Due to equipment problems, the seal coat project that started in Hays Tuesday has been delayed. It will resume Monday.

See the updated map below for the updated schedule. 

Seal coat is a spray applied in two coats with a dry time of 2 to 3 hours per pass, so the streets being sealed will be temporarily closed during this time.

 The city of Hays regrets any inconvenience this may cause to the public. 

If there are any questions, call the Office of Project Management at (785) 628-7350 or the contractor, Circle C Paving at (316) 570-4652.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/7/1593640218560.jpeg" alt="A crew from Circle K Paving, Goddard, reopens the street&nbsp; Wednesday afternoon at 15th and Holmes. The seal coat project has been delayed due to equipment problems and will resume July 6. (Photo by Hays Post)" />
 <figcaption>A crew from Circle K Paving, Goddard, reopens the street&nbsp; Wednesday afternoon at 15th and Holmes. The seal coat project has been delayed due to equipment problems and will resume July 6. (Photo by Hays Post)</figcaption>
 </figure>City of HaysDue to equipment problems, the seal coat project that started in Hays Tuesday has been delayed. It will resume Monday.See the updated map below for the updated schedule. Seal coat is a spray applied in two coats with a dry time of 2 to 3 hours per pass, so the streets being sealed will be temporarily closed during this time. The city of Hays regrets any inconvenience this may cause to the public. If there are any questions, call the Office of Project Management at (785) 628-7350 or the contractor, Circle C Paving at (316) 570-4652.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/7/1593643875637.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>

Equipment problems delay Hays street seal coat project

<a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/b53f2286-d48a-4a61-814c-3afe46f93553">EDITORS NOTE: After the completion of this interview the decision was made to cancel the beer garden for safety reasons.&nbsp;</a>

<a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/5dd2f46c897d147ad4bb104b">To find out more about The Post Podcast, or subscribe to mobile&nbsp;</a><a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/5dd2f46c897d147ad4bb104b">notifications click here.</a>

<div><iframe title="WWF and DHDC plan Fourth of July events" height="122" width="100%" style="border: none;" scrolling="no" data-name="pb-iframe-player" src="https://www.podbean.com/media/player/avhf3-e1cbfa?from=yiiadmin&download=1&version=1&skin=3&btn-skin=101&auto=0&share=1&fonts=Helvetica&download=1&rtl=0&pbad=1"></iframe></div><a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/b53f2286-d48a-4a61-814c-3afe46f93553">EDITORS NOTE: After the completion of this interview the decision was made to cancel the beer garden for safety reasons.&nbsp;</a><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: WWF and DHDC to host Fourth of July events in Hays

The Ellis County Health Department on Wednesday announced two additional cases of COVID-19 had been confirmed in the county.

The new cases have mild symptoms and are in home isolation. One case is a contact of a known positive with recent travel history, and the second has no known travel history.

Contacts will be notified, the health department said.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/6/1593005366466.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>The Ellis County Health Department on Wednesday announced two additional cases of COVID-19 had been confirmed in the county.The new cases have mild symptoms and are in home isolation. One case is a contact of a known positive with recent travel history, and the second has no known travel history.Contacts will be notified, the health department said.&nbsp;Read the entire release below:<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/7/1593624149651.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>

Two new cases of coronavirus reported in Ellis Co.

The Hays Kiwanis Club has canceled its fundraising beer garden at the Wild West Fest Friday, July 3.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/2/1582048830672.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>The Hays Kiwanis Club has canceled its fundraising beer garden at the Wild West Fest Friday, July 3.

WWF beer garden canceled for Friday

By CRISTINA JANNEY Hays Post

With COVID-19 keeping friends and family from having birthday and graduation celebrations, a new business in Hays has a way to send a special congratulations.

For a flat fee of $100, Cards on Yards will place a message using 2-foot-tall paper letters and images in your loved-one's yard.

Angela Keller, 36, of Hays recently expanded the service to Hays. Her sister,&nbsp;Amanda Jolley, has operated the business, which is part of a national franchise, in Wichita for three months.

Cards on Yards offers a variety of message displays including birthdays, anniversaries, graduations, retirements, baby showers, weddings, get well, welcome home, engagements, school events and real estate open houses.

The messages can be personalized with people's names and can include displays with cardboard balloons, presents, baby bottles or emojis. The business also offers a honk sign, so people can acknowledge they've seen the sign.

Keller put up her first sign in Ellis this week. 

Usually the cards are in a yard for one day. Keller takes care of all set up and tear down.&nbsp;

The Hays Cards on Yards has the materials to do about four to five yards in one day.

Keller is still working out the feasibility of offering the service in smaller surrounding communities, but said right now she is willing to go about 20 to 30 miles outside of Hays.

To book a sign, visit the <a href="https://www.cardsonyardshays.com/">Hays Cards on Yards website</a>.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/6/1593544432312.jpeg" alt="Hays Cards on Yards offers giant signs to wish your loved ones congratulations on their special day. Courtesy photo" />
 <figcaption>Hays Cards on Yards offers giant signs to wish your loved ones congratulations on their special day. Courtesy photo</figcaption>
 </figure>By CRISTINA JANNEY Hays PostWith COVID-19 keeping friends and family from having birthday and graduation celebrations, a new business in Hays has a way to send a special congratulations.For a flat fee of $100, Cards on Yards will place a message using 2-foot-tall paper letters and images in your loved-one's yard.Angela Keller, 36, of Hays recently expanded the service to Hays. Her sister,&nbsp;Amanda Jolley, has operated the business, which is part of a national franchise, in Wichita for three months.Cards on Yards offers a variety of message displays including birthdays, anniversaries, graduations, retirements, baby showers, weddings, get well, welcome home, engagements, school events and real estate open houses.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/6/1593544584983.jpeg" alt="Cards on Yards offers yard messages for a flat fee of $100 for a day. Courtesy photo" />
 <figcaption>Cards on Yards offers yard messages for a flat fee of $100 for a day. Courtesy photo</figcaption>
 </figure>The messages can be personalized with people's names and can include displays with cardboard balloons, presents, baby bottles or emojis. The business also offers a honk sign, so people can acknowledge they've seen the sign.Keller put up her first sign in Ellis this week. Usually the cards are in a yard for one day. Keller takes care of all set up and tear down.&nbsp;<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/6/1593544671434.jpeg" alt="Courtesy photo" />
 <figcaption>Courtesy photo</figcaption>
 </figure>The Hays Cards on Yards has the materials to do about four to five yards in one day.Keller is still working out the feasibility of offering the service in smaller surrounding communities, but said right now she is willing to go about 20 to 30 miles outside of Hays.To book a sign, visit the <a href="https://www.cardsonyardshays.com/">Hays Cards on Yards website</a>.

Cards on Yards sign company expands into Hays

A campus challenge among academic departments at Fort Hays State University is helping members of the Tiger family during a time of need.&nbsp; Led by a $250 inaugural donation to the university’s Food and Hunger Initiatives, the program will begin the 2020-21 school year with a larger starting fund than normal – instead of smaller, as was originally feared.&nbsp; The Department of Political Science got the challenge started during a department Zoom meeting near the end of the spring semester when Assistant Professor Christopher Olds suggested a way of honoring its 2020 graduates could be a donation to a food bank.&nbsp; “We believe in community outreach and fortifying our campus community as well as our Hays community,” said Krissy Allacher, senior administrative assistant for the department. “What better way to do that than to help out our own food bank on campus.”&nbsp; In honor of its 41 graduates – including on campus and online, bachelor’s and master’s – the department made the initial donation, then went a step further, challenging the other 30 departments to match or exceed its contribution.&nbsp; Allacher posted the challenge on university social media and its daily campus news bulletin.&nbsp; The Robbins College of Business and Entrepreneurship donated $1,500 in honor of all six of its departments (four academic units plus its MBA and international program). To date, three other departments – English, criminal justice and philosophy – have also made donations, and the Office of the Provost made a pledge as well.&nbsp; Dr. Larry Gould, chair of the political science department, said the initial donation was a way of keeping to the brand of his department: Political Thinking for the Greater Good.&nbsp; “We don’t think about politics in general; we think about politics with a purpose,” he said. “It’s all about thinking about the larger society, not just thinking about yourself.”&nbsp; The Food and Hunger Initiatives is a two-part program, the Tiger Food Exchange (food pantry) and Victor E. Garden (vegetable garden). They are both available to all FHSU students, faculty and staff.&nbsp; The food pantry, normally housed in Forsyth Library, includes canned and packaged goods. The garden provides a wide variety of fresh vegetables, including potatoes, radishes, tomatoes, cucumbers and peppers.&nbsp; Both the pantry and the garden are maintained by students under the guidance of Dr. Peter Tramel, assistant professor of philosophy, and Bob Duffy, drug and counselor at the Kelly Center. Vegetables are harvested regularly and brought to the food pantry.&nbsp; Since COVID-19, the pantry has been temporarily moved to the Meadowlark Room on the first floor of the Memorial Union. Its hours are 7:30 to 11:30 a.m. Monday, Wednesday and Friday. It was open all through the pandemic lockdown and hopes to move back to Forsyth Library by the start of the fall semester.&nbsp; The Food and Hunger Initiatives receives funding through student fees each year, but Duffy said the donation contest will definitely help out the program’s operating expenses, as well as provide some money for purchasing new tools for the garden.&nbsp; “This was such a great idea,” Duffy said. “We had purposely lowered our stock when we had to move locations and didn’t have access to as much storage or a large refrigerator/freezer. This year, we may be purchasing more food than we have in the past, so these donations are going to help out tremendously.”&nbsp; In addition to the department challenge, individuals also can make donations to FHSU’s Food and Hunger Initiatives. Any questions should be directed to Teresa Hammerschmidt at the FHSU Foundation at 785-628-5624. To learn more about the Food and Hunger Initiatives, visit&nbsp;<a href="https://linkprotect.cudasvc.com/url?a=https%3a%2f%2fwww.fhsu.edu%2ffood-and-hunger%2f&amp;c=E,1,u3KzT2517uTEIjBW_CMUDjM4hf7WAK1tVTZQY9Gvr3PeN3Q40JUNnhLJ_YKXYINfRQm-iPP3UnmIdX5Jqt_DbuBD16io5O2cEdOFO4XvaM3a9g2EpQ,,&amp;typo=1" target="_blank">fhsu.edu/food-and-hunger/</a>.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/6/1593441027487.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>FHSU University RelationsA campus challenge among academic departments at Fort Hays State University is helping members of the Tiger family during a time of need.&nbsp; Led by a $250 inaugural donation to the university’s Food and Hunger Initiatives, the program will begin the 2020-21 school year with a larger starting fund than normal – instead of smaller, as was originally feared.&nbsp; The Department of Political Science got the challenge started during a department Zoom meeting near the end of the spring semester when Assistant Professor Christopher Olds suggested a way of honoring its 2020 graduates could be a donation to a food bank.&nbsp; “We believe in community outreach and fortifying our campus community as well as our Hays community,” said Krissy Allacher, senior administrative assistant for the department. “What better way to do that than to help out our own food bank on campus.”&nbsp; In honor of its 41 graduates – including on campus and online, bachelor’s and master’s – the department made the initial donation, then went a step further, challenging the other 30 departments to match or exceed its contribution.&nbsp; Allacher posted the challenge on university social media and its daily campus news bulletin.&nbsp; The Robbins College of Business and Entrepreneurship donated $1,500 in honor of all six of its departments (four academic units plus its MBA and international program). To date, three other departments – English, criminal justice and philosophy – have also made donations, and the Office of the Provost made a pledge as well.&nbsp; Dr. Larry Gould, chair of the political science department, said the initial donation was a way of keeping to the brand of his department: Political Thinking for the Greater Good.&nbsp; “We don’t think about politics in general; we think about politics with a purpose,” he said. “It’s all about thinking about the larger society, not just thinking about yourself.”&nbsp; The Food and Hunger Initiatives is a two-part program, the Tiger Food Exchange (food pantry) and Victor E. Garden (vegetable garden). They are both available to all FHSU students, faculty and staff.&nbsp; The food pantry, normally housed in Forsyth Library, includes canned and packaged goods. The garden provides a wide variety of fresh vegetables, including potatoes, radishes, tomatoes, cucumbers and peppers.&nbsp; Both the pantry and the garden are maintained by students under the guidance of Dr. Peter Tramel, assistant professor of philosophy, and Bob Duffy, drug and counselor at the Kelly Center. Vegetables are harvested regularly and brought to the food pantry.&nbsp; Since COVID-19, the pantry has been temporarily moved to the Meadowlark Room on the first floor of the Memorial Union. Its hours are 7:30 to 11:30 a.m. Monday, Wednesday and Friday. It was open all through the pandemic lockdown and hopes to move back to Forsyth Library by the start of the fall semester.&nbsp; The Food and Hunger Initiatives receives funding through student fees each year, but Duffy said the donation contest will definitely help out the program’s operating expenses, as well as provide some money for purchasing new tools for the garden.&nbsp; “This was such a great idea,” Duffy said. “We had purposely lowered our stock when we had to move locations and didn’t have access to as much storage or a large refrigerator/freezer. This year, we may be purchasing more food than we have in the past, so these donations are going to help out tremendously.”&nbsp; In addition to the department challenge, individuals also can make donations to FHSU’s Food and Hunger Initiatives. Any questions should be directed to Teresa Hammerschmidt at the FHSU Foundation at 785-628-5624. To learn more about the Food and Hunger Initiatives, visit&nbsp;<a href="https://linkprotect.cudasvc.com/url?a=https%3a%2f%2fwww.fhsu.edu%2ffood-and-hunger%2f&amp;c=E,1,u3KzT2517uTEIjBW_CMUDjM4hf7WAK1tVTZQY9Gvr3PeN3Q40JUNnhLJ_YKXYINfRQm-iPP3UnmIdX5Jqt_DbuBD16io5O2cEdOFO4XvaM3a9g2EpQ,,&amp;typo=1" target="_blank">fhsu.edu/food-and-hunger/</a>.&nbsp;

Challenge among departments a boost to FHSU food pantry

TOPEKA - Keeping Kansas right on track, the Kansas Department of Transportation is invested in the success of the shipping, agriculture and railroad industries.

KDOT is pleased to announce nine rail improvement projects selected to receive $11.5 million in State Rail Service Improvement Fund grants. This program is intended to improve rail access for businesses and preserve the condition of the state’s railroad network.

Among the recipients is <a href="https://www.up.com/customers/shortline/profiles_d-k/kyle/index.htm">Phillipsburg-based KYLE railroad</a>.&nbsp;

“We received a great amount of interest in the program this year,” said John Maddox, Manager of the Freight and Rail Unit. “This gave KDOT the opportunity to select projects that will make a significant impact in the shipping, agriculture and railroad industries.”

The total project costs for these nine projects is $21.8 million. Construction on these projects is expected to begin in the third quarter of 2020.

Sixteen applications were submitted by short line railroads and shippers totaling more than $38.9 million in total project costs.

In addition to these projects, four major rehabilitation and rail replacement projects utilizing $11.2 million in grant funds as a part of KDOT’s 286,000-pound Rail Upgrade Initiative are under construction and are expected to be completed during the second quarter of 2021. The total project costs for these four projects is $18.5 million.

“The short line network in Kansas makes up 40% of the rail infrastructure across the state,” Maddox said. “Short lines serve a vital role in keeping the Kansas agricultural sector and shippers (agricultural and industry/manufacturing) connected to the Class 1 rail network.&nbsp; This connection keeps Kansas shippers connected to regional, national and international markets for Kansas products.”

Overall, KDOT is investing $22.7 million through these two programs.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/6/1593467284560.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>KDOTTOPEKA - Keeping Kansas right on track, the Kansas Department of Transportation is invested in the success of the shipping, agriculture and railroad industries.KDOT is pleased to announce nine rail improvement projects selected to receive $11.5 million in State Rail Service Improvement Fund grants. This program is intended to improve rail access for businesses and preserve the condition of the state’s railroad network.Among the recipients is <a href="https://www.up.com/customers/shortline/profiles_d-k/kyle/index.htm">Phillipsburg-based KYLE railroad</a>.&nbsp;“We received a great amount of interest in the program this year,” said John Maddox, Manager of the Freight and Rail Unit. “This gave KDOT the opportunity to select projects that will make a significant impact in the shipping, agriculture and railroad industries.”The total project costs for these nine projects is $21.8 million. Construction on these projects is expected to begin in the third quarter of 2020.Sixteen applications were submitted by short line railroads and shippers totaling more than $38.9 million in total project costs.In addition to these projects, four major rehabilitation and rail replacement projects utilizing $11.2 million in grant funds as a part of KDOT’s 286,000-pound Rail Upgrade Initiative are under construction and are expected to be completed during the second quarter of 2021. The total project costs for these four projects is $18.5 million.“The short line network in Kansas makes up 40% of the rail infrastructure across the state,” Maddox said. “Short lines serve a vital role in keeping the Kansas agricultural sector and shippers (agricultural and industry/manufacturing) connected to the Class 1 rail network.&nbsp; This connection keeps Kansas shippers connected to regional, national and international markets for Kansas products.”Overall, KDOT is investing $22.7 million through these two programs.

Phillipsburg-based KYLE Railroad receives state improvement grant

By KIM BALDWIN McPherson County farmer and rancher

As the days wind down in June, wheat harvest has just now begun for our family. It’s a late harvest this year, but we are glad we are able to get into the fields to harvest the grain. It’s perhaps my most favorite event of the year on the farm. We’ve watched this crop since last fall when it was sown into the soil and emerged as a small plant. We’ve watched as it’s carpeted the ground, survived a cold winter, transformed into the most vivid green before ripening into the most beautiful yellow. We’ve invested a lot of time and hope in the crop, and now it’s time to harvest the grain.

One of the other reasons I love wheat harvest is because the entire family is involved. Since the kids are out of school for the summer, they get to experience harvest in all of its glory as well. Both Banks and Isannah have always played an active role in wheat harvest. When both were younger many of their nap times happened in their car seats while I would drive meals or machine parts out to the fields. I would hold my babies on my hips, and we'd wave to the combines and cheer as they'd roar past making another round in a field.

Every year my kids get to help bake cookies, pack meals and distribute drinks for our harvest crew. They get to sink their toes in the spilled wheat before it's shoveled up. They love to drive out to the fields and watch our crew and machines run. They enjoy meals out in the field and riding in the combine’s buddy seat next to their dad or grandpa as they move from one side of the field to the other cutting the wheat. It’s a beautiful tradition we experience every summer, and I often wonder if harvest will call my two home when they are older with children of their own.

Last night, after we had driven out to the field with food for the crew, the guys began walking back to the tractor, combines and trucks to continue cutting the wheat into the night. As we were walking back to the car, my 4-year-old daughter began weeping. The weeping quickly turned into sobs. As I was attempting to calm her down to find out what was wrong, she was pointing to the combines and grain cart already moving to the opposite end of the field. 

After encouraging her to take deep breaths so she could express what was wrong, she began to hiccup her explanation while tears rolled down her face. It turns out she had planned to ride in a combine after dinner and clearly she was not in one of the cabs. She wanted me to call one of the combines back so she could get in and help cut wheat. I assured her she’d get to ride later. Hesitantly, she climbed into her car seat and we drove home.

For the next few hours, Isannah would ask if it was time for her to go cut. Near bedtime, my husband briefly came into the house to get an item before getting back out to the field. Isannah cornered him and asked if it was time for her to go cut wheat. He knew she would not take “no” for an answer. So even though it was already past her bedtime, at 9 p.m., the two of them headed back to the field. According to Adam, she fell asleep on the drive out to the field, but woke up to help cut wheat for another couple hours.

He carried her to bed shortly before midnight, both exhausted from another day of wheat harvest. 

This morning as we all slowly made our way to the breakfast table, Isannah, still sleepy eyed with dirt on her face and wearing the same clothes from yesterday, sat down at the table, crossed her arms and proceeded to ask Adam, “When are WE cutting wheat today?” 

How can you not love wheat harvest when it’s clearly a family affair?

"Insight" is a weekly column published by Kansas Farm Bureau, the state's largest farm organization whose mission is to strengthen agriculture and the lives of Kansans through advocacy, education and service.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/12/1575904358712.png" alt="Kim Baldwin" />
 <figcaption>Kim Baldwin</figcaption>
 </figure>By KIM BALDWIN McPherson County farmer and rancherAs the days wind down in June, wheat harvest has just now begun for our family. It’s a late harvest this year, but we are glad we are able to get into the fields to harvest the grain. It’s perhaps my most favorite event of the year on the farm. We’ve watched this crop since last fall when it was sown into the soil and emerged as a small plant. We’ve watched as it’s carpeted the ground, survived a cold winter, transformed into the most vivid green before ripening into the most beautiful yellow. We’ve invested a lot of time and hope in the crop, and now it’s time to harvest the grain.One of the other reasons I love wheat harvest is because the entire family is involved. Since the kids are out of school for the summer, they get to experience harvest in all of its glory as well. Both Banks and Isannah have always played an active role in wheat harvest. When both were younger many of their nap times happened in their car seats while I would drive meals or machine parts out to the fields. I would hold my babies on my hips, and we'd wave to the combines and cheer as they'd roar past making another round in a field.Every year my kids get to help bake cookies, pack meals and distribute drinks for our harvest crew. They get to sink their toes in the spilled wheat before it's shoveled up. They love to drive out to the fields and watch our crew and machines run. They enjoy meals out in the field and riding in the combine’s buddy seat next to their dad or grandpa as they move from one side of the field to the other cutting the wheat. It’s a beautiful tradition we experience every summer, and I often wonder if harvest will call my two home when they are older with children of their own.Last night, after we had driven out to the field with food for the crew, the guys began walking back to the tractor, combines and trucks to continue cutting the wheat into the night. As we were walking back to the car, my 4-year-old daughter began weeping. The weeping quickly turned into sobs. As I was attempting to calm her down to find out what was wrong, she was pointing to the combines and grain cart already moving to the opposite end of the field. After encouraging her to take deep breaths so she could express what was wrong, she began to hiccup her explanation while tears rolled down her face. It turns out she had planned to ride in a combine after dinner and clearly she was not in one of the cabs. She wanted me to call one of the combines back so she could get in and help cut wheat. I assured her she’d get to ride later. Hesitantly, she climbed into her car seat and we drove home.For the next few hours, Isannah would ask if it was time for her to go cut. Near bedtime, my husband briefly came into the house to get an item before getting back out to the field. Isannah cornered him and asked if it was time for her to go cut wheat. He knew she would not take “no” for an answer. So even though it was already past her bedtime, at 9 p.m., the two of them headed back to the field. According to Adam, she fell asleep on the drive out to the field, but woke up to help cut wheat for another couple hours.He carried her to bed shortly before midnight, both exhausted from another day of wheat harvest. This morning as we all slowly made our way to the breakfast table, Isannah, still sleepy eyed with dirt on her face and wearing the same clothes from yesterday, sat down at the table, crossed her arms and proceeded to ask Adam, “When are WE cutting wheat today?” How can you not love wheat harvest when it’s clearly a family affair?"Insight" is a weekly column published by Kansas Farm Bureau, the state's largest farm organization whose mission is to strengthen agriculture and the lives of Kansans through advocacy, education and service.

Kansas Farm Bureau Insight: A family harvest

Three-day weather outlook

The Hays Police Department responded to 9 animal calls and conducted 12 traffic stops Wed., June 24, 2020, according to the HPD Activity Log.

Domestic Disturbance--1000 block E 8th St, Hays; 2:50 AM Mental Health Call--2700 block Colonial St, Hays; 3:35 AM Suspicious Activity--1000 block E 8th St, Hays; 3 AM; 3:34 AM Animal At Large--3500 block Hillcrest Dr, Hays; 7:50 AM Phone/Mail Scam--1300 block Golden Belt Dr, Hays; 8:01 AM Shoplifting--4300 block Vine St, Hays; 7:04 AM; 7:15 AM Animal At Large--700 block E 8th St, Hays; 12:48 PM Animal Cruelty/Neglect--100 block W 12th St, Hays; 1:52 PM Miscellaneous Investigation--4400 block Vine St, Hays; 10:45 AM; 11 AM Criminal Damage to Property--2500 block Gen Hancock Rd, Hays; 5:30 PM; 5:54 PM Animal At Large--3500 block Hillcrest Dr, Hays; 6:28 PM Incident, Miscellaneous--100 block W 12th St, Hays; 7:23 PM Suicidal Subject--2500 block Indian Trl, Hays; 8:17 PM Driving Under the Influence--2700 block Vine St, Hay; 9:18:17 PM; 9:18:00 PM Drug Offenses--Hays; 9:50 PM Unwanted Person--3700 block Vine St, Hays; 10:40 PM Suspicious Person--1200 block Main St, Hays; 11:33 PM&nbsp;

The Hays Police Department responded to 8 animal calls and conducted 10 traffic stops Thu., June 25, 2020, according to the HPD Activity Log.

Animal At Large--17th St and Gen Custer Rd, Hays; 8:36 AM Abandoned Vehicle--1300 block Fort St, Hays; 9:23 AM Lost Animals ONLY--100 block Main St, Hays; 9:32 AM MV Accident-Hit and Run-- 200 block Oak St, Hays; 10:13 AM Dead Animal Call--37th St and Summer Ln, Hays; 12:51 PM Harassment (All Other)--500 block W 36th St, Hays;&nbsp; 6/24 8 AM; 8 PM MV Accident-Personal Injury--1700 block Vine St, Hays; 2:24 PM; 2:25 PM Found/Lost Property--1000 block Reservation Rd, Hays; 3:45 PM Disturbance - Noise--1300 block Felten Dr, Hays; 5:24 PM Disturbance - General--1900 block Vine St, Hays; 6:50 PM;&nbsp; 6:54 PM MV Accident-City Street/Alley--500 block E 6th St, Hays; 8:55 PM Child in Need of Care--100 block E 19th St, Hays; 9:10 PM Drug
Offenses--500 block W 23rd St, Hays; 9:23 PM

The Hays Police Department responded to 4 animal calls and conducted 16 traffic stops Fri., June 26, 2020, according to the HPD Activity Log.

MV Accident-City Street/Alley--2100 block Vine St, Hays; 7:10 PM Driving Under the Influence--1000 block Main St, Hays; 2:07 AM Domestic Disturbance--300 block E 15th St, Hays; 7:35 AM Suspicious Activity--2400 block Main St Terr, Hay; 9:30 PM; 10 PM) Kidnapping--4300 block Vine St, Hays; 9:23 AM; 9:45 AM Suspicious Activity--1600 block Oakmont St, Hays; 6/19 11:30 AM; 6/26 11:30 AM Animal At Large--Hays; 1:29 PM Criminal Damage to Property--1800 block&nbsp;Pine St, Hays; 5:25 PM; 5:30 PM Animal Bite Investigation--100 block E 19th St, Hays; 5:29 PM Animal At Large--100 block W 20th St, Hays; 6:04 PM Found/Lost Property--3700 block Vine St, Hays; 6:11 PM Civil Dispute--100 block W 20th St, Hays; 6:53 PM; 6:55 PM Unwanted Person--2800 block Fort St, Hays; 8:58 PM Burglary/vehicle--300 block Mopar Dr, Hays; 9 PM; 9:20 PM Juvenile Complaint--3500 block Willow St, Hays; 10 PM; 10:10 Mental
Health Call--1000 block E 41st St, Hay; 11:59 PM

The Hays Police Department responded to 6 animal calls and conducted 28 traffic stops Sat., June 27, 2020, according to the HPD Activity Log.

Disturbance - Fight--500 block W 7th St, Hays; 1:55 AM; 2:02 Lost Animals ONLY--200 block E 24th St, Hays; 5:43 AM Criminal Trespass--1000 block E 41st St, Hays; 7:37 AM Civil Dispute--300 block W 27th St, Hays: 8:07 AM Found/Lost Property--3500 block Vine St, Hays; 9:15 AM Water Use Violation--4700 block Roth Ave, Hays; 11:08 AM Assist - Other (not MV)--1700 block Haney Dr, Hays; 1:03 PM (Hays) Water Use Violation--3100 block El Dorado Ln, Hays; 3:34 PM Animal At Large--1700 block Walnut St, Hays; 5:01 PM Civil Dispute--500 block E 11th St, Hays; 7:02 PM Abandoned Vehicle--1800 block Ash St, Hays; 7:33 PM Lost Animals ONLY--1400 block Golf Course Rd, Hays; 7:42 PM Abandoned Vehicle--500 block E 11th St, Hays; 7:55 PM Disturbance - Noise--400 block W 7th St, Hays; 9:14 PM Disturbance - Noise--1200 block Maple St, Hays; 10:45 PM

The Hays Police Department responded to 9 animal calls and conducted 16 traffic stops Sun., June 28, 2020, according to the HPD Activity Log.

Intoxicated Subject--400 block Walnut St, Hays; 2:12 AM Driving Under the Influence--700 block Fort St, Hays; 2:18 AM Suspicious Activity--500 block E 6th St, Hays; 2:40 AM Disturbance - Fight--300 block Ash St, Hay; 2:46 AM MV Accident /DUI--1900 block Lincoln Dr, Hays; 6:05 AM; 6:15 AM Lost Animals ONLY--1300 block&nbsp; W 42nd St, Hays; 9:24 AM Dead Animal Call--1300 block E 22nd St, Hays: 9:30 AM MV Accident-Hit and Run--400 block Elm St, Hays; 9:37 AM Water Use Violation--1400 block E 29th St, Hays; 10:18 AM Assist - Other (not MV)--Boise; 11:03 AM Lost Animals ONLY--3700 block Country Ln, Hay; 11:42 AM Lost Animals ONLY--1000 block E 8th St, Hays; 1 PM Intoxicated Subject--1500 block US 183 Alt Hwy, Hays; 10 AM; 1:16 PM&nbsp; Animal At Large--700 block E 6th St, Hays; 2:48 PM Fire--3400 block Vine St, Hays; 3:52 PM Civil Dispute--300 block E 16th St, Hays; 5:35 PM Sex Offense--2200 block Canterbury Dr, Hays; 6/27 7:59 PM Harassment, Telephone/FAX--100 block E 5th St, Hays; 10:37 PM Suspicious Person--1000 block E 37th St, Hays; 11:51 PM

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/6/1592410704431.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>The Hays Police Department responded to 9 animal calls and conducted 12 traffic stops Wed., June 24, 2020, according to the HPD Activity Log.Domestic Disturbance--1000 block E 8th St, Hays; 2:50 AM Mental Health Call--2700 block Colonial St, Hays; 3:35 AM Suspicious Activity--1000 block E 8th St, Hays; 3 AM; 3:34 AM Animal At Large--3500 block Hillcrest Dr, Hays; 7:50 AM Phone/Mail Scam--1300 block Golden Belt Dr, Hays; 8:01 AM Shoplifting--4300 block Vine St, Hays; 7:04 AM; 7:15 AM Animal At Large--700 block E 8th St, Hays; 12:48 PM Animal Cruelty/Neglect--100 block W 12th St, Hays; 1:52 PM Miscellaneous Investigation--4400 block Vine St, Hays; 10:45 AM; 11 AM Criminal Damage to Property--2500 block Gen Hancock Rd, Hays; 5:30 PM; 5:54 PM Animal At Large--3500 block Hillcrest Dr, Hays; 6:28 PM Incident, Miscellaneous--100 block W 12th St, Hays; 7:23 PM Suicidal Subject--2500 block Indian Trl, Hays; 8:17 PM Driving Under the Influence--2700 block Vine St, Hay; 9:18:17 PM; 9:18:00 PM Drug Offenses--Hays; 9:50 PM Unwanted Person--3700 block Vine St, Hays; 10:40 PM Suspicious Person--1200 block Main St, Hays; 11:33 PM&nbsp;The Hays Police Department responded to 8 animal calls and conducted 10 traffic stops Thu., June 25, 2020, according to the HPD Activity Log.Animal At Large--17th St and Gen Custer Rd, Hays; 8:36 AM Abandoned Vehicle--1300 block Fort St, Hays; 9:23 AM Lost Animals ONLY--100 block Main St, Hays; 9:32 AM MV Accident-Hit and Run-- 200 block Oak St, Hays; 10:13 AM Dead Animal Call--37th St and Summer Ln, Hays; 12:51 PM Harassment (All Other)--500 block W 36th St, Hays;&nbsp; 6/24 8 AM; 8 PM MV Accident-Personal Injury--1700 block Vine St, Hays; 2:24 PM; 2:25 PM Found/Lost Property--1000 block Reservation Rd, Hays; 3:45 PM Disturbance - Noise--1300 block Felten Dr, Hays; 5:24 PM Disturbance - General--1900 block Vine St, Hays; 6:50 PM;&nbsp; 6:54 PM MV Accident-City Street/Alley--500 block E 6th St, Hays; 8:55 PM Child in Need of Care--100 block E 19th St, Hays; 9:10 PM Drug
Offenses--500 block W 23rd St, Hays; 9:23 PMThe Hays Police Department responded to 4 animal calls and conducted 16 traffic stops Fri., June 26, 2020, according to the HPD Activity Log.MV Accident-City Street/Alley--2100 block Vine St, Hays; 7:10 PM Driving Under the Influence--1000 block Main St, Hays; 2:07 AM Domestic Disturbance--300 block E 15th St, Hays; 7:35 AM Suspicious Activity--2400 block Main St Terr, Hay; 9:30 PM; 10 PM) Kidnapping--4300 block Vine St, Hays; 9:23 AM; 9:45 AM Suspicious Activity--1600 block Oakmont St, Hays; 6/19 11:30 AM; 6/26 11:30 AM Animal At Large--Hays; 1:29 PM Criminal Damage to Property--1800 block&nbsp;Pine St, Hays; 5:25 PM; 5:30 PM Animal Bite Investigation--100 block E 19th St, Hays; 5:29 PM Animal At Large--100 block W 20th St, Hays; 6:04 PM Found/Lost Property--3700 block Vine St, Hays; 6:11 PM Civil Dispute--100 block W 20th St, Hays; 6:53 PM; 6:55 PM Unwanted Person--2800 block Fort St, Hays; 8:58 PM Burglary/vehicle--300 block Mopar Dr, Hays; 9 PM; 9:20 PM Juvenile Complaint--3500 block Willow St, Hays; 10 PM; 10:10 Mental
Health Call--1000 block E 41st St, Hay; 11:59 PMThe Hays Police Department responded to 6 animal calls and conducted 28 traffic stops Sat., June 27, 2020, according to the HPD Activity Log.Disturbance - Fight--500 block W 7th St, Hays; 1:55 AM; 2:02 Lost Animals ONLY--200 block E 24th St, Hays; 5:43 AM Criminal Trespass--1000 block E 41st St, Hays; 7:37 AM Civil Dispute--300 block W 27th St, Hays: 8:07 AM Found/Lost Property--3500 block Vine St, Hays; 9:15 AM Water Use Violation--4700 block Roth Ave, Hays; 11:08 AM Assist - Other (not MV)--1700 block Haney Dr, Hays; 1:03 PM (Hays) Water Use Violation--3100 block El Dorado Ln, Hays; 3:34 PM Animal At Large--1700 block Walnut St, Hays; 5:01 PM Civil Dispute--500 block E 11th St, Hays; 7:02 PM Abandoned Vehicle--1800 block Ash St, Hays; 7:33 PM Lost Animals ONLY--1400 block Golf Course Rd, Hays; 7:42 PM Abandoned Vehicle--500 block E 11th St, Hays; 7:55 PM Disturbance - Noise--400 block W 7th St, Hays; 9:14 PM Disturbance - Noise--1200 block Maple St, Hays; 10:45 PMThe Hays Police Department responded to 9 animal calls and conducted 16 traffic stops Sun., June 28, 2020, according to the HPD Activity Log.Intoxicated Subject--400 block Walnut St, Hays; 2:12 AM Driving Under the Influence--700 block Fort St, Hays; 2:18 AM Suspicious Activity--500 block E 6th St, Hays; 2:40 AM Disturbance - Fight--300 block Ash St, Hay; 2:46 AM MV Accident /DUI--1900 block Lincoln Dr, Hays; 6:05 AM; 6:15 AM Lost Animals ONLY--1300 block&nbsp; W 42nd St, Hays; 9:24 AM Dead Animal Call--1300 block E 22nd St, Hays: 9:30 AM MV Accident-Hit and Run--400 block Elm St, Hays; 9:37 AM Water Use Violation--1400 block E 29th St, Hays; 10:18 AM Assist - Other (not MV)--Boise; 11:03 AM Lost Animals ONLY--3700 block Country Ln, Hay; 11:42 AM Lost Animals ONLY--1000 block E 8th St, Hays; 1 PM Intoxicated Subject--1500 block US 183 Alt Hwy, Hays; 10 AM; 1:16 PM&nbsp; Animal At Large--700 block E 6th St, Hays; 2:48 PM Fire--3400 block Vine St, Hays; 3:52 PM Civil Dispute--300 block E 16th St, Hays; 5:35 PM Sex Offense--2200 block Canterbury Dr, Hays; 6/27 7:59 PM Harassment, Telephone/FAX--100 block E 5th St, Hays; 10:37 PM Suspicious Person--1000 block E 37th St, Hays; 11:51 PM<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/6/1592410704431.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>

HPD Activity Log June 24-28 

The Ellis County Board of Health will meet later this week to discuss the governor's order on Monday requiring facemasks in public spaces beginning Friday.

According to sources, the meeting will be at 4:30 p.m. Thursday.

"Guidance will be released from the Ellis County Health Department via press release to the residents and visitors of Ellis County following that meeting," the health department said in a news release early Tuesday evening.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/6/1593005366466.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>The Ellis County Board of Health will meet later this week to discuss the governor's order on Monday requiring facemasks in public spaces beginning Friday.According to sources, the meeting will be at 4:30 p.m. Thursday."Guidance will be released from the Ellis County Health Department via press release to the residents and visitors of Ellis County following that meeting," the health department said in a news release early Tuesday evening.Read the entire release below:<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/6/1593556463576.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>

Ellis Co. officials will meet this week on statewide facemask order

<div><iframe title="RHID passes hurdle; development on track" height="400" width="400" style="border: none;" scrolling="no" data-name="pb-iframe-player" src="https://www.podbean.com/media/player/7vz8n-e1aa62?from=yiiadmin&download=1&version=1&vjs=1&skin=3&auto=0&share=1&fonts=Helvetica&download=1&rtl=0&pbad=1"></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: RHID passes hurdle; development on track

RUSSELL COUNTY — At approximately 4 p.m. Monday, Russell County Dispatch received a 911 call of a possible drowning at the Lucas Swim beach at Wilson Lake. 

The Russell County Sheriff's Office, Russell County EMS, Dorrance Fire, Lucas Fire, Army Corp of Engineers, Kansas Department of Wildlife Park and Tourism, and the Kansas Highway Patrol Aircraft responded to the scene. 

After a thorough search of the area, a body was located by boat sonar under the water. 

A diver was dispatched to recover the body. At approximately 5:45 p.m., 45-year-old Clarence Edward Flores, Great Bend, was recovered. 

Next of kin for Flores has been notified, and an autopsy is scheduled. 

"The Sheriff's Office would like to thank all First Responders and Good Samaritans for their work In the recovery of Mr. Flores. And to keep Mr. Flores's family in their thoughts and prayers during this trying time," the office said in a news release. "No further information will be released at this time."

Russell County Sheriff's OfficeRUSSELL COUNTY — At approximately 4 p.m. Monday, Russell County Dispatch received a 911 call of a possible drowning at the Lucas Swim beach at Wilson Lake. The Russell County Sheriff's Office, Russell County EMS, Dorrance Fire, Lucas Fire, Army Corp of Engineers, Kansas Department of Wildlife Park and Tourism, and the Kansas Highway Patrol Aircraft responded to the scene. After a thorough search of the area, a body was located by boat sonar under the water. A diver was dispatched to recover the body. At approximately 5:45 p.m., 45-year-old Clarence Edward Flores, Great Bend, was recovered. Next of kin for Flores has been notified, and an autopsy is scheduled. "The Sheriff's Office would like to thank all First Responders and Good Samaritans for their work In the recovery of Mr. Flores. And to keep Mr. Flores's family in their thoughts and prayers during this trying time," the office said in a news release. "No further information will be released at this time."

Body of drowning victim recovered at Wilson Lake

HaysMed, part of The University of Kansas Health System, recently recognized&nbsp;Carolyn Terry, patient care technician, with the PCT of the Year award. A PCT is a vital part of the patient care team and are key in keeping processes running smoothly.	

Terry was noted for consistently striving to provide quality of care for patients and being a great patient care team member with associates and students.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/6/1593540044597.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>HaysMedHaysMed, part of The University of Kansas Health System, recently recognized&nbsp;Carolyn Terry, patient care technician, with the PCT of the Year award. A PCT is a vital part of the patient care team and are key in keeping processes running smoothly.	Terry was noted for consistently striving to provide quality of care for patients and being a great patient care team member with associates and students.

HaysMed recognizes Patient Care Technician of the Year

In preparation for the upcoming school year, an Ellis County Schools COVID-19 Advisory Group has been created with representatives from the medical community and all Ellis County schools (USD489, USD432, USD388, and Catholic schools).

The purpose of the advisory committee is to gather and discuss the most up-to-date information from Ellis County Public Health, CDC, KDHE and KSDE, then to provide recommended policies and procedures to the schools in terms of how to safely start and continue the 2020-21 school year.

Safely reopening all Ellis County schools is our first priority. The foundation of all discussions is to protect and ensure the social, emotional and physical well-being of students and staff.

Decisions and actions will be determined based on the current information from CDC with close collaboration with Ellis County Health, KDHE and KSDE.

Although definitive plans for the August reopening have not yet been created Ellis County schools remain committed to providing quality learning opportunities for all students which may include onsite, hybrid, and/or remote learning environments.

KSDE is expected to release guidance to all Kansas schools and the public by July 16. 

After reviewing this guidance, the Ellis County Schools COVID-19 Advisory Group will provide recommendations for school policies and procedures. Updates will be provided through school websites and media outlets.

The advisory group members represent a diversity of school and community stakeholders:

USD 489In preparation for the upcoming school year, an Ellis County Schools COVID-19 Advisory Group has been created with representatives from the medical community and all Ellis County schools (USD489, USD432, USD388, and Catholic schools).The purpose of the advisory committee is to gather and discuss the most up-to-date information from Ellis County Public Health, CDC, KDHE and KSDE, then to provide recommended policies and procedures to the schools in terms of how to safely start and continue the 2020-21 school year.Safely reopening all Ellis County schools is our first priority. The foundation of all discussions is to protect and ensure the social, emotional and physical well-being of students and staff.Decisions and actions will be determined based on the current information from CDC with close collaboration with Ellis County Health, KDHE and KSDE.Although definitive plans for the August reopening have not yet been created Ellis County schools remain committed to providing quality learning opportunities for all students which may include onsite, hybrid, and/or remote learning environments.KSDE is expected to release guidance to all Kansas schools and the public by July 16. After reviewing this guidance, the Ellis County Schools COVID-19 Advisory Group will provide recommendations for school policies and procedures. Updates will be provided through school websites and media outlets.The advisory group members represent a diversity of school and community stakeholders:<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/6/1593450247856.png" alt="COVID school advisory group.png" />
 <figcaption>COVID school advisory group.png</figcaption>
 </figure>

Ellis County schools form group to develop plans for school in fall

During a brief meeting Monday, the Hays school board approved routine end of the fiscal year transfers.

The board also briefly discussed Gym B bleacher replacements at Hays High School.

Kansas Contract Design of Wichita has provided a $23,280 quote for the project. No vote was taken on the project on Monday.

The board also conducted an executive session for teacher negotiations. No action was taken after the executive session.

By CRISTINA JANNEY Hays PostDuring a brief meeting Monday, the Hays school board approved routine end of the fiscal year transfers.The following transfers were approved:<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/6/1593532205490.png" alt="BOE transfers" />
 <figcaption>BOE transfers</figcaption>
 </figure>The board also briefly discussed Gym B bleacher replacements at Hays High School.Kansas Contract Design of Wichita has provided a $23,280 quote for the project. No vote was taken on the project on Monday.The board also conducted an executive session for teacher negotiations. No action was taken after the executive session.

Hays school board discusses bleacher replacement

Farmers have been pleasantly surprised by yields during this year's wheat harvest, but low prices will likely mean another tough year for farmers, the president of Midland Marketing said Monday.

Farmers have reported yields of anywhere from 30 to 60 bushels per acre, Kevin Royer, Midland Marketing president/CEO, said. However, this depended on variety and when the wheat was planted.

Stacy Campbell, Ellis County Extension agricultural agent, reported similar yields of about 40 to 50 bushels per acre.

Campbell reported test weights at about 60 or above, which means most farmers won't be docked at the elevator. Moisture percentages have been about 10 percent to 13 percent, also good for farmers.

The global wheat harvest is projected to be at an all-time high. A surplus on the market coupled with a drop in demand due to COVID-19 is driving down prices, Royer said.

The price of cash wheat was only about $4 per bushel as of Monday, which is weak, Royer said.

Campbell said current prices are not sustainable for farmers over the long term.

"Even at 50 bushels an acre at $4 per bushel, that's $200 an acre," Campbell said, "and many farmers have more than $200 an acre in their crop."

Cold weather late in the season did not have as much impact on the wheat as expected, but this also depended on variety and how far along the crops were when the area had a cold snap in April, Royer said.

A dryer year than average year has also not significantly damaged the area's wheat, Royer said. As of Monday morning, Hays had received 9.65 inches of rain year-to-date compared to an average rainfall of 14.54 by the end of June, according the K-State Extension Research Station in Hays.

Rains within the last few weeks have not significantly harmed area wheat, but it has helped fall crops, such as milo, corn and soybeans.

The trade war has affected farmers over the last several years.&nbsp;

"If we don't have the exports, you don't have the demand, so the pricing is not going to be real good on those either," Royer said of fall crops.&nbsp;

He said this year might be a tough year all around for farmers.

Farmers have struggled for years to find enough workers to assist in getting the wheat out of the fields and to elevators. However, COVID-19 has not appeared to had a significant effect on harvest, Campbell said.

As of Monday, Campbell said the wheat harvest in Ellis County about 58 percent complete. If hot, dry, breezy weather continues, he said wheat harvest in this area should be complete by the end of the week.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/5/1589382928360.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>By CRISTINA JANNEY Hays PostFarmers have been pleasantly surprised by yields during this year's wheat harvest, but low prices will likely mean another tough year for farmers, the president of Midland Marketing said Monday.Farmers have reported yields of anywhere from 30 to 60 bushels per acre, Kevin Royer, Midland Marketing president/CEO, said. However, this depended on variety and when the wheat was planted.Stacy Campbell, Ellis County Extension agricultural agent, reported similar yields of about 40 to 50 bushels per acre.Campbell reported test weights at about 60 or above, which means most farmers won't be docked at the elevator. Moisture percentages have been about 10 percent to 13 percent, also good for farmers.The global wheat harvest is projected to be at an all-time high. A surplus on the market coupled with a drop in demand due to COVID-19 is driving down prices, Royer said.The price of cash wheat was only about $4 per bushel as of Monday, which is weak, Royer said.Campbell said current prices are not sustainable for farmers over the long term."Even at 50 bushels an acre at $4 per bushel, that's $200 an acre," Campbell said, "and many farmers have more than $200 an acre in their crop."<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/6/1593460599834.jpeg" alt="A combine harvests wheat at the Hays city limits last week. Cristina Janney/Hays Post" />
 <figcaption>A combine harvests wheat at the Hays city limits last week. Cristina Janney/Hays Post</figcaption>
 </figure>Cold weather late in the season did not have as much impact on the wheat as expected, but this also depended on variety and how far along the crops were when the area had a cold snap in April, Royer said.A dryer year than average year has also not significantly damaged the area's wheat, Royer said. As of Monday morning, Hays had received 9.65 inches of rain year-to-date compared to an average rainfall of 14.54 by the end of June, according the K-State Extension Research Station in Hays.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/6/1593460678900.jpeg" alt="Warm, dry, breezy weather will likely mean wheat harvest in Ellis County will be complete by the end of the week. Cristina Janney/Hays Post" />
 <figcaption>Warm, dry, breezy weather will likely mean wheat harvest in Ellis County will be complete by the end of the week. Cristina Janney/Hays Post</figcaption>
 </figure>Rains within the last few weeks have not significantly harmed area wheat, but it has helped fall crops, such as milo, corn and soybeans.The trade war has affected farmers over the last several years.&nbsp;"If we don't have the exports, you don't have the demand, so the pricing is not going to be real good on those either," Royer said of fall crops.&nbsp;He said this year might be a tough year all around for farmers.Farmers have struggled for years to find enough workers to assist in getting the wheat out of the fields and to elevators. However, COVID-19 has not appeared to had a significant effect on harvest, Campbell said.As of Monday, Campbell said the wheat harvest in Ellis County about 58 percent complete. If hot, dry, breezy weather continues, he said wheat harvest in this area should be complete by the end of the week.

Farmers pleasantly surprised with wheat yields, but prices low

All consumer fireworks
that are legal in Kansas are approved for sale and use in the city of
Hays.&nbsp;

Fireworks sales are permitted Thursday through Saturday, July 2 to 4, and can be used in the city those days from 10 a.m. to 11 p.m.

State law prohibits
fireworks from being ignited or discharged:

·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;
From a moving or stationary vehicle

·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;
On a public street or right-of-way

·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;
Within 100-feet of a hospital or nursing home or fireworks
location

·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;
Within 50-feet of a fuel pump or gas station

·&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;Bottle rockets or other skyrockets mounted on a stick or a wire are prohibited by state law.

City code prohibits
fireworks use in cemeteries.&nbsp;

Fireworks are for
outdoor use only. Persons younger than
12 years old should not use fireworks.&nbsp;

Use fireworks as
intended. Don’t try to alter or combine fireworks. 

Fireworks and alcohol
don’t mix. Have a designated shooter.&nbsp;

Keep a hose, water
bucket or fire extinguisher handy when using fireworks and call 911 promptly if a
person is injured or a fire is started by fireworks.

&nbsp;Practice courtesy and
respect. Clean up your fireworks debris. Avoid disturbing your neighbors when
you use fireworks.&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/6/1560641726509.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>City of HaysAll consumer fireworks
that are legal in Kansas are approved for sale and use in the city of
Hays.&nbsp;Fireworks sales are permitted Thursday through Saturday, July 2 to 4, and can be used in the city those days from 10 a.m. to 11 p.m.State law prohibits
fireworks from being ignited or discharged:·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;
From a moving or stationary vehicle·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;
On a public street or right-of-way·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;
Within 100-feet of a hospital or nursing home or fireworks
location·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;
Within 50-feet of a fuel pump or gas station·&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;Bottle rockets or other skyrockets mounted on a stick or a wire are prohibited by state law.City code prohibits
fireworks use in cemeteries.&nbsp;Fireworks are for
outdoor use only. Persons younger than
12 years old should not use fireworks.&nbsp;Use fireworks as
intended. Don’t try to alter or combine fireworks. Fireworks and alcohol
don’t mix. Have a designated shooter.&nbsp;Keep a hose, water
bucket or fire extinguisher handy when using fireworks and call 911 promptly if a
person is injured or a fire is started by fireworks.&nbsp;Practice courtesy and
respect. Clean up your fireworks debris. Avoid disturbing your neighbors when
you use fireworks.&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;

Fireworks sales in Hays set to begin

Kansas Common crude at CHS in McPherson dropped a quarter on Friday, to start the week Monday at $28.75 a barrel. That's down more than a dollar from a week ago, but three dollars higher than at the first of the month. Since the beginning of the year, Kansas Common is down more than $22 a barrel. Two leading oil-price reporting agencies announced new crude-oil benchmarks to address what they call "the distortions of domestic infrastructure economics." S&amp;P Global Platts and Argus Media are both trying to break away from &nbsp;the traditional landlocked WTI benchmark, just over two months after U.S. crude futures prices plunged into negative territory for the first time in history. Platts American GulfCoast Select will reflect the value of waterborne light sweet crude supplied from the Permian Basin on major pipelines to the Gulf. Argus AGS &nbsp;is also designed to reflect the growing importance of the U.S. Gulf Coast as a major export hub. Baker Hughes reports 265 active drilling rigs across the U.S. Friday, which is down one oil rig from a week earlier. The count in Texas and Oklahoma were both up one, while New Mexico, Wyoming and Colorado were each down one. Independent Oil &amp; Gas Service reports two active rigs in eastern Kansas last week, which is unchanged from the week before. West of Wichita there are eight active rigs, up one. There were no new drilling permits issued in the State of Kansas during the last week. For the last week in June, our total is 210 permits for drilling at new locations, compared to 455 new permits at the halfway point last year. Operators completed 25 wells last week across the state, nine of them west of Wichita including one in Stafford County. Independent Oil and Gas Service says that brings the year-to-date total to 517 completions compared to 750 at this time last year. The government reported a build in U.S. crude-oil inventories of 1.4 million barrels. The Energy Information Administration says stockpiles reached an all-time high of nearly 541 million barrels, 16% above the five-year average for this time of year. The previous record was set in March 2017.&nbsp; The Energy Information Administration says the U.S. is using 62% of its working storage capacity, with usage at Cushing down to 58%. U.S. crude oil production increased last week by more than half a million barrels per day. The Energy Information Administration reported average output of 10.96 million barrels per day for the week ending June 19. A year ago, domestic production was over 12 million barrels per day. EIA says oil and gas producers managed to set production records in the U.S. last year with fewer wells and fewer active drilling rigs. In a report last week, the government said one factor in the increase in drilling efficiency is the ability to contact more of a formation using horizontal drilling. In 2019, operators set records producing 12.2 million barrels per day of crude and 111.5 million cubic feet per day of natural gas. EIA cites data from Baker Hughes and IHS Markit showing the average rig count per month last year was 943 and the average count of new wells drilled per month was 1,400. Both were in the lower end of the range during the past 45 years, despite record production. EIA reported a drop in imports to 6.5 million barrels per day for the week ending June 19. The four-week average is down more than eleven percent from the same period a year ago. Oil-by-rail traffic dropped by 34 tanker cars last week to 9,402 cars. The Association of American Railroads says that's down more than 33 percent from the same week a year ago.&nbsp; Oklahoma based energy powerhouse Chesapeake Energy has filed for bankruptcy protection. Founded in 1989 with an initial $50,000 investment, Chesapeake lost an eye-popping $8.3 billion in the first quarter of this year, and has a current debt load of nearly $9 billion dollars. It has entered a plan with lenders to cut $7 billion of its debt and will continue to operate as usual during the bankruptcy process. The company was a leader in the fracking boom, using unconventional techniques to extract oil and gas. It became a colossus in the energy markets, eventually reaching a market valuation of more than $37 billion. The company closed Friday valued at around $115 million. Despite those problems, the company's CEO last year remained the highest-paid CEO in Oklahoma with $15.4 million in compensation.&nbsp; Colorado's governor on Monday named the new five-member commission which will craft and put into place major changes in the oil and gas industry there. A new state law requires regulators to shift focus toward the environment and public health.&nbsp; Gov. Jared Polis named Colorado Oil and Gas Conservation Commission's current director, Jeff Robbins, to serve as chair of the new commission. He said Julie Murphy, chief of staff and senior policy adviser with the agency, will take over as director on July 1. The Denver Post reports the other four members of the commission have a mix of expertise in public health, the oil and gas industry, the environmental community and local government land use issues. They are: Priya K. Nanjappa (director of operations at Conservation Science Partners Inc.), Karin L. McGowan (deputy executive director of the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment), Gunnison County Commissioner John Messner, who serves on the existing commission, will bring a local government perspective. Attorney Bill Gonzalez of Denver is a former land manager for Occidental Petroleum. Robbins will retain his director salary at $161,700 while the other four commissioners will be paid $150,000 annually in their new roles. The oil and gas industry in Canada continues its slump, with rig counts at record lows and plummeting industry employment. Compared to last year, energy employment in Canada is down more than 25-thousand jobs, a decline of 14%. The drilling rig count in Canada fell 86% from a year ago to just 17 active rigs last week, an all-time low according to Baker Hughes.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/6/1592847975802.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>By JOHN P. TRETBARKansas Common crude at CHS in McPherson dropped a quarter on Friday, to start the week Monday at $28.75 a barrel. That's down more than a dollar from a week ago, but three dollars higher than at the first of the month. Since the beginning of the year, Kansas Common is down more than $22 a barrel. Two leading oil-price reporting agencies announced new crude-oil benchmarks to address what they call "the distortions of domestic infrastructure economics." S&amp;P Global Platts and Argus Media are both trying to break away from &nbsp;the traditional landlocked WTI benchmark, just over two months after U.S. crude futures prices plunged into negative territory for the first time in history. Platts American GulfCoast Select will reflect the value of waterborne light sweet crude supplied from the Permian Basin on major pipelines to the Gulf. Argus AGS &nbsp;is also designed to reflect the growing importance of the U.S. Gulf Coast as a major export hub. Baker Hughes reports 265 active drilling rigs across the U.S. Friday, which is down one oil rig from a week earlier. The count in Texas and Oklahoma were both up one, while New Mexico, Wyoming and Colorado were each down one. Independent Oil &amp; Gas Service reports two active rigs in eastern Kansas last week, which is unchanged from the week before. West of Wichita there are eight active rigs, up one. There were no new drilling permits issued in the State of Kansas during the last week. For the last week in June, our total is 210 permits for drilling at new locations, compared to 455 new permits at the halfway point last year. Operators completed 25 wells last week across the state, nine of them west of Wichita including one in Stafford County. Independent Oil and Gas Service says that brings the year-to-date total to 517 completions compared to 750 at this time last year. The government reported a build in U.S. crude-oil inventories of 1.4 million barrels. The Energy Information Administration says stockpiles reached an all-time high of nearly 541 million barrels, 16% above the five-year average for this time of year. The previous record was set in March 2017.&nbsp; The Energy Information Administration says the U.S. is using 62% of its working storage capacity, with usage at Cushing down to 58%. U.S. crude oil production increased last week by more than half a million barrels per day. The Energy Information Administration reported average output of 10.96 million barrels per day for the week ending June 19. A year ago, domestic production was over 12 million barrels per day. EIA says oil and gas producers managed to set production records in the U.S. last year with fewer wells and fewer active drilling rigs. In a report last week, the government said one factor in the increase in drilling efficiency is the ability to contact more of a formation using horizontal drilling. In 2019, operators set records producing 12.2 million barrels per day of crude and 111.5 million cubic feet per day of natural gas. EIA cites data from Baker Hughes and IHS Markit showing the average rig count per month last year was 943 and the average count of new wells drilled per month was 1,400. Both were in the lower end of the range during the past 45 years, despite record production. EIA reported a drop in imports to 6.5 million barrels per day for the week ending June 19. The four-week average is down more than eleven percent from the same period a year ago. Oil-by-rail traffic dropped by 34 tanker cars last week to 9,402 cars. The Association of American Railroads says that's down more than 33 percent from the same week a year ago.&nbsp; Oklahoma based energy powerhouse Chesapeake Energy has filed for bankruptcy protection. Founded in 1989 with an initial $50,000 investment, Chesapeake lost an eye-popping $8.3 billion in the first quarter of this year, and has a current debt load of nearly $9 billion dollars. It has entered a plan with lenders to cut $7 billion of its debt and will continue to operate as usual during the bankruptcy process. The company was a leader in the fracking boom, using unconventional techniques to extract oil and gas. It became a colossus in the energy markets, eventually reaching a market valuation of more than $37 billion. The company closed Friday valued at around $115 million. Despite those problems, the company's CEO last year remained the highest-paid CEO in Oklahoma with $15.4 million in compensation.&nbsp; Colorado's governor on Monday named the new five-member commission which will craft and put into place major changes in the oil and gas industry there. A new state law requires regulators to shift focus toward the environment and public health.&nbsp; Gov. Jared Polis named Colorado Oil and Gas Conservation Commission's current director, Jeff Robbins, to serve as chair of the new commission. He said Julie Murphy, chief of staff and senior policy adviser with the agency, will take over as director on July 1. The Denver Post reports the other four members of the commission have a mix of expertise in public health, the oil and gas industry, the environmental community and local government land use issues. They are: Priya K. Nanjappa (director of operations at Conservation Science Partners Inc.), Karin L. McGowan (deputy executive director of the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment), Gunnison County Commissioner John Messner, who serves on the existing commission, will bring a local government perspective. Attorney Bill Gonzalez of Denver is a former land manager for Occidental Petroleum. Robbins will retain his director salary at $161,700 while the other four commissioners will be paid $150,000 annually in their new roles. The oil and gas industry in Canada continues its slump, with rig counts at record lows and plummeting industry employment. Compared to last year, energy employment in Canada is down more than 25-thousand jobs, a decline of 14%. The drilling rig count in Canada fell 86% from a year ago to just 17 active rigs last week, an all-time low according to Baker Hughes.

News From the Oil Patch: With slowing demand, inventories reach all-time high

Let’s see just how this works out on the doorstep as candidates in the next month ask for your vote in the primary, then general election this fall.

It starts out, of course, with the candidates briefly taking their mask elastic off one ear, and showing you their face, briefly.

Then, if you don’t shut the door and tell them to get off your porch, they’ll mention some of the things they believe you want to hear.

How about “I’ll only vote to increase taxes by $1.5 billion next year?”

And then, we expect, just before slamming the door, many voters will tell the candidate to get off their porch, and off their property and get back out to the public sidewalk.

That’s the amount of shortfall that the Kansas Legislative Research Department last week calculated that the brand-new, elected, or re-elected Legislature is going to have to raise to keep the state open for business.

It’s the effect of the COVID-19 pandemic, which will, the department estimates, be the difference between the pared spending proposed by Gov. Laura Kelly for the fiscal year that starts July 1 and the amount of money needed to keep the state operating at a little worse than it is this year in terms of providing its citizens the programs they want.

And, surprisingly, we’re finding out that the governor’s proposed spending cuts she will make from the Legislature-approved and governor-signed budget for the year starting July 1 will still leave the state that $1.5 billion short of cash.

We’re thinking that $1.5 billion is going to be what voters are going to be concerned about, not proposals to require you to walk your cat on a leash or to designate a new specialty license tag&nbsp; honoring Kansans whose last names start with vowels.

That’s what the coronavirus has done to Kansas—cut revenues as Kansans lose their jobs or are furloughed by their employers to curb spread of the disease. And…to see less shopping and sales tax receipts from Kansans who are still buying groceries, cars, school clothes and everything else that we used to buy when we weren’t afraid to enter into stores and insurance offices and could go to bars and health clubs and swimming pools.

That’s a tremendous amount of money that whomever we elect from our districts to represent us in Topeka are going to have to either generate through taxes or to save through cutting services to Kansans ranging from police protection to health-care for the poor through Medicaid to welfare to keep them able to pay their rent, care for their children and everything else.

Oh, and to keep those schools funded constitutionally, though we’re still not sure whether kids will be going to the school building or hunkering over their (possibly school-supplied) computers to learn what we want the kids to know so they can grow up to land solid jobs and support themselves.

Now there are some answers short of raising taxes on Kansans. Congress might appropriate money that states can use to fill the revenue vs. expense shortfall that the ongoing pandemic has caused. Or, there may be a shot or pill you can take next year to end the pandemic, kicking the full state economy back to normal.

But there are 40 seats to fill in the Senate and 125 in the House where the winners are going to face that revenue shortfall problem. And how will they describe that to you on the doorstep or with postcards or over the Internet?&nbsp;

Syndicated by Hawver News Company LLC of Topeka; Martin Hawver is publisher of Hawver's Capitol Report—to learn more about this nonpartisan statewide political news service, visit the website at&nbsp;<a href="http://www.hawvernews.com/">www.hawvernews.com</a>

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/6/1592848178110.png" alt="Martin Hawver is publisher of Hawver's Capitol Report." />
 <figcaption>Martin Hawver is publisher of Hawver's Capitol Report.</figcaption>
 </figure>Let’s see just how this works out on the doorstep as candidates in the next month ask for your vote in the primary, then general election this fall.It starts out, of course, with the candidates briefly taking their mask elastic off one ear, and showing you their face, briefly.Then, if you don’t shut the door and tell them to get off your porch, they’ll mention some of the things they believe you want to hear.How about “I’ll only vote to increase taxes by $1.5 billion next year?”And then, we expect, just before slamming the door, many voters will tell the candidate to get off their porch, and off their property and get back out to the public sidewalk.Oh, and that $1.5 billion?That’s the amount of shortfall that the Kansas Legislative Research Department last week calculated that the brand-new, elected, or re-elected Legislature is going to have to raise to keep the state open for business.It’s the effect of the COVID-19 pandemic, which will, the department estimates, be the difference between the pared spending proposed by Gov. Laura Kelly for the fiscal year that starts July 1 and the amount of money needed to keep the state operating at a little worse than it is this year in terms of providing its citizens the programs they want.And, surprisingly, we’re finding out that the governor’s proposed spending cuts she will make from the Legislature-approved and governor-signed budget for the year starting July 1 will still leave the state that $1.5 billion short of cash.We’re thinking that $1.5 billion is going to be what voters are going to be concerned about, not proposals to require you to walk your cat on a leash or to designate a new specialty license tag&nbsp; honoring Kansans whose last names start with vowels.That’s what the coronavirus has done to Kansas—cut revenues as Kansans lose their jobs or are furloughed by their employers to curb spread of the disease. And…to see less shopping and sales tax receipts from Kansans who are still buying groceries, cars, school clothes and everything else that we used to buy when we weren’t afraid to enter into stores and insurance offices and could go to bars and health clubs and swimming pools.That’s a tremendous amount of money that whomever we elect from our districts to represent us in Topeka are going to have to either generate through taxes or to save through cutting services to Kansans ranging from police protection to health-care for the poor through Medicaid to welfare to keep them able to pay their rent, care for their children and everything else.Oh, and to keep those schools funded constitutionally, though we’re still not sure whether kids will be going to the school building or hunkering over their (possibly school-supplied) computers to learn what we want the kids to know so they can grow up to land solid jobs and support themselves.Now there are some answers short of raising taxes on Kansans. Congress might appropriate money that states can use to fill the revenue vs. expense shortfall that the ongoing pandemic has caused. Or, there may be a shot or pill you can take next year to end the pandemic, kicking the full state economy back to normal.Or not.But there are 40 seats to fill in the Senate and 125 in the House where the winners are going to face that revenue shortfall problem. And how will they describe that to you on the doorstep or with postcards or over the Internet?&nbsp;Syndicated by Hawver News Company LLC of Topeka; Martin Hawver is publisher of Hawver's Capitol Report—to learn more about this nonpartisan statewide political news service, visit the website at&nbsp;<a href="http://www.hawvernews.com/">www.hawvernews.com</a>

HAWVER: Candidates face questions about Kan. revenue shortfall

A key to Kansas’ economic recovery is having a business recruitment strategy that includes proactive leadership and involvement from the top.&nbsp;

The Department of Commerce recently told lawmakers that there has been more interest in recent months from businesses about locating in Kansas. Among the reasons that the department cited were new business recruitment staff and the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic on businesses. The Department said that the changing supply chain model and move towards online sales due to the pandemic contributed to the rise in interest.&nbsp;

While Kansas is uniquely situated as a distribution hub and I hope that these companies seriously look at our state, we should be doing more. By attributing the increased recent interest to the pandemic, the commerce secretary is noting that outside forces played a large part in this rise. While the department’s new business recruitment staff may have helped by this does not take away from the fact that an unprecedented outside event played a huge role.&nbsp;

At the same time, I see where there is a lot more that our state can do to recruit businesses to our state. During the recent SpaceX launch, Oklahoma Gov. Kevin Stitt traveled to the Kennedy Space Center. Governor Stitt made the trip to Florida to personally meet with Elon Musk and talk to him about why Oklahoma made sense for the new Tesla plant. This is proactive leadership coming from the very top of Oklahoma.&nbsp;

Governor Stitt is not alone. Many governors, past and present, have made proactive business recruitment a personal part of their time in office. When Rick Perry was governor of Texas, he traveled across the country cold calling business leaders. When Jeb Bush was governor of Florida, he and Lt. Gov. Toni Jennings were frequently shuttling back and forth to New York to sell Wall Street on Florida. One Wall Street CEO said in 2005 that she “greatly appreciated” that Bush and Jennings took a “personal interest” in her company’s decision to locate 500 jobs in Tampa.&nbsp;

The reason Kentucky recruited Toyota in the 1980s, was due to the proactive cold calling by then Gov. Martha Layne Collins. Collins has said she multiple visits to Toyota in Japan to sell them on Kentucky, along with cold calling other automakers. She had one of her top aides personally deliver papers to Japan about the state’s offer and she staged a dinner at the Governor’s Mansion to sell Toyota on Kentucky.&nbsp;

As a businessman, I have spent my career cold calling other businesses to set up deals. These calls have allowed me to market my businesses’ strengths and build relationships. Relationships are key to driving business and recruiting business and cold calls are an opening. But you need leadership at the top. The governor needs to starting these relationships and serving as a proactive voice to CEOs to open up those doors.&nbsp;

CEOs are receptive to cold calls and receptive to those who are looking for business because that’s their world. At the same time, they want to know that the top of the organization is in support. That why the governor needs to spend time investing in those relationships. A cold call today can mean jobs tomorrow.&nbsp;

Wink Hartman is the CEO of the Hartman Group of Companies in Wichita and the 2018 Republican nominee for lieutenant governor.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/12/1575913663048.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>By WINK HARTMANA key to Kansas’ economic recovery is having a business recruitment strategy that includes proactive leadership and involvement from the top.&nbsp;The Department of Commerce recently told lawmakers that there has been more interest in recent months from businesses about locating in Kansas. Among the reasons that the department cited were new business recruitment staff and the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic on businesses. The Department said that the changing supply chain model and move towards online sales due to the pandemic contributed to the rise in interest.&nbsp;While Kansas is uniquely situated as a distribution hub and I hope that these companies seriously look at our state, we should be doing more. By attributing the increased recent interest to the pandemic, the commerce secretary is noting that outside forces played a large part in this rise. While the department’s new business recruitment staff may have helped by this does not take away from the fact that an unprecedented outside event played a huge role.&nbsp;At the same time, I see where there is a lot more that our state can do to recruit businesses to our state. During the recent SpaceX launch, Oklahoma Gov. Kevin Stitt traveled to the Kennedy Space Center. Governor Stitt made the trip to Florida to personally meet with Elon Musk and talk to him about why Oklahoma made sense for the new Tesla plant. This is proactive leadership coming from the very top of Oklahoma.&nbsp;Governor Stitt is not alone. Many governors, past and present, have made proactive business recruitment a personal part of their time in office. When Rick Perry was governor of Texas, he traveled across the country cold calling business leaders. When Jeb Bush was governor of Florida, he and Lt. Gov. Toni Jennings were frequently shuttling back and forth to New York to sell Wall Street on Florida. One Wall Street CEO said in 2005 that she “greatly appreciated” that Bush and Jennings took a “personal interest” in her company’s decision to locate 500 jobs in Tampa.&nbsp;The reason Kentucky recruited Toyota in the 1980s, was due to the proactive cold calling by then Gov. Martha Layne Collins. Collins has said she multiple visits to Toyota in Japan to sell them on Kentucky, along with cold calling other automakers. She had one of her top aides personally deliver papers to Japan about the state’s offer and she staged a dinner at the Governor’s Mansion to sell Toyota on Kentucky.&nbsp;As a businessman, I have spent my career cold calling other businesses to set up deals. These calls have allowed me to market my businesses’ strengths and build relationships. Relationships are key to driving business and recruiting business and cold calls are an opening. But you need leadership at the top. The governor needs to starting these relationships and serving as a proactive voice to CEOs to open up those doors.&nbsp;CEOs are receptive to cold calls and receptive to those who are looking for business because that’s their world. At the same time, they want to know that the top of the organization is in support. That why the governor needs to spend time investing in those relationships. A cold call today can mean jobs tomorrow.&nbsp;Wink Hartman is the CEO of the Hartman Group of Companies in Wichita and the 2018 Republican nominee for lieutenant governor.&nbsp;

LETTER: Focusing on business recruitment in Kan.

On this episode of Forward Ever: Leading in Challenging Times, host Gary Shorman speaks with President of the Kansas Independent Oil &amp; Gas Association Ed Cross.

<div><iframe title="Forward Ever: Ed Cross" height="400" width="400" style="border: none;" scrolling="no" data-name="pb-iframe-player" src="https://www.podbean.com/media/player/tk742-e18a8c?from=yiiadmin&download=1&version=1&vjs=1&skin=3&auto=0&share=1&fonts=Helvetica&download=1&rtl=0&pbad=1"></iframe></div>On this episode of Forward Ever: Leading in Challenging Times, host Gary Shorman speaks with President of the Kansas Independent Oil &amp; Gas Association Ed Cross.

🎤Forward Ever: KIOGA President Ed Cross

The Ellis County Health Department on Monday announced three new cases of coronavirus in the county.&nbsp;

The department said all positive cases have mild symptoms and are in home isolation. Two of the cases were contacts of a known positive, with one recently traveling. The third case has no known travel history.

Contacts will be notified, the department said.

The Ellis County Health Department on Monday announced three new cases of coronavirus in the county.&nbsp;The department said all positive cases have mild symptoms and are in home isolation. Two of the cases were contacts of a known positive, with one recently traveling. The third case has no known travel history.Contacts will be notified, the department said.Read the complete news release below:<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/6/1593451211899.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>

Three new cases of COVID-19 reported in Ellis County

The rebound for local retailers after the COVID-19 shutdown has been mixed, said the Hays Chamber director.

"We have heard mixed reviews of comments from our Chamber members," said Sarah Wasinger, chamber director. "Some of them are experiencing escalated sales right now because people are excited to patronize their businesses again. But we have also heard the other side of the story — that things are a little bit slower because finances of families in general can be tighter right now based on the unemployment levels.

"Some are saying business is as usual at this point and numbers are running flat with what they experienced in 2019."

Wasinger said businesses that opened later are seeing a greater surge in buying.

"We are actually hearing more from them that their doors opening again was so great that they have actually experienced sales numbers that model what we have in the fourth quarter for Christmas time," she said.&nbsp;

Businesses that carried food or pharmaceutical products were thriving throughout the shutdown as they were deemed essential and allowed to maintain sales through the stay-at-home order, Wasinger said.&nbsp;

Wasinger said the local clothing retailers were reporting better than normal sales. However, some jewelry and accessory sales were down.

Businesses at Big Creek Crossing shopping center in Hays have reopened at varying paces. Gordman's is in a close-out sale.

Glik's manager Molly Skeen said, "We haven't seen a lot of hesitancy in people to come back out. We have seen our traffic resume as normal."

Glik's started with reduced hours but is now back to regular mall hours.&nbsp;

Dustin Roths, owner of Diamond R. Jewelry, reported his store has been busy since reopening.

"We've been incredibly blessed," he said. "I just can't believe how well our May went. It was very stressful while we were at home. We sold a few things online, but when we got back, what normally would have been our spring bridal season got pushed a little bit later into the summer.&nbsp;

"Where the summer is usually kind of slow for us," he said, "it's been incredibly busy for us."

He said he hoped consumer spending has been pent up, and the store will be able to do enough business to make up for what they lost during the shutdown.&nbsp;

The business was able to use the federal Payroll Protection Program to keep all of its workers employed during the shutdown.

Roths said he took time during the shutdown to increase the store's presence on its eBay store.&nbsp;

"We tried to do our best to let people know we were still trying to take care of them," he said.

One of Diamond R's most significant challenges has been been trying to get special orders from manufacturers in larger cities that have had to remain in lockdown longer.

Roths said employees have been doing more sanitizing since the store reopened. The store is allowing customers to handle the merchandise, but employees are cleaning and sanitizing the jewelry after it has been handled.

The store is also offering a jewelry sanitizing service using steam and ultrasonic cleaners.&nbsp;

"It is something that you have on all of the time, but you don't really think about it getting dirty and maybe carrying things around with it," Roths said.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/6/1593201485103.jpeg" alt="Local retailers are reporting mixed results after reopening after the COVID-19 shutdown. Glik's at Big Creek Crossing said customers have not been hesitant to come back to the store." />
 <figcaption>Local retailers are reporting mixed results after reopening after the COVID-19 shutdown. Glik's at Big Creek Crossing said customers have not been hesitant to come back to the store.</figcaption>
 </figure>By CRISTINA JANNEY Hays PostThe rebound for local retailers after the COVID-19 shutdown has been mixed, said the Hays Chamber director."We have heard mixed reviews of comments from our Chamber members," said Sarah Wasinger, chamber director. "Some of them are experiencing escalated sales right now because people are excited to patronize their businesses again. But we have also heard the other side of the story — that things are a little bit slower because finances of families in general can be tighter right now based on the unemployment levels."Some are saying business is as usual at this point and numbers are running flat with what they experienced in 2019."Wasinger said businesses that opened later are seeing a greater surge in buying."We are actually hearing more from them that their doors opening again was so great that they have actually experienced sales numbers that model what we have in the fourth quarter for Christmas time," she said.&nbsp;Businesses that carried food or pharmaceutical products were thriving throughout the shutdown as they were deemed essential and allowed to maintain sales through the stay-at-home order, Wasinger said.&nbsp;Wasinger said the local clothing retailers were reporting better than normal sales. However, some jewelry and accessory sales were down.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/6/1593201739314.jpeg" alt="An employees inside Glik's at Big Creek Crossing. Sarah Wasinger, Hays Chamber director, said retailers are reporting clothing sales have been better than normal since businesses have reopened." />
 <figcaption>An employees inside Glik's at Big Creek Crossing. Sarah Wasinger, Hays Chamber director, said retailers are reporting clothing sales have been better than normal since businesses have reopened.</figcaption>
 </figure>Businesses at Big Creek Crossing shopping center in Hays have reopened at varying paces. Gordman's is in a close-out sale.Glik's manager Molly Skeen said, "We haven't seen a lot of hesitancy in people to come back out. We have seen our traffic resume as normal."Glik's started with reduced hours but is now back to regular mall hours.&nbsp;Dustin Roths, owner of Diamond R. Jewelry, reported his store has been busy since reopening."We've been incredibly blessed," he said. "I just can't believe how well our May went. It was very stressful while we were at home. We sold a few things online, but when we got back, what normally would have been our spring bridal season got pushed a little bit later into the summer.&nbsp;"Where the summer is usually kind of slow for us," he said, "it's been incredibly busy for us."<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/6/1593202162328.jpeg" alt="Lauren Moeder, employee at Diamond R. Jewelry, displays merchandise at the store. Owner Dustin Roths said sales have been strong after the business reopened." />
 <figcaption>Lauren Moeder, employee at Diamond R. Jewelry, displays merchandise at the store. Owner Dustin Roths said sales have been strong after the business reopened.</figcaption>
 </figure>He said he hoped consumer spending has been pent up, and the store will be able to do enough business to make up for what they lost during the shutdown.&nbsp;The business was able to use the federal Payroll Protection Program to keep all of its workers employed during the shutdown.Roths said he took time during the shutdown to increase the store's presence on its eBay store.&nbsp;"We tried to do our best to let people know we were still trying to take care of them," he said.One of Diamond R's most significant challenges has been been trying to get special orders from manufacturers in larger cities that have had to remain in lockdown longer.Roths said employees have been doing more sanitizing since the store reopened. The store is allowing customers to handle the merchandise, but employees are cleaning and sanitizing the jewelry after it has been handled.The store is also offering a jewelry sanitizing service using steam and ultrasonic cleaners.&nbsp;"It is something that you have on all of the time, but you don't really think about it getting dirty and maybe carrying things around with it," Roths said.Wasinger said local businesses are taking sanitation to the next level and providing other services to make customers feel more comfortable as they resume shopping.Businesses, including&nbsp; Refine and Simply Charmed are offering services such as preorder and personal shopping to make sure customers feel comfortable with their shopping experience.As businesses move forward, Wasinger said owners are concerned about future shutdowns.&nbsp;"At this time we are aware of many Chamber businesses who are going out of their way to anticipate if they have a second round of closures," she said, "trying to figure out how they can do more online store options and we know there are a lot of folks that have not done that before."The Chamber is working with retailers to keep their information in the business directory updated, as many businesses have changed their hours in light of COVID.With the FHSU not holding in-person classes, business, especially restaurants, have been struggling to find enough employees to fill their shifts, Wasigner said.The Chamber has reached out to parents of students at Hays High School and Thomas More Prep-Marian to let them know these businesses have&nbsp; work available for students. It has also urged businesses to post jobs on&nbsp;Grow Hays' <a href="http://WorkHays.com.">WorkHays.com.</a>"I still think it is essential even though the state is open and travel is available at this time, it is still very critical to think local first and know that there are a plethora of options here in the Hays community and surrounding areas," Wasinger said.&nbsp;"The more people can continue to patronize our local businesses, the greater likelihood we will see local businesses thriving again in the future."Roths said he was cautiously optimistic about the economy. However, he is still moving forward with the building-out of the former Strand Theater as an events venue."It's kind of full speed ahead for us," he said. "We are ready to see the economy rebound. We think the green go button has been pushed. We have no intention of cowering in fear to this thing. We really just want to get back to our livelihood and taking care of people and hope they have the finances to buy the things that we sell."