Three-day weather outlook

The Kansas Soybean Commission elected its 2020-21 officers Aug. 7 during its annual meeting. 

Re-elected to lead the KSC as chairman is Bob Haselwood, Shawnee County. Also re-elected were Ron Ohlde, Washington County, as vice chairman; Gary Robbins, Pottawatomie County, as secretary and Raylen Phelon, Osage County, treasurer.

Other commissioners serving this year are Kurt Maurath of Logan County, Keith Miller, Barton County; Dennis Gruenbacher, Sedgwick County; Mike Bellar, Elk County; and Lance Rezac, Pottawatomie County.

The Kansas Soybean Commission elected its 2020-21 officers Aug. 7 during its annual meeting. Re-elected to lead the KSC as chairman is Bob Haselwood, Shawnee County. Also re-elected were Ron Ohlde, Washington County, as vice chairman; Gary Robbins, Pottawatomie County, as secretary and Raylen Phelon, Osage County, treasurer.Other commissioners serving this year are Kurt Maurath of Logan County, Keith Miller, Barton County; Dennis Gruenbacher, Sedgwick County; Mike Bellar, Elk County; and Lance Rezac, Pottawatomie County.

Kansas Soybean Commission elects officers

HARRISBURG, Pa. (AP) — President Donald Trump’s administration is undoing Obama-era rules designed to limit potent greenhouse gas emissions from oil and gas fields and pipelines, formalizing the changes Thursday in the heart of the nation’s most prolific natural gas reservoir and in the premier presidential battleground state of Pennsylvania.

Andrew Wheeler, the Environmental Protection Agency administrator, signed the rollback of the 2016 methane emissions rule in Pittsburgh as the agency touted the Trump administration’s efforts to “strengthen and promote American energy.”

The EPA first proposed the rollback&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/e2872a46eb3e43bd928707bba2f2c031">last year</a>, accusing the Obama administration of enacting a legally flawed rule, and agency officials said it would save companies tens of millions of dollars a year in compliance requirements without changing the trajectory of methane emissions.

But states, including California, and a coalition of environmental advocacy groups warned that the changes are illegal — not to mention a setback in the fight against climate change — and expect to quickly sue to block it.

“It’s not only negligent, it’s unlawful,” California Attorney General Xavier Becerra said in a statement. “We won’t sit silently while the EPA allows this super pollutant to rapidly warm our atmosphere.”

The White House took the event to Pittsburgh, the headquarters for many companies exploring the Marcellus Shale, the booming reservoir that vaulted Pennsylvania to the nation’s No. 2 natural gas state, behind Texas.

“EPA has been working hard to fulfill President Trump’s promise to cut burdensome and ineffective regulations for our domestic energy industry,” Wheeler said in a statement.

Reflecting the pervasive politics of the presidential campaign, Wheeler cast blame onto the presumptive Democratic nominee, former Vice President Joe Biden, saying “regulatory burdens put into place by the Obama-Biden Administration fell heavily on small and medium-sized energy businesses.”

Pennsylvania is of prime importance in November’s presidential election, and the natural gas industry is playing a central role in TV attack ads being aired in the state by Trump’s allies.

In recent years, preventing methane leaks from well-site equipment and pipelines has become important for regulators because methane is a potent greenhouse gas.

The oil and gas industry was responsible for nearly 30% of the nation’s methane emissions in 2018, and methane accounted for 10% of the nation’s greenhouse gas emissions, according to the EPA.

The Trump administration is eliminating the twice-yearly requirement for companies to inspect for methane leaks on equipment installed after 2015 at well sites and downstream segments, such as pipelines, compressor stations and storage tanks. Leaks must be fixed.

Supporters of the rule maintained that, based on reports the companies file, it seemed to be helping reduce methane emissions. They also pointed to the EPA’s acknowledgment in its technical analysis that its rule changes will increase emissions of methane and smog-forming compounds.

Operators will still have to check equipment for leaks of smog-forming compounds at some higher-producing well sites, but Thursday’s changes relaxed those standards and producers won’t have to inspect pipelines or downstream equipment anymore.

Any leaks they fix help capture methane, and companies say they have a financial incentive to voluntarily fix leaks to ensure that methane gets to customers, rather than going into the atmosphere.

But, far more importantly, killing the methane emissions rule also blocks a legal requirement for the EPA to extend the rule to cover many more pieces of equipment installed before 2015, environmental advocates say.

“We’ll see them in court because this is blatantly illegal,” said David Doniger, senior strategic director of the climate and clean energy program at the Natural Resources Defense Council.

Robert Howarth, an ecology professor at Cornell University, estimated that shale oil and gas production in North America accounted for one-third of the total global increase in methane emissions over the past year.

Rolling back methane measures now is “dangerously reckless,” Howarth said. “Methane emissions are increasing rapidly, and the oil and gas industry is clearly part of the problem.”

Peter Zalzal, an attorney for the Environmental Defense Fund, said that, without federal leadership, stronger state regulation will be even more important.

Some states — such as California, Colorado, Pennsylvania and Wyoming — have methane standards that are comparable or stronger than the EPA’s 2016 rule. But many big oil and gas states — such as Texas — do not, Zalzal said.

Oil and gas industry representatives pushed for the methane rollbacks, fearing more expensive rules covering emissions from older equipment. Smaller, independent operators hailed the changes as important to their survival.

“The issue for producers has never been whether regulations were necessary; it has always been whether the regulations were sound and cost effective,” the Independent Petroleum Association of America said.

Still, some companies opposed a rollback, noting they had pledged to reduce emissions or pointing out that they were already exceeding the rule’s requirements.

Some oil majors including BP, Shell and ExxonMobil have called on Trump to strengthen efforts to cap methane emissions. The Trump administration’s move is “frustrating and disappointing,” Shell’s U.S. president, Gretchen Watkins, said in a statement.

In 2016′s election, Trump eked out a win in Pennsylvania — the first Republican presidential candidate to capture it since 1988 — by piling up support with Pennsylvania’s rural areas and working-class whites.

Since then, Trump has eagerly promoted the state’s gas industry, underscoring his focus on shoring up his base as his appointees have moved to expand extraction on federal lands, boost the export of liquefied natural gas and restrict the ability of states to block pipelines.

Meanwhile, a pro-Trump super PAC, America First Action, is running TV ads in Pennsylvania accusing Biden of wanting to ban “fracking,” the process that along with horizontal drilling has unlocked a torrent of oil and natural gas across the United States in the past decade.

Biden’s campaign counters that that is flatly untrue.

Biden would only ban new gas-drilling permits on public lands, his campaign said, pointing out that about 90% of fracking is on private land.

And while Trump often ridicules the science behind increasingly urgent warnings for immediate action to stave off the worst of climate damage by cutting fossil fuel emissions, Biden’s campaign said it recognizes that “climate change is an urgent problem and that all Americans have the right to clean air and clean water.”

HARRISBURG, Pa. (AP) — President Donald Trump’s administration is undoing Obama-era rules designed to limit potent greenhouse gas emissions from oil and gas fields and pipelines, formalizing the changes Thursday in the heart of the nation’s most prolific natural gas reservoir and in the premier presidential battleground state of Pennsylvania.Andrew Wheeler, the Environmental Protection Agency administrator, signed the rollback of the 2016 methane emissions rule in Pittsburgh as the agency touted the Trump administration’s efforts to “strengthen and promote American energy.”The EPA first proposed the rollback&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/e2872a46eb3e43bd928707bba2f2c031">last year</a>, accusing the Obama administration of enacting a legally flawed rule, and agency officials said it would save companies tens of millions of dollars a year in compliance requirements without changing the trajectory of methane emissions.But states, including California, and a coalition of environmental advocacy groups warned that the changes are illegal — not to mention a setback in the fight against climate change — and expect to quickly sue to block it.“It’s not only negligent, it’s unlawful,” California Attorney General Xavier Becerra said in a statement. “We won’t sit silently while the EPA allows this super pollutant to rapidly warm our atmosphere.”The White House took the event to Pittsburgh, the headquarters for many companies exploring the Marcellus Shale, the booming reservoir that vaulted Pennsylvania to the nation’s No. 2 natural gas state, behind Texas.“EPA has been working hard to fulfill President Trump’s promise to cut burdensome and ineffective regulations for our domestic energy industry,” Wheeler said in a statement.Reflecting the pervasive politics of the presidential campaign, Wheeler cast blame onto the presumptive Democratic nominee, former Vice President Joe Biden, saying “regulatory burdens put into place by the Obama-Biden Administration fell heavily on small and medium-sized energy businesses.”Pennsylvania is of prime importance in November’s presidential election, and the natural gas industry is playing a central role in TV attack ads being aired in the state by Trump’s allies.In recent years, preventing methane leaks from well-site equipment and pipelines has become important for regulators because methane is a potent greenhouse gas.The oil and gas industry was responsible for nearly 30% of the nation’s methane emissions in 2018, and methane accounted for 10% of the nation’s greenhouse gas emissions, according to the EPA.The Trump administration is eliminating the twice-yearly requirement for companies to inspect for methane leaks on equipment installed after 2015 at well sites and downstream segments, such as pipelines, compressor stations and storage tanks. Leaks must be fixed.Supporters of the rule maintained that, based on reports the companies file, it seemed to be helping reduce methane emissions. They also pointed to the EPA’s acknowledgment in its technical analysis that its rule changes will increase emissions of methane and smog-forming compounds.Operators will still have to check equipment for leaks of smog-forming compounds at some higher-producing well sites, but Thursday’s changes relaxed those standards and producers won’t have to inspect pipelines or downstream equipment anymore.Any leaks they fix help capture methane, and companies say they have a financial incentive to voluntarily fix leaks to ensure that methane gets to customers, rather than going into the atmosphere.But, far more importantly, killing the methane emissions rule also blocks a legal requirement for the EPA to extend the rule to cover many more pieces of equipment installed before 2015, environmental advocates say.“We’ll see them in court because this is blatantly illegal,” said David Doniger, senior strategic director of the climate and clean energy program at the Natural Resources Defense Council.Robert Howarth, an ecology professor at Cornell University, estimated that shale oil and gas production in North America accounted for one-third of the total global increase in methane emissions over the past year.Rolling back methane measures now is “dangerously reckless,” Howarth said. “Methane emissions are increasing rapidly, and the oil and gas industry is clearly part of the problem.”Peter Zalzal, an attorney for the Environmental Defense Fund, said that, without federal leadership, stronger state regulation will be even more important.Some states — such as California, Colorado, Pennsylvania and Wyoming — have methane standards that are comparable or stronger than the EPA’s 2016 rule. But many big oil and gas states — such as Texas — do not, Zalzal said.Oil and gas industry representatives pushed for the methane rollbacks, fearing more expensive rules covering emissions from older equipment. Smaller, independent operators hailed the changes as important to their survival.“The issue for producers has never been whether regulations were necessary; it has always been whether the regulations were sound and cost effective,” the Independent Petroleum Association of America said.Still, some companies opposed a rollback, noting they had pledged to reduce emissions or pointing out that they were already exceeding the rule’s requirements.Some oil majors including BP, Shell and ExxonMobil have called on Trump to strengthen efforts to cap methane emissions. The Trump administration’s move is “frustrating and disappointing,” Shell’s U.S. president, Gretchen Watkins, said in a statement.In 2016′s election, Trump eked out a win in Pennsylvania — the first Republican presidential candidate to capture it since 1988 — by piling up support with Pennsylvania’s rural areas and working-class whites.Since then, Trump has eagerly promoted the state’s gas industry, underscoring his focus on shoring up his base as his appointees have moved to expand extraction on federal lands, boost the export of liquefied natural gas and restrict the ability of states to block pipelines.Meanwhile, a pro-Trump super PAC, America First Action, is running TV ads in Pennsylvania accusing Biden of wanting to ban “fracking,” the process that along with horizontal drilling has unlocked a torrent of oil and natural gas across the United States in the past decade.Biden’s campaign counters that that is flatly untrue.Biden would only ban new gas-drilling permits on public lands, his campaign said, pointing out that about 90% of fracking is on private land.And while Trump often ridicules the science behind increasingly urgent warnings for immediate action to stave off the worst of climate damage by cutting fossil fuel emissions, Biden’s campaign said it recognizes that “climate change is an urgent problem and that all Americans have the right to clean air and clean water.”___

Trump's EPA dumps methane emissions rule for oil, gas fields

Businesses and organizations in northwest Kansas can now apply for a spring 2021 or summer 2021 intern from Fort Hays State University through the FHSU/Dane G. Hansen Internship program.

A grant from the Dane G. Hansen Foundation made 25 paid internships possible for next spring and summer. Applications from employers will be accepted through Sept. 18.

Eligible employers must be located in the Hansen Foundation’s 26-county service area: the block of counties stretching from the Cheyenne-Wallace County area east to include the Republic-Saline County area, including Ellsworth County. However, students do not have to be from the northwest Kansas area to apply.

A participating employer invests $500 toward the student intern’s wages, and the remaining funding is provided by the Hansen Foundation grant. Each internship is for one semester or summer. Spring interns will work 240 total hours, and summer interns will work 300 total hours.

“We’re grateful for the Dane G. Hansen Foundation’s continued support of this program,” said Lisa Karlin, internship career advisor. “It provides employers access to new talent and allows students to gain professional work experience through internships.”

Interested employers should go to the Career Services page on the FHSU website at<a href="https://www.fhsu.edu/career/employers/hansen-internship-program">fhsu.edu/career/employers/hansen-internship-program</a>&nbsp;to learn more about the program and complete the application. The employer must also provide a detailed job description for the internship.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/8/1597348736708.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>FHSU University RelationsBusinesses and organizations in northwest Kansas can now apply for a spring 2021 or summer 2021 intern from Fort Hays State University through the FHSU/Dane G. Hansen Internship program.A grant from the Dane G. Hansen Foundation made 25 paid internships possible for next spring and summer. Applications from employers will be accepted through Sept. 18.Eligible employers must be located in the Hansen Foundation’s 26-county service area: the block of counties stretching from the Cheyenne-Wallace County area east to include the Republic-Saline County area, including Ellsworth County. However, students do not have to be from the northwest Kansas area to apply.A participating employer invests $500 toward the student intern’s wages, and the remaining funding is provided by the Hansen Foundation grant. Each internship is for one semester or summer. Spring interns will work 240 total hours, and summer interns will work 300 total hours.“We’re grateful for the Dane G. Hansen Foundation’s continued support of this program,” said Lisa Karlin, internship career advisor. “It provides employers access to new talent and allows students to gain professional work experience through internships.”Interested employers should go to the Career Services page on the FHSU website at<a href="https://www.fhsu.edu/career/employers/hansen-internship-program">fhsu.edu/career/employers/hansen-internship-program</a>&nbsp;to learn more about the program and complete the application. The employer must also provide a detailed job description for the internship.

Employer applications open for Hansen interns from FHSU

Website:&nbsp;<a href="http://kansascommerce.gov/covidrelief/">kansascommerce.gov/covidrelief/</a>

TODAY, Thursday, August 13th, at 4:00 PM&nbsp;the application will go live to view&nbsp;on the Website listed above.

Applications will not be accepted to submit until&nbsp;Wednesday, August 19th, at 12:00 PM.

There are $78.6 million in Economic Development funds and&nbsp;$60 million in Connectivity funds. Below are the&nbsp;nine grant programs&nbsp;becoming available:

1.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Small Business Working Capital Grants

·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Arts &amp; Entertainment Venue

·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Business/Professional Services

·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Communications &amp; Marketing

·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Educational Services

·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Finance &amp; Banking

·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Grocery

·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Healthcare &amp; Medical

·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Logistics &amp; Distribution

·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Manufacturing

·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Non-Profit

·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Personal Services

·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Restaurant &amp; Hospitality

·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Retail

·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Other

·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Kansas businesses with fewer than 500 FTE

·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Must have been in operation since July 1, 2019

·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Must be in good standing with Kansas Secretary of State

·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Must be able to demonstrate a loss of at least 25% of gross revenues from January 1, 2020-June 30, 2020, as compared to July 1, 2019-December 31, 2019

·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Must not have received more than $350K or more in Covid-19 related assistance from federal or local sources combined

***(FTE count, loss of 25%, and $350K+ from federal or local assistance – Are all allowed to be appealed for consideration)

·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Maximum grant amounts vary by sector and need of business

·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Businesses are not guaranteed the full amount

·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Award determination will be made on several factors including number of employees, extend of business loss, etc.

·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Grants will be awarded on a rolling basis until funds have depleted

2.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Securing Local Food Systems Grants

3.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;PPE Procurement Grants

4.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;PPE Manufacturing Grants

5.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Covid-19 Bioscience Product Development Acceleration Grants

6.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Connectivity Emergency Response Grant

7.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Broadband Partnership Adoption Grants

8.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;IT, Cybersecurity, &amp; IT Project Management Certification Training Grants

9.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Kansas Tech College Advanced Manufacturing Grants

For questions, email the Dept of Commerce at:<a href="mailto:backtobusiness@ks.gov">backtobusiness@ks.gov</a> The applications will be reviewed on a first come, first served basis.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/8/1597346503192.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Kansas Department of CommerceWebsite:&nbsp;<a href="http://kansascommerce.gov/covidrelief/">kansascommerce.gov/covidrelief/</a> TODAY, Thursday, August 13th, at 4:00 PM&nbsp;the application will go live to view&nbsp;on the Website listed above.Applications will not be accepted to submit until&nbsp;Wednesday, August 19th, at 12:00 PM.There are $78.6 million in Economic Development funds and&nbsp;$60 million in Connectivity funds. Below are the&nbsp;nine grant programs&nbsp;becoming available:1.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Small Business Working Capital GrantsIndustries:·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Arts &amp; Entertainment Venue·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Business/Professional Services·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Communications &amp; Marketing·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Educational Services·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Finance &amp; Banking·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Grocery·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Healthcare &amp; Medical·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Logistics &amp; Distribution·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Manufacturing·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Non-Profit·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Personal Services·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Restaurant &amp; Hospitality·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Retail·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;OtherEligibility:·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Kansas businesses with fewer than 500 FTE·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Must have been in operation since July 1, 2019·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Must be in good standing with Kansas Secretary of State·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Must be able to demonstrate a loss of at least 25% of gross revenues from January 1, 2020-June 30, 2020, as compared to July 1, 2019-December 31, 2019·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Must not have received more than $350K or more in Covid-19 related assistance from federal or local sources combined***(FTE count, loss of 25%, and $350K+ from federal or local assistance – Are all allowed to be appealed for consideration)Notes:·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Maximum grant amounts vary by sector and need of business·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Businesses are not guaranteed the full amount·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Award determination will be made on several factors including number of employees, extend of business loss, etc.·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Grants will be awarded on a rolling basis until funds have depleted2.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Securing Local Food Systems Grants3.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;PPE Procurement Grants4.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;PPE Manufacturing Grants5.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Covid-19 Bioscience Product Development Acceleration Grants6.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Connectivity Emergency Response Grant7.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Broadband Partnership Adoption Grants8.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;IT, Cybersecurity, &amp; IT Project Management Certification Training Grants9.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Kansas Tech College Advanced Manufacturing GrantsFor questions, email the Dept of Commerce at:<a href="mailto:backtobusiness@ks.gov">backtobusiness@ks.gov</a> The applications will be reviewed on a first come, first served basis.

SPARK grant application process for businesses announced

Gary Garner joins this week's Defend the Fort Podcast to talk about his time as the Tiger's head men's basketball coach including the 1996 NCAA II undefeated national championship season.

Gary Garner joins this week's Defend the Fort Podcast to talk about his time as the Tiger's head men's basketball coach including the 1996 NCAA II undefeated national championship season.<div><iframe title="Gary Garner" height="400" width="400" style="border: none;" scrolling="no" data-name="pb-iframe-player" src="https://www.podbean.com/media/player/awq6g-e6eef2?from=pb6admin&download=1&version=1&vjs=1&auto=0&share=1&download=1&rtl=0&fonts=Helvetica&skin=7&pfauth="></iframe></div>

🎧 Defend the Fort Podcast: Gary Garner

A long-desired upgrade at the Humane Society of the High Plains was recently completed, giving dogs a more comfortable experience during their time at the shelter.

"The grass has been a problem back there since this place was built,"&nbsp;said manager Betty Hansen.

After saving for years, Hansen said the Humane Society recently pulled the trigger and completed upgrades in the yard.

"We spent almost two weeks redoing our backyard," said manager Betty Hansen.

The biggest part of the work was replacing the grass to an artificial grass called Canine Grass.

"It's been awhile in the making to get this done so we are pretty excited about it, and the dogs seem to love it," Hansen said.

With the number of dogs that are in the yard, she said keeping grass growing was a challenge. Many options had been looked at to give the dogs a nice surface.

"One of the biggest things that we have had over the last couple of winters is trying to keep grass out there with all of the dogs digging all of the time," Hansen said.

The lack of grass often caused a mess both outside and in.

"We were having a lot of mud that the dogs were dragging into the building, and people couldn't go out because it was so muddy," Hansen said.

With the new covering, she said,&nbsp;"We have alleviated all of those problems."

And the new material will help keep the dogs happier and more exercised.

"This will really help to be able to give them more outside time," Hansen said, "which the dogs really need."

Having those exercise periods is important to allow them to relax before being put inside cages overnight.

"They are in their cage a lot of hours of the day so we want to make sure that they get exercised and they get a chance to exercise on a regular daily basis," Hansen said.

The dogs have taken well to the new surface she said.

"They are very comfortable on it," she said. "It's very soft, probably a lot softer than the grass."

The surface is also durable coming with a 10-year guarantee and easy to clean with a built-in drainage system.

"It's pretty much maintenance-free. It's easy to clean up," Hansen said. "It's very clean, and we use hoses to wash it."

The backyard also received a new shade area, two small pools and a dog playground.

"With as hot as it as been with the big shaded area, they can stay out there a little bit longer," Hansen said. "We have noticed many of the dogs will run around and lay down in the shade."

The renovated space also will allow people to interact with the dogs in a more comfortable space.

"When people bring their dog out to do a meet and greet with a dog that they are thinking about adopting, it's really nice for that too," Hansen said.

Overall Hansen said they are happy with the new yard.

"It was pricey, but I think it is going to be well worth it in all the years to come," Hansen said.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/8/1597286010029.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure><div><iframe title="Yard upgrades complete at the Humane Society of the High Plains" height="122" width="100%" style="border: none;" scrolling="no" data-name="pb-iframe-player" src="https://www.podbean.com/media/player/kwzxc-e6cf2d?from=pb6admin&download=1&version=1&auto=1&share=1&download=1&rtl=0&fonts=Helvetica&skin=3&pfauth=&btn-skin=101"></iframe></div>By JAMES BELL Hays PostA long-desired upgrade at the Humane Society of the High Plains was recently completed, giving dogs a more comfortable experience during their time at the shelter."The grass has been a problem back there since this place was built,"&nbsp;said manager Betty Hansen.After saving for years, Hansen said the Humane Society recently pulled the trigger and completed upgrades in the yard."We spent almost two weeks redoing our backyard," said manager Betty Hansen.The biggest part of the work was replacing the grass to an artificial grass called Canine Grass.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/8/1597286083057.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>"It's been awhile in the making to get this done so we are pretty excited about it, and the dogs seem to love it," Hansen said.With the number of dogs that are in the yard, she said keeping grass growing was a challenge. Many options had been looked at to give the dogs a nice surface."One of the biggest things that we have had over the last couple of winters is trying to keep grass out there with all of the dogs digging all of the time," Hansen said.The lack of grass often caused a mess both outside and in."We were having a lot of mud that the dogs were dragging into the building, and people couldn't go out because it was so muddy," Hansen said.With the new covering, she said,&nbsp;"We have alleviated all of those problems."And the new material will help keep the dogs happier and more exercised."This will really help to be able to give them more outside time," Hansen said, "which the dogs really need."Having those exercise periods is important to allow them to relax before being put inside cages overnight."They are in their cage a lot of hours of the day so we want to make sure that they get exercised and they get a chance to exercise on a regular daily basis," Hansen said.The dogs have taken well to the new surface she said."They are very comfortable on it," she said. "It's very soft, probably a lot softer than the grass."The surface is also durable coming with a 10-year guarantee and easy to clean with a built-in drainage system."It's pretty much maintenance-free. It's easy to clean up," Hansen said. "It's very clean, and we use hoses to wash it."The backyard also received a new shade area, two small pools and a dog playground.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/8/1597286124883.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>"With as hot as it as been with the big shaded area, they can stay out there a little bit longer," Hansen said. "We have noticed many of the dogs will run around and lay down in the shade."The renovated space also will allow people to interact with the dogs in a more comfortable space.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/8/1597286109083.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>"When people bring their dog out to do a meet and greet with a dog that they are thinking about adopting, it's really nice for that too," Hansen said.Overall Hansen said they are happy with the new yard."It was pricey, but I think it is going to be well worth it in all the years to come," Hansen said.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/8/1597286169085.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>

Yard upgrades complete at Humane Society of the High Plains

Early childhood education and development is a vital initiative of the Hays Public Library. One of the key pieces of the remodel project now underway is a new dedicated area for early literacy. The Beach-Edwards Family Foundation is gifting $30,000 to the development of this space.

Hundreds of young children and their families frequent the library to experience early literacy programs, play with educational toys, interact, and check out books. Having a space designed specifically to meet their needs will enhance the library experience for these families.&nbsp;

“The generosity of the Beach-Edwards Family Foundation will make a positive impact on families in the Hays community for years to come,” said Brandon Hines, Hays Public Library Director. “We are grateful the family of Ross and Marianna Beach chose to continue their legacy of supporting literacy, education, and community engagement by helping the Hays Public Library with this beneficial project.”

The Beach-Edwards Family Foundation, Inc. was established in 2014. The Beach-Edwards Family Foundation is dedicated to the enrichment of Kansans, specifically through the Support of Education, the Arts, and the Environment, and to the enhancement of the lives of children and adults with special needs.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/8/1597244653177.jpeg" alt="Architectural rendering of the remodeled early literacy area. " />
 <figcaption>Architectural rendering of the remodeled early literacy area. </figcaption>
 </figure>HPLEarly childhood education and development is a vital initiative of the Hays Public Library. One of the key pieces of the remodel project now underway is a new dedicated area for early literacy. The Beach-Edwards Family Foundation is gifting $30,000 to the development of this space.Hundreds of young children and their families frequent the library to experience early literacy programs, play with educational toys, interact, and check out books. Having a space designed specifically to meet their needs will enhance the library experience for these families.&nbsp;“The generosity of the Beach-Edwards Family Foundation will make a positive impact on families in the Hays community for years to come,” said Brandon Hines, Hays Public Library Director. “We are grateful the family of Ross and Marianna Beach chose to continue their legacy of supporting literacy, education, and community engagement by helping the Hays Public Library with this beneficial project.”The Beach-Edwards Family Foundation, Inc. was established in 2014. The Beach-Edwards Family Foundation is dedicated to the enrichment of Kansans, specifically through the Support of Education, the Arts, and the Environment, and to the enhancement of the lives of children and adults with special needs.

Hays library receives gift from Beach-Edwards Family Foundation

The Kansas Department of Transportation will begin a guardrail replacement project on a portion of I-70 in Trego County the week of Aug. 17.

Work will take place in various locations in both the eastbound and westbound lanes on 14 miles of interstate from the Gove County line to exit 127 at WaKeeney. Traffic will be restricted to one lane with reduced speeds through the work zones.

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

J&amp;J Contractors of Iola is the primary contractor for the $321,000 project. For more information, please contact KDOT area construction engineer Nick Rogers at 785-625-9718 or&nbsp;<a href="mailto:nick.rogers@ks.gov">nick.rogers@ks.gov</a>.

KDOTThe Kansas Department of Transportation will begin a guardrail replacement project on a portion of I-70 in Trego County the week of Aug. 17.Work will take place in various locations in both the eastbound and westbound lanes on 14 miles of interstate from the Gove County line to exit 127 at WaKeeney. Traffic will be restricted to one lane with reduced speeds through the work zones.KDOT anticipates work to be completed by the end of September, weather permitting.J&amp;J Contractors of Iola is the primary contractor for the $321,000 project. For more information, please contact KDOT area construction engineer Nick Rogers at 785-625-9718 or&nbsp;<a href="mailto:nick.rogers@ks.gov">nick.rogers@ks.gov</a>.

KDOT to replace guardrail on I-70 in Trego County

It goes without saying that this summer looks and feels different than those in the past. While we try to make health and safety decisions on behalf of our communities –&nbsp; in a swirl of constantly emerging expert information – one thing that has remained constant is the vitality of Fort Hays State University. Our purpose, people, and place continue to not only remain relevant, but to thrive. Here are just a few of the many success stories to celebrate from the past two months.

Driving forward our mission of creating engaged global citizen-leaders, and a cause for celebration, was the official accreditation approval this summer from the Council on Social Work Education for our online bachelor’s degree. Social work is one of the fastest-growing careers in the country, and Fort Hays State University continues to find ways to reach students studying for both bachelor’s and master’s degrees. Fort Hays State is one of only a handful of universities in the United States – and the only one in Kansas – to offer the Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) online. FHSU also is the only university in the state to offer the MSW online.

Following the death of George Floyd in Minneapolis, Minn., this spring, our Criminal Justice chair, Dr. Tamara Lynn, wanted to make a difference by creating a culture that emphasizes de-escalation to benefit students pursuing careers in corrections, probation and parole, juvenile services, and other positions where situations may escalate quickly. Toward that end, we recently signed a preliminary agreement for our Criminal Justice and University Police departments to explore the opportunity to establish a regional training center for the National De-escalation Training Center (NDTC) on the FHSU campus. The NDTC is located at Wayne State University in Detroit and facilitates innovation, research, and development of best practices in law enforcement de-escalation training.

These two powerful examples are some of the many ways we have been relentlessly pursuing our mission. We have also been focused on taking care of our place.&nbsp;

Have you been on campus lately? It is beautiful! Our grounds crew in particular has been nurturing and caring for our physical campus in Hays, America. I often walk the campus with my dog, Gracie, and bask in the beauty of the many flowers, plants, trees, and well-cared-for grounds. I hold deep admiration and gratitude for the many colleagues who work hard during the hot, muggy, and often windy, summer months to create such a beautiful environment for all us to enjoy.

While our grounds colleagues toil over the land, our facilities planning team has been equally busy “keeping our house in order.” In addition to the building of the new Fishli Wills Center for Student Success, progress this summer includes renovation to the Black and Gold Room in the Memorial Union, and a roof replacement, HVAC upgrades, and new carpeting for Martin Allen Hall.&nbsp;

Sheridan Hall got a bath, so to speak, with masonry cleaning and sealing. I love how well our team takes care of our beautiful campus limestone. Meanwhile, our team completed Phase 6 of our exterior lighting project: replacing street, pedestrian, and building lighting with LED fixtures. Gustad Bridge also got a “facelift” with repairs to concrete columns and the redesigning of metal guard rail attachments. Albertson Hall also received updates to its roof.

Saving the best – our people – for last, many of our colleagues received accolades over the summer. Fort Hays State University senior Anna Deal was awarded the prestigious American Advertising Federation of Kansas City Foundation scholarship. This is a big deal (pun intended). Anna, a communication studies major from Hutchinson, was one of only 17 students from universities across Kansas and Missouri to be selected as a recipient. We are so proud of her!

Faculty and staff have spent countless hours this summer working through the redevelopment of courses for new delivery methods,&nbsp;incorporating the use of existing and new technology, and overall preparation for the deployment of fall courses at FHSU.&nbsp;I am so thankful for their care for the students’ experiences in the classroom – whether that be online, on campus, or through our international partnerships.

Meanwhile, our alumni have been investing in their alma mater in partnership with the FHSU Foundation by establishing new scholarships. For example, alumni and retired faculty Gary and Ila Hulett established a scholarship in support of students studying chemistry. The scholarship is in honor of Ila, a long-time professor of chemistry, who was known for helping students no matter what time of day. In my book, Gary and Ila are a power couple as they continue to fuel the success of this university in so many ways.

Another power couple, Merrill Milham, retired research physicist, and Dr. Ann Davidoff, a retired professor, created the Milham-Wasinger-Davidoff Mathematics Scholarship and the Milham-Wasinger-Davidoff Physics Scholarship. They join so many others who have provided for the future of students and our world and demonstrate on a very personal level how every gift matters.

As we hunker down and reshape our plans in a COVID world, our Journey capital campaign is rapidly approaching the finish line and continues to push toward its goal of $100 million by Fall 2021. To date, the Foundation has received more than 65,000 campaign gifts from nearly 23,000 donors. That is called extraordinary generosity.&nbsp;

At Fort Hays State, resilience reigns and success endures. And even in these uncertain times, ones of a nature that none us of have experienced before, I can be certain of one thing – as a colleague of mine said recently, not everything is about COVID-19!

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/12/1575302014229.png" alt="Dr. Tisa Mason, FHSU president" />
 <figcaption>Dr. Tisa Mason, FHSU president</figcaption>
 </figure>It goes without saying that this summer looks and feels different than those in the past. While we try to make health and safety decisions on behalf of our communities –&nbsp; in a swirl of constantly emerging expert information – one thing that has remained constant is the vitality of Fort Hays State University. Our purpose, people, and place continue to not only remain relevant, but to thrive. Here are just a few of the many success stories to celebrate from the past two months.Driving forward our mission of creating engaged global citizen-leaders, and a cause for celebration, was the official accreditation approval this summer from the Council on Social Work Education for our online bachelor’s degree. Social work is one of the fastest-growing careers in the country, and Fort Hays State University continues to find ways to reach students studying for both bachelor’s and master’s degrees. Fort Hays State is one of only a handful of universities in the United States – and the only one in Kansas – to offer the Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) online. FHSU also is the only university in the state to offer the MSW online.Following the death of George Floyd in Minneapolis, Minn., this spring, our Criminal Justice chair, Dr. Tamara Lynn, wanted to make a difference by creating a culture that emphasizes de-escalation to benefit students pursuing careers in corrections, probation and parole, juvenile services, and other positions where situations may escalate quickly. Toward that end, we recently signed a preliminary agreement for our Criminal Justice and University Police departments to explore the opportunity to establish a regional training center for the National De-escalation Training Center (NDTC) on the FHSU campus. The NDTC is located at Wayne State University in Detroit and facilitates innovation, research, and development of best practices in law enforcement de-escalation training.These two powerful examples are some of the many ways we have been relentlessly pursuing our mission. We have also been focused on taking care of our place.&nbsp;Have you been on campus lately? It is beautiful! Our grounds crew in particular has been nurturing and caring for our physical campus in Hays, America. I often walk the campus with my dog, Gracie, and bask in the beauty of the many flowers, plants, trees, and well-cared-for grounds. I hold deep admiration and gratitude for the many colleagues who work hard during the hot, muggy, and often windy, summer months to create such a beautiful environment for all us to enjoy.While our grounds colleagues toil over the land, our facilities planning team has been equally busy “keeping our house in order.” In addition to the building of the new Fishli Wills Center for Student Success, progress this summer includes renovation to the Black and Gold Room in the Memorial Union, and a roof replacement, HVAC upgrades, and new carpeting for Martin Allen Hall.&nbsp;Sheridan Hall got a bath, so to speak, with masonry cleaning and sealing. I love how well our team takes care of our beautiful campus limestone. Meanwhile, our team completed Phase 6 of our exterior lighting project: replacing street, pedestrian, and building lighting with LED fixtures. Gustad Bridge also got a “facelift” with repairs to concrete columns and the redesigning of metal guard rail attachments. Albertson Hall also received updates to its roof.Saving the best – our people – for last, many of our colleagues received accolades over the summer. Fort Hays State University senior Anna Deal was awarded the prestigious American Advertising Federation of Kansas City Foundation scholarship. This is a big deal (pun intended). Anna, a communication studies major from Hutchinson, was one of only 17 students from universities across Kansas and Missouri to be selected as a recipient. We are so proud of her!Faculty and staff have spent countless hours this summer working through the redevelopment of courses for new delivery methods,&nbsp;incorporating the use of existing and new technology, and overall preparation for the deployment of fall courses at FHSU.&nbsp;I am so thankful for their care for the students’ experiences in the classroom – whether that be online, on campus, or through our international partnerships.Meanwhile, our alumni have been investing in their alma mater in partnership with the FHSU Foundation by establishing new scholarships. For example, alumni and retired faculty Gary and Ila Hulett established a scholarship in support of students studying chemistry. The scholarship is in honor of Ila, a long-time professor of chemistry, who was known for helping students no matter what time of day. In my book, Gary and Ila are a power couple as they continue to fuel the success of this university in so many ways.Another power couple, Merrill Milham, retired research physicist, and Dr. Ann Davidoff, a retired professor, created the Milham-Wasinger-Davidoff Mathematics Scholarship and the Milham-Wasinger-Davidoff Physics Scholarship. They join so many others who have provided for the future of students and our world and demonstrate on a very personal level how every gift matters.As we hunker down and reshape our plans in a COVID world, our Journey capital campaign is rapidly approaching the finish line and continues to push toward its goal of $100 million by Fall 2021. To date, the Foundation has received more than 65,000 campaign gifts from nearly 23,000 donors. That is called extraordinary generosity.&nbsp;At Fort Hays State, resilience reigns and success endures. And even in these uncertain times, ones of a nature that none us of have experienced before, I can be certain of one thing – as a colleague of mine said recently, not everything is about COVID-19!

MASON: Not everything is about COVID-19!

By CRISTINA JANNEY Hays Post

The Ellis County Health Department reported on Wednesday no new cases of COVID-19 have been diagnosed in the county since Monday.

There are now seven active cases of coronavirus, including two active hospitalizations, and 138 recovered cases.

Since the pandemic began, there have been 145 cases of COVID-19 in Ellis County, including one death.

"Things are improving in Ellis County, they continue to improve in Ellis County," Jason Kennedy, Ellis County Health Officer told the county commission Monday. "We really have seen a precipitous decline&nbsp; in our seven-day average case growth and our seven-day average percent of positives."

The seven-day average percent of positive tests was 4.2 percent as of Wednesday.&nbsp;

Ellis County hit its peak in cases about July 19, within the two week infection window of the Fourth of July holiday.&nbsp;

The decline began before the City of Hays instituted its mask mandate on July 27, Kennedy said.

"As we are looking at moving back into school, we need people to still make good decisions, " he said. "Not gathering in groups is really the biggest thing. If you avoid contact with other people, you likely reduce your chance of getting COVID."

The CDC and Kansas Department of Health and Environment is recommending only testing people who symptoms, Kennedy said.

Exceptions include first responders who have been exposed, staff and residents of long-term care facilities, people at high risk and people who have had prolonged exposure to someone who has tested positive for COVID-19.

Kennedy said Ellis County's number of cases is lower than those of its peer counties. Ellis County ranks about 25th in the state in terms of number of cases, but 15th in population.

&nbsp;"We will continue to see waves of the virus. It is still in our county. It is not gone from our county. As people go and travel and gather in groups, you are going to see it," Kennedy said. "We will continue to see those waves for the foreseeable future. COVID will not go away. We will not see a time that COVID is no more, at least not in my lifetime. A vaccine is not an on-off switch.&nbsp;

"How we deal and react to COVID is what will determine what our future looks like."

Commissioner Dustin Roths was concerned the City of Hays mask mandate is set to end Aug. 31, just before the Labor Day holiday weekend.

Kennedy said regardless of mandates, individuals can still maintain positive health practices.&nbsp;

"Right now we need people to get healthy," he said. "We need people to make healthy lifestyle choices. They need to get back and see their doctors. They need to come in and get immunizations at the health department. The healthier a population is, the better it can battle a virus, regardless of mitigating measures. "

Kennedy said immunization at the health department are down. He said he thought it was because people are afraid to go out and get care.

"If we wanted to make the biggest impact in the country right now," he said, "we would probably mandate everyone to go for a 30-minute jog every day. It would help with all things that kill us, not just COVID."

Click&nbsp;<a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/75f52753-0672-4567-8e55-1cebdac34824">HERE</a>&nbsp;for the latest numbers statewide in Kansas.

By CRISTINA JANNEY Hays PostThe Ellis County Health Department reported on Wednesday no new cases of COVID-19 have been diagnosed in the county since Monday.There are now seven active cases of coronavirus, including two active hospitalizations, and 138 recovered cases.Since the pandemic began, there have been 145 cases of COVID-19 in Ellis County, including one death."Things are improving in Ellis County, they continue to improve in Ellis County," Jason Kennedy, Ellis County Health Officer told the county commission Monday. "We really have seen a precipitous decline&nbsp; in our seven-day average case growth and our seven-day average percent of positives."The seven-day average percent of positive tests was 4.2 percent as of Wednesday.&nbsp;Ellis County hit its peak in cases about July 19, within the two week infection window of the Fourth of July holiday.&nbsp;The decline began before the City of Hays instituted its mask mandate on July 27, Kennedy said."As we are looking at moving back into school, we need people to still make good decisions, " he said. "Not gathering in groups is really the biggest thing. If you avoid contact with other people, you likely reduce your chance of getting COVID."The CDC and Kansas Department of Health and Environment is recommending only testing people who symptoms, Kennedy said.Exceptions include first responders who have been exposed, staff and residents of long-term care facilities, people at high risk and people who have had prolonged exposure to someone who has tested positive for COVID-19.Kennedy said Ellis County's number of cases is lower than those of its peer counties. Ellis County ranks about 25th in the state in terms of number of cases, but 15th in population.&nbsp;"We will continue to see waves of the virus. It is still in our county. It is not gone from our county. As people go and travel and gather in groups, you are going to see it," Kennedy said. "We will continue to see those waves for the foreseeable future. COVID will not go away. We will not see a time that COVID is no more, at least not in my lifetime. A vaccine is not an on-off switch.&nbsp;"How we deal and react to COVID is what will determine what our future looks like."Commissioner Dustin Roths was concerned the City of Hays mask mandate is set to end Aug. 31, just before the Labor Day holiday weekend.Kennedy said regardless of mandates, individuals can still maintain positive health practices.&nbsp;"Right now we need people to get healthy," he said. "We need people to make healthy lifestyle choices. They need to get back and see their doctors. They need to come in and get immunizations at the health department. The healthier a population is, the better it can battle a virus, regardless of mitigating measures. "Kennedy said immunization at the health department are down. He said he thought it was because people are afraid to go out and get care."If we wanted to make the biggest impact in the country right now," he said, "we would probably mandate everyone to go for a 30-minute jog every day. It would help with all things that kill us, not just COVID."Click&nbsp;<a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/75f52753-0672-4567-8e55-1cebdac34824">HERE</a>&nbsp;for the latest numbers statewide in Kansas.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/8/1597260256126.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>

No new COVID-19 cases in Ellis County; Kennedy: decline started before mask mandate

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<div><iframe title="Hays Chamber prepares for upcoming golf tournament" height="400" width="400" style="border: none;" scrolling="no" data-name="pb-iframe-player" src="https://www.podbean.com/media/player/r3but-e6cef3?from=pb6admin&download=1&version=1&vjs=1&auto=1&share=1&download=1&rtl=0&fonts=Helvetica&skin=3&pfauth="></iframe></div><a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/5dd2f46c897d147ad4bb104b">To find out more about The Post Podcast, or subscribe to mobile&nbsp;</a><a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/5dd2f46c897d147ad4bb104b">notifications click here.</a>

🎙 Post Podcast: Hays Chamber prepares for upcoming golf tournament

An Ellis County committee approved recommendations for $5.7 million in CARES Act funding Wednesday morning.&nbsp;

The Ellis County Commission is set to approve the final funding at a meeting at 8 a.m. Thursday at the Ellis County Administrative Center.

The committee broke the funding into four categories — government, education, for-profit and non-profit.

The $500,000 in reimbursements is being recommended to go to the county, cities and schools to cover costs that have already been encumbered.

The bulk of the government funding will pay for a $1.5 million computer aided dispatch system. The system will allow dispatchers to locate law enforcement officials in the field and contact them directly.

J.D. Cox, county administrator, explained to the county commission Monday the technology will allow dispatch to communicate information about possible COVID-19 patients to first responders directly without that information being broadcast publicly.

With the aid of GPS technology, the system will also allow dispatch to send officers closest to a scene to a call.

The county is also proposing spending $52,000 for four ventilators for county ambulances. More than $26,000 is proposed to pay contract tracers.

Fort Hays State University requested $500,000 for a student stimulus program. However, members of the Ellis CARES committee agreed to use that money to fund the non-profit sector instead.

FHSU request No. 2, which was for $46,500, would fund a meal deliver program for students who may need to quarantine. FHSU request No. 3, which was for $100,000, would fund a program that would provide hotel rooms for students who needed to quarantine away from their primary housing.

Holy Family Elementary's request of $5,000 will pay for personal protective equipment.

The Ellis CARES committee received more than $5 million in requests from businesses for funding. The subcommittee, which was lead by Doug Williams, Grow Hays director, pared that amount down to a recommendation of $915,538.

Williams said seven funding requests were made from oil companies. However, five of the seven requests came from a single person.

"The thinking of the committee was that the oil industry is a difficult one to relate COVID hardships on. You could argue that commodity prices have suffered because of the COVID pandemic," Williams said. "On the other hand, there were other world events that caused significant disruptions in the oil commodity prices."

"We really tried to focus in three areas as you can see. Those primarily being hotel, retail and restaurant, feeling those were the hardest hit from this and that is where we had the large requests."

Hotels were funding recommendations were based on the number of rooms at the businesses, Williams said.

A breakdown of the recommendations shows 27 percent of the recommended for-profit funds going to hotels, 25 percent going to retail, 39 percent going to food/restaurants, 8 percent going entertainment and the final 1 percent going to housing and medical/health.

Although requests ranged in the hundreds of thousands of dollars, no single business was recommended to receive more than $52,000.&nbsp;

Williams said he has already received push back from the community&nbsp; about the grant process.

"Unfortunately, it is a difficult situation when you have to make those kinds of decisions," Williams said. "I think it is particularly more so in the for-profits, because there are many, many for-profits that are not going to be given any funding and did not apply that are going to stand back and say they wish they had."

He added, "We did the best we could with what we had to work with."

Cox said more funding will be available through other programs. FEMA grant funds will be available to reimburse some government expenditures.

An $132,000 Community Development Block Grant is pending that could be used by local businesses for payroll and other expenses. There is more information on the block grant funding in the graphic below.

The state is also going to have a round two of direct grants to businesses, Cox said.&nbsp;

"It may take some of the sting out of the fact we can't fund everyone and everyone's needs," Cox said.

Sandy Jacobs of the Heartland Foundation chaired the subcommittee on non-profits.

KVC Hospital, a residential mental health care facility for youth in Hays, requested more than $315,000 in CARES Act funds. Jacobs said the subcommittee members thought KVC had other means of funding, so it only recommended funding $26,000 of agency's request.

First Care Clinic was recommended for the largest single non-profit payment — $143,000. The clinic offers health care on a sliding-fee basis.

Brant Rice, senior pastor at Celebration Community Church, said the $24,700 that was recommended for the church will be used to purchase hand sanitizing stations that will be available to any church in the county. Congregations can contact Rice for more information on the program.

The subcommittee did not recommend funding for Professional Disc Golf. The organization has an annual disc golf tournament in Hays, but is not located in Ellis County, Jacobs said.

The committee made its recommendations on unanimous vote.

By CRISTINA JANNEY Hays PostAn Ellis County committee approved recommendations for $5.7 million in CARES Act funding Wednesday morning.&nbsp;The Ellis County Commission is set to approve the final funding at a meeting at 8 a.m. Thursday at the Ellis County Administrative Center.The committee broke the funding into four categories — government, education, for-profit and non-profit.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/8/1597249671699.png" alt="Ellis County CARES Summary" />
 <figcaption>Ellis County CARES Summary</figcaption>
 </figure>The $500,000 in reimbursements is being recommended to go to the county, cities and schools to cover costs that have already been encumbered.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/8/1597248603923.png" alt="CARES Act Reimbursements" />
 <figcaption>CARES Act Reimbursements</figcaption>
 </figure><h2>Government funding</h2><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/8/1597249136187.png" alt="CARES Planned County Expenditures" />
 <figcaption>CARES Planned County Expenditures</figcaption>
 </figure>The bulk of the government funding will pay for a $1.5 million computer aided dispatch system. The system will allow dispatchers to locate law enforcement officials in the field and contact them directly.J.D. Cox, county administrator, explained to the county commission Monday the technology will allow dispatch to communicate information about possible COVID-19 patients to first responders directly without that information being broadcast publicly.With the aid of GPS technology, the system will also allow dispatch to send officers closest to a scene to a call.The county is also proposing spending $52,000 for four ventilators for county ambulances. More than $26,000 is proposed to pay contract tracers.<h2>Education funding</h2><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/8/1597249627250.png" alt="Education CARES funding" />
 <figcaption>Education CARES funding</figcaption>
 </figure>Fort Hays State University requested $500,000 for a student stimulus program. However, members of the Ellis CARES committee agreed to use that money to fund the non-profit sector instead.FHSU request No. 2, which was for $46,500, would fund a meal deliver program for students who may need to quarantine. FHSU request No. 3, which was for $100,000, would fund a program that would provide hotel rooms for students who needed to quarantine away from their primary housing.Holy Family Elementary's request of $5,000 will pay for personal protective equipment.<h2>For-profits</h2>The Ellis CARES committee received more than $5 million in requests from businesses for funding. The subcommittee, which was lead by Doug Williams, Grow Hays director, pared that amount down to a recommendation of $915,538.Williams said seven funding requests were made from oil companies. However, five of the seven requests came from a single person."The thinking of the committee was that the oil industry is a difficult one to relate COVID hardships on. You could argue that commodity prices have suffered because of the COVID pandemic," Williams said. "On the other hand, there were other world events that caused significant disruptions in the oil commodity prices.""We really tried to focus in three areas as you can see. Those primarily being hotel, retail and restaurant, feeling those were the hardest hit from this and that is where we had the large requests."Hotels were funding recommendations were based on the number of rooms at the businesses, Williams said.A breakdown of the recommendations shows 27 percent of the recommended for-profit funds going to hotels, 25 percent going to retail, 39 percent going to food/restaurants, 8 percent going entertainment and the final 1 percent going to housing and medical/health.Although requests ranged in the hundreds of thousands of dollars, no single business was recommended to receive more than $52,000.&nbsp;<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/8/1597257920711.png" alt="Ellis CARES for-profit part 1" />
 <figcaption>Ellis CARES for-profit part 1</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/8/1597257968607.png" alt="Ellis Cares for-profit part 2" />
 <figcaption>Ellis Cares for-profit part 2</figcaption>
 </figure>Williams said he has already received push back from the community&nbsp; about the grant process."Unfortunately, it is a difficult situation when you have to make those kinds of decisions," Williams said. "I think it is particularly more so in the for-profits, because there are many, many for-profits that are not going to be given any funding and did not apply that are going to stand back and say they wish they had."He added, "We did the best we could with what we had to work with."Cox said more funding will be available through other programs. FEMA grant funds will be available to reimburse some government expenditures.An $132,000 Community Development Block Grant is pending that could be used by local businesses for payroll and other expenses. There is more information on the block grant funding in the graphic below.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/8/1597259516192.png" alt="Community Development Block Grant funding information" />
 <figcaption>Community Development Block Grant funding information</figcaption>
 </figure>The state is also going to have a round two of direct grants to businesses, Cox said.&nbsp;"It may take some of the sting out of the fact we can't fund everyone and everyone's needs," Cox said.<h2>Non-profits</h2><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/8/1597255157182.png" alt="Ellis CARES non-profits.png" />
 <figcaption>Ellis CARES non-profits.png</figcaption>
 </figure>Sandy Jacobs of the Heartland Foundation chaired the subcommittee on non-profits.KVC Hospital, a residential mental health care facility for youth in Hays, requested more than $315,000 in CARES Act funds. Jacobs said the subcommittee members thought KVC had other means of funding, so it only recommended funding $26,000 of agency's request.First Care Clinic was recommended for the largest single non-profit payment — $143,000. The clinic offers health care on a sliding-fee basis.Brant Rice, senior pastor at Celebration Community Church, said the $24,700 that was recommended for the church will be used to purchase hand sanitizing stations that will be available to any church in the county. Congregations can contact Rice for more information on the program.The subcommittee did not recommend funding for Professional Disc Golf. The organization has an annual disc golf tournament in Hays, but is not located in Ellis County, Jacobs said.The committee made its recommendations on unanimous vote.