Fort Hays State University today announced a new collegiate licensing partnership with Affinity Licensing that will be effective on May 1.&nbsp;

Affinity will work closely with FHSU’s Office of University Relations and Marketing to develop and manage the university’s trademark licensing program. Affinity will also act as the exclusive agency to manage and grow the university's brand licensing strategy and relationships with manufacturers and retailers.&nbsp;

Fort Hays State becomes the first NCAA Division II school in the nation to partner with Affinity.&nbsp;

"We are thrilled to begin working with Affinity Licensing," said FHSU Chief Communications Officer Scott Cason. "The leadership team at Affinity brings more than 100 years of collective licensing experience to this partnership, and we found their focused, efficient and personalized full-service solution to brand management the ideal fit for our needs as we work to advance the FHSU brand.”&nbsp;

"The team at Affinity shares FHSU's deep commitment to progress through innovation and entrepreneurship," says Dan Shaver, partner of Affinity Licensing. "We are proud to use Affinity's vendor-friendly licensing model, proven retail expertise and leading technology tools to help FHSU's local and national vendors deliver more quality merchandise to the growing base of passionate FHSU Tiger fans."&nbsp;

Affinity will provide a wide-range of technology-rich and personalized services for the university and its valued licensee partners, including product development and retail marketing consulting, an online system for review and approval of new products and design concepts, and compliance and enforcement support.&nbsp;

Affinity Licensing is a values-based trademark licensing agency providing personalized service, industry-leading technology and strategic revenue objectives to deliver a better approach to brand management. Affinity Licensing has offices in Carlsbad, Calif., and Winston-Salem, N.C.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/5/1588341694724.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>FHSU University RelationsFort Hays State University today announced a new collegiate licensing partnership with Affinity Licensing that will be effective on May 1.&nbsp;Affinity will work closely with FHSU’s Office of University Relations and Marketing to develop and manage the university’s trademark licensing program. Affinity will also act as the exclusive agency to manage and grow the university's brand licensing strategy and relationships with manufacturers and retailers.&nbsp;Fort Hays State becomes the first NCAA Division II school in the nation to partner with Affinity.&nbsp;"We are thrilled to begin working with Affinity Licensing," said FHSU Chief Communications Officer Scott Cason. "The leadership team at Affinity brings more than 100 years of collective licensing experience to this partnership, and we found their focused, efficient and personalized full-service solution to brand management the ideal fit for our needs as we work to advance the FHSU brand.”&nbsp;"The team at Affinity shares FHSU's deep commitment to progress through innovation and entrepreneurship," says Dan Shaver, partner of Affinity Licensing. "We are proud to use Affinity's vendor-friendly licensing model, proven retail expertise and leading technology tools to help FHSU's local and national vendors deliver more quality merchandise to the growing base of passionate FHSU Tiger fans."&nbsp;Affinity will provide a wide-range of technology-rich and personalized services for the university and its valued licensee partners, including product development and retail marketing consulting, an online system for review and approval of new products and design concepts, and compliance and enforcement support.&nbsp;Affinity Licensing is a values-based trademark licensing agency providing personalized service, industry-leading technology and strategic revenue objectives to deliver a better approach to brand management. Affinity Licensing has offices in Carlsbad, Calif., and Winston-Salem, N.C.&nbsp;

Fort Hays State signs licensing partnership with Affinity Licensing

Three-day weather outlook

Tough times may mean changing your lifestyle temporarily

MANHATTAN – In addition to creating a heightened awareness to personal health and safety, the outbreak of the novel coronavirus that causes the COVID-19 disease has put a pinch – at the least – on many families’ home budget.

Elizabeth Kiss, a family resource management specialist and associate professor in Kansas State University’s College of Health and Human Sciences, said that developing a plan for the family’s income is key to making ends meet during tough financial times.

“You can direct your financial affairs by taking a close look at your obligations and making informed decisions about what to do,” she said.

Kiss and colleagues have developed a series of publications, titled&nbsp;<a href="https://bookstore.ksre.ksu.edu/Category.aspx?id=21&amp;catId=351">When Your Income Drops</a>, that is now available online providing guidance to families and individuals who suddenly face a drop in income due to unemployment, reduction in wages, a termination of support payments and other emergencies – some of which have been witnessed as a result of the COVID-19 outbreak.

The publication,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.bookstore.ksre.ksu.edu/pubs/MF3498.pdf">When Your Income Drops: Making Ends Meet</a>, is available through the&nbsp;<a href="https://bookstore.ksre.ksu.edu/">K-State Research and Extension bookstore</a>.

For families, Kiss says there are “Five C’s” to help make ends meet:

Control.&nbsp;“Control as much of the situation as you can,” Kiss said. “Don’t panic or waste energy blaming yourself or others. Remember that you and your family can take control of your actions.”

She notes that it’s natural for individuals to take some time to get over the initial shock, but then start making plans to work around the shortfall. “One way to cut down anxiety is to assure yourself you are doing the best you can with your family resources,” Kiss said. “Recognize that your life will be different for a time, but you and your family can still manage financial affairs rather than have them manage you.”

Claim.&nbsp;Check with local agencies to determine what benefits or assistance programs for which you may be eligible. “If the decrease in your income is from unemployment, you can start by&nbsp;<a href="https://getkansasbenefits.gov/">applying for unemployment benefits</a>,” Kiss said. Other programs that can help include the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP, Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF, Medicare and others.

Communicate.&nbsp;Let family members know what your limitations may be. Perhaps other family members who are still earning an income can contribute more, or maybe the family member no longer earning an income can use a hobby or skill for temporary income.

“Once you know how much income will be coming in, make a list of your expected expenses,” Kiss said. “Be sure all family members participate in discussions about expenditures. Decide what the family needs next week, next month and over two or three months.”

Confer.&nbsp;Call your creditors and explain your situation; don’t simply default on payments. “Find out what happens if you miss payments,” and if there is a grace period for making payments, Kiss said. “With this knowledge, contact creditors before they contact you. Creditors will be more likely to believe you and help you if you make contact early.”

She notes that it’s wise to make a plan to first pay creditors who are likely to garnish your wages, impose a high finance charge, repossess items, cut off basic services, or who are owed a large amount.

Change.&nbsp;Be prepared to make changes to your lifestyle temporarily so that you can maintain basic essentials. “Look for ways that you and family members can use time, energy, talents and knowledge to reduce expenses,” Kiss said. “Take better care of things you already have. Recycle clothing. Swap items and services with a friend or neighbor.

“To make it through hard times, your family will need to make informed decisions and work together to carry out these decisions.”

More information on&nbsp;<a href="https://www.k-state.edu/family-finances">managing family finances is available online</a>&nbsp;from K-State Research and Extension.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/4/1588088071175.jpeg" alt="Photo by Sharon McCutcheon on Unsplash" />
 <figcaption>Photo by Sharon McCutcheon on Unsplash</figcaption>
 </figure>Tough times may mean changing your lifestyle temporarilyK-State Research &amp; ExtensionMANHATTAN – In addition to creating a heightened awareness to personal health and safety, the outbreak of the novel coronavirus that causes the COVID-19 disease has put a pinch – at the least – on many families’ home budget.Elizabeth Kiss, a family resource management specialist and associate professor in Kansas State University’s College of Health and Human Sciences, said that developing a plan for the family’s income is key to making ends meet during tough financial times.“You can direct your financial affairs by taking a close look at your obligations and making informed decisions about what to do,” she said.Kiss and colleagues have developed a series of publications, titled&nbsp;<a href="https://bookstore.ksre.ksu.edu/Category.aspx?id=21&amp;catId=351">When Your Income Drops</a>, that is now available online providing guidance to families and individuals who suddenly face a drop in income due to unemployment, reduction in wages, a termination of support payments and other emergencies – some of which have been witnessed as a result of the COVID-19 outbreak.The publication,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.bookstore.ksre.ksu.edu/pubs/MF3498.pdf">When Your Income Drops: Making Ends Meet</a>, is available through the&nbsp;<a href="https://bookstore.ksre.ksu.edu/">K-State Research and Extension bookstore</a>.For families, Kiss says there are “Five C’s” to help make ends meet:Control.&nbsp;“Control as much of the situation as you can,” Kiss said. “Don’t panic or waste energy blaming yourself or others. Remember that you and your family can take control of your actions.”She notes that it’s natural for individuals to take some time to get over the initial shock, but then start making plans to work around the shortfall. “One way to cut down anxiety is to assure yourself you are doing the best you can with your family resources,” Kiss said. “Recognize that your life will be different for a time, but you and your family can still manage financial affairs rather than have them manage you.”Claim.&nbsp;Check with local agencies to determine what benefits or assistance programs for which you may be eligible. “If the decrease in your income is from unemployment, you can start by&nbsp;<a href="https://getkansasbenefits.gov/">applying for unemployment benefits</a>,” Kiss said. Other programs that can help include the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP, Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF, Medicare and others.Communicate.&nbsp;Let family members know what your limitations may be. Perhaps other family members who are still earning an income can contribute more, or maybe the family member no longer earning an income can use a hobby or skill for temporary income.“Once you know how much income will be coming in, make a list of your expected expenses,” Kiss said. “Be sure all family members participate in discussions about expenditures. Decide what the family needs next week, next month and over two or three months.”Confer.&nbsp;Call your creditors and explain your situation; don’t simply default on payments. “Find out what happens if you miss payments,” and if there is a grace period for making payments, Kiss said. “With this knowledge, contact creditors before they contact you. Creditors will be more likely to believe you and help you if you make contact early.”She notes that it’s wise to make a plan to first pay creditors who are likely to garnish your wages, impose a high finance charge, repossess items, cut off basic services, or who are owed a large amount.Change.&nbsp;Be prepared to make changes to your lifestyle temporarily so that you can maintain basic essentials. “Look for ways that you and family members can use time, energy, talents and knowledge to reduce expenses,” Kiss said. “Take better care of things you already have. Recycle clothing. Swap items and services with a friend or neighbor.“To make it through hard times, your family will need to make informed decisions and work together to carry out these decisions.”More information on&nbsp;<a href="https://www.k-state.edu/family-finances">managing family finances is available online</a>&nbsp;from K-State Research and Extension.

Make a plan to budget family’s finances, says K-State expert

Are you looking for a meaningful career where you can grow alongside a growing company? KanEquip has been helping farmers take care of their needs for over 50 years. We are currently seeking to grow our sales team in Ellsworth to take care of those needs. If you have the ability to listen, communicate effectively and solve problems all while building relationships, we want to talk with you.

Along with career growth, we offer a flexible work environment, competitive wages along with an attractive benefits package. &nbsp;

Please check out our positions at&nbsp;<a href="http://kanequip.com/">kanequip.com</a>&nbsp;or call John Lamatsch at 785-472-3114 to learn more. &nbsp;&nbsp;

And the link to our website:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kanequip.com/company-profile/employment/">https://www.kanequip.com/company-profile/employment/</a>

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/4/1588269898890.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Are you looking for a meaningful career where you can grow alongside a growing company? KanEquip has been helping farmers take care of their needs for over 50 years. We are currently seeking to grow our sales team in Ellsworth to take care of those needs. If you have the ability to listen, communicate effectively and solve problems all while building relationships, we want to talk with you.Along with career growth, we offer a flexible work environment, competitive wages along with an attractive benefits package. &nbsp;Please check out our positions at&nbsp;<a href="http://kanequip.com/">kanequip.com</a>&nbsp;or call John Lamatsch at 785-472-3114 to learn more. &nbsp;&nbsp;And the link to our website:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kanequip.com/company-profile/employment/">https://www.kanequip.com/company-profile/employment/</a>

Ellis County will follow state reopening guidelines

<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="Area weed scientist says now is the time to control sorghum weeds" height="400" width="400" style="border: none;" scrolling="no" data-name="pb-iframe-player" src="https://www.podbean.com/media/player/pnw3q-db15e9?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: Area weed scientist says now is the time to control sorghum weeds

By now, hearing the president insult journalists is commonplace. 
Whether he’s accusing them of peddling fake news, calling them enemies 
of the American people, or threatening to revoke their Pulitzer prizes, 
the rhetoric has always been pretty toxic.

But in my view, none of those insults is as concerning as his recent 
attacks directed at Voice of America (VOA, the federal government’s 
international news and broadcasting agency, founded in 1942 with the 
goal of combating Nazi propaganda by providing unbiased news and 
information to countries outside the United States.

At the end of the day, news providers like The New York Times
 and CNN are independent media outlets protected by the First Amendment 
and there are limits to how much Trump can actually retaliate against 
them. It doesn’t matter how many times he threatens to “open up” libel 
laws and make it easier to sue media organizations — he can’t without 
overturning a 56-year-old Supreme Court decision. He couldn’t even 
successfully revoke Jim Acosta’s press pass.

But the president can actually have a lasting impact on Voice of America. At the moment, he’s <a href="https://www.politico.com/news/2020/04/22/donald-trump-propaganda-war-199799" target="_blank">demanding the confirmation </a>of conservative activist and filmmaker Michael Pack
 to head the organization that oversees VOA, the U.S. Agency for Global 
Media, and it’s clear that if he gets his wish, he’ll expect Pack to 
make some major changes to the way the VOA does its job.

Two weeks ago, a story in the White House’s daily email newsletter <a href="https://www.whitehouse.gov/articles/amid-a-pandemic-voice-of-america-spends-your-money-to-promote-foreign-propaganda/" target="_blank">accused Voice of America of using taxpayer dollars to promote foreign propaganda</a>.
 “VOA too often speaks for America’s adversaries — not its citizens,” it
 said, referencing a video shared by the VOA’s Twitter account that 
showed a light show in Wuhan, China celebrating the end of the 
quarantine there, then accusing the news organization of creating 
“graphics with Communist government statistics to compare China’s 
coronavirus death toll to America’s.” Shortly afterwards, the president 
himself said during his Wednesday Rose Garden briefing that, “If you 
heard what’s coming out of the Voice of America, it’s disgusting. … 
things they say are disgusting toward our country.”

These two examples of VOA’s supposed treachery the White House 
provided are rather odd, considering that the video of the light show 
was 1) produced by the Associated Press, not the VOA, and 2) is a video 
of an event that actually happened, regardless of whether or not you 
think China has exaggerated its success against COVID-19. The graphics 
comparing Chinese death tolls to American death tolls weren’t based on 
statistics from the Chinese government, but from Johns Hopkins 
University. VOA Director Amanda Bennett <a href="https://www.insidevoa.com/a/a-statement-from-voa-director-amanda-bennett-/5367327.html" target="_blank">responded to the accusations</a>
 with a statement linking to more than a dozen VOA stories critical of 
the Chinese government’s response to COVID-19, and pointing out that, 
“One of the big differences between publicly-funded independent media, 
like the Voice of America, and state-controlled media is that we are 
free to show all sides of an issue.”

The VOA broadcasts abroad in more than 40 languages to counter 
propaganda from repressive regimes by providing an independent, reliable
 source of news promoting freedom and democracy. <a href="https://www.voanews.com/archive/voa-charter-0" target="_blank">Its charter</a>
 legally requires it to report the news accurately, objectively and 
comprehensively and explicitly says that “VOA&nbsp;will represent America, 
not any single segment of American society, and will therefore present a
 balanced and comprehensive projection of significant American thought 
and institutions.”

There is an inherent tension in being a news media outlet funded by 
the government, given that the highest purpose of the news media is to 
serve as a watchdog on the government. Way back in 2016, there were some
 concerns that when President Trump took office, the VOA “could serve as
 an unfettered propaganda arm for the former reality TV star who has 
flirted for years with launching his own network,” <a href="https://www.politico.com/story/2016/12/donald-trump-voice-of-america-232442" target="_blank">according to a report from POLITICO</a>. This didn’t come to pass, in part because the 1994 U.S. International Broadcasting Act established that the <a href="https://www.insidevoa.com/a/4533487.html" target="_blank">VOA has a firewall</a>
 that prohibits U.S. government officials from interfering with the 
VOA’s decisions on what stories to cover and how to cover them.

But of course, the president can exert influence on the VOA in other 
ways. And his aversion to the VOA reporting or sharing any information 
that might make his administration look bad calls into question his 
commitment to the concept of an independent and objective VOA. That’s a 
problem, because the point of&nbsp;the VOA&nbsp;is to combat propaganda from 
repressive regimes with objective, unbiased, comprehensive reporting — 
not with propaganda of our own. If the VOA were to become nothing more 
than the public affairs arm of the American government, that would 
undermine its larger mission of promoting American ideals. By reporting 
not just on other countries’ governments, but also on our own with 
fairness and accuracy, the VOA represents the possibility, for those who
 live under repressive regimes, that the free press can exist.

Lata Nott is a Freedom Forum Fellow. Contact her via email at <a href="mailto:lnott@freedomforum.org" target="_blank">lnott@freedomforum.org</a>, or follow her on Twitter at&nbsp;<a href="https://twitter.com/latanott" target="_blank">@LataNott</a>.

By now, hearing the president insult journalists is commonplace. 
Whether he’s accusing them of peddling fake news, calling them enemies 
of the American people, or threatening to revoke their Pulitzer prizes, 
the rhetoric has always been pretty toxic.But in my view, none of those insults is as concerning as his recent 
attacks directed at Voice of America (VOA, the federal government’s 
international news and broadcasting agency, founded in 1942 with the 
goal of combating Nazi propaganda by providing unbiased news and 
information to countries outside the United States.At the end of the day, news providers like The New York Times
 and CNN are independent media outlets protected by the First Amendment 
and there are limits to how much Trump can actually retaliate against 
them. It doesn’t matter how many times he threatens to “open up” libel 
laws and make it easier to sue media organizations — he can’t without 
overturning a 56-year-old Supreme Court decision. He couldn’t even 
successfully revoke Jim Acosta’s press pass.But the president can actually have a lasting impact on Voice of America. At the moment, he’s <a href="https://www.politico.com/news/2020/04/22/donald-trump-propaganda-war-199799" target="_blank">demanding the confirmation </a>of conservative activist and filmmaker Michael Pack
 to head the organization that oversees VOA, the U.S. Agency for Global 
Media, and it’s clear that if he gets his wish, he’ll expect Pack to 
make some major changes to the way the VOA does its job.Two weeks ago, a story in the White House’s daily email newsletter <a href="https://www.whitehouse.gov/articles/amid-a-pandemic-voice-of-america-spends-your-money-to-promote-foreign-propaganda/" target="_blank">accused Voice of America of using taxpayer dollars to promote foreign propaganda</a>.
 “VOA too often speaks for America’s adversaries — not its citizens,” it
 said, referencing a video shared by the VOA’s Twitter account that 
showed a light show in Wuhan, China celebrating the end of the 
quarantine there, then accusing the news organization of creating 
“graphics with Communist government statistics to compare China’s 
coronavirus death toll to America’s.” Shortly afterwards, the president 
himself said during his Wednesday Rose Garden briefing that, “If you 
heard what’s coming out of the Voice of America, it’s disgusting. … 
things they say are disgusting toward our country.”These two examples of VOA’s supposed treachery the White House 
provided are rather odd, considering that the video of the light show 
was 1) produced by the Associated Press, not the VOA, and 2) is a video 
of an event that actually happened, regardless of whether or not you 
think China has exaggerated its success against COVID-19. The graphics 
comparing Chinese death tolls to American death tolls weren’t based on 
statistics from the Chinese government, but from Johns Hopkins 
University. VOA Director Amanda Bennett <a href="https://www.insidevoa.com/a/a-statement-from-voa-director-amanda-bennett-/5367327.html" target="_blank">responded to the accusations</a>
 with a statement linking to more than a dozen VOA stories critical of 
the Chinese government’s response to COVID-19, and pointing out that, 
“One of the big differences between publicly-funded independent media, 
like the Voice of America, and state-controlled media is that we are 
free to show all sides of an issue.”The VOA broadcasts abroad in more than 40 languages to counter 
propaganda from repressive regimes by providing an independent, reliable
 source of news promoting freedom and democracy. <a href="https://www.voanews.com/archive/voa-charter-0" target="_blank">Its charter</a>
 legally requires it to report the news accurately, objectively and 
comprehensively and explicitly says that “VOA&nbsp;will represent America, 
not any single segment of American society, and will therefore present a
 balanced and comprehensive projection of significant American thought 
and institutions.”There is an inherent tension in being a news media outlet funded by 
the government, given that the highest purpose of the news media is to 
serve as a watchdog on the government. Way back in 2016, there were some
 concerns that when President Trump took office, the VOA “could serve as
 an unfettered propaganda arm for the former reality TV star who has 
flirted for years with launching his own network,” <a href="https://www.politico.com/story/2016/12/donald-trump-voice-of-america-232442" target="_blank">according to a report from POLITICO</a>. This didn’t come to pass, in part because the 1994 U.S. International Broadcasting Act established that the <a href="https://www.insidevoa.com/a/4533487.html" target="_blank">VOA has a firewall</a>
 that prohibits U.S. government officials from interfering with the 
VOA’s decisions on what stories to cover and how to cover them.But of course, the president can exert influence on the VOA in other 
ways. And his aversion to the VOA reporting or sharing any information 
that might make his administration look bad calls into question his 
commitment to the concept of an independent and objective VOA. That’s a 
problem, because the point of&nbsp;the VOA&nbsp;is to combat propaganda from 
repressive regimes with objective, unbiased, comprehensive reporting — 
not with propaganda of our own. If the VOA were to become nothing more 
than the public affairs arm of the American government, that would 
undermine its larger mission of promoting American ideals. By reporting 
not just on other countries’ governments, but also on our own with 
fairness and accuracy, the VOA represents the possibility, for those who
 live under repressive regimes, that the free press can exist.Lata Nott is a Freedom Forum Fellow. Contact her via email at <a href="mailto:lnott@freedomforum.org" target="_blank">lnott@freedomforum.org</a>, or follow her on Twitter at&nbsp;<a href="https://twitter.com/latanott" target="_blank">@LataNott</a>.

By providing fair and accurate reporting abroad, Voice of America conveys the finest of American values

Before I get to all the details I know you're looking for in order to begin our trek back to a "new normal", I want to say a quick thanks to KVC for featuring me in their Legislator Spotlight in
<a href="https://mastroniforkansas.us12.list-manage.com/track/click?u=1ab2fe5a9ea89a7e91e3814ca&amp;id=0458e27fdc&amp;e=1a4b154c7e" target="_blank">
their March enewsletter</a>.


We have all been concerned by the COVID clusters at our regional meat packing plants, the families of all who work there, and the surrounding communities at increased risk. The Kansas Department of Health &amp; Environment continues to closely monitor the virus
 trends here and is working closely with the plants to slow the spread.

While
 some states are opening their beaches, Kansas is readying to open our businesses. Thursday evening, Governor Laura Kelly addressed the state to detail the plan to begin phasing out of this crisis. From a practical perspective, there are three key points:&nbsp;



During the press conference, Governor Kelly noted the CDC recently doubled the list of symptoms of the disease. Furthermore, researchers estimate 20-50% of infected people have no symptoms but can still spread the virus.&nbsp;


<a href="https://covid.ks.gov/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/Reopen-Kansas-Exec-Summary-043020.1.pdf">
Ad Astra: A Plan for Reopening KANSAS</a>

While we are conducting a “soft rollout” of reopening, what will happen in August and November is a complete unknown. Some counties are sending applications to all voters to request a ballot mailed to their house. However, all counties will not do this, so
 in order to ensure your voice is heard in this year’s elections,&nbsp;<a href="https://mastroniforkansas.us12.list-manage.com/track/click?u=1ab2fe5a9ea89a7e91e3814ca&amp;id=c327cc0bf4&amp;e=1a4b154c7e" target="_blank">click
 here</a>&nbsp;to request a ballot be mailed to your home for the August and November elections.&nbsp;

Check out the&nbsp;<a href="https://mastroniforkansas.us12.list-manage.com/track/click?u=1ab2fe5a9ea89a7e91e3814ca&amp;id=27f188ad0f&amp;e=1a4b154c7e" target="_blank">Kansas
 Hero Relief Program</a>&nbsp;for information on funds to help parents with essential jobs pay for childcare during this time. Funds are also available for daycare providers as they work to sterilize their facilities.

Finally, the state aggregated all the information from across state departments related to COVID-19 into one handy website:&nbsp;<a href="https://mastroniforkansas.us12.list-manage.com/track/click?u=1ab2fe5a9ea89a7e91e3814ca&amp;id=3de4295e40&amp;e=1a4b154c7e" target="_blank">COVID.ks.gov</a>

Please contact me if I can be of service to you.

Rep. Leonard Mastroni, R-La Crosse House District 117

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/2/1581438600836.jpeg" alt="Rep. Leonard Mastroni (R-La Crosse, 117th District" />
 <figcaption>Rep. Leonard Mastroni (R-La Crosse, 117th District</figcaption>
 </figure>Before I get to all the details I know you're looking for in order to begin our trek back to a "new normal", I want to say a quick thanks to KVC for featuring me in their Legislator Spotlight in
<a href="https://mastroniforkansas.us12.list-manage.com/track/click?u=1ab2fe5a9ea89a7e91e3814ca&amp;id=0458e27fdc&amp;e=1a4b154c7e" target="_blank">
their March enewsletter</a>.
We have all been concerned by the COVID clusters at our regional meat packing plants, the families of all who work there, and the surrounding communities at increased risk. The Kansas Department of Health &amp; Environment continues to closely monitor the virus
 trends here and is working closely with the plants to slow the spread. 
Thursday Press ConferenceWhile
 some states are opening their beaches, Kansas is readying to open our businesses. Thursday evening, Governor Laura Kelly addressed the state to detail the plan to begin phasing out of this crisis. From a practical perspective, there are three key points:&nbsp;
<ol>
 <li>The stay-at-home order will expire at 11:59 am on Sunday, May 3.</li><li>The disaster declaration will be extended to allow the state to continue to receive federal assistance.&nbsp;</li><li>A 6-week 4-phase process will begin to open parts of our economy back to a post-COVID “new normal”. The process is not set in stone and our virus trends will be closely monitored to see if tweaks in the plan are required.&nbsp;</li>
 </ol>
During the press conference, Governor Kelly noted the CDC recently doubled the list of symptoms of the disease. Furthermore, researchers estimate 20-50% of infected people have no symptoms but can still spread the virus.&nbsp;
<ol>
 <li>This echoes what we are seeing at the Lansing Prison, where 75% of confirmed cases were asymptomatic.</li>
 </ol><a href="https://covid.ks.gov/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/Reopen-Kansas-Exec-Summary-043020.1.pdf">
Ad Astra: A Plan for Reopening KANSAS</a><figure>
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 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
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 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
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 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/5/1588355047796.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Pandemic PollingWhile we are conducting a “soft rollout” of reopening, what will happen in August and November is a complete unknown. Some counties are sending applications to all voters to request a ballot mailed to their house. However, all counties will not do this, so
 in order to ensure your voice is heard in this year’s elections,&nbsp;<a href="https://mastroniforkansas.us12.list-manage.com/track/click?u=1ab2fe5a9ea89a7e91e3814ca&amp;id=c327cc0bf4&amp;e=1a4b154c7e" target="_blank">click
 here</a>&nbsp;to request a ballot be mailed to your home for the August and November elections.&nbsp;
Childcare Assistance
Check out the&nbsp;<a href="https://mastroniforkansas.us12.list-manage.com/track/click?u=1ab2fe5a9ea89a7e91e3814ca&amp;id=27f188ad0f&amp;e=1a4b154c7e" target="_blank">Kansas
 Hero Relief Program</a>&nbsp;for information on funds to help parents with essential jobs pay for childcare during this time. Funds are also available for daycare providers as they work to sterilize their facilities.
COVID-19 in Kansas: UpdateFinally, the state aggregated all the information from across state departments related to COVID-19 into one handy website:&nbsp;<a href="https://mastroniforkansas.us12.list-manage.com/track/click?u=1ab2fe5a9ea89a7e91e3814ca&amp;id=3de4295e40&amp;e=1a4b154c7e" target="_blank">COVID.ks.gov</a>Please contact me if I can be of service to you. Stay home and stay safe,
Rep. Leonard Mastroni, R-La Crosse House District 117

MASTRONI: Slowly back to business

Publication lists ideas for maintaining good mental, physical health

MANHATTAN – When the world around us is filled with stress, Elizabeth Kiss believes that there is one constant on how to deal with the uncertainty: You.

“If you remember that you are the same person as you were before the financial stress began, regrouping and adapting will be easier,” said Kiss, a family resource management specialist with K-State Research and Extension.

The COVID-19 pandemic is the most glaring, current example of stress, causing a strain on routine ways of living and on individual and family finances. In such times, Kiss notes that it’s important to find ways to maintain a sense of control.

“Concentrate your efforts on keeping your attitude, your family and your body as strong as possible,” she said.

Kiss recently authored a publication – titled&nbsp;<a href="https://bookstore.ksre.ksu.edu/pubs/MF3499.pdf">When Your Income Drops: Coping with Stress</a>&nbsp;-- to help people take a common-sense approach to dealing with financial challenges. Among her recommendations:

<a href="https://bookstore.ksre.ksu.edu/pubs/MF3499.pdf">When Your Income Drops: Coping with Stress</a>&nbsp;also outlines ways to recognize stress, tips for managing stress, and knowing when and where to get help. In Kansas, professional help is available from numerous community agencies and protective services.

Kiss added that the United Way supports 211, a free and confidential service that helps people across North America find the local resources 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. A couple Kansas organizations that focus on situations specific to farmers include&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kansasagstress.org/">Kansas Ag Stress Resources</a>and the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.k-state.edu/kams/">Kansas Agricultural Mediation Services</a>.

Kiss’ publication is available online through the&nbsp;<a href="https://bookstore.ksre.ksu.edu/">K-State Research and Extension bookstore</a>. The series,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.k-state.edu/family-finances/whenyourincomedrops.html">When Your Income Drops</a>, also is available online with additional resources to help manage&nbsp;<a href="https://www.k-state.edu/family-finances">family finances</a>.

<h2>Publication lists ideas for maintaining good mental, physical health</h2>K-State Research &amp; ExtensionMANHATTAN – When the world around us is filled with stress, Elizabeth Kiss believes that there is one constant on how to deal with the uncertainty: You.“If you remember that you are the same person as you were before the financial stress began, regrouping and adapting will be easier,” said Kiss, a family resource management specialist with K-State Research and Extension.The COVID-19 pandemic is the most glaring, current example of stress, causing a strain on routine ways of living and on individual and family finances. In such times, Kiss notes that it’s important to find ways to maintain a sense of control.“Concentrate your efforts on keeping your attitude, your family and your body as strong as possible,” she said.Kiss recently authored a publication – titled&nbsp;<a href="https://bookstore.ksre.ksu.edu/pubs/MF3499.pdf">When Your Income Drops: Coping with Stress</a>&nbsp;-- to help people take a common-sense approach to dealing with financial challenges. Among her recommendations:<ol>
 <li>Don’t blame yourself.&nbsp;It may take a conscious effort, but it’s important to see yourself as valuable regardless of external circumstances.</li><li>Find support.&nbsp;Friends and family are going through similar circumstances. Rely on each other for getting through the tough times.</li><li>Don’t keep anxiety and anger bottled up.&nbsp;Talk about your problems with a spouse, other family members or a friend. “Others can help if you will let them,” Kiss said.</li><li>Take one thing at a time.&nbsp;Break seemingly insurmountable tasks into smaller pieces that are possible to accomplish.</li><li>Keep yourself occupied.&nbsp;Donate time to a worthy cause, if possible. Don’t sit around worrying about your troubles.</li><li>Learn to relax.&nbsp;Just a few minutes of soothing music or curling up with a book can help to reduce stress.</li><li>Think positively.&nbsp;Positive images can help you maintain your energy as you set new goals and look for solutions to your problems. “Start using the words, ‘I can do…’ in your daily vocabulary,” Kiss said.</li><li>Take care of your health.&nbsp;Maintain a nutritious diet. Cut down on alcohol, cigarettes or other substances. Exercise regularly.</li><li>Accept your situation.&nbsp;“Remember that you can have some control over the unwanted side effects,” Kiss said. “Discuss situations or trouble spots that you or your family find particularly distressing, and work together to reduce the causes of stress.”</li>
 </ol><a href="https://bookstore.ksre.ksu.edu/pubs/MF3499.pdf">When Your Income Drops: Coping with Stress</a>&nbsp;also outlines ways to recognize stress, tips for managing stress, and knowing when and where to get help. In Kansas, professional help is available from numerous community agencies and protective services.Kiss added that the United Way supports 211, a free and confidential service that helps people across North America find the local resources 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. A couple Kansas organizations that focus on situations specific to farmers include&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kansasagstress.org/">Kansas Ag Stress Resources</a>and the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.k-state.edu/kams/">Kansas Agricultural Mediation Services</a>.Kiss’ publication is available online through the&nbsp;<a href="https://bookstore.ksre.ksu.edu/">K-State Research and Extension bookstore</a>. The series,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.k-state.edu/family-finances/whenyourincomedrops.html">When Your Income Drops</a>, also is available online with additional resources to help manage&nbsp;<a href="https://www.k-state.edu/family-finances">family finances</a>.

K-State family expert shares tips for coping with financial stress

The West Central Kansas Special Education Cooperative will need an additional 10 percent in funding for operations next year.

Hays is the host district for the co-op, but the co-op also serves La Crosse, Ellis and Victoria.

Chris Hipp, co-op director, gave a report to the Hays school board on the co-op's finances Monday night.

The co-op is estimating a need for an additional $225,000 in assessments from the member districts.&nbsp;

Hays has the majority of students served by the co-op and would pay the bulk of the increase — $171,000. Ellis would pay $16,556. Victoria would pay $13,702 and La Crosse would pay $23,190.

The Hays school board will vote on the increase at its meeting in May. The boards in the other districts will also need to approve the increase.

The co-op will end this school year with about $7.8 million in expenditures.&nbsp;

About 15 percent of the co-op's budget comes from federal funds. State statute says the state will pay for 92 percent of the remaining cost of special education costs.

However, this has not happened for some time. The state is paying about 56 percent of the cost of special education for the WCKSEC budget.

This leaves local districts paying for the rest of the co-op's budget or about $2.4 million for the&nbsp;WCKSEC this school year.

Before the financial downturn prompted by the COVID-19 outbreak, districts across the state had hoped to lobby legislators to increase the percentage the state paid in special education funding.

However, revenue estimates from Topeka are now showing a state budget shortfall of more than $1 billion between now and June 2021.

The co-op estimates it will be down almost $400,000 in carry over at the end of this fiscal year, which will leave a reserve of about $1.1 million. This is equal to about two months of expenses for the co-op.

Special education instruction has continued during continuous learning.&nbsp;

Kyle Carlin, assistant director of the co-op, said district staff had about two weeks to modify individual education plans for digital learning for 960 students.

"Nothing is going to work as well as in-person," Carlin said. "A lot of their focus right now has been on maintaining relationships, helping build up the skills of our students the best we can, but mostly trying to maintain the skills we have already achieved throughout this year."

Carlin will assume the role of co-op director in July. Melinda McDaniel of the STAR program was approved Monday night to take over the assistant special education director role in July.

By CRISTINA JANNEY Hays PostThe West Central Kansas Special Education Cooperative will need an additional 10 percent in funding for operations next year.Hays is the host district for the co-op, but the co-op also serves La Crosse, Ellis and Victoria.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/4/1588177095967.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Chris Hipp, co-op director, gave a report to the Hays school board on the co-op's finances Monday night.The co-op is estimating a need for an additional $225,000 in assessments from the member districts.&nbsp;Hays has the majority of students served by the co-op and would pay the bulk of the increase — $171,000. Ellis would pay $16,556. Victoria would pay $13,702 and La Crosse would pay $23,190.The Hays school board will vote on the increase at its meeting in May. The boards in the other districts will also need to approve the increase.The co-op will end this school year with about $7.8 million in expenditures.&nbsp;About 15 percent of the co-op's budget comes from federal funds. State statute says the state will pay for 92 percent of the remaining cost of special education costs.However, this has not happened for some time. The state is paying about 56 percent of the cost of special education for the WCKSEC budget.This leaves local districts paying for the rest of the co-op's budget or about $2.4 million for the&nbsp;WCKSEC this school year.Before the financial downturn prompted by the COVID-19 outbreak, districts across the state had hoped to lobby legislators to increase the percentage the state paid in special education funding.However, revenue estimates from Topeka are now showing a state budget shortfall of more than $1 billion between now and June 2021.The co-op estimates it will be down almost $400,000 in carry over at the end of this fiscal year, which will leave a reserve of about $1.1 million. This is equal to about two months of expenses for the co-op.<h2>Continuous learning</h2>Special education instruction has continued during continuous learning.&nbsp;Kyle Carlin, assistant director of the co-op, said district staff had about two weeks to modify individual education plans for digital learning for 960 students."Nothing is going to work as well as in-person," Carlin said. "A lot of their focus right now has been on maintaining relationships, helping build up the skills of our students the best we can, but mostly trying to maintain the skills we have already achieved throughout this year."Carlin will assume the role of co-op director in July. Melinda McDaniel of the STAR program was approved Monday night to take over the assistant special education director role in July.

Special ed co-op to ask for increase in funds

LAWRENCE — Four University of Kansas researchers join three former presidents and four former senators of the United States as honorees among 87 recognized for transforming the field of intellectual and developmental disabilities during the past 20 years in the U.S.

The honors, compiled in the National Honors Recognizing Significant Contributions in the Field of Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities in the U.S. Between 2000 and 2020, include essays highlighting trends in the field. A consortium of intellectual disability organizations collaborated on the report, which comes 20 years after the group’s first report looking back on 20th century achievements in the field.

Honorees were selected for being engaged in nationally significant research, practice, public policy and advocacy initiatives that enhanced quality of life for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

In addition to Russell native former U.S. Sen. Bob Dole (R-Kan.) and former presidents Barack Obama, George H.W. Bush and George W. Bush, the list included the following KU Life Span Institute affiliated current and retired faculty:

“Each of these individuals has made exceptional contributions to the field of developmental disabilities, and each is truly deserving of this recognition,” said John Colombo, professor of psychology, Life Span Institute director and interim dean of the College of Liberal Arts &amp; Sciences. “KU has long been a leader in the field of intellectual and developmental disabilities, and the fact that a cluster of scholars affiliated with LSI are receiving this honor represents a testament to our continued excellence in this area of work.”

The 2020 recognition committee has representation from the following organizations: American Association on Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities, The American Network of Community Options and Resources, the Association of University Centers on Disabilities,&nbsp; The National Association of State Directors of Developmental Disabilities Services, The Arc, United Cerebral Palsy, ADAPT Community Network, Cerebral Palsy Association of New York, the New York Interagency Council of Developmental Disabilities Agencies, New York Alliance for Inclusion and Innovation, NYSARC, and the VISIONS Center for Creative Management.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/4/1588269230598.png" alt="University of Kansas professors Karrie Shogren,&nbsp;Susan Palmer,&nbsp;James Thompson,&nbsp;Michael Wehmeyer" />
 <figcaption>University of Kansas professors Karrie Shogren,&nbsp;Susan Palmer,&nbsp;James Thompson,&nbsp;Michael Wehmeyer</figcaption>
 </figure>KU News ServiceLAWRENCE — Four University of Kansas researchers join three former presidents and four former senators of the United States as honorees among 87 recognized for transforming the field of intellectual and developmental disabilities during the past 20 years in the U.S.The honors, compiled in the National Honors Recognizing Significant Contributions in the Field of Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities in the U.S. Between 2000 and 2020, include essays highlighting trends in the field. A consortium of intellectual disability organizations collaborated on the report, which comes 20 years after the group’s first report looking back on 20th century achievements in the field.Honorees were selected for being engaged in nationally significant research, practice, public policy and advocacy initiatives that enhanced quality of life for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/4/1588269459465.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>In addition to Russell native former U.S. Sen. Bob Dole (R-Kan.) and former presidents Barack Obama, George H.W. Bush and George W. Bush, the list included the following KU Life Span Institute affiliated current and retired faculty:<ol>
 <li>Karrie Shogren, professor in the Department of Special Education and director of the KU Center on Developmental Disabilities. Shogren’s work focuses on practices that support an inclusive education for children with severe disabilities and self-determination across the life span.</li><li>Susan Palmer, research professor emerita and research affiliate of the Life Span Institute, is recognized for her overall contribution through research, teaching and public policy. Palmer’s research includes effective strategies for inclusive education for children with moderate to severe disabilities and self-directed learning for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities across the life span.</li><li>James Thompson, professor in the Department of Special Education, senior scientist at the Beach Center on Disability and associate director of the KU Center on Developmental Disabilities. Thompson’s work has focused on a model of assessing and responding to the pattern and intensity of supports that are needed by a person to achieve his or her goals.</li><li>Michael Wehmeyer, Ross and Marianna Beach Distinguished Professor in Special Education, chair of the Department of Special Education and director of the Beach Center on Disability. Wehmeyer has advanced current work in the practice, research, teaching and technical assistance that supports and promotes self-determination and advocacy.</li>
 </ol>“Each of these individuals has made exceptional contributions to the field of developmental disabilities, and each is truly deserving of this recognition,” said John Colombo, professor of psychology, Life Span Institute director and interim dean of the College of Liberal Arts &amp; Sciences. “KU has long been a leader in the field of intellectual and developmental disabilities, and the fact that a cluster of scholars affiliated with LSI are receiving this honor represents a testament to our continued excellence in this area of work.”The 2020 recognition committee has representation from the following organizations: American Association on Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities, The American Network of Community Options and Resources, the Association of University Centers on Disabilities,&nbsp; The National Association of State Directors of Developmental Disabilities Services, The Arc, United Cerebral Palsy, ADAPT Community Network, Cerebral Palsy Association of New York, the New York Interagency Council of Developmental Disabilities Agencies, New York Alliance for Inclusion and Innovation, NYSARC, and the VISIONS Center for Creative Management.

Former Sen. Dole, KU researchers honored nationally in field of disabilities

By RON WILSON,&nbsp;Huck Boyd National Institute for Rural Development

“That tastes so good, you should sell it!” 

Perhaps you’ve heard that phrase when someone shares a delicious treat. Today we’ll learn about a family which took that statement seriously, and their product became the basis of a remarkable business. Last week we met Phyllis Cheney, whose flower shop in Chapman sells various products including Tonja’s Toffee. The toffee is delicious, but the backstory is bittersweet. It involves a remarkable product made by a remarkable woman who battled cancer for many years. Now her family is continuing her legacy.

Tonja, the founder of this business, grew up in Scott County. She met Alan Williams at a church barbecue and the two married. She became a farm wife and teacher, raising four children.

As a little girl, Tonja had enjoyed making toffee with her mother Carrie Marion. Tonja continued making toffee as she grew older and tweaked the family recipe to make it her own.

After Tonja married and became a teacher, she would bring her homemade toffee in to school during the holidays. Her friends raved about it. “That tastes so good, you should sell it,” they would say. Tonja would modestly decline.

Then two things happened. First, her son needed to raise money for a mission trip to Ukraine, so they decided to sell her toffee as a fundraiser for the project. Secondly, Tonja was diagnosed with multiple myeloma and she knew she wanted to move forward with this project while she could.

The toffee sales for the mission trip were a rousing success, and the money was raised in a matter of weeks. It was also a market test which demonstrated that there was a demand for the product.

“We were bombarded with orders,” said Haley, Tonja’s youngest daughter. “The business took off after that.” It was named Tonja’s Toffee. Haley remembers one craft show in particular where they sold 200 pounds of toffee in a single day.

“Mom was an excellent baker and cook,” Haley said. “She was creative and professional and very particular about how the toffee was made.” Those high standards of excellence led to good results as the business grew.

Tonja’s Toffee joined the From the Land of Kansas program offered by the Kansas Department of Agriculture. “The From the Land of Kansas program has been a huge help,” Haley said. “They’ve helped with tools for marketing, packaging, labels and finding suppliers.” Tonja’s Toffee was among the products promoted by the From the Land of Kansas program at national fancy food shows.

Daughter Haley and some neighbor girls would pitch in to help make the toffee whenever they could. Haley got married in 2015 and is now raising two children of her own. Meanwhile, Tonja was operating the business while continuing her treatment for cancer. On November 24, 2017, eight years after the original diagnosis, Tonja passed away. The family decided to close the business.

Then Tonja’s parents retired in Scott City and found they could convert one room in their house into a commercial kitchen. Haley’s husband took a job at a local feed yard and they moved back to the home place where Tonja’s Toffee had begun. The farmhouse is in western Scott County near the tiny, unincorporated rural community of Modoc.

“There’s probably less than 20 people in Modoc,” Haley said. Now, that’s rural.

From these roots, Haley Stratmeier and her grandmother Carrie Marion, Tonja’s mom, have reopened Tonja’s Toffee. The company offers almond toffee with the choice of four toppings:&nbsp;milk, dark, or white chocolate, or butterscotch, as well as offering peanut brittle. The product is not just for Christmas. People order the products year-round as customer appreciation gifts or for special occasions.

“We’ve sold toffee from New Jersey to California,” Haley said. “People have been so great.”

For more information, go to&nbsp;<a href="http://www.tonjastoffee.com/">www.tonjastoffee.com</a>.

“That tastes so good, you should sell it!” Perhaps that phrase helped launch this business. We commend Haley Stratmeier, Carrie Marion, and the late Tonja Williams for making a difference by building a business from a family product. It tastes so good, I’m glad they’re selling it.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/4/1588168537445.png" alt="Screen Shot 2020-04-29 at 8.53.31 AM.png" />
 <figcaption>Screen Shot 2020-04-29 at 8.53.31 AM.png</figcaption>
 </figure>By RON WILSON,&nbsp;Huck Boyd National Institute for Rural Development“That tastes so good, you should sell it!” Perhaps you’ve heard that phrase when someone shares a delicious treat. Today we’ll learn about a family which took that statement seriously, and their product became the basis of a remarkable business. Last week we met Phyllis Cheney, whose flower shop in Chapman sells various products including Tonja’s Toffee. The toffee is delicious, but the backstory is bittersweet. It involves a remarkable product made by a remarkable woman who battled cancer for many years. Now her family is continuing her legacy.Tonja, the founder of this business, grew up in Scott County. She met Alan Williams at a church barbecue and the two married. She became a farm wife and teacher, raising four children.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/11/1573954635889.jpeg" alt="Ron Wilson" />
 <figcaption>Ron Wilson</figcaption>
 </figure>As a little girl, Tonja had enjoyed making toffee with her mother Carrie Marion. Tonja continued making toffee as she grew older and tweaked the family recipe to make it her own.After Tonja married and became a teacher, she would bring her homemade toffee in to school during the holidays. Her friends raved about it. “That tastes so good, you should sell it,” they would say. Tonja would modestly decline.Then two things happened. First, her son needed to raise money for a mission trip to Ukraine, so they decided to sell her toffee as a fundraiser for the project. Secondly, Tonja was diagnosed with multiple myeloma and she knew she wanted to move forward with this project while she could.The toffee sales for the mission trip were a rousing success, and the money was raised in a matter of weeks. It was also a market test which demonstrated that there was a demand for the product.“We were bombarded with orders,” said Haley, Tonja’s youngest daughter. “The business took off after that.” It was named Tonja’s Toffee. Haley remembers one craft show in particular where they sold 200 pounds of toffee in a single day.“Mom was an excellent baker and cook,” Haley said. “She was creative and professional and very particular about how the toffee was made.” Those high standards of excellence led to good results as the business grew.Tonja’s Toffee joined the From the Land of Kansas program offered by the Kansas Department of Agriculture. “The From the Land of Kansas program has been a huge help,” Haley said. “They’ve helped with tools for marketing, packaging, labels and finding suppliers.” Tonja’s Toffee was among the products promoted by the From the Land of Kansas program at national fancy food shows.Daughter Haley and some neighbor girls would pitch in to help make the toffee whenever they could. Haley got married in 2015 and is now raising two children of her own. Meanwhile, Tonja was operating the business while continuing her treatment for cancer. On November 24, 2017, eight years after the original diagnosis, Tonja passed away. The family decided to close the business.Then Tonja’s parents retired in Scott City and found they could convert one room in their house into a commercial kitchen. Haley’s husband took a job at a local feed yard and they moved back to the home place where Tonja’s Toffee had begun. The farmhouse is in western Scott County near the tiny, unincorporated rural community of Modoc.“There’s probably less than 20 people in Modoc,” Haley said. Now, that’s rural.From these roots, Haley Stratmeier and her grandmother Carrie Marion, Tonja’s mom, have reopened Tonja’s Toffee. The company offers almond toffee with the choice of four toppings:&nbsp;milk, dark, or white chocolate, or butterscotch, as well as offering peanut brittle. The product is not just for Christmas. People order the products year-round as customer appreciation gifts or for special occasions.“We’ve sold toffee from New Jersey to California,” Haley said. “People have been so great.”For more information, go to&nbsp;<a href="http://www.tonjastoffee.com/">www.tonjastoffee.com</a>.“That tastes so good, you should sell it!” Perhaps that phrase helped launch this business. We commend Haley Stratmeier, Carrie Marion, and the late Tonja Williams for making a difference by building a business from a family product. It tastes so good, I’m glad they’re selling it.

Now That’s Rural: Haley Stratmeier, Tonja’s Toffee, Scott City

TOPEKA — The Ranchland Trust of Kansas has opened its ninth annual photography contest.

The contest will be open to professional and amateur photographers of
 all ages. Photographs entered will showcase the natural beauty of ranching and grazing lands across the state. The competition offers Kansans the chance to explore and capture the many activities, seasons and faces of Kansas’ ranching
 tradition. 

Participants should submit photos expressing the mission of RTK: “To preserve Kansas’ ranching heritage and open spaces for future generations through the conservation of
 working landscapes.” This may include landscape, livestock and people, with preference to grasslands, grazing land, ranchers, cattle and much more. Participants may enter up to five photos. 

The contest will be open through the entire summer and close on August
 31, 2020. Entries will be judged by a panel of professionals in the field of photography and by RTK representatives.

All prizes for the contest are sponsored by Wolfe’s Camera of Topeka. Wolfe’s will award 10 photo cards to all 10 category winners. Categories include: Grand Prize, Landscape,
 Livestock, People, Youth (ages 5-17, Kansas Livestock Association member, Fan Favorite via Facebook voting and three honorable mentions. The grand prize winner will receive their choice of an 11”x 14” stretched photo canvas or a 12” x 18” metal print of their
 winning photo.

For full contest rules and to enter, visit
<a href="http://www.ranchlandtrustofkansas.org/" target="_blank">www.ranchlandtrustofkansas.org</a>
and find 
Photo Contest on the News and Events page. For questions, please contact Samantha Weishaar at (785) 273-5115 or
<a href="mailto:samantha@kla.org" target="_blank">samantha@kla.org</a>.

RTK is an agricultural land trust affiliate of the Kansas Livestock Association, with a mission to preserve Kansas’ ranching heritage and open
spaces for future generations through the conservation of working landscapes.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/4/1588197824953.jpeg" alt=""Always Watching" in Russell County by Marisa Rose Betts, Russell, 2019 winner of Kansas Livestock Association Member category" />
 <figcaption>"Always Watching" in Russell County by Marisa Rose Betts, Russell, 2019 winner of Kansas Livestock Association Member category</figcaption>
 </figure>RTKTOPEKA — The Ranchland Trust of Kansas has opened its ninth annual photography contest.The contest will be open to professional and amateur photographers of
 all ages. Photographs entered will showcase the natural beauty of ranching and grazing lands across the state. The competition offers Kansans the chance to explore and capture the many activities, seasons and faces of Kansas’ ranching
 tradition. Participants should submit photos expressing the mission of RTK: “To preserve Kansas’ ranching heritage and open spaces for future generations through the conservation of
 working landscapes.” This may include landscape, livestock and people, with preference to grasslands, grazing land, ranchers, cattle and much more. Participants may enter up to five photos. The contest will be open through the entire summer and close on August
 31, 2020. Entries will be judged by a panel of professionals in the field of photography and by RTK representatives.All prizes for the contest are sponsored by Wolfe’s Camera of Topeka. Wolfe’s will award 10 photo cards to all 10 category winners. Categories include: Grand Prize, Landscape,
 Livestock, People, Youth (ages 5-17, Kansas Livestock Association member, Fan Favorite via Facebook voting and three honorable mentions. The grand prize winner will receive their choice of an 11”x 14” stretched photo canvas or a 12” x 18” metal print of their
 winning photo.For full contest rules and to enter, visit
<a href="http://www.ranchlandtrustofkansas.org/" target="_blank">www.ranchlandtrustofkansas.org</a>
and find 
Photo Contest on the News and Events page. For questions, please contact Samantha Weishaar at (785) 273-5115 or
<a href="mailto:samantha@kla.org" target="_blank">samantha@kla.org</a>.RTK is an agricultural land trust affiliate of the Kansas Livestock Association, with a mission to preserve Kansas’ ranching heritage and open
spaces for future generations through the conservation of working landscapes.

Photo contest underway by Ranchland Trust of Kansas

GOODLAND – On April 30 at approximately 12:31 a.m., officers with the Goodland Police Department responded to a report of a suspicious individual who was possibly in possession of a firearm in the 1500 block of Kansas Avenue, Goodland. 

While en route officers were notified that the possibly armed individual had barricaded himself inside a residence. 

The area was secured by the Goodland Police Department and assistance was&nbsp;requested and provided by the Kansas Highway Patrol Special Response Team to help resolve the issue.

The situation came to resolution at approximately 11:37 a.m. 

This incident resulted in the arrest of one individual. 

The individual involved is presumed innocent until proven guilty.

The 1500 block of Kansas Avenue was not accessible to the public during this incident. 

Periphery and resource assistance was provided by Northwest Kansas Emergency Medical Services, Sherman County Communications, the City of Goodland, Sherman County and Goodland Fire Departments and the Sherman County Sheriff’s Office.

UPDATE: At 11:44 a.m. the Goodland Police Department reported the suspect was in custody. No injuries were reported.

SHERMAN COUNTY — Law enforcement authorities are on the scene of a barricaded, potentially armed subject in the 1500 block of Kansas Avenue in Goodland, according to a social media report from police.

Nearby residents have been evacuated and a perimeter has been established. For the safety of all those involved, police asked the public to avoid the area as&nbsp;negotiations and law enforcement presence continued late Thursday morning.

Check Hays Post for additional details as they become available.

Goodland Police DepartmentGOODLAND – On April 30 at approximately 12:31 a.m., officers with the Goodland Police Department responded to a report of a suspicious individual who was possibly in possession of a firearm in the 1500 block of Kansas Avenue, Goodland. While en route officers were notified that the possibly armed individual had barricaded himself inside a residence. The area was secured by the Goodland Police Department and assistance was&nbsp;requested and provided by the Kansas Highway Patrol Special Response Team to help resolve the issue.The situation came to resolution at approximately 11:37 a.m. This incident resulted in the arrest of one individual. The individual involved is presumed innocent until proven guilty.The 1500 block of Kansas Avenue was not accessible to the public during this incident. Periphery and resource assistance was provided by Northwest Kansas Emergency Medical Services, Sherman County Communications, the City of Goodland, Sherman County and Goodland Fire Departments and the Sherman County Sheriff’s Office.<h2>Earlier</h2>UPDATE: At 11:44 a.m. the Goodland Police Department reported the suspect was in custody. No injuries were reported.SHERMAN COUNTY — Law enforcement authorities are on the scene of a barricaded, potentially armed subject in the 1500 block of Kansas Avenue in Goodland, according to a social media report from police.Nearby residents have been evacuated and a perimeter has been established. For the safety of all those involved, police asked the public to avoid the area as&nbsp;negotiations and law enforcement presence continued late Thursday morning.Check Hays Post for additional details as they become available.

Latest: Barricaded suspect in Goodland arrested

During this episode of Navigating the COVID-19 Economic Response, Hays Post reporter James Bell and Grow Hays Executive Director Doug Williams discuss the current developments with COVID-19 business relief efforts during a video Post Podcast that aired live on Thursday, April 30.

<a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/5e879d1eeb7f17053601a319">Part 1 of this limited series can be found by clicking here.</a>

<a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/5e978a47eb7f17053602a2d5">Part 2 can be found here.</a>

<div><iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/PJRKE-54Hn0" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen></iframe></div>During this episode of Navigating the COVID-19 Economic Response, Hays Post reporter James Bell and Grow Hays Executive Director Doug Williams discuss the current developments with COVID-19 business relief efforts during a video Post Podcast that aired live on Thursday, April 30.<a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/5e879d1eeb7f17053601a319">Part 1 of this limited series can be found by clicking here.</a><a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/5e978a47eb7f17053602a2d5">Part 2 can be found here.</a>

🎥Live replay: Navigating the COVID-19 economic response, part 3

Ellis County Health Department

New cases: 0 Current active cases: 0 Recovered cases: 8 Total cases: 8

New cases: As reported by KDHE. Will be updated every 24 hours via press release from ECHD.

Active cases: As determined by the Public Health office. Patients are currently in isolation with daily contact from the ECHD.

Recovered cases: Following KDHE guidelines patients have completed isolation, have had significant improvement of symptoms and have gone 72 hours fever free with no fever-reducing medication.

Total cases: Total number of lab-confirmed Covid-19 patients that reside in Ellis County. Includes both active cases and recovered cases.

Many have noticed the inconsistency between KDHE and ECHD numbers. KDHE has determined that a problem exists between some private labs and the KDHE lab. This does not impact notification to the ECHD. We are notified of all positives and begin the contact tracing immediately. Ellis County Health Department is the most up to date and accurate source of information regarding COVID-19 cases in Ellis County. Follow us on Facebook to ensure that you have current and correct information.

Residents and visitors of Ellis County need to remain diligent in social distancing as well as basic precautions like washing your hands, covering your cough and staying home when you are ill.

Continue to follow and understand guidance provided by CDC, KDHE and ECHD. Make the individual choice to protect yourself and others around you.

Stay informed as information changes frequently. For more information, visit <a href="http://www.cdc.gov/COVID19">www.cdc.gov/COVID19</a> or <a href="http://www.kdheks.gov">www.kdheks.gov</a>/. Call the KDHE phone bank at 1-866-534-3463 (1-866-KDHEINF) Monday – Friday, 8 a.m.–5 p.m. or ECHD at 628-9440.

Ellis County Health DepartmentNew cases: 0 Current active cases: 0 Recovered cases: 8 Total cases: 8New cases: As reported by KDHE. Will be updated every 24 hours via press release from ECHD.Active cases: As determined by the Public Health office. Patients are currently in isolation with daily contact from the ECHD.Recovered cases: Following KDHE guidelines patients have completed isolation, have had significant improvement of symptoms and have gone 72 hours fever free with no fever-reducing medication.Total cases: Total number of lab-confirmed Covid-19 patients that reside in Ellis County. Includes both active cases and recovered cases.Many have noticed the inconsistency between KDHE and ECHD numbers. KDHE has determined that a problem exists between some private labs and the KDHE lab. This does not impact notification to the ECHD. We are notified of all positives and begin the contact tracing immediately. Ellis County Health Department is the most up to date and accurate source of information regarding COVID-19 cases in Ellis County. Follow us on Facebook to ensure that you have current and correct information.Residents and visitors of Ellis County need to remain diligent in social distancing as well as basic precautions like washing your hands, covering your cough and staying home when you are ill.Continue to follow and understand guidance provided by CDC, KDHE and ECHD. Make the individual choice to protect yourself and others around you.Stay informed as information changes frequently. For more information, visit <a href="http://www.cdc.gov/COVID19">www.cdc.gov/COVID19</a> or <a href="http://www.kdheks.gov">www.kdheks.gov</a>/. Call the KDHE phone bank at 1-866-534-3463 (1-866-KDHEINF) Monday – Friday, 8 a.m.–5 p.m. or ECHD at 628-9440.

ECHD: No active COVID-19 cases in county

TOPEKA –&nbsp;The Kansas Department of Health and Environment has rescinded a boil water advisory for&nbsp;Ellis&nbsp;County Rural Water District No.&nbsp;1C.&nbsp;The advisory was issued&nbsp;because of&nbsp;a line break resulting in a&nbsp;loss of pressure in the system. Failure to maintain adequate pressure may result in a loss of chlorine residuals and bacterial contamination.&nbsp;

Public water suppliers in Kansas take all measures necessary to notify customers quickly after a system failure or shutdown. Regardless of whether it’s the supplier or KDHE that announces a boil water advisory, KDHE will issue the rescind order following testing at a certified laboratory.&nbsp;

Laboratory testing samples collected from&nbsp;Ellis&nbsp;Co RWD No.&nbsp;1C&nbsp;indicate&nbsp;no evidence of&nbsp;bacteriological&nbsp;contamination and all other conditions that placed the system at risk of contamination are deemed by KDHE officials to be resolved.  &nbsp;

For consumer&nbsp;questions, please contact the water system or you may call KDHE at 785-296-5514.&nbsp;For consumer information, visit KDHE’s PWS Consumer Information webpage:&nbsp;<a href="https://gcc01.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.kdheks.gov%2Fpws%2Femergencyresponse%2Fwater_disruption.htm&amp;data=02%7C01%7C%7Cba86117ffaed4b86ca6c08d7ed271b43%7Cdcae8101c92d480cbc43c6761ccccc5a%7C0%7C0%7C637238624528458523&amp;sdata=8RMwQYMbUdk1PPodGPa3rjdSu9FMrRuX6%2BTH9PvUZU8%3D&amp;reserved=0" target="_blank">http://www.kdheks.gov/pws/emergencyresponse/water_disruption.htm</a>&nbsp;

KDHETOPEKA –&nbsp;The Kansas Department of Health and Environment has rescinded a boil water advisory for&nbsp;Ellis&nbsp;County Rural Water District No.&nbsp;1C.&nbsp;The advisory was issued&nbsp;because of&nbsp;a line break resulting in a&nbsp;loss of pressure in the system. Failure to maintain adequate pressure may result in a loss of chlorine residuals and bacterial contamination.&nbsp;Public water suppliers in Kansas take all measures necessary to notify customers quickly after a system failure or shutdown. Regardless of whether it’s the supplier or KDHE that announces a boil water advisory, KDHE will issue the rescind order following testing at a certified laboratory.&nbsp;Laboratory testing samples collected from&nbsp;Ellis&nbsp;Co RWD No.&nbsp;1C&nbsp;indicate&nbsp;no evidence of&nbsp;bacteriological&nbsp;contamination and all other conditions that placed the system at risk of contamination are deemed by KDHE officials to be resolved.  &nbsp;For consumer&nbsp;questions, please contact the water system or you may call KDHE at 785-296-5514.&nbsp;For consumer information, visit KDHE’s PWS Consumer Information webpage:&nbsp;<a href="https://gcc01.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.kdheks.gov%2Fpws%2Femergencyresponse%2Fwater_disruption.htm&amp;data=02%7C01%7C%7Cba86117ffaed4b86ca6c08d7ed271b43%7Cdcae8101c92d480cbc43c6761ccccc5a%7C0%7C0%7C637238624528458523&amp;sdata=8RMwQYMbUdk1PPodGPa3rjdSu9FMrRuX6%2BTH9PvUZU8%3D&amp;reserved=0" target="_blank">http://www.kdheks.gov/pws/emergencyresponse/water_disruption.htm</a>&nbsp;

Boil order rescinded for rural water district in Ellis Co. 

<a href="http://www.hayslc.com">To find out more about the Learning Center of Ellis County, visit hayslc.com</a>

<div><iframe title="Summer school plans in place at USD 489" height="400" width="400" style="border: none;" scrolling="no" data-name="pb-iframe-player" src="https://www.podbean.com/media/player/ekur5-daf716?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><a href="http://www.hayslc.com">To find out more about the Learning Center of Ellis County, visit hayslc.com</a>

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