The Kansas Corporation Commission reports just 29 new intent-to-drill notices for the month of April, including one in Ellis County. The April total is down from 37 intents from the month before, and down from 106 in April of last year. There are 200 new intents on file so far this year, compared to 334 by the end of April last year.

Kansas crude prices gained a dollar on Friday. Kansas Common crude at CHS in McPherson starts this week at $10 a barrel. The monthly average for Kansas Common crude in April was just over $10 a barrel, compared to nearly $21 a barrel in March and over $54 a barrel in April of last year.

Baker Hughes reported another big drop in its weekly Rotary Rig Count to 408 active rigs, down 53 oil rigs and four gas rigs. The count in Texas was down 30 rigs. Colorado dropped by seven rigs. Oklahoma was down five and New Mexico was down four. Independent Oil &amp; Gas Service reports a slight uptick in the Rig Count in Kansas. There are seven active rigs in Western Kansas, up four from last week; and one active rig east of Wichita, up one.&nbsp;

Operators received six new drilling permits across the State of Kansas last week, three east of Wichita, and three in western Kansas. That's 177 permits for drilling at new locations so far this year, compared to 304 at this time last year. Independent Oil &amp; Gas reports just three new well-completions last week, two of them dry holes.

We could find out this week if regulators will place legal limits on oil and gas production in the top-producing state in the country. The Railroad Commission of Texas held a lengthy hearing on the matter last month, but a two-member majority voted to consult with the state attorney general and put off any decision on "proration." The board could take up the matter again in its next scheduled meeting Tuesday.

U.S. crude production dropped 23 million barrels from February of last year, according to the latest numbers available from the government. According to the new government report, Kansas production in February was just over two and a half million barrels. That's an average of 88,000 barrels per day, about the same as the month before, but down from 92,000 barrels per day in February of last year.

The government on last week said U.S. crude-oil inventories increased by nine million barrels, significantly less than expected. Stockpiles are about ten percent above the five year average. The Energy Information Administration reported another decline in weekly crude-oil production.&nbsp; U.S. output last week dropped by about 100,000 barrels per day from the week before. EIA reports imports of 5.3 million barrels per day, up 365,000 barrels per day over the week before. The four-week average is still nearly 20% less than last year. U.S. gasoline stockpiles dropped by nearly four million barrels, but remain about ten percent above the five-year seasonal average.

The Association of American Railroads says U.S. oil-by-rail traffic as down more than 30% for the week ended April 25 compared to a year earlier. Total freight traffic dropped more than 22%.

The government reported total U.S. energy production last year exceeded consumption for the first time in 62 years. The Energy Information Administration compared production and use of oil, gas, coal, nuclear power and renewable energy. The Monthly Energy Review indicates we produced eight trillion BTUs of energy more than we consumed.

Commodity regulators are looking into possible insider futures trading by brokers with inside information on Russia's production negotiations with OPEC. The Commodity Futures Trading Commission is scrutinizing futures trades by market participants who may have had advanced word on the Russian strategy. The investigation reportedly does not involve any Americans or Russian officials. But, sources tell Bloomberg the trading entities involved do employ people with ties to the Kremlin.

The Interior Department is preparing to sell drilling rights in the 1.56-million-acre coastal plain of the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge, but that sale may already have gone bust. Morgan Stanley just ruled out financing for Arctic energy development. They join Citigroup, Goldman Sachs, JP Morgan Chase and Wells Fargo in ending support for drilling in the refuge. Bloomberg reports activists have shifted their focus to the flow of the huge sums of money needed to exploit the region. Lending restrictions now pose another obstacle to oil companies hunting for the next big U.S. discovery, particularly after an epic collapse in prices, declining demand tied to coronavirus and a mounting glut of crude. The Interior Department is preparing to sell drilling rights in the 1.56-million-acre coastal plain of the Arctic refuge.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/11/1574099516454.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>By JOHN P. TRETBARThe Kansas Corporation Commission reports just 29 new intent-to-drill notices for the month of April, including one in Ellis County. The April total is down from 37 intents from the month before, and down from 106 in April of last year. There are 200 new intents on file so far this year, compared to 334 by the end of April last year.Kansas crude prices gained a dollar on Friday. Kansas Common crude at CHS in McPherson starts this week at $10 a barrel. The monthly average for Kansas Common crude in April was just over $10 a barrel, compared to nearly $21 a barrel in March and over $54 a barrel in April of last year.Baker Hughes reported another big drop in its weekly Rotary Rig Count to 408 active rigs, down 53 oil rigs and four gas rigs. The count in Texas was down 30 rigs. Colorado dropped by seven rigs. Oklahoma was down five and New Mexico was down four. Independent Oil &amp; Gas Service reports a slight uptick in the Rig Count in Kansas. There are seven active rigs in Western Kansas, up four from last week; and one active rig east of Wichita, up one.&nbsp;Operators received six new drilling permits across the State of Kansas last week, three east of Wichita, and three in western Kansas. That's 177 permits for drilling at new locations so far this year, compared to 304 at this time last year. Independent Oil &amp; Gas reports just three new well-completions last week, two of them dry holes.We could find out this week if regulators will place legal limits on oil and gas production in the top-producing state in the country. The Railroad Commission of Texas held a lengthy hearing on the matter last month, but a two-member majority voted to consult with the state attorney general and put off any decision on "proration." The board could take up the matter again in its next scheduled meeting Tuesday.U.S. crude production dropped 23 million barrels from February of last year, according to the latest numbers available from the government. According to the new government report, Kansas production in February was just over two and a half million barrels. That's an average of 88,000 barrels per day, about the same as the month before, but down from 92,000 barrels per day in February of last year.The government on last week said U.S. crude-oil inventories increased by nine million barrels, significantly less than expected. Stockpiles are about ten percent above the five year average. The Energy Information Administration reported another decline in weekly crude-oil production.&nbsp; U.S. output last week dropped by about 100,000 barrels per day from the week before. EIA reports imports of 5.3 million barrels per day, up 365,000 barrels per day over the week before. The four-week average is still nearly 20% less than last year. U.S. gasoline stockpiles dropped by nearly four million barrels, but remain about ten percent above the five-year seasonal average.The Association of American Railroads says U.S. oil-by-rail traffic as down more than 30% for the week ended April 25 compared to a year earlier. Total freight traffic dropped more than 22%.The government reported total U.S. energy production last year exceeded consumption for the first time in 62 years. The Energy Information Administration compared production and use of oil, gas, coal, nuclear power and renewable energy. The Monthly Energy Review indicates we produced eight trillion BTUs of energy more than we consumed.Commodity regulators are looking into possible insider futures trading by brokers with inside information on Russia's production negotiations with OPEC. The Commodity Futures Trading Commission is scrutinizing futures trades by market participants who may have had advanced word on the Russian strategy. The investigation reportedly does not involve any Americans or Russian officials. But, sources tell Bloomberg the trading entities involved do employ people with ties to the Kremlin.The Interior Department is preparing to sell drilling rights in the 1.56-million-acre coastal plain of the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge, but that sale may already have gone bust. Morgan Stanley just ruled out financing for Arctic energy development. They join Citigroup, Goldman Sachs, JP Morgan Chase and Wells Fargo in ending support for drilling in the refuge. Bloomberg reports activists have shifted their focus to the flow of the huge sums of money needed to exploit the region. Lending restrictions now pose another obstacle to oil companies hunting for the next big U.S. discovery, particularly after an epic collapse in prices, declining demand tied to coronavirus and a mounting glut of crude. The Interior Department is preparing to sell drilling rights in the 1.56-million-acre coastal plain of the Arctic refuge.

News from the Oil Patch: New drilling notices dip

Forsyth Library at Fort Hays State University is joining with libraries across the nation to document the historical impact of the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) global health crisis on individuals, families, organizations, businesses, and communities.&nbsp;

The Library is seeking stories and file submissions from individuals from the FHSU and Ellis County communities for inclusion in the university archive. These submissions will be made available as primary resources for historical and research purposes, exhibits, and public dissemination.&nbsp;

Submissions might include experiences with the stay-at-home order, social distancing, self-quarantine, online education, working remotely and other local effects of the pandemic.&nbsp;

Similar primary source collections have been gathered by libraries during times of great community impact such as natural disasters, terrorist attacks, wars, and recessions. They serve as primary research material for many disciplines in the present and for the future.&nbsp;

Please consider submitting your real-life stories to capture the local experience during this unprecedented time and document it for posterity. To submit a story, send text, photographs, journal and diary entries and other digital evidence by using the project's submission form at&nbsp;<a href="https://bit.ly/COVIDarchive">https://bit.ly/COVIDarchive</a>&nbsp;or email&nbsp;<a href="mailto:forsythsc@fhsu.edu">forsythsc@fhsu.edu</a>.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/4/1588171172210.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>FHSU University RelationsForsyth Library at Fort Hays State University is joining with libraries across the nation to document the historical impact of the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) global health crisis on individuals, families, organizations, businesses, and communities.&nbsp;The Library is seeking stories and file submissions from individuals from the FHSU and Ellis County communities for inclusion in the university archive. These submissions will be made available as primary resources for historical and research purposes, exhibits, and public dissemination.&nbsp;Submissions might include experiences with the stay-at-home order, social distancing, self-quarantine, online education, working remotely and other local effects of the pandemic.&nbsp;Similar primary source collections have been gathered by libraries during times of great community impact such as natural disasters, terrorist attacks, wars, and recessions. They serve as primary research material for many disciplines in the present and for the future.&nbsp;Please consider submitting your real-life stories to capture the local experience during this unprecedented time and document it for posterity. To submit a story, send text, photographs, journal and diary entries and other digital evidence by using the project's submission form at&nbsp;<a href="https://bit.ly/COVIDarchive">https://bit.ly/COVIDarchive</a>&nbsp;or email&nbsp;<a href="mailto:forsythsc@fhsu.edu">forsythsc@fhsu.edu</a>.&nbsp;

FHSU library seeks stories on local effects of COVID-19 pandemic

Yes, government and us folks who hang out under the Dome had heard the group of university economists called the Consensus Revenue Estimate Group (CRE) estimate just what the state’s revenues are going to be for the next 14 months, the end of this fiscal year and the year that starts July 1.

And when those CRE estimates predict millions of dollars of revenue shortfalls they are usually due to tax cuts, but not often a change in the entire landscape of the state, businesses shutting down, Kansans ordered to stay at their homes unless they had to grocery shop or pick up prescriptions or something “essential.”

Those CRE estimates were just that – estimates.

Well, Friday at about noon the Kansas Department of Revenue released its report on just how much in taxes the state received in April – first month of the real social and economic thunderstorm caused by the coronavirus pandemic – and those economists were right with their April 20, semi-annual estimate. Chillingly right.

Nearly every tax source that the state depends on to provide the services we all want from our state, ranging from highways to law enforcement to prisons to education for our children and the relatively grown-up university students, and social services so the poor have the food and housing and health-care that we want them to have, was shaken.

That Friday shockwave showed that the state took in $574.8 million in taxes in April. Last year in April, before all the economic effects of the pandemic, Kansas took in $1.18 billion. Yes, billion. That’s $612 million less this April than last. That shook the building. It meant that the economists, who we suppose spend most of their time reading the small type in the Wall Street Journal and economic newsletters, actually had the clear view of just what Kansans staying at home, closing nonessential businesses, seeing thousands of layoffs, having their tax payments delayed, would cause.

That put a whole new dollars-and-cents face on the coronavirus, and its effect on the economy and the state budget that is now law that is likely to be about $1.2 billion short of what it was based on when it was passed by lawmakers and signed into law by Gov. Laura Kelly in March. Again, before the fiscal effects of the virus had been translated into dollars and cents.

Now, it’s waiting to see just how the Legislature responds to that shockwave, which has both fiscal and political fallout for Kansas where every member of the Legislature stands for re-election this year.

The GOP-controlled Legislative Coordinating Council will meet this week to decide whether to reconvene lawmakers – with a myriad of social-distancing issues that will probably make it as uncomfortable as a bad prom date – to deal with the real dollars and cents of the budget.

And you gotta wonder how many Kansas voters are going to see the real numbers and decide if the people who don’t want to fix it now will be going back to the&nbsp; Legislature next session.

Will legislative leaders decide in the wake of those hard-dollar April revenue losses that they can’t delay until next January the fiscal problems that will lead to an unconstitutional budget deficit? Or will they decide it is still too dangerous to convene a mass of legislators from across the state? Or will voters want this budget fire controlled now, before a possible second-round of economic damage to the state if the pandemic spikes this fall?&nbsp;

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

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/11/1573141234707.png" alt="Martin Hawver is publisher of Hawver's Capitol Report." />
 <figcaption>Martin Hawver is publisher of Hawver's Capitol Report.</figcaption>
 </figure>Friday was shocking in the Statehouse.Yes, government and us folks who hang out under the Dome had heard the group of university economists called the Consensus Revenue Estimate Group (CRE) estimate just what the state’s revenues are going to be for the next 14 months, the end of this fiscal year and the year that starts July 1.And when those CRE estimates predict millions of dollars of revenue shortfalls they are usually due to tax cuts, but not often a change in the entire landscape of the state, businesses shutting down, Kansans ordered to stay at their homes unless they had to grocery shop or pick up prescriptions or something “essential.”Those CRE estimates were just that – estimates.Well, Friday at about noon the Kansas Department of Revenue released its report on just how much in taxes the state received in April – first month of the real social and economic thunderstorm caused by the coronavirus pandemic – and those economists were right with their April 20, semi-annual estimate. Chillingly right.Nearly every tax source that the state depends on to provide the services we all want from our state, ranging from highways to law enforcement to prisons to education for our children and the relatively grown-up university students, and social services so the poor have the food and housing and health-care that we want them to have, was shaken.That Friday shockwave showed that the state took in $574.8 million in taxes in April. Last year in April, before all the economic effects of the pandemic, Kansas took in $1.18 billion. Yes, billion. That’s $612 million less this April than last. That shook the building. It meant that the economists, who we suppose spend most of their time reading the small type in the Wall Street Journal and economic newsletters, actually had the clear view of just what Kansans staying at home, closing nonessential businesses, seeing thousands of layoffs, having their tax payments delayed, would cause.That put a whole new dollars-and-cents face on the coronavirus, and its effect on the economy and the state budget that is now law that is likely to be about $1.2 billion short of what it was based on when it was passed by lawmakers and signed into law by Gov. Laura Kelly in March. Again, before the fiscal effects of the virus had been translated into dollars and cents.Now, it’s waiting to see just how the Legislature responds to that shockwave, which has both fiscal and political fallout for Kansas where every member of the Legislature stands for re-election this year.The GOP-controlled Legislative Coordinating Council will meet this week to decide whether to reconvene lawmakers – with a myriad of social-distancing issues that will probably make it as uncomfortable as a bad prom date – to deal with the real dollars and cents of the budget.And you gotta wonder how many Kansas voters are going to see the real numbers and decide if the people who don’t want to fix it now will be going back to the&nbsp; Legislature next session.Will legislative leaders decide in the wake of those hard-dollar April revenue losses that they can’t delay until next January the fiscal problems that will lead to an unconstitutional budget deficit? Or will they decide it is still too dangerous to convene a mass of legislators from across the state? Or will voters want this budget fire controlled now, before a possible second-round of economic damage to the state if the pandemic spikes this fall?&nbsp;Syndicated by Hawver News Company LLC of Topeka; Martin Hawver is publisher of Hawver's Capitol Report—to learn more about this nonpartisan statewide political news service, visit the website at&nbsp;<a href="http://www.hawvernews.com/">www.hawvernews.com</a>

HAWVER: State's revenue estimates 'chilling'

Three-day weather outlook

I’m not sure what canceling the “stay-at-home” order for our state accomplished, as everyone I know has been going everywhere they darn well pleased anyway. We wear masks, try to stay the “required” 6 feet away from each other in check-out lines, don’t hug aunt Bessie if we see her in the aisle at Walmart and don’t shake the preachers hand at the gas station, but we are not barricading ourselves inside and hanging out of third-floor balconies. 

Perhaps outdoorsmen and women have a “leg-up” so to speak on this whole social distancing thing, as when we’re in the woods or on the lake, many of us couldn’t give a rip less if another human being even exists at the time. So whether you are a seasoned, avid outdoorsman or just someone who is so fed up with all the hype and politics of this thing you’re ready to voluntarily let the dog lick you on the lips, allow me to offer some possible “productive pandemic past-times” to help keep you out of the loony bin.&nbsp;

Plant a garden. Even if your thumbs are completely black and you’ve killed every house plant and rose bush you’ve ever owned, try again. Have someone till you up a postage-stamp sized plot somewhere in the back yard, or gather some big flower pots or 5-gallon buckets and plant a mini garden. Tomatoes, peppers, cucumbers and green beans are all easy to grow in decent soil in a sunny spot if you water them a couple times a week. A friend told me she visited a local garden center just last week, and the tomato plants were nearly gone already, so don’t wait any longer to go plant shopping.&nbsp;

Go fishing. Even if you don’t know a hook from a stringer, or a bobber from a jig, borrow a fishing rod, buy a dozen nightcrawlers at the local convenience store and find some water. Places to fish are innumerable. Besides our many state parks and state fishing lakes, every city park has a pond or ponds, private ponds dot the countryside and a little detective work and some driving around will find you one who’s owner will allow you to fish, and there is always the creek or river. Take an old camp chair, find a shade tree in a deserted spot, skewer a worm on the hook beneath a bobber and cast it out. I’m ready to check myself into the hospital psych ward when I don’t catch fish, but for everyone like me there are dozens like my wife who always take a book along and can somehow enjoy the trip whether a fish is landed or not.

Go to the woods. Now, I don’t mean you have to don full camo or a gilly suit, creep into the woods unnoticed and blend yourself into the foliage so that even God almost looses you. I mean find a secluded spot in Nature and spend a couple hours in your camp chair with your camera, a good book or just watching and listening. Last night I was turkey hunting in an out-of-the-way spot near the river. Yes, I heard and saw turkeys, but the highlight of the evening was getting serenaded by a pair of barred owls somewhere nearby as their crisp, distinctive “who cooks, who cooks for you” cries echoed through the woods. Escaping the drone of daily life helps calm us and clear our minds to think clearly about our circumstances, and to see, that for the most part, they’re not that bad.

Spend time with God. We can all speak to, and converse with God as if He’s sitting right beside us, for after all, He really is. Everything we see around us came to be because of Him. He’s also the one who keeps you from floating into outer space as you sit and appreciate Nature. Thank Him for Nature, thank Him for allowing you to live in this great country, and thanks Him for your freedoms.

Spending time outdoors, whether in your backyard, in the woods, or on the lake is a great way to clear your mind, and trust me, if your mind is like mine, its clears pretty quickly cause’ there’s not much there to start with. Anyway, Continue to Explore Kansas Outdoors!

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

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/11/1574696211722.png" alt="Steve Gilliland" />
 <figcaption>Steve Gilliland</figcaption>
 </figure>I’m not sure what canceling the “stay-at-home” order for our state accomplished, as everyone I know has been going everywhere they darn well pleased anyway. We wear masks, try to stay the “required” 6 feet away from each other in check-out lines, don’t hug aunt Bessie if we see her in the aisle at Walmart and don’t shake the preachers hand at the gas station, but we are not barricading ourselves inside and hanging out of third-floor balconies. Perhaps outdoorsmen and women have a “leg-up” so to speak on this whole social distancing thing, as when we’re in the woods or on the lake, many of us couldn’t give a rip less if another human being even exists at the time. So whether you are a seasoned, avid outdoorsman or just someone who is so fed up with all the hype and politics of this thing you’re ready to voluntarily let the dog lick you on the lips, allow me to offer some possible “productive pandemic past-times” to help keep you out of the loony bin.&nbsp;Plant a garden. Even if your thumbs are completely black and you’ve killed every house plant and rose bush you’ve ever owned, try again. Have someone till you up a postage-stamp sized plot somewhere in the back yard, or gather some big flower pots or 5-gallon buckets and plant a mini garden. Tomatoes, peppers, cucumbers and green beans are all easy to grow in decent soil in a sunny spot if you water them a couple times a week. A friend told me she visited a local garden center just last week, and the tomato plants were nearly gone already, so don’t wait any longer to go plant shopping.&nbsp;Go fishing. Even if you don’t know a hook from a stringer, or a bobber from a jig, borrow a fishing rod, buy a dozen nightcrawlers at the local convenience store and find some water. Places to fish are innumerable. Besides our many state parks and state fishing lakes, every city park has a pond or ponds, private ponds dot the countryside and a little detective work and some driving around will find you one who’s owner will allow you to fish, and there is always the creek or river. Take an old camp chair, find a shade tree in a deserted spot, skewer a worm on the hook beneath a bobber and cast it out. I’m ready to check myself into the hospital psych ward when I don’t catch fish, but for everyone like me there are dozens like my wife who always take a book along and can somehow enjoy the trip whether a fish is landed or not.Go to the woods. Now, I don’t mean you have to don full camo or a gilly suit, creep into the woods unnoticed and blend yourself into the foliage so that even God almost looses you. I mean find a secluded spot in Nature and spend a couple hours in your camp chair with your camera, a good book or just watching and listening. Last night I was turkey hunting in an out-of-the-way spot near the river. Yes, I heard and saw turkeys, but the highlight of the evening was getting serenaded by a pair of barred owls somewhere nearby as their crisp, distinctive “who cooks, who cooks for you” cries echoed through the woods. Escaping the drone of daily life helps calm us and clear our minds to think clearly about our circumstances, and to see, that for the most part, they’re not that bad.Spend time with God. We can all speak to, and converse with God as if He’s sitting right beside us, for after all, He really is. Everything we see around us came to be because of Him. He’s also the one who keeps you from floating into outer space as you sit and appreciate Nature. Thank Him for Nature, thank Him for allowing you to live in this great country, and thanks Him for your freedoms.Spending time outdoors, whether in your backyard, in the woods, or on the lake is a great way to clear your mind, and trust me, if your mind is like mine, its clears pretty quickly cause’ there’s not much there to start with. Anyway, Continue to Explore Kansas Outdoors!Steve Gilliland, Inman, can be contacted by email@stevenrgilliland@gmail.com.

Exploring Outdoors Kansas: Productive pandemic past-times

On this episode of Forward Ever; Leading in Challenging Times, Gary Shorman speaks with First Care Medical Director Christine Fisher about COVID-19 precautions at the clinic.

🎤Forward Ever: First Care Medical Director Christine Fisher, M.D.

By CRISTINA JANNEY Hays Post

Hays Middle School Principal Tom Albers was notified Monday he will receive the Secondary Principal of the Year of the Award for Kansas Area 5 from the Kansas Association of School Boards.

Albers was quick to draw any attention away from himself and place credit with his staff.

"There are a lot more administrators who are more deserving, but what this does is justify how awesome the HMS staff is," Albers said. "This speaks to the reputation of HMS and the awesome staff that we have here."

Albers said the HMS staff has pride in building relationships with students.

"In middle school, you have to build relationships," he said. "You have to help with the social emotional learning before the other part of learning takes place. I think HMS has really excelled at that.

"Our motto is 'Together we are one.' I believe our staff thinks we are all a big group — our staff, students, parents, community."

Within the last year, the school secured funds to hire a mental health liaison.

Staff also developed a new block scheduling program that will start in the fall. The program cuts down on passing time, and staff believe it will be a more efficient use of resources and class time.

"From our custodians to our lunch staff to our paras to our teachers, all that has to work in unison," Albers said. "I am proud to be part of that whole team concept."

After 16 years as an assistant principal at Hays High School, Albers replaced Craig Pallister as Hays Middle School principal in fall 2018.

Albers, a Fort Hays State University grad, is in his 32nd year as an educator. He spent 13 years in Pratt as a high school math teacher and coach and a year at Pittsburg High School as an assistant principal, before taking the assistant principal job in Hays to be closer to family.

Superintendent Ron Wilson also announced on Monday the district has nominated Aubrey Brooks, special education teacher, and&nbsp;Lisa Renz, HHS English teacher, for the Kansas Teacher of the Year Award.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/5/1588359092909.jpeg" alt="Tom Albers, Hays Middle School principal, talks to HMS students in October 2018. Albers was recently named Secondary Principal of the Year for Kansas in Area 5. Photo by Cristina Janney" />
 <figcaption>Tom Albers, Hays Middle School principal, talks to HMS students in October 2018. Albers was recently named Secondary Principal of the Year for Kansas in Area 5. Photo by Cristina Janney</figcaption>
 </figure>By CRISTINA JANNEY Hays PostHays Middle School Principal Tom Albers was notified Monday he will receive the Secondary Principal of the Year of the Award for Kansas Area 5 from the Kansas Association of School Boards.Albers was quick to draw any attention away from himself and place credit with his staff."There are a lot more administrators who are more deserving, but what this does is justify how awesome the HMS staff is," Albers said. "This speaks to the reputation of HMS and the awesome staff that we have here."<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/5/1588359112015.jpeg" alt="Albers talks to middle school students in October 2018.&nbsp;Photo by Cristina Janney" />
 <figcaption>Albers talks to middle school students in October 2018.&nbsp;Photo by Cristina Janney</figcaption>
 </figure>Albers said the HMS staff has pride in building relationships with students."In middle school, you have to build relationships," he said. "You have to help with the social emotional learning before the other part of learning takes place. I think HMS has really excelled at that."Our motto is 'Together we are one.' I believe our staff thinks we are all a big group — our staff, students, parents, community."Within the last year, the school secured funds to hire a mental health liaison.Staff also developed a new block scheduling program that will start in the fall. The program cuts down on passing time, and staff believe it will be a more efficient use of resources and class time."From our custodians to our lunch staff to our paras to our teachers, all that has to work in unison," Albers said. "I am proud to be part of that whole team concept."After 16 years as an assistant principal at Hays High School, Albers replaced Craig Pallister as Hays Middle School principal in fall 2018.Albers, a Fort Hays State University grad, is in his 32nd year as an educator. He spent 13 years in Pratt as a high school math teacher and coach and a year at Pittsburg High School as an assistant principal, before taking the assistant principal job in Hays to be closer to family.Superintendent Ron Wilson also announced on Monday the district has nominated Aubrey Brooks, special education teacher, and&nbsp;Lisa Renz, HHS English teacher, for the Kansas Teacher of the Year Award.

HMS Principal Tom Albers credits staff for Principal of Year honor

Less than a decade after Hays City was incorporated, a colorful, prominent founder of Ellis County decided to build a new home.

Over the years, the home John Schlyer built has been remodeled and repaired again and again, standing as a testament to both him and those who would see his legacy live on.

He was a man of many occupations and served in many roles while helping establish Ellis County, including postmaster of Hays and one of the first Ellis County commissioners. As a state legislator, he helped bring what is now Fort Hays State University into being.

As a German speaker, he also bridged the language barrier for the Volga German immigrants that would populate the county in the late 19th century.

But as Ellis County worked through times of boom and bust, so did his house that stands at the corner of Sixth and Oak.

Following Schlyer's death in 1926, Martin and Mary Eastlack bought the home in 1933 and their family would own the home until their daughter Bonnie Storm would sell it to the man she entrusted with restoring the home through the mid-1970s and early '80s — Larry Rupp.

Rupp lived in the home for a few years but also rented the property until he sold it in 2013, a mistake he would correct just a few years later after seeing the home again deteriorating.

So he purchased it for the second time, repairing the damage done in the years between his ownership and worked to find someone who would appreciate the history of the home and preserve its unique legacy.

Local Hays renovation experts Kris and Larissa Munch have now taken up that challenge, and are currently developing the home to be an Air B&amp;B.&nbsp;

Their vision is one that restores the home to an original condition while preserving the legacy Rupp also built into the home over its storied history.

The pair owns several historic houses in Hays, including their own home that they are currently restoring after moving it from Ness City.

They also own the former Tea Rose Inn in downtown Hays, which they currently operate as an Air B&amp;B.

"To me, there is nothing like an old house," Larissa Munsch said. "You can try to re-create it, but it does not have the same feel."

And with new construction, the "feel" of the home is not the same as something with a storied past.

"To me, these old buildings and old houses have a soul," she said.

On top of their renovation work and Air B&amp;Bs, Kris works as an assistant professor in the center for applied technology at FHSU. Together, they do property inspections, own rental properties, and save and rescue animals, Muncsh said.

She said doing so much can be overwhelming at times, but she also calls it a blessing.

"It doesn't feel like work, it feels like fun every single day," Munsch said.

But even with so much going on, they enjoy the challenge restoring old homes presents, including the Schyler house, which they have affectionately dubbed the Buffalo House, in reference to Schlyer's time as a buffalo hunter in the area.

"Overall, it's been well taken care of. It's just in the last few years after Larry passed away is when I think ... it started to go," said Larissa Munsch.

She said the structure and the foundation remain in good shape, thanks in no small part to Rupp's efforts.

"If he hadn't of came along, this house would be gone,"&nbsp;Munsch said.

She believed the home has been empty for around five years at this point.

"That's really hard on a house," she said.

While they want to restore it back to original as much as possible, some of the renovations made over the years will stay, including much of the cabinetry Rupp built into the rooms.

"Larry did a lot of great things that we can leave. We are just trying to build on to what he did," Munsch said.

Once completed the house will be split into two spaces available for guests, one on each floor of the house.

They hope to name the top floor after Rupp to recognize the legacy he had on the home, Munch said.

She believes that Air B&amp;Bs work in Hays, because it is a good stopping point between Kansas City and Denver and the historic nature of their properties is something hard to come by, especially in western Kansas.

"It will set us apart from other Air B&amp;Bs," Munsch said. Some people are looking for the lowest price, but this property will appeal to folks looking for something outside the norm, at a reasonable price.&nbsp;

They want the main areas to have the original "charm," but will have updated bathrooms and kitchens to make the space fully usable.

"There are ways people can take old houses and make them feel modern and chic without ripping out all of the history," Munsch said. "We are going to have that historic flavor, and we are going to be downtown, so everything is walkable."

Munsch hopes that more people will begin to recognize the potential of old homes like the Buffalo House.

"I hope the younger generations will see the value in properties like this," she said. "Everything back then was well made. There is a cool history. It's easy on the environment so I'm hoping it will become a 'trend' to want to restore and rehab old buildings and old houses."

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/5/1588539620522.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>By JAMES BELL Hays PostLess than a decade after Hays City was incorporated, a colorful, prominent founder of Ellis County decided to build a new home.Over the years, the home John Schlyer built has been remodeled and repaired again and again, standing as a testament to both him and those who would see his legacy live on.He was a man of many occupations and served in many roles while helping establish Ellis County, including postmaster of Hays and one of the first Ellis County commissioners. As a state legislator, he helped bring what is now Fort Hays State University into being.As a German speaker, he also bridged the language barrier for the Volga German immigrants that would populate the county in the late 19th century.But as Ellis County worked through times of boom and bust, so did his house that stands at the corner of Sixth and Oak.Following Schlyer's death in 1926, Martin and Mary Eastlack bought the home in 1933 and their family would own the home until their daughter Bonnie Storm would sell it to the man she entrusted with restoring the home through the mid-1970s and early '80s — Larry Rupp.Rupp lived in the home for a few years but also rented the property until he sold it in 2013, a mistake he would correct just a few years later after seeing the home again deteriorating.So he purchased it for the second time, repairing the damage done in the years between his ownership and worked to find someone who would appreciate the history of the home and preserve its unique legacy.Local Hays renovation experts Kris and Larissa Munch have now taken up that challenge, and are currently developing the home to be an Air B&amp;B.&nbsp;<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/5/1588539673597.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Their vision is one that restores the home to an original condition while preserving the legacy Rupp also built into the home over its storied history.The pair owns several historic houses in Hays, including their own home that they are currently restoring after moving it from Ness City.They also own the former Tea Rose Inn in downtown Hays, which they currently operate as an Air B&amp;B."To me, there is nothing like an old house," Larissa Munsch said. "You can try to re-create it, but it does not have the same feel."And with new construction, the "feel" of the home is not the same as something with a storied past."To me, these old buildings and old houses have a soul," she said.On top of their renovation work and Air B&amp;Bs, Kris works as an assistant professor in the center for applied technology at FHSU. Together, they do property inspections, own rental properties, and save and rescue animals, Muncsh said.She said doing so much can be overwhelming at times, but she also calls it a blessing."It doesn't feel like work, it feels like fun every single day," Munsch said.But even with so much going on, they enjoy the challenge restoring old homes presents, including the Schyler house, which they have affectionately dubbed the Buffalo House, in reference to Schlyer's time as a buffalo hunter in the area."Overall, it's been well taken care of. It's just in the last few years after Larry passed away is when I think ... it started to go," said Larissa Munsch.She said the structure and the foundation remain in good shape, thanks in no small part to Rupp's efforts."If he hadn't of came along, this house would be gone,"&nbsp;Munsch said.She believed the home has been empty for around five years at this point."That's really hard on a house," she said.While they want to restore it back to original as much as possible, some of the renovations made over the years will stay, including much of the cabinetry Rupp built into the rooms."Larry did a lot of great things that we can leave. We are just trying to build on to what he did," Munsch said.Once completed the house will be split into two spaces available for guests, one on each floor of the house.They hope to name the top floor after Rupp to recognize the legacy he had on the home, Munch said.She believes that Air B&amp;Bs work in Hays, because it is a good stopping point between Kansas City and Denver and the historic nature of their properties is something hard to come by, especially in western Kansas."It will set us apart from other Air B&amp;Bs," Munsch said. Some people are looking for the lowest price, but this property will appeal to folks looking for something outside the norm, at a reasonable price.&nbsp;They want the main areas to have the original "charm," but will have updated bathrooms and kitchens to make the space fully usable."There are ways people can take old houses and make them feel modern and chic without ripping out all of the history," Munsch said. "We are going to have that historic flavor, and we are going to be downtown, so everything is walkable."Munsch hopes that more people will begin to recognize the potential of old homes like the Buffalo House."I hope the younger generations will see the value in properties like this," she said. "Everything back then was well made. There is a cool history. It's easy on the environment so I'm hoping it will become a 'trend' to want to restore and rehab old buildings and old houses."<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/5/1588539724369.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>

Saved again: Historic Hays home to transform into Air B&B

Fort Hays State University has agreed to decrease the price for students taking concurrent classes at Hays High School.

The cost for concurrent classes for the 2019-20 school year was $218 per credit hour. The cost for the 2020-21 school year will be $125 per credit hour.

The average cost of a three-hour course will drop form $656 to $275 — a 42.8 percent decrease.

Hays High School Principal Martin Straub said HHS entered into discussions with FHSU because of an increase in low-income students at HHS.

Straub wanted concurrent credit to be accessible to more students.

"We really think it is a win-win for our kids and Fort Hays State University," Straub said.

Dennis King, FHSU assistant vice president of&nbsp; Student Affairs, told the USD 489 school board last week, the FHSU executive team, including FHSU President Tisa Mason was supportive of the tuition change.

"We looked at the opportunities that it would provide students and the opportunities it would provide to work together," King said.

The reduction in fees will also cover students taking classes at NCK-Tech.

"If they start post-secondary education in high school, we know we increase the likelihood of them pursuing a degree after high school," King said. "They also increase their success if they do that."

Straub estimated if concurrent enrollment remains the same, the decrease in tuition would result in a savings of $50,000 to $60,000&nbsp;in tuition per school year to students' families.

The board also voted to eliminate summer school fees for 2020 in light of so many families having members who have been off of work.

Fees for students who receive free lunches were $10 per half credit. Students who received reduced-cost lunches were charged $50 per half credit. The full fee for in-district students was $100 per half credit, and out-of-district students paid $200 per half credit.

CARES Act funds or at-risk funding could be used to cover the cost of the summer program.

By CRISTINA JANNEY Hays PostFort Hays State University has agreed to decrease the price for students taking concurrent classes at Hays High School.The cost for concurrent classes for the 2019-20 school year was $218 per credit hour. The cost for the 2020-21 school year will be $125 per credit hour.The average cost of a three-hour course will drop form $656 to $275 — a 42.8 percent decrease.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/11/1573140956490.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Hays High School Principal Martin Straub said HHS entered into discussions with FHSU because of an increase in low-income students at HHS.Straub wanted concurrent credit to be accessible to more students."We really think it is a win-win for our kids and Fort Hays State University," Straub said.Dennis King, FHSU assistant vice president of&nbsp; Student Affairs, told the USD 489 school board last week, the FHSU executive team, including FHSU President Tisa Mason was supportive of the tuition change."We looked at the opportunities that it would provide students and the opportunities it would provide to work together," King said.The reduction in fees will also cover students taking classes at NCK-Tech."If they start post-secondary education in high school, we know we increase the likelihood of them pursuing a degree after high school," King said. "They also increase their success if they do that."Straub estimated if concurrent enrollment remains the same, the decrease in tuition would result in a savings of $50,000 to $60,000&nbsp;in tuition per school year to students' families.<h2>Summer school fees</h2>The board also voted to eliminate summer school fees for 2020 in light of so many families having members who have been off of work.Fees for students who receive free lunches were $10 per half credit. Students who received reduced-cost lunches were charged $50 per half credit. The full fee for in-district students was $100 per half credit, and out-of-district students paid $200 per half credit.CARES Act funds or at-risk funding could be used to cover the cost of the summer program.

FHSU decreases tuition for concurrent credits through HHS

BATON ROUGE, La. - The following people recently were initiated into The Honor Society of Phi Kappa Phi, the nation's oldest and most selective collegiate honor society for all academic disciplines.

Rylee Fabry of Hays at Fort Hays State University

Autumn Hohmann of Hays at Fort Hays State University

Israel Smitherman of Hays at Fort Hays State University

Bingbing Tao of Hays at Fort Hays State University

They are among approximately 30,000 students, faculty, professional staff and alumni to be initiated into Phi Kappa Phi each year. 

Membership is by invitation only and requires nomination and approval by a chapter. 

Only the top 10 percent of seniors and
 7.5 percent of juniors are eligible for membership. Graduate students in the top 10 percent of the number of candidates for graduate degrees may also qualify, as do faculty, professional staff and alumni who have achieved scholarly distinction.

Phi Kappa Phi was founded in 1897 under the leadership of undergraduate student Marcus L. Urann who had a desire to create a different kind of honor society: one that recognized excellence in all academic disciplines. Today, the Society has chapters on more
 than 300 campuses in the United States and the Philippines. Its mission is "To recognize and promote academic excellence in all fields of higher education and to engage the community of scholars in service to others."

For more information about Phi Kappa Phi, visit&nbsp;<a href="http://email.readme.readmedia.com/mps2/c/BgE/cXo/t.31d/q5x1wqnoSBWKU2E2JR0mKA/h0/S9gNAPMPLrNiAEozaHYJOqsJdznytf5XA072IWgkpu0-3D/XOql" target="_blank">www.phikappaphi.org</a>.&nbsp;&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/5/1588607236536.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>BATON ROUGE, La. - The following people recently were initiated into The Honor Society of Phi Kappa Phi, the nation's oldest and most selective collegiate honor society for all academic disciplines.Rylee Fabry of Hays at Fort Hays State UniversityAutumn Hohmann of Hays at Fort Hays State UniversityIsrael Smitherman of Hays at Fort Hays State UniversityBingbing Tao of Hays at Fort Hays State UniversityThey are among approximately 30,000 students, faculty, professional staff and alumni to be initiated into Phi Kappa Phi each year. Membership is by invitation only and requires nomination and approval by a chapter. Only the top 10 percent of seniors and
 7.5 percent of juniors are eligible for membership. Graduate students in the top 10 percent of the number of candidates for graduate degrees may also qualify, as do faculty, professional staff and alumni who have achieved scholarly distinction.Phi Kappa Phi was founded in 1897 under the leadership of undergraduate student Marcus L. Urann who had a desire to create a different kind of honor society: one that recognized excellence in all academic disciplines. Today, the Society has chapters on more
 than 300 campuses in the United States and the Philippines. Its mission is "To recognize and promote academic excellence in all fields of higher education and to engage the community of scholars in service to others."For more information about Phi Kappa Phi, visit&nbsp;<a href="http://email.readme.readmedia.com/mps2/c/BgE/cXo/t.31d/q5x1wqnoSBWKU2E2JR0mKA/h0/S9gNAPMPLrNiAEozaHYJOqsJdznytf5XA072IWgkpu0-3D/XOql" target="_blank">www.phikappaphi.org</a>.&nbsp;&nbsp;— Submitted

FHSU students initiated into Phi Kappa Phi

K-State expert outlines key tips during webinar for Kansas small business owners

MANHATTAN – Many of the guidelines that helped Americans get through the COVID-19 pandemic over the past two months will serve as a good guide as businesses throughout the country slowly begin to re-open their doors.

In fact, Londa Nwadike, a food safety specialist with K-State Research and Extension whose academic background is in public health, says avoiding close contact with others and washing your hands regularly will become even more important as Americans begin moving about more regularly.

“Ensure that you are following all guidance, especially as it is being provided by your local public health department,” said Nwadike, who holds a dual extension appointment with Kansas State University and the University of Missouri.

On April 30, Kansas Gov. Laura Kelly announced a&nbsp;<a href="https://governor.kansas.gov/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/Reopen-Kansas-Framework.pdf">phased re-opening</a>&nbsp;of the state’s economy, which continued to emphasize the importance of the six-foot social distancing guideline, and washing hands with soap and water. Kelly’s plan also encourages wearing face masks in public settings and staying home if you feel sick.

Nwadike spoke May 1 during a First Friday webinar hosted by K-State Research and Extension and targeted for Kansas business owners. Among the advice she shared:

“Business owners should actively encourage sick employees to stay home,” Nwadike said, adding that other steps businesses can take include providing protective equipment (face coverings and gloves, for example, providing tissues and trash cans, installing plexi-glass shields for cashiers, and other modifications specific to the business – such as additional space between restaurant tables.

Additional steps that businesses can take, some of which have already been seen in stores that were able to stay open in March and April, include:

Nwadike said those practices are important since coronaviruses such as the new strain that causes COVID-19 are generally spread person-to-person through respiratory droplets. It is also thought that it may be possible to get COVID-19 by touching a surface or object with the virus on it, and then touching one’s mouth, nose or eyes – though, she adds, “this is not thought to be the main way the virus spreads.”

“Encourage your customers to shop with their eyes, not their hands,” Nwadike said. “The more we can keep people from touching shelves and products, the less likely we will pick up a virus.”

Nwadike cited a&nbsp;<a href="https://bit.ly/SafeReturnKC">guide being distributed in the Kansas City area</a>&nbsp;that provides good advice for businesses of all sizes. While the information is geared toward the greater Kansas City area, it is a good resource for all business, Nwadike said.

Nwadike and colleague Karen Blakeslee also have published a website,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.ksre.k-state.edu/foodsafety/topics/covid19.html">Food Safety and COVID-19</a>, providing numerous resources outlining safe practices related to COVID-19.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/5/1588600566873.jpeg" alt="Photo by Mike Petrucci on Unsplash" />
 <figcaption>Photo by Mike Petrucci on Unsplash</figcaption>
 </figure><h2>K-State expert outlines key tips during webinar for Kansas small business owners</h2>K-State Research &amp; ExtensionMANHATTAN – Many of the guidelines that helped Americans get through the COVID-19 pandemic over the past two months will serve as a good guide as businesses throughout the country slowly begin to re-open their doors.In fact, Londa Nwadike, a food safety specialist with K-State Research and Extension whose academic background is in public health, says avoiding close contact with others and washing your hands regularly will become even more important as Americans begin moving about more regularly.“Ensure that you are following all guidance, especially as it is being provided by your local public health department,” said Nwadike, who holds a dual extension appointment with Kansas State University and the University of Missouri.On April 30, Kansas Gov. Laura Kelly announced a&nbsp;<a href="https://governor.kansas.gov/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/Reopen-Kansas-Framework.pdf">phased re-opening</a>&nbsp;of the state’s economy, which continued to emphasize the importance of the six-foot social distancing guideline, and washing hands with soap and water. Kelly’s plan also encourages wearing face masks in public settings and staying home if you feel sick.Nwadike spoke May 1 during a First Friday webinar hosted by K-State Research and Extension and targeted for Kansas business owners. Among the advice she shared:<ol>
 <li>Listen to workers and customers regarding their concerns.</li><li>Communicate your plans with workers, stakeholders and customers.</li><li>Evaluate your situation and implement appropriate steps for re-opening.</li>
 </ol>“Business owners should actively encourage sick employees to stay home,” Nwadike said, adding that other steps businesses can take include providing protective equipment (face coverings and gloves, for example, providing tissues and trash cans, installing plexi-glass shields for cashiers, and other modifications specific to the business – such as additional space between restaurant tables.Additional steps that businesses can take, some of which have already been seen in stores that were able to stay open in March and April, include:<ol>
 <li>Disinfecting cart handles.</li><li>Encouraging sick customers to not come in.</li><li>Providing sanitizing wipes for customers.</li><li>Placing marks on the floor near checkout areas to guide social distancing.</li><li>Monitoring the number of people in the building.</li><li>Cleaning and stocking bathrooms more frequently.</li><li>Cleaning frequently touched surfaces often, such as door handles, shelves and the credit card terminal.</li>
 </ol>Nwadike said those practices are important since coronaviruses such as the new strain that causes COVID-19 are generally spread person-to-person through respiratory droplets. It is also thought that it may be possible to get COVID-19 by touching a surface or object with the virus on it, and then touching one’s mouth, nose or eyes – though, she adds, “this is not thought to be the main way the virus spreads.”“Encourage your customers to shop with their eyes, not their hands,” Nwadike said. “The more we can keep people from touching shelves and products, the less likely we will pick up a virus.”Nwadike cited a&nbsp;<a href="https://bit.ly/SafeReturnKC">guide being distributed in the Kansas City area</a>&nbsp;that provides good advice for businesses of all sizes. While the information is geared toward the greater Kansas City area, it is a good resource for all business, Nwadike said.Nwadike and colleague Karen Blakeslee also have published a website,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.ksre.k-state.edu/foodsafety/topics/covid19.html">Food Safety and COVID-19</a>, providing numerous resources outlining safe practices related to COVID-19.

Pandemic guidelines especially important as businesses reopen

By CORINNE BOYER <a href="https://www.hppr.org/post/despite-meatpacking-plants-efforts-kansas-workers-say-were-right-next-each-other">Kansas News Service</a>

DODGE CITY, Kansas — In the days leading up to President Donald Trump’s mandate that all meatpacking plants <a href="https://www.harvestpublicmedia.org/post/president-orders-help-meat-plant-workers-some-say-its-too-little-too-late">stay open</a>,
 workers in western Kansas’ meatpacking triangle were worried that 
precautions now being taken aren’t enough to slow the rapid spread of 
the coronavirus.

“We're right next to each other in the locker 
rooms,” Brandon Vasquez said about the possibility of social distancing 
at the National Beef plant in Dodge City, where he’s worked for about a 
year. “The lunch line ... they put stuff on the floor where we should 
stay six feet apart. But a lot of people are not listening and there's 
nobody enforcing (social distancing) in there.”

Overall, more 
than 540 COVID-19 cases and two deaths have been tied to Kansas’ 
meatpacking plants, the state health department said Friday. The three 
companies — National Beef, Cargill and Tyson — have not confirmed these 
numbers publicly.&nbsp;

In just two and a half weeks, positive cases 
in Ford County, which has two facilities, rose from 16 to 702 on Friday —
 surpassing all but one of Kansas’ most populous counties. Seward 
County, which has one plant and more than 500 COVID-19 cases, also has 
the state’s highest rate of infection: 23.33 positive cases per 1,000 
people. And Finney County, home to a Tyson beef plant, has nearly 400 
cases.

Across the country, plants that process everything from 
pork to chicken to beef have had to shut down due to clusters of 
COVID-19 — it takes multiple people to kill, skin, cut and package 
meats. Kansas Gov. Laura Kelly has said the state was “cognizant that 
(western Kansas) was a potential hotspot,” took “some proactive steps” 
and was told that the plants were “adhering to the safety guidelines.”&nbsp;

But the <a href="https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/community/organizations/meat-poultry-processing-workers-employers.html">Centers for Disease Control and Prevention</a>
 didn’t issue clear guidelines for meatpackers until April 25. And while
 many workers told the Kansas News Service that information about the 
virus was posted early in the plants in at least two languages and 
thorough safety measures have been implemented, some still want the 
plants to temporarily close for cleaning and to make sure workers can 
keep a better distance from each other.&nbsp;

National Beef, which has
 plants in Ford and Seward counties, did not respond to multiple calls 
or emails. Ford County declined to comment on this story. Cargill did 
not immediately respond to questions about their facility in Ford 
County.&nbsp;

Tyson spokeswoman Liz Croston denied a request to tour 
the Holcomb plant in Finney County. A few days prior to Trump’s 
executive order, Tyson Foods CEO John Tyson issued a <a href="https://thefeed.blog/2020/04/26/feeding-the-nation-and-keeping-our-employees-healthy/">statement</a> about its plants shuttering across the U.S., saying that “millions of pounds of meat will disappear from the supply chain.”&nbsp;

Finney County health department director Colleen Drees said it is not confirming specific numbers of cases at any business.&nbsp;

“With
 COVID-19 it does spread easily. You see this with other meatpacking 
plants across the nation; we expect that same quick increase locally,” 
Drees said, adding, “As the situation develops, we will work with the 
(Kansas Department of Health and Environment) to release appropriate 
information.”

On
 April 9, Tyson confirmed cases among workers in the U.S., but did not 
specify whether in Holcomb, Kansas, had tested positive. On April 22, 
the Finney County Health Department said April 22 that there were 
multiple cases at the Holcomb plant.&nbsp;

Juan Gonzales cleans the 
Tyson plant. For at least a month, the facility has taken people’s 
temperatures, cleaned multiple times a day and provided hand sanitizer, 
he said. People also stand six feet apart.&nbsp;

But Gonzales fears going to work because so many people have been infected.&nbsp;

“We should at least close the plant for two weeks — to avoid contamination,” Gonzales said.&nbsp;

Tyson has supplied and required employees to wear face coverings since April 14, its spokeswoman said.&nbsp;

“We’ve
 also been educating team members on COVID-19, including the importance 
of following CDC guidelines away from work,” Croston said. “Our 
communications are translated into multiple languages in support of our 
diverse workforce.”

The Kansas News Service obtained emails 
through a Kansas Open Records Act request between Tyson and the Kansas 
Department of Agriculture.&nbsp;

On April 1, state agriculture 
secretary Mike Beam sent an email to Tyson, suggesting it check with a 
balloon factory “at El Dorado, KS and/or Wichita, KS” about getting 
gloves for employees. Beam said the factory “is apparently making latex 
gloves that may not meet the medical specs, but might be an option for 
your crews.” But Croston said Tyson was not able to use those gloves and
 did not accept them.

The United Food and 
Commercial Workers International Union is still pressuring Kelly and the
 White House to protect meatpacking workers. On April 28, the union 
released a statement urging Tyson and other companies to protect food 
processing workers. The union also sent a letter to governors urging 
them to enforce social distancing, provide respirators, do testing and 
pay workers who are quarantined.

UFCW International President Marc Perrone said workers should be designated as first responders.&nbsp;

“Temporary
 first responder status ensures these workers have priority access to 
the COVID-19 testing and protective equipment they need to continue 
doing these essential jobs,” Perrone said.&nbsp;&nbsp;

National Beef’s 
Chief Financial Officer, Simon McGee, emailed Beam on April 10 about the
 UFCW Local Union 2, which covers its Dodge City plant. This was two 
days after National Beef announced confirmed COVID-19 cases at the 
plant.

“Our request is that they hear from the Governor’s office 
about the importance and special responsibility of food production 
workers and to ask the Union to encourage its folks to continue to 
report for work,” McGee asked, “… and certainly to not take any action 
to discourage attendance.”

Approximately a few hundred workers at National Beef’s Dodge City plant have stopped showing up for work, according to Vasquez.

Vasquez
 said temperature checks began in early April, before cases were 
announced, and said workers received masks sometime during the week of 
April 13.

Maintaining six feet of distance between himself and 
his fellow workers is not always possible. He walks back and forth in 
the plant’s slaughter section to do his job as a flanker, which means he
 skins the chests of cattle after they’ve been killed.&nbsp;

“I'm not that far apart from the next guy next to me,” he said. “No, we're not six feet apart.”

After a carcass has been cut into pieces, it moves on a conveyor belt to Lupe Rodriguez, who trims fat from the meat.

She
 said she has worked at National Beef for seven months, and is concerned
 about being exposed to the virus. That’s why she’s been staying home 
with her son. Rodriguez is not being paid.&nbsp;

“When the daycare 
found out about the positives at the plant, she didn’t want to expose 
any of the other kids if I was exposed,” Rodriguez said.&nbsp;

Both 
Vasquez and Rodriguez said National Beef should have protected workers 
from the virus sooner. Rodriguez said hand sanitizer was given out in 
late March, and also said temperature checks didn’t begin until early 
April.

Vasquez said while temperature-taking prevents sick people from coming in, it was just too late.&nbsp;

“So
 they're catching them at the door now, which is good, they’re not 
letting them inside. But it's a little too late,” he said. “As they 
found their first case, they could’ve shut down for two weeks.”&nbsp;

Kansas
 is home to people from Vietnam, Myanmar, Somali, Ethiopia, Cambodia, 
Guatemala and dozens more countries, and many work in the meatpacking 
plants. Vasquez said he saw information posted about COVID-19 in English
 and Spanish on about March 22, but it wasn’t in languages like Somali 
or K'iche’, a Mayan language spoken in Guatemala.&nbsp;

The Mexican 
Consulate in Kansas City, Missouri — an office that covers Kansas, 
Missouri and western Oklahoma — has been in communication with local 
governments in southwest Kansas as well as the meatpacking plants.&nbsp;

Consul
 General Alfonso Navarro said Mexican Americans and Mexican nationals 
can reach out to the consulate at any time with issues.&nbsp;

“If they
 have any concern or they feel that there’s a risk related to the work 
in terms of health or potential industrial safety,” he said, “they can 
always talk to the consulate in order to ... if not to file a complaint,
 at least to share those concerns.”

Cargill’s
 plant is about two miles east of National Beef in Dodge City. Lucia 
Rangel has worked there for four years. She said she has access to soap 
and hand sanitizer, adding that the plant is disinfected multiple times a
 day.&nbsp;

“They’ve been disinfecting the bathrooms, the doors, anywhere that can get contaminated,” she said.&nbsp;

Cargill
 also has posted COVID-19 information in multiple languages, Rangel 
said: “The very first time they put up anything it was in multiple 
languages … in English, Spanish, Chinese and Somali.”

Coworker Cinthia Perez said the multiple precautions that Cargill is taking makes work feel like a safe place.

“When
 you go on break, they have two different groups so not everyone goes at
 same time,” Perez said. “There are only two people per table; they 
check your temp during break.”

On a recent Tuesday afternoon, 
Dodge City traffic was noticeably thinner. But there were people out — 
some in masks, some not — visiting businesses, getting fast food 
drive-through service and going to work at National Beef and Cargill.&nbsp;

Rangel
 said leaving work can be more of a risk. She’s more scared of being 
exposed to the coronavirus in the community than at Cargill.&nbsp;

“Not
 everyone is staying at home,” she said. “You could be going to get some
 medication or food and someone brings their kids … walking down the 
street without protection.”

But with Kansas having been under a 
statewide stay-at-home order (aside from essential business, like 
meatpacking work) and the spikes in cases in the area, Dodge City ”now 
looks like a ghost town,” said Pablo Candia, who owns the bilingual 
newspaper Informative Hispanic American.&nbsp;

Candia has lived in 
Dodge City for 30 years and started the paper in 2012 after noticing an 
influx of immigrants as a freelance writer and substitute teacher.&nbsp;

“I realized that there was an emerging information gap among the changing community,” Candia said.&nbsp;

The
 paper has ceased printing its typical 1,500 copies a month because 
advertisers have closed their business due to the pandemic. It had been 
delivered to Dodge City schools, Sunday Masses in the area and even an 
hour away to Garden City.&nbsp;

“They continue reading us on our 
homepage,” he said of his readers, “but they are not urging us to come 
back. They understand the circumstances we are in.”

Corinne Boyer covers western Kansas for High Plains Public Radio and the Kansas News Service. You can follow her on Twitter <a href="https://twitter.com/Corinne_Boyer">@Corinne_Boyer</a> or email cboyer@hppr.org.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/5/1588532988420.png" alt=" National Beef employees at the Dodge City plant told the Kansas News Service they are afraid of getting infected with COVID-19. Corinne Boyer / Kansas News Service" />
 <figcaption> National Beef employees at the Dodge City plant told the Kansas News Service they are afraid of getting infected with COVID-19. Corinne Boyer / Kansas News Service</figcaption>
 </figure>By CORINNE BOYER <a href="https://www.hppr.org/post/despite-meatpacking-plants-efforts-kansas-workers-say-were-right-next-each-other">Kansas News Service</a>DODGE CITY, Kansas — In the days leading up to President Donald Trump’s mandate that all meatpacking plants <a href="https://www.harvestpublicmedia.org/post/president-orders-help-meat-plant-workers-some-say-its-too-little-too-late">stay open</a>,
 workers in western Kansas’ meatpacking triangle were worried that 
precautions now being taken aren’t enough to slow the rapid spread of 
the coronavirus.“We're right next to each other in the locker 
rooms,” Brandon Vasquez said about the possibility of social distancing 
at the National Beef plant in Dodge City, where he’s worked for about a 
year. “The lunch line ... they put stuff on the floor where we should 
stay six feet apart. But a lot of people are not listening and there's 
nobody enforcing (social distancing) in there.”Overall, more 
than 540 COVID-19 cases and two deaths have been tied to Kansas’ 
meatpacking plants, the state health department said Friday. The three 
companies — National Beef, Cargill and Tyson — have not confirmed these 
numbers publicly.&nbsp;In just two and a half weeks, positive cases 
in Ford County, which has two facilities, rose from 16 to 702 on Friday —
 surpassing all but one of Kansas’ most populous counties. Seward 
County, which has one plant and more than 500 COVID-19 cases, also has 
the state’s highest rate of infection: 23.33 positive cases per 1,000 
people. And Finney County, home to a Tyson beef plant, has nearly 400 
cases.Across the country, plants that process everything from 
pork to chicken to beef have had to shut down due to clusters of 
COVID-19 — it takes multiple people to kill, skin, cut and package 
meats. Kansas Gov. Laura Kelly has said the state was “cognizant that 
(western Kansas) was a potential hotspot,” took “some proactive steps” 
and was told that the plants were “adhering to the safety guidelines.”&nbsp;But the <a href="https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/community/organizations/meat-poultry-processing-workers-employers.html">Centers for Disease Control and Prevention</a>
 didn’t issue clear guidelines for meatpackers until April 25. And while
 many workers told the Kansas News Service that information about the 
virus was posted early in the plants in at least two languages and 
thorough safety measures have been implemented, some still want the 
plants to temporarily close for cleaning and to make sure workers can 
keep a better distance from each other.&nbsp;National Beef, which has
 plants in Ford and Seward counties, did not respond to multiple calls 
or emails. Ford County declined to comment on this story. Cargill did 
not immediately respond to questions about their facility in Ford 
County.&nbsp;Tyson spokeswoman Liz Croston denied a request to tour 
the Holcomb plant in Finney County. A few days prior to Trump’s 
executive order, Tyson Foods CEO John Tyson issued a <a href="https://thefeed.blog/2020/04/26/feeding-the-nation-and-keeping-our-employees-healthy/">statement</a> about its plants shuttering across the U.S., saying that “millions of pounds of meat will disappear from the supply chain.”&nbsp;Finney County health department director Colleen Drees said it is not confirming specific numbers of cases at any business.&nbsp;“With
 COVID-19 it does spread easily. You see this with other meatpacking 
plants across the nation; we expect that same quick increase locally,” 
Drees said, adding, “As the situation develops, we will work with the 
(Kansas Department of Health and Environment) to release appropriate 
information.”<h2>‘Might be an option for your crews’</h2>On
 April 9, Tyson confirmed cases among workers in the U.S., but did not 
specify whether in Holcomb, Kansas, had tested positive. On April 22, 
the Finney County Health Department said April 22 that there were 
multiple cases at the Holcomb plant.&nbsp;Juan Gonzales cleans the 
Tyson plant. For at least a month, the facility has taken people’s 
temperatures, cleaned multiple times a day and provided hand sanitizer, 
he said. People also stand six feet apart.&nbsp;But Gonzales fears going to work because so many people have been infected.&nbsp;“We should at least close the plant for two weeks — to avoid contamination,” Gonzales said.&nbsp;Tyson has supplied and required employees to wear face coverings since April 14, its spokeswoman said.&nbsp;“We’ve
 also been educating team members on COVID-19, including the importance 
of following CDC guidelines away from work,” Croston said. “Our 
communications are translated into multiple languages in support of our 
diverse workforce.”The Kansas News Service obtained emails 
through a Kansas Open Records Act request between Tyson and the Kansas 
Department of Agriculture.&nbsp;On April 1, state agriculture 
secretary Mike Beam sent an email to Tyson, suggesting it check with a 
balloon factory “at El Dorado, KS and/or Wichita, KS” about getting 
gloves for employees. Beam said the factory “is apparently making latex 
gloves that may not meet the medical specs, but might be an option for 
your crews.” But Croston said Tyson was not able to use those gloves and
 did not accept them.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/5/1588533047722.png" alt=" Downtown Dodge City, Kansas, had noticeably lighter traffic on the afternoon of April 28. Credit Corinne Boyer / Kansas News Service" />
 <figcaption> Downtown Dodge City, Kansas, had noticeably lighter traffic on the afternoon of April 28. Credit Corinne Boyer / Kansas News Service</figcaption>
 </figure><h2>‘A little too late’</h2>The United Food and 
Commercial Workers International Union is still pressuring Kelly and the
 White House to protect meatpacking workers. On April 28, the union 
released a statement urging Tyson and other companies to protect food 
processing workers. The union also sent a letter to governors urging 
them to enforce social distancing, provide respirators, do testing and 
pay workers who are quarantined.UFCW International President Marc Perrone said workers should be designated as first responders.&nbsp;“Temporary
 first responder status ensures these workers have priority access to 
the COVID-19 testing and protective equipment they need to continue 
doing these essential jobs,” Perrone said.&nbsp;&nbsp;National Beef’s 
Chief Financial Officer, Simon McGee, emailed Beam on April 10 about the
 UFCW Local Union 2, which covers its Dodge City plant. This was two 
days after National Beef announced confirmed COVID-19 cases at the 
plant.“Our request is that they hear from the Governor’s office 
about the importance and special responsibility of food production 
workers and to ask the Union to encourage its folks to continue to 
report for work,” McGee asked, “… and certainly to not take any action 
to discourage attendance.”Approximately a few hundred workers at National Beef’s Dodge City plant have stopped showing up for work, according to Vasquez.Vasquez
 said temperature checks began in early April, before cases were 
announced, and said workers received masks sometime during the week of 
April 13.Maintaining six feet of distance between himself and 
his fellow workers is not always possible. He walks back and forth in 
the plant’s slaughter section to do his job as a flanker, which means he
 skins the chests of cattle after they’ve been killed.&nbsp;“I'm not that far apart from the next guy next to me,” he said. “No, we're not six feet apart.”After a carcass has been cut into pieces, it moves on a conveyor belt to Lupe Rodriguez, who trims fat from the meat.She
 said she has worked at National Beef for seven months, and is concerned
 about being exposed to the virus. That’s why she’s been staying home 
with her son. Rodriguez is not being paid.&nbsp;“When the daycare 
found out about the positives at the plant, she didn’t want to expose 
any of the other kids if I was exposed,” Rodriguez said.&nbsp;Both 
Vasquez and Rodriguez said National Beef should have protected workers 
from the virus sooner. Rodriguez said hand sanitizer was given out in 
late March, and also said temperature checks didn’t begin until early 
April.Vasquez said while temperature-taking prevents sick people from coming in, it was just too late.&nbsp;“So
 they're catching them at the door now, which is good, they’re not 
letting them inside. But it's a little too late,” he said. “As they 
found their first case, they could’ve shut down for two weeks.”&nbsp;Kansas
 is home to people from Vietnam, Myanmar, Somali, Ethiopia, Cambodia, 
Guatemala and dozens more countries, and many work in the meatpacking 
plants. Vasquez said he saw information posted about COVID-19 in English
 and Spanish on about March 22, but it wasn’t in languages like Somali 
or K'iche’, a Mayan language spoken in Guatemala.&nbsp;The Mexican 
Consulate in Kansas City, Missouri — an office that covers Kansas, 
Missouri and western Oklahoma — has been in communication with local 
governments in southwest Kansas as well as the meatpacking plants.&nbsp;Consul
 General Alfonso Navarro said Mexican Americans and Mexican nationals 
can reach out to the consulate at any time with issues.&nbsp;“If they
 have any concern or they feel that there’s a risk related to the work 
in terms of health or potential industrial safety,” he said, “they can 
always talk to the consulate in order to ... if not to file a complaint,
 at least to share those concerns.”<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/5/1588533087480.png" alt=" Vehicles turn into the Cargill beef-processing plant in Dodge City, Kansas, on April 28. Employees have said the plant has been extensively cleaned for weeks and breaks are staggered to keep people apart. Credit Corinne Boyer / Kansas News Service" />
 <figcaption> Vehicles turn into the Cargill beef-processing plant in Dodge City, Kansas, on April 28. Employees have said the plant has been extensively cleaned for weeks and breaks are staggered to keep people apart. Credit Corinne Boyer / Kansas News Service</figcaption>
 </figure><h2>Dodge City ‘looks like a ghost town’</h2>Cargill’s
 plant is about two miles east of National Beef in Dodge City. Lucia 
Rangel has worked there for four years. She said she has access to soap 
and hand sanitizer, adding that the plant is disinfected multiple times a
 day.&nbsp;“They’ve been disinfecting the bathrooms, the doors, anywhere that can get contaminated,” she said.&nbsp;Cargill
 also has posted COVID-19 information in multiple languages, Rangel 
said: “The very first time they put up anything it was in multiple 
languages … in English, Spanish, Chinese and Somali.”Coworker Cinthia Perez said the multiple precautions that Cargill is taking makes work feel like a safe place.“When
 you go on break, they have two different groups so not everyone goes at
 same time,” Perez said. “There are only two people per table; they 
check your temp during break.”On a recent Tuesday afternoon, 
Dodge City traffic was noticeably thinner. But there were people out — 
some in masks, some not — visiting businesses, getting fast food 
drive-through service and going to work at National Beef and Cargill.&nbsp;Rangel
 said leaving work can be more of a risk. She’s more scared of being 
exposed to the coronavirus in the community than at Cargill.&nbsp;“Not
 everyone is staying at home,” she said. “You could be going to get some
 medication or food and someone brings their kids … walking down the 
street without protection.”But with Kansas having been under a 
statewide stay-at-home order (aside from essential business, like 
meatpacking work) and the spikes in cases in the area, Dodge City ”now 
looks like a ghost town,” said Pablo Candia, who owns the bilingual 
newspaper Informative Hispanic American.&nbsp;Candia has lived in 
Dodge City for 30 years and started the paper in 2012 after noticing an 
influx of immigrants as a freelance writer and substitute teacher.&nbsp;“I realized that there was an emerging information gap among the changing community,” Candia said.&nbsp;The
 paper has ceased printing its typical 1,500 copies a month because 
advertisers have closed their business due to the pandemic. It had been 
delivered to Dodge City schools, Sunday Masses in the area and even an 
hour away to Garden City.&nbsp;“They continue reading us on our 
homepage,” he said of his readers, “but they are not urging us to come 
back. They understand the circumstances we are in.”Corinne Boyer covers western Kansas for High Plains Public Radio and the Kansas News Service. You can follow her on Twitter <a href="https://twitter.com/Corinne_Boyer">@Corinne_Boyer</a> or email cboyer@hppr.org.

Kan. meatpacking workers: 'We're right next to each other' 

Blake A. Bittel announces his 2020 candidacy to be re-elected as District Judge for the 23rd Judicial District on the Republican ticket.&nbsp; The 23rd Judicial District includes Ellis, Gove, Rooks and Trego counties.&nbsp; Bittel was born in Wakeeney, Kansas, raised on a farm in Trego County and graduated from Ellis High School. &nbsp;

After high school, he obtained his undergraduate degree from Fort Hays State University and a Juris Doctorate from Oklahoma City University School of Law; graduating with honors.&nbsp; Following law school, he engaged in a litigation practice in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma for 14 years and represented business and individual clients in complex litigation cases throughout the State of Oklahoma, other states, and Federal Courts. &nbsp;

In 2007, he moved back to his roots in the Kansas 23rd Judicial District. &nbsp; Bittel’s private practice continued with civil litigation and expanded to domestic and criminal law.&nbsp; He continued with his practice of personal injury, insurance disputes, banking issues, and an expansive variety of other legal issues. &nbsp;

In 2016, Bittel was appointed by the Governor of Kansas to serve as the District Judge of the 23rd Judicial District and was subsequently elected to serve a four-year term.&nbsp; During this service he has handled a multitude of cases and trials. These include, but are not limited to, complex medical and personal injury actions; difficult issues regarding farm, land and water rights; domestic custody and child support; disputed probate and trust issues; insurance disputes; general issues regarding citizen complaints; and high-level criminal issues.&nbsp;

The experience as a judge over the past four plus years has been awesome! I have enjoyed the new challenges and have been most grateful to meet and engage with so many citizens from Ellis, Gove, Rooks, and Trego Counties.&nbsp; I encourage those who have not had the opportunity to be involved with the 23rd District Court to reach out to those who have.&nbsp; Attorneys, litigants, and persons who have had the opportunity to serve as jurors can attest to my demeanor, my decision-making, and my ability to resolve situations in a discerning, straightforward, and fair manner. &nbsp;

Along with my experience in law I am allowed as a judge to utilize my experiences as an individual.&nbsp; I was raised on a farm in Western Kansas and hold values that were engraved by my parents, Stan and Kerry Bittel, who still own a farm is Ellis County, Kansas. &nbsp; My wife, Rayna, and I share five children and two beautiful grandchildren.&nbsp; My 23 years of hard work and background experience in all areas of the law, my nurturing in Western Kansas, practice beyond the state, working with and for the communities of the 23rd District, and my professionalism gives me the qualifications to continue as Judge for the 23rd Judicial District. &nbsp;

I would appreciate your vote in the primary for District Judge for the 23rd Judicial District on August 4th, 2020.&nbsp; Please visit my Facebook and website for further information and events.&nbsp; Thank you in advance for your support.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/5/1588351681233.jpeg" alt="Bittel" />
 <figcaption>Bittel</figcaption>
 </figure>SubmittedBlake A. Bittel announces his 2020 candidacy to be re-elected as District Judge for the 23rd Judicial District on the Republican ticket.&nbsp; The 23rd Judicial District includes Ellis, Gove, Rooks and Trego counties.&nbsp; Bittel was born in Wakeeney, Kansas, raised on a farm in Trego County and graduated from Ellis High School. &nbsp;After high school, he obtained his undergraduate degree from Fort Hays State University and a Juris Doctorate from Oklahoma City University School of Law; graduating with honors.&nbsp; Following law school, he engaged in a litigation practice in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma for 14 years and represented business and individual clients in complex litigation cases throughout the State of Oklahoma, other states, and Federal Courts. &nbsp;In 2007, he moved back to his roots in the Kansas 23rd Judicial District. &nbsp; Bittel’s private practice continued with civil litigation and expanded to domestic and criminal law.&nbsp; He continued with his practice of personal injury, insurance disputes, banking issues, and an expansive variety of other legal issues. &nbsp;In 2016, Bittel was appointed by the Governor of Kansas to serve as the District Judge of the 23rd Judicial District and was subsequently elected to serve a four-year term.&nbsp; During this service he has handled a multitude of cases and trials. These include, but are not limited to, complex medical and personal injury actions; difficult issues regarding farm, land and water rights; domestic custody and child support; disputed probate and trust issues; insurance disputes; general issues regarding citizen complaints; and high-level criminal issues.&nbsp;The experience as a judge over the past four plus years has been awesome! I have enjoyed the new challenges and have been most grateful to meet and engage with so many citizens from Ellis, Gove, Rooks, and Trego Counties.&nbsp; I encourage those who have not had the opportunity to be involved with the 23rd District Court to reach out to those who have.&nbsp; Attorneys, litigants, and persons who have had the opportunity to serve as jurors can attest to my demeanor, my decision-making, and my ability to resolve situations in a discerning, straightforward, and fair manner. &nbsp;Along with my experience in law I am allowed as a judge to utilize my experiences as an individual.&nbsp; I was raised on a farm in Western Kansas and hold values that were engraved by my parents, Stan and Kerry Bittel, who still own a farm is Ellis County, Kansas. &nbsp; My wife, Rayna, and I share five children and two beautiful grandchildren.&nbsp; My 23 years of hard work and background experience in all areas of the law, my nurturing in Western Kansas, practice beyond the state, working with and for the communities of the 23rd District, and my professionalism gives me the qualifications to continue as Judge for the 23rd Judicial District. &nbsp;I would appreciate your vote in the primary for District Judge for the 23rd Judicial District on August 4th, 2020.&nbsp; Please visit my Facebook and website for further information and events.&nbsp; Thank you in advance for your support.Blake A. Bittel&nbsp;Facebook:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.facebook.com/blake.bittel.3">Re-Elect Blake Bittel</a>Website:&nbsp; <a href="https://www.reelectblakebittel.com/">reelectblakebittel.com</a>Submitted