By RON WILSON Huck Boyd National Institute for Rural Development

Let’s go to a farm show. We’ll see lots of vendors, hear speakers with the latest information, and learn about various products. But wait, we can’t do that. There’s a pandemic and a stay-at-home order in place.

What if we could participate in a farm show and do so virtually and safely, from the comfort of our homes? Today we’ll learn about a community which accomplished exactly that.&nbsp;

Alicia Boor is one of the agriculture and natural resources agents for the K-State Research and Extension Cottonwood District, serving Barton and Ellis counties. She grew up in Dodge City, earned an animal science degree, and got a job as a zookeeper for rare breeds of livestock at the Sedgwick County Zoo before joining extension. Her extension position enabled Alicia and her husband to move to her husband’s hometown of Hoisington in Barton County. Hoisington is a rural community of 2,706 people. Now, that’s rural.

Alicia’s duties included lining up speakers for the annual Great Bend farm and ranch show which attracts thousands of people to Great Bend each spring. She was assisted by Jared Petersilie, the agriculture extension agent in the neighboring Walnut Creek District. Because of the interest in growing industrial hemp, the name of the 2020 show was changed to the Great Bend Farm, Ranch &amp; Hemp Expo.

Then came the coronavirus, followed by stay-at-home orders. Alicia and Jared had already lined up the speakers but reluctantly notified the planners that they could no longer participate.

In March, two weeks before the scheduled beginning of the expo in early April, Alicia got another request. The expo organizers wanted to make this a virtual expo. Could the speakers present their programs after all? Alicia decided to give it a try.

How in the world does someone conduct a virtual expo? The planners in Great Bend worked with a company with the domain name,&nbsp;<a href="http://www.virtualfarmexpo.com/">www.virtualfarmexpo.com</a>. In a matter of a couple of weeks, they managed to organize the event so that it could function online.

Alicia contacted her K-State speakers and found that they were willing. The original idea was that they would pre-record presentations to be presented during the expo, but it turned out that live Zoom presentations worked even better. This allowed for real-time interaction with the participants.

On April 8, 9 and 10 – the originally scheduled dates – the Great Bend Farm, Ranch &amp; Hemp Expo was conducted virtually. Participants got online, viewed the exhibits, and interacted with the speakers through their electronic devices.

The K-State speakers included Jason Griffin, an industrial hemp researcher at the John C. Pair Horticulture Center near Haysville; wheat specialist Romulo Lollato in Manhattan; and grain marketing economist Dan O’Brien in Colby. All were able to present their research results, share their screens with viewers, and respond to questions.

The presentations were live and also recorded. “We broke these into segments by crop,” Alicia said. “That way if a producer was interested specifically in grain sorghum, for example, they didn’t have to listen to an hour on other crops to get the 10 minutes that they wanted.”

What about the exhibits? The organizers created a screen image which looked like a booth one would see at the farm show. Exhibitors were able to populate that screen with their own pictures, information and videos, which rotated online during the show. It was an ingenious way to share the information while doing so safely and remotely. The K-State booth, for example, included links to extension publications and generated more than 1,000 views.

This was accomplished in a remarkably short time frame. “It was stressful, but it was fun,” Alicia said.

“At last year’s state extension conference, we were asked to innovate. I didn’t realize we would be forced to do it so quickly," she said with a smile. “We do have to find new ways to reach the public.”

It’s time to leave this virtual farm show. We commend Alicia Boor and all those who made a difference by using technology in this way. They were able to make “virtual” a reality.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/5/1588772194734.png" alt="Screen Shot 2020-05-06 at 8.36.17 AM.png" />
 <figcaption>Screen Shot 2020-05-06 at 8.36.17 AM.png</figcaption>
 </figure>By RON WILSON Huck Boyd National Institute for Rural DevelopmentLet’s go to a farm show. We’ll see lots of vendors, hear speakers with the latest information, and learn about various products. But wait, we can’t do that. There’s a pandemic and a stay-at-home order in place.What if we could participate in a farm show and do so virtually and safely, from the comfort of our homes? Today we’ll learn about a community which accomplished exactly that.&nbsp;Alicia Boor is one of the agriculture and natural resources agents for the K-State Research and Extension Cottonwood District, serving Barton and Ellis counties. She grew up in Dodge City, earned an animal science degree, and got a job as a zookeeper for rare breeds of livestock at the Sedgwick County Zoo before joining extension. Her extension position enabled Alicia and her husband to move to her husband’s hometown of Hoisington in Barton County. Hoisington is a rural community of 2,706 people. Now, that’s rural.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/11/1573141354634.png" alt="Alicia Boor" />
 <figcaption>Alicia Boor</figcaption>
 </figure>Alicia’s duties included lining up speakers for the annual Great Bend farm and ranch show which attracts thousands of people to Great Bend each spring. She was assisted by Jared Petersilie, the agriculture extension agent in the neighboring Walnut Creek District. Because of the interest in growing industrial hemp, the name of the 2020 show was changed to the Great Bend Farm, Ranch &amp; Hemp Expo.Then came the coronavirus, followed by stay-at-home orders. Alicia and Jared had already lined up the speakers but reluctantly notified the planners that they could no longer participate.In March, two weeks before the scheduled beginning of the expo in early April, Alicia got another request. The expo organizers wanted to make this a virtual expo. Could the speakers present their programs after all? Alicia decided to give it a try.How in the world does someone conduct a virtual expo? The planners in Great Bend worked with a company with the domain name,&nbsp;<a href="http://www.virtualfarmexpo.com/">www.virtualfarmexpo.com</a>. In a matter of a couple of weeks, they managed to organize the event so that it could function online.Alicia contacted her K-State speakers and found that they were willing. The original idea was that they would pre-record presentations to be presented during the expo, but it turned out that live Zoom presentations worked even better. This allowed for real-time interaction with the participants.On April 8, 9 and 10 – the originally scheduled dates – the Great Bend Farm, Ranch &amp; Hemp Expo was conducted virtually. Participants got online, viewed the exhibits, and interacted with the speakers through their electronic devices.The K-State speakers included Jason Griffin, an industrial hemp researcher at the John C. Pair Horticulture Center near Haysville; wheat specialist Romulo Lollato in Manhattan; and grain marketing economist Dan O’Brien in Colby. All were able to present their research results, share their screens with viewers, and respond to questions.The presentations were live and also recorded. “We broke these into segments by crop,” Alicia said. “That way if a producer was interested specifically in grain sorghum, for example, they didn’t have to listen to an hour on other crops to get the 10 minutes that they wanted.”What about the exhibits? The organizers created a screen image which looked like a booth one would see at the farm show. Exhibitors were able to populate that screen with their own pictures, information and videos, which rotated online during the show. It was an ingenious way to share the information while doing so safely and remotely. The K-State booth, for example, included links to extension publications and generated more than 1,000 views.This was accomplished in a remarkably short time frame. “It was stressful, but it was fun,” Alicia said.“At last year’s state extension conference, we were asked to innovate. I didn’t realize we would be forced to do it so quickly," she said with a smile. “We do have to find new ways to reach the public.”It’s time to leave this virtual farm show. We commend Alicia Boor and all those who made a difference by using technology in this way. They were able to make “virtual” a reality.

Now That’s Rural: Alicia Boor, Great Bend virtual farm show

The Ellis County Ministerial Alliance has partnered with Hays Post to bring you Encouraging Words, a series of messages from Ellis County faith leaders.

Check Hays Post on Wednesdays and Sundays for the latest Encouraging Words.

<figure>
 <iframe width="560" height="315" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/fMyvTvYyrHg"></iframe>
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>The Ellis County Ministerial Alliance has partnered with Hays Post to bring you Encouraging Words, a series of messages from Ellis County faith leaders.Check Hays Post on Wednesdays and Sundays for the latest Encouraging Words.

🎥 Encouraging Words: Brenda Rodger, Trinity Lutheran

Three-day weather outlook

EDWARDS COUNTY —On person was injured in an accident just before 10p.m. Saturday in Edwards County.

The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a 2009 Chevy Malibu driven by&nbsp; Crispin Garcia, 27, Boise City, OK.,&nbsp; was eastbound on S Road, just east of 190th Avenue and struck&nbsp;Joseph Allen Hammack, 35, Macksville,&nbsp;&nbsp;who was just outside of the drivers side door of a 2006 Chevy Trailblazer in the middle of the road.

EMS transported Hammack to the hospital in Kinsley.&nbsp; Garcia, an adult and two children in the Chevy were properly restrained and not injured, according to the KHP.&nbsp;

EDWARDS COUNTY —On person was injured in an accident just before 10p.m. Saturday in Edwards County.The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a 2009 Chevy Malibu driven by&nbsp; Crispin Garcia, 27, Boise City, OK.,&nbsp; was eastbound on S Road, just east of 190th Avenue and struck&nbsp;Joseph Allen Hammack, 35, Macksville,&nbsp;&nbsp;who was just outside of the drivers side door of a 2006 Chevy Trailblazer in the middle of the road.EMS transported Hammack to the hospital in Kinsley.&nbsp; Garcia, an adult and two children in the Chevy were properly restrained and not injured, according to the KHP.&nbsp;

Kan. man hospitalized after struck by car in Edwards Co.

The Ellis County Public Works Road &amp; Bridge Division announced last week that a concrete repair
project will take place beginning at the intersection of 370th Avenue and Old U.S. 40 and
commencing west for 1 mile, ending at the Vincent Avenue and Highway 40 intersection.


This 1-mile area of Old U.S. 40 will be closed to through traffic beginning at 8 a.m.
Monday and is expected to be reopened by 4:30 p.m. Friday.
Motorists traveling in the affected closure area should use alternate routes of travel until this
project is complete. Pending the forecast of rain, the start and completion dates could be
delayed.


Direct any questions to the Ellis County Public Works Road &amp; Bridge Division at 785-628-
9455.&nbsp;

The Ellis County Public Works Road &amp; Bridge Division announced last week that a concrete repair
project will take place beginning at the intersection of 370th Avenue and Old U.S. 40 and
commencing west for 1 mile, ending at the Vincent Avenue and Highway 40 intersection.
This 1-mile area of Old U.S. 40 will be closed to through traffic beginning at 8 a.m.
Monday and is expected to be reopened by 4:30 p.m. Friday.
Motorists traveling in the affected closure area should use alternate routes of travel until this
project is complete. Pending the forecast of rain, the start and completion dates could be
delayed.
Direct any questions to the Ellis County Public Works Road &amp; Bridge Division at 785-628-
9455.&nbsp;

Repairs will close 1-mile portion of Old U.S. 40 this week

By LU ANNE STEPHENS, <a href="https://www.kmuw.org/post/mullinville-kansas-artist-mt-liggetts-work-continues-spark-debate">Kansas News Service</a>

It also can lead to — let’s say — a good debate.

That’s certainly the case with M.T. Liggett’s sculptures, which, like the artist himself, inspire widely differing opinions.

Liggett’s
 collection of metal sculptures line U.S. 400 along the edge of his 
property, just west of Mullinville. You can see them easily while 
driving by.

But if you pull over and look closely, it’s evident that Liggett had 
opinions about things — and they weren’t always complimentary.

Larry
 Hatteberg, a retired photojournalist and former anchor at KAKE-TV, 
became one of the trustees of Liggett’s estate when Liggett died in 
2017.

Hatteberg says Liggett disliked a lot of people, but there 
were several he held in high esteem. Hatteberg, it seems, was one of 
them.

He <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bjv1j5xUUAY" target="_blank">interviewed Liggett</a> several times for his series, "Hatteberg's People," and, over the years, they became friends.

"I
 think I was kind of an anomaly," Hatteberg said, "because you either 
liked M.T. Liggett, or you didn’t. And he was the same way: If he liked 
you, you were gold, and if he didn’t, you weren’t."

Myron Thomas Liggett — known throughout his life as "M.T." — had a 
fascinating life, according to Hatteberg. Liggett joined the Navy in 
1947, the Air Force in 1957 and also earned a law degree, Hatteberg 
said.

And Liggett had thoughts on the world and the people in 
charge of it. When he returned to the property in Mullinville in the 
mid-1980s, he began turning those thoughts into art.

As you walk along the row of sculptures — or totems, as they’re 
called — it’s easy to see the people Liggett didn’t like: politicians, 
judges, the town of Mullinville itself, with which he had a 
long-standing feud.

Hillary Clinton is there, along with Laura 
Bush — both portrayed with swastikas — and George W. Bush, Bill Clinton,
 Rush Limbaugh, former Kansas Gov. Bill Graves and the Kansas State 
Board of Education.

Hatteberg says Liggett didn’t align with either side, politically.

"I mean, he wasn’t a Republican, he wasn’t a Democrat because he went
 after both of them," he said. "So it’s hard to put his art in a 
political arena because many times he just didn’t like any party."

Hatteberg
 is part of an effort to preserve Liggett’s legacy and make his artwork 
available for future generations. The trustees contacted the Kohler 
Foundation, an organization that supports the arts and education, about 
preserving the estate.

Terri Yoho is the preservation director for the Kohler Foundation, based in Kohler, Wisconsin.

"The
 Foundation has focused on artist-built environments and the work of 
self-taught artists since the '70s," she said. "It’s important to save 
this kind of work — sometimes whimsical, colorful; sometimes 
provocative. This is the kind of art that tends to inspire and 
motivate."

Not all of the pieces carry an acerbic message. There are totems of 
opera figures, Greek mythology and pop culture. There’s one of Hatteberg
 portrayed as a "newshound."

Some of the totems have moving parts
 — whirligigs that spin in the prairie breeze. Others incorporate road 
signs or bright glass bottles. Many are unnamed.

Hatteberg says Liggett never went into detail about his art.

"His life, in many ways, is a mystery," Hatteberg said. "We will never know exactly what he thought about. And that’s too bad."

While
 we may never know what was behind all of Liggett’s artwork, the 
collection will be preserved. The Kohler Foundation is creating the M. 
T. Liggett Art Environment on the property, an ambitious conservation 
project that will include a visitor’s center, nature paths across the 
rolling prairie, and perhaps an artist’s residence with workshops.

"We’re very pleased it can be preserved where he built it," said Yolo. "It’s always the goal to preserve in situ.

"The art will be stabilized and restored. There are pieces in other 
locations that will be brought to the main property to make it easier 
for people to see the collection."

Once completed — perhaps by 
the end of the year — the Kohler Foundation will gift the M.T. Liggett 
Art Environment to the 5-4-7 Arts Center in Greensburg, which will be 
the steward of the site.

"In
 many cases, an artist’s work like M.T.’s is never saved cause there’s 
no interest in saving it, there’s no money to save it," he said.

"But
 now, this folk art is going to be saved. And I think that is the best 
thing of all. To have someone from Kansas who did this unique, totem 
pole-like art, and left it for everybody to see, I think that’s great."

Hidden Kansas is a part of KMUW's weekly show, <a href="https://www.kmuw.org/programs/range" target="_blank">The Range</a>.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/5/1588958895092.jpeg" alt=" M.T. Liggett in his workshop. Credit Courtesy Larry Hatteberg" />
 <figcaption> M.T. Liggett in his workshop. Credit Courtesy Larry Hatteberg</figcaption>
 </figure>By LU ANNE STEPHENS, <a href="https://www.kmuw.org/post/mullinville-kansas-artist-mt-liggetts-work-continues-spark-debate">Kansas News Service</a>Art can inspire, motivate and educate.It also can lead to — let’s say — a good debate.That’s certainly the case with M.T. Liggett’s sculptures, which, like the artist himself, inspire widely differing opinions.Liggett’s
 collection of metal sculptures line U.S. 400 along the edge of his 
property, just west of Mullinville. You can see them easily while 
driving by.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/5/1588958959596.jpeg" alt=" Longtime photojournalist Larry Hatteberg became friends with M.T. Liggett over the years. "I think I was kind of an anomaly," he says. Credit Lu Anne Stephens / KMUW" />
 <figcaption> Longtime photojournalist Larry Hatteberg became friends with M.T. Liggett over the years. "I think I was kind of an anomaly," he says. Credit Lu Anne Stephens / KMUW</figcaption>
 </figure>But if you pull over and look closely, it’s evident that Liggett had 
opinions about things — and they weren’t always complimentary.Larry
 Hatteberg, a retired photojournalist and former anchor at KAKE-TV, 
became one of the trustees of Liggett’s estate when Liggett died in 
2017.Hatteberg says Liggett disliked a lot of people, but there 
were several he held in high esteem. Hatteberg, it seems, was one of 
them.He <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bjv1j5xUUAY" target="_blank">interviewed Liggett</a> several times for his series, "Hatteberg's People," and, over the years, they became friends."I
 think I was kind of an anomaly," Hatteberg said, "because you either 
liked M.T. Liggett, or you didn’t. And he was the same way: If he liked 
you, you were gold, and if he didn’t, you weren’t."<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/5/1588958992458.jpeg" alt=" The sculptures, or "totems," depict politicians, figures from Greek mythology, opera figures and pop culture. Credit Lu Anne Stephens / KMUW" />
 <figcaption> The sculptures, or "totems," depict politicians, figures from Greek mythology, opera figures and pop culture. Credit Lu Anne Stephens / KMUW</figcaption>
 </figure>Myron Thomas Liggett — known throughout his life as "M.T." — had a 
fascinating life, according to Hatteberg. Liggett joined the Navy in 
1947, the Air Force in 1957 and also earned a law degree, Hatteberg 
said.And Liggett had thoughts on the world and the people in 
charge of it. When he returned to the property in Mullinville in the 
mid-1980s, he began turning those thoughts into art.As you walk along the row of sculptures — or totems, as they’re 
called — it’s easy to see the people Liggett didn’t like: politicians, 
judges, the town of Mullinville itself, with which he had a 
long-standing feud.Hillary Clinton is there, along with Laura 
Bush — both portrayed with swastikas — and George W. Bush, Bill Clinton,
 Rush Limbaugh, former Kansas Gov. Bill Graves and the Kansas State 
Board of Education.Hatteberg says Liggett didn’t align with either side, politically.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/5/1588959048483.jpeg" alt="Credit Lu Anne Stephens / KMUW" />
 <figcaption>Credit Lu Anne Stephens / KMUW</figcaption>
 </figure>"I mean, he wasn’t a Republican, he wasn’t a Democrat because he went
 after both of them," he said. "So it’s hard to put his art in a 
political arena because many times he just didn’t like any party."Hatteberg
 is part of an effort to preserve Liggett’s legacy and make his artwork 
available for future generations. The trustees contacted the Kohler 
Foundation, an organization that supports the arts and education, about 
preserving the estate.Terri Yoho is the preservation director for the Kohler Foundation, based in Kohler, Wisconsin."The
 Foundation has focused on artist-built environments and the work of 
self-taught artists since the '70s," she said. "It’s important to save 
this kind of work — sometimes whimsical, colorful; sometimes 
provocative. This is the kind of art that tends to inspire and 
motivate."<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/5/1588959084945.jpeg" alt=" A sculpture depicts journalist Larry Hatteberg as a "noozhound." Credit Lu Anne Stephens / KMUW" />
 <figcaption> A sculpture depicts journalist Larry Hatteberg as a "noozhound." Credit Lu Anne Stephens / KMUW</figcaption>
 </figure>Not all of the pieces carry an acerbic message. There are totems of 
opera figures, Greek mythology and pop culture. There’s one of Hatteberg
 portrayed as a "newshound."Some of the totems have moving parts
 — whirligigs that spin in the prairie breeze. Others incorporate road 
signs or bright glass bottles. Many are unnamed.Hatteberg says Liggett never went into detail about his art."His life, in many ways, is a mystery," Hatteberg said. "We will never know exactly what he thought about. And that’s too bad."While
 we may never know what was behind all of Liggett’s artwork, the 
collection will be preserved. The Kohler Foundation is creating the M. 
T. Liggett Art Environment on the property, an ambitious conservation 
project that will include a visitor’s center, nature paths across the 
rolling prairie, and perhaps an artist’s residence with workshops."We’re very pleased it can be preserved where he built it," said Yolo. "It’s always the goal to preserve in situ.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/5/1588959121182.jpeg" alt=" A visitor's center is being built on the property, part of the future "M.T. Liggett Art Environment." Credit Lu Anne Stephens / KMUW" />
 <figcaption> A visitor's center is being built on the property, part of the future "M.T. Liggett Art Environment." Credit Lu Anne Stephens / KMUW</figcaption>
 </figure>"The art will be stabilized and restored. There are pieces in other 
locations that will be brought to the main property to make it easier 
for people to see the collection."Once completed — perhaps by 
the end of the year — the Kohler Foundation will gift the M.T. Liggett 
Art Environment to the 5-4-7 Arts Center in Greensburg, which will be 
the steward of the site.Hatteberg is pleased with the project."In
 many cases, an artist’s work like M.T.’s is never saved cause there’s 
no interest in saving it, there’s no money to save it," he said."But
 now, this folk art is going to be saved. And I think that is the best 
thing of all. To have someone from Kansas who did this unique, totem 
pole-like art, and left it for everybody to see, I think that’s great."Hidden Kansas is a part of KMUW's weekly show, <a href="https://www.kmuw.org/programs/range" target="_blank">The Range</a>.&nbsp;

Kan. artist M.T. Liggett's work continues to spark debate 

Since we are still limiting our contact with larger groups I am postponing our Healthy Community Potluck that should have been scheduled this month. But I can still bring you the message that I was planning to share and that is “Med instead of Meds.” I had the opportunity to participate in a professional development class on the K-State campus back in February by the same title. A vivacious instructor from North Carolina, shared her passion for healthy cooking in our hands on lab.&nbsp;

So what exactly is “Med Instead of Meds”? The first Med stands for the Mediterranean Diet and lifestyle. With an emphasis on vegetables, fruits, legumes, beans, whole grains, nuts and unsaturated fat, you can imagine consuming a plate of food that is both colorful and full of fiber. Lifestyle choices related to the Mediterranean way of life include: eating a light breakfast, long extended lunch including a nap, daily physical exercise, and consuming fresh plant based foods that are grown locally.

Combining this approach to a healthy diet with lifestyle choices that also support health is our goal. By consuming more vegetables, fruits, whole grains, legumes and nuts, we are providing the nutrients our bodies need to maintain and even regain health. That is where the word “Meds” comes into play. Meds, short for medicine, can save our lives in some cases. However, if the underlying cause of a health concern is related to consuming a diet high in fat or added sugar, perhaps we need to take a closer look at what we put on our plates.&nbsp;

Are we consuming five to nine servings of vegetables and fruits every day? Are we choosing to eat at least three ounces of whole grains and is our source of protein lean? An easy way to follow the Mediterranean diet is to shop the perimeter of the grocery store where all of the fresh foods are found. Less time spent in the aisles that have highly processed food choices is another good rule to follow.

Consider preparing this Mushroom Brown Rice Pilaf as a nutritious dish to complement your healthy menu. Ingredients:

Heat the oil in a large saucepan and brown onion and mushrooms for about five minutes. Add one cup brown rice and stir to coat grains in the oil. Add two cups broth, bring to a boil, then turn down to a simmer. Simmer for about 45 minutes or until all liquid is absorbed. Cooking time for whole grain rice varies according to the variety of rice; check package directions. You can make a pilaf like this with any grain – not just rice. Simply vary the amount of broth and the cooking time according to the different grain. In a hurry? Try bulgur or quinoa, which both cook in under 15 minutes.

Donna Krug is the District Director and Family &amp; Consumer Science Agent with K-State Research and Extension – Cottonwood District. You may reach her at: (620)793-1910 or <a href="mailto:dkrug@ksu.edu">dkrug@ksu.edu</a>&nbsp; K-State Research &amp; Extension is an equal opportunity provider and employer.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/11/1574802720194.jpeg" alt="Donna Krug is the District Director and Family &amp; Consumer Science Agent with K-State Research and Extension – Cottonwood District." />
 <figcaption>Donna Krug is the District Director and Family &amp; Consumer Science Agent with K-State Research and Extension – Cottonwood District.</figcaption>
 </figure>Since we are still limiting our contact with larger groups I am postponing our Healthy Community Potluck that should have been scheduled this month. But I can still bring you the message that I was planning to share and that is “Med instead of Meds.” I had the opportunity to participate in a professional development class on the K-State campus back in February by the same title. A vivacious instructor from North Carolina, shared her passion for healthy cooking in our hands on lab.&nbsp;So what exactly is “Med Instead of Meds”? The first Med stands for the Mediterranean Diet and lifestyle. With an emphasis on vegetables, fruits, legumes, beans, whole grains, nuts and unsaturated fat, you can imagine consuming a plate of food that is both colorful and full of fiber. Lifestyle choices related to the Mediterranean way of life include: eating a light breakfast, long extended lunch including a nap, daily physical exercise, and consuming fresh plant based foods that are grown locally.Combining this approach to a healthy diet with lifestyle choices that also support health is our goal. By consuming more vegetables, fruits, whole grains, legumes and nuts, we are providing the nutrients our bodies need to maintain and even regain health. That is where the word “Meds” comes into play. Meds, short for medicine, can save our lives in some cases. However, if the underlying cause of a health concern is related to consuming a diet high in fat or added sugar, perhaps we need to take a closer look at what we put on our plates.&nbsp;Are we consuming five to nine servings of vegetables and fruits every day? Are we choosing to eat at least three ounces of whole grains and is our source of protein lean? An easy way to follow the Mediterranean diet is to shop the perimeter of the grocery store where all of the fresh foods are found. Less time spent in the aisles that have highly processed food choices is another good rule to follow.Consider preparing this Mushroom Brown Rice Pilaf as a nutritious dish to complement your healthy menu. Ingredients:<ol>
 <li>½ large onion, chopped</li><li>1 cup sliced mushrooms (4-5 mushrooms)</li><li>1 Tablespoon olive oil</li><li>1 cup brown rice</li><li>2 cups vegetable broth</li>
 </ol>Heat the oil in a large saucepan and brown onion and mushrooms for about five minutes. Add one cup brown rice and stir to coat grains in the oil. Add two cups broth, bring to a boil, then turn down to a simmer. Simmer for about 45 minutes or until all liquid is absorbed. Cooking time for whole grain rice varies according to the variety of rice; check package directions. You can make a pilaf like this with any grain – not just rice. Simply vary the amount of broth and the cooking time according to the different grain. In a hurry? Try bulgur or quinoa, which both cook in under 15 minutes.Donna Krug is the District Director and Family &amp; Consumer Science Agent with K-State Research and Extension – Cottonwood District. You may reach her at: (620)793-1910 or <a href="mailto:dkrug@ksu.edu">dkrug@ksu.edu</a>&nbsp; K-State Research &amp; Extension is an equal opportunity provider and employer.

KRUG: Med instead of meds

GRAHAM COUNTY — One person was injured in an accident just before 5:30p.m. Saturday in Graham County.

The Kansas Highway Patrol reported 2007 Dodge Ram 1500 driven by&nbsp;McWilliams, Alexis J.&nbsp;McWilliams, 14, Hill City, was&nbsp;westbound on S Road two miles north of Hill City.

The driver began to do a U-Turn to head back east on S Road and did not see a southbound 2013 Victory motorcycle driven by&nbsp;Johnson, Skyler D. Johnson, 23, Norton on U.S. 283. 

The motorcycle struck the pickup at the front right wheel well.

EMS transported Johnson to the hospital in Hill City. McWilliams was not injured.&nbsp;

GRAHAM COUNTY — One person was injured in an accident just before 5:30p.m. Saturday in Graham County.The Kansas Highway Patrol reported 2007 Dodge Ram 1500 driven by&nbsp;McWilliams, Alexis J.&nbsp;McWilliams, 14, Hill City, was&nbsp;westbound on S Road two miles north of Hill City.The driver began to do a U-Turn to head back east on S Road and did not see a southbound 2013 Victory motorcycle driven by&nbsp;Johnson, Skyler D. Johnson, 23, Norton on U.S. 283. The motorcycle struck the pickup at the front right wheel well.EMS transported Johnson to the hospital in Hill City. McWilliams was not injured.&nbsp;

NW Kan. man hospitalized after motorcycle, pickup accident

BUNKER HILL – The <a href="http://wkcf.org/">Western Kansas Community Foundation</a> has awarded Smoky Hills PBS with a grant for $2,500.


This grant will provide books for preschoolers and Head Start students within several western Kansas counties including:&nbsp; Finney, Grant, Gray, Scott, Seward, Wichita, Greeley, Hamilton, Haskell, Kearny, Lane,
 Meade, Morton, and Stevens counties.


“The Western Kansas Community Foundation’s support is so important to the educational mission at Smoky Hills PBS,” said Larry Calvery, Smoky Hills PBS general manager. 

“Their support goes beyond just helping a
 few children.&nbsp; We are able to provide educational books to many children throughout western Kansas. We want to thank them for their continued support each year.”


The Smoky Hills PBS Book Distribution program provides books each year to Head Start and other early education programs across central and western Kansas through the funding of many foundation partners throughout
 Kansas.&nbsp;

"Encouraging a love of reading at a young age is an important aspect of educational development and that serves as the basis of why Smoky Hills PBS provides its Book Distribution Program each year," Calvery added.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/5/1588797273859.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>SHPBS
BUNKER HILL – The <a href="http://wkcf.org/">Western Kansas Community Foundation</a> has awarded Smoky Hills PBS with a grant for $2,500.

This grant will provide books for preschoolers and Head Start students within several western Kansas counties including:&nbsp; Finney, Grant, Gray, Scott, Seward, Wichita, Greeley, Hamilton, Haskell, Kearny, Lane,
 Meade, Morton, and Stevens counties.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/5/1588797505952.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>
“The Western Kansas Community Foundation’s support is so important to the educational mission at Smoky Hills PBS,” said Larry Calvery, Smoky Hills PBS general manager. “Their support goes beyond just helping a
 few children.&nbsp; We are able to provide educational books to many children throughout western Kansas. We want to thank them for their continued support each year.”
The Smoky Hills PBS Book Distribution program provides books each year to Head Start and other early education programs across central and western Kansas through the funding of many foundation partners throughout
 Kansas.&nbsp;"Encouraging a love of reading at a young age is an important aspect of educational development and that serves as the basis of why Smoky Hills PBS provides its Book Distribution Program each year," Calvery added.

Foundation grant to Smoky Hills PBS for youngest readers

The Hays Lions Club announced this week it will donate $1,000 each to the following Ellis County food/paper pantries: Community Assistance Center (Hays, Ellis Food Pantry (Ellis, First Call For Help (Hays, Salvation Army of Ellis County (Hays, and St. Joseph’s Food Pantry (Hays).&nbsp;

“In response to the Coronavirus pandemic, the Hays Lions Club was looking for a way to help the Ellis County community,” said Sandy Beisner, treasurer. “We felt that the greatest way to assist would be to monetarily help the many organizations in the county that provide food and other essentials to those in need."

Lions Club International was established in 1917 and the simple motto “We Serve” was later adopted in 1954.&nbsp; The Hays Lions Club was chartered on October 24, 1924.&nbsp; The club has 48 members and supports many community organizations and activities.&nbsp; If you are interested in serving your community and would like information on joining the Hays Lions Club, please look them up on Facebook @HaysLionsClub or contact President Dave Herl at 785-259-3139.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/5/1588963501823.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>SubmittedThe Hays Lions Club announced this week it will donate $1,000 each to the following Ellis County food/paper pantries: Community Assistance Center (Hays, Ellis Food Pantry (Ellis, First Call For Help (Hays, Salvation Army of Ellis County (Hays, and St. Joseph’s Food Pantry (Hays).&nbsp;“In response to the Coronavirus pandemic, the Hays Lions Club was looking for a way to help the Ellis County community,” said Sandy Beisner, treasurer. “We felt that the greatest way to assist would be to monetarily help the many organizations in the county that provide food and other essentials to those in need."Lions Club International was established in 1917 and the simple motto “We Serve” was later adopted in 1954.&nbsp; The Hays Lions Club was chartered on October 24, 1924.&nbsp; The club has 48 members and supports many community organizations and activities.&nbsp; If you are interested in serving your community and would like information on joining the Hays Lions Club, please look them up on Facebook @HaysLionsClub or contact President Dave Herl at 785-259-3139.

Hays Lions Club donates $5K to Ellis Co. food pantries

The COVID-19 pandemic is not under control in the United States. The 
disease is still deadly, especially for those who are elderly or 
immunocompromised. The Trump administration <a href="https://www.nytimes.com/2020/05/04/us/coronavirus-updates.html" target="_blank">projects</a>
 deaths per day will nearly double in the United States between now and 
June 1. Yet some states are starting to lift restrictions on in-person 
gatherings for religious communities.

In Texas, for example, <a href="https://www.houstonchronicle.com/news/houston-texas/houston/article/Faithful-Texans-rejuvenated-hopeful-after-15243953.php" target="_blank">an order</a> by Gov. Greg Abbott
 allows in-person religious services to resume at 25 percent capacity — 
though congregants have to wear masks and practice social distancing. 
About 250 congregants gathered on Sunday, May 3 at a church in Houston 
to celebrate communion. (That Sunday was the fourth straight day that 
Texas saw <a href="https://www.nbcdfw.com/news/coronavirus/for-fourth-straight-day-texas-surpasses-1000-new-cases/2362536/" target="_blank">more than 1,000</a> new confirmed coronavirus cases).

In other parts of the country, members of religious communities are 
challenging state stay-at-home orders in court. Last week, for example, a
 New Jersey Catholic priest <a href="https://nj1015.com/nj-priest-suing-gov-over-pandemic-order-as-unconstitutional/" target="_blank">filed suit</a> to challenge New Jersey’s stay-at-home order, which has prohibited in-person religious gatherings. (On Sunday, New Jersey had <a href="https://www.njtvonline.org/news/uncategorized/tracking-the-coronavirus-in-new-jersey/" target="_blank">more than 3,000</a> new confirmed cases and 129 deaths).

And many Americans live in states that have exempted religious 
gatherings either completely or in part from stay-at-home orders 
throughout the pandemic. In fact, <a href="https://www.pewresearch.org/fact-tank/2020/04/27/most-states-have-religious-exemptions-to-covid-19-social-distancing-rules/" target="_blank">a study</a> of religious exemptions published by the Pew Research Center on April 27 found that most
 states have religious exemptions to social distancing rules. Florida, 
for example, deemed religious worship essential, like shopping for food 
or prescription drugs, and therefore offered exemptions from rules 
restricting large gatherings. (From Sunday to Monday, Florida reported <a href="https://www.clickorlando.com/news/local/2020/05/04/florida-reports-20-deaths-819-new-cases-of-coronavirus-as-state-begins-reopening/" target="_blank">more than 800</a> new confirmed cases and 20 new deaths).

In the coming weeks, more Americans will likely see fewer 
restrictions on their right to gather in person. But Americans who have 
the right to congregate in large groups — whether in houses of worship 
or non-religious spaces like gyms, restaurants and shopping malls — 
should avoid exercising that right. In fact, they have a responsibility 
to stay home whenever possible to protect the most vulnerable among us.

The U.S. Court of Appeals for the Sixth Circuit recently said as 
much. In a case from Kentucky, the court prohibited the state from 
enforcing a ban on drive-in religious services. The injunction is 
pending appeal. In its <a href="http://lc.org/PDFs/Attachments2PRsLAs/2020/050220MaryvilleBaptistIPA.pdf" target="_blank">opinion</a>, the court sympathized with an approach taken by Gov. Mike DeWine
 in the bordering state of Ohio: “As individuals, we have some sympathy 
for Gov. DeWine’s approach — to allow places of worship in Ohio to hold 
services but then to admonish them all (we assume) that it’s ‘not 
Christian’ to hold in-person services during a pandemic.” Notably, the 
opinion also recognized that federal judges should not tell individuals 
how to “comply with their own faith as they see it.”

Religious Americans who live in states that report an increasing or 
high number of new COVID-19 infections have a responsibility to forgo 
large in-person religious services in favor of safer alternatives that 
minimize physical contact. Why? Because elderly Americans, who are most 
at risk from COVID-19, are the backbone of many religious communities. 
For more than a dozen major Christian groups in the United States — 
including the Presbyterian Church of America, the United Church of 
Christ, the United Methodist Church, the Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod,
 the Episcopal Church, the Evangelical Lutheran Church of America, the 
Southern Baptist Convention and the African Methodist Episcopal Church —
 <a href="https://www.pewresearch.org/fact-tank/2016/07/11/which-u-s-religious-groups-are-oldest-and-youngest/" target="_blank">50 percent of members or more</a> are older than 50. That is also true for Jews.

Clergy themselves are also at higher risk, on average, due to their age. <a href="https://www.barna.com/research/aging-americas-pastors/" target="_blank">One study</a>
 from 2017 commissioned by Pepperdine University and conducted by Barna 
found that more than 50 percent of pastors are over 55 years old. And of
 course some religious communities only allow men to serve as ordained 
clergy — and men are at <a href="https://www.npr.org/sections/goatsandsoda/2020/04/10/831883664/the-new-coronavirus-appears-to-take-a-greater-toll-on-men-than-on-women" target="_blank">higher risk</a> from COVID-19 than women.

Religious services can provide profound spiritual comfort and social 
connection. In states struggling to contain the COVID-19 outbreak, 
members of religious communities should identify religious activities 
that can provide spiritual comfort and social connection without direct 
physical contact. Religious leaders might live-stream their services. 
Members of religious communities might stand outside the windows of the 
elderly or infirm to sing hymns, read scripture, or simply check on 
their mental, physical and spiritual wellbeing. Drive-in religious 
services might be a viable option if people stay in their cars. These 
alternatives are not optimal, but they will save lives.

And in states that report few to no new cases for multiple 
consecutive days, people might choose to attend in-person services. 
Whether or not the state requires it, congregants should do what they 
can to prevent another outbreak by wearing masks, disinfecting 
high-touch surfaces and maintaining social distance. People with 
symptoms should stay home. Outdoor services might be preferable to 
services in small, confined spaces with poor circulation.

You might have the right to gather in person with your religious 
community during an uncontrolled pandemic, but you also have the freedom
 to act in the interest of our country as a whole. Exercise your rights 
responsibly.

Benjamin P. Marcus is religious literacy specialist at the Religious
 Freedom Center of the Freedom Forum Institute. His email address is: <a href="mailto:bmarcus@freedomforum.org" target="_blank">bmarcus@freedomforum.org</a>.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/12/1576172282950.jpeg" alt="Benjamin P. Marcus is religious literacy specialist at the Religious Freedom Center of the Freedom Forum Institute." />
 <figcaption>Benjamin P. Marcus is religious literacy specialist at the Religious Freedom Center of the Freedom Forum Institute.</figcaption>
 </figure>The COVID-19 pandemic is not under control in the United States. The 
disease is still deadly, especially for those who are elderly or 
immunocompromised. The Trump administration <a href="https://www.nytimes.com/2020/05/04/us/coronavirus-updates.html" target="_blank">projects</a>
 deaths per day will nearly double in the United States between now and 
June 1. Yet some states are starting to lift restrictions on in-person 
gatherings for religious communities.In Texas, for example, <a href="https://www.houstonchronicle.com/news/houston-texas/houston/article/Faithful-Texans-rejuvenated-hopeful-after-15243953.php" target="_blank">an order</a> by Gov. Greg Abbott
 allows in-person religious services to resume at 25 percent capacity — 
though congregants have to wear masks and practice social distancing. 
About 250 congregants gathered on Sunday, May 3 at a church in Houston 
to celebrate communion. (That Sunday was the fourth straight day that 
Texas saw <a href="https://www.nbcdfw.com/news/coronavirus/for-fourth-straight-day-texas-surpasses-1000-new-cases/2362536/" target="_blank">more than 1,000</a> new confirmed coronavirus cases).In other parts of the country, members of religious communities are 
challenging state stay-at-home orders in court. Last week, for example, a
 New Jersey Catholic priest <a href="https://nj1015.com/nj-priest-suing-gov-over-pandemic-order-as-unconstitutional/" target="_blank">filed suit</a> to challenge New Jersey’s stay-at-home order, which has prohibited in-person religious gatherings. (On Sunday, New Jersey had <a href="https://www.njtvonline.org/news/uncategorized/tracking-the-coronavirus-in-new-jersey/" target="_blank">more than 3,000</a> new confirmed cases and 129 deaths).And many Americans live in states that have exempted religious 
gatherings either completely or in part from stay-at-home orders 
throughout the pandemic. In fact, <a href="https://www.pewresearch.org/fact-tank/2020/04/27/most-states-have-religious-exemptions-to-covid-19-social-distancing-rules/" target="_blank">a study</a> of religious exemptions published by the Pew Research Center on April 27 found that most
 states have religious exemptions to social distancing rules. Florida, 
for example, deemed religious worship essential, like shopping for food 
or prescription drugs, and therefore offered exemptions from rules 
restricting large gatherings. (From Sunday to Monday, Florida reported <a href="https://www.clickorlando.com/news/local/2020/05/04/florida-reports-20-deaths-819-new-cases-of-coronavirus-as-state-begins-reopening/" target="_blank">more than 800</a> new confirmed cases and 20 new deaths).In the coming weeks, more Americans will likely see fewer 
restrictions on their right to gather in person. But Americans who have 
the right to congregate in large groups — whether in houses of worship 
or non-religious spaces like gyms, restaurants and shopping malls — 
should avoid exercising that right. In fact, they have a responsibility 
to stay home whenever possible to protect the most vulnerable among us.The U.S. Court of Appeals for the Sixth Circuit recently said as 
much. In a case from Kentucky, the court prohibited the state from 
enforcing a ban on drive-in religious services. The injunction is 
pending appeal. In its <a href="http://lc.org/PDFs/Attachments2PRsLAs/2020/050220MaryvilleBaptistIPA.pdf" target="_blank">opinion</a>, the court sympathized with an approach taken by Gov. Mike DeWine
 in the bordering state of Ohio: “As individuals, we have some sympathy 
for Gov. DeWine’s approach — to allow places of worship in Ohio to hold 
services but then to admonish them all (we assume) that it’s ‘not 
Christian’ to hold in-person services during a pandemic.” Notably, the 
opinion also recognized that federal judges should not tell individuals 
how to “comply with their own faith as they see it.”Religious Americans who live in states that report an increasing or 
high number of new COVID-19 infections have a responsibility to forgo 
large in-person religious services in favor of safer alternatives that 
minimize physical contact. Why? Because elderly Americans, who are most 
at risk from COVID-19, are the backbone of many religious communities. 
For more than a dozen major Christian groups in the United States — 
including the Presbyterian Church of America, the United Church of 
Christ, the United Methodist Church, the Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod,
 the Episcopal Church, the Evangelical Lutheran Church of America, the 
Southern Baptist Convention and the African Methodist Episcopal Church —
 <a href="https://www.pewresearch.org/fact-tank/2016/07/11/which-u-s-religious-groups-are-oldest-and-youngest/" target="_blank">50 percent of members or more</a> are older than 50. That is also true for Jews.Clergy themselves are also at higher risk, on average, due to their age. <a href="https://www.barna.com/research/aging-americas-pastors/" target="_blank">One study</a>
 from 2017 commissioned by Pepperdine University and conducted by Barna 
found that more than 50 percent of pastors are over 55 years old. And of
 course some religious communities only allow men to serve as ordained 
clergy — and men are at <a href="https://www.npr.org/sections/goatsandsoda/2020/04/10/831883664/the-new-coronavirus-appears-to-take-a-greater-toll-on-men-than-on-women" target="_blank">higher risk</a> from COVID-19 than women.Religious services can provide profound spiritual comfort and social 
connection. In states struggling to contain the COVID-19 outbreak, 
members of religious communities should identify religious activities 
that can provide spiritual comfort and social connection without direct 
physical contact. Religious leaders might live-stream their services. 
Members of religious communities might stand outside the windows of the 
elderly or infirm to sing hymns, read scripture, or simply check on 
their mental, physical and spiritual wellbeing. Drive-in religious 
services might be a viable option if people stay in their cars. These 
alternatives are not optimal, but they will save lives.And in states that report few to no new cases for multiple 
consecutive days, people might choose to attend in-person services. 
Whether or not the state requires it, congregants should do what they 
can to prevent another outbreak by wearing masks, disinfecting 
high-touch surfaces and maintaining social distance. People with 
symptoms should stay home. Outdoor services might be preferable to 
services in small, confined spaces with poor circulation.You might have the right to gather in person with your religious 
community during an uncontrolled pandemic, but you also have the freedom
 to act in the interest of our country as a whole. Exercise your rights 
responsibly.Benjamin P. Marcus is religious literacy specialist at the Religious
 Freedom Center of the Freedom Forum Institute. His email address is: <a href="mailto:bmarcus@freedomforum.org" target="_blank">bmarcus@freedomforum.org</a>.

FIRST FIVE: You might have the right to gather, but you can choose otherwise

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

<div><iframe title="Emberhope Youthville seeking foster parents" height="400" width="400" style="border: none;" scrolling="no" data-name="pb-iframe-player" src="https://www.podbean.com/media/player/wr4bf-dbccce?from=yiiadmin&download=1&version=1&vjs=1&skin=3&auto=1&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 notifications click here.</a>

🎙 Post Podcast: Emberhope Youthville seeking foster parents

On this episode of Forward Ever; Leading in Challenging Times, Gary Shorman speaks with Kansas Lt. Governor Lynn Rogers about the state's response to the COVID-19 pandemic.&nbsp;

<div><iframe title="Forward Ever: Lynn Rodgers" height="400" width="400" style="border: none;" scrolling="no" data-name="pb-iframe-player" src="https://www.podbean.com/media/player/w8m3u-dbd1de?from=yiiadmin&download=1&version=1&vjs=1&skin=3&auto=1&share=1&fonts=Helvetica&download=1&rtl=0&pbad=1"></iframe></div>On this episode of Forward Ever; Leading in Challenging Times, Gary Shorman speaks with Kansas Lt. Governor Lynn Rogers about the state's response to the COVID-19 pandemic.&nbsp;

🎤Forward Ever: Kansas Lt. Gov. Lynn Rogers

One of the highlights of the year for Holy Family Elementary School students is the annual Field Day, where students compete in a variety of activities outdoors at the end of the year.

But with students wrapping up their year online due to COVID-19, Megan Gottschalk,&nbsp;Holy Family Elementary School physical education teacher, has adapted the activity to be completed at home on May 13 with fun one-minute activities using items found at home.

Students have also been asked to submit videos of the activities so others can enjoy the festivities while separated.

"It will be a lot of fun to see all the kids' videos," Gottschalk said.

<a href="https://www.facebook.com/holyfamilyelementary/">Videos that are submitted will be posted to the school's Facebook page.</a>

"I will send mine so everyone can laugh at me trying to do all of these different one-minute challenges," Gottschalk said.

The challenges will be sent, with video demonstrations to the students via their online learning platforms, and will include seven activities.

"I have seven activities planned because we normally do seven stations at school," Gottschalk said.

In the regular event, each challenge would last about 15 minutes, but they were shortened to make the event easier for students and parents as they complete the challenges at home.

"That would be way too long for the kids to try to figure that out," Gottschalk said.

The children will get a scorecard that will be submitted to tally points that will be scored during each challenge.

All of the challenges will involve things the children can find in the home, and Gottshalk said they are designed to be easy and fun.

One challenge will be a bottle race, where the children will lap baskets with a folded sock between their knees.

Another will involving trying to keep an inflated quart bag in the air for as long as possible and a towel scooter race, where students will sit on a large towel and "scoot" from one line to another.

Doing the event at home and with shorter sessions allowed preschoolers to participate this year as well.

And parents have been encouraged to also join in the activities.

"I think the kids will have a lot more fun if we can get the whole family involved," Gottschalk said.

<div><iframe title="Holy Family Elementary plans Field Day to activities at home" height="122" width="100%" style="border: none;" scrolling="no" data-name="pb-iframe-player" src="https://www.podbean.com/media/player/vkusj-db9720?from=yiiadmin&download=1&version=1&skin=3&btn-skin=101&auto=1&share=1&fonts=Helvetica&download=1&rtl=0&pbad=1"></iframe>
EDITORS NOTE: The date of the Field Day was changed from May 8, to May 13 after this podcast was recorded.</div>By JAMES BELL Hays PostOne of the highlights of the year for Holy Family Elementary School students is the annual Field Day, where students compete in a variety of activities outdoors at the end of the year.But with students wrapping up their year online due to COVID-19, Megan Gottschalk,&nbsp;Holy Family Elementary School physical education teacher, has adapted the activity to be completed at home on May 13 with fun one-minute activities using items found at home.Students have also been asked to submit videos of the activities so others can enjoy the festivities while separated."It will be a lot of fun to see all the kids' videos," Gottschalk said.<a href="https://www.facebook.com/holyfamilyelementary/">Videos that are submitted will be posted to the school's Facebook page.</a>"I will send mine so everyone can laugh at me trying to do all of these different one-minute challenges," Gottschalk said.The challenges will be sent, with video demonstrations to the students via their online learning platforms, and will include seven activities."I have seven activities planned because we normally do seven stations at school," Gottschalk said.In the regular event, each challenge would last about 15 minutes, but they were shortened to make the event easier for students and parents as they complete the challenges at home."That would be way too long for the kids to try to figure that out," Gottschalk said.The children will get a scorecard that will be submitted to tally points that will be scored during each challenge.All of the challenges will involve things the children can find in the home, and Gottshalk said they are designed to be easy and fun.One challenge will be a bottle race, where the children will lap baskets with a folded sock between their knees.Another will involving trying to keep an inflated quart bag in the air for as long as possible and a towel scooter race, where students will sit on a large towel and "scoot" from one line to another.Doing the event at home and with shorter sessions allowed preschoolers to participate this year as well.And parents have been encouraged to also join in the activities."I think the kids will have a lot more fun if we can get the whole family involved," Gottschalk said.

🎤Holy Family Elementary plans Field Day activities at home

Gary Shorman, chairman and chief development officer of Eagle Radio, has been named among the top radio executives in the country by industry analysts.

In a recent edition of the trade magazine Radio Ink, Shorman was named to the "Top 20 Leaders List," an honor the magazine started in 2017.

"The best business builders create a fun work environment where individuals can hone their skills, grow professionally, and be successful financially, all at the same time," Shorman said in his interview with Radio Ink. "Our employee-owned philosophy has allowed us to create an entrepreneurial environment, letting everyone share in the success and growth of the company. In challenging a time like it is right now, our Eagle employees also own share in the company, and that is a big inventive."

Shorman also discussed Eagle's Leadership 2020 program, which in two years has trained and educated 20 of the the company's future leaders.

Founded in 1948, Eagle Communications Inc. is a Kansas-based media company with over 150 employee-owners. The company operates 28 radio stations in Kansas, Nebraska and Missouri. In addition to radio, the company offers online solutions, web development, video production, and creative services. Eagle is the parent company of the&nbsp;<a href="https://hayspost.com/post-news-network">Post News Network</a>. For more, visit&nbsp;<a href="https://eagleradio.net/">eagleradio.net</a>.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/5/1588881410393.jpeg" alt="Gary Shorman" />
 <figcaption>Gary Shorman</figcaption>
 </figure>Gary Shorman, chairman and chief development officer of Eagle Radio, has been named among the top radio executives in the country by industry analysts.In a recent edition of the trade magazine Radio Ink, Shorman was named to the "Top 20 Leaders List," an honor the magazine started in 2017."The best business builders create a fun work environment where individuals can hone their skills, grow professionally, and be successful financially, all at the same time," Shorman said in his interview with Radio Ink. "Our employee-owned philosophy has allowed us to create an entrepreneurial environment, letting everyone share in the success and growth of the company. In challenging a time like it is right now, our Eagle employees also own share in the company, and that is a big inventive."Shorman also discussed Eagle's Leadership 2020 program, which in two years has trained and educated 20 of the the company's future leaders.Founded in 1948, Eagle Communications Inc. is a Kansas-based media company with over 150 employee-owners. The company operates 28 radio stations in Kansas, Nebraska and Missouri. In addition to radio, the company offers online solutions, web development, video production, and creative services. Eagle is the parent company of the&nbsp;<a href="https://hayspost.com/post-news-network">Post News Network</a>. For more, visit&nbsp;<a href="https://eagleradio.net/">eagleradio.net</a>.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/5/1588881368385.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>

Eagle's Shorman named one of radio industry's top leaders

MANHATTAN — The A.Q. Miller School of Journalism and Mass Communications at Kansas State University is awarding $170,600 in scholarships for the 2020-21 academic year.

"The A.Q. Miller School has a long, proud history of providing media education, a tradition that began in 1910 when a journalism program was created to serve the state's growing media industry," said Steve Smethers, the school's director. "Through the years, grateful alumni have remembered us well with their financial support."

The 110-year-old program awards bachelor's degrees in advertising, journalism and public relations, as well as resident master's degrees focused in community journalism or health communication, and an online master's program in strategic communications.

The following students are A.Q. Miller School scholarship recipients for 2020-2021:

Bailey Short, senior in journalism and mass communications, Abilene, Ehrsam Memorial Scholarship; Lucas Ervin, junior in journalism and mass communications, Atchison, Max E. and Jean Hollinger Scholarship in Journalism and Mass Communications and Todd F. Simon Memorial Scholarship for Public Relations; Bailey Britton, junior in journalism and mass communications, Colby, Max E. and Jean Hollinger Scholarship in Journalism and Mass Communications; Kiara Kilian, freshman in journalism and mass communications, Concordia, Gomer T. Davies Memorial Scholarship; Sarah Onken, senior in journalism and mass communications, Derby, Max E. and Jean Hollinger Scholarship in Journalism and Mass Communications; Paden Bedford, senior in journalism and mass communications, De Soto, Max E. and Jean Hollinger Scholarship in Journalism and Mass Communication; Thayne Benoit, junior in journalism and mass communications, Esbon, Max E. and Jean Hollinger Scholarship in Journalism and Mass Communications; Ryan Volk, sophomore in journalism and mass communications, Goodland, Aubrey E. and Jewell I. Bilger Scholarship; Cassidy Crites, senior in journalism and mass communications, Great Bend, Debra D. Leckron-Miller &amp; William J. Miller Journalism Scholarship and W. Lee &amp; Susie Ruggels Scholarship in Journalism and Mass Communications.

From Greater Kansas City: Garrett Menees, sophomore in journalism and mass communications, Leawood, Jean Gibbs McLain Journalism Scholarship and Ralph and Ruthana Lashbrook Scholarship, and Ariana Rose Ferro Brancato, junior in journalism and mass communications, Max E. and Jean Hollinger Scholarship in Journalism and Mass Communications, both from Leawood; Paige Eichkorn, senior in journalism and mass communications, Lenexa, Andrea Glenn Journalism Scholarship and Martha F. &amp; Samuel H. Logan Journalism Scholarship; Peter E. Loganbill, senior in journalism and mass communications, Lenexa, David R. &amp; Janice W. Von Riesen Scholarship in Journalism; Denver Morris-Lovell, junior in journalism and mass communications, Lenexa, Sarah Watson Memorial Scholarship; Zachary Perez, sophomore in journalism and mass communications, Lenexa, David R. &amp; Janice W. Von Riesen Scholarship in Journalism; Rachell Hannah Sutherland, senior in journalism and mass communications, Lenexa, Chester Peterson Sr. and Ted Lindshield Award; Cheyenne Greathouse, junior in journalism and mass communications, Olathe, Milton S. Eisenhower Jr. Scholarship; Kathryn Hurd, senior in journalism and mass communications, Olathe, Max E. and Jean Hollinger Scholarship in Journalism and Mass Communications; Kennedy Mounce, sophomore in journalism and mass communications, Olathe, David R. &amp; Janice W. Von Riesen Scholarship in Journalism, and Ronald and Ellen Warren Scholarship; Lina Sattarin, sophomore in journalism and mass communications, Olathe, Ellen Warren Roberts Scholarship and Ernest R. Woodward Memorial Scholarship; Eden Brockman, sophomore in journalism and mass communications, Overland Park, David R. &amp; Janice W. Von Riesen Scholarship in Journalism; Macey Franko, freshman in journalism and mass communications, Overland Park, Max E. and Jean Hollinger Scholarship in Journalism and Mass Communications; Julie Freijat, sophomore in journalism and mass communications, Overland Park, Milton S. Eisenhower Jr. Scholarship; Lexi Garcia-Escobedo, sophomore in journalism and mass communications, Overland Park, Aubrey E. and Jewell I. Bilger Scholarship; Kylie Ledford, junior in journalism and mass communications, Overland Park, Max E. and Jean Hollinger Scholarship in Journalism and Mass Communications; Connor Stark, junior in journalism and mass communications, Overland Park, David R. &amp; Janice W Von Riesen Scholarship in Journalism; Macy Steinlage, freshman in journalism and mass communications, Overland Park, Aubrey E. and Jewell I. Bilger Scholarship; Logan Wassall, senior in journalism and mass communications, Overland Park, Milton S. Eisenhower Jr. Scholarship; Sierra Alley, senior in journalism and mass communications, Shawnee, Aubrey E. and Jewell I. Bilger Scholarship; Kaylie McLaughlin, senior in journalism and mass communications, Shawnee, COHO Digital Media Scholarship; Kelsey Volk, freshman in journalism and mass communications, Shawnee, Max E. and Jean Hollinger Scholarship in Journalism and Mass Communications.

Carson Ackerman, freshman in journalism and mass communications, Hays, Max E. and Jean Hollinger Scholarship in Journalism and Mass Communications; Grace Linn, junior in journalism and mass communications, Haysville, Marjorie I. Setter Scholarship and Virginia Howe Scholarship in Journalism and Mass Communications; Grayson Gilbert, junior in journalism and mass communications, Lawrence, Max E. and Jean Hollinger Scholarship in Journalism and Mass Communications; Amanda L. Wollesen, junior in journalism and mass communications, Lincoln, David R. &amp; Janice W. Von Riesen Scholarship in Journalism; Carson Byers, sophomore in journalism and mass communications, David R. &amp; Janice W. Von Riesen Scholarship in Journalism, and Ryan Urban, master's student in journalism and mass communications, Vivian Finley Nolte Journalism Scholarship, both from Louisburg; Piper Brandt, master's student in journalism and mass communications, Madison, Vivian Finley Nolte Journalism Scholarship.

From Manhattan: William Bernard, senior in journalism and mass communications, Bettie Merrill Seitz Scholarship, Mamie Alexander Boyd Memorial Journalism Scholarship, Marshall Ice Wildcat Radio Student Award, and Max E. and Jean Hollinger Scholarship in Journalism and Mass Communications; Kendra Geisbrecht, junior in journalism and mass communications, Helen Hostetter Journalism and Digital Media Scholarship; Nicholas K. McNamara, master's student in journalism and mass communications, Vivian Finley Nolte Journalism Scholarship; and Angelicia Moss, sophomore in journalism and mass communications, Milton S. Eisenhower Jr. Scholarship.

Holly Delay, junior in journalism and mass communications, Morrowville, Aubrey E. and Jewell I. Bilger Scholarship; Kaitlyn Lumbert, freshman in journalism and mass communications, Rose Hill, Max E. and Jean Hollinger Scholarship in Journalism and Mass Communications; Eli Strahm, junior in journalism and mass communications, Sabetha, Max E. and Jean Hollinger Scholarship in Journalism and Mass Communications; Macy Berning, senior in journalism and mass communications, Scott City, Aubrey E. and Jewell I. Bilger Scholarship; Jonathan Cody Friesen, master's student in journalism and mass communications, Spring Hill, Vivian Finley Nolte Journalism Scholarship; Jackson Willis, junior in journalism and mass communications, Tonganoxie, Max E. and Jean Hollinger Scholarship in Journalism and Mass Communications.

From Wichita: Cameron Bradley, senior in journalism and mass communications, Fred White Sports Broadcasting Scholarship; Leah Brock, junior in journalism and mass communications, Max E. and Jean Hollinger Scholarship in Journalism and Mass Communications; Allyssa Fullington, sophomore in journalism and mass communications, David R. &amp; Janice W Von Riesen Scholarship in Journalism; Natalie Leonard, senior in journalism and mass communications, David R. &amp; Janice W Von Riesen Scholarship in Journalism; and Elizabeth Wenberg, junior in journalism and mass communications, Max E. and Jean Hollinger Scholarship in Journalism and Mass Communications.

From out of state: Nicholas Yuska, junior in journalism and mass communications, Berthoud, Colorado, Jaconette Lawrence Tietze Memorial Scholarship; Nathan Cameron, senior in journalism and mass communications, Warsaw, Illinois, Journalism and Mass Communications Merit Scholarship; Anna Christianson, junior in journalism and mass communications, Tama, Iowa, Helen Hostetter Journalism and Digital Media Scholarship; Laura Keener, junior in journalism and mass communications, Lone Jack, Missouri; Elizabeth Hansen, sophomore in journalism and mass communications, Ronald and Ellen Warren Scholarship, Lincoln, Nebraska, Ronald and Ellen Warren Scholarship; and Lindsay Howard, master's student in journalism and mass communications, Raleigh, North Carolina, Jaconette Lawrence Tietze Memorial Scholarship.

From out of country: Sara Savatovic, master's student in journalism and mass communications, Serbia, Dr. Mary A. Erlanger Graduate Student Scholarship and Jaconette Lawrence Tietze Memorial Scholarship; and Dat Huu Tran, master's student in journalism and mass communications, Vietnam, Jaconette Lawrence Tietze Memorial Scholarship.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/5/1588468034911.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>K-State News ServiceMANHATTAN — The A.Q. Miller School of Journalism and Mass Communications at Kansas State University is awarding $170,600 in scholarships for the 2020-21 academic year."The A.Q. Miller School has a long, proud history of providing media education, a tradition that began in 1910 when a journalism program was created to serve the state's growing media industry," said Steve Smethers, the school's director. "Through the years, grateful alumni have remembered us well with their financial support."The 110-year-old program awards bachelor's degrees in advertising, journalism and public relations, as well as resident master's degrees focused in community journalism or health communication, and an online master's program in strategic communications.The following students are A.Q. Miller School scholarship recipients for 2020-2021:Bailey Short, senior in journalism and mass communications, Abilene, Ehrsam Memorial Scholarship; Lucas Ervin, junior in journalism and mass communications, Atchison, Max E. and Jean Hollinger Scholarship in Journalism and Mass Communications and Todd F. Simon Memorial Scholarship for Public Relations; Bailey Britton, junior in journalism and mass communications, Colby, Max E. and Jean Hollinger Scholarship in Journalism and Mass Communications; Kiara Kilian, freshman in journalism and mass communications, Concordia, Gomer T. Davies Memorial Scholarship; Sarah Onken, senior in journalism and mass communications, Derby, Max E. and Jean Hollinger Scholarship in Journalism and Mass Communications; Paden Bedford, senior in journalism and mass communications, De Soto, Max E. and Jean Hollinger Scholarship in Journalism and Mass Communication; Thayne Benoit, junior in journalism and mass communications, Esbon, Max E. and Jean Hollinger Scholarship in Journalism and Mass Communications; Ryan Volk, sophomore in journalism and mass communications, Goodland, Aubrey E. and Jewell I. Bilger Scholarship; Cassidy Crites, senior in journalism and mass communications, Great Bend, Debra D. Leckron-Miller &amp; William J. Miller Journalism Scholarship and W. Lee &amp; Susie Ruggels Scholarship in Journalism and Mass Communications.From Greater Kansas City: Garrett Menees, sophomore in journalism and mass communications, Leawood, Jean Gibbs McLain Journalism Scholarship and Ralph and Ruthana Lashbrook Scholarship, and Ariana Rose Ferro Brancato, junior in journalism and mass communications, Max E. and Jean Hollinger Scholarship in Journalism and Mass Communications, both from Leawood; Paige Eichkorn, senior in journalism and mass communications, Lenexa, Andrea Glenn Journalism Scholarship and Martha F. &amp; Samuel H. Logan Journalism Scholarship; Peter E. Loganbill, senior in journalism and mass communications, Lenexa, David R. &amp; Janice W. Von Riesen Scholarship in Journalism; Denver Morris-Lovell, junior in journalism and mass communications, Lenexa, Sarah Watson Memorial Scholarship; Zachary Perez, sophomore in journalism and mass communications, Lenexa, David R. &amp; Janice W. Von Riesen Scholarship in Journalism; Rachell Hannah Sutherland, senior in journalism and mass communications, Lenexa, Chester Peterson Sr. and Ted Lindshield Award; Cheyenne Greathouse, junior in journalism and mass communications, Olathe, Milton S. Eisenhower Jr. Scholarship; Kathryn Hurd, senior in journalism and mass communications, Olathe, Max E. and Jean Hollinger Scholarship in Journalism and Mass Communications; Kennedy Mounce, sophomore in journalism and mass communications, Olathe, David R. &amp; Janice W. Von Riesen Scholarship in Journalism, and Ronald and Ellen Warren Scholarship; Lina Sattarin, sophomore in journalism and mass communications, Olathe, Ellen Warren Roberts Scholarship and Ernest R. Woodward Memorial Scholarship; Eden Brockman, sophomore in journalism and mass communications, Overland Park, David R. &amp; Janice W. Von Riesen Scholarship in Journalism; Macey Franko, freshman in journalism and mass communications, Overland Park, Max E. and Jean Hollinger Scholarship in Journalism and Mass Communications; Julie Freijat, sophomore in journalism and mass communications, Overland Park, Milton S. Eisenhower Jr. Scholarship; Lexi Garcia-Escobedo, sophomore in journalism and mass communications, Overland Park, Aubrey E. and Jewell I. Bilger Scholarship; Kylie Ledford, junior in journalism and mass communications, Overland Park, Max E. and Jean Hollinger Scholarship in Journalism and Mass Communications; Connor Stark, junior in journalism and mass communications, Overland Park, David R. &amp; Janice W Von Riesen Scholarship in Journalism; Macy Steinlage, freshman in journalism and mass communications, Overland Park, Aubrey E. and Jewell I. Bilger Scholarship; Logan Wassall, senior in journalism and mass communications, Overland Park, Milton S. Eisenhower Jr. Scholarship; Sierra Alley, senior in journalism and mass communications, Shawnee, Aubrey E. and Jewell I. Bilger Scholarship; Kaylie McLaughlin, senior in journalism and mass communications, Shawnee, COHO Digital Media Scholarship; Kelsey Volk, freshman in journalism and mass communications, Shawnee, Max E. and Jean Hollinger Scholarship in Journalism and Mass Communications.Carson Ackerman, freshman in journalism and mass communications, Hays, Max E. and Jean Hollinger Scholarship in Journalism and Mass Communications; Grace Linn, junior in journalism and mass communications, Haysville, Marjorie I. Setter Scholarship and Virginia Howe Scholarship in Journalism and Mass Communications; Grayson Gilbert, junior in journalism and mass communications, Lawrence, Max E. and Jean Hollinger Scholarship in Journalism and Mass Communications; Amanda L. Wollesen, junior in journalism and mass communications, Lincoln, David R. &amp; Janice W. Von Riesen Scholarship in Journalism; Carson Byers, sophomore in journalism and mass communications, David R. &amp; Janice W. Von Riesen Scholarship in Journalism, and Ryan Urban, master's student in journalism and mass communications, Vivian Finley Nolte Journalism Scholarship, both from Louisburg; Piper Brandt, master's student in journalism and mass communications, Madison, Vivian Finley Nolte Journalism Scholarship.From Manhattan: William Bernard, senior in journalism and mass communications, Bettie Merrill Seitz Scholarship, Mamie Alexander Boyd Memorial Journalism Scholarship, Marshall Ice Wildcat Radio Student Award, and Max E. and Jean Hollinger Scholarship in Journalism and Mass Communications; Kendra Geisbrecht, junior in journalism and mass communications, Helen Hostetter Journalism and Digital Media Scholarship; Nicholas K. McNamara, master's student in journalism and mass communications, Vivian Finley Nolte Journalism Scholarship; and Angelicia Moss, sophomore in journalism and mass communications, Milton S. Eisenhower Jr. Scholarship.Holly Delay, junior in journalism and mass communications, Morrowville, Aubrey E. and Jewell I. Bilger Scholarship; Kaitlyn Lumbert, freshman in journalism and mass communications, Rose Hill, Max E. and Jean Hollinger Scholarship in Journalism and Mass Communications; Eli Strahm, junior in journalism and mass communications, Sabetha, Max E. and Jean Hollinger Scholarship in Journalism and Mass Communications; Macy Berning, senior in journalism and mass communications, Scott City, Aubrey E. and Jewell I. Bilger Scholarship; Jonathan Cody Friesen, master's student in journalism and mass communications, Spring Hill, Vivian Finley Nolte Journalism Scholarship; Jackson Willis, junior in journalism and mass communications, Tonganoxie, Max E. and Jean Hollinger Scholarship in Journalism and Mass Communications.From Wichita: Cameron Bradley, senior in journalism and mass communications, Fred White Sports Broadcasting Scholarship; Leah Brock, junior in journalism and mass communications, Max E. and Jean Hollinger Scholarship in Journalism and Mass Communications; Allyssa Fullington, sophomore in journalism and mass communications, David R. &amp; Janice W Von Riesen Scholarship in Journalism; Natalie Leonard, senior in journalism and mass communications, David R. &amp; Janice W Von Riesen Scholarship in Journalism; and Elizabeth Wenberg, junior in journalism and mass communications, Max E. and Jean Hollinger Scholarship in Journalism and Mass Communications.From out of state: Nicholas Yuska, junior in journalism and mass communications, Berthoud, Colorado, Jaconette Lawrence Tietze Memorial Scholarship; Nathan Cameron, senior in journalism and mass communications, Warsaw, Illinois, Journalism and Mass Communications Merit Scholarship; Anna Christianson, junior in journalism and mass communications, Tama, Iowa, Helen Hostetter Journalism and Digital Media Scholarship; Laura Keener, junior in journalism and mass communications, Lone Jack, Missouri; Elizabeth Hansen, sophomore in journalism and mass communications, Ronald and Ellen Warren Scholarship, Lincoln, Nebraska, Ronald and Ellen Warren Scholarship; and Lindsay Howard, master's student in journalism and mass communications, Raleigh, North Carolina, Jaconette Lawrence Tietze Memorial Scholarship.From out of country: Sara Savatovic, master's student in journalism and mass communications, Serbia, Dr. Mary A. Erlanger Graduate Student Scholarship and Jaconette Lawrence Tietze Memorial Scholarship; and Dat Huu Tran, master's student in journalism and mass communications, Vietnam, Jaconette Lawrence Tietze Memorial Scholarship.

NW Kan. students earn K-State journalism scholarships

‘Be cognizant of how we got here,’ one specialist says

MANHATTAN – Tumultuous times in the meatpacking industry linked to the current new coronavirus pandemic has prompted calls for changes to the structure of the industry, but two Kansas State University agricultural economists are warning against overreactions to a structure that has been years in the making.

Hundreds of cases of COVID-19 have been confirmed in some of the biggest meatpacking plants in the country, leading to supply chain disruptions as companies deal with absent workers and temporarily close plants, leading to a 40% loss of capacity in the industry.

The closures left livestock producers with a backlog of animals ready to go to market, which means higher feed costs and potentially heavier animals. On the other end of the supply chain, the disruptions mean spotty meat availability in grocery meat cases, with some supermarkets temporarily imposing limits on how much meat shoppers can buy.

Prompted by the situation, on April 28 President Donald Trump deemed meatpacking plants as “critical infrastructure” that must stay open.

The pandemic and its effect on everyone along the meat supply chain including consumers has sparked calls for changes in the structure of the meatpacking industry, which is largely concentrated to four companies – Smithfield Foods, Tyson Foods, JBS and Cargill Meat Solutions. The four control about 80% of the meat slaughter capacity in the United States.

“We’re in a situation I don’t think our industry or our society has ever really faced, or realized the challenges associated with an event like this,” said University Distinguished Professor of agricultural economics, Ted Schroeder.

The health of packing plant employees, livestock supplies backing up, changes in demand linked to school and restaurant closures are all happening at the same time “and each segment of the industry is trying to fulfill its role the best they can,” he said. “It makes for an industry that’s under a lot of stress. But it’s not just this industry, it’s across society.”

“I’m hopeful that we’re in the worst of it, in terms of lost capacity,” said K-State professor and livestock marketing specialist Glynn Tonsor, adding that as of May 4, U.S. processing capacity was about 40% lower than it was in the same week last year. “Let’s hope that’s the lowest it will go, but no guarantee.”

Unlike grains that can be stored long term, meat is a perishable commodity which makes decision making more complicated in situations like this when there are such large disruptions in the supply chain flow.

The situation, Tonsor said, has rekindled conversations about meatpacker concentration, but he cautioned against making big changes in the midst of the current crisis.

“In general, when you have a surgical procedure, the doctor will give you advice for when you get home or for the next couple of weeks but doesn’t tell you to quit exercising for the rest of your life,” Tonsor said.

The current concentration in meat packing came about because of economies of scale, Tonsor said, which allows those companies to produce higher volumes at lower costs per animal than a smaller company could do. That efficiency means lower prices for consumers.

“Also, the value of U.S. meat exports has grown notably over the last couple of decades,” he said. “The beef industry is becoming increasingly reliant on the export market to sustain the current size of the industry.” Keeping that in mind, it’s easier for an overseas buyer to deal with one company than 30 companies.

“An overreaction to our current structure could mean a loss of global competitiveness,” he added.

Schroeder reminded that meat packing is a labor-intensive segment of the industry where a significant number of highly skilled people are needed, no matter who owns that segment.

“The nature of our plants, the size of our plants, have evolved to where labor productivity is as high as any other alternative that we currently have,” he said.

The pandemic may push meatpacking companies to look more closely at automating more parts of the process, rather than rely so heavily on human labor, Tonsor said.

The coronavirus pandemic has also reignited discussions about price discovery in beef cattle, which has changed in the past seven years, most notably with a shift to formula pricing and away from negotiated trade, Schroeder said.

Though some believe there’s greater transparency in negotiated trades, the middle of a crisis is not the time to make sweeping, long-term changes, he added.

“There’s always room for improvement, but I think that it’s dangerous to jump off the cliff without studying what’s on the other side, so to speak,” Tonsor said.

“It’s better to look at how and why the current system came to be and can we take the current system and enhance the information that we get to make it work more efficiently and effectively,” Schroeder said. “The ways we’re marketing and valuing cattle today has evolved because they offer great opportunity to increase the value signals being sent to the industry.”

Any significant changes, whether linked to the pandemic or otherwise, should be made with an eye toward benefits to the cattle producer, the meat packer, the retailer and the consumer.

“Those balancing acts are very emotional in the midst of a crisis. I don’t want to see us overreact in the midst of a crisis to do undue harm in the future,” Tonsor said.

An Agriculture Today interview with Tonsor and Schroeder is available online at<a href="http://www.agtoday.net/">www.agtoday.net</a>.&nbsp;

Check&nbsp;<a href="https://www.ksre.k-state.edu/news/stories/about-us/covid-19-extension.html">K-State Research and Extension COVID-19</a>&nbsp;for more resources.&nbsp;&nbsp;

<h2>‘Be cognizant of how we got here,’ one specialist says</h2><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/5/1588772780736.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>MANHATTAN – Tumultuous times in the meatpacking industry linked to the current new coronavirus pandemic has prompted calls for changes to the structure of the industry, but two Kansas State University agricultural economists are warning against overreactions to a structure that has been years in the making.Hundreds of cases of COVID-19 have been confirmed in some of the biggest meatpacking plants in the country, leading to supply chain disruptions as companies deal with absent workers and temporarily close plants, leading to a 40% loss of capacity in the industry.The closures left livestock producers with a backlog of animals ready to go to market, which means higher feed costs and potentially heavier animals. On the other end of the supply chain, the disruptions mean spotty meat availability in grocery meat cases, with some supermarkets temporarily imposing limits on how much meat shoppers can buy.Prompted by the situation, on April 28 President Donald Trump deemed meatpacking plants as “critical infrastructure” that must stay open.The pandemic and its effect on everyone along the meat supply chain including consumers has sparked calls for changes in the structure of the meatpacking industry, which is largely concentrated to four companies – Smithfield Foods, Tyson Foods, JBS and Cargill Meat Solutions. The four control about 80% of the meat slaughter capacity in the United States.“We’re in a situation I don’t think our industry or our society has ever really faced, or realized the challenges associated with an event like this,” said University Distinguished Professor of agricultural economics, Ted Schroeder.The health of packing plant employees, livestock supplies backing up, changes in demand linked to school and restaurant closures are all happening at the same time “and each segment of the industry is trying to fulfill its role the best they can,” he said. “It makes for an industry that’s under a lot of stress. But it’s not just this industry, it’s across society.”“I’m hopeful that we’re in the worst of it, in terms of lost capacity,” said K-State professor and livestock marketing specialist Glynn Tonsor, adding that as of May 4, U.S. processing capacity was about 40% lower than it was in the same week last year. “Let’s hope that’s the lowest it will go, but no guarantee.”Unlike grains that can be stored long term, meat is a perishable commodity which makes decision making more complicated in situations like this when there are such large disruptions in the supply chain flow.The situation, Tonsor said, has rekindled conversations about meatpacker concentration, but he cautioned against making big changes in the midst of the current crisis.“In general, when you have a surgical procedure, the doctor will give you advice for when you get home or for the next couple of weeks but doesn’t tell you to quit exercising for the rest of your life,” Tonsor said.The current concentration in meat packing came about because of economies of scale, Tonsor said, which allows those companies to produce higher volumes at lower costs per animal than a smaller company could do. That efficiency means lower prices for consumers.“Also, the value of U.S. meat exports has grown notably over the last couple of decades,” he said. “The beef industry is becoming increasingly reliant on the export market to sustain the current size of the industry.” Keeping that in mind, it’s easier for an overseas buyer to deal with one company than 30 companies.“An overreaction to our current structure could mean a loss of global competitiveness,” he added.Schroeder reminded that meat packing is a labor-intensive segment of the industry where a significant number of highly skilled people are needed, no matter who owns that segment.“The nature of our plants, the size of our plants, have evolved to where labor productivity is as high as any other alternative that we currently have,” he said.The pandemic may push meatpacking companies to look more closely at automating more parts of the process, rather than rely so heavily on human labor, Tonsor said.The coronavirus pandemic has also reignited discussions about price discovery in beef cattle, which has changed in the past seven years, most notably with a shift to formula pricing and away from negotiated trade, Schroeder said.Though some believe there’s greater transparency in negotiated trades, the middle of a crisis is not the time to make sweeping, long-term changes, he added.“There’s always room for improvement, but I think that it’s dangerous to jump off the cliff without studying what’s on the other side, so to speak,” Tonsor said.“It’s better to look at how and why the current system came to be and can we take the current system and enhance the information that we get to make it work more efficiently and effectively,” Schroeder said. “The ways we’re marketing and valuing cattle today has evolved because they offer great opportunity to increase the value signals being sent to the industry.”Any significant changes, whether linked to the pandemic or otherwise, should be made with an eye toward benefits to the cattle producer, the meat packer, the retailer and the consumer.“Those balancing acts are very emotional in the midst of a crisis. I don’t want to see us overreact in the midst of a crisis to do undue harm in the future,” Tonsor said.An Agriculture Today interview with Tonsor and Schroeder is available online at<a href="http://www.agtoday.net/">www.agtoday.net</a>.&nbsp;Check&nbsp;<a href="https://www.ksre.k-state.edu/news/stories/about-us/covid-19-extension.html">K-State Research and Extension COVID-19</a>&nbsp;for more resources.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Ag economists: Don't overreact to meat industry crisis

TOPEKA -&nbsp;Since March 24, 2020, extensions to driver's licenses and vehicle registrations have been made through Executive Order 20-12 signed by Governor Laura Kelly. While those extensions are still valid, the Kansas Department of Revenue will start to reopen driver's license offices on Tuesday, May 12, 2020.

Under&nbsp;<a href="https://gcc01.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fcovid.ks.gov%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F2020%2F05%2FReopen-Kansas-Framework-043020.3.pdf&amp;data=02%7C01%7C%7C4b0c37478ae440ea27fa08d7f397a81c%7Cdcae8101c92d480cbc43c6761ccccc5a%7C0%7C0%7C637245704986035733&amp;sdata=nxbM3Tok%2BGYEI9sNr0TwaeKLl3Zh34Aypl12j%2FowpWU%3D&amp;reserved=0" target="_blank">Ad Astra: A plan to reopen Kansas</a>, presented at the end of April by Governor Kelly, steps will be made to ensure the health and well-being of all who enter Kansas Department of Revenue offices. This includes requiring appointments and screenings before entering offices and implementing all social distancing guidelines.

"Following the procedures of the Ad Astra Plan and data presented by the Kansas Department of Health and Environment, we are making concerted efforts to open in a thoughtful and safe manner," Secretary Mark Burghart said.&nbsp;

"This is done by looking at the county COVID-19 case data and applicable guidelines on social distancing to make the necessary decisions to reopen and possibly temporarily reclose offices."

Only essential services will be conducted in reopened driver's license offices. These include:

"It is important to note that Governor Kelly's Executive Order 20-12, which allows extensions on driver’s license renewals and vehicle registrations, is still in effect," David Harper, Director of Vehicles said.&nbsp;

"We encourage customers who can perform these services online to do so as we continue to evaluate the reopening of the more than 100 office locations with the partnership of county governments."

Renewals to Governor Kelly’s extensions must be completed within 60 days of the expiration of the&nbsp;State of Disaster Emergency Proclamation, originally made in March, and extended due to the ongoing impact of COVID-19 to the state.

To schedule an appointment, customers are asked to call their driver's license office or use the already established scheduling program, Q-Flow, for offices with that availability.

Moving forward, the reopened office listing is available at&nbsp;<a href="https://www.ksrevenue.org/reopening.html" target="_blank">https://www.ksrevenue.org/reopening.html</a>.

Online renewals of identification cards, driver's licenses, and vehicle tag renewals can be done online at ikan.ks.gov or in the iKan app available in the Apple iTunes or Google Play stores. Some statutory restrictions apply. For those restrictions, an office visit will need to be scheduled.

To contact the Division of Vehicles about issues relating to a title, registration, or driver's licenses, phone and email information can be found at&nbsp;<a href="https://ksrevenue.org/dovcontact.html" target="_blank">ksrevenue.org/dovcontact.html</a>.

TOPEKA -&nbsp;Since March 24, 2020, extensions to driver's licenses and vehicle registrations have been made through Executive Order 20-12 signed by Governor Laura Kelly. While those extensions are still valid, the Kansas Department of Revenue will start to reopen driver's license offices on Tuesday, May 12, 2020.Under&nbsp;<a href="https://gcc01.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fcovid.ks.gov%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F2020%2F05%2FReopen-Kansas-Framework-043020.3.pdf&amp;data=02%7C01%7C%7C4b0c37478ae440ea27fa08d7f397a81c%7Cdcae8101c92d480cbc43c6761ccccc5a%7C0%7C0%7C637245704986035733&amp;sdata=nxbM3Tok%2BGYEI9sNr0TwaeKLl3Zh34Aypl12j%2FowpWU%3D&amp;reserved=0" target="_blank">Ad Astra: A plan to reopen Kansas</a>, presented at the end of April by Governor Kelly, steps will be made to ensure the health and well-being of all who enter Kansas Department of Revenue offices. This includes requiring appointments and screenings before entering offices and implementing all social distancing guidelines."Following the procedures of the Ad Astra Plan and data presented by the Kansas Department of Health and Environment, we are making concerted efforts to open in a thoughtful and safe manner," Secretary Mark Burghart said.&nbsp;"This is done by looking at the county COVID-19 case data and applicable guidelines on social distancing to make the necessary decisions to reopen and possibly temporarily reclose offices."Only essential services will be conducted in reopened driver's license offices. These include:<ol>
 <li>Drivers needing to transfer a license from another state</li><li>Teen drivers receiving a license for the first time</li><li>Drivers turning 21 or turning 50 years-of-age</li><li>Applications for a new state identification card</li><li>If there is no online access to the customer or other restriction to online service apply by statute, including not having an eye exam within the last 12 months</li>
 </ol>"It is important to note that Governor Kelly's Executive Order 20-12, which allows extensions on driver’s license renewals and vehicle registrations, is still in effect," David Harper, Director of Vehicles said.&nbsp;"We encourage customers who can perform these services online to do so as we continue to evaluate the reopening of the more than 100 office locations with the partnership of county governments."Renewals to Governor Kelly’s extensions must be completed within 60 days of the expiration of the&nbsp;State of Disaster Emergency Proclamation, originally made in March, and extended due to the ongoing impact of COVID-19 to the state.To schedule an appointment, customers are asked to call their driver's license office or use the already established scheduling program, Q-Flow, for offices with that availability.Moving forward, the reopened office listing is available at&nbsp;<a href="https://www.ksrevenue.org/reopening.html" target="_blank">https://www.ksrevenue.org/reopening.html</a>.Online renewals of identification cards, driver's licenses, and vehicle tag renewals can be done online at ikan.ks.gov or in the iKan app available in the Apple iTunes or Google Play stores. Some statutory restrictions apply. For those restrictions, an office visit will need to be scheduled.To contact the Division of Vehicles about issues relating to a title, registration, or driver's licenses, phone and email information can be found at&nbsp;<a href="https://ksrevenue.org/dovcontact.html" target="_blank">ksrevenue.org/dovcontact.html</a>.

 Kansas announces plan to reopen driver’s license offices

By CRISTINA JANNEY Hays Post

They had not eaten all day. It was Halloween. If they could just make it until dark, they could go trick-or-treating.

So hungry. Candy — something sweet in their bellies.

It is a true story of three children removed from their home in&nbsp; Ellis County.

The story touched the hearts of the members of the Hays Wonder Women League, who will soon be launching a project to distribute duffle bags with food and necessities to children removed from their homes in Ellis County.

"We think that in Ellis County, that is reality," Rhonda Meyerhoff, WWL co-chair, said. "That is reality for those three children. This is for those children and others like them. We want to let them know someone cares about you."

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/4/1586549351359.jpeg" alt="The Wonder Women League of Hays is donating packed duffle bags for children who are removed from their homes in Ellis County. Photo by&nbsp;<a href="https://unsplash.com/@resikling?utm_source=unsplash&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_content=creditCopyText">Resi Kling</a>&nbsp;on&nbsp;<a href="https://unsplash.com/s/photos/suitcase?utm_source=unsplash&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_content=creditCopyText">Unsplash</a>" />
 <figcaption>The Wonder Women League of Hays is donating packed duffle bags for children who are removed from their homes in Ellis County. Photo by&nbsp;<a href="https://unsplash.com/@resikling?utm_source=unsplash&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_content=creditCopyText">Resi Kling</a>&nbsp;on&nbsp;<a href="https://unsplash.com/s/photos/suitcase?utm_source=unsplash&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_content=creditCopyText">Unsplash</a></figcaption>
 </figure>By CRISTINA JANNEY Hays PostThey had not eaten all day. It was Halloween. If they could just make it until dark, they could go trick-or-treating.So hungry. Candy — something sweet in their bellies.It is a true story of three children removed from their home in&nbsp; Ellis County.The story touched the hearts of the members of the Hays Wonder Women League, who will soon be launching a project to distribute duffle bags with food and necessities to children removed from their homes in Ellis County."We think that in Ellis County, that is reality," Rhonda Meyerhoff, WWL co-chair, said. "That is reality for those three children. This is for those children and others like them. We want to let them know someone cares about you."Many things are on hold right now, including acts of charity.However, the Wonder Women League hopes to launch the Suitcase Project as soon as social distancing restrictions are lifted.The WWL Suitcase Project seeks to supply law enforcement and social services officials with duffle bags that contain items including new pajamas, underwear and socks, fleece blankets, snacks, a stuffed animal, personal hygiene products, McDonald's meal certificates, note of support from WWL and a note from a former foster child, as well as a small toy such as a deck of cards, fidget spinner or Rubik's Cube.&nbsp;Diapers, formula and wipes will be available as needed for infants. Many children are transported out of county, and this will give the officials supplies to care for the children in route.Bottled water was donated by Pepsi, eyeSMILE donated dental hygiene items and Color/Cuts Salon donated combs.The bags will be coordinated for appropriate gender and age of the children.Many children are removed from homes with no clothing, except what they are wearing, Nancy Jeter, WWL co-chairwoman, said.Those who are allowed to grab a few personal items, usually have to put their belongings in trash bags, she said. The duffle bags will also have pull-out totes that are meant to replace these trash bags and be a means of carrying children's personal belongings."In those bags, there is going to be a letter — one from a little boy, who is now a man, who was in foster care," Jeter said. "It is the most heart-warming letter. "It is about, 'I was in foster care, and it was scary and it was terrible and I know what you are going through, but you will get through this.' "Girls will receive a letter from a former girl in foster care.Meyerhoff said she hopes the bags will not only be a help and comfort for the children but provide assistance to the foster families."Not all of these foster care parents live five minutes away from where they can pick up diapers, wipes and formula," she said.&nbsp;The ribbon cutting on the project was set for March 19 but was postponed when social distancing recommendations were put in place.Jeter Law Firm has volunteered to help assemble the bags and offered storage space for bags waiting to be distributed to law enforcement and social services.The WWL wants to make the Suitcase Project a continuing project. Startup cost is estimated at $12,000. with an annual maintenance cost of $5,000 to $6,000.The WWL received a $5,000 grant from the Heartland Community Foundation to launch the project.Prior to stay-at-home orders going into place, the WWL was seeking sponsorships for the program."This project will be molded and manipulated as it evolves," Meyerhoff said, "to find out what that perfect solutions is."You can learn more about the <a href="https://www.liveunited.us/wonder-women-league">Wonder Women League</a> on the United Way of Ellis County website. The individual annual membership donation starts at $50. You can join and donate online.

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