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/CWcOZVpDXd8"></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: Dave Buller, North Oak Community Church

With the governor’s announcement to move the state to Phase 1.5 of Ad Astra: A Plan to Reopen Kansas, on Monday, all Hays city offices will reopen to the public. 

In preparation of reopening city facilities, the city has begun modifying high-traffic areas of the city’s offices and installing plexiglass in select areas.

During this time, the city encourages customers and the public to continue using the city’s online resources at <a href="https://www.haysusa.com/">www.haysusa.com</a> to make utility payments, apply for permits and communicate with city staff.

Furthermore, the city commission chambers will now be publicly accessible, but with limited seating. 

The city will continue to broadcast commission meetings as is standard practice and will broadcast commission work sessions until further notice. During this time, the public is encouraged to watch these meetings remotely.

 Public comments will continue to be accepted electronically, by emailing publiccomment@haysusa.com.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/5/1589556677507.png" alt="A hand sanitizer station has been installed inside the entrance of Hays City Hall, 1507 Main. (Photos by Becky Kiser/Hays Post)" />
 <figcaption>A hand sanitizer station has been installed inside the entrance of Hays City Hall, 1507 Main. (Photos by Becky Kiser/Hays Post)</figcaption>
 </figure>City of HaysWith the governor’s announcement to move the state to Phase 1.5 of Ad Astra: A Plan to Reopen Kansas, on Monday, all Hays city offices will reopen to the public. In preparation of reopening city facilities, the city has begun modifying high-traffic areas of the city’s offices and installing plexiglass in select areas.During this time, the city encourages customers and the public to continue using the city’s online resources at <a href="https://www.haysusa.com/">www.haysusa.com</a> to make utility payments, apply for permits and communicate with city staff. <figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/5/1589556613774.png" alt="The number of audience chairs in the Hays city commission chambers has been reduced to nine, ensuring people are seated at least six feet apart.&nbsp;" />
 <figcaption>The number of audience chairs in the Hays city commission chambers has been reduced to nine, ensuring people are seated at least six feet apart.&nbsp;</figcaption>
 </figure>Furthermore, the city commission chambers will now be publicly accessible, but with limited seating. The city will continue to broadcast commission meetings as is standard practice and will broadcast commission work sessions until further notice. During this time, the public is encouraged to watch these meetings remotely.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/5/1589556643893.png" alt="Hays city commissioners practice social distancing as they listen to Kim Rupp, finance director, and Toby Dougherty, city manager, during the May 14 commission meeting. City Attorney John Bird participated in the meeting via telephone." />
 <figcaption>Hays city commissioners practice social distancing as they listen to Kim Rupp, finance director, and Toby Dougherty, city manager, during the May 14 commission meeting. City Attorney John Bird participated in the meeting via telephone.</figcaption>
 </figure> Public comments will continue to be accepted electronically, by emailing publiccomment@haysusa.com.

Hays city offices to reopen Monday; online resources encouraged

The Chamber in Hays, Kansas is currently seeking applications for Vice President of Membership.&nbsp; Interested applicants should submit a resume, cover letter, and three reference letters to&nbsp;hayscc@hayschamber.com&nbsp;by June 5th.&nbsp; The Vice President of Membership reports directly to the President/CEO of The Chamber.

Specific duties for this position include:

Interviews will be conducted in June, with a desired start date of July 1st.&nbsp; Questions about this position can be directed to Sarah Wasinger, President/CEO of The Chamber by calling 785-628-8201 or via email at&nbsp;sarah@hayschamber.com.

About the Chamber: The Chamber facilitates collaboration among businesses and community partners by cultivating and enhancing development opportunities.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/4/1588269644630.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>The Chamber in Hays, Kansas is currently seeking applications for Vice President of Membership.&nbsp; Interested applicants should submit a resume, cover letter, and three reference letters to&nbsp;hayscc@hayschamber.com&nbsp;by June 5th.&nbsp; The Vice President of Membership reports directly to the President/CEO of The Chamber.Specific duties for this position include:<ol>
 <li>Responsible for keeping all membership information, dues structure and resources updated, organized and available for reports.</li><li>Obtain new Chamber memberships and help retain them beyond their first year of membership.</li><li>Communicate, connect, and develop relationships with existing chamber members as needed, with a goal to reach out to all members annually if possible.</li><li>Sell advertising, programs, and sponsorships for events and programs as deemed necessary by the President/CEO.</li><li>Assist with the collection of overdue membership dues.</li><li>Assist in organizing and coordinating details for special events, programs and projects as deemed necessary by the President/CEO.&nbsp;</li><li>Schedule weekly Chamber Chats, Ribbon Cuttings, Business Showcases, Grand Openings, Ground Breakings, and other events.</li><li>Maintain the Welcome Home bucket program.</li><li>Speak and lead at Chamber sponsored events as needed.</li><li>Assist other Chamber staff in maintaining Chamber Cheques, plans room, bulk rate stamp, phone reception, and other office procedures as necessary.</li><li>Strong communication and organizational skills must be utilized as this position’s work greatly impacts the progress of the team overall.</li><li>Other duties as assigned.</li>
 </ol>Interviews will be conducted in June, with a desired start date of July 1st.&nbsp; Questions about this position can be directed to Sarah Wasinger, President/CEO of The Chamber by calling 785-628-8201 or via email at&nbsp;sarah@hayschamber.com.About the Chamber: The Chamber facilitates collaboration among businesses and community partners by cultivating and enhancing development opportunities.The Chamber will:<ol>
 <li>connect resources and provide development opportunities to member investors</li><li>promote community advancement and improve quality of life by educating stakeholders on area initiatives&nbsp;</li><li>strategically collaborate with community partners&nbsp;</li><li>strive to enhance business opportunities</li>
 </ol>

CRUZE: Bulletproof your bank account during pandemic

MANHATTAN – Kansas State University will host its first-ever live Virtual Wheat Field Day on the evenings of Wed., May 27 and Thurs., May 28.

In a twist on the typical wheat field day that Kansas farmers often attend, K-State Research and Extension will host a two-part wheat field day live on YouTube to update growers and others on the most recent crop advances and challenges while keeping producers safe from COVID-19, said Romulo Lollato, extension wheat specialist.

The May 27-28 Virtual Wheat Field Day 2020, which Lollato said is really two “field evenings,” begins at 7 p.m. and ends at 9 p.m. each evening. Agriculture Today radio host Eric Atkinson will moderate the program. The format will allow for questions from the audience.

Growers are encouraged to attend one or both evenings on YouTube live at separate links:&nbsp;&nbsp;<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UnD12lADM3E&amp;feature=youtu.be">May 27 session</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VrF3F2yqJpc&amp;feature=youtu.be">May 28 session</a>.

The program, with each speaker presenting from their own homes, includes:

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/5/1589548732748.png" alt="K-State Research &amp; Extension" />
 <figcaption>K-State Research &amp; Extension</figcaption>
 </figure><h2>University taking program online&nbsp;</h2>K-State Research &amp; ExtensionMANHATTAN – Kansas State University will host its first-ever live Virtual Wheat Field Day on the evenings of Wed., May 27 and Thurs., May 28.In a twist on the typical wheat field day that Kansas farmers often attend, K-State Research and Extension will host a two-part wheat field day live on YouTube to update growers and others on the most recent crop advances and challenges while keeping producers safe from COVID-19, said Romulo Lollato, extension wheat specialist.The May 27-28 Virtual Wheat Field Day 2020, which Lollato said is really two “field evenings,” begins at 7 p.m. and ends at 9 p.m. each evening. Agriculture Today radio host Eric Atkinson will moderate the program. The format will allow for questions from the audience.Growers are encouraged to attend one or both evenings on YouTube live at separate links:&nbsp;&nbsp;<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UnD12lADM3E&amp;feature=youtu.be">May 27 session</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VrF3F2yqJpc&amp;feature=youtu.be">May 28 session</a>.The program, with each speaker presenting from their own homes, includes:<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/5/1589548792777.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>

K-State to host first live virtual wheat field day May 27-28

Gordmans, 2918 Vine, is set to close permanently following an announcement from the company on May 10 as the chain seeks a buyer after declaring Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection.

"Like many others, our business was significantly impacted by COVID-19," said&nbsp; Michael Glazer, president and CEO of Stage Stores, the parent company of Gordmans. "We temporarily closed all of our stores as we have worked to manage through this challenging environment. Despite all of our efforts, we have been unable to obtain the necessary financing to continue operating as an independent business."

Specific timelines for closing the chain have not been announced, but an ongoing liquidation sale at all open locations is underway.

Many of the chain's stores opened Friday, but in some states, stores are not set to open again until June, due to COVID-19 restrictions.

Even with the announcement, there is a glimmer of hope for the chain.

"We hope our actions over the last several months to reposition the business will attract the right partner who is interested in our off-price concept," Glazer said. "If we receive a viable bid for the business, we will terminate our wind-down of operations at certain locations."

The full statement from Glazer can be found on the Gordmans website,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.gordmans.com/covid19-update">https://www.gordmans.com/covid19-update</a>.

DP Management, who manages Big Creek Crossing where the store is located, declined to comment.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/5/1589654182258.jpeg" alt="Signs at Gordmans in Hays announce the closure and ongoing liquidation sale Saturday afternoon in Hays. The company said last Sunday that unless a buyer can be found, all stores will close permanently soon." />
 <figcaption>Signs at Gordmans in Hays announce the closure and ongoing liquidation sale Saturday afternoon in Hays. The company said last Sunday that unless a buyer can be found, all stores will close permanently soon.</figcaption>
 </figure>By JAMES BELL Hays PostGordmans, 2918 Vine, is set to close permanently following an announcement from the company on May 10 as the chain seeks a buyer after declaring Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection."Like many others, our business was significantly impacted by COVID-19," said&nbsp; Michael Glazer, president and CEO of Stage Stores, the parent company of Gordmans. "We temporarily closed all of our stores as we have worked to manage through this challenging environment. Despite all of our efforts, we have been unable to obtain the necessary financing to continue operating as an independent business."Specific timelines for closing the chain have not been announced, but an ongoing liquidation sale at all open locations is underway.Many of the chain's stores opened Friday, but in some states, stores are not set to open again until June, due to COVID-19 restrictions.Even with the announcement, there is a glimmer of hope for the chain."We hope our actions over the last several months to reposition the business will attract the right partner who is interested in our off-price concept," Glazer said. "If we receive a viable bid for the business, we will terminate our wind-down of operations at certain locations."The full statement from Glazer can be found on the Gordmans website,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.gordmans.com/covid19-update">https://www.gordmans.com/covid19-update</a>.DP Management, who manages Big Creek Crossing where the store is located, declined to comment.

Gordmans to close Hays location, liquidation sale ongoing

Since the beginning of the COVID-19
pandemic, area residents and businesses have continued to show support for the
ARC Park project — allowing organizers to set a tentative opening date for the playground to be built at 33rd and Hillcrest in Hays.

Since March, several donations have come
in, including the latest $5,000 donation from <a href="https://www.sunriseabs.com/">Sunrise AgriBusiness Solutions.</a>

Since
March 4, Rob and Megan Miller also contributed $5,000, Royal
Roofing &amp; Remodeling contributed $1,000, Kathy Pfeifer contributed
$500, and fundraising efforts at O’Laughlin and Wilson elementary schools brought
in another $533 and $1,385, respectively.

Those recent donations
have helped push the total amount raised to $625,000 — close enough to the goal
that the ARC Park board is planning to start construction with an opening date tentatively
planned for September.

Originally, equipment
for the playground was to
be ordered in May, but COVID-19 changed plans as construction companies deal
with continually changing projects, travel restrictions and distancing
guidelines.

&nbsp;“We
want to get it out there as quickly as we can,” said Sarah Meitner, Arc of the
Central Plains board president.

The playground will be phase one of a three-stage project, which will ultimately include a splash pad and baseball
field, designed to be inclusive for everyone, including those with disabilities.

While organizers believe they are close
enough in funding to begin the construction process, they are continuing to
seek construction partners that might be willing to donate dirt and concrete work
in order to fully utilize funds raised for equipment.

“There is a lot of it,” said Kathy McAdoo,&nbsp;Arc of the Central Plains executive director. “The excavation of that project is a 15,000-square-foot area.”

If a partner cannot be secured, adjustments will be made to the design to bring the current expected cost of $760,000 down.

The primary goal is to open the playground on time, even if some equipment needs to be removed from the design to keep to the amount of funds available.

“So if we have to make some changes to
get that done we are going to do it,” said Brent Kaiser, Arc of the Central
Plains activities director.

One change that is being finalized is
the amount of turf that will be used in the playground area after an
in-kind donation of turf was made by Thomas More Prep-Marian graduate and
president of ForeverLawn-Mile High in Colorado Springs, Trey Moeder.

Initially, Moeder pledged turf for the
baseball field, but after offering to put in turf in the playground as well, the playground plans are being adjusted.

&nbsp;“We
looked at the design and which areas could have turf and which areas still need
the pour-in-place,” Meitner said.

The toddler area and under the zip line
were determined to be the best fit for turf.

“It’s actually better,” Kaiser said. “It’s
padded.”

While they haven’t put a number on
paper, Meitner said the original pledge was around $60,000 and it is possible
it would be another $60,000 for playground turf.

“That alone will bring our cost down, which
is what makes us feel like ‘let’s go ahead,' ” Meitner said. “If we can chip away
at that with this turf change and any other in-kind (donations, we think we can
close the gap.”

&nbsp;The latest design from the project engineer
that incorporates the change and &nbsp;is
expected any day.

Once a final plan is decided upon, organizers
will seek approval from the city and begin scheduling construction efforts, but
the developer hopes to have the project complete by Sept. 1 — a timeline that will
rely on construction companies that have seen significant impacts to scheduling
during the pandemic.

&nbsp;“We
know building schedules have been affected,” Meitner said. “Our developer tells
us they have actually been bumped ahead on schedule.”

Even after the playground is completed, organizers
will continue to push ahead with fundraising efforts for the ball field and
splash pad, but recognize the challenge of asking for funds while many people
and businesses struggle to recover from COVID-19.

“We understand everybody is hurting
right now,” Kaiser said, noting they would continue to be resourceful in
securing funds moving forward and not simply ask for donations alone.

And Meitner said they want to fundraise
“carefully,” with the understanding some nonprofits still need to raise money
for operating expenses.

“They are all super important to our community,”
Kaiser said. “Some of them are hurting, and we want to make sure they are
getting what they need.”

&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/5/1589568470067.jpeg" alt="Photo courtesy Arc of the Central Plains" />
 <figcaption>Photo courtesy Arc of the Central Plains</figcaption>
 </figure>By JAMES BELL Hays PostSince the beginning of the COVID-19
pandemic, area residents and businesses have continued to show support for the
ARC Park project — allowing organizers to set a tentative opening date for the playground to be built at 33rd and Hillcrest in Hays.Since March, several donations have come
in, including the latest $5,000 donation from <a href="https://www.sunriseabs.com/">Sunrise AgriBusiness Solutions.</a><div><iframe src="https://www.facebook.com/plugins/post.php?href=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2FHAYSARCPARK%2Fposts%2F712973359511379&width=500" width="500" height="519" style="border:none;overflow:hidden" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" allowTransparency="true" allow="encrypted-media"></iframe></div>Since
March 4, Rob and Megan Miller also contributed $5,000, Royal
Roofing &amp; Remodeling contributed $1,000, Kathy Pfeifer contributed
$500, and fundraising efforts at O’Laughlin and Wilson elementary schools brought
in another $533 and $1,385, respectively.Those recent donations
have helped push the total amount raised to $625,000 — close enough to the goal
that the ARC Park board is planning to start construction with an opening date tentatively
planned for September.Originally, equipment
for the playground was to
be ordered in May, but COVID-19 changed plans as construction companies deal
with continually changing projects, travel restrictions and distancing
guidelines.&nbsp;“We
want to get it out there as quickly as we can,” said Sarah Meitner, Arc of the
Central Plains board president.The playground will be phase one of a three-stage project, which will ultimately include a splash pad and baseball
field, designed to be inclusive for everyone, including those with disabilities.While organizers believe they are close
enough in funding to begin the construction process, they are continuing to
seek construction partners that might be willing to donate dirt and concrete work
in order to fully utilize funds raised for equipment.“There is a lot of it,” said Kathy McAdoo,&nbsp;Arc of the Central Plains executive director. “The excavation of that project is a 15,000-square-foot area.”If a partner cannot be secured, adjustments will be made to the design to bring the current expected cost of $760,000 down.The primary goal is to open the playground on time, even if some equipment needs to be removed from the design to keep to the amount of funds available.“So if we have to make some changes to
get that done we are going to do it,” said Brent Kaiser, Arc of the Central
Plains activities director.One change that is being finalized is
the amount of turf that will be used in the playground area after an
in-kind donation of turf was made by Thomas More Prep-Marian graduate and
president of ForeverLawn-Mile High in Colorado Springs, Trey Moeder.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/5/1589568554671.jpeg" alt="Photo courtesy Arc of the Central Plains" />
 <figcaption>Photo courtesy Arc of the Central Plains</figcaption>
 </figure>Initially, Moeder pledged turf for the
baseball field, but after offering to put in turf in the playground as well, the playground plans are being adjusted.&nbsp;“We
looked at the design and which areas could have turf and which areas still need
the pour-in-place,” Meitner said.The toddler area and under the zip line
were determined to be the best fit for turf.“It’s actually better,” Kaiser said. “It’s
padded.”While they haven’t put a number on
paper, Meitner said the original pledge was around $60,000 and it is possible
it would be another $60,000 for playground turf.“That alone will bring our cost down, which
is what makes us feel like ‘let’s go ahead,' ” Meitner said. “If we can chip away
at that with this turf change and any other in-kind (donations, we think we can
close the gap.”&nbsp;The latest design from the project engineer
that incorporates the change and &nbsp;is
expected any day.Once a final plan is decided upon, organizers
will seek approval from the city and begin scheduling construction efforts, but
the developer hopes to have the project complete by Sept. 1 — a timeline that will
rely on construction companies that have seen significant impacts to scheduling
during the pandemic.&nbsp;“We
know building schedules have been affected,” Meitner said. “Our developer tells
us they have actually been bumped ahead on schedule.”Even after the playground is completed, organizers
will continue to push ahead with fundraising efforts for the ball field and
splash pad, but recognize the challenge of asking for funds while many people
and businesses struggle to recover from COVID-19.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/5/1589568608133.jpeg" alt="Photo courtesy Arc of the Central Plains" />
 <figcaption>Photo courtesy Arc of the Central Plains</figcaption>
 </figure>“We understand everybody is hurting
right now,” Kaiser said, noting they would continue to be resourceful in
securing funds moving forward and not simply ask for donations alone.And Meitner said they want to fundraise
“carefully,” with the understanding some nonprofits still need to raise money
for operating expenses.“They are all super important to our community,”
Kaiser said. “Some of them are hurting, and we want to make sure they are
getting what they need.”&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;

Despite COVID-19, ARC Park plans push forward

After stopping their monthly child development screenings during the COVID-19 pandemic, the Hays Area Children's Center hopes to begin screenings again in June.

During the summer screenings they will only be accepting children from birth age to 2 years and 9 months, but will expand to the full age in August.

"The next screening we are hoping to do is on Wednesday, June 7," said&nbsp;Jennifer Oborny, infant and toddler early intervention director.

The following screening date is set for Wednesday, July 8.&nbsp;

"... On Aug. 14, we will be able to do all children from birth to age 5," Oborny said.

During the screening, school professionals are on site to answer questions, including a speech language pathologist who can check speech development.

Motor skills, vision, hearing and behavioral development is also checked and performed in a child-friendly way.

If further assistance is needed after the screening, the center works to provide those resources.

"Once a child qualifies for our services from the infant to the toddler center, they get full access to a range of services that include assitive technology, audiology screenings, family service ordination, health and medical referrals, nursing services, nutrition, occupation, physical and speech-language therapies, psychological services, social work specialized instruction and vision services," Oborny said.

The center serves children in Ellis and Rush counties at no cost to families and works to identify developmental issues as early as possible.

The impacts of early developmental delays, especially vision can be long-lasting, Oborny said.

"One big piece is vision," she said. "If you don't have your vision corrected as early as possible, it can affect your long-term vision and brain development because there is so much going on in those first three years."

Audiology testing is also a key component of the developmental screenings and the center will benefit from new equipment over the summer.

"We are actually getting some new hearing tools this summer that we qualified for with some grants," Oborny said. "So I am very excited to about using those new items with our families for screenings."

The new tools will provide the most up-to-date hearing testing available.

While the center paused their monthly developmental screenings, they have continued to provide services to families through online video services.

"It's actually gone really, really well with our families," Oborny said.

They are hoping to get back in homes for testing over the summer, but they do not have a specific timeline outlines — but will follow guidance from Hays USD 489 and the Kansas Department of Health and Environment.

"We certainly don't want to bring something from one house to another, especially with the compromised health that some of these babies we work with," Oborny said.

To set up a screening or for more information, call 625 3257 or visit the HACC website,&nbsp;<a href="https://hacc.info/">hacc.info</a>.

<div><iframe title="HACC hopes to re-start monthly screening in June" height="122" width="100%" style="border: none;" scrolling="no" data-name="pb-iframe-player" src="https://www.podbean.com/media/player/hhrpy-dc769a?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>By JAMES BELL Hays PostAfter stopping their monthly child development screenings during the COVID-19 pandemic, the Hays Area Children's Center hopes to begin screenings again in June.During the summer screenings they will only be accepting children from birth age to 2 years and 9 months, but will expand to the full age in August."The next screening we are hoping to do is on Wednesday, June 7," said&nbsp;Jennifer Oborny, infant and toddler early intervention director.The following screening date is set for Wednesday, July 8.&nbsp;"... On Aug. 14, we will be able to do all children from birth to age 5," Oborny said.During the screening, school professionals are on site to answer questions, including a speech language pathologist who can check speech development.Motor skills, vision, hearing and behavioral development is also checked and performed in a child-friendly way.If further assistance is needed after the screening, the center works to provide those resources."Once a child qualifies for our services from the infant to the toddler center, they get full access to a range of services that include assitive technology, audiology screenings, family service ordination, health and medical referrals, nursing services, nutrition, occupation, physical and speech-language therapies, psychological services, social work specialized instruction and vision services," Oborny said.The center serves children in Ellis and Rush counties at no cost to families and works to identify developmental issues as early as possible.The impacts of early developmental delays, especially vision can be long-lasting, Oborny said."One big piece is vision," she said. "If you don't have your vision corrected as early as possible, it can affect your long-term vision and brain development because there is so much going on in those first three years."Audiology testing is also a key component of the developmental screenings and the center will benefit from new equipment over the summer."We are actually getting some new hearing tools this summer that we qualified for with some grants," Oborny said. "So I am very excited to about using those new items with our families for screenings."The new tools will provide the most up-to-date hearing testing available.While the center paused their monthly developmental screenings, they have continued to provide services to families through online video services."It's actually gone really, really well with our families," Oborny said.They are hoping to get back in homes for testing over the summer, but they do not have a specific timeline outlines — but will follow guidance from Hays USD 489 and the Kansas Department of Health and Environment."We certainly don't want to bring something from one house to another, especially with the compromised health that some of these babies we work with," Oborny said.To set up a screening or for more information, call 625 3257 or visit the HACC website,&nbsp;<a href="https://hacc.info/">hacc.info</a>.

🎤 HACC hopes to begin monthly child screenings in June

A Hays business owner who also teaches at Fort Hays State University was looking for a way to get free pizzas to local children. One of her FHSU colleagues was looking for a way to distribute an excess supply of books.&nbsp;

Heather Musil and Dr. Valerie Zelenka decided to join forces, and Hays students will reap the benefits.&nbsp;

Musil is co-owner of Paisley Pear Wine Bar, Bistro and Market in downtown Hays with her husband, Shaun. She also is an instructor in the Department of Teacher Education at FHSU, where Dr. Zelenka is an associate professor.&nbsp;

The Musils and Dr. Zelenka will be passing out 200 free pizza kits and several hundred children’s books to the first 200 children at the corner of 11th and Main from 11 a.m. to noon on Monday, May 18. Any children 18 years and younger are eligible.&nbsp;

The idea spawned from another community service project earlier this spring. The grab-and-go meals with school district’s food service program for students was suspended for a week when an employee tested positive for COVID-19, and several Hays businesses, including the Paisley Pear, stepped up to provide low-cost and free meals for the children.&nbsp;

The Musils received so many donations for the project that they had left-over funds and supplies. They came up with the idea of the pizza giveaway, and Heather Musil contacted the principals of local public and private schools and USD 489 school board members to get the word out. Hays USD 489 school board members Craig Pallister and Allen Park also will be helping hand out the pizza kits.&nbsp;

“This community has been unbelievably supportive of us, so we wanted to give back,” Shaun Musil said. “We had a lot of donations left after the first pizza giveaway, and we wanted to make sure it went to a good cause.”&nbsp;

The kits will include ingredients to make a personal cheese pizza: a crust, pizza sauce and cheese. It can be refrigerated or frozen and ready to pop in the oven later.&nbsp;

The Musils chose Monday because the Paisley Pear normally is closed on Mondays. It also is the first day for the Hays USD 489 summer lunch program for children ages 18-under. The sites for the summer program this year are Lincoln Elementary School, 1906 Ash St., and Hays High School, 2300 E. 13th. Those drive-through meals are available from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.&nbsp;

“Students can get a hot lunch at one of those sites, then stop by here for a to-go pizza, too,” Heather Musil said.&nbsp;

This time, students will receive a bonus with their meals.&nbsp;

Dr. Zelenka has several hundred books – for all ages – remaining from various book distribution projects.&nbsp;

When Heather Musil told her about her plans for the pizza giveaway, Zelenka immediately jumped on board.&nbsp;

“With students not in school this spring and with summer beginning, this will give them a chance to read at home,” Dr. Zelenka said. “What a great opportunity to get books out to them at this time. &nbsp;This is going to be a great collaborative project.”&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/5/1589388303257.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>FHSU University RelationsA Hays business owner who also teaches at Fort Hays State University was looking for a way to get free pizzas to local children. One of her FHSU colleagues was looking for a way to distribute an excess supply of books.&nbsp;Heather Musil and Dr. Valerie Zelenka decided to join forces, and Hays students will reap the benefits.&nbsp;Musil is co-owner of Paisley Pear Wine Bar, Bistro and Market in downtown Hays with her husband, Shaun. She also is an instructor in the Department of Teacher Education at FHSU, where Dr. Zelenka is an associate professor.&nbsp;The Musils and Dr. Zelenka will be passing out 200 free pizza kits and several hundred children’s books to the first 200 children at the corner of 11th and Main from 11 a.m. to noon on Monday, May 18. Any children 18 years and younger are eligible.&nbsp;The idea spawned from another community service project earlier this spring. The grab-and-go meals with school district’s food service program for students was suspended for a week when an employee tested positive for COVID-19, and several Hays businesses, including the Paisley Pear, stepped up to provide low-cost and free meals for the children.&nbsp;The Musils received so many donations for the project that they had left-over funds and supplies. They came up with the idea of the pizza giveaway, and Heather Musil contacted the principals of local public and private schools and USD 489 school board members to get the word out. Hays USD 489 school board members Craig Pallister and Allen Park also will be helping hand out the pizza kits.&nbsp;“This community has been unbelievably supportive of us, so we wanted to give back,” Shaun Musil said. “We had a lot of donations left after the first pizza giveaway, and we wanted to make sure it went to a good cause.”&nbsp;The kits will include ingredients to make a personal cheese pizza: a crust, pizza sauce and cheese. It can be refrigerated or frozen and ready to pop in the oven later.&nbsp;The Musils chose Monday because the Paisley Pear normally is closed on Mondays. It also is the first day for the Hays USD 489 summer lunch program for children ages 18-under. The sites for the summer program this year are Lincoln Elementary School, 1906 Ash St., and Hays High School, 2300 E. 13th. Those drive-through meals are available from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.&nbsp;“Students can get a hot lunch at one of those sites, then stop by here for a to-go pizza, too,” Heather Musil said.&nbsp;This time, students will receive a bonus with their meals.&nbsp;Dr. Zelenka has several hundred books – for all ages – remaining from various book distribution projects.&nbsp;When Heather Musil told her about her plans for the pizza giveaway, Zelenka immediately jumped on board.&nbsp;“With students not in school this spring and with summer beginning, this will give them a chance to read at home,” Dr. Zelenka said. “What a great opportunity to get books out to them at this time. &nbsp;This is going to be a great collaborative project.”&nbsp;

Pizza kits, book giveaways set for Monday in downtown Hays 

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Senior Salute: Ellis High School Class of 2020

Three-day weather outlook

COLBY — In an effort to make northwest Kansas the healthiest place to live and work, LiveWell Northwest Kansas (LiveWell) is asking people of Thomas, Cheyenne, and Rawlins Counties to complete an anonymous Collaborative Community Perception
 Survey. The short survey should take less than 7 minutes to complete, said LiveWell Executive Director Travis Rickford.


“LiveWell staff work closely with businesses, nonprofit organizations, community leaders, schools and healthcare workers throughout the region,” explained Rickford. “Many people might know us through our Smart Start or Coalition
 programming, or drug abuse and alcohol prevention efforts, or even from our work establishing the Colby Walking Trails and Poolside Park in Colby. All of these programs, and more, help us fulfill our mission.


“Ultimately, we want healthy opportunities to be the easiest and most convenient options for everybody in northwest Kansas. But, to make progress around issues of food access, physical activity and tobacco use we need people to
 complete the survey and share their perceptions with us.


“All of these things are important to us at LiveWell. But, we won’t know how to move forward until people fill out the survey.”


Rickford says the need to survey the public comes as the result of a multi-year partnership with Blue Cross Blue Shield Pathways for a Healthy Kansas Initiative.

 Support from Blue Cross has already made many area programs and business
 expansions possible. 

For example, funding supported the establishment of gardens in Colby and St. Francis, new water filling stations at schools in Bird City, and fresh produce baskets in Atwood, to name a few.


People may remember completing this survey in 2017 and 2018, explained the director. This is the final survey before the Pathways Initiative is completed at the end of July 2020.

To complete the survey, go to <a href="https://surveymonkey.com/r/BHZNPLF" target="_blank">
https://surveymonkey.com/r/BHZNPLF</a> or fill it out on LiveWell’s home page at <a href="http://www.livewellnwk.org/" target="_blank">
www.livewellnwk.org</a>.

To learn more about LiveWell and the Pathways Initiative, go to
<a href="http://www.livewellnwk.org/" target="_blank">www.LiveWellNWK.org</a>.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/11/1574704875654.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>LiveWellCOLBY — In an effort to make northwest Kansas the healthiest place to live and work, LiveWell Northwest Kansas (LiveWell) is asking people of Thomas, Cheyenne, and Rawlins Counties to complete an anonymous Collaborative Community Perception
 Survey. The short survey should take less than 7 minutes to complete, said LiveWell Executive Director Travis Rickford.
“LiveWell staff work closely with businesses, nonprofit organizations, community leaders, schools and healthcare workers throughout the region,” explained Rickford. “Many people might know us through our Smart Start or Coalition
 programming, or drug abuse and alcohol prevention efforts, or even from our work establishing the Colby Walking Trails and Poolside Park in Colby. All of these programs, and more, help us fulfill our mission.
“Ultimately, we want healthy opportunities to be the easiest and most convenient options for everybody in northwest Kansas. But, to make progress around issues of food access, physical activity and tobacco use we need people to
 complete the survey and share their perceptions with us.
“All of these things are important to us at LiveWell. But, we won’t know how to move forward until people fill out the survey.”
Rickford says the need to survey the public comes as the result of a multi-year partnership with Blue Cross Blue Shield Pathways for a Healthy Kansas Initiative.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/5/1589404900463.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure> Support from Blue Cross has already made many area programs and business
 expansions possible. For example, funding supported the establishment of gardens in Colby and St. Francis, new water filling stations at schools in Bird City, and fresh produce baskets in Atwood, to name a few.
People may remember completing this survey in 2017 and 2018, explained the director. This is the final survey before the Pathways Initiative is completed at the end of July 2020.
To complete the survey, go to <a href="https://surveymonkey.com/r/BHZNPLF" target="_blank">
https://surveymonkey.com/r/BHZNPLF</a> or fill it out on LiveWell’s home page at <a href="http://www.livewellnwk.org/" target="_blank">
www.livewellnwk.org</a>. 
To learn more about LiveWell and the Pathways Initiative, go to
<a href="http://www.livewellnwk.org/" target="_blank">www.LiveWellNWK.org</a>.

NW Kansans asked for thoughts on physical activity, healthy eating opportunities 

Lauren Fick, Horticulture Agent for the K-State Research &amp; Extension office in the Cottonwood District, talks about tree blight. Tree blight can be detrimental to the health of the tree and, if left unchecked, could result in a need for tree removal.

<figure>
 <iframe width="560" height="315" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/8OQZviDqtSc"></iframe>
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Lauren Fick, Horticulture Agent for the K-State Research &amp; Extension office in the Cottonwood District, talks about tree blight. Tree blight can be detrimental to the health of the tree and, if left unchecked, could result in a need for tree removal.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/2/1580750915301.jpeg" alt="Lauren Fick" />
 <figcaption>Lauren Fick</figcaption>
 </figure>

🎥 Green and Growing: Tree blight

UPDATED, 3:15 p.m. Friday to include an additional paragraph clarifying the university's position on commencement.

The disruptions caused this spring by the COVID-19 pandemic have driven universities across the nation to find new ways to teach, learn, work and celebrate. Today, May 15, was the date originally scheduled for the first of two spring weekend commencement ceremonies at Gross Memorial Coliseum.&nbsp;

In early June, the university will mail close to 1,800 “commencement in a box” kits to graduating students. These kits will include the traditional cap and gown along with the appropriate accessories that represent the degrees and accolades earned by each student.&nbsp;

On Friday, June 19, from 9 a.m. until 3 p.m., the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.facebook.com/forthaysstate/">FHSU Facebook page</a>&nbsp;will become the hub for an online virtual graduation celebration. Graduating students will be asked to don their caps and gowns and share videos, photos and personal messages of their home graduation celebrations.&nbsp;

Throughout the day, the university’s Office of University Relations and Marketing will share images, original music, messages from faculty and staff, and several special video messages.&nbsp;

The university plans to use several social media channels over the course of the day, and the hashtag #TigerGrad will be used by all who want to share content.&nbsp;

The university remains committed to including all spring and summer 2020 graduates in a full commencement ceremony. A firm date when the campus community and the spring and summer 2020 graduates and their families will be able to gather to celebrate is not known at this time. The university’s commencement planning committee plans to share an update on July 1.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/5/1589553128650.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>UPDATED, 3:15 p.m. Friday to include an additional paragraph clarifying the university's position on commencement.FHSU University RelationsThe disruptions caused this spring by the COVID-19 pandemic have driven universities across the nation to find new ways to teach, learn, work and celebrate. Today, May 15, was the date originally scheduled for the first of two spring weekend commencement ceremonies at Gross Memorial Coliseum.&nbsp;In early June, the university will mail close to 1,800 “commencement in a box” kits to graduating students. These kits will include the traditional cap and gown along with the appropriate accessories that represent the degrees and accolades earned by each student.&nbsp;On Friday, June 19, from 9 a.m. until 3 p.m., the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.facebook.com/forthaysstate/">FHSU Facebook page</a>&nbsp;will become the hub for an online virtual graduation celebration. Graduating students will be asked to don their caps and gowns and share videos, photos and personal messages of their home graduation celebrations.&nbsp;Throughout the day, the university’s Office of University Relations and Marketing will share images, original music, messages from faculty and staff, and several special video messages.&nbsp;The university plans to use several social media channels over the course of the day, and the hashtag #TigerGrad will be used by all who want to share content.&nbsp;The university remains committed to including all spring and summer 2020 graduates in a full commencement ceremony. A firm date when the campus community and the spring and summer 2020 graduates and their families will be able to gather to celebrate is not known at this time. The university’s commencement planning committee plans to share an update on July 1.&nbsp;

UPDATE: FHSU to host a virtual graduation celebration next month

LENORA —&nbsp;Nex-Tech announce last week that Jacob Lindenman, Landon Dinkel and Adson Day as $1,500 recipients of the national WTA Advocates for Rural Broadband Foundation scholarship program. WTA awarded 14 scholarships totaling $20,000 recognizing academic achievement, integrity and commitment to education.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Jacob&nbsp;is the son of Shawn and Melissa Lindenman of rural Morland.&nbsp; He is a Hill City High School graduate and plans to attend the University of Kansas majoring in Biology, Pre-Med.

Landon&nbsp;is the son of Curt and Donna Dinkel of Hays.&nbsp; He is a graduate of Hays High School and plans to attend the University of Kansas School of Architecture.

Adson&nbsp;is the son of Kelly and Andrea Day of Smith Center.&nbsp; He graduated from Smith Center High School and plans to attend NCK Technical School, Beloit.&nbsp; His field of study is undecided at this time.

“Nex-Tech is pleased to be a part of national organizations like WTA that offer advancement opportunities to our youth,” said Jimmy Todd, CEO/General Manger.&nbsp;&nbsp; “We congratulate Jacob, Landon, and Adson on their accomplishments thus far and wish them great success in the future.”

The WTA Foundation offers academic and trade school scholarships to children of parents who are employed by a WTA member company.&nbsp; Nex-Tech is a long-time member of WTA.

WTA represents more than 360 rural telecommunications carriers throughout the United States.&nbsp; Its mission is to strengthen the ability of its members to provide affordable, advanced broadband and communications services in rural America through advocacy and education.&nbsp;&nbsp;

SubmittedLENORA —&nbsp;Nex-Tech announce last week that Jacob Lindenman, Landon Dinkel and Adson Day as $1,500 recipients of the national WTA Advocates for Rural Broadband Foundation scholarship program. WTA awarded 14 scholarships totaling $20,000 recognizing academic achievement, integrity and commitment to education.&nbsp;&nbsp;<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/5/1589573630201.png" alt="Jacob Lindenman" />
 <figcaption>Jacob Lindenman</figcaption>
 </figure>Jacob&nbsp;is the son of Shawn and Melissa Lindenman of rural Morland.&nbsp; He is a Hill City High School graduate and plans to attend the University of Kansas majoring in Biology, Pre-Med.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/5/1589573660677.jpeg" alt="Landon Dinkel " />
 <figcaption>Landon Dinkel </figcaption>
 </figure>Landon&nbsp;is the son of Curt and Donna Dinkel of Hays.&nbsp; He is a graduate of Hays High School and plans to attend the University of Kansas School of Architecture.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/5/1589573693461.jpeg" alt="Adson Day" />
 <figcaption>Adson Day</figcaption>
 </figure>Adson&nbsp;is the son of Kelly and Andrea Day of Smith Center.&nbsp; He graduated from Smith Center High School and plans to attend NCK Technical School, Beloit.&nbsp; His field of study is undecided at this time.“Nex-Tech is pleased to be a part of national organizations like WTA that offer advancement opportunities to our youth,” said Jimmy Todd, CEO/General Manger.&nbsp;&nbsp; “We congratulate Jacob, Landon, and Adson on their accomplishments thus far and wish them great success in the future.”The WTA Foundation offers academic and trade school scholarships to children of parents who are employed by a WTA member company.&nbsp; Nex-Tech is a long-time member of WTA.WTA represents more than 360 rural telecommunications carriers throughout the United States.&nbsp; Its mission is to strengthen the ability of its members to provide affordable, advanced broadband and communications services in rural America through advocacy and education.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Nex-Tech: NW Kansas students earn scholarships

By CRISTINA JANNEY Hays Post

ELLIS — The Ellis school board on Wednesday said it would not pursue a bond at this time, citing a declining economy.

<a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/5e568098b0e36717632225a9">The board created a Bond Exploration Committee in February</a>, but the board members said Wednesday in a meeting conducted via Zoom they would not move past the fact-finding stage at this time.

The district had set interviews with architects for the project, but Superintendent Corey Burton said much has changed at the state and local levels in the last month and a half.

The Docking Institute did a survey for the district on a potential bond in November 2019. 

However, bond committee Chairman Mike Keller said he did not think the data collected in 2019 is still accurate in the wake of the changes in the economy since the COVID-19 crisis.

"My guess would be if we ran an identical study survey today, we might get a little bit different result based on the economic condition in our community with the trifecta of oil and ag and just the general economy," Keller said.

That survey indicated the&nbsp;highest priorities of respondents were to repair rooftops and replace the HVAC system, plumbing and fixtures at Washington Elementary School.

"Our problems aren't going away in the district just because we have a somewhat temporary problem in the nation," he said. "Temporary is a strange word, but it will come and go and, at some point, it will be in the past. We will still have our school buildings and our school that we need to fix."

Keller suggested the committee still engage in fact-finding missions.

"I also think there may be some firms that are a little hungry out there than normal as far as architectural firms," Keller said, "or maybe construction firms that the bids might be more competitive. I don't think interest rates are going anywhere."

Keller said he also thought the district should move forward with an energy audit on both buildings.

"Our boiler isn't getting any newer. We're still going to need HVAC. We're still going to need science rooms even though we home-schooled," Keller said. "We still need roofs. We still need plumbing and fixtures at the grade school.&nbsp;

"It is just a bad situation when you combine the county passing their sales tax and then turn around and say they are going to increase their mill on property because their budget's messed up," he said. "And the school may have to increase its mill levy to makeup the shortfall in oil."

Ellis County is the largest oil-producing county in the state. Low oil prices have forced many producers to shut down wells. Any entity in the county that relies on property tax, including school districts, will likely see a reduction in tax revenue.

"I don't think there is anything else we could pile on here to make the condition and the timing worse," Keller said.

Board member Randy Honas said nothing has changed with the district's facilities in the last six weeks — but the economy has.

He said he supported continuing to gather information on a potential bond. If the economic climate would change, he said, at least the district would have the information.

Board member Cindy Hertel said she thought it was important to communicate to the public the district is just doing research.&nbsp;

"We don't want them to think we don't care about the economic situation," she said. "We also need to keep communicating that we have the same problems, and they aren't going away."

Board president Jared Schiel said, "There is nothing wrong with us furthering our knowledge and furthering where we are in the timeline to stay ahead of this thing."

Before the COVID-19 crisis, Schiel said the board had not planned to take the bond to a vote any earlier than 11 months out. He said more research will allow the board to move forward when members think the time is right.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/1/1579030633433.jpeg" alt="Ellis school board members said Wednesday now is not the right time for a bond considering economic conditions. The district will continue its fact-finding process." />
 <figcaption>Ellis school board members said Wednesday now is not the right time for a bond considering economic conditions. The district will continue its fact-finding process.</figcaption>
 </figure>By CRISTINA JANNEY Hays PostELLIS — The Ellis school board on Wednesday said it would not pursue a bond at this time, citing a declining economy.<a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/5e568098b0e36717632225a9">The board created a Bond Exploration Committee in February</a>, but the board members said Wednesday in a meeting conducted via Zoom they would not move past the fact-finding stage at this time.The district had set interviews with architects for the project, but Superintendent Corey Burton said much has changed at the state and local levels in the last month and a half.The Docking Institute did a survey for the district on a potential bond in November 2019. However, bond committee Chairman Mike Keller said he did not think the data collected in 2019 is still accurate in the wake of the changes in the economy since the COVID-19 crisis."My guess would be if we ran an identical study survey today, we might get a little bit different result based on the economic condition in our community with the trifecta of oil and ag and just the general economy," Keller said.That survey indicated the&nbsp;highest priorities of respondents were to repair rooftops and replace the HVAC system, plumbing and fixtures at Washington Elementary School."Our problems aren't going away in the district just because we have a somewhat temporary problem in the nation," he said. "Temporary is a strange word, but it will come and go and, at some point, it will be in the past. We will still have our school buildings and our school that we need to fix."Keller suggested the committee still engage in fact-finding missions."I also think there may be some firms that are a little hungry out there than normal as far as architectural firms," Keller said, "or maybe construction firms that the bids might be more competitive. I don't think interest rates are going anywhere."Keller said he also thought the district should move forward with an energy audit on both buildings."Our boiler isn't getting any newer. We're still going to need HVAC. We're still going to need science rooms even though we home-schooled," Keller said. "We still need roofs. We still need plumbing and fixtures at the grade school.&nbsp;"It is just a bad situation when you combine the county passing their sales tax and then turn around and say they are going to increase their mill on property because their budget's messed up," he said. "And the school may have to increase its mill levy to makeup the shortfall in oil."Ellis County is the largest oil-producing county in the state. Low oil prices have forced many producers to shut down wells. Any entity in the county that relies on property tax, including school districts, will likely see a reduction in tax revenue."I don't think there is anything else we could pile on here to make the condition and the timing worse," Keller said.Board member Randy Honas said nothing has changed with the district's facilities in the last six weeks — but the economy has.He said he supported continuing to gather information on a potential bond. If the economic climate would change, he said, at least the district would have the information.Board member Cindy Hertel said she thought it was important to communicate to the public the district is just doing research.&nbsp;"We don't want them to think we don't care about the economic situation," she said. "We also need to keep communicating that we have the same problems, and they aren't going away."Board president Jared Schiel said, "There is nothing wrong with us furthering our knowledge and furthering where we are in the timeline to stay ahead of this thing."Before the COVID-19 crisis, Schiel said the board had not planned to take the bond to a vote any earlier than 11 months out. He said more research will allow the board to move forward when members think the time is right.

Ellis school board: Now is not right time for bond

Jason Kennedy,&nbsp;Ellis County Health Services director, said Friday during a public webinar Ellis County will not impose greater COVID-19 restrictions than the state.

<a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/5ebda562eb7f17053604ff8d">Gov. Laura Kelly announced Thursday a phase 1.5 of the reopening plan.</a> Gyms, barbershops and salons will be able to reopen Monday as planned, but most of the requirements of the phase one reopening will stay in place, including limiting gatherings to 10 people.&nbsp;

Kennedy said Ellis County's COVID-19 metrics remain the same. It has been 29 days since the onset of the last reported case in Ellis County. The county has had no reported hospitalizations and no deaths.

The county health board will meet again Monday, but Kennedy said he did not anticipate they would recommend any changes.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/5/1589557002140.png" alt="Jason Kennedy" />
 <figcaption>Jason Kennedy</figcaption>
 </figure>By CRISTINA JANNEY Hays PostJason Kennedy,&nbsp;Ellis County Health Services director, said Friday during a public webinar Ellis County will not impose greater COVID-19 restrictions than the state.<a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/5ebda562eb7f17053604ff8d">Gov. Laura Kelly announced Thursday a phase 1.5 of the reopening plan.</a> Gyms, barbershops and salons will be able to reopen Monday as planned, but most of the requirements of the phase one reopening will stay in place, including limiting gatherings to 10 people.&nbsp;Kennedy said Ellis County's COVID-19 metrics remain the same. It has been 29 days since the onset of the last reported case in Ellis County. The county has had no reported hospitalizations and no deaths.The county health board will meet again Monday, but Kennedy said he did not anticipate they would recommend any changes.

Ellis County will not impose greater COVID-19 restrictions

By BECKY KISER Hays Post

With no citizens present to make comments and no emailed comments, two public hearings were quickly conducted Thursday evening by the Hays city commission regarding economic incentive requests from the developer of the planned travel plaza at Interstate 70 Exit 157.

Just as quickly, two ordinances were unanimously approved to adopt the D&amp;J Land and Development Project Plan Tax Increment Financing District (TIF, a development agreement, to convey a 4.6 acre property from the city to the developer, and creation of a Community Improvement District (CID).

Kim Rupp, city finance director, called the items the "finish line for the marathon the city has been on" with D&amp;J.

The developers, John E. Brown of Topeka and Hays resident Dan Hess, plan to develop about 45 acres at the northwest corner of 230th Avenue and 55th Street for a travel plaza, truck wash, at least one full-service hotel, restaurants and other commercial businesses. There will also be associated public and private infrastructure, utilities, storm water and drainage, landscaping and parking facilities.&nbsp;

The TIF is expected by the developer to&nbsp;generate approximately $14.95 million over the&nbsp;maximum 20-year term&nbsp;and would be made available to reimburse the developer for TIF-eligible project costs on a pay-as-you-go basis.

TIF revenues will be derived from incremental property tax revenues collected&nbsp;on the project site. City policy does not allow any general or special city or county sales tax generated by the project to be captured by the TIF.

The developer has also requested reimbursement of the costs of intersection&nbsp;improvements at 230th Avenue and 55th Street from a $1.5 million grant to Ellis County by the Kansas Dept. of Transportation and ownership of that property to be transferred from the city to the developer.

A 2% CID sales tax will be imposed on only the travel plaza and truck wash portions of the project&nbsp;to fund certain expenditures on a pay-as-you-go basis. The CID sales tax will generate approximately $2.2 million over the maximum 22-year term.

"Developer improvements (for the travel plaza and truck wash) are expected to begin very soon in 2020 and will take approximately 18 months to complete," Rupp told commissioners.

The balance of the project consists of nine outparcel pad sites for restaurants, retail, hotel, and other commercial uses.&nbsp;

"The developer anticipates selling or leasing those lots pad-ready to other end users. ... The other private improvements are tentatively planned to be completed and commence in 2022 but that's depending on the timing of purchase and construction by end users."

"I'm extremely excited to finally have this coming to an end for us," said Sandy Jacobs, vice-mayor, "and a beginning for the developers.

"We're excited to have this as a part of our community."

"We look 10, 20 years down the road, what's going to be out there on that exit is going to be huge," Musil said, "and I'm very proud to be a part of this."

The developer's costs will be about $22.42 million while the cost of the other private improvements is about $28.3 million.

No special obligation or general obligation bonds will be issued by the city in connection with the project.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/5/1589507296489.png" alt="The Hays Travel Plaza is to be built on the north side of I-70 Exit 157 in west Hays." />
 <figcaption>The Hays Travel Plaza is to be built on the north side of I-70 Exit 157 in west Hays.</figcaption>
 </figure>By BECKY KISER Hays PostWith no citizens present to make comments and no emailed comments, two public hearings were quickly conducted Thursday evening by the Hays city commission regarding economic incentive requests from the developer of the planned travel plaza at Interstate 70 Exit 157.Just as quickly, two ordinances were unanimously approved to adopt the D&amp;J Land and Development Project Plan Tax Increment Financing District (TIF, a development agreement, to convey a 4.6 acre property from the city to the developer, and creation of a Community Improvement District (CID).Kim Rupp, city finance director, called the items the "finish line for the marathon the city has been on" with D&amp;J.<figure>
 <iframe width="560" height="315" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/LIhbRNJQIdY"></iframe>
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>The developers, John E. Brown of Topeka and Hays resident Dan Hess, plan to develop about 45 acres at the northwest corner of 230th Avenue and 55th Street for a travel plaza, truck wash, at least one full-service hotel, restaurants and other commercial businesses. There will also be associated public and private infrastructure, utilities, storm water and drainage, landscaping and parking facilities.&nbsp;<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/5/1589510073164.png" alt="Travel plaza project area" />
 <figcaption>Travel plaza project area</figcaption>
 </figure>The TIF is expected by the developer to&nbsp;generate approximately $14.95 million over the&nbsp;maximum 20-year term&nbsp;and would be made available to reimburse the developer for TIF-eligible project costs on a pay-as-you-go basis.TIF revenues will be derived from incremental property tax revenues collected&nbsp;on the project site. City policy does not allow any general or special city or county sales tax generated by the project to be captured by the TIF.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/5/1589510180575.png" alt="A little more than 4 acres of city property will be turned over to the developers." />
 <figcaption>A little more than 4 acres of city property will be turned over to the developers.</figcaption>
 </figure>The developer has also requested reimbursement of the costs of intersection&nbsp;improvements at 230th Avenue and 55th Street from a $1.5 million grant to Ellis County by the Kansas Dept. of Transportation and ownership of that property to be transferred from the city to the developer.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/5/1589511681408.png" alt="Travel plaza CID area" />
 <figcaption>Travel plaza CID area</figcaption>
 </figure>A 2% CID sales tax will be imposed on only the travel plaza and truck wash portions of the project&nbsp;to fund certain expenditures on a pay-as-you-go basis. The CID sales tax will generate approximately $2.2 million over the maximum 22-year term."Developer improvements (for the travel plaza and truck wash) are expected to begin very soon in 2020 and will take approximately 18 months to complete," Rupp told commissioners.The balance of the project consists of nine outparcel pad sites for restaurants, retail, hotel, and other commercial uses.&nbsp;"The developer anticipates selling or leasing those lots pad-ready to other end users. ... The other private improvements are tentatively planned to be completed and commence in 2022 but that's depending on the timing of purchase and construction by end users.""I'm extremely excited to finally have this coming to an end for us," said Sandy Jacobs, vice-mayor, "and a beginning for the developers."We're excited to have this as a part of our community."Mayor Shaun Musil agreed."We look 10, 20 years down the road, what's going to be out there on that exit is going to be huge," Musil said, "and I'm very proud to be a part of this."The developer's costs will be about $22.42 million while the cost of the other private improvements is about $28.3 million.No special obligation or general obligation bonds will be issued by the city in connection with the project.&nbsp;

🎥 City: 'Developer improvements expected to begin soon for Hays Travel Plaza'

By JONATHAN ZWEYGARDT, Hays Post

What was supposed to be a benign budget meeting Thursday
ended with the Ellis County Treasurer getting escorted from the commission
chambers.

After previously presenting the commission with drafts, each
individual department head planned to present their budget to the commission.&nbsp;

<div><iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/XKdPnYL6rJ0" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen></iframe></div>By JONATHAN ZWEYGARDT, Hays PostWhat was supposed to be a benign budget meeting Thursday
ended with the Ellis County Treasurer getting escorted from the commission
chambers.After previously presenting the commission with drafts, each
individual department head planned to present their budget to the commission.&nbsp;After a brief question, Commission Chair Butch Schlyer pressed
County Treasurer Lisa Schlegel on adding a new employee. The commission had previously asked that
any department heads who were looking to hire a new employee to discuss it with
the commission first. Schlegell did not. In March, she elected to fill a position that
had been vacant in her department for several weeks. Schlyer contended that position was open for six months. During
the conversation, Schlegel interrupted Schlyer several times claiming it was
four months. “Earlier in the year, we did ask that department heads and
elected officials discuss personnel issues with us,” Schlyer said. “You decided
not too.”

“You never asked me about the position,” Schlegel replied. "I didn’t know you was
hiring,"&nbsp;Schlyer responded.After Schlegel asked Schlyer, “Why are you asking now?” Schlyer said, “Because I don’t believe you needed the
position and I’m going to ask the board to remove it.”Schlegel then interrupted him and said, “You don’t know
what my office does.”“You have no bearing to make a statement that my office does
not need that staff,” she said. “That’s an ignorant statement and is incorrect.”Schlyer responded, “You’re being rude and disrepecful.”To that Schlegel responded, “No you’re lying and you’re misrepresenting
the facts. I’m standing up for myself. That’s not rude and disrespectful.”Schlegel interrupted Schlyer several more times as he told
the commission he wanted that position taken from the budget.She then claimed he was threatened by a woman standing up
to him.Schlyer said in response, “I’m not threatened by any woman.”

Schlegel said, “We’ll sure you are. When you lie, misrepresent,
call names yell and bully, that is disrespectful.”Schlyer interrupted her and said, “you keep interrupting me so
I’d appreciate it if you’d just shut up for a minute.”Schlyer asked to board to remove the position for the treasurer’s
budget.To that, she said, “The position will not be removed.”The position was budgeted in 2020, and Schlegel asked what
had changed.“I don’t believe you needed it because you went a long time
without it,” Schlyer said. “You went through tax season without it.”Schlyer added that she took her time to fill the position
while other departments did not.Schlegel said, “If you understood how the treasury functioned, you would understand that no treasurer is going to hire and train a new person
in tax season.”Schlegel went on to claim that Schlyer makes decisions on
“non-fact (and) ignorance." While the moves she makes are based on “facts.”She went on to claim that Schlyer has made “numerous, lies,
mistruths and misrepresentations” about her since he was elected. When pressed on what he has said, she did not provide any
examples.She then told the commission her expenditures for 2021 would be $515,000.“That’s what its going to cost to operate the treasurer,”
Schlegel said. After Schlyer again told her that he doesn’t believe the
treasurer’s office needs the extra position, she told him he does not know what
he is talking about.When Schlyer shifted the discussion to the treasurer’s advertising
budget, she said she would not discuss it.She then brought up her summer newsletter that she mailed
out to residents of Ellis County. She said the money for those didn’t come from
the advertising budget and said that two commissioners lied about it when they
talked about it at a prior meeting.“Which is completely ignorant,” Schlegel said, “and it breaches
on stupid.”

Commissioner Dustin Roths, who addressed the newsletter at a
prior meeting, asked where the funding for the newsletter came from. He was
ignored.At this time, Schlyer asked Sheriff Ed Harbin to the front of
the chambers and had Schlegel escorted from the meeting.“I’m tired of listening to this,” Schlyer said. “We’ll do
her budget without her.”When she asked why she was being escorted from the meeting,
his answer was, “because you’re obnoxious.”“You are disrespectful. And let the record state,” Schlegel
said, “that you told me to shut up.”She continued to yell as she was being escorted out of the
meeting and said the number she gave them was going to be what it cost to run
the treasury “whether you like it or not.”Just outside the commission chambers, Schlegel can be heard yelling,
“Butch, you’re lucky you had me escorted out because I have a lot of stuff here
you don’t want the public to hear."At that time, she was told that if she came back to the
meeting she would be arrested for disorderly conduct.The commission then proceeded to go through the 2021 budget
request for the treasurer line by line.According to numbers presented to the commission, from January 2019 through this year, the treasurer’s office only used 105 hours of overtime.
That was minus one employee for the busy tax season.“Right through her busy season tax season, she was an
employee low, didn’t rehire and (then) rehired at the beginning of the year
without requesting from us,” said Roths.The commission agreed to not put that position in the 2021
budget, and Roths said this is the reason why they didn’t want to hire new
employees if there wasn’t going to be a position available.“It’s not fair to that employee,” Roths said. “What Ms. Schlegel
did to that employee is not fair and who she decides to let go of next year is not
fair.”While going through more line items and made a list of
questions for Sclegel to address at another time.Some of the smaller items they trimmed were the amount of
money set aside for tuition reimbursement, subsistence spending and ending a line item for employee incentives.The commission also addressed a roughly $30,000 expenditure
for bulletproof glass and chose to remove it from the budget.Interim County Administrator Darin Myers said they aren’t really
sure on the exact cost but wanted to make sure it was on the budget for
approval.Schlyer called the bulletproof glass “overkill.”Roths said, “How bad do we have to be at customer service
while people are paying their taxes to need bulletproof glass partisans between
us and the person whose taking our money?”Schlyer also called it an inconsistency to want bulletproof
glass but remove security cameras in the office.The commission discussed the current security camera setup
within the treasurer’s office.IT Director Mike Leiker told the commission that his
department does have security cameras in the treasurer’s office with the
recording equipment in the IT department. But Leiker said “recently” the treasurer
had staff come and get the equipment.He said while the cameras can be monitored in real-time,
they currently cannot record. There are 20 cameras in the treasurer’s office, but only 18 are active because Schlegel had them disconnect two, according to
Leiker.Leiker estimated it would cost about $3,000 to get the system
back to recording.County Counselor Bill Jeter told the commission he has looked
into this situation before and called it a “gray area.”He said there isn’t any guidelines on placing camera’s in an
elected official’s office, adding he couldn’t give the commission an opinion
on what the outcome of the case would be.Roths said, “Maybe it should be litigated. If Treasurer Schlegel
would like to have a problem with us recording things in the treasury, that
might be something we have to take up as litigation.”“I believe we should be recording in the treasury,” Roths
added, “for the safety of the treasury (and) for the safety of her employees.”Jeter suggested the county look at installing
cameras in the lobby in an effort to cover the front of the treasurer’s office.Roths said he would be worried about fraud and mistakes in
transactions.“Those are the type of things I would expect, from my treasurer,
to want to know.”Roths said he would be in favor of zero-funding the treasurer’s
capital outlay budget so the office doesn’t have the funds to do any
construction on the office.The commission also walked through the EMS and Health
Services Budgets, and budgets for the county attorney, appraiser, sheriff and
IT.They will continue budget discussions Friday.

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