planting until we get some decent rain.&nbsp;
This would not necessarily be a bad thing.&nbsp; Likely there would then be a flush of weeds
and volunteer wheat that we could eliminate before planting the cover. I would
stick with predominately low water use species in the mix.&nbsp; Millets work well in this situation.&nbsp; They are shallow rooted and grow and mature
quickly and very drought tolerant once established.&nbsp; Seed costs are reasonable because the seed is
small and just a few pounds is all that is needed in a mix.&nbsp; Because of the small seed size planting depth
should be no more then about an inch deep.&nbsp;
I would also add a small amount deep rooted species like sunflowers
turnips or radishes.&nbsp; They can really
help with breaking compaction layers that almost all cropped fields have.&nbsp; &nbsp;Some
of these species can also be great habitat for beneficial insects and
pollinators.&nbsp; Adding a legume, like sunn
hemp can also be beneficial in the mix if allowed to grow long enough the
nodulate and fix nitrogen.&nbsp; If the
planting is delayed until after early-August, oats could be added to the
mix.&nbsp; The oats really help feed the soil
biology that is critical to building and maintaining soil aggregates, which in
turn increases soil porosity.&nbsp; Most summer
planted cover mixes will frost terminate once temperatures get cold enough in
the fall.&nbsp; But if dry conditions persist
through late summer it may be appropriate to terminate the cover early so it
doesn’t continue to use moisture that may be needed for the next cash
crop.&nbsp; This is really a judgement call
based on current conditions at the time and long-term weather forecasts.&nbsp; If you used an
herbicide in the growing wheat herbicide carryover could be a concern.&nbsp; &nbsp;Many post
wheat herbicides provide long term residual weed control have long plant back restrictions.
&nbsp;These herbicides could inhibit the
germination and growth of many cover crop species.&nbsp; Always check your herbicide label and if in
doubt consult with your supplier or crop advisor. The Risk
Management Agency (RMA) has recently adjusted the crop insurance provisions
regarding cover crops and termination guidelines, easing many of the prior
restrictions.&nbsp; I would suggest that you
contact your crop insurance agent before planting the cover crop to make sure
you are meeting all the insurance requirements.For more
information about cover crops or other soil health practices you can contact me
at <a href="mailto:dale.younker@usda.gov">dale.younker@usda.gov</a> or any local NRCS office.Dale Younker is the&nbsp;Soil Health Specialist at the&nbsp;Natural Resources Conservation Service&nbsp;in Jetmore.

YOUNKER: Planting a summer cover crop in wheat stubble  

27th Street Terrace, just east of Indian Trail

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/7/1593919681295.jpeg" alt="Courtesy photo" />
 <figcaption>Courtesy photo</figcaption>
 </figure>27th Street Terrace, just east of Indian Trail

Bird's-eye view of Fourth of July

By DENA WEIGEL BELL <a href="https://wakeeneytravelblog.wordpress.com/2020/06/26/celebrating-the-50-year-anniversary-of-interstate-70/">WaKeeney Blog</a>

WAKEENEY — The 22-plus mile portion of I-70 that crosses Trego County was dedicated on October 10, 1960 in a ceremony attended by representatives of the governor’s office, state highway department officials, and regional and local dignitaries. 

The stretch between Ogallah and Collyer was the first portion completed in northwest Kansas, a full ten years prior to the official completion of the entire stretch of road through our state.

In a Western Kansas World newspaper story, it was written “Harold Hillman, president of Chamber of Commerce, waits for ribbon cutting with Vesta and Vera McCoy, daughters of Mr. and Mrs. Johnny McCoy and Duane Carlson. The girls held the blue ribbon that was stretched across the south double lane of Interstate 70 highway.”

The ceremony began with the Trego Golden Eagles Band parading down WaKeeny’s Main Street, followed by a ribbon cutting ceremony at the rest area between mile markers 130 &amp; 131. Several speeches were given and a concert was performed by the TCHS band. A large group of Trego County residents were in attendance and the ceremony concluded with a buffet luncheon at the Staatz Hotel in downtown WaKeeney.

Interstate 70 was an initiative of Kansas-born President Dwight D. Eisenhower. 

As a World War II general, he was inspired by the Autobahn, Germany’s highway system, and saw a need for a similar transportation network in the United States. 

Through the Federal-Aid Highway Act of 1956, he initiated the construction of the National System of Interstate and Defense Highway.

The 40k-mile highway stretches from Baltimore, Maryland to Cove Fort, Utah, with 424-miles crossing the state of Kansas and 22+ miles crossing Trego County. 

It was considered the “highway of the future” at the time, and over the last five decades it has become an important link that continues to benefit the people of our communities.

When western Kansas drivers first took to the road in 1960 there were a few changes to the way they drove.

The state Highway Patrol addressed these issues in an article in the Western Kansas World called “Some Do’s and Don’ts on I-70.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/7/1593725107066.jpeg" alt="Photo courtesy Trego Co. Historical Society" />
 <figcaption>Photo courtesy Trego Co. Historical Society</figcaption>
 </figure>By DENA WEIGEL BELL <a href="https://wakeeneytravelblog.wordpress.com/2020/06/26/celebrating-the-50-year-anniversary-of-interstate-70/">WaKeeney Blog</a>WAKEENEY — The 22-plus mile portion of I-70 that crosses Trego County was dedicated on October 10, 1960 in a ceremony attended by representatives of the governor’s office, state highway department officials, and regional and local dignitaries. The stretch between Ogallah and Collyer was the first portion completed in northwest Kansas, a full ten years prior to the official completion of the entire stretch of road through our state.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/7/1593725283839.jpeg" alt="(Western Kansas World photo courtesy of&nbsp; Trego Co. Historical Society)" />
 <figcaption>(Western Kansas World photo courtesy of&nbsp; Trego Co. Historical Society)</figcaption>
 </figure>In a Western Kansas World newspaper story, it was written “Harold Hillman, president of Chamber of Commerce, waits for ribbon cutting with Vesta and Vera McCoy, daughters of Mr. and Mrs. Johnny McCoy and Duane Carlson. The girls held the blue ribbon that was stretched across the south double lane of Interstate 70 highway.”The ceremony began with the Trego Golden Eagles Band parading down WaKeeny’s Main Street, followed by a ribbon cutting ceremony at the rest area between mile markers 130 &amp; 131. Several speeches were given and a concert was performed by the TCHS band. A large group of Trego County residents were in attendance and the ceremony concluded with a buffet luncheon at the Staatz Hotel in downtown WaKeeney.Linking the Country TogetherInterstate 70 was an initiative of Kansas-born President Dwight D. Eisenhower. As a World War II general, he was inspired by the Autobahn, Germany’s highway system, and saw a need for a similar transportation network in the United States. Through the Federal-Aid Highway Act of 1956, he initiated the construction of the National System of Interstate and Defense Highway.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/7/1593725471930.jpeg" alt="Modern-day Interstate 70 in western Missouri" />
 <figcaption>Modern-day Interstate 70 in western Missouri</figcaption>
 </figure>The 40k-mile highway stretches from Baltimore, Maryland to Cove Fort, Utah, with 424-miles crossing the state of Kansas and 22+ miles crossing Trego County. It was considered the “highway of the future” at the time, and over the last five decades it has become an important link that continues to benefit the people of our communities.When western Kansas drivers first took to the road in 1960 there were a few changes to the way they drove.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/7/1593725631506.jpeg" alt="Construction of Interstate 70 underway in Trego County (Photo courtesy Trego Co. Historical Society)" />
 <figcaption>Construction of Interstate 70 underway in Trego County (Photo courtesy Trego Co. Historical Society)</figcaption>
 </figure>The state Highway Patrol addressed these issues in an article in the Western Kansas World called “Some Do’s and Don’ts on I-70.” Among their directions were: Traffic must travel between 40 and 70-miles an hour, drivers cannot cross the center lane, instructions to enter the highway, and where stop signs were placed in WaKeeney as a result of the additional traffic to the interstate.A Road to Northwest Kansas AttractionsI-70 takes travelers across many of Kansas’s unique events and attractions, including Cedar Bluff State Park in Trego County, Monument Rocks and Castle Rock in Gove County, and&nbsp;<a href="https://wakeeneytravelblog.wordpress.com/2020/03/13/kansas-rocks-a-spring-break-staycation-in-western-kansas/">Little Jerusalem Badlands</a>, Kansas’s newest state park in Logan County. Other places of note along the route are Sternberg Museum of Natural History (Hays), Fick Fossil and History Museum (Oakley), the Flint Hills Discovery Center (Manhattan), the Territorial Capitol Museum (Lecompton), and the newly renovated Eisenhower Presidential Library and Museum (Abilene).&nbsp;Along the way you’ll also find a wide variety of restaurants, locally grown food, and unique shopping experiences.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/7/1593725901540.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Celebrating 50 Years of Travel on I-70The&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kansasi70.com/">Kansas I-70 Association</a>, a nonprofit organization founded in 1989 by twelve Kansas communities including WaKeeney, is proud to celebrate 50 years of Interstate 70.The current 16-member association includes Goodland, Colby, Oakley, WaKeeney, Hays, Russell, Salina, Abilene, Junction City, Manhattan, Lecompton, Lawrence, Leavenworth, Bonner Springs, Shawnee and Kansas City. Their goal is to achieve an economic benefit from tourism to their communities. Today, I-70 contributes more than 96,000 jobs and $11 billion dollars in trade and tourism dollars to the towns and cities along its route.This summer take a drive on Interstate 70 and celebrate “America’s Main Street!”

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