With almost all social events canceled in light of COVID-19 precautions, Billy Briney, owner of Briney Motorsports, has created a contest with the aim of getting people out and about — while maintaining social distancing.

The Sunflower Scavenger Hunt is set to begin Saturday and end at 4 p.m. Easter Sunday.

"This is an event get everybody away from each other, but do something together," Briney said.

"About this time every year, we have racing going on, so everybody's going to the races or the kids are in sports. Now everybody is stuck at home," Briney said. "We came up with this idea to get out into the country and get some fresh air."

Anyone interested in participating will start by visiting the Briney Motorsports website,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.brineymotorsports.com/">brineymotorsports.com</a>.

After registering, participants will be directed to download an app to play.

"On that app, there will be a series of missions," Briney said. "On those missions, you are going to get out and ride, get out in the country. You are going to do things like take a picture by a windmill with your UTV, you are going to take a video of driving through water with your UTV, maybe take a picture of a historical marker in your area."

For every submission, you will be awarded points, and every 100 points earns an entry into the grand prize drawing.

"It's just a bunch of fun things to go out and do," Briney said.

They will also be offering challenges on their Facebook page that will offer even more chances to win.

"It's simple. Let's get out and ride," Briney said.

"Having an 'event' is what is cool about it, especially with the app. You are competing and trying try to win prizes, but you are away from everybody," he said.

"It's pretty simple, but I think it's going to be fun," Briney said. "I think everyone is going to enjoy it."

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/3/1585675703113.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>By JAMES BELL Hays PostWith almost all social events canceled in light of COVID-19 precautions, Billy Briney, owner of Briney Motorsports, has created a contest with the aim of getting people out and about — while maintaining social distancing.The Sunflower Scavenger Hunt is set to begin Saturday and end at 4 p.m. Easter Sunday."This is an event get everybody away from each other, but do something together," Briney said."About this time every year, we have racing going on, so everybody's going to the races or the kids are in sports. Now everybody is stuck at home," Briney said. "We came up with this idea to get out into the country and get some fresh air."Anyone interested in participating will start by visiting the Briney Motorsports website,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.brineymotorsports.com/">brineymotorsports.com</a>.After registering, participants will be directed to download an app to play."On that app, there will be a series of missions," Briney said. "On those missions, you are going to get out and ride, get out in the country. You are going to do things like take a picture by a windmill with your UTV, you are going to take a video of driving through water with your UTV, maybe take a picture of a historical marker in your area."For every submission, you will be awarded points, and every 100 points earns an entry into the grand prize drawing.<div><iframe src="https://www.facebook.com/plugins/video.php?href=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2Fbrineymotorsports%2Fvideos%2F514623275867571%2F&show_text=0&width=267" width="267" height="476" style="border:none;overflow:hidden" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" allowTransparency="true" allowFullScreen="true"></iframe></div>"It's just a bunch of fun things to go out and do," Briney said.They will also be offering challenges on their Facebook page that will offer even more chances to win."It's simple. Let's get out and ride," Briney said."Having an 'event' is what is cool about it, especially with the app. You are competing and trying try to win prizes, but you are away from everybody," he said."It's pretty simple, but I think it's going to be fun," Briney said. "I think everyone is going to enjoy it."<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/3/1585675752412.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>

Sunflower Scavenger Hunt to bring people together while keeping them apart

At this time, the 2020 Auction for Christian Education (ACE, originally scheduled for April 25 is postponed to a date that has not been determined.

Gifts given through ACE are absolutely vital to the operations of TMP-Marian and a new date will be announced when the&nbsp;time is right and benefactors are once again confident in their ability to contribute.

The Alumni Association remains committed to having a successful ACE 2020 and is requesting continued payments for ads, auction tickets, penny donations and other donations as able. 

When ACE 2020 is rescheduled, those with purchased tickets or previous reservations will have the first opportunity to&nbsp;confirm their tickets, advertisements will be printed in the updated catalog, donated items will be&nbsp;reviewed and auctioned, raffle winners will be drawn, and we will all celebrate and give thanks for being together again.

The staff of the Alumni and Advancement offices is grateful for the dedication shown to Thomas More&nbsp;Prep-Marian and its long history of excellence in Catholic education. 

We recognize at this time that much has changed and our support is focused outward through prayer for health and God's healing for those&nbsp;affected by the COVID-19 pandemic.

Specific questions regarding ACE 2020 or other ongoing support to Hays Catholic Schools can be&nbsp;directed to Troy Ruda, advancement director, at 785-625-5427 or ​rudat@tmpmarian.org​. 

TMP-MarianAt this time, the 2020 Auction for Christian Education (ACE, originally scheduled for April 25 is postponed to a date that has not been determined.Gifts given through ACE are absolutely vital to the operations of TMP-Marian and a new date will be announced when the&nbsp;time is right and benefactors are once again confident in their ability to contribute.The Alumni Association remains committed to having a successful ACE 2020 and is requesting continued payments for ads, auction tickets, penny donations and other donations as able. When ACE 2020 is rescheduled, those with purchased tickets or previous reservations will have the first opportunity to&nbsp;confirm their tickets, advertisements will be printed in the updated catalog, donated items will be&nbsp;reviewed and auctioned, raffle winners will be drawn, and we will all celebrate and give thanks for being together again.The staff of the Alumni and Advancement offices is grateful for the dedication shown to Thomas More&nbsp;Prep-Marian and its long history of excellence in Catholic education. We recognize at this time that much has changed and our support is focused outward through prayer for health and God's healing for those&nbsp;affected by the COVID-19 pandemic.Specific questions regarding ACE 2020 or other ongoing support to Hays Catholic Schools can be&nbsp;directed to Troy Ruda, advancement director, at 785-625-5427 or ​rudat@tmpmarian.org​.

TMP-Marian ACE auction postponed

TOPEKA -&nbsp;The Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE) has rescinded a boil water advisory for the Ellis County RWD 1C located in Ellis County.

The city of Hays is not part of Rural Water District 1C.

The advisory was issued because of a loss of pressure. Failure to maintain adequate pressure may result in a loss of chlorine residuals and bacterial contamination.

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

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;

For consumer questions, please
contact the water system or you may call KDHE at 785-296-5514. For consumer information please visit KDHE’s PWS Consumer
Information webpage: http://www.kdheks.gov/pws/emergencyresponse/water_disruption.htm

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/1/1579816186796.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>KDHETOPEKA -&nbsp;The Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE) has rescinded a boil water advisory for the Ellis County RWD 1C located in Ellis County.The city of Hays is not part of Rural Water District 1C.The advisory was issued because of a loss of pressure. Failure to maintain adequate pressure may result in a loss of chlorine residuals and bacterial contamination.Laboratory testing samples collected from Ellis County RWD 1C indicate no evidence of bacteriological contamination and all other conditions that placed the system at risk of contamination are deemed by KDHE officials to be resolved.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;For consumer questions, please
contact the water system or you may call KDHE at 785-296-5514. For consumer information please visit KDHE’s PWS Consumer
Information webpage: http://www.kdheks.gov/pws/emergencyresponse/water_disruption.htm

Boil order rescinded for Ellis Co. rural water district

As Kansas went under a statewide stay at home order Monday Ellis County Health Services Director Jason Kennedy said the county has yet to have a confirmed case of the virus, but keeping it that way will be up to everyone doing their part.

<a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/5e7fed84afae0f4d5f5e6e07">"I would encourage everyone to read the executive order," Kennedy said, noting there is a lot of important information contained in it.</a>

Also important, he said is understanding the order's intent of limiting all activities outside of the home.

Kennedy said if the activity is necessary for the well being of yourself or your family, it is generally permitted — but, outside of those activities, it should be avoided.

"The social distancing piece is still extremely important," he said.

He also said the order should also not replace other best practices, like good handwashing, maintaining social distancing and practicing good cleaning practices.

"The virus is spread person to person, so that's really the key piece that we need to understand," he said.&nbsp;"The more that we can break those bonds, the more that we can separate and socially distance ourselves the faster we can either slow or control the spread to some degree."

The action by the governor, he said, is just another step to reinforce the social distancing and stop the spread.

Kennedy said testing for the virus on the individual level has been a hot topic across the U.S., but is only one piece of tracking and stopping the spread of the virus.

By using testing when needed and by using sampling, officials can understand where the virus is and what measures can be used to contain it.

In Ellis County, Kennedy said, every test for COVID-19 has been negative, but testing is generally reserved for someone who is symptomatic and has traveled to an area with a confirmed outbreak.

And those people would be tested by the primary care physician, not the health department.

"We know for a fact that anyone that has been sampled or tested in Ellis County as of (Monday) has come back negative for COVID-19," Kennedy said.

Kennedy said his department only tests first responders, and those tests are sent directly to the Kansas Department of Health and Environment lab.

Early in the week, he said, there was some confusion with the KDHE when they changed their testing criteria.

<a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/5e6a74abafae0f4d5f5cd975">The guidance from the department was to put a priority on testing for high-risk populations and health care workers, but that did not mean that testing was limited to only those groups, Kennedy said.</a>

He did not know precisely how many tests are available the county, as those are managed by the physicians themselves, but said private labs in Hays were going to begin testing locally as directed by physicians.

He also said it should not be assumed that the virus is in Ellis County just because some have been ill, but have not been tested directly for COVID-19. He said continuing to take recommended precautions could ensure COVID-19 does not make it to Ellis County.

"The most important thing right now, if we want to keep it out of our community, is to avoid any unnecessary travel outside of Ellis County. Period," Kennedy said.

If that travel is required, limiting social interaction is important.

"If we say we have to do (social distancing) inside our county, we definitely have to do it outside of our county," Kennedy said.

Right now, he said, the most effective thing is for everyone to act like they have the virus and act accordingly.

Anyone with any of the symptoms should stay home, contact their primary care physician and follow their recommendations, Kennedy said.

<a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/5e71294aafae0f4d5f5d5413">For those without a primary care physician, HaysMed has set up a COVID-19 a hotline.</a>

"It doesn't matter at this point if is the flu or a cold. If you don't feel well, stay home, isolate yourself," Kennedy said. "That's the key piece."

Taking the recommended actions will not only help protect yourself but also others in the community.

"We have a large portion of at-risk population in our community," Kenedy said. "We want to do everything we can to protect them.

"To date, we have taken every step that is advised to flatten the curve, to protect vital infrastructure and to protect the at-risk population," he added. "Now it is up to the individual."

<div><iframe title="Keeping COVID-19 out of Ellis Co. is up to everyone" height="122" width="100%" style="border: none;" scrolling="no" data-name="pb-iframe-player" src="https://www.podbean.com/media/player/u4uid-d7ade5?from=yiiadmin&download=1&version=1&skin=3&btn-skin=101&auto=1&share=1&fonts=Helvetica&download=1&rtl=0&pbad=1"></iframe></div><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/2/1582733724162.jpeg" alt="Ellis County Health Services Director Jason Kennedy" />
 <figcaption>Ellis County Health Services Director Jason Kennedy</figcaption>
 </figure>By JAMES BELL Hays PostAs Kansas went under a statewide stay at home order Monday Ellis County Health Services Director Jason Kennedy said the county has yet to have a confirmed case of the virus, but keeping it that way will be up to everyone doing their part.<a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/5e7fed84afae0f4d5f5e6e07">"I would encourage everyone to read the executive order," Kennedy said, noting there is a lot of important information contained in it.</a>Also important, he said is understanding the order's intent of limiting all activities outside of the home.Kennedy said if the activity is necessary for the well being of yourself or your family, it is generally permitted — but, outside of those activities, it should be avoided."The social distancing piece is still extremely important," he said.He also said the order should also not replace other best practices, like good handwashing, maintaining social distancing and practicing good cleaning practices."The virus is spread person to person, so that's really the key piece that we need to understand," he said.&nbsp;"The more that we can break those bonds, the more that we can separate and socially distance ourselves the faster we can either slow or control the spread to some degree."The action by the governor, he said, is just another step to reinforce the social distancing and stop the spread.Kennedy said testing for the virus on the individual level has been a hot topic across the U.S., but is only one piece of tracking and stopping the spread of the virus.By using testing when needed and by using sampling, officials can understand where the virus is and what measures can be used to contain it.In Ellis County, Kennedy said, every test for COVID-19 has been negative, but testing is generally reserved for someone who is symptomatic and has traveled to an area with a confirmed outbreak.And those people would be tested by the primary care physician, not the health department.<h2>"We know for a fact that anyone that has been sampled or tested in Ellis County as of (Monday) has come back negative for COVID-19," Kennedy said.</h2>Kennedy said his department only tests first responders, and those tests are sent directly to the Kansas Department of Health and Environment lab.Early in the week, he said, there was some confusion with the KDHE when they changed their testing criteria.<a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/5e6a74abafae0f4d5f5cd975">The guidance from the department was to put a priority on testing for high-risk populations and health care workers, but that did not mean that testing was limited to only those groups, Kennedy said.</a>He did not know precisely how many tests are available the county, as those are managed by the physicians themselves, but said private labs in Hays were going to begin testing locally as directed by physicians.He also said it should not be assumed that the virus is in Ellis County just because some have been ill, but have not been tested directly for COVID-19. He said continuing to take recommended precautions could ensure COVID-19 does not make it to Ellis County."The most important thing right now, if we want to keep it out of our community, is to avoid any unnecessary travel outside of Ellis County. Period," Kennedy said. If that travel is required, limiting social interaction is important."If we say we have to do (social distancing) inside our county, we definitely have to do it outside of our county," Kennedy said.Right now, he said, the most effective thing is for everyone to act like they have the virus and act accordingly.Anyone with any of the symptoms should stay home, contact their primary care physician and follow their recommendations, Kennedy said.<a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/5e71294aafae0f4d5f5d5413">For those without a primary care physician, HaysMed has set up a COVID-19 a hotline.</a>"It doesn't matter at this point if is the flu or a cold. If you don't feel well, stay home, isolate yourself," Kennedy said. "That's the key piece."Taking the recommended actions will not only help protect yourself but also others in the community."We have a large portion of at-risk population in our community," Kenedy said. "We want to do everything we can to protect them."To date, we have taken every step that is advised to flatten the curve, to protect vital infrastructure and to protect the at-risk population," he added. "Now it is up to the individual."

🎤Kennedy: Following guidelines could keep COVID-19 out of Ellis Co.

SCOTT COUNTY — Law enforcement authorities are investigating a Kansas man for an alleged criminal threat in Scott County.

Just before 8:30 p.m. Tuesday, the Scott City Police Department received a call about an incident that happened at Dollar General involving a man telling an 11-year-old girl he was going to give her corona and coughed in her face, according to police Chief David Post.

Just before 11p.m. police arrested Chance Archie Seamans, 31, Scott City, on a requested charge of terrorism and criminal threat.

 He is currently incarcerated in the Scott County jail, Post said.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/4/1585749576027.png" alt="Seamans photo Scott County" />
 <figcaption>Seamans photo Scott County</figcaption>
 </figure>SCOTT COUNTY — Law enforcement authorities are investigating a Kansas man for an alleged criminal threat in Scott County.Just before 8:30 p.m. Tuesday, the Scott City Police Department received a call about an incident that happened at Dollar General involving a man telling an 11-year-old girl he was going to give her corona and coughed in her face, according to police Chief David Post.Just before 11p.m. police arrested Chance Archie Seamans, 31, Scott City, on a requested charge of terrorism and criminal threat. He is currently incarcerated in the Scott County jail, Post said.

Kan. man accused of threatening to spread coronavirus to 11-year-old

The Eagle Radio of Hays Online Auction is currently underway!

There are several great items to bid on including:

$1,620&nbsp;certificate from Century Stone

Improve the look of your home with stone accents from
Century Stone of Hays. Choose from a great selection of colors and designs.
Great for new home construction, home remodeling, fireplaces, retaining walls,
commercial property and more. Certificate is good for Approximately 90 feet.
And includes installation. All stone has a 50 year warranty. May not apply this
certificate to current account balance. Valid through October 31st 2020.
Century Stone of Hays. 785-261-1771.

Current Bid: $210.00 Retail Price: $1,620.00

Taste, Dine and Stay Package from Claremont Inn in Stratton,
Colorado

The Claremont Inn Bed and Breakfast is now also a winery.
Along with your one night stay for two that includes dinner and breakfast for
two, it now includes a wine tasting event. All wines are crafted and bottled
right at the Claremont Inn. You get to try several new and exciting flavors.
Whether it’s a getaway, romance or a group get together, the Claremont Inn in
Stratton Colorado is just a short drive to relaxation. Choose from one of ten
themed rooms and enjoy a truly unique bed and breakfast that specializes in
making your trip everything you had hoped it would be. Go online today at
www.claremontinn.com or call 888-291-8910 A bed and breakfast, romantic getaway
and so much more.

Current Bid: $128.00 Retail Price: $377.00

LaCrosse Sofa from Fitzgerald Furniture in Ness City

Manufactured in Kansas by LaCrosse Furniture, this sofa has
a brown "suede" cover and two matching pillows. It's a neutral sofa
and would look good anywhere It measures 82 inches long X 37 inches deep X 35
inches tall.

Current Bid: $230.00 Retail Price: $1,020.00

Click&nbsp;<a href="https://hayspost.com/eagle-radio-auction">HERE</a>&nbsp;to see all the latest deals from local merchants.

Register, bid and buy from the comfort of your own home!

The Eagle Radio of Hays Online Auction is currently underway!There are several great items to bid on including:$1,620&nbsp;certificate from Century StoneImprove the look of your home with stone accents from
Century Stone of Hays. Choose from a great selection of colors and designs.
Great for new home construction, home remodeling, fireplaces, retaining walls,
commercial property and more. Certificate is good for Approximately 90 feet.
And includes installation. All stone has a 50 year warranty. May not apply this
certificate to current account balance. Valid through October 31st 2020.
Century Stone of Hays. 785-261-1771.Current Bid: $210.00 Retail Price: $1,620.00Taste, Dine and Stay Package from Claremont Inn in Stratton,
ColoradoThe Claremont Inn Bed and Breakfast is now also a winery.
Along with your one night stay for two that includes dinner and breakfast for
two, it now includes a wine tasting event. All wines are crafted and bottled
right at the Claremont Inn. You get to try several new and exciting flavors.
Whether it’s a getaway, romance or a group get together, the Claremont Inn in
Stratton Colorado is just a short drive to relaxation. Choose from one of ten
themed rooms and enjoy a truly unique bed and breakfast that specializes in
making your trip everything you had hoped it would be. Go online today at
www.claremontinn.com or call 888-291-8910 A bed and breakfast, romantic getaway
and so much more.Current Bid: $128.00 Retail Price: $377.00LaCrosse Sofa from Fitzgerald Furniture in Ness CityManufactured in Kansas by LaCrosse Furniture, this sofa has
a brown "suede" cover and two matching pillows. It's a neutral sofa
and would look good anywhere It measures 82 inches long X 37 inches deep X 35
inches tall.Current Bid: $230.00 Retail Price: $1,020.00Click&nbsp;<a href="https://hayspost.com/eagle-radio-auction">HERE</a>&nbsp;to see all the latest deals from local merchants.Register, bid and buy from the comfort of your own home!

Eagle Radio Online Auction is underway!

Three students in the Department of Informatics at Fort Hays State University brought back awards, including a first-place, from the recent Kansas Association of Broadcasters spring radio competition.&nbsp;

Lexi Gross, McCook, Neb. senior, earned a first-place audio documentary award for her piece on “Children of Divorce.” It will be featured in KAB’s award reel on YouTube next month.&nbsp;

Justin Sabata, Hays junior, and Devin Davis, Vallejo, Calif. senior, won accolades for their work on KFHS radio. Sabata placed second in the Station Promotion Announcement and Davis earned Honorable Mention.&nbsp;

Sabata also won honorable mention for a PSA he created on child development screening.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/3/1585669951398.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>FHSU University RelationsThree students in the Department of Informatics at Fort Hays State University brought back awards, including a first-place, from the recent Kansas Association of Broadcasters spring radio competition.&nbsp;Lexi Gross, McCook, Neb. senior, earned a first-place audio documentary award for her piece on “Children of Divorce.” It will be featured in KAB’s award reel on YouTube next month.&nbsp;Justin Sabata, Hays junior, and Devin Davis, Vallejo, Calif. senior, won accolades for their work on KFHS radio. Sabata placed second in the Station Promotion Announcement and Davis earned Honorable Mention.&nbsp;Sabata also won honorable mention for a PSA he created on child development screening.&nbsp;

Three FHSU Informatics students bring home accolades 

By NOAH OCHSNER, Kansas Farm Bureau

I will never forget the day this “all started” on March 11. Me and some of my fraternity brothers were making our way back to Kansas after spending spring break skiing in Colorado and visiting Utah. We were headed back early because, at that time, it was only a rumor that Kansas State University would be moving instruction to online only. That night we were in our hotel room when a Utah Jazz player tested positive for COVID-19 or the coronavirus. The NBA suspended the entire season. As avid sports fans who follow the NBA, we knew this was becoming an increasingly serious situation. Earlier that day the World Health Organization declared the virus a pandemic.

The next morning we woke up to K-State announcing classes would be online until further notice. We sat in complete silence as we realized our lives were quickly being turned upside down. The seven-hour drive back to Kansas was largely silent. As more news rolled in, events around the nation were canceled including the entire NCAA tournament. We arrived in Manhattan and parted ways. We didn’t know it then, but that was the last moment we would all have together possibly until August. The next day, K-State announced the remainder of our semester would be conducted online. Our lives came to a complete stop.

All of this has been hard to take in for everyone. No matter who you are, in some way you have been affected by this pandemic. Personally, it has been very hard. I thrive on working with others and being around people constantly. That all changed in a matter of days.

Many of us have given up a lot. Graduations cancelled or postponed, intramural championships never to be played. Spending time with people we considered to be family, those memories you make in college, all stripped away in a matter of hours.

The hardest part for many of us is that we have no control over any of this. The feeling of helplessness and complete loss is hitting college students around the country. But we all understand why. The best thing all of us can do is stay home to protect the ones we love. We understand although we might not be at risk if we get this virus, we absolutely understand the threat it poses to many of our family members and those we love.

That’s helped me realize this is so much bigger than any of the things I am losing over the next few months.

But, amidst all of this, we all have things to be thankful for. Every day I must remind myself that although this is insanely hard, everyone else is in the same boat. Yes, that boat at times seems like it is sinking and on fire simultaneously, but we are all a part of it.

These last few days have been trying moments and tough times for our state and nation. How we act now will forever go down in history. We should choose to work together, be there for our neighbors, and show the compassion and caring we Kansans are so proud of.

I have seen light in all of this that should give us all hope. People around the state are coming together to support each other when we need it most. Although we may not be able to give each other hugs, we can still show the compassion we have through one another in various ways. That all starts by staying home, only buying what we need and supporting local businesses in any way we can while maintaining the health and safety of our communities.

My hope is when this pandemic ends — and it will end — we are all able to cherish the moments we have with the ones we care about the most. Because you never know when life as you know it might come to a screeching halt.

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

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/3/1585581526154.jpeg" alt="Ochsner noah" />
 <figcaption>Ochsner noah</figcaption>
 </figure>By NOAH OCHSNER, Kansas Farm BureauI will never forget the day this “all started” on March 11. Me and some of my fraternity brothers were making our way back to Kansas after spending spring break skiing in Colorado and visiting Utah. We were headed back early because, at that time, it was only a rumor that Kansas State University would be moving instruction to online only. That night we were in our hotel room when a Utah Jazz player tested positive for COVID-19 or the coronavirus. The NBA suspended the entire season. As avid sports fans who follow the NBA, we knew this was becoming an increasingly serious situation. Earlier that day the World Health Organization declared the virus a pandemic.The next morning we woke up to K-State announcing classes would be online until further notice. We sat in complete silence as we realized our lives were quickly being turned upside down. The seven-hour drive back to Kansas was largely silent. As more news rolled in, events around the nation were canceled including the entire NCAA tournament. We arrived in Manhattan and parted ways. We didn’t know it then, but that was the last moment we would all have together possibly until August. The next day, K-State announced the remainder of our semester would be conducted online. Our lives came to a complete stop.All of this has been hard to take in for everyone. No matter who you are, in some way you have been affected by this pandemic. Personally, it has been very hard. I thrive on working with others and being around people constantly. That all changed in a matter of days.Many of us have given up a lot. Graduations cancelled or postponed, intramural championships never to be played. Spending time with people we considered to be family, those memories you make in college, all stripped away in a matter of hours.The hardest part for many of us is that we have no control over any of this. The feeling of helplessness and complete loss is hitting college students around the country. But we all understand why. The best thing all of us can do is stay home to protect the ones we love. We understand although we might not be at risk if we get this virus, we absolutely understand the threat it poses to many of our family members and those we love.That’s helped me realize this is so much bigger than any of the things I am losing over the next few months.But, amidst all of this, we all have things to be thankful for. Every day I must remind myself that although this is insanely hard, everyone else is in the same boat. Yes, that boat at times seems like it is sinking and on fire simultaneously, but we are all a part of it.These last few days have been trying moments and tough times for our state and nation. How we act now will forever go down in history. We should choose to work together, be there for our neighbors, and show the compassion and caring we Kansans are so proud of.I have seen light in all of this that should give us all hope. People around the state are coming together to support each other when we need it most. Although we may not be able to give each other hugs, we can still show the compassion we have through one another in various ways. That all starts by staying home, only buying what we need and supporting local businesses in any way we can while maintaining the health and safety of our communities.My hope is when this pandemic ends — and it will end — we are all able to cherish the moments we have with the ones we care about the most. Because you never know when life as you know it might come to a screeching halt."Insight" is a weekly column published by Kansas Farm Bureau, the state's largest farm organization whose mission is to strengthen agriculture and the lives of Kansans through advocacy, education and service.&nbsp;

Kansas Farm Bureau Insight: Staying afloat

OK, I began this adventure through COVID 19 land as a member of the “just how far will we go to protect ourselves from ourselves” club, thinking we were taking this whole thing to the extreme. But just as I was softening my stance and beginning to see the need for the whole social distancing thing, and for cancelling events that draw crowds of people, I heard that Buzzard Sunday scheduled for two weeks ago on March 15 at Hinkley, Ohio, where hundreds, perhaps thousands gather to watch the arrival of the turkey vultures there, was cancelled. This is the last straw! Does anyone else see the irony of a virus cancelling an event meant to celebrate the arrival of a bird that can eat diseased meat like we eat chocolate cake?&nbsp; &nbsp;

A legend dating back to the turn of the century has it that the famous “Buzzards of Hinckley Ridge” arrive in the town of Hinckley Ohio every March 15th like clockwork. In the northeast corner of Medina County, just south of Cleveland are a series of cliffs and caverns known locally as old Whipp’s Ledges that are a popular roosting and nesting area for turkey vultures. So popular was the legend that in 1957 the first Sunday after March 15th was dubbed Buzzard Sunday and a festival was planned around the event that still takes place today.&nbsp;

Along with the legend of the vulture’s timed arrival is the story of how that came to be. The story says that when that area was first settled, farmers began losing livestock left-and-right to bears and wolves that were native to the area. Finally, the farmers had enough and one fall, a huge mass hunt was organized resembling the coyote drives once popular here in Kansas where hundreds of hunters form a circle surrounding an entire section or township and slowly walk toward each other, tightening the circle. As the circle tightened, wolves, bears, deer and most wildlife in the area were driven toward the center of the circle, where they were shot. The story goes on to say that after everything was skinned and butchered and all useable meat and hides were taken, the dozens or perhaps hundreds of resulting carcasses were left there for the winter. In the spring, returning turkey vultures were drawn to the scent and sight of the thawing carcasses, and once there to feed, the numerous natural nesting sites among the cliffs and caverns kept them there for the summer and to this day keep them coming back each year.&nbsp;

Vultures are migratory, heading for Central and South America each fall and returning to our area from mid-March to early April, depending on the weather; we began seeing a few this past week here in McPherson, County. Favorite roosting places for turkey vultures are the old water towers that some small towns still have. In McPherson, KS a spring or summer evening will often find many roosting on the handrail of the old water tower. In Marion, KS a couple hundred routinely spend days soaring over the town and roosting on the water tower hand rail at night.&nbsp;

Turkey vultures are amazing birds, the main employees of God’s cleanup crew that can in fact eat diseased meat without any ill effects. I often wonder what it would be like to glide and soar above the earth like they can. Everyone likes a good legend, and who knows what about Hinckley’s past that drew the buzzards there in the first place is true, and how much is just legend. One thing for sure is that vultures do arrive in Hinckley Ohio like clockwork every March 15, which this year also happened to be Buzzard Sunday. As an ex-Buckeye myself, I hope to take Joyce there some year to enjoy the spectacle, even if it means Enjoying Kansas Outdoors from afar.

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

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/11/1574696211722.png" alt="Steve Gilliland, Inman, can be contacted by email at stevenrgilliland@gmail.com.&nbsp;" />
 <figcaption>Steve Gilliland, Inman, can be contacted by email at stevenrgilliland@gmail.com.&nbsp;</figcaption>
 </figure>OK, I began this adventure through COVID 19 land as a member of the “just how far will we go to protect ourselves from ourselves” club, thinking we were taking this whole thing to the extreme. But just as I was softening my stance and beginning to see the need for the whole social distancing thing, and for cancelling events that draw crowds of people, I heard that Buzzard Sunday scheduled for two weeks ago on March 15 at Hinkley, Ohio, where hundreds, perhaps thousands gather to watch the arrival of the turkey vultures there, was cancelled. This is the last straw! Does anyone else see the irony of a virus cancelling an event meant to celebrate the arrival of a bird that can eat diseased meat like we eat chocolate cake?&nbsp; &nbsp;A legend dating back to the turn of the century has it that the famous “Buzzards of Hinckley Ridge” arrive in the town of Hinckley Ohio every March 15th like clockwork. In the northeast corner of Medina County, just south of Cleveland are a series of cliffs and caverns known locally as old Whipp’s Ledges that are a popular roosting and nesting area for turkey vultures. So popular was the legend that in 1957 the first Sunday after March 15th was dubbed Buzzard Sunday and a festival was planned around the event that still takes place today.&nbsp;Along with the legend of the vulture’s timed arrival is the story of how that came to be. The story says that when that area was first settled, farmers began losing livestock left-and-right to bears and wolves that were native to the area. Finally, the farmers had enough and one fall, a huge mass hunt was organized resembling the coyote drives once popular here in Kansas where hundreds of hunters form a circle surrounding an entire section or township and slowly walk toward each other, tightening the circle. As the circle tightened, wolves, bears, deer and most wildlife in the area were driven toward the center of the circle, where they were shot. The story goes on to say that after everything was skinned and butchered and all useable meat and hides were taken, the dozens or perhaps hundreds of resulting carcasses were left there for the winter. In the spring, returning turkey vultures were drawn to the scent and sight of the thawing carcasses, and once there to feed, the numerous natural nesting sites among the cliffs and caverns kept them there for the summer and to this day keep them coming back each year.&nbsp;Vultures are migratory, heading for Central and South America each fall and returning to our area from mid-March to early April, depending on the weather; we began seeing a few this past week here in McPherson, County. Favorite roosting places for turkey vultures are the old water towers that some small towns still have. In McPherson, KS a spring or summer evening will often find many roosting on the handrail of the old water tower. In Marion, KS a couple hundred routinely spend days soaring over the town and roosting on the water tower hand rail at night.&nbsp;Turkey vultures are amazing birds, the main employees of God’s cleanup crew that can in fact eat diseased meat without any ill effects. I often wonder what it would be like to glide and soar above the earth like they can. Everyone likes a good legend, and who knows what about Hinckley’s past that drew the buzzards there in the first place is true, and how much is just legend. One thing for sure is that vultures do arrive in Hinckley Ohio like clockwork every March 15, which this year also happened to be Buzzard Sunday. As an ex-Buckeye myself, I hope to take Joyce there some year to enjoy the spectacle, even if it means Enjoying Kansas Outdoors from afar.Steve Gilliland, Inman, can be contacted by email at stevenrgilliland@gmail.com.&nbsp;

Exploring Outdoors Kansas: Well this is just the last straw!

<a href="https://hayspost.com/state-farm-weather-window/">For a full look at weather visit the State Farm Weather Window by clicking here.</a>

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/12/1575929617735.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure><a href="https://hayspost.com/state-farm-weather-window/">For a full look at weather visit the State Farm Weather Window by clicking here.</a><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/3/1585687407585.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>

Three-day weather outlook

By TRAVIS COUTURE-LOVELADY, NRA Kansas State Director

With the growing uncertainty surrounding the COVID-19 crisis, every American is concerned about their safety and the safety of their&nbsp;loved ones.&nbsp;Here in Kansas,&nbsp;our legislature passed&nbsp;<a href="http://www.kslegislature.org/li/b2019_20/measures/hcr5025/" target="_blank">House Committee Resolution 5025</a>, a measure preventing Gov. Laura Kelly​ from using emergency powers to seize ammunition or limit the sale of firearms during the outbreak.&nbsp;On behalf of every NRA member and supporter in our state, I want to thank our lawmakers for the foresight and wisdom to protect our fundamental right to self-defense with passage of this bill.&nbsp;

Outside of Kansas, however, the trend is troubling. Overzealous politicians are taking actions that will leave law-abiding citizens defenseless at a time when safety and security is critical to each and every American.&nbsp;

Closing gun stores, as New Jersey’s governor has done, not only prohibits law-abiding citizens from purchasing a firearm from a licensed dealer, in many states it also prohibits them from purchasing or borrowing a firearm from a private party. That’s because New Jersey is one of&nbsp;the states with a so-called “universal” background check law which mandates that virtually any firearm transfer, even between friends, family, neighbors, and co-workers, must go through a licensed dealer.&nbsp; With gun stores closed, those who want to borrow or buy&nbsp;a firearm to defend themselves or their loved ones are unable to do so.&nbsp;

But it doesn’t end at New Jersey.&nbsp; Sheriffs in Iowa, Pennsylvania, and North Carolina have announced they will no longer process concealed carry permit applications during the COVID-19 crisis. If these states had a constitutional carry law like Kansas, their citizens would&nbsp;<a>be secure in knowing that their ability to defend themselves was not reliant on the individual whims of local or statewide officials.&nbsp;The NRA has succeeded in passing constitutional carry laws in 16 states. In those states, no one's&nbsp;</a>fundamental right to self-defense is&nbsp;in jeopardy in a time of crisis.

In 2005,&nbsp;after Hurricane Katrina, law enforcement went door-to-door confiscating firearms.<a></a><a></a>&nbsp;The NRA successfully sued the city and followed up by&nbsp;championing legislation to prevent government officials from using their “emergency powers” as a pretext for disarming the citizenry.&nbsp; As a result, President George W. Bush signed a measure that prohibits persons acting under color of federal law, receiving federal funds, or acting at the direction of a federal employee from seizing or authorizing the seizure of lawfully-possessed firearms during a state of emergency. The majority of U.S. states, including Kansas, now have similar laws to prevent state and local officials from using “emergency powers” as a pretext to infringe on our firearms freedom. And even in the absence of such laws, the Second Amendment applies by its own force.

The NRA remains focused on changing state and federal laws so that no one has to fear for their personal safety in a time of crisis, or ever.&nbsp;We are monitoring and working to resolve these issues with all options – legal, legislative, and otherwise – on the table.&nbsp; In the meantime, let’s all do our part to stay safe and thank Kansas lawmakers for passing good legislation to protect our rights.&nbsp;

Travis Couture-Lovelady is the NRA Kansas State Director. He is a former Kansas state representative from Palco and lives in Hays.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/3/1585592597726.png" alt="Travis Couture-Lovelady " />
 <figcaption>Travis Couture-Lovelady </figcaption>
 </figure>By TRAVIS COUTURE-LOVELADY, NRA Kansas State DirectorWith the growing uncertainty surrounding the COVID-19 crisis, every American is concerned about their safety and the safety of their&nbsp;loved ones.&nbsp;Here in Kansas,&nbsp;our legislature passed&nbsp;<a href="http://www.kslegislature.org/li/b2019_20/measures/hcr5025/" target="_blank">House Committee Resolution 5025</a>, a measure preventing Gov. Laura Kelly​ from using emergency powers to seize ammunition or limit the sale of firearms during the outbreak.&nbsp;On behalf of every NRA member and supporter in our state, I want to thank our lawmakers for the foresight and wisdom to protect our fundamental right to self-defense with passage of this bill.&nbsp;<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/2/1582312931775.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Outside of Kansas, however, the trend is troubling. Overzealous politicians are taking actions that will leave law-abiding citizens defenseless at a time when safety and security is critical to each and every American.&nbsp;Closing gun stores, as New Jersey’s governor has done, not only prohibits law-abiding citizens from purchasing a firearm from a licensed dealer, in many states it also prohibits them from purchasing or borrowing a firearm from a private party. That’s because New Jersey is one of&nbsp;the states with a so-called “universal” background check law which mandates that virtually any firearm transfer, even between friends, family, neighbors, and co-workers, must go through a licensed dealer.&nbsp; With gun stores closed, those who want to borrow or buy&nbsp;a firearm to defend themselves or their loved ones are unable to do so.&nbsp;But it doesn’t end at New Jersey.&nbsp; Sheriffs in Iowa, Pennsylvania, and North Carolina have announced they will no longer process concealed carry permit applications during the COVID-19 crisis. If these states had a constitutional carry law like Kansas, their citizens would&nbsp;<a>be secure in knowing that their ability to defend themselves was not reliant on the individual whims of local or statewide officials.&nbsp;The NRA has succeeded in passing constitutional carry laws in 16 states. In those states, no one's&nbsp;</a>fundamental right to self-defense is&nbsp;in jeopardy in a time of crisis.In 2005,&nbsp;after Hurricane Katrina, law enforcement went door-to-door confiscating firearms.<a></a><a></a>&nbsp;The NRA successfully sued the city and followed up by&nbsp;championing legislation to prevent government officials from using their “emergency powers” as a pretext for disarming the citizenry.&nbsp; As a result, President George W. Bush signed a measure that prohibits persons acting under color of federal law, receiving federal funds, or acting at the direction of a federal employee from seizing or authorizing the seizure of lawfully-possessed firearms during a state of emergency. The majority of U.S. states, including Kansas, now have similar laws to prevent state and local officials from using “emergency powers” as a pretext to infringe on our firearms freedom. And even in the absence of such laws, the Second Amendment applies by its own force.The NRA remains focused on changing state and federal laws so that no one has to fear for their personal safety in a time of crisis, or ever.&nbsp;We are monitoring and working to resolve these issues with all options – legal, legislative, and otherwise – on the table.&nbsp; In the meantime, let’s all do our part to stay safe and thank Kansas lawmakers for passing good legislation to protect our rights.&nbsp;Travis Couture-Lovelady is the NRA Kansas State Director. He is a former Kansas state representative from Palco and lives in Hays.

Couture-Lovelady: Keeping an eye on Second Amendment protections

I write this letter with a heavy heart. Make no mistake about me. I have plenty of skeletons in my closet. However, I am the fourth generation to live in this country and, yes, my ancestors were immigrants and that gives me the right to criticize the president — if he can be called that. Let's not forget more people voted against him than for him in the last election. However, he acts like everyone voted for him. If we disagree with him, he will call you a snake. If you are captured in battle, he does not think that person can be a hero. He doesn't know what the word means.

My mom, and my guess is most mothers, told us not to hang around, liars, crooks and con men. Yet 47 percent of the voters put their mark in front of his name. Why, I ask. Because they don't like gays or lesbians or transgender human beings? No. Maybe it's because they don't like the Hispanic population taking the white people's jobs. That's a joke. No, maybe it's because they don't like poor people getting food stamps. Everybody has a story about seeing a [fat] person trying to buy cigarettes, or maybe even a beer, woooo evil. Yet we subsidize the fossil fuel industry by the millions. We even pay farmers big money not to grow crops. I don't mind this so much because most of the farmers I know are hard-working people and I think it is the way the system is set up to ensure even poor people can buy food.

Trump has been in office for over three years, yet I still see his followers full of anger and hate. What is it that they want? I worked hard for the last 50 years and am close to retirement. Yet because I am a Democrat, therefore I must be evil. Yes, I am a liberal.

I believe the way my predecessors from Kansas did in circa 1863. All men should have the right to live freely and to achieve whatever their dreams are, without a boot on their neck.

I believe the government should help uplift every person in the USA especially the poor, the disenfranchised and the humans who can't take care of themselves.

For "Truly I tell you whatever you do for one of the least of my brothers and sisters of mine, you do for me." We should also encourage social change and yes even political change. If we do not change then we are destined to repeat the same mistakes over and over and get left behind. If you want justice then fight for peace. The end does not justify the means.

Why do you allow him to belittle Gold Star families, make fun of developmentally disabled people? Call our generals idiots then say he would not go into battle with any of them? Let's not forget he would not go into battle with anyone because he has bone spurs. Make fun of our military people with Purple Hearts just for doing their job. Every citizen has the right to protest peacefully, yet I did not hear from one person from the other party criticize him for calling out African Americans for kneeling at the national anthem. Just recently one of my friends told me that the blacks and Hispanics just need to get over it. Hmm, that sounds familiar. All lives matter. The Constitution works both ways, for all people.

I could really overlook most of the above with the exception of a few things. However the last few weeks have pushed me over the edge, he has pushed me too far. His entire philosophy circles around money — you got it and he wants it. Yet if you are intelligent enough you will understand that when he came into office the economy was moving great and he came on board riding on President Obama's shirttails, but that is for another day.

Seven of his cronies are either in prison or on their way. He will deny anyone who disagrees with him before the cock crows three times. 

I am a soldier at heart. I am a Kansan, I am a Jayhawker and a free man. In my heart I think I understand a little about protocol, intelligence briefings [because I sat in on a few] and I recognize when the President is trying to blow smoke up my --- well, you get my meaning.

All the excuses in the world won't help him through this mess. Trump sat in on these CIA, FBI and HLS briefings in January. [Probably even before that.] But I will give him the benefit of doubt. They told him what was coming, he knew what was coming, yet he waited 'til March to really start moving. Just recently, he enacted the Defense Protection Act.

His people have been asking for it for weeks. He blamed it on the Democrats, and, believe it or not [I don't care], called it a HOAX. How can you believe that? Oh, it's OK because he is moving the economy right along. How's your 401 k doing now?

The governor of New York has been begging for weeks for PPE equipment and ventilators. He drug his feet because Cuomo is from the other side. Who does this?

All of this for what? For money. One Texan said recently he was sure the elderly would gladly give their life to see the economy start moving. You just can't fix stupid.

I am just about finished. Having witnessed the very worst humanity has to offer it stirred my soul to see my fellow human beings in Vietnam maimed, butchered and murdered. As it kills me tonight while I write this to know that many thousands of innocent people will die — all for greed or jealousy or racism or to preserve his numbers. Prison comes to mind for him. The good ole USA will speak of this time in history for generations to come. 

Here is another quote from my Mother "you can't beat a liar, all you can do is give him enough rope to hang himself." I think we have done that or should I say Trump has hung himself. All the love in the world will not fix this or change what has happened. Either you are part of the problem, or you are part of the solution. 

So in closing, I urge all people whether you are black or white, rich or poor, to&nbsp;be smart, be strong, be courageous. Be the best human being you can be. This chapter has been written and we can't change the past. However, we can change what happens next.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/12/1575913663048.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>I write this letter with a heavy heart. Make no mistake about me. I have plenty of skeletons in my closet. However, I am the fourth generation to live in this country and, yes, my ancestors were immigrants and that gives me the right to criticize the president — if he can be called that. Let's not forget more people voted against him than for him in the last election. However, he acts like everyone voted for him. If we disagree with him, he will call you a snake. If you are captured in battle, he does not think that person can be a hero. He doesn't know what the word means.My mom, and my guess is most mothers, told us not to hang around, liars, crooks and con men. Yet 47 percent of the voters put their mark in front of his name. Why, I ask. Because they don't like gays or lesbians or transgender human beings? No. Maybe it's because they don't like the Hispanic population taking the white people's jobs. That's a joke. No, maybe it's because they don't like poor people getting food stamps. Everybody has a story about seeing a [fat] person trying to buy cigarettes, or maybe even a beer, woooo evil. Yet we subsidize the fossil fuel industry by the millions. We even pay farmers big money not to grow crops. I don't mind this so much because most of the farmers I know are hard-working people and I think it is the way the system is set up to ensure even poor people can buy food.Trump has been in office for over three years, yet I still see his followers full of anger and hate. What is it that they want? I worked hard for the last 50 years and am close to retirement. Yet because I am a Democrat, therefore I must be evil. Yes, I am a liberal.I believe the way my predecessors from Kansas did in circa 1863. All men should have the right to live freely and to achieve whatever their dreams are, without a boot on their neck.I believe the government should help uplift every person in the USA especially the poor, the disenfranchised and the humans who can't take care of themselves.For "Truly I tell you whatever you do for one of the least of my brothers and sisters of mine, you do for me." We should also encourage social change and yes even political change. If we do not change then we are destined to repeat the same mistakes over and over and get left behind. If you want justice then fight for peace. The end does not justify the means.Why do you allow him to belittle Gold Star families, make fun of developmentally disabled people? Call our generals idiots then say he would not go into battle with any of them? Let's not forget he would not go into battle with anyone because he has bone spurs. Make fun of our military people with Purple Hearts just for doing their job. Every citizen has the right to protest peacefully, yet I did not hear from one person from the other party criticize him for calling out African Americans for kneeling at the national anthem. Just recently one of my friends told me that the blacks and Hispanics just need to get over it. Hmm, that sounds familiar. All lives matter. The Constitution works both ways, for all people.I could really overlook most of the above with the exception of a few things. However the last few weeks have pushed me over the edge, he has pushed me too far. His entire philosophy circles around money — you got it and he wants it. Yet if you are intelligent enough you will understand that when he came into office the economy was moving great and he came on board riding on President Obama's shirttails, but that is for another day.Seven of his cronies are either in prison or on their way. He will deny anyone who disagrees with him before the cock crows three times. I am a soldier at heart. I am a Kansan, I am a Jayhawker and a free man. In my heart I think I understand a little about protocol, intelligence briefings [because I sat in on a few] and I recognize when the President is trying to blow smoke up my --- well, you get my meaning.All the excuses in the world won't help him through this mess. Trump sat in on these CIA, FBI and HLS briefings in January. [Probably even before that.] But I will give him the benefit of doubt. They told him what was coming, he knew what was coming, yet he waited 'til March to really start moving. Just recently, he enacted the Defense Protection Act.His people have been asking for it for weeks. He blamed it on the Democrats, and, believe it or not [I don't care], called it a HOAX. How can you believe that? Oh, it's OK because he is moving the economy right along. How's your 401 k doing now?The governor of New York has been begging for weeks for PPE equipment and ventilators. He drug his feet because Cuomo is from the other side. Who does this?All of this for what? For money. One Texan said recently he was sure the elderly would gladly give their life to see the economy start moving. You just can't fix stupid.I am just about finished. Having witnessed the very worst humanity has to offer it stirred my soul to see my fellow human beings in Vietnam maimed, butchered and murdered. As it kills me tonight while I write this to know that many thousands of innocent people will die — all for greed or jealousy or racism or to preserve his numbers. Prison comes to mind for him. The good ole USA will speak of this time in history for generations to come. Here is another quote from my Mother "you can't beat a liar, all you can do is give him enough rope to hang himself." I think we have done that or should I say Trump has hung himself. All the love in the world will not fix this or change what has happened. Either you are part of the problem, or you are part of the solution. So in closing, I urge all people whether you are black or white, rich or poor, to&nbsp;be smart, be strong, be courageous. Be the best human being you can be. This chapter has been written and we can't change the past. However, we can change what happens next.Linus Schamber

LETTER: Every reason to doubt Trump's leadership

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🎤Post Podcast: Interest growing in Hays Chamber insurance program

The Ellis County Health Department has released a list of local businesses offering "safe shopping hours" for seniors.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/3/1585688540835.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>The Ellis County Health Department has released a list of local businesses offering "safe shopping hours" for seniors.

'Safe shopping' hours at Walmart, Dillons, dollar stores

By BECKY KISER Hays Post

Many businesses in Hays are closed following Monday's implementation of the governor's statewide stay-at-home executive order in effect until April 19.

Kansas residents can leave their homes for employment, or to obtain food, medicine and household necessities.

That means fewer people are shopping at local stores — stores that may have already temporarily closed or drastically altered how they're serving customers.

Business has slowed and the net effect is an anticipated drop in retail sales tax revenues for the city of Hays, the primary generator of monies for the city's general fund.

"It's something we're going to feel," City Manager Toby Dougherty said. "And it's probably going to last a long time."

Expenditures from the general fund are used for police, fire, parks, public works and general local government operation.&nbsp;

Dougherty has seen projections statewide of as much as a 25 percent decrease in sales taxes, although no length of time was estimated.

"Whether we feel that much of an impact locally —&nbsp; or even more. I don't know," Dougherty said.&nbsp;"But I do think there's going to be some long-lasting ramifications from this."

Dougherty expects local unemployment numbers to spike, along with those for the entire state which have already reached a record number.

He's also concerned about two major local industries — agriculture and oil.

"Locally, we're dealing with farm commodity prices that weren't good to start with, oil prices are going down, and now this.

"These type of economic hits, as they reverberate through the economy, could last a long time. They could affect property values and things like that."

The economic uncertainty is part of the city's current planning process and the 2021 budget.

"We're looking at what we could come back on and look at less revenues as we prepare for our 2021 budget," Dougherty said.

February's financial report presented by Finance Director Kim Rupp at last Thursday's city commission meeting showed a 2.24 percent uptick in&nbsp;general fund sales tax collections over the previous year.

Rupp noted the figures are from December sales.&nbsp;

The report of Top Ten quarter-to-date sales tax collections by classification was up&nbsp;$175,860 or 9.54 percent. 

The largest categorical increase was in supermarkets, convenience and liquor stores, up 30 percent.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/3/1585616358704.jpeg" alt="Hays City Manager Toby Dougherty says the city is planning for "long-lasting ramifications" of the economic downturn due to the coronavirus pandemic. The city's general fund is primarily funded from sales tax revenues." />
 <figcaption>Hays City Manager Toby Dougherty says the city is planning for "long-lasting ramifications" of the economic downturn due to the coronavirus pandemic. The city's general fund is primarily funded from sales tax revenues.</figcaption>
 </figure>By BECKY KISER Hays PostMany businesses in Hays are closed following Monday's implementation of the governor's statewide stay-at-home executive order in effect until April 19.Kansas residents can leave their homes for employment, or to obtain food, medicine and household necessities.That means fewer people are shopping at local stores — stores that may have already temporarily closed or drastically altered how they're serving customers.Business has slowed and the net effect is an anticipated drop in retail sales tax revenues for the city of Hays, the primary generator of monies for the city's general fund."It's something we're going to feel," City Manager Toby Dougherty said. "And it's probably going to last a long time."Expenditures from the general fund are used for police, fire, parks, public works and general local government operation.&nbsp;<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/3/1585617034826.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Dougherty has seen projections statewide of as much as a 25 percent decrease in sales taxes, although no length of time was estimated."Whether we feel that much of an impact locally —&nbsp; or even more. I don't know," Dougherty said.&nbsp;"But I do think there's going to be some long-lasting ramifications from this."Dougherty expects local unemployment numbers to spike, along with those for the entire state which have already reached a record number.He's also concerned about two major local industries — agriculture and oil."Locally, we're dealing with farm commodity prices that weren't good to start with, oil prices are going down, and now this."These type of economic hits, as they reverberate through the economy, could last a long time. They could affect property values and things like that."The economic uncertainty is part of the city's current planning process and the 2021 budget."We're looking at what we could come back on and look at less revenues as we prepare for our 2021 budget," Dougherty said.February's financial report presented by Finance Director Kim Rupp at last Thursday's city commission meeting showed a 2.24 percent uptick in&nbsp;general fund sales tax collections over the previous year.Rupp noted the figures are from December sales.&nbsp;The report of Top Ten quarter-to-date sales tax collections by classification was up&nbsp;$175,860 or 9.54 percent. The largest categorical increase was in supermarkets, convenience and liquor stores, up 30 percent.

Dougherty: Hays will feel 'long-lasting ramifications' of economic downturn

BY CRISTINA JANNEY Hays Post

The Hays USD 489 school board approved its continuous learning plan for the state at its meeting Monday night.

Superintendent Ron Wilson said the district did not want to overwhelm students, parents or teachers and would focus on the theme "less is more."

The high school will launch its online learning plan Wednesday with the other district schools to follow. Families should be contacted about learning plans no later than the end of this week.

<a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/5e7a77d3afae0f4d5f5e0c72">SEE RELATED STORY: Hays High releases learning plan for remainder of 2020</a>

The school district already has a one-to-one technology policy. Most middle and high school students should already have their iPads or laptop computers.

iPads will be distributed to elementary students this week, Shanna Dinkel, assistant superintendent, said.

"In times like this, you can learn to choose to be grateful instead of focusing on the negative," she said. "Where we are with technology as a district and the devices we have available gives us a head start with a lot of this."

Teachers will be using programs children are already used to including Canvas and SeeSaw. Some teachers may also be using Zoom, an online meeting app, for instruction.&nbsp;

Zoom has been preloaded on all district devices.

The district has an IT ticketing system for staff and an IT hotline will be available for students and families. That phone number will be posted on the district's resource pages.

Any family that does not have internet access should have received information about applying for reduced internet service from Nex-Tech or Eagle Broadband.

<a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/5e8256aaafae0f4d5f5e8d9c">SEE RELATED STORY: Nex-Tech, Eagle helping families with internet for education</a>

"One of the things we have focused on," Dinkel said, "is that it is not a time to learn new programs. ... We have a lot of good programs in place — Canvas, SeeSaw, Bloomz. We had a lot of good ways we were reaching out and communicating with parents.&nbsp;

"We have a lot of online resources already at our finger tips that students know their logins and know how they work. Less is more is really a theme we have really given teachers."

Dinkel said teachers' focuses are on what essential skills students need to learn yet in the school year.

To not overwhelm parents, schools are going to try to focus on weekly contact with parents.

"We ask that we give grace and patience to not only our families but to one another," Dinkel said.

The district sent surveys to families asking what needs they had for their individual students, and Dinkel said the district received much positive feedback.

"The purpose for continuous learning is to provide opportunities for all students," Dinkel said. "We have a high SPED population. We have English Language Learners. We have Title [reading students]. We have migrant [students]. All of those people have been on board and will reach out to those students."

Districts will be required to amend individual education plans for special education students for continuous learning, Dinkel said.

Chris Hipp, director of the special education co-op, told the board via remote access that all special education would be done remotely in light of the governor's stay-at-home order.

The plan also includes stipulations for how the district will provide for the social and emotional well-being of its students.

Social workers, counselors and school psychologists will continue to reach out to students and families, Dinkel said.

HMS has a mental health liaison who came on board just this school year.

The continuous learning plan waiver the district has to file with the state includes an agreement the school district continue to pay its hourly employees through the end of the school year.

"That is another huge thing we have been grateful for," Dinkel said, "is that we have been able to keep people employed. That has been a huge relief to not have to be laying people off."

The district also had to agree to enroll new students if they move to the district and to maintain the health and safety of staff and students.

Board member Craig Pallister asked about the number of credits required for graduation. The district requires 25, but the state only requires 21.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/2/1582603112400.jpeg" alt="Hays USD 489 school board. File photo" />
 <figcaption>Hays USD 489 school board. File photo</figcaption>
 </figure>BY CRISTINA JANNEY Hays PostThe Hays USD 489 school board approved its continuous learning plan for the state at its meeting Monday night.Superintendent Ron Wilson said the district did not want to overwhelm students, parents or teachers and would focus on the theme "less is more."The high school will launch its online learning plan Wednesday with the other district schools to follow. Families should be contacted about learning plans no later than the end of this week.<a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/5e7a77d3afae0f4d5f5e0c72">SEE RELATED STORY: Hays High releases learning plan for remainder of 2020</a><h2>Use of technology</h2>The school district already has a one-to-one technology policy. Most middle and high school students should already have their iPads or laptop computers.iPads will be distributed to elementary students this week, Shanna Dinkel, assistant superintendent, said."In times like this, you can learn to choose to be grateful instead of focusing on the negative," she said. "Where we are with technology as a district and the devices we have available gives us a head start with a lot of this."Teachers will be using programs children are already used to including Canvas and SeeSaw. Some teachers may also be using Zoom, an online meeting app, for instruction.&nbsp;Zoom has been preloaded on all district devices.The district has an IT ticketing system for staff and an IT hotline will be available for students and families. That phone number will be posted on the district's resource pages.Any family that does not have internet access should have received information about applying for reduced internet service from Nex-Tech or Eagle Broadband.<a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/5e8256aaafae0f4d5f5e8d9c">SEE RELATED STORY: Nex-Tech, Eagle helping families with internet for education</a>"One of the things we have focused on," Dinkel said, "is that it is not a time to learn new programs. ... We have a lot of good programs in place — Canvas, SeeSaw, Bloomz. We had a lot of good ways we were reaching out and communicating with parents.&nbsp;"We have a lot of online resources already at our finger tips that students know their logins and know how they work. Less is more is really a theme we have really given teachers."Dinkel said teachers' focuses are on what essential skills students need to learn yet in the school year.To not overwhelm parents, schools are going to try to focus on weekly contact with parents."We ask that we give grace and patience to not only our families but to one another," Dinkel said.The district sent surveys to families asking what needs they had for their individual students, and Dinkel said the district received much positive feedback.<h2>Special populations</h2>"The purpose for continuous learning is to provide opportunities for all students," Dinkel said. "We have a high SPED population. We have English Language Learners. We have Title [reading students]. We have migrant [students]. All of those people have been on board and will reach out to those students."Districts will be required to amend individual education plans for special education students for continuous learning, Dinkel said.Chris Hipp, director of the special education co-op, told the board via remote access that all special education would be done remotely in light of the governor's stay-at-home order.The plan also includes stipulations for how the district will provide for the social and emotional well-being of its students.Social workers, counselors and school psychologists will continue to reach out to students and families, Dinkel said.HMS has a mental health liaison who came on board just this school year.<h2>Pay for hourly employees</h2>The continuous learning plan waiver the district has to file with the state includes an agreement the school district continue to pay its hourly employees through the end of the school year."That is another huge thing we have been grateful for," Dinkel said, "is that we have been able to keep people employed. That has been a huge relief to not have to be laying people off."The district also had to agree to enroll new students if they move to the district and to maintain the health and safety of staff and students.<h2>Seniors</h2>Board member Craig Pallister asked about the number of credits required for graduation. The district requires 25, but the state only requires 21.&nbsp;Wilson said HHS Principal Martin Straub indicated 99 percent of enrolled seniors are on track for graduation. However, he said credit hours needed for graduation would be revisited if it was deemed necessary."Our goal will be for this not to impact any senior in a negative way," Wilson said.Dinkel said the Learning Center already offers a 21-credit graduation option.<h2>Graduation ceremony</h2>Board member Lance Bickle asked if a graduation ceremony would be rescheduled when it was safe to do so. It emphasized the importance of gradation as a life event for many students.Dinkel said graduation has been postponed and not canceled.Wilson said, "We will definitely recognize our seniors at some point in some way once we have a definite on what we can do and when we can do it."We do understand that is a lifetime experience that has been ripped away from a lot of kids. We will do everything we can to make that possible."<h2>Care for teachers, staff</h2>Pallister also expressed concern about the district's teachers and staff during this stressful time."Our teachers — this is a big struggle," he said. "I worry about the emotional (effects) and if they have outlets. I know counselors help students, but if we have teachers or staff who are struggling, who should they call?"Dinkel said the district would make resources available online and administrators will be checking in regularly on staff and teachers.Dinkel concluded by saying this is not about turning in assignments."[It's about] making sure we stay in touch and connected and providing opportunities," she said.