With schools shut down for the year, student work already started the annual Famous Figures contest will go online, giving the students the opportunity to showcase their talents presenting as people from history.

The program normally allows fifth grade students to go through a competition with their classmates, culminating with a countywide stage presentation. But with students out of school, the Hays Arts Council has come up with a creative solution.

"We decided we would still like to showcase the work done by those students," said Brenda Meder, Hays Arts Council executive director.

Classroom competitions normally would have happened right after spring break, but many of the students have already been working on the project for months.

Many teachers use the program as a big part of the semester, allowing students the opportunity to practice&nbsp;organization, public speaking and research along with the history of the individuals.

"It's a really neat way to end the year and it so informative and entertaining to watch what these talented students do," Meder said.&nbsp;

The presentations include icons from early American history, athletes, artists and politicians.

Students will now have the opportunity to submit their 2-3 minute presentation to be shown on the HAC's website and social media.

"I am very excited to see them. It is one of my favorite projects in the course of the year so I am really glad there is a way for them to allow this to come full circle — even if under different circumstances," Meder said.

With the classroom, completion removed this year any student in the fifth grade can participate, including anyone homeschooled.

And with sponsorship from the Hays Lions Club and the Heartland Community Foundation, award medals will be presented to any student who participates.

"We want the students who have the courage and the confidence to put their performances out there for us to share to receive one of those," Meder said. "So we are going to reward some incredible talent as these students wrap up their 5th-grade year."

<a href="https://www.haysartscouncil.org/famous-figures.html">The general information about the program is available on the HAC website.</a>

The deadline for submissions is May 6 and, shortly after, presentations will begin to air.

"Some of theses students are amazing performers," Meder said. "And the characters that we see portrayed in this are so fascinating."

<div><iframe title="Hays Arts Center shifting programs online during" src="https://www.podbean.com/media/player/rv57k-d98868&?from=usersite&skin=3&fonts=Helvetica&auto=1&download=1&share=1&version=1" height="122" width="100%" style="border: none;" scrolling="no" data-name="pb-iframe-player"></iframe></div>By JAMES BELL Hays PostWith schools shut down for the year, student work already started the annual Famous Figures contest will go online, giving the students the opportunity to showcase their talents presenting as people from history.The program normally allows fifth grade students to go through a competition with their classmates, culminating with a countywide stage presentation. But with students out of school, the Hays Arts Council has come up with a creative solution."We decided we would still like to showcase the work done by those students," said Brenda Meder, Hays Arts Council executive director.Classroom competitions normally would have happened right after spring break, but many of the students have already been working on the project for months.Many teachers use the program as a big part of the semester, allowing students the opportunity to practice&nbsp;organization, public speaking and research along with the history of the individuals."It's a really neat way to end the year and it so informative and entertaining to watch what these talented students do," Meder said.&nbsp;The presentations include icons from early American history, athletes, artists and politicians.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/4/1587152487197.jpeg" alt="The annual Famous Figures contest will shift online this year with schools closed for the rest of the semester. (Photo courtesy of the Hays Arts Council.)" />
 <figcaption>The annual Famous Figures contest will shift online this year with schools closed for the rest of the semester. (Photo courtesy of the Hays Arts Council.)</figcaption>
 </figure>Students will now have the opportunity to submit their 2-3 minute presentation to be shown on the HAC's website and social media."I am very excited to see them. It is one of my favorite projects in the course of the year so I am really glad there is a way for them to allow this to come full circle — even if under different circumstances," Meder said.With the classroom, completion removed this year any student in the fifth grade can participate, including anyone homeschooled.And with sponsorship from the Hays Lions Club and the Heartland Community Foundation, award medals will be presented to any student who participates."We want the students who have the courage and the confidence to put their performances out there for us to share to receive one of those," Meder said. "So we are going to reward some incredible talent as these students wrap up their 5th-grade year."<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/4/1587156765228.jpeg" alt="(Photo courtesy of the Hays Arts Council.)" />
 <figcaption>(Photo courtesy of the Hays Arts Council.)</figcaption>
 </figure><a href="https://www.haysartscouncil.org/famous-figures.html">The general information about the program is available on the HAC website.</a>The deadline for submissions is May 6 and, shortly after, presentations will begin to air."Some of theses students are amazing performers," Meder said. "And the characters that we see portrayed in this are so fascinating."

Students to showcase historical figures online after shift in popular program

Well, a month into the state coronavirus stay-at-home order, we’re only sure that there’s not much sure under the Dome at the Kansas Statehouse.

Probably the only thing you can bet on is that the Legislature isn’t going to convene for a short wrapup session as scheduled next Monday, when hopes were that a short maybe day or two session would end lawmakers’ work this election year.

And probably the No. 2 thing that we can be sure about is that all those bills promising tax cuts for Kansans aren’t going anywhere this session. No income tax cuts, no sales tax cut on groceries, no actual property tax cuts are likely to be approved. That’s tough because if there is anything that can distract Kansans from the rising numbers of cases of COVID-19, or the stay home order or the still up-in-the-air decision on whether Gov. Laura Kelly can order churches to meet with no more than 10 congregants, it’s a tax cut.

This week, the Legislature will get (after this column is written and sent to news outlets around the state) its Consensus Revenue Estimate (CRE) of just how much in tax money Kansas is likely to receive in the remaining months of this fiscal year and the new fiscal year that starts July 1.

And most of the discussion about what has been a solid base for figuring out just how much money the state will have to spend or save is just how big the asterisk is going to be on that final estimate. Because that handful of economists will have to make the estimate based on extraordinarily little information about what the pandemic, the shutdown of schools and of many businesses, and the general throttling of activities that yield the state tax dollars will produce.&nbsp;

More money next fiscal year? Doubt it. More income tax revenue next year? Doubt it. But the CRE experts have the background to make their estimate with a broader view of the pressure points on the state’s economy. So, look for an asterisk.&nbsp;

Practically, those estimators won’t even have a good grasp on what the first month of the massive school and business shutdowns have done to the state yet. That first-month information won’t be available until May 1. And it, of course, while being actual hard-dollar information, also will be less than conclusive because it will demonstrate spending—and tax collection—patterns before most Kansans had really figured out how to live with less cash in their pockets, and fewer places to spend it and determined just how to alter their lifestyles to deal with the pandemic.

Lots of hard facts on just what the state will take in and when – remember, income tax payment deadlines have been stretched to July 15 – just aren’t going to be available for at least several weeks.

So, what does the Legislature do whenever it returns? Do legislators stay at home until sometime in May when the money estimates are better? Do legislators just set a course for how to run the state and then hope it works out well and the taxes they pay to the state will cover it?

Lots of talk, of course, about the Republican-dominated Legislature, not the Democrat governor, setting the course for Kansans until the pandemic runs out.

Want to get out of Topeka quickly and get into the re-election campaign season early? Might it take more time to campaign if you can’t hold rallies and chat with voters on the front porch through the screen door?

Yes, it may be a month before legislators wrap up the session. And we’ll see how that works out, won’t we?

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/2019/11/1573590596307.png" alt="Martin Hawver is publisher of Hawver's Capitol Report." />
 <figcaption>Martin Hawver is publisher of Hawver's Capitol Report.</figcaption>
 </figure>Well, a month into the state coronavirus stay-at-home order, we’re only sure that there’s not much sure under the Dome at the Kansas Statehouse.Probably the only thing you can bet on is that the Legislature isn’t going to convene for a short wrapup session as scheduled next Monday, when hopes were that a short maybe day or two session would end lawmakers’ work this election year.And probably the No. 2 thing that we can be sure about is that all those bills promising tax cuts for Kansans aren’t going anywhere this session. No income tax cuts, no sales tax cut on groceries, no actual property tax cuts are likely to be approved. That’s tough because if there is anything that can distract Kansans from the rising numbers of cases of COVID-19, or the stay home order or the still up-in-the-air decision on whether Gov. Laura Kelly can order churches to meet with no more than 10 congregants, it’s a tax cut.This week, the Legislature will get (after this column is written and sent to news outlets around the state) its Consensus Revenue Estimate (CRE) of just how much in tax money Kansas is likely to receive in the remaining months of this fiscal year and the new fiscal year that starts July 1.And most of the discussion about what has been a solid base for figuring out just how much money the state will have to spend or save is just how big the asterisk is going to be on that final estimate. Because that handful of economists will have to make the estimate based on extraordinarily little information about what the pandemic, the shutdown of schools and of many businesses, and the general throttling of activities that yield the state tax dollars will produce.&nbsp;More money next fiscal year? Doubt it. More income tax revenue next year? Doubt it. But the CRE experts have the background to make their estimate with a broader view of the pressure points on the state’s economy. So, look for an asterisk.&nbsp;Practically, those estimators won’t even have a good grasp on what the first month of the massive school and business shutdowns have done to the state yet. That first-month information won’t be available until May 1. And it, of course, while being actual hard-dollar information, also will be less than conclusive because it will demonstrate spending—and tax collection—patterns before most Kansans had really figured out how to live with less cash in their pockets, and fewer places to spend it and determined just how to alter their lifestyles to deal with the pandemic.Lots of hard facts on just what the state will take in and when – remember, income tax payment deadlines have been stretched to July 15 – just aren’t going to be available for at least several weeks.So, what does the Legislature do whenever it returns? Do legislators stay at home until sometime in May when the money estimates are better? Do legislators just set a course for how to run the state and then hope it works out well and the taxes they pay to the state will cover it?Lots of talk, of course, about the Republican-dominated Legislature, not the Democrat governor, setting the course for Kansans until the pandemic runs out.Want to get out of Topeka quickly and get into the re-election campaign season early? Might it take more time to campaign if you can’t hold rallies and chat with voters on the front porch through the screen door?Yes, it may be a month before legislators wrap up the session. And we’ll see how that works out, won’t we?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: Tax cuts likely off the table in Kan. Legislature

If you have had problems with canes or stems of lilac and privet suddenly wilting, or ash trees that show borer holes in the trunk and larger branches, the ash/lilac borer may be to blame. 

This insect causes the base of infested lilac stems to swell and the bark to separate from the wood. A fine sawdust-like material is present around holes in the canes. Ash and mountain ash also are affected. The borer attacks the trunk, which may cause bark to swell and crack if there are repeated infestations.
&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;


Ash/lilac borers overwinter as larvae in infested trees and shrubs. Moths generally begin to emerge in mid to late April. Emergence peaks in May, dwindles by mid to late June and ends by the first week of July. However, this varies by year. The moth has clear wings and resembles a wasp. There is one generation per year.
&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;


Public and commercially managed properties often use pheromone traps to determine the presence of adults. Spray treatments are started seven to 10 days after capture of the first moths.
&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;


Sprays also can be timed using phenology, the practice of timing one event by another. The first spray for ash/lilac borer should be applied when the Vanhoutte spirea is in full to late bloom. This is often about the third week in April but can be as early as late March and as late as mid-May. Apply a second spray four weeks after the first. 

To see a photo of Vanhoutte spirea, go to:&nbsp;<a href="http://plantsci.missouri.edu/ps2210/list9/spix_van.htm">http://plantsci.missouri.edu/ps2210/list9/spix_van.htm</a>&nbsp;.
&nbsp;
Thoroughly treat the trunk and larger limbs of ash or the lower portion of the stems of lilac or privet. Heavily infested ash should be cut and burned during the fall and winter. Infested stems of lilac or privet should be removed as well.&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;

Bifenthrin or permethrin (Hi-Yield Garden, Pet, and Livestock Insect Control and 38 Plus Turf, Termite and Ornamental Insect Control) are labeled for control. Though there are a number of homeowner products that contain one or the other of these two active ingredients, the permethrin products listed above are the only ones I've found that specifically lists the ash/lilac borer on the label with directions for control.&nbsp;

Lauren Fick is the Horticulture Extension Agent for the Cottonwood Extension District. If you have questions she can be contacted by e-mail at lfick@k-state.edu or by phone at 785-628-9430 or 620-793-1910.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/2/1580750915301.jpeg" alt="Lauren Fick is the Horticulture Extension Agent for the Cottonwood Extension District." />
 <figcaption>Lauren Fick is the Horticulture Extension Agent for the Cottonwood Extension District.</figcaption>
 </figure>If you have had problems with canes or stems of lilac and privet suddenly wilting, or ash trees that show borer holes in the trunk and larger branches, the ash/lilac borer may be to blame. This insect causes the base of infested lilac stems to swell and the bark to separate from the wood. A fine sawdust-like material is present around holes in the canes. Ash and mountain ash also are affected. The borer attacks the trunk, which may cause bark to swell and crack if there are repeated infestations.
&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;
Ash/lilac borers overwinter as larvae in infested trees and shrubs. Moths generally begin to emerge in mid to late April. Emergence peaks in May, dwindles by mid to late June and ends by the first week of July. However, this varies by year. The moth has clear wings and resembles a wasp. There is one generation per year.
&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;
Public and commercially managed properties often use pheromone traps to determine the presence of adults. Spray treatments are started seven to 10 days after capture of the first moths.
&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;
Sprays also can be timed using phenology, the practice of timing one event by another. The first spray for ash/lilac borer should be applied when the Vanhoutte spirea is in full to late bloom. This is often about the third week in April but can be as early as late March and as late as mid-May. Apply a second spray four weeks after the first. To see a photo of Vanhoutte spirea, go to:&nbsp;<a href="http://plantsci.missouri.edu/ps2210/list9/spix_van.htm">http://plantsci.missouri.edu/ps2210/list9/spix_van.htm</a>&nbsp;.
&nbsp;
Thoroughly treat the trunk and larger limbs of ash or the lower portion of the stems of lilac or privet. Heavily infested ash should be cut and burned during the fall and winter. Infested stems of lilac or privet should be removed as well.&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; Bifenthrin or permethrin (Hi-Yield Garden, Pet, and Livestock Insect Control and 38 Plus Turf, Termite and Ornamental Insect Control) are labeled for control. Though there are a number of homeowner products that contain one or the other of these two active ingredients, the permethrin products listed above are the only ones I've found that specifically lists the ash/lilac borer on the label with directions for control.&nbsp;Lauren Fick is the Horticulture Extension Agent for the Cottonwood Extension District. If you have questions she can be contacted by e-mail at lfick@k-state.edu or by phone at 785-628-9430 or 620-793-1910.&nbsp;

FICK: Protecting your lilacs from ash/lilac borer

Refunds are now available for season ticket holders for the final three shows of the 19-20 Encore season at Fort Hays State University. The final three performances were canceled in response to the COVID-19 pandemic.

The performances by The Rad Trads and performances of “Bandstand: The Musical” and “Anne of Green Gables” were scheduled for March 13, April 15, and May 5, respectively.&nbsp;

The Fort Hays State University Special Events Committee has arranged for ticket holders to request refunds through an online form. Refunds may be credited as a tax-deductible donation to the FHSU Foundation or credited to the purchaser directly.

The refund request form can be located on the Encore Series website, under the Tickets menu, or by going to&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsu.edu/encore/encore-refund-form.html" target="_blank">https://fhsu.edu/encore/encore-refund-form.html</a>.

Requests for a refund must be submitted by Friday, May 1, 2020. Refunds will be processed beginning Monday, May 4, and may take two to four weeks for processing.

If tickets were purchased as a part of a season ticket package, they will be refunded at a prorated amount.

General public, $78.31; senior citizen, $72.17; FHSU students or for children, $48.01.

General public, $68.01; senior citizen, $61.82; for FHSU students or for children, $37.71.

About the Special Events Committee:&nbsp;Through the presentation of varied forms of performing arts, the Special Events Committee strives to educate, inspire, evoke thought, and entertain. The goal is to promote artistic expression, cultural understanding, and social awareness at Fort Hays State University and throughout western Kansas through the presentation of diverse, high-caliber performing arts programs. Information can be found at&nbsp;<a href="http://www.fhsu.edu/encore">www.fhsu.edu/encore</a>.

FHSU University RelationsRefunds are now available for season ticket holders for the final three shows of the 19-20 Encore season at Fort Hays State University. The final three performances were canceled in response to the COVID-19 pandemic.The performances by The Rad Trads and performances of “Bandstand: The Musical” and “Anne of Green Gables” were scheduled for March 13, April 15, and May 5, respectively.&nbsp;The Fort Hays State University Special Events Committee has arranged for ticket holders to request refunds through an online form. Refunds may be credited as a tax-deductible donation to the FHSU Foundation or credited to the purchaser directly.The refund request form can be located on the Encore Series website, under the Tickets menu, or by going to&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsu.edu/encore/encore-refund-form.html" target="_blank">https://fhsu.edu/encore/encore-refund-form.html</a>.Requests for a refund must be submitted by Friday, May 1, 2020. Refunds will be processed beginning Monday, May 4, and may take two to four weeks for processing.If tickets were purchased as a part of a season ticket package, they will be refunded at a prorated amount.For reserved season ticket holders:General public, $78.31; senior citizen, $72.17; FHSU students or for children, $48.01.For unreserved season ticket holders:General public, $68.01; senior citizen, $61.82; for FHSU students or for children, $37.71.About the Special Events Committee:&nbsp;Through the presentation of varied forms of performing arts, the Special Events Committee strives to educate, inspire, evoke thought, and entertain. The goal is to promote artistic expression, cultural understanding, and social awareness at Fort Hays State University and throughout western Kansas through the presentation of diverse, high-caliber performing arts programs. Information can be found at&nbsp;<a href="http://www.fhsu.edu/encore">www.fhsu.edu/encore</a>.

Refunds available for canceled Encore shows at Fort Hays State

While Kansas high school baseball players have lost their spring season, there remains hope that summer baseball will be played.

"We are optimistically getting ready to play baseball," said Steve Queen, Kansas American Legion State Baseball chairman. "As long as we get started in early June ... we will play the regular season."

While the national American Legion has already cancelled regional and national tournaments for the upcoming summer, it remains the decision of state organization whether pitches are thrown in 2020, said Paul Harris, media relations director for the national organization.

"It will be up to the Kansas committee," Harris said.

A number of states have already called off the 2020 season. But, in Kansas, that committee remains hopeful there will be plenty of baseball this summer.

"We control the destiny of what's going on in the state of Kansas," Queen told Hays Post on Saturday. "We want to be patient and not overreact."

Queen urged each team —&nbsp;locally controlled by a Legion branch or local board — to register and secure insurance for the coming season. 

Should the worst-case scenario arise, "all funds will be returned," he said.

In Hays, both the Eagles and the Monarchs are planning on playing baseball this summer.

"We understand that things are not like they normally are in April. Our intention is to offer these young men the opportunity to play baseball in the summer as we have in the past," said Skip Cox of the Hays Eagles board. "Although, if something happens and we are told they cannot play, we will refund the player fees to all players."

Trey Wentling of the Monarchs echoed those sentiments.

"The TMP Monarchs Legion team are planning on playing as scheduled for the summer. We are registered with American Legion and our players are completing their paper work for submitting our roster," he told Hays Post. "TMP currently has 12 doubleheaders scheduled and, as long as teams are still willing to play and the state of Kansas allows, we will be ready for our home opener on June 3 versus Dodge City."

If summer baseball returns by early June, Queen said, the organization is optimistic that Legion players will be able to play a full regular season along with zone and state tournaments — although the winner of that tournament will be unlikely to continue its season.\

Queen added, however, that trophies aren't the reason for Legion leagues.

"We not here to get winners. We're here to get players — to give the opportunity," he said. "And the opportunity will be there — unless we are restricted from offering it."

Queen added that teams that do play this summer will be under reduced roster and other restrictions, noting those details will be decided later.

"We are planning on playing and that is our position," he said, "until somebody drops a bomb on us."

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/4/1587339111105.jpeg" alt="Courtesy photo" />
 <figcaption>Courtesy photo</figcaption>
 </figure>Hays PostWhile Kansas high school baseball players have lost their spring season, there remains hope that summer baseball will be played."We are optimistically getting ready to play baseball," said Steve Queen, Kansas American Legion State Baseball chairman. "As long as we get started in early June ... we will play the regular season."While the national American Legion has already cancelled regional and national tournaments for the upcoming summer, it remains the decision of state organization whether pitches are thrown in 2020, said Paul Harris, media relations director for the national organization."It will be up to the Kansas committee," Harris said.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/4/1587339176913.jpeg" alt="Courtesy photo" />
 <figcaption>Courtesy photo</figcaption>
 </figure>A number of states have already called off the 2020 season. But, in Kansas, that committee remains hopeful there will be plenty of baseball this summer."We control the destiny of what's going on in the state of Kansas," Queen told Hays Post on Saturday. "We want to be patient and not overreact."Queen urged each team —&nbsp;locally controlled by a Legion branch or local board — to register and secure insurance for the coming season. Should the worst-case scenario arise, "all funds will be returned," he said.In Hays, both the Eagles and the Monarchs are planning on playing baseball this summer."We understand that things are not like they normally are in April. Our intention is to offer these young men the opportunity to play baseball in the summer as we have in the past," said Skip Cox of the Hays Eagles board. "Although, if something happens and we are told they cannot play, we will refund the player fees to all players."<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/4/1587339212134.jpeg" alt="Courtesy photo" />
 <figcaption>Courtesy photo</figcaption>
 </figure>Trey Wentling of the Monarchs echoed those sentiments."The TMP Monarchs Legion team are planning on playing as scheduled for the summer. We are registered with American Legion and our players are completing their paper work for submitting our roster," he told Hays Post. "TMP currently has 12 doubleheaders scheduled and, as long as teams are still willing to play and the state of Kansas allows, we will be ready for our home opener on June 3 versus Dodge City."If summer baseball returns by early June, Queen said, the organization is optimistic that Legion players will be able to play a full regular season along with zone and state tournaments — although the winner of that tournament will be unlikely to continue its season.\<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/4/1587339240009.jpeg" alt="Courtesy photo" />
 <figcaption>Courtesy photo</figcaption>
 </figure>Queen added, however, that trophies aren't the reason for Legion leagues."We not here to get winners. We're here to get players — to give the opportunity," he said. "And the opportunity will be there — unless we are restricted from offering it."Queen added that teams that do play this summer will be under reduced roster and other restrictions, noting those details will be decided later."We are planning on playing and that is our position," he said, "until somebody drops a bomb on us."<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/4/1587339272071.jpeg" alt="Courtesy photo" />
 <figcaption>Courtesy photo</figcaption>
 </figure>

Legion baseball in Kansas still on for June start ... for now

By CRISTINA JANNEY Hays Post

If you are not safe at home, you can still leave during a stay-at-home order.

This is the message that&nbsp;<a href="http://help4abuse.org/">Options Domestic and Sexual Violence Services&nbsp;</a>is trying to communicate to survivors of domestic violence.

Jennifer Hecker, Options executive director, said the number of calls to Options has dramatically increased in the last week.

Hecker was unable to give specific numbers as their data input has been a slower with people working from home.

Two people are manning the hotline at all times, and Hecker has had to serve as back up to handle the call volume.

"I think the cases are more in-depth and complicated than what we are normally seeing," she said. "We are trying to work around all the issues with COVID and how to get them support."

The Options shelter is currently full, and the agency has been temporarily referring survivors to hotels. That has even been a challenge in some rural areas, as some hotels are closed. Some survivors could not be sheltered in their home counties for this reason.

Options covers an 18-county area from Russell County north to the Nebraska border and west to the Colorado border.

Any survivor who has been exposed to COVID-19 can't be placed in the Options shelter. They have to be placed in a hotel and are required to quarantine for at least 14 days.&nbsp;

"If that happens with a number of people," Hecker said. "We may run out of funding to continue to provide that support. We hope that doesn't happen. We are working on some fundraising, but that is a challenge now too."

Options has applied for funds through the Small Business Administration, as well as for local grants.

The shelter has also struggled to find hand sanitizer and some cleaning supplies. Options ordered products, but the orders will not be filled for a month. Mary Kay is donating hand sanitizer to domestic violence programs, including Options.

Volunteers have also made facemasks for volunteers and families who are in the shelter.

"The community is coming to the aid of the survivors who we are working with," Hecker said. "We have had some supporters in the community provide some additional funding."

Some of those funds will be used for overflow housing in hotels.

Options is still needing donations of hand sanitizer, masks and cleaning products. Those donations can be left inside the first set of doors at the Options office in Hays at 2716 Plaza.

The tension in abusive relationships can be heightened when families are under the added stress of the quarantine, Hecker said.&nbsp; An abuser who normally might be at work all day is home, Hecker said, which can speed up the cycle of violence.

There could be the added stresses of teaching and caring for children full time, as well as financial stresses if someone in the family has been laid off or furloughed, she said.

When abusers are not leaving the home for work, that gives no respite to the survivor. It also does not give the survivor the opportunity to reach out to support resources, such as Options, Hecker said.

Options is writing a grant to develop a digital texting system. This would allow someone to download an app on their phone that would allow them to text directly with an Options advocate. Survivors could also contact Options through a secure email.

The abuser may also use the fear about the coronavirus to further manipulate the survivor and other family members.

"There are just so many more stressors on top of the fear of 'What happens if we get it? How do we keep our family safe?' There are so many more stressors that can contribute to that violence," Hecker said.

Accessing some resources has been more difficult for survivors, Hecker said.

Although many district court functions have been suspended at this time, courts are still processing protection from abuse and protection from stalking orders.

Nurses are also still providing sexual assault exams.

"Unfortunately, violence and abuse don't stop during times like this," Hecker said. "They tend to ramp up."

&nbsp;Transportation has been difficult to find. In Hays, the ACCESS public transportation bus is no longer running. Options is working with volunteers, in some cases, to provide transportation.

The Options support groups and classes are continuing through conference calls.

"I think those are things survivors are going to need now more than ever," Hecker said. "Isolation is something that many victims of domestic violence experience. Now we have an added layer of isolation on top of what was already happening."

Classes, support groups and any assistance can be accessed through the Options's 24-hour support line at 1-800-794-4624.

'What You Were Wearing' Exhibit goes online

April is Sexual Assault Awareness Month, and Options usually presents its "What Were You Wearing" exhibition, which is a display of clothing survivors were wearing when they were sexually assaulted.

That exhibition has been moved online and can be seen on the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.facebook.com/OptionsHays/">Options Facebook page.</a>

Cover photo by Volkan Olmez on Unsplash

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/4/1587317016651.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>By CRISTINA JANNEY Hays PostIf you are not safe at home, you can still leave during a stay-at-home order.This is the message that&nbsp;<a href="http://help4abuse.org/">Options Domestic and Sexual Violence Services&nbsp;</a>is trying to communicate to survivors of domestic violence.Jennifer Hecker, Options executive director, said the number of calls to Options has dramatically increased in the last week.Hecker was unable to give specific numbers as their data input has been a slower with people working from home.Two people are manning the hotline at all times, and Hecker has had to serve as back up to handle the call volume."I think the cases are more in-depth and complicated than what we are normally seeing," she said. "We are trying to work around all the issues with COVID and how to get them support."<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/4/1587152282307.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure><h2>Shelter full</h2>The Options shelter is currently full, and the agency has been temporarily referring survivors to hotels. That has even been a challenge in some rural areas, as some hotels are closed. Some survivors could not be sheltered in their home counties for this reason.Options covers an 18-county area from Russell County north to the Nebraska border and west to the Colorado border.Any survivor who has been exposed to COVID-19 can't be placed in the Options shelter. They have to be placed in a hotel and are required to quarantine for at least 14 days.&nbsp;<h2>Struggle to find funding, extra supplies</h2>"If that happens with a number of people," Hecker said. "We may run out of funding to continue to provide that support. We hope that doesn't happen. We are working on some fundraising, but that is a challenge now too."Options has applied for funds through the Small Business Administration, as well as for local grants.The shelter has also struggled to find hand sanitizer and some cleaning supplies. Options ordered products, but the orders will not be filled for a month. Mary Kay is donating hand sanitizer to domestic violence programs, including Options.Volunteers have also made facemasks for volunteers and families who are in the shelter."The community is coming to the aid of the survivors who we are working with," Hecker said. "We have had some supporters in the community provide some additional funding."Some of those funds will be used for overflow housing in hotels.Options is still needing donations of hand sanitizer, masks and cleaning products. Those donations can be left inside the first set of doors at the Options office in Hays at 2716 Plaza.<h2>Quarantine speeds the cycle of violence</h2>The tension in abusive relationships can be heightened when families are under the added stress of the quarantine, Hecker said.&nbsp; An abuser who normally might be at work all day is home, Hecker said, which can speed up the cycle of violence.There could be the added stresses of teaching and caring for children full time, as well as financial stresses if someone in the family has been laid off or furloughed, she said.When abusers are not leaving the home for work, that gives no respite to the survivor. It also does not give the survivor the opportunity to reach out to support resources, such as Options, Hecker said.Options is writing a grant to develop a digital texting system. This would allow someone to download an app on their phone that would allow them to text directly with an Options advocate. Survivors could also contact Options through a secure email.The abuser may also use the fear about the coronavirus to further manipulate the survivor and other family members."There are just so many more stressors on top of the fear of 'What happens if we get it? How do we keep our family safe?' There are so many more stressors that can contribute to that violence," Hecker said.<h2>Accessing resources more difficult</h2>Accessing some resources has been more difficult for survivors, Hecker said.Although many district court functions have been suspended at this time, courts are still processing protection from abuse and protection from stalking orders.Nurses are also still providing sexual assault exams."Unfortunately, violence and abuse don't stop during times like this," Hecker said. "They tend to ramp up."&nbsp;Transportation has been difficult to find. In Hays, the ACCESS public transportation bus is no longer running. Options is working with volunteers, in some cases, to provide transportation.The Options support groups and classes are continuing through conference calls."I think those are things survivors are going to need now more than ever," Hecker said. "Isolation is something that many victims of domestic violence experience. Now we have an added layer of isolation on top of what was already happening."Classes, support groups and any assistance can be accessed through the Options's 24-hour support line at 1-800-794-4624.<h2>'What You Were Wearing' Exhibit goes online</h2>April is Sexual Assault Awareness Month, and Options usually presents its "What Were You Wearing" exhibition, which is a display of clothing survivors were wearing when they were sexually assaulted.That exhibition has been moved online and can be seen on the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.facebook.com/OptionsHays/">Options Facebook page.</a>Cover photo by Volkan Olmez on Unsplash

Options sees dramatic increase in domestic violence calls as Kansans stay home

I’ve only dabbled with hunting turkeys the past couple springs, allowing other “stuff” to take priority. So, this year, amongst all the “stay-at-home and social distancing” madness, I thought “What better time to get serious about hunting spring turkeys. I sat down and phoned five different land owners, all within decent driving distance of home and asked them permission to hunt turkeys on their land this year. I could have recorded the conversation with any one of them and simply played it back five different times, because the first thing out of all their mouths was the question “Where have all the turkeys gone?”

Back in January a press release was issue by the Kansas Dept of Wildlife, Parks and Tourism (KDWPT) addressing the issue of declining turkey populations in the Midwest, including Kansas. This week I spoke with Kent Fricke, Small Game Coordinator with the KDWPT and got a little “Kansas turkey 101.”&nbsp;

Fricke says the Kansas turkey population peaked in about 2008 and has declined since, some years slowly and other years steadily, and the harvest of Kansas wild turkeys peaked in about 2015. He told me the turkey populations were too high in some areas for a time, and now it’s hard to know what good population numbers should be for different areas of the state. Each year the KDWPT uses counts by farmers, rural mail carriers and wildlife and parks personnel to estimate reproduction rates of deer, quail, pheasants and turkeys. Last year’s turkey production estimate (number of new chicks hatched and surviving) was the lowest on record. Fricke gave me four factors that can affect wild turkey populations in Kansas, none of which can be controlled much, and here’s his take on each, in no particular order.

Kent Fricke told me “Our primary focus is declining nest and brood survival rates, which are influenced by habitat and weather. As turkey biologists, we don’t have a good handle on which of these factors, if any are causing this decline in turkey numbers. Harvest numbers are about the only thing we as an agency can control by adjusting season lengths and harvest limits.”&nbsp;

As hunters and landowners, lets do our part in helping solve this problem by adhering to seasons and harvest regulations, by trapping predators and by leaving and creating habitat for turkey nesting and survival.

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

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/11/1574696211722.png" alt="Steve Gilliland" />
 <figcaption>Steve Gilliland</figcaption>
 </figure>I’ve only dabbled with hunting turkeys the past couple springs, allowing other “stuff” to take priority. So, this year, amongst all the “stay-at-home and social distancing” madness, I thought “What better time to get serious about hunting spring turkeys. I sat down and phoned five different land owners, all within decent driving distance of home and asked them permission to hunt turkeys on their land this year. I could have recorded the conversation with any one of them and simply played it back five different times, because the first thing out of all their mouths was the question “Where have all the turkeys gone?”Back in January a press release was issue by the Kansas Dept of Wildlife, Parks and Tourism (KDWPT) addressing the issue of declining turkey populations in the Midwest, including Kansas. This week I spoke with Kent Fricke, Small Game Coordinator with the KDWPT and got a little “Kansas turkey 101.”&nbsp;Fricke says the Kansas turkey population peaked in about 2008 and has declined since, some years slowly and other years steadily, and the harvest of Kansas wild turkeys peaked in about 2015. He told me the turkey populations were too high in some areas for a time, and now it’s hard to know what good population numbers should be for different areas of the state. Each year the KDWPT uses counts by farmers, rural mail carriers and wildlife and parks personnel to estimate reproduction rates of deer, quail, pheasants and turkeys. Last year’s turkey production estimate (number of new chicks hatched and surviving) was the lowest on record. Fricke gave me four factors that can affect wild turkey populations in Kansas, none of which can be controlled much, and here’s his take on each, in no particular order.<ol>
 <li>Weather obviously affects all wildlife populations. Last spring’s floods, and exceptionally dry springs and summers can wreak havoc with turkey numbers. But Fricke pointed out that weather has a different effect in different parts of the state. Wet springs in the west are good and produce more green cover and insects that young turkeys need. Wet springs in the east, however often cause horrendous flooding like last year and decimate turkey nests. This works adversely for drought. Exceptionally dry springs and summers in the west bake everything, while those same conditions in the east have less adverse effects because the eastern part of the state is greener. Fricke says turkey hens will re-nest if its early enough in the season. If their nest or young are destroyed late in the spring, they simply will not reproduce that year.</li><li>Habitat conservation is always an issue with wildlife populations, and Fricke calls habitat management “huge” for turkey numbers. He says with the massive decline in turkey numbers, he would expect to see glaring differences in habitat across the state, but aside from the evolving farming practices and removal of some tree rows, he can’t pinpoint any change in habitat that would explain the drop in turkey number seen. Fricke asks that farmers and landowners leave a few grassy and weedy areas around their properties to provide nesting cover and to attract insects necessary for young turkey’s survival.</li><li>Predation is another factor to consider. The Midwest has no shortage of predators, but when thinking about predation as a problem to turkey numbers, many folks only consider young birds being eaten by coyotes and bobcats, both of which are numerous here in Kansas. The other part of the equation is the number of nests that are robbed and destroyed by raccoons, skunks, possums and feral house cats, all of which love fresh eggs, and will also snatch baby turkey chicks if given the opportunity. Predator trapping and hunting are the most effective ways of helping control predator numbers.</li><li>Disease can be another factor in dwindling wildlife numbers, but Fricke says there is no current indication that disease has played any part in the declining turkey population in Kansas.</li>
 </ol>Kent Fricke told me “Our primary focus is declining nest and brood survival rates, which are influenced by habitat and weather. As turkey biologists, we don’t have a good handle on which of these factors, if any are causing this decline in turkey numbers. Harvest numbers are about the only thing we as an agency can control by adjusting season lengths and harvest limits.”&nbsp;As hunters and landowners, lets do our part in helping solve this problem by adhering to seasons and harvest regulations, by trapping predators and by leaving and creating habitat for turkey nesting and survival.Steve Gilliland, Inman, can be contacted by email at stevenrgilliland@gmail.com.

Exploring Outdoor Kansas: Where have all the turkeys gone?

Three-day weather outlook

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

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

<figure>
 <iframe width="560" height="315" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/wVVr8fIH71o"></iframe>
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>The Ellis County Ministerial Alliance has partnered with Hays Post to bring you Encouraging Words, a series of messages from Ellis County faith leaders.Check Hays Post on Wednesdays and Sundays for the latest Encouraging Words.

🎥 Encouraging Words: Pastor Kevin Daniels

The Eagle Radio of Hays Online Auction is currently underway!

There are several great items to bid on including:

Professor's Classic Sandwich Shop Party Reservation for the Facility

&nbsp; Need a place to have a birthday party, family reunion, wedding rehearsal dinner, or any other group get together? Have the entire Professors dining area to yourself any evening after 4pm, occupancy based on available dates. Seats up to 130. Can bring in outside refreshments and work with Amy Jensen, owner of Professors if you would like food served.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Radke Implement Kubota DZ Riding Mower

Retail Price $16999 Current bid $12,000

This new Kubota DZ 12-11 riding lawn mower has a 72 inch cutting width with side discharge. The shaft-driven deck means no pulley’s or belts. There’s more than enough power with Kubota’s diesel driven 26 HP 3-cylinder engine driving this zero-turn mower.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Wolf Furniture Galleries Set of End Tables and Cocktail Table

This set of two end tables and matching cocktail display table is up for bid from Wolf Furniture Galleries in Hays. This rustic set features two end tables with one drawer and plenty of under-storage to accentuate your living room. With these end tables, comes a very unique display cocktail table. The top glass of the cocktail table slides open in two different directions for display of collections and other figurines. The storage area can also be used for storage of remotes, books, and many other items used in the living room. It’s a very unique collection, built sturdy for year of enjoyment. Pass your old set on to the kids, and bid now on this set of two end tables and display cocktail table from Wolf Furniture Galleries, north of I70 in Hays, open 7 days a week.&nbsp;&nbsp;

S and S Trailer Sales 1 Month Grain Trailer Rental during 2020 Wheat Harvest

This item is good for a 1 month "grain trailer" rental during the 2020 wheat harvest from S and S Trailer Sales of Ness City. Rent whatever length Mauer steel hopper grain trailer you'd like - from 24 foot all the way up to 42 foot. This will cover any grain trailer rental for 1 full month during the 2020 wheat harvest. This is for wheat harvest only from S and S Trailer Sales of Ness City.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Simpson Farm Enterprises Hypro Transfer Pump

The Pentair Hypro SF-1100-PTS Series Ag Runner is one of the best transfer pump systems on the market.&nbsp; The Ag Runner is portable, flexible and extremely versatile, especially those that use multiple containers.&nbsp; The entire system is a sturdy, easy-to-carry welded frame.&nbsp; It has an industry leading pump, is built for rugged service, with a simple, accurate flow container.&nbsp; Includes a 20 foot cable, electronic flow meter, 12 VDC motor.&nbsp;&nbsp;

This certificate is good for anything at Arthur’s Pizza except alcohol. Enjoy pizza, Mexican, appetizers, desserts, salad, challenge pizzas and new menu items. Arthur’s Pizza and Mexican Foods, 109 W. 9th, Ellis, KS 67637. 785-726-4683 Use by 3/31/21.&nbsp;&nbsp;



The Eagle Radio of Hays Online Auction is currently underway!There are several great items to bid on including:<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/3/1583430973460.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Professor's Classic Sandwich Shop Party Reservation for the FacilityRetail Price $500 Current bid $50&nbsp; Need a place to have a birthday party, family reunion, wedding rehearsal dinner, or any other group get together? Have the entire Professors dining area to yourself any evening after 4pm, occupancy based on available dates. Seats up to 130. Can bring in outside refreshments and work with Amy Jensen, owner of Professors if you would like food served.&nbsp;&nbsp;<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/2/1581613299030.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Radke Implement Kubota DZ Riding MowerRetail Price $16999 Current bid $12,000This new Kubota DZ 12-11 riding lawn mower has a 72 inch cutting width with side discharge. The shaft-driven deck means no pulley’s or belts. There’s more than enough power with Kubota’s diesel driven 26 HP 3-cylinder engine driving this zero-turn mower.&nbsp;&nbsp;<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/3/1584379047150.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Wolf Furniture Galleries Set of End Tables and Cocktail TableRetail Price $2135 Current bid $370This set of two end tables and matching cocktail display table is up for bid from Wolf Furniture Galleries in Hays. This rustic set features two end tables with one drawer and plenty of under-storage to accentuate your living room. With these end tables, comes a very unique display cocktail table. The top glass of the cocktail table slides open in two different directions for display of collections and other figurines. The storage area can also be used for storage of remotes, books, and many other items used in the living room. It’s a very unique collection, built sturdy for year of enjoyment. Pass your old set on to the kids, and bid now on this set of two end tables and display cocktail table from Wolf Furniture Galleries, north of I70 in Hays, open 7 days a week.&nbsp;&nbsp;<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/1/1579798362125.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>S and S Trailer Sales 1 Month Grain Trailer Rental during 2020 Wheat HarvestRetail Price $2000 Current bid $800This item is good for a 1 month "grain trailer" rental during the 2020 wheat harvest from S and S Trailer Sales of Ness City. Rent whatever length Mauer steel hopper grain trailer you'd like - from 24 foot all the way up to 42 foot. This will cover any grain trailer rental for 1 full month during the 2020 wheat harvest. This is for wheat harvest only from S and S Trailer Sales of Ness City.&nbsp;&nbsp;<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/3/1583861910543.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Simpson Farm Enterprises Hypro Transfer PumpRetail Price $1200 Current bid $470The Pentair Hypro SF-1100-PTS Series Ag Runner is one of the best transfer pump systems on the market.&nbsp; The Ag Runner is portable, flexible and extremely versatile, especially those that use multiple containers.&nbsp; The entire system is a sturdy, easy-to-carry welded frame.&nbsp; It has an industry leading pump, is built for rugged service, with a simple, accurate flow container.&nbsp; Includes a 20 foot cable, electronic flow meter, 12 VDC motor.&nbsp;&nbsp;<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/1/1579623151266.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Arthur's Pizza $50 CertificateRetail Price $50 Current bid $31This certificate is good for anything at Arthur’s Pizza except alcohol. Enjoy pizza, Mexican, appetizers, desserts, salad, challenge pizzas and new menu items. Arthur’s Pizza and Mexican Foods, 109 W. 9th, Ellis, KS 67637. 785-726-4683 Use by 3/31/21.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Eagle Radio Online Auction is underway!

Below is this week's special devotional message from Life Church Senior Pastor Craig Groeschel.

This program is brought to you by the H2O Church, 305 N. Pomeroy, Hill City.

H2O Church ministers to the small-town rural areas. The resources donated from Life Church gives rural churches the ability to address the immediate needs of rural America.

<a href="http://www.h2ochurch.tv">Find out more at H2Ochurch.tv</a>.

Below is this week's special devotional message from Life Church Senior Pastor Craig Groeschel.This program is brought to you by the H2O Church, 305 N. Pomeroy, Hill City.H2O Church ministers to the small-town rural areas. The resources donated from Life Church gives rural churches the ability to address the immediate needs of rural America.<a href="http://www.h2ochurch.tv">Find out more at H2Ochurch.tv</a>.<div><iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/FPxNuKb-s8k" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen></iframe>"There's Purpose in Your Pain"</div>

K-State's Buller named to The Honor Society of Phi Kappa Phi 

Will a facemask really help keep me from getting sick? There is evidence that shows that some people with coronavirus do not have symptoms and they could pass the virus to others. To slow the spread of COVID-19, the Kansas Department of Health and Environment recommends that we do cover our face before we go out in public.&nbsp;

Very early in this event, I saw a video of a young lady from I think Romania and her story was “I wear a mask to protect you from me and you wear a mask to protect me from you”. This is not normal for America but we may have to change our ways. Wearing a mask is definitely better than no protection at all.&nbsp;

Even if you do wear a mask, you must also continue to practice social distancing, wash your hands and stay at home. These are still the best ways to slow the spread of the virus. If you are looking for the best information about facemasks, start at KDHE and CDC.gov and there is also a very good article on Kansas Chapter of the American Academy of Pediatrics website about Children and Masks.&nbsp;

When choosing or making a homemade mask follow these guidelines that spell M-A-S-K. M is Multi-layered tightly woven 100% cotton fabric with a thread count of 180+. Sheets and pillowcases are rated with a thread count. A is Avoid your face.&nbsp; Never touch the front of the mask. Always remove it from the back of your head. S is for Scrap it if it is damaged, soiled or doesn’t fit. Your mask should be breathable and fit snug against your face. Do not use damp, wet or dirty masks. K is for Keep it Clean. The mask and your hands! Wash your hands before putting your mask on and after you take it off. Use a clean mask each time you wear one. Masks can be washed in the washing machine and dried in the dryer or placed in the sun to dry.&nbsp;

I have tried out seven patterns that I have found on the internet. There are so many different versions and some believe that elastic loops around the ears are great and others say to use a shoestring or another kind of tie to pull to the back of your head. If you have questions, feel free to email me at <a href="mailto:bunruh@ksu.edu">bunruh@ksu.edu</a> and I’ll be glad to share what I have learned about making homemade masks. <a href="https://www.kdheks.gov/coronavirus/toolkit/Kansas_Homemade_Mask_Guidance.pdf">https://www.kdheks.gov/coronavirus/toolkit/Kansas_Homemade_Mask_Guidance.pdf</a>

Berny Unruh is the Family and Community Wellness Agent for the Cottonwood Extension District.&nbsp; She can be reached at 785-628-9430 or at <a href="mailto:bunruh@ksu.edu">bunruh@ksu.edu</a>

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/12/1576703168607.png" alt="Berny Unruh is the Family and Community Wellness Agent for the Cottonwood Extension District.&nbsp;" />
 <figcaption>Berny Unruh is the Family and Community Wellness Agent for the Cottonwood Extension District.&nbsp;</figcaption>
 </figure>Will a facemask really help keep me from getting sick? There is evidence that shows that some people with coronavirus do not have symptoms and they could pass the virus to others. To slow the spread of COVID-19, the Kansas Department of Health and Environment recommends that we do cover our face before we go out in public.&nbsp;Very early in this event, I saw a video of a young lady from I think Romania and her story was “I wear a mask to protect you from me and you wear a mask to protect me from you”. This is not normal for America but we may have to change our ways. Wearing a mask is definitely better than no protection at all.&nbsp;Even if you do wear a mask, you must also continue to practice social distancing, wash your hands and stay at home. These are still the best ways to slow the spread of the virus. If you are looking for the best information about facemasks, start at KDHE and CDC.gov and there is also a very good article on Kansas Chapter of the American Academy of Pediatrics website about Children and Masks.&nbsp;When choosing or making a homemade mask follow these guidelines that spell M-A-S-K. M is Multi-layered tightly woven 100% cotton fabric with a thread count of 180+. Sheets and pillowcases are rated with a thread count. A is Avoid your face.&nbsp; Never touch the front of the mask. Always remove it from the back of your head. S is for Scrap it if it is damaged, soiled or doesn’t fit. Your mask should be breathable and fit snug against your face. Do not use damp, wet or dirty masks. K is for Keep it Clean. The mask and your hands! Wash your hands before putting your mask on and after you take it off. Use a clean mask each time you wear one. Masks can be washed in the washing machine and dried in the dryer or placed in the sun to dry.&nbsp;I have tried out seven patterns that I have found on the internet. There are so many different versions and some believe that elastic loops around the ears are great and others say to use a shoestring or another kind of tie to pull to the back of your head. If you have questions, feel free to email me at <a href="mailto:bunruh@ksu.edu">bunruh@ksu.edu</a> and I’ll be glad to share what I have learned about making homemade masks. <a href="https://www.kdheks.gov/coronavirus/toolkit/Kansas_Homemade_Mask_Guidance.pdf">https://www.kdheks.gov/coronavirus/toolkit/Kansas_Homemade_Mask_Guidance.pdf</a>	Berny Unruh is the Family and Community Wellness Agent for the Cottonwood Extension District.&nbsp; She can be reached at 785-628-9430 or at <a href="mailto:bunruh@ksu.edu">bunruh@ksu.edu</a>

UNRUH: Some guidance for facemasks

By BRIAN GRIMMETT <a href="https://www.kmuw.org/post/some-kansas-churches-call-coronavirus-restrictions-violation-religious-liberty">Kansas News Service</a>

WICHITA, Kansas — Easter services at <a href="https://heritagebaptistchurch.cc/" target="_blank">Heritage Baptist Church</a><a href="https://heritagebaptistchurch.cc/" target="_blank"> in Lawrence </a>felt
 like a typical Sunday meeting. Several dozen congregants sang hymns and
 heard messages about Jesus Christ and the importance of going to 
church.

Some people sat in every other row and tried to maintain separation in the pews. A few wore masks.

“I
 believe very strongly that the Bible commands us to have church,” said 
the Rev. Scott Hanks, one of only a handful of ministers who held 
services in defiance of a statewide order, backed by the state Supreme 
Court, that limited even religious gatherings to 10 or fewer people.&nbsp;

Hanks
 and some Republican lawmakers had argued that complying with the order 
would not only violate their commitment to God, but also violate <a href="https://www.archives.gov/founding-docs/constitution-transcript" target="_blank">the U.S. Constitution</a>.

On Thursday night, two Kansas churches, one in Dodge City and one in Junction City, sued Gov. Laura Kelly in federal court.

Religious
 liberty experts say the First Amendment freedoms aren’t absolute, but 
that government officials should take care not to abuse emergency powers
 in the name of public safety.

Hanks said he takes the threat of 
the coronavirus seriously, but thinks that Kelly’s order limiting the 
ability of churches to gather goes too far. He’s cancelled all of the 
church’s other activities and services, except its regular worship on 
Wednesdays and Sundays.

“As an American, it’s completely 
unconstitutional,” he said. “And nobody wants to address it because they
 know it’s unconstitutional.”

Kelly issued the<a href="https://governor.kansas.gov/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/20-18-Executed.pdf" target="_blank"> executive order limiting the number of people who can gather</a> in public or private to 10 or fewer on April 7.

The part specifically dealing with religious services reads: “This
 order prohibits gatherings of more than ten congregants or parishioners
 in the same building or confined or enclosed space. However, the number
 of individuals — such as preachers, lay readers, choir or musical 
performers, or liturgists — conducting or performing a religious service
 may exceed ten as long as those individuals follow appropriate safety 
protocols, including maintaining a six-foot distance between individuals
 and following other directives regarding social distancing, hygiene, 
and other efforts to slow the spread of COVID-19.”

The two 
churches suing Kelly, First Baptist Church in Dodge City and Calvary 
Baptist Church in Junction City argue the executive order discriminates 
against religious organizations because it includes a wide range of 
exemptions to the 10-person limit for other organizations such as 
restaurants, libraries and grocery stores.

The churches want an injunction from the court preventing the state from enforcing the order.

Before the lawsuit was filed, some Republican legislative leaders also thought the order went too far and <a href="https://www.kmuw.org/post/kansas-gop-upends-gov-kelly-s-limits-church-services-and-potentially-all-gatherings?nopop=1" target="_blank">challenged its validity at the Kansas Supreme Court</a>. But the case turned on legal procedure, not the First Amendment right to freedom of religion.

The <a href="https://kmuw.drupal.publicbroadcasting.net/post/kansas-supreme-court-sides-governor-preserving-ban-large-church-services" target="_blank">Kansas Supreme Court ruled in favor of the governor</a>, so the order still stands.

Legislative
 leaders and Kansas Attorney General Derek Schmidt have not indicated 
that they plan to join any challenge to the order using the religious 
liberty argument. At least not yet.

But, what would a constitutional challenge look like?

Luke Goodrich is senior counsel at the <a href="https://www.becketlaw.org/" target="_blank">Becket</a><a href="https://www.becketlaw.org/" target="_blank"> Fund for Religious Liberty</a>,
 an organization that defends religious organizations against government
 overreach. It has represented organizations and individuals in many 
high profile cases before the U.S. Supreme Court, including the Little 
Sisters of the Poor, an order of Catholic nuns fighting against having 
to provide contraception.

Goodrich said the First Amendment 
guarantees religious organizations many protections, but it’s not 
absolute. He said the same way free speech rights don’t protect you 
against spreading defamatory lies about their neighbor, churches don’t 
have a right to spread a dangerous virus to their neighbors.

“The
 government does have authority to protect public health and that 
authority has to be balanced with the right of religious liberty,” he 
said.

He said the arguments turn on a few key points.

First, religious events should be treated no differently than other gatherings.

“It
 needs to be done in a consistent way,” Goodrich said. “And not make all
 kinds of exceptions for non-religious gatherings, but then prohibit 
religious gatherings.”

Governments could get themselves into 
trouble, he said, if they try to make value judgments. For instance, he 
says they should treat food the same as spiritual nourishment. So if 
there are no required precautions at the grocery or hardware store and 
churches aren’t even being allowed to gather following social distancing
 precautions, he said that would violate religious freedoms.

Second, he said religious gatherings should be considered as close to essential as possible.

Goodrich
 said many religious organizations work with other emergency responders.
 Many distribute food to the needy. Others share stocks of emergency 
equipment. Some even run hospitals.

Third, Goodrich said 
government should work with religious organizations to allow them to do 
as much as possible, as soon as possible.

That could mean 
allowing enough staff to gather at their facilities to provide services 
over the internet, or allowing sacraments to be given as long as proper 
protective measures are in place.

“At a minimum, make sure that 
the temporary limits on in-person gatherings are lifted for religious 
groups as soon as safely possible,” Goodrich said.

Schmidt, the 
Kansas attorney general, has said that he believes Kelly’s executive 
order should be followed, but that it violates religious liberty.

“(It) must not be enforced by arrest, prosecution, fines or imprisonment,” he said <a href="https://ag.ks.gov/media-center/news-releases/2020/04/08/ag-derek-schmidt-kansans-should-comply-with-governor-s-order-limiting-religious-gatherings-during-pandemic-but-cannot-be-arrested-prosecuted-or-imprisoned-for-worshiping" target="_blank">in a statement</a>.

Kelly
 said she’s leaving those kinds of decisions up to individual law 
enforcement agencies and believes they’ve been using very good judgment.

“It really hasn’t been necessary to bring down the hammer,” the governor said.

Douglas County law enforcement agencies said that its <a href="https://coronavirus-response-dgco.hub.arcgis.com/" target="_blank">officers are prepared to enforce the order if necessary</a> but would prefer to help people comply with it voluntarily.

The Douglas County District Attorney’s Office said it is not working on any prosecutions at this time.

Hanks, the pastor at Heritage Baptist Church, said he has had several
 conversations with local law enforcement after his Easter Sunday 
services. He had planned to continue holding services inside his church 
on Wednesdays and Sundays. But after hearing that several members of his
 congregation were threatened with fines or even jail time for showing 
up and violating the governor’s order, he decided to start holding 
services outside in a tent with no walls.

He held the first outside service Wednesday evening.

Hanks
 said the Douglas County Sheriff’s office told him as long as people are
 keeping their distance, the outside services would not be violating the
 governor’s executive order.

“There might not be many people 
doing church gatherings right now,” Hanks said. “But ...I feel for our 
own local congregation, and that’s really the only thing I’m concerned 
about.”

Brian Grimmett reports on the environment, energy and
 natural resources for KMUW in Wichita and the Kansas News Service. You 
can follow him on Twitter <a href="https://twitter.com/briangrimmett?lang=en" target="_blank">@briangrimmett</a> or email him at grimmett@kmuw.org.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/4/1587154156840.jpeg" alt=" Heritage Baptist Church in Lawrence, Kansas. Stephen Koranda / Kansas News Service" />
 <figcaption> Heritage Baptist Church in Lawrence, Kansas. Stephen Koranda / Kansas News Service</figcaption>
 </figure>By BRIAN GRIMMETT <a href="https://www.kmuw.org/post/some-kansas-churches-call-coronavirus-restrictions-violation-religious-liberty">Kansas News Service</a>WICHITA, Kansas — Easter services at <a href="https://heritagebaptistchurch.cc/" target="_blank">Heritage Baptist Church</a><a href="https://heritagebaptistchurch.cc/" target="_blank"> in Lawrence </a>felt
 like a typical Sunday meeting. Several dozen congregants sang hymns and
 heard messages about Jesus Christ and the importance of going to 
church.Some people sat in every other row and tried to maintain separation in the pews. A few wore masks.“I
 believe very strongly that the Bible commands us to have church,” said 
the Rev. Scott Hanks, one of only a handful of ministers who held 
services in defiance of a statewide order, backed by the state Supreme 
Court, that limited even religious gatherings to 10 or fewer people.&nbsp;Hanks
 and some Republican lawmakers had argued that complying with the order 
would not only violate their commitment to God, but also violate <a href="https://www.archives.gov/founding-docs/constitution-transcript" target="_blank">the U.S. Constitution</a>.On Thursday night, two Kansas churches, one in Dodge City and one in Junction City, sued Gov. Laura Kelly in federal court.Religious
 liberty experts say the First Amendment freedoms aren’t absolute, but 
that government officials should take care not to abuse emergency powers
 in the name of public safety.Hanks said he takes the threat of 
the coronavirus seriously, but thinks that Kelly’s order limiting the 
ability of churches to gather goes too far. He’s cancelled all of the 
church’s other activities and services, except its regular worship on 
Wednesdays and Sundays.“As an American, it’s completely 
unconstitutional,” he said. “And nobody wants to address it because they
 know it’s unconstitutional.”Kelly issued the<a href="https://governor.kansas.gov/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/20-18-Executed.pdf" target="_blank"> executive order limiting the number of people who can gather</a> in public or private to 10 or fewer on April 7.The part specifically dealing with religious services reads: “This
 order prohibits gatherings of more than ten congregants or parishioners
 in the same building or confined or enclosed space. However, the number
 of individuals — such as preachers, lay readers, choir or musical 
performers, or liturgists — conducting or performing a religious service
 may exceed ten as long as those individuals follow appropriate safety 
protocols, including maintaining a six-foot distance between individuals
 and following other directives regarding social distancing, hygiene, 
and other efforts to slow the spread of COVID-19.”The two 
churches suing Kelly, First Baptist Church in Dodge City and Calvary 
Baptist Church in Junction City argue the executive order discriminates 
against religious organizations because it includes a wide range of 
exemptions to the 10-person limit for other organizations such as 
restaurants, libraries and grocery stores.The churches want an injunction from the court preventing the state from enforcing the order.Before the lawsuit was filed, some Republican legislative leaders also thought the order went too far and <a href="https://www.kmuw.org/post/kansas-gop-upends-gov-kelly-s-limits-church-services-and-potentially-all-gatherings?nopop=1" target="_blank">challenged its validity at the Kansas Supreme Court</a>. But the case turned on legal procedure, not the First Amendment right to freedom of religion.The <a href="https://kmuw.drupal.publicbroadcasting.net/post/kansas-supreme-court-sides-governor-preserving-ban-large-church-services" target="_blank">Kansas Supreme Court ruled in favor of the governor</a>, so the order still stands.Legislative
 leaders and Kansas Attorney General Derek Schmidt have not indicated 
that they plan to join any challenge to the order using the religious 
liberty argument. At least not yet.But, what would a constitutional challenge look like?Luke Goodrich is senior counsel at the <a href="https://www.becketlaw.org/" target="_blank">Becket</a><a href="https://www.becketlaw.org/" target="_blank"> Fund for Religious Liberty</a>,
 an organization that defends religious organizations against government
 overreach. It has represented organizations and individuals in many 
high profile cases before the U.S. Supreme Court, including the Little 
Sisters of the Poor, an order of Catholic nuns fighting against having 
to provide contraception.Goodrich said the First Amendment 
guarantees religious organizations many protections, but it’s not 
absolute. He said the same way free speech rights don’t protect you 
against spreading defamatory lies about their neighbor, churches don’t 
have a right to spread a dangerous virus to their neighbors.“The
 government does have authority to protect public health and that 
authority has to be balanced with the right of religious liberty,” he 
said.He said the arguments turn on a few key points.First, religious events should be treated no differently than other gatherings.“It
 needs to be done in a consistent way,” Goodrich said. “And not make all
 kinds of exceptions for non-religious gatherings, but then prohibit 
religious gatherings.”Governments could get themselves into 
trouble, he said, if they try to make value judgments. For instance, he 
says they should treat food the same as spiritual nourishment. So if 
there are no required precautions at the grocery or hardware store and 
churches aren’t even being allowed to gather following social distancing
 precautions, he said that would violate religious freedoms.Second, he said religious gatherings should be considered as close to essential as possible.Goodrich
 said many religious organizations work with other emergency responders.
 Many distribute food to the needy. Others share stocks of emergency 
equipment. Some even run hospitals.Third, Goodrich said 
government should work with religious organizations to allow them to do 
as much as possible, as soon as possible.That could mean 
allowing enough staff to gather at their facilities to provide services 
over the internet, or allowing sacraments to be given as long as proper 
protective measures are in place.“At a minimum, make sure that 
the temporary limits on in-person gatherings are lifted for religious 
groups as soon as safely possible,” Goodrich said.Schmidt, the 
Kansas attorney general, has said that he believes Kelly’s executive 
order should be followed, but that it violates religious liberty.“(It) must not be enforced by arrest, prosecution, fines or imprisonment,” he said <a href="https://ag.ks.gov/media-center/news-releases/2020/04/08/ag-derek-schmidt-kansans-should-comply-with-governor-s-order-limiting-religious-gatherings-during-pandemic-but-cannot-be-arrested-prosecuted-or-imprisoned-for-worshiping" target="_blank">in a statement</a>.Kelly
 said she’s leaving those kinds of decisions up to individual law 
enforcement agencies and believes they’ve been using very good judgment.“It really hasn’t been necessary to bring down the hammer,” the governor said.Douglas County law enforcement agencies said that its <a href="https://coronavirus-response-dgco.hub.arcgis.com/" target="_blank">officers are prepared to enforce the order if necessary</a> but would prefer to help people comply with it voluntarily.The Douglas County District Attorney’s Office said it is not working on any prosecutions at this time.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/4/1587154215768.jpeg" alt=" A newly installed tent outside of Heritage Baptist Church. Credit Stephen Koranda / Kansas News Service" />
 <figcaption> A newly installed tent outside of Heritage Baptist Church. Credit Stephen Koranda / Kansas News Service</figcaption>
 </figure>Hanks, the pastor at Heritage Baptist Church, said he has had several
 conversations with local law enforcement after his Easter Sunday 
services. He had planned to continue holding services inside his church 
on Wednesdays and Sundays. But after hearing that several members of his
 congregation were threatened with fines or even jail time for showing 
up and violating the governor’s order, he decided to start holding 
services outside in a tent with no walls.He held the first outside service Wednesday evening.Hanks
 said the Douglas County Sheriff’s office told him as long as people are
 keeping their distance, the outside services would not be violating the
 governor’s executive order.“There might not be many people 
doing church gatherings right now,” Hanks said. “But ...I feel for our 
own local congregation, and that’s really the only thing I’m concerned 
about.”Brian Grimmett reports on the environment, energy and
 natural resources for KMUW in Wichita and the Kansas News Service. You 
can follow him on Twitter <a href="https://twitter.com/briangrimmett?lang=en" target="_blank">@briangrimmett</a> or email him at grimmett@kmuw.org.

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