By JONATHAN ZWEYGARDT Hays Post

Registered voters in Ellis County will start seeing ballots
for a proposed countywide sales tax in their mailboxes.

Ellis County Election Officer and Clerk Donna Maskus said
the ballots went out to 16,709 registered voters Friday.

Contained inside the envelope that all voters will receive
in the mail is the ballot, ballot instructions and the return envelope. 

The ballot contains the two questions. The first asks the
voter if they support is a quarter-cent countywide sales tax to finance health
care services in Ellis County. The second asks the voter is they support a general
sales tax to finance general government services.

Once you have filled out your ballot you fold it and place
it in the envelope addressed to the Ellis County Election Officer (see below).

After you have sealed the envelope, you must sign the back of
it. 

Maskus said it is very important that the voter sign the back
of the envelope (see below).

“There’s a unique little arrow there that says, 'sign here,' ”
Maskus said. “We do have to have the voter’s signature there, and the date.”

The clerk’s office will check those signatures against the
voter’s signature on file through the voter registration process. If the
signatures do not match, they will reach out to the voter through a card in the mail, and the voter will have to then verify their signature.

If the signatures do not match or if there is no signature
on the envelope, workers will not open the envelope and the vote will not be
counted.

The ballots are due back in the county clerk’s office by
noon April 7. Maskus said voters can drop them in the mail or by their
office at 718 Main in Hays. Office hours are from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Monday through Friday.

If you do not receive a ballot and believe you should have, Maskus said you can check voter registration status through <a href="https://www.ksvotes.org/?gclid=CjwKCAjwvOHzBRBoEiwA48i6Aqc-FCZMPSd_AyuWZLLyzsoEszoUxycGne4RYPRinUptcjIhCuqdhRoC7GcQAvD_BwE">voteks.org</a> or
contact the clerk’s office at 785-628-9410.

By JONATHAN ZWEYGARDT Hays PostRegistered voters in Ellis County will start seeing ballots
for a proposed countywide sales tax in their mailboxes.Ellis County Election Officer and Clerk Donna Maskus said
the ballots went out to 16,709 registered voters Friday.Contained inside the envelope that all voters will receive
in the mail is the ballot, ballot instructions and the return envelope. The ballot contains the two questions. The first asks the
voter if they support is a quarter-cent countywide sales tax to finance health
care services in Ellis County. The second asks the voter is they support a general
sales tax to finance general government services.You can see a sample ballot below:<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/3/1585005233155.jpeg" alt="Here is a sample of the sales tax ballot" />
 <figcaption>Here is a sample of the sales tax ballot</figcaption>
 </figure>Once you have filled out your ballot you fold it and place
it in the envelope addressed to the Ellis County Election Officer (see below).<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/3/1585005318610.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>After you have sealed the envelope, you must sign the back of
it. Maskus said it is very important that the voter sign the back
of the envelope (see below).<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/3/1585005339641.jpeg" alt="Voters must sign the backside of the ballot" />
 <figcaption>Voters must sign the backside of the ballot</figcaption>
 </figure>“There’s a unique little arrow there that says, 'sign here,' ”
Maskus said. “We do have to have the voter’s signature there, and the date.”The clerk’s office will check those signatures against the
voter’s signature on file through the voter registration process. If the
signatures do not match, they will reach out to the voter through a card in the mail, and the voter will have to then verify their signature.If the signatures do not match or if there is no signature
on the envelope, workers will not open the envelope and the vote will not be
counted.The ballots are due back in the county clerk’s office by
noon April 7. Maskus said voters can drop them in the mail or by their
office at 718 Main in Hays. Office hours are from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Monday through Friday.If you do not receive a ballot and believe you should have, Maskus said you can check voter registration status through <a href="https://www.ksvotes.org/?gclid=CjwKCAjwvOHzBRBoEiwA48i6Aqc-FCZMPSd_AyuWZLLyzsoEszoUxycGne4RYPRinUptcjIhCuqdhRoC7GcQAvD_BwE">voteks.org</a> or
contact the clerk’s office at 785-628-9410.

Ellis County sales tax ballots in the mail

The Hays Fire Department will be inspecting and flow testing fire hydrants on March 24 in the area of Willow to Barclay between 33rd St. and 41st. 

This is part of a coordinated effort by the city of Hays to inspect all fire hydrants in the city and flush all water mains annually. 

Inspecting fire hydrants ensures that the valves operate properly and that there is no damage or obstructions that will prevent or interfere with the prompt use of fire hydrants in an emergency. Firefighters are also checking the pressure and volume of water mains in each neighborhood for firefighting purposes. 

The associated flushing of water mains allows chlorine to be distributed throughout the system to eliminate bio-filming in the water mains. 

Slight discoloration of the water supply may be encountered although there will be no health risks to the consumer. 

All reasonable efforts will be taken to minimize the inconvenience to the public.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/3/1583494675642.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>HFDThe Hays Fire Department will be inspecting and flow testing fire hydrants on March 24 in the area of Willow to Barclay between 33rd St. and 41st. This is part of a coordinated effort by the city of Hays to inspect all fire hydrants in the city and flush all water mains annually. Inspecting fire hydrants ensures that the valves operate properly and that there is no damage or obstructions that will prevent or interfere with the prompt use of fire hydrants in an emergency. Firefighters are also checking the pressure and volume of water mains in each neighborhood for firefighting purposes. The associated flushing of water mains allows chlorine to be distributed throughout the system to eliminate bio-filming in the water mains. Slight discoloration of the water supply may be encountered although there will be no health risks to the consumer. All reasonable efforts will be taken to minimize the inconvenience to the public.

Fire hydrant testing in northeast Hays today

Following a growing trend of school districts around the country showing support to their students that have had their school year cut short by COVID-19, Victoria teachers drove through town Sunday afternoon and were treated by students holding signs of support.

"USD 432 teachers continue to amaze me," said former USD 432 superintendent David Ottley on twitter. "They just paraded through town smiling, waving and honking at students throughout the town. Our students will be fine because of you!"

"There are a million reasons why I love raising my family in a small town," said Sean Rodger on Twitter. "This ranks in the Top Five: Our teachers care. A simple gesture to show that they miss the kids as much as the kids miss their teachers. Thank you, teachers, for your community caravan to see our children!"

Following a growing trend of school districts around the country showing support to their students that have had their school year cut short by COVID-19, Victoria teachers drove through town Sunday afternoon and were treated by students holding signs of support.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/3/1584987985438.jpeg" alt="Photo courtesy Kim Taylor." />
 <figcaption>Photo courtesy Kim Taylor.</figcaption>
 </figure>"USD 432 teachers continue to amaze me," said former USD 432 superintendent David Ottley on twitter. "They just paraded through town smiling, waving and honking at students throughout the town. Our students will be fine because of you!"<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/3/1584988038003.jpeg" alt="Reece and Kennedy offer words of encouragement as teachers in Victoria pass by in a teacher caravan Sunday afternoon. Photo courtesy Jennifer Amrein.&nbsp;" />
 <figcaption>Reece and Kennedy offer words of encouragement as teachers in Victoria pass by in a teacher caravan Sunday afternoon. Photo courtesy Jennifer Amrein.&nbsp;</figcaption>
 </figure>"There are a million reasons why I love raising my family in a small town," said Sean Rodger on Twitter. "This ranks in the Top Five: Our teachers care. A simple gesture to show that they miss the kids as much as the kids miss their teachers. Thank you, teachers, for your community caravan to see our children!"<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/3/1584988062286.jpeg" alt="Emersyn Brown shows her support as the teacher caravan passes by. Photo courtesy Bythe Brown. " />
 <figcaption>Emersyn Brown shows her support as the teacher caravan passes by. Photo courtesy Bythe Brown. </figcaption>
 </figure>

Victoria teachers rally students with caravan

A suspect is in custody in Rooks County after leading law enforcement on a chase that exceeded 110 mph Tuesday.

At approximately 12:12 a.m., a Rooks County Sheriff's Deputy attempted to stop a motorcycle in Plainville for a traffic violation, according to an announcement from the department.

The suspect fled from the deputy traveling south on U.S. 183, reaching speeds in excess of 110 mph.

"In the area of AA Road and Highway 183, the driver of the motorcycle lost control of his motorcycle and attempted to flee on foot," the announcement said. "Rooks County K9 Koda was deployed and apprehended&nbsp;the suspect without incident."

&nbsp;Leonard Malcolm Ramsey, 43, was arrested on suspicion of numerous charges including flee or attempt to elude, interference with law enforcement and reckless driving.

Ramsey has an extensive criminal history including convictions for burglary, theft, drug possession, weapons charges, driving under the influence, flee and elude, and aggravated endangerment of a child, according to Kansas Department of Corrections records.

"All suspects are innocent until proven guilty," the department said.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/3/1585056608675.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>By JAMES BELL Hays PostA suspect is in custody in Rooks County after leading law enforcement on a chase that exceeded 110 mph Tuesday.At approximately 12:12 a.m., a Rooks County Sheriff's Deputy attempted to stop a motorcycle in Plainville for a traffic violation, according to an announcement from the department.The suspect fled from the deputy traveling south on U.S. 183, reaching speeds in excess of 110 mph."In the area of AA Road and Highway 183, the driver of the motorcycle lost control of his motorcycle and attempted to flee on foot," the announcement said. "Rooks County K9 Koda was deployed and apprehended&nbsp;the suspect without incident."&nbsp;Leonard Malcolm Ramsey, 43, was arrested on suspicion of numerous charges including flee or attempt to elude, interference with law enforcement and reckless driving.Ramsey has an extensive criminal history including convictions for burglary, theft, drug possession, weapons charges, driving under the influence, flee and elude, and aggravated endangerment of a child, according to Kansas Department of Corrections records."All suspects are innocent until proven guilty," the department said.

Serial offender apprehended after motorcycle chase exceeding 110 mph

It's unprecedented for the United Way of Ellis County, but there's a lot of that going on right now.

For the first time in its history, the local organization has established an emergency relief fund.

"It's kind of uncharted waters for us," says&nbsp;Erica Berges, UWEC executive director.

The new COVID-19 Emergency Relief Fund will help local non-profit groups keep up with the demands of their own clients in need. All financial donations will go towards the prevention, education, or mitigation of the economic fallout of COVID-19 by those groups.

"Depending on when the funds come in, there'll be an application process. It'll be a much shorter process than our Care Council funds because they're going to need the funds right away," Berges said late Monday morning.

A committee comprised of UWEC board members will review the applications and disperse the funds. 

There is a limit of $500 per request, "a kind of mini-grant," to non-profit groups needing financial assistance to help their own clients during the coronavirus upheaval.

"Maybe someone is now out of a job. They're going to need help with utilities. Maybe one of the groups needs help restocking its food pantry, because there's going to be a greater need for that."&nbsp;

UWEC will match the donations, up to $2,500.

Donations can be made online at&nbsp;<a href="https://www.liveunited.us/covid-19">www.liveunited.us/covid-19</a>&nbsp;or a check (with Covid-19 in memo) can be mailed to United Way of Ellis County, P.O. Box 367, Hays, KS 67601.&nbsp;&nbsp;

There's currently no timeline or deadline for making donations or dispersing the funds.

"The sooner the better," Berges said, "because a lot of us haven't budgeted for something like this. I know these non-profits are going to need the additional funding."

The Salina Area United Way is working on a similar emergency fundraiser, according to Berges, as are many United Way groups across the country.

"This is what we do," Berges explained. "We help manage funds for the community so these non-profits can do the work that they need to do and not worry about coming up with something themselves or doing fundraisers.&nbsp;

"That's why we're here and we want to respond. Nobody has been through something like this before."

Information about community resources and how you can connect to basic needs assistance and other social services can be found at&nbsp;<a href="http://elliscountykshelp.com/">www.elliscountykshelp.com</a>. Resources can also be found by dialing 211 or visiting <a href="http://www.211.org/">www.211.org</a>.

The Hays Chamber and DHDC (Downtown Hays Development Corp.) have begun providing the latest information and resources available at <a href="https://hayschamber.com/news-announcements/covid-19-resources">https://hayschamber.com/news-announcements/covid-19-resources</a> and <a href="https://www.downtownhays.com/covid19">https://www.downtownhays.com/covid19</a>.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/3/1584981741875.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure><div>By BECKY KISER Hays Post</div>It's unprecedented for the United Way of Ellis County, but there's a lot of that going on right now.For the first time in its history, the local organization has established an emergency relief fund."It's kind of uncharted waters for us," says&nbsp;Erica Berges, UWEC executive director.The new COVID-19 Emergency Relief Fund will help local non-profit groups keep up with the demands of their own clients in need. All financial donations will go towards the prevention, education, or mitigation of the economic fallout of COVID-19 by those groups."Depending on when the funds come in, there'll be an application process. It'll be a much shorter process than our Care Council funds because they're going to need the funds right away," Berges said late Monday morning.A committee comprised of UWEC board members will review the applications and disperse the funds. There is a limit of $500 per request, "a kind of mini-grant," to non-profit groups needing financial assistance to help their own clients during the coronavirus upheaval."Maybe someone is now out of a job. They're going to need help with utilities. Maybe one of the groups needs help restocking its food pantry, because there's going to be a greater need for that."&nbsp;UWEC will match the donations, up to $2,500.Donations can be made online at&nbsp;<a href="https://www.liveunited.us/covid-19">www.liveunited.us/covid-19</a>&nbsp;or a check (with Covid-19 in memo) can be mailed to United Way of Ellis County, P.O. Box 367, Hays, KS 67601.&nbsp;&nbsp;There's currently no timeline or deadline for making donations or dispersing the funds."The sooner the better," Berges said, "because a lot of us haven't budgeted for something like this. I know these non-profits are going to need the additional funding."The Salina Area United Way is working on a similar emergency fundraiser, according to Berges, as are many United Way groups across the country."This is what we do," Berges explained. "We help manage funds for the community so these non-profits can do the work that they need to do and not worry about coming up with something themselves or doing fundraisers.&nbsp;"That's why we're here and we want to respond. Nobody has been through something like this before."Information about community resources and how you can connect to basic needs assistance and other social services can be found at&nbsp;<a href="http://elliscountykshelp.com/">www.elliscountykshelp.com</a>. Resources can also be found by dialing 211 or visiting <a href="http://www.211.org/">www.211.org</a>. The Hays Chamber and DHDC (Downtown Hays Development Corp.) have begun providing the latest information and resources available at <a href="https://hayschamber.com/news-announcements/covid-19-resources">https://hayschamber.com/news-announcements/covid-19-resources</a> and <a href="https://www.downtownhays.com/covid19">https://www.downtownhays.com/covid19</a>.

UWEC establishes local COVID-19 Emergency Relief Fund; donations accepted 

Yes, it sounds a little odd to call it a Spring Break/coronavirus first adjournment of the Legislature, but that’s where we are, and lawmakers before heading out two weeks early for that annual break prepared the state as best they could for whatever that pandemic is likely to bring within the next month…or maybe two….

That early first adjournment saw lawmakers pass an initial budget for the remainder of this fiscal year and next fiscal year…waiting and hoping to learn what the epidemic is going to do to the state.

This isn’t just – now doesn’t this sound heartless — a local flood or a drought that reduces crops or threatens the livestock industry. It’s a border-to-border health/ economic emergency. Can’t fix things nearly as easily as those localized disasters were dealt with. It’s bigger, much bigger in the problems that it will spark. It’s a stirring redirection of legislative authority.

The focus on Medicaid expansion and a proposed constitutional amendment dealing with regulation of abortion paralyzed much of the session so far, but those issues were put aside while a bare-bones budget and several bills to respond to the pandemic and its effect on Kansas were passed, some already signed into law.

Before leaving town, lawmakers created a $50 million fund from which the state budget director can ask legislative leadership for cash to deal with emergencies…if they sign off on the expenditures...

The Legislature does allow Gov. Laura Kelly to lead the pandemic response efforts, making the sometimes-jarring public policy decisions (closing school buildings) that are already shaking the state from border to border. But it also put a leash on her authority for some relatively strange-sounding reasons. For example, lawmakers won’t allow the governor to restrict movement of people or their animals in the state, which might limit the spread of the disease but which some conservatives find heavy-handed. A breach of the constitutional issue of freedom of association, they assert.

And the gun-rights legislators also limited the governor from any restriction on traveling with guns, ammunition or explosives – and liquor – within the state. That’s the good old 2nd Amendment issue that always goes better with a drink or two…

Kelly’s closing of schools, or at least attending classes in schoolhouses for the rest of the school year, was seen as an over-reach by some lawmakers, who being elected from districts want their local school and public health leaders to make that decision.

Well, Kelly closed down those schools – not learning by Internet or such, but school buildings. That means the whole educational process for children and the near-grownup high school students is shaken. And those kids stay home and their parents have to watch them. Probably the most notable upside – besides reducing transmission of diseases – is that the schools are now leading in efforts to make sure those students who relied on breakfast and lunches at the schoolhouse are getting them delivered to their homes, a vital public health service.

But…and being practical about it, the governor’s wide-sweeping executive orders during this state emergency come down to politics for some. Like the Legislature where all 40 Senate seats and all 125 House seats are up for election this August and November.

Just how much authority are legislators going to give the governor for health-necessary, economic-stability orders? Well, virtually every order which the governor issues to deal with the outbreak is going to get a review by legislative leadership, which has authorized itself to scrutinize or delay, or even overturn, those orders.

That doesn’t quite put your local legislators in charge of battling the epidemic but might leave their fingerprints on restrictions on Kansans’ way of life…for reasons that they may or may not have to justify when they are campaigning.

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

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/11/1573590596307.png" alt="Martin Hawver is publisher of Hawver's Capitol Report." />
 <figcaption>Martin Hawver is publisher of Hawver's Capitol Report.</figcaption>
 </figure>Yes, it sounds a little odd to call it a Spring Break/coronavirus first adjournment of the Legislature, but that’s where we are, and lawmakers before heading out two weeks early for that annual break prepared the state as best they could for whatever that pandemic is likely to bring within the next month…or maybe two….That early first adjournment saw lawmakers pass an initial budget for the remainder of this fiscal year and next fiscal year…waiting and hoping to learn what the epidemic is going to do to the state.This isn’t just – now doesn’t this sound heartless — a local flood or a drought that reduces crops or threatens the livestock industry. It’s a border-to-border health/ economic emergency. Can’t fix things nearly as easily as those localized disasters were dealt with. It’s bigger, much bigger in the problems that it will spark. It’s a stirring redirection of legislative authority.The focus on Medicaid expansion and a proposed constitutional amendment dealing with regulation of abortion paralyzed much of the session so far, but those issues were put aside while a bare-bones budget and several bills to respond to the pandemic and its effect on Kansas were passed, some already signed into law.***Before leaving town, lawmakers created a $50 million fund from which the state budget director can ask legislative leadership for cash to deal with emergencies…if they sign off on the expenditures...The Legislature does allow Gov. Laura Kelly to lead the pandemic response efforts, making the sometimes-jarring public policy decisions (closing school buildings) that are already shaking the state from border to border. But it also put a leash on her authority for some relatively strange-sounding reasons. For example, lawmakers won’t allow the governor to restrict movement of people or their animals in the state, which might limit the spread of the disease but which some conservatives find heavy-handed. A breach of the constitutional issue of freedom of association, they assert.And the gun-rights legislators also limited the governor from any restriction on traveling with guns, ammunition or explosives – and liquor – within the state. That’s the good old 2nd Amendment issue that always goes better with a drink or two…Kelly’s closing of schools, or at least attending classes in schoolhouses for the rest of the school year, was seen as an over-reach by some lawmakers, who being elected from districts want their local school and public health leaders to make that decision.Well, Kelly closed down those schools – not learning by Internet or such, but school buildings. That means the whole educational process for children and the near-grownup high school students is shaken. And those kids stay home and their parents have to watch them. Probably the most notable upside – besides reducing transmission of diseases – is that the schools are now leading in efforts to make sure those students who relied on breakfast and lunches at the schoolhouse are getting them delivered to their homes, a vital public health service.***But…and being practical about it, the governor’s wide-sweeping executive orders during this state emergency come down to politics for some. Like the Legislature where all 40 Senate seats and all 125 House seats are up for election this August and November.Just how much authority are legislators going to give the governor for health-necessary, economic-stability orders? Well, virtually every order which the governor issues to deal with the outbreak is going to get a review by legislative leadership, which has authorized itself to scrutinize or delay, or even overturn, those orders.That doesn’t quite put your local legislators in charge of battling the epidemic but might leave their fingerprints on restrictions on Kansans’ way of life…for reasons that they may or may not have to justify when they are campaigning.We’ll see how this works out…Syndicated by Hawver News Company LLC of Topeka; Martin Hawver is publisher of Hawver's Capitol Report—to learn more about this nonpartisan statewide political news service, visit the website at&nbsp;<a href="http://www.hawvernews.com/">www.hawvernews.com</a>

HAWVER: Kan. lawmakers will have to live with, defend decisions

BUNKER HILL – Doctors on Call, a local production of Smoky Hills PBS, will feature Kylee Shae from Paradise Roots Pharmacy in Hill City and Dr. David Atkins from Graham County Hospital where we will
 focus on the topic of prescription drugs.&nbsp; This episode will air Tuesday at 7 p.m.


Doctors on Call is a program that provides medical information on a variety of different topics. Medical professionals from throughout the state travel to Bunker Hill to provide information and answer questions
 from the viewing audience. The doctors selected each week have expertise in the topic chosen for that program.&nbsp; Questions can be called in during the show or emailed prior to the broadcast.&nbsp;


The program airs LIVE on Smoky Hills PBS at 7PM on Tuesdays.&nbsp; You can also stream each episode LIVE on the Smoky Hills PBS YouTube channel:
<a href="http://bit.ly/StreamSmokyHillsPBS" target="_blank">http://bit.ly/StreamSmokyHillsPBS</a>

A schedule of programs and past episodes are available at
<a href="http://www.smokyhillspbs.org/" target="_blank">www.SmokyHillsPBS.org</a>.&nbsp;

March 31, 2020 – Eye Health – EyeSmile Vision &amp; Dental, Hays


April 7, 2020 – Gastroenterology – Mowery Clinic, Salina

April 14, 2020 - Families / Mental Health – High Plains Mental Health, Osborne

To submit questions electronically on a specific topic, viewers can send an email to
<a href="mailto:doctors@shptv.org" target="_blank">doctors@shptv.org</a>. Questions
 submitted through email must be received by noon on the day of the show. During the program, viewers can call 1-800-337-4788.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/2/1581344584584.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>SHPBS
BUNKER HILL – Doctors on Call, a local production of Smoky Hills PBS, will feature Kylee Shae from Paradise Roots Pharmacy in Hill City and Dr. David Atkins from Graham County Hospital where we will
 focus on the topic of prescription drugs.&nbsp; This episode will air Tuesday at 7 p.m.
Doctors on Call is a program that provides medical information on a variety of different topics. Medical professionals from throughout the state travel to Bunker Hill to provide information and answer questions
 from the viewing audience. The doctors selected each week have expertise in the topic chosen for that program.&nbsp; Questions can be called in during the show or emailed prior to the broadcast.&nbsp;

The program airs LIVE on Smoky Hills PBS at 7PM on Tuesdays.&nbsp; You can also stream each episode LIVE on the Smoky Hills PBS YouTube channel:
<a href="http://bit.ly/StreamSmokyHillsPBS" target="_blank">http://bit.ly/StreamSmokyHillsPBS</a>
A schedule of programs and past episodes are available at
<a href="http://www.smokyhillspbs.org/" target="_blank">www.SmokyHillsPBS.org</a>.&nbsp;

The next programs coming up:
March 31, 2020 – Eye Health – EyeSmile Vision &amp; Dental, Hays
April 7, 2020 – Gastroenterology – Mowery Clinic, Salina
April 14, 2020 - Families / Mental Health – High Plains Mental Health, Osborne
To submit questions electronically on a specific topic, viewers can send an email to
<a href="mailto:doctors@shptv.org" target="_blank">doctors@shptv.org</a>. Questions
 submitted through email must be received by noon on the day of the show. During the program, viewers can call 1-800-337-4788.

Hill City medical workers featured on 'Doctors on Call'

<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/2020/3/1585003413599.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>

Three-day weather outlook

<a href="https://hutchpost.com">Hutch
Post</a>


HUTCHINSON — 
A tax law professor from Washburn University says it's important to 
watch Congress for changes after the filing and payment deadline has 
been moved back to July 15 for this year.

"We may see more 
developments concerning that," said Roger McEowen, the Kansas Farm 
Bureau Professor of Agricultural Law and Taxation at Washburn University
 School of Law. "There was a provision put in some late 2019 
legislation, the Further Consolidated Appropriations Act, that had a 
provision in it that puts an automatic trigger on the tax code provision
 anytime that the President declares an emergency or a disaster area, 
then there's an automatic shut off of the tax provisions for that 
particular area until 60 days after the emergency or disaster is 
declared over. There is no geographic limitation on that."

Since the President has declared a nationwide disaster, that could present some issues.

"The
 Treasury secretary and the IRS have not fully accepted that yet," 
McEowen said. "They missed the provision in the disaster legislation. 
That's why you saw initially the payment deadline move, but not the 
filing deadline. It was pointed out to them that, look, you can't do 
that. They both automatically move. It's until 60 days after the 
declaration's over. Well, they haven't accepted that fact yet, so that 
could still move."

Also, the CARES legislation, which is the 
latest response from Congress to the COVID-19 crisis is still alive and 
working and changes could come through that.

"The question is, how
 long is it going to take?" McEowen said. "That's the problem I woke up 
to this morning. The other side of the aisle now wants to propose their 
own bill. Once you do that, that really grinds things down pretty slowly
 in the Congress. We'll see. This may take some time. However, they 
really don't have time to get this done. They need to put the politics 
aside and get things done."

There are also discussions about 
everything up to a full on tax holiday that remain on the table as long 
as the legislation isn't in its final form, according to McEowen, but 
what comes out in the end remains to be seen.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/3/1584977157818.jpeg" alt="Roger McEowen" />
 <figcaption>Roger McEowen</figcaption>
 </figure>
By
NICK GOSNELL
<a href="https://hutchpost.com">Hutch
Post</a>
HUTCHINSON — 
A tax law professor from Washburn University says it's important to 
watch Congress for changes after the filing and payment deadline has 
been moved back to July 15 for this year."We may see more 
developments concerning that," said Roger McEowen, the Kansas Farm 
Bureau Professor of Agricultural Law and Taxation at Washburn University
 School of Law. "There was a provision put in some late 2019 
legislation, the Further Consolidated Appropriations Act, that had a 
provision in it that puts an automatic trigger on the tax code provision
 anytime that the President declares an emergency or a disaster area, 
then there's an automatic shut off of the tax provisions for that 
particular area until 60 days after the emergency or disaster is 
declared over. There is no geographic limitation on that."Since the President has declared a nationwide disaster, that could present some issues."The
 Treasury secretary and the IRS have not fully accepted that yet," 
McEowen said. "They missed the provision in the disaster legislation. 
That's why you saw initially the payment deadline move, but not the 
filing deadline. It was pointed out to them that, look, you can't do 
that. They both automatically move. It's until 60 days after the 
declaration's over. Well, they haven't accepted that fact yet, so that 
could still move."Also, the CARES legislation, which is the 
latest response from Congress to the COVID-19 crisis is still alive and 
working and changes could come through that."The question is, how
 long is it going to take?" McEowen said. "That's the problem I woke up 
to this morning. The other side of the aisle now wants to propose their 
own bill. Once you do that, that really grinds things down pretty slowly
 in the Congress. We'll see. This may take some time. However, they 
really don't have time to get this done. They need to put the politics 
aside and get things done."There are also discussions about 
everything up to a full on tax holiday that remain on the table as long 
as the legislation isn't in its final form, according to McEowen, but 
what comes out in the end remains to be seen.

Professor: Emergency will have impact on tax law, but it's still fuzzy

There continues to be no confirmed cases of COVID-19 in Ellis County
 at this time. Of the 105 Kansas counties, 89 counties have no positive 
tests.

Per the Kansas Department of Health and Environment, 
there were 82 confirmed cases in the state of Kansas as of 10 a.m. Monday. Due to widescale shortages of laboratory supplies and 
reagents, testing at the KDHE Laboratories have been be prioritized for 
public health purposes and urgent need. KDHE reports they will be 
prioritizing specimens for COVID-19 testing, which will be reserved for 
the following patients that meet Kansas’ patient under investigation criteria starting Monday.

• Healthcare workers and first 
responders who have COVID-19 symptoms • Potential clusters of unknown 
respiratory illness, with priority given to long-term care facilities 
and healthcare facilities, • Hospitalized patients with no alternative 
diagnosis, • Individuals over the age of 60 who have symptoms of COVID-19
 with priority given to people who reside in a nursing home, long-term 
care facility, or other congregate setting and; • Individuals with underlying health conditions that would be treated differently if they were infected with COVID-19.

For more information, visit the KDHE website at: https://govstatus.egov.com/coronavirus

There continues to be no confirmed cases of COVID-19 in Ellis County
 at this time. Of the 105 Kansas counties, 89 counties have no positive 
tests.Per the Kansas Department of Health and Environment, 
there were 82 confirmed cases in the state of Kansas as of 10 a.m. Monday. Due to widescale shortages of laboratory supplies and 
reagents, testing at the KDHE Laboratories have been be prioritized for 
public health purposes and urgent need. KDHE reports they will be 
prioritizing specimens for COVID-19 testing, which will be reserved for 
the following patients that meet Kansas’ patient under investigation criteria starting Monday.• Healthcare workers and first 
responders who have COVID-19 symptoms • Potential clusters of unknown 
respiratory illness, with priority given to long-term care facilities 
and healthcare facilities, • Hospitalized patients with no alternative 
diagnosis, • Individuals over the age of 60 who have symptoms of COVID-19
 with priority given to people who reside in a nursing home, long-term 
care facility, or other congregate setting and; • Individuals with underlying health conditions that would be treated differently if they were infected with COVID-19.For more information, visit the KDHE website at: https://govstatus.egov.com/coronavirus

No cases of COVID-19 reported in Ellis County

By JAMES BELL Hays Post

With toilet paper being a hot commodity as the COVID-19 crisis continues, area water departments are reminding residents they should be aware of the dangers of flushing anything other than toilet paper.

"During the toilet paper shortage of 2020, PLEASE do NOT flush other materials such as paper towels, tissues, napkins, baby wipes or other ‘flushable’ wipes down the toilet," the city of Ellis shared on social media. "These materials cannot disintegrate properly, which can clog sewer pipes, cause sewer line breaks, and puts strain on our local wastewater treatment facility. Thank you for your cooperation!"

"We are definitely trying to get the message out there, do not flush anything but toilet paper," said Jeff Crispin, Hays director of water resources.

He said problems stemming from flushing any item are likely to impact homes before they hit the system and could cause backups in residential plumbing systems.

"The homeowner may know first," Crispin said."The problem usually begins at the homeowner's private line."

If they do make it out of the home's system the material will quickly make it to the water treatment facility, which forces equipment to work harder to filter out the material, which does not dissolve the same way regular toilet paper does in water.

"As it makes it to the wastewater treatment plant there is equipment there to keep that material screened out at the first part of the process, so we would see higher run times on equipment, and more equipment maintenance being required at the plant."

He said they do a good job keeping sewer lines clear, cleaning about 20 percent of the sewer system each year.

"We have a healthy system, because of the ongoing maintenance that we have performed over the last few years," Crispin said. "I am happy with our system, but we do need everybody's help to control what is flushed."

<div><iframe src="https://www.facebook.com/plugins/post.php?href=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2FWaterSmartHays%2Fposts%2F1325001071023506&width=500" width="500" height="368" style="border:none;overflow:hidden" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" allowTransparency="true" allow="encrypted-media"></iframe> The Hays Water Department shared a light hearted message this week reminding residents to refrain from flushing anything other than toilet paper.</div>By JAMES BELL Hays Post With toilet paper being a hot commodity as the COVID-19 crisis continues, area water departments are reminding residents they should be aware of the dangers of flushing anything other than toilet paper."During the toilet paper shortage of 2020, PLEASE do NOT flush other materials such as paper towels, tissues, napkins, baby wipes or other ‘flushable’ wipes down the toilet," the city of Ellis shared on social media. "These materials cannot disintegrate properly, which can clog sewer pipes, cause sewer line breaks, and puts strain on our local wastewater treatment facility. Thank you for your cooperation!""We are definitely trying to get the message out there, do not flush anything but toilet paper," said Jeff Crispin, Hays director of water resources.<div><iframe src="https://www.facebook.com/plugins/post.php?href=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2FSmithCenterEconomicDevelopment%2Fposts%2F3525973964111165&width=500" width="500" height="387" style="border:none;overflow:hidden" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" allowTransparency="true" allow="encrypted-media"></iframe></div>He said problems stemming from flushing any item are likely to impact homes before they hit the system and could cause backups in residential plumbing systems."The homeowner may know first," Crispin said."The problem usually begins at the homeowner's private line."If they do make it out of the home's system the material will quickly make it to the water treatment facility, which forces equipment to work harder to filter out the material, which does not dissolve the same way regular toilet paper does in water."As it makes it to the wastewater treatment plant there is equipment there to keep that material screened out at the first part of the process, so we would see higher run times on equipment, and more equipment maintenance being required at the plant."He said they do a good job keeping sewer lines clear, cleaning about 20 percent of the sewer system each year."We have a healthy system, because of the ongoing maintenance that we have performed over the last few years," Crispin said. "I am happy with our system, but we do need everybody's help to control what is flushed."

Area water departments warn: Don't make crappy situation worse

MANHATTAN —&nbsp; At the direction of Governor Laura Kelly, the Kansas Department of Agriculture (KDA) will be activating its Continuity
of Operations Plan to work with a limited staff beginning March 23. The headquarters in Manhattan — as well as the field offices in Garden City, Parsons, Stafford, Stockton and Topeka — will all be closed to the public until further notice.

The agency’s primary mission areas and essential functions will continue, with a focus on maintaining the continuity of the food
supply chain, protecting public health and safety, and protecting animal health. 

“The farmers, ranchers and agribusinesses of Kansas are an integral part of the economic backbone of the state, as well as key to
providing the food supply for the state and the nation,” said Secretary of Agriculture Mike Beam. “We will continue to provide support for these critical services.”

Messages left at the KDA main phone line (785-564-6700) will be returned as quickly as possible. Contact information for key KDA
program areas, as well as other resources and ag-related guidance documents, can be found at <a href="https://gcc01.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.agriculture.ks.gov%2Fcoronavirus&amp;data=02%7C01%7C%7C5d876e27f6c1462e9caf08d7cd1b356d%7Cdcae8101c92d480cbc43c6761ccccc5a%7C0%7C0%7C637203390163955518&amp;sdata=JxOBkSzOEqGc5YmA7Shh%2BF7kNV0cgYtApZzQiyis8KU%3D&amp;reserved=0" target="_blank">agriculture.ks.gov/coronavirus</a>.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/3/1585000314642.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>KDAMANHATTAN —&nbsp; At the direction of Governor Laura Kelly, the Kansas Department of Agriculture (KDA) will be activating its Continuity
of Operations Plan to work with a limited staff beginning March 23. The headquarters in Manhattan — as well as the field offices in Garden City, Parsons, Stafford, Stockton and Topeka — will all be closed to the public until further notice. The agency’s primary mission areas and essential functions will continue, with a focus on maintaining the continuity of the food
supply chain, protecting public health and safety, and protecting animal health. “The farmers, ranchers and agribusinesses of Kansas are an integral part of the economic backbone of the state, as well as key to
providing the food supply for the state and the nation,” said Secretary of Agriculture Mike Beam. “We will continue to provide support for these critical services.”Messages left at the KDA main phone line (785-564-6700) will be returned as quickly as possible. Contact information for key KDA
program areas, as well as other resources and ag-related guidance documents, can be found at <a href="https://gcc01.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.agriculture.ks.gov%2Fcoronavirus&amp;data=02%7C01%7C%7C5d876e27f6c1462e9caf08d7cd1b356d%7Cdcae8101c92d480cbc43c6761ccccc5a%7C0%7C0%7C637203390163955518&amp;sdata=JxOBkSzOEqGc5YmA7Shh%2BF7kNV0cgYtApZzQiyis8KU%3D&amp;reserved=0" target="_blank">agriculture.ks.gov/coronavirus</a>.

Stockton, other KDA offices closed to public

ELLIS — Residents in the city of Ellis might see something new on the streets after the city council approved the operation of utility vehicles, micro utility trucks and utility terrain vehicles on residential streets in the city at their meeting last week.

Nick Keller presented the idea in public comments to the council last month after the state began allowing the vehicles on state highways.

"We have people in town that are using these for agricultural use to go out and do chores and check cattle," Keller said. "And it's nice to be able to come in and out of town."

As the measure was discussed at subsequent meetings, the largest point of debate was the rules surrounding children riding in the vehicles and who would be responsible if an accident occurs.

"It ultimately falls back on us to a certain degree because we are passing the ordinance," said council member John Walz.

"We're not parents," said council member Martin LaBarge, who argued that parents should make the decision on whether children should be allowed to ride in the vehicles.

"I'm concerned about that also, but it's no different than a kid unbuckling in a car," he said.

"There is a lot more chance of getting hurt in one of these," Walz said.

City Attorney Olavee Raub said she agreed there would be no liability on the city.

"I don't want the tragedy on my mind, as far as a child falling out and getting killed," Walz said.

He said without more specific safety regulations he could not vote for the measure.

At the final reading, Walz was the sole dissenting vote.

The ordinance as passed will allow the operation of the vehicles, during daylight hours, unless the vehicle is being used for agricultural uses.

Seatbelts will be required and passengers under the age of 18 will be required to use a helmet.

Other regulations put in place by the ordinance regulate the vehicles must have the same lighting that is required on motorcycles as well as rearview mirrors.&nbsp;&nbsp;

By JAMES BELL Hays PostELLIS — Residents in the city of Ellis might see something new on the streets after the city council approved the operation of utility vehicles, micro utility trucks and utility terrain vehicles on residential streets in the city at their meeting last week.The measure passed 5-1.Nick Keller presented the idea in public comments to the council last month after the state began allowing the vehicles on state highways."We have people in town that are using these for agricultural use to go out and do chores and check cattle," Keller said. "And it's nice to be able to come in and out of town."As the measure was discussed at subsequent meetings, the largest point of debate was the rules surrounding children riding in the vehicles and who would be responsible if an accident occurs."It ultimately falls back on us to a certain degree because we are passing the ordinance," said council member John Walz."We're not parents," said council member Martin LaBarge, who argued that parents should make the decision on whether children should be allowed to ride in the vehicles."I'm concerned about that also, but it's no different than a kid unbuckling in a car," he said."There is a lot more chance of getting hurt in one of these," Walz said.City Attorney Olavee Raub said she agreed there would be no liability on the city."I don't want the tragedy on my mind, as far as a child falling out and getting killed," Walz said.He said without more specific safety regulations he could not vote for the measure.At the final reading, Walz was the sole dissenting vote.The ordinance as passed will allow the operation of the vehicles, during daylight hours, unless the vehicle is being used for agricultural uses.Seatbelts will be required and passengers under the age of 18 will be required to use a helmet.Other regulations put in place by the ordinance regulate the vehicles must have the same lighting that is required on motorcycles as well as rearview mirrors.&nbsp;&nbsp;

UTVs now allowed on city of Ellis streets

The Hays Police Department is seeking information in a string of business burglaries last week.

On March 19, the HPD reported via social media, the suspect entered several businesses by compromising the front door locks.

The suspect is believed to be a white male and appeared ot be driving a Chevrolet Trailblazer.

Anyone with information is asked to call Detective J.B. Burkholder at the HPD, (785) 625-1011.

Visit the Hays Police Department Facebook page for more information.

The Hays Police Department is seeking information in a string of business burglaries last week.On March 19, the HPD reported via social media, the suspect entered several businesses by compromising the front door locks.The suspect is believed to be a white male and appeared ot be driving a Chevrolet Trailblazer.Anyone with information is asked to call Detective J.B. Burkholder at the HPD, (785) 625-1011.Visit the Hays Police Department Facebook page for more information.<div><iframe src="https://www.facebook.com/plugins/post.php?href=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2FHaysPD%2Fposts%2F3308590879168378&width=500" width="500" height="787" style="border:none;overflow:hidden" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" allowTransparency="true" allow="encrypted-media"></iframe></div>

Hays PD seeking suspect in string of business burglaries

Last week's inspection results from the Kansas Department of Agriculture:

Aruthur's Pizza and Mexican Food -&nbsp;March 16 - 103 W Ninth - Ellis

A routine inspection found six violations.

Hays Nutrition&nbsp;- March 16 - 107 E 11th - Hays

A licensing inspection found two violations.&nbsp;

Precision Vally Golf Center&nbsp;- March 16 - 1500 27th - Hays&nbsp;&nbsp;

A routine inspection found two violations.&nbsp;

Last week's inspection results from the Kansas Department of Agriculture:Aruthur's Pizza and Mexican Food -&nbsp;March 16 - 103 W Ninth - EllisA routine inspection found six violations.<ol>
 <li>The employee handled ready-to-eat bread with her bare hands, handling it from the pizza oven to the consumer's plate.&nbsp;</li>
 </ol><ol>
 <li>In refrigerated prep cooler next to pizza oven, shredded lettuce at 46 F, cooked diced chicken at 45 F, shredded cheddar cheese at 44 F, cooked rice in cooler below at 45 F, with an ambient air temp of the unit at 43 F per the thermometer in cooler.&nbsp;</li>
 </ol><ol>
 <li>Made on-site penne pasta in a reach-in cooler with a date of discard as 3/26, cooked bowtie pasta with a date of discard as 3/23, made on-site pasta cheese sauce with a date of discard as 3/26. The date of inspection is 3/16. Item marked with over seven days when the date of prep counted as day one.&nbsp;</li>
 </ol><ol>
 <li>Package of opened commercially manufactured cream cheese without an open date on the package.&nbsp;</li>
 </ol><ol>
 <li>No test strips for quat in the establishment. The establishment uses quat sanitizer on tables in the dining area. The concentrate is diluted and put into spray bottles.&nbsp;</li>
 </ol><ol>
 <li>Spray nozzle at dish area hangs below the flood rim level of the sink when the hose is not in use.&nbsp;</li>
 </ol>Hays Nutrition&nbsp;- March 16 - 107 E 11th - HaysA licensing inspection found two violations.&nbsp;<ol>
 <li>On the lazy susan on the counter there were two of five rubber spatulas that had imperfections present along the rubber head.&nbsp;</li>
 </ol><ol>
 <li>There was a blue bucket that was being stored on the floor with a clear liquid and towel present. No label was present on the container.&nbsp;</li>
 </ol>Precision Vally Golf Center&nbsp;- March 16 - 1500 27th - Hays&nbsp;&nbsp;A routine inspection found two violations.&nbsp;<ol>
 <li>In the two-door True refrigerator, there was an opened container of spaghetti sauce that did not have a date of when it was opened.&nbsp;</li>
 </ol><ol>
 <li>The inspector talked to the person in charge about two of ten utensils that had dried food residue present.&nbsp;</li>
 </ol>

Ellis Co. restaurant and lodging inspections 3/16 ⁠–  3/22

Despite the uncertainty of whether or not they will even be able
to play this summer because of the COVID-19 outbreak, the Hays Larks are proceeding forward with their 2020 baseball
season. 

“You almost have to press forward,” said Larks manger Frank
Leo. “I know we're in a tough situation right now with the virus and that’s the main
concern. We just can’t put everything on hold then all of sudden here in about
five weeks we get a go that everything’s going to be good then have to scamper.”

Leo says they’ve continued to do all the things they would normally
do at this point of the off-season, things such as fundraising, scheduling and finalizing their roster. 

“The roster part has been interesting,” Leo said. “Now we’re
getting a lot of coaches calling to see if we have any openings because they’ve
got kids they weren’t going to send out but now with the limited innings and
playing time they’re wanting to send more kids out.”

The COVID-19 virus has cost the team one player on their
roster. Jarrod Belbin, who batted .320 last season and went 5-for-9 with four extra
base hits in the Larks three games at last summer’s NBC World Series, returned
to his native Australia after his sophomore season at Western Arizona Community
College was canceled. Belbin will not be allowed to return United States for
the time being due to travel restrictions. 

Following the breakup of the Jayhawk League, the Larks
played in the Kansas Collegiate League Baseball last season but are now set to
begin their first year in the Rocky Mountain Baseball League. A move made in
part due the unwillingness of KCLB teams in the Wichita area to travel to Hays
to play games. 

In the RMBL, the Larks will play the other league members
four times, twice in Hays and twice in Colorado. The league is scheduled to participate
in an All-Star Game against the Mile High Collegiate Baseball league at the end
of June. The two leagues are also negotiating a post-season tournament that
would feature the teams that finish in second through fifth place in each
league.

The RMBL champion will receive a spot in the first week of the
NBC World Series.

The NBC World Series, which is in its 86th year, will have a different look in 2020 but it has nothing to do with COVID-19. 

The new Riverfront Stadium, which was built on the site of Lawrence-Dumont
Stadium and is the home of Wichita’s new Triple-A affiliate Wind Surge, will
only be available for one-week. As of now, that is scheduled for August 5-11. 

The National Baseball Congress will hand out 16 bids to league champions who will meet in a double-elimination tournament in
Hutchinson July 28th - August 3rd. 

The top-four finishers advance to Championship Week in Wichita
where they will be joined by last year’s champ and runner-up (Seattle and Cheney)
and two at-large teams. 

Despite the uncertainty of whether or not they will even be able
to play this summer because of the COVID-19 outbreak, the Hays Larks are proceeding forward with their 2020 baseball
season. “You almost have to press forward,” said Larks manger Frank
Leo. “I know we're in a tough situation right now with the virus and that’s the main
concern. We just can’t put everything on hold then all of sudden here in about
five weeks we get a go that everything’s going to be good then have to scamper.”Leo says they’ve continued to do all the things they would normally
do at this point of the off-season, things such as fundraising, scheduling and finalizing their roster. “The roster part has been interesting,” Leo said. “Now we’re
getting a lot of coaches calling to see if we have any openings because they’ve
got kids they weren’t going to send out but now with the limited innings and
playing time they’re wanting to send more kids out.”The COVID-19 virus has cost the team one player on their
roster. Jarrod Belbin, who batted .320 last season and went 5-for-9 with four extra
base hits in the Larks three games at last summer’s NBC World Series, returned
to his native Australia after his sophomore season at Western Arizona Community
College was canceled. Belbin will not be allowed to return United States for
the time being due to travel restrictions. <h2>New season, new league</h2>Following the breakup of the Jayhawk League, the Larks
played in the Kansas Collegiate League Baseball last season but are now set to
begin their first year in the Rocky Mountain Baseball League. A move made in
part due the unwillingness of KCLB teams in the Wichita area to travel to Hays
to play games. In the RMBL, the Larks will play the other league members
four times, twice in Hays and twice in Colorado. The league is scheduled to participate
in an All-Star Game against the Mile High Collegiate Baseball league at the end
of June. The two leagues are also negotiating a post-season tournament that
would feature the teams that finish in second through fifth place in each
league.The RMBL champion will receive a spot in the first week of the
NBC World Series.<h2>NBC World Series changes</h2>The NBC World Series, which is in its 86th year, will have a different look in 2020 but it has nothing to do with COVID-19. The new Riverfront Stadium, which was built on the site of Lawrence-Dumont
Stadium and is the home of Wichita’s new Triple-A affiliate Wind Surge, will
only be available for one-week. As of now, that is scheduled for August 5-11. The National Baseball Congress will hand out 16 bids to league champions who will meet in a double-elimination tournament in
Hutchinson July 28th - August 3rd. The top-four finishers advance to Championship Week in Wichita
where they will be joined by last year’s champ and runner-up (Seattle and Cheney)
and two at-large teams.

Larks preparing for upcoming season

Kansas crude prices remain at five-decade lows, but have rebounded somewhat from last week's low of $10.50 a barrel. Kansas Common crude at CHS in McPherson starts the week at $12.75 a barrel. According to statistics published by Independent Oil &amp; Gas Service, Kansas crude hasn't gone this cheap since 1976.

Nymex benchmark crude nearly dropped below $20 Monday, but managed to recover somewhat. In mid-morning trading the near-month contract for WTI was up six cents at $22.69 a barrel. The low mark was $20.80 a barrel. London Brent was down $1.15, or nearly five percent, dropping to $25.83 per barrel.

Weekly statistics from the Kansas oil patch reflect the worst prices in nearly 50 years and a changing focus among Kansas operators. There's a 45% decline in rigs counts this week after a 57% increase last week. Permits are lagging behind last year's record-low performance by eight percent.&nbsp; Completions are down more than 30% year-on-year.

Rig counts in Kansas dropped 45% according to the latest numbers from Independent Oil &amp; Gas Service.&nbsp; There's one active rig in the eastern half of the state, marking a drop of five rigs.&nbsp; The count in Western Kansas was also down five at eleven active rigs.&nbsp; The national rig count from Baker Hughes was down 19 oil rigs to a total of 772.&nbsp; The count in Texas was down 11 rigs. New Mexico was down five and Oklahoma was down three.&nbsp;

There are just five new drilling permits this week, all five west of Wichita including one in Barton County.&nbsp; At 157 permits so far this year, the state of Kansas is lagging behind last year's totals by 14 permits or about eight percent. Operators completed 21 wells last week across the state. Independent Oil &amp; Gas reports seven newly-completed wells in eastern Kansas and 14 in the western half of the state including one completion in Ellis County. The year-to-date total is 274 new completions, compared to 401 a year ago at this time.

Kansans on average are paying just over $1.95 for a gallon of regular gasoline. That's nearly 25 cents a gallon cheaper than the national average, with only 10 other states offering cheaper pump prices.&nbsp; Your 15-gallon fill up will cost you three dollars less than last week, seven dollars less than last month, and eleven dollars less than six months ago.&nbsp;

The Energy Information Administration reported a two-million barrel increase in domestic crude stockpiles last week.&nbsp; At 453.7 million barrels, U.S. inventories are about 3 percent below the five year seasonal average.

Weekly crude-oil production in the U.S. topped 13 million barrels per day for only the second time in history last week.&nbsp; EIA reported production of 13.078 million barrels for the week ending Friday, March 13.&nbsp; That's an increase of 105,000 barrels per day over the week before and nearly a million barrels per day more than the same week a year ago

Domestic crude-oil imports averaged 6.5 million barrels per day last week. EIA says that's up 127,000 barrels per day from the week before. The four-week average is down nearly 5 percent from the same period a year ago.

Oil-by-rail traffic in the U.S. was up nearly ten percent last week compared to a year ago. The Association of American Railroads reports 13,294 rail tanker cars hauling petroleum and petroleum products during the week ending March 14. The running total so far this year is up more than five percent from a year ago. Canadian oil-by-rail continues to grow in response to dramatic shortfalls in pipeline capacity.

Expect producers in the Permian Basin of Texas and New Mexico to continue ramping up shale production next month, while the other six major shale plays in the U.S. reduce output. That prediction comes from the Energy Information Administration in it's monthly Drilling Productivity Report.&nbsp; EIA says total shale oil production in the United States will increase by 18,000 barrels per day in April to just over nine million barrels per day. That's nearly three-fourths of total U.S. production. Output in the Permian Basin is expected to increase by 38,000 barrels per day next month.

The government said the number of wells in U.S. shale plays that have been drilled but remain uncompleted dropped by 60 wells to 7,637 in February, the latest numbers available. Nearly half of those are in the Permian basin.

Two of the biggest oil producers in Texas are asking the state regulator to consider limiting the amount of oil Texas companies can pump. This attempt to stem the dramatic collapse in prices is something that has not been done since the 1970s. Reuters reports Parsley Energy and Pioneer Natural Resources are asking the Railroad Commission of Texas to consider setting output limits. Executives with the firms assert that not acting could lead to single-digit oil prices, which they say would decimate the oil and gas industry.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/11/1574099516454.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>By JOHN P. TRETBARKansas crude prices remain at five-decade lows, but have rebounded somewhat from last week's low of $10.50 a barrel. Kansas Common crude at CHS in McPherson starts the week at $12.75 a barrel. According to statistics published by Independent Oil &amp; Gas Service, Kansas crude hasn't gone this cheap since 1976.Nymex benchmark crude nearly dropped below $20 Monday, but managed to recover somewhat. In mid-morning trading the near-month contract for WTI was up six cents at $22.69 a barrel. The low mark was $20.80 a barrel. London Brent was down $1.15, or nearly five percent, dropping to $25.83 per barrel.Weekly statistics from the Kansas oil patch reflect the worst prices in nearly 50 years and a changing focus among Kansas operators. There's a 45% decline in rigs counts this week after a 57% increase last week. Permits are lagging behind last year's record-low performance by eight percent.&nbsp; Completions are down more than 30% year-on-year.Rig counts in Kansas dropped 45% according to the latest numbers from Independent Oil &amp; Gas Service.&nbsp; There's one active rig in the eastern half of the state, marking a drop of five rigs.&nbsp; The count in Western Kansas was also down five at eleven active rigs.&nbsp; The national rig count from Baker Hughes was down 19 oil rigs to a total of 772.&nbsp; The count in Texas was down 11 rigs. New Mexico was down five and Oklahoma was down three.&nbsp;There are just five new drilling permits this week, all five west of Wichita including one in Barton County.&nbsp; At 157 permits so far this year, the state of Kansas is lagging behind last year's totals by 14 permits or about eight percent. Operators completed 21 wells last week across the state. Independent Oil &amp; Gas reports seven newly-completed wells in eastern Kansas and 14 in the western half of the state including one completion in Ellis County. The year-to-date total is 274 new completions, compared to 401 a year ago at this time.Kansans on average are paying just over $1.95 for a gallon of regular gasoline. That's nearly 25 cents a gallon cheaper than the national average, with only 10 other states offering cheaper pump prices.&nbsp; Your 15-gallon fill up will cost you three dollars less than last week, seven dollars less than last month, and eleven dollars less than six months ago.&nbsp;The Energy Information Administration reported a two-million barrel increase in domestic crude stockpiles last week.&nbsp; At 453.7 million barrels, U.S. inventories are about 3 percent below the five year seasonal average.Weekly crude-oil production in the U.S. topped 13 million barrels per day for only the second time in history last week.&nbsp; EIA reported production of 13.078 million barrels for the week ending Friday, March 13.&nbsp; That's an increase of 105,000 barrels per day over the week before and nearly a million barrels per day more than the same week a year agoDomestic crude-oil imports averaged 6.5 million barrels per day last week. EIA says that's up 127,000 barrels per day from the week before. The four-week average is down nearly 5 percent from the same period a year ago.Oil-by-rail traffic in the U.S. was up nearly ten percent last week compared to a year ago. The Association of American Railroads reports 13,294 rail tanker cars hauling petroleum and petroleum products during the week ending March 14. The running total so far this year is up more than five percent from a year ago. Canadian oil-by-rail continues to grow in response to dramatic shortfalls in pipeline capacity.Expect producers in the Permian Basin of Texas and New Mexico to continue ramping up shale production next month, while the other six major shale plays in the U.S. reduce output. That prediction comes from the Energy Information Administration in it's monthly Drilling Productivity Report.&nbsp; EIA says total shale oil production in the United States will increase by 18,000 barrels per day in April to just over nine million barrels per day. That's nearly three-fourths of total U.S. production. Output in the Permian Basin is expected to increase by 38,000 barrels per day next month.The government said the number of wells in U.S. shale plays that have been drilled but remain uncompleted dropped by 60 wells to 7,637 in February, the latest numbers available. Nearly half of those are in the Permian basin.Two of the biggest oil producers in Texas are asking the state regulator to consider limiting the amount of oil Texas companies can pump. This attempt to stem the dramatic collapse in prices is something that has not been done since the 1970s. Reuters reports Parsley Energy and Pioneer Natural Resources are asking the Railroad Commission of Texas to consider setting output limits. Executives with the firms assert that not acting could lead to single-digit oil prices, which they say would decimate the oil and gas industry.

News from the Oil Patch: Kan. oil prices remain at 50-year lows

I am committed to ensuring workers and families have the support they need during this uncertain time. The Families First Coronavirus Response Act, a bill that was signed into law by President Trump last&nbsp; week, follows through on that. As a result of the Trump Administration’s efforts, substantial improvements were made to the original legislation that resulted in it passing out of both chambers with overwhelming bipartisan support. I was also pleased to see
 that the Administration postponed the deadline for filing tax returns by three months, to July 15th, to provide more relief for hardworking Kansans during this difficult time.

Among other important provisions, the Families First Coronavirus Response Act will provide free testing for all Americans who need it. The legislation also establishes tax credits to provide paid sick and family
 medical leave for hard working Americans whose employment has been disrupted by the pandemic. Additionally, it provides funding and flexibility for emergency nutritional aid for seniors, women, children, and low-income families.

I am proud to see this administration partnering with businesses, not imposing mandates on them. Eligible employers will receive a dollar-for-dollar tax credit for any paid leave they provide under this program.
 Employees will be able to receive the paid leave directly from their employer, rather than an inefficient government-run program.

The Families First Coronavirus Response Act is a great start, but there is still more to be done. As my colleagues and I continue to work with the Trump Administration on the next round of our COVID – 19 response,
 I have called for relief for rural communities to be a top priority in any future agreement. Kansas remains one of the safest places in the world to live, with strong communities and people who help each other through times of crisis. We must continue to work
 together, even if apart, to defeat this invisible enemy so that we can get our economy back on track and return to our normal lives.

To stay up to date on information on the COVID-19 pandemic,&nbsp;<a href="https://iqconnect.lmhostediq.com/iqextranet/iqClickTrk.aspx?&amp;cid=KS01RM&amp;crop=11630.7550201.5140458.53102&amp;report_id=&amp;redirect=https%3a%2f%2fmarshall.house.gov%2fCoronavirus&amp;redir_log=774542275815273" target="_blank">Click
 Here</a> to visit my office’s new coronavirus resource guide.

Thursday I helped welcome two truckloads of much needed Personal Protection Equipment (PPE) to Forbes Airbase in Topeka. These supplies, which include face masks, gloves, and
 gowns, will be much needed should the COVID-19 infection rate increase in Kansas. This equipment is needed to protect nurses, doctors, respiratory therapists, and other medical staff. We have to keep our doctors, nurses, first responders, and other medical
 professionals on the front lines of this crisis, healthy so they can continue to take care of patients.I’m very proud of the great work Adjutant General Lee Tafanelli of the Kansas National Guard, and his airman are doing for the state of Kansas. They and the folks at KDHE are
 working around the clock to stay prepared. My friends in the medical field have been calling me regularly, asking when this equipment, made available by President Trump’s recent emergency declaration, would arrive and I was happy to be there when it did.&nbsp;I also visited with Governor Laura Kelly, and made a visit to the KDHE lab where the virus testing is being done.&nbsp;

Friday the FCC issued a Consumer Alert on an increase of new robocall scams attempting to take advantage of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.&nbsp;These callers will promote false cures,
 offer fake testing kits, and generally prey on peoples fear of the virus.&nbsp;The FCC has created a website to provide safety tips to the public concerning COVID-19 which includes several recordings of these scam calls, and the site will be continually
 updated as new scams surface.&nbsp;<a href="https://iqconnect.lmhostediq.com/iqextranet/iqClickTrk.aspx?&amp;cid=KS01RM&amp;crop=11630.7550201.5140458.53102&amp;report_id=&amp;redirect=https%3a%2f%2fwww.fcc.gov%2fcovid-scams&amp;redir_log=395283825863218" target="_blank">Click
 Here</a> to go to to the safety tips website. If you have received such a scam you can file a complaint with the FCC.

The GOP Science Space and Technology Committee has
<a href="https://iqconnect.lmhostediq.com/iqextranet/iqClickTrk.aspx?&amp;cid=KS01RM&amp;crop=11630.7550201.5140458.53102&amp;report_id=&amp;redirect=https%3a%2f%2frepublicans-science.house.gov%2fremote-stem-learning-resources&amp;redir_log=231388102078485" target="_blank">
compiled a number of free resources</a> families can use to learn STEM skills during this period of school closures. There are hundreds of activities, experiments, projects, videos, and games available, many coming directly from our federal research agencies.
 With resources from NASA, the National Science Foundation, the Smithsonian, and more, students can find material on everything from astronomy to zoology.STEM education has been a huge priority for me, and I am glad that my colleagues on the SST Committee have taken the time to consolidate these resources so that our youths don’t
 fall behind on these important areas.

Friday President Trump invoked the Defense Production Act in an effort to help the private sector ramp-up manufacturing and distribution of emergency medical supplies and equipment
 amid the coronavirus pandemic.The Act has been used more than 50 times and will help increase production of ventilators and other much needed medical supplies and equipment.This move and the continued leadership being shown by President Trump will further our nation's fight against the coronavirus and help more medical centers receive the life-saving
 supplies they need.

The Small Business Administration made an economic disaster declaration for Cheyenne, Greeley, Hamilton, Morton, Sherman, Stanton, and Wallace counties. This declaration
 makes small businesses in those counties eligible for assistance through the SBA’s Economic Injury Disaster Loan program, which provides low interest loans for working capital.&nbsp;More information can be found on SBA’s webpage
<a href="https://iqconnect.lmhostediq.com/iqextranet/iqClickTrk.aspx?&amp;cid=KS01RM&amp;crop=11630.7550201.5140458.53102&amp;report_id=&amp;redirect=https%3a%2f%2fdisasterloan.sba.gov%2fela%2f&amp;redir_log=204951737686228" target="_blank">
Here</a>.

Expanding Telehealth Services for Seniors

The Trump administration announced an expansion of telehealth benefits for America’s seniors during the COVID-19 outbreak. These changes will allow for greater
 flexibility to communicate with their health care provider without requiring risky travel to a physical office. These expanded benefits allow patients to use telephones, video telecommunications tools like Skype and FaceTime, or online patient portals found
 on their provider’s website.&nbsp;I have&nbsp;been a physician serving rural communities for 25 years, I know full well how important it is to provide patients with telehealth services.&nbsp;This is an issue I’ve been working
 on since my first days in Congress and is&nbsp;one more example of the Trump Administration’s efforts to ensure our nation’s health care providers can continue to provide quality care to patients without placing them at risk of exposure.

Rep. Dusty Johnson&nbsp;and I urged U.S. House Speaker Nancy Pelosi and Minority Leader Kevin McCarthy to ensure relief for rural America, specifically cattle ranchers,
 is included in any Phase III COVID-19 stimulus agreement.Ranchers are resilient. They can handle the uncertainty of weather, the free market and other challenges that come their way. However, the COVID-19 pandemic is like nothing we've
 seen before and the cattle market has been in a free fall as a result. Additionally, we’ve seen the box beef- live cattle spread widen, leaving no margin for struggling producers as beef flies off grocery store shelves. We are committed to maintaining
 the supply chain and doing everything in our power to work towards functioning, competitive markets that allow independent producers to thrive. But in the short term, we need relief immediately. As such we are requesting that any deal provides for an increase in the borrowing authority to $50 billion and fully funds the
 replenishment of the Commodity Credit Corporation, as well as ensures that livestock are eligible for assistance in this time of need.

The sign of true leadership is being willing to do the right thing even if it’s not popular. Last Monday, my op-ed with Rep. Brian Babin (R-TX) was published by the Washington Examiner.
 In it, we discussed the tremendous leadership shown by the Trump Administration, even when they faced ridicule and unfair judgement from the national media.&nbsp;Funding for the National Institutes of Health, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, and advanced biomedical research are up nearly 25% when compared to 2015, and infectious-disease
 funding is up by more than 70%. This administration has been preparing for a crisis like this for years and that preparedness has helped us to mitigate the effects of this virus here at home.President Trump and Vice President Pence have laid out a solid plan to defeat this virus — let’s continue to stick to it.&nbsp;<a href="https://iqconnect.lmhostediq.com/iqextranet/iqClickTrk.aspx?&amp;cid=KS01RM&amp;crop=11630.7550201.5140458.53102&amp;report_id=&amp;redirect=https%3a%2f%2fwww.washingtonexaminer.com%2fopinion%2fop-eds%2fwith-the-coronavirus-pandemic-trump-administrations-true-leadership-on-display&amp;redir_log=996432484699910" target="_blank">Click
 Here</a> to read the entire op-ed.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/11/1575044847505.jpeg" alt="First Dist. Congressman Roger Marshall (R-KS, Great Bend" />
 <figcaption>First Dist. Congressman Roger Marshall (R-KS, Great Bend</figcaption>
 </figure>Friends, I am committed to ensuring workers and families have the support they need during this uncertain time. The Families First Coronavirus Response Act, a bill that was signed into law by President Trump last&nbsp; week, follows through on that. As a result of the Trump Administration’s efforts, substantial improvements were made to the original legislation that resulted in it passing out of both chambers with overwhelming bipartisan support. I was also pleased to see
 that the Administration postponed the deadline for filing tax returns by three months, to July 15th, to provide more relief for hardworking Kansans during this difficult time.Among other important provisions, the Families First Coronavirus Response Act will provide free testing for all Americans who need it. The legislation also establishes tax credits to provide paid sick and family
 medical leave for hard working Americans whose employment has been disrupted by the pandemic. Additionally, it provides funding and flexibility for emergency nutritional aid for seniors, women, children, and low-income families.I am proud to see this administration partnering with businesses, not imposing mandates on them. Eligible employers will receive a dollar-for-dollar tax credit for any paid leave they provide under this program.
 Employees will be able to receive the paid leave directly from their employer, rather than an inefficient government-run program.The bill also includes: <ol>
 <li>$1.2 billion to help cover the costs of coronavirus testing for all Americans</li><li>$142 million to eliminate copay requirements for service members and veterans</li><li>100% tax credit for leave for businesses with fewer than 500 employees credited against quarterly payroll taxes (up to capped levels)</li><li>Increased flexibility for small businesses under 50 employees so they are not unduly harmed</li><li>Expansion of the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) to cover employees unable to work due to unforeseen childcare circumstances, like a school closure</li><li>Funding and flexibility to ensure low-income students continue to have access to healthy meals if schools are closed</li><li>$500 million for the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC)</li><li>$250m for senior nutrition programs, including home-delivered nutrition programs like Meals on Wheels</li><li>$400m for the Emergency Food Assistance Program</li><li>$1 billion for emergency grants to states for activities related to processing and paying unemployment insurance benefits</li>
 </ol>The Families First Coronavirus Response Act is a great start, but there is still more to be done. As my colleagues and I continue to work with the Trump Administration on the next round of our COVID – 19 response,
 I have called for relief for rural communities to be a top priority in any future agreement. Kansas remains one of the safest places in the world to live, with strong communities and people who help each other through times of crisis. We must continue to work
 together, even if apart, to defeat this invisible enemy so that we can get our economy back on track and return to our normal lives.To stay up to date on information on the COVID-19 pandemic,&nbsp;<a href="https://iqconnect.lmhostediq.com/iqextranet/iqClickTrk.aspx?&amp;cid=KS01RM&amp;crop=11630.7550201.5140458.53102&amp;report_id=&amp;redirect=https%3a%2f%2fmarshall.house.gov%2fCoronavirus&amp;redir_log=774542275815273" target="_blank">Click
 Here</a> to visit my office’s new coronavirus resource guide.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/3/1584977888147.jpeg" alt="At Forbes Air Force Base, Topeka" />
 <figcaption>At Forbes Air Force Base, Topeka</figcaption>
 </figure><h2>Getting Medical Supplies to Kansas</h2>Thursday I helped welcome two truckloads of much needed Personal Protection Equipment (PPE) to Forbes Airbase in Topeka. These supplies, which include face masks, gloves, and
 gowns, will be much needed should the COVID-19 infection rate increase in Kansas. This equipment is needed to protect nurses, doctors, respiratory therapists, and other medical staff. We have to keep our doctors, nurses, first responders, and other medical
 professionals on the front lines of this crisis, healthy so they can continue to take care of patients.I’m very proud of the great work Adjutant General Lee Tafanelli of the Kansas National Guard, and his airman are doing for the state of Kansas. They and the folks at KDHE are
 working around the clock to stay prepared. My friends in the medical field have been calling me regularly, asking when this equipment, made available by President Trump’s recent emergency declaration, would arrive and I was happy to be there when it did.&nbsp;I also visited with Governor Laura Kelly, and made a visit to the KDHE lab where the virus testing is being done.&nbsp;<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/3/1584977952684.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure><h2>Beware of COVID Scammers</h2>Friday the FCC issued a Consumer Alert on an increase of new robocall scams attempting to take advantage of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.&nbsp;These callers will promote false cures,
 offer fake testing kits, and generally prey on peoples fear of the virus.&nbsp;The FCC has created a website to provide safety tips to the public concerning COVID-19 which includes several recordings of these scam calls, and the site will be continually
 updated as new scams surface.&nbsp;<a href="https://iqconnect.lmhostediq.com/iqextranet/iqClickTrk.aspx?&amp;cid=KS01RM&amp;crop=11630.7550201.5140458.53102&amp;report_id=&amp;redirect=https%3a%2f%2fwww.fcc.gov%2fcovid-scams&amp;redir_log=395283825863218" target="_blank">Click
 Here</a> to go to to the safety tips website. If you have received such a scam you can file a complaint with the FCC.<h2>Maintaining STEM Education At Home</h2>The GOP Science Space and Technology Committee has
<a href="https://iqconnect.lmhostediq.com/iqextranet/iqClickTrk.aspx?&amp;cid=KS01RM&amp;crop=11630.7550201.5140458.53102&amp;report_id=&amp;redirect=https%3a%2f%2frepublicans-science.house.gov%2fremote-stem-learning-resources&amp;redir_log=231388102078485" target="_blank">
compiled a number of free resources</a> families can use to learn STEM skills during this period of school closures. There are hundreds of activities, experiments, projects, videos, and games available, many coming directly from our federal research agencies.
 With resources from NASA, the National Science Foundation, the Smithsonian, and more, students can find material on everything from astronomy to zoology.STEM education has been a huge priority for me, and I am glad that my colleagues on the SST Committee have taken the time to consolidate these resources so that our youths don’t
 fall behind on these important areas.<h2>Defense Production Act</h2>Friday President Trump invoked the Defense Production Act in an effort to help the private sector ramp-up manufacturing and distribution of emergency medical supplies and equipment
 amid the coronavirus pandemic.The Act has been used more than 50 times and will help increase production of ventilators and other much needed medical supplies and equipment.This move and the continued leadership being shown by President Trump will further our nation's fight against the coronavirus and help more medical centers receive the life-saving
 supplies they need.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/3/1584977997983.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure><h2>Relief for Small Businesses</h2>The Small Business Administration made an economic disaster declaration for Cheyenne, Greeley, Hamilton, Morton, Sherman, Stanton, and Wallace counties. This declaration
 makes small businesses in those counties eligible for assistance through the SBA’s Economic Injury Disaster Loan program, which provides low interest loans for working capital.&nbsp;More information can be found on SBA’s webpage
<a href="https://iqconnect.lmhostediq.com/iqextranet/iqClickTrk.aspx?&amp;cid=KS01RM&amp;crop=11630.7550201.5140458.53102&amp;report_id=&amp;redirect=https%3a%2f%2fdisasterloan.sba.gov%2fela%2f&amp;redir_log=204951737686228" target="_blank">
Here</a>.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/3/1584978069972.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure><h2>Expanding Telehealth Services for Seniors</h2>The Trump administration announced an expansion of telehealth benefits for America’s seniors during the COVID-19 outbreak. These changes will allow for greater
 flexibility to communicate with their health care provider without requiring risky travel to a physical office. These expanded benefits allow patients to use telephones, video telecommunications tools like Skype and FaceTime, or online patient portals found
 on their provider’s website.&nbsp;I have&nbsp;been a physician serving rural communities for 25 years, I know full well how important it is to provide patients with telehealth services.&nbsp;This is an issue I’ve been working
 on since my first days in Congress and is&nbsp;one more example of the Trump Administration’s efforts to ensure our nation’s health care providers can continue to provide quality care to patients without placing them at risk of exposure.<h2>Supporting Our Ranchers</h2>Rep. Dusty Johnson&nbsp;and I urged U.S. House Speaker Nancy Pelosi and Minority Leader Kevin McCarthy to ensure relief for rural America, specifically cattle ranchers,
 is included in any Phase III COVID-19 stimulus agreement.Ranchers are resilient. They can handle the uncertainty of weather, the free market and other challenges that come their way. However, the COVID-19 pandemic is like nothing we've
 seen before and the cattle market has been in a free fall as a result. Additionally, we’ve seen the box beef- live cattle spread widen, leaving no margin for struggling producers as beef flies off grocery store shelves. We are committed to maintaining
 the supply chain and doing everything in our power to work towards functioning, competitive markets that allow independent producers to thrive. But in the short term, we need relief immediately. As such we are requesting that any deal provides for an increase in the borrowing authority to $50 billion and fully funds the
 replenishment of the Commodity Credit Corporation, as well as ensures that livestock are eligible for assistance in this time of need.<h2>Leaders Lead</h2>The sign of true leadership is being willing to do the right thing even if it’s not popular. Last Monday, my op-ed with Rep. Brian Babin (R-TX) was published by the Washington Examiner.
 In it, we discussed the tremendous leadership shown by the Trump Administration, even when they faced ridicule and unfair judgement from the national media.&nbsp;Funding for the National Institutes of Health, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, and advanced biomedical research are up nearly 25% when compared to 2015, and infectious-disease
 funding is up by more than 70%. This administration has been preparing for a crisis like this for years and that preparedness has helped us to mitigate the effects of this virus here at home.President Trump and Vice President Pence have laid out a solid plan to defeat this virus — let’s continue to stick to it.&nbsp;<a href="https://iqconnect.lmhostediq.com/iqextranet/iqClickTrk.aspx?&amp;cid=KS01RM&amp;crop=11630.7550201.5140458.53102&amp;report_id=&amp;redirect=https%3a%2f%2fwww.washingtonexaminer.com%2fopinion%2fop-eds%2fwith-the-coronavirus-pandemic-trump-administrations-true-leadership-on-display&amp;redir_log=996432484699910" target="_blank">Click
 Here</a> to read the entire op-ed.

MARSHALL: Doctor's Note March 23

Week Ten of our 2020 Legislature has concluded with a two weeks early First Adjournment due to the COVID-19 virus and the daily rise in positive cases.&nbsp; 

On Thursday, March 19, the Kansas Legislature adjourned until April 27, 2020. 

This measure extends the regularly scheduled “spring break” that was slated to begin on April 4.&nbsp;When the legislature returns, an extended veto session will begin, lasting from (at this time) April 27 to May 21. 

However, the Legislative Coordinating Council can vote to bring officials back at any time prior to April 27 with a simple majority vote. &nbsp;Members of the LCC include Speaker of the House Ron Ryckman (Chair, Senate President Susan Wagle (Vice Chair, Senate Majority Leader Jim Denning, Senate Minority Leader Anthony Hensley, Speaker Pro Tem of the House Blaine Finch, House Majority Leader Dan Hawkins and House Minority Leader Tom Sawyer.&nbsp;

The new calendar dates are April 27 - May 21: Veto Session; May 1: Deadline for 2nd house consideration (non-exempt bills) and May 8 as the final day for bills to be considered.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/2/1580853658061.jpeg" alt="Sen. Elaine Bowers (R-Concordia, 36th Dist." />
 <figcaption>Sen. Elaine Bowers (R-Concordia, 36th Dist.</figcaption>
 </figure>SENATE HIGHLIGHTSWeek Ten of our 2020 Legislature has concluded with a two weeks early First Adjournment due to the COVID-19 virus and the daily rise in positive cases.&nbsp; On Thursday, March 19, the Kansas Legislature adjourned until April 27, 2020. This measure extends the regularly scheduled “spring break” that was slated to begin on April 4.&nbsp;When the legislature returns, an extended veto session will begin, lasting from (at this time) April 27 to May 21. However, the Legislative Coordinating Council can vote to bring officials back at any time prior to April 27 with a simple majority vote. &nbsp;Members of the LCC include Speaker of the House Ron Ryckman (Chair, Senate President Susan Wagle (Vice Chair, Senate Majority Leader Jim Denning, Senate Minority Leader Anthony Hensley, Speaker Pro Tem of the House Blaine Finch, House Majority Leader Dan Hawkins and House Minority Leader Tom Sawyer.&nbsp;The new calendar dates are April 27 - May 21: Veto Session; May 1: Deadline for 2nd house consideration (non-exempt bills) and May 8 as the final day for bills to be considered.FIVE EXECUTIVE ORDERS BY GOVERNOR KELLYExecutive Order Progression - Governor Laura Kelly issued five executive orders last week in response to the threat posed by COVID-19.&nbsp; The Executive Order declaring a State of Disaster Emergency was signed and filed with the Secretary of State’s office on March 16, 2020.&nbsp; Declaring a state of emergency makes it easier for the state to mobilize its resources, provide aid to local communities and contract for services.&nbsp; The Governor’s executive orders continued throughout the week and Kansas ultimately became the first state in the nation to close all K-12 schools for the remainder of the school year.&nbsp; <ol>
 <li><a href="https://governor.kansas.gov/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/20-03-Executed.pdf" target="_blank">Executive Order 20-03</a> declares a State of Disaster Emergency.</li><li><a href="https://governor.kansas.gov/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/20-04-Executed.pdf" target="_blank">Executive Order 20-04</a> intends to mitigate the spread of COVID-19 by prohibiting mass gatherings, defines the term “mass gatherings” to 50 people or more and lists exclusions.</li><li><a href="https://governor.kansas.gov/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/20-05-Executed.pdf" target="_blank">Executive Order 20-05</a> directs and orders specified Kansas utility and internet providers to not disconnect services for non-payment and lists the types of services included.</li><li><a href="https://governor.kansas.gov/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/20-06-Executed.pdf" target="_blank">Executive Order 20-06</a> directs and orders all financial institutions to suspend initiating any mortgage foreclosures, evictions or judicial proceedings.</li><li><a href="https://governor.kansas.gov/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/EO-20-07-Executed.pdf" target="_blank">Executive Order 20-07</a> closes all K-12 public and private schools until May 29, 2020, lists exceptions and details suggestions for continuing meal programs, childcare and online learning opportunities.</li>
 </ol>SENATE FLOOR ACTIONSB 368 – Senate budget plan to become SB 66After a full day of debate on the Senate floor and three amendments by the Committee of the Whole, the Senate has moved to fund the state for fiscal years 2020 and 2021, to the tune of almost $8 billion dollars per year worth of State General Fund expenditures. The original bill, worked by the Committee on Ways and Means, appropriated a total of $18.5 billion (including both state and federal funds) to the various state agencies for FY 2020, including $7.8 billion from the State General Fund.&nbsp; It included a recommendation to increase total all-fund spending in FY 2020 by $118.2 million yet decreases transfers from the SGF by $34 million when compared to the previous year’s budget.After being worked by a conference committee comprised of Senators Carolyn McGinn, Rick Billinger, and Tom Hawk and Representatives Troy Waymaster, Kyle Hoffman and Kathy Wolfe Moore, the budget was placed into <a href="http://kslegislature.org/li/b2019_20/measures/sb66/" target="_blank">SB 66</a>. From there, several rounds of negotiations took place, with House and Senate members negotiating to work toward agreements on the bill’s nearly 200 sections.&nbsp;A conference committee report was agreed to during the evening hours Wednesday, and both chambers adopted the report Thursday.&nbsp;The state’s budget currently includes basic appropriations for the remainder of fiscal year 2020 and the entirety of fiscal year 2021. The hope is for both chambers to pass an omnibus budget when legislators return after the “spring break.” At this time, legislators appropriated $50 million for fighting Coronavirus, plus another $15 million for emergency preparedness, and increases overall state spending by $1.2 billion, or about 6.4% compared to last year. However, the final budget does not include additional investments into the Kansas Public Employees Retirement System (KPERS) which was agreed to by the Senate, nor any funding for a pay raise for executive branch employees.&nbsp;SB 173 - EISENHOWER LEGACY PLAN&nbsp;– 10 YEAR TRANSPORTATION PLANThe 10-year transportation plan for the state’s transportation infrastructure was renamed The Eisenhower Legacy Plan after the 34th President Dwight D. Eisenhower who first signed the Federal-Aid Highway Act in 1956 which led to the creation of interstates and highways across the country. This 10-year plan allows for the maintenance and improvement of our roads and highways in Kansas. The plan includes a mandate that all stalled T-Works projects must be completed before any new construction can begin in T-Works project districts, as well as a requirement for projects to be reviewed every two years instead of every ten years under the state’s previous transportation plan. The total cost over the life of the Eisenhower Legacy Plan remains at about $10 billion over a decade, and still includes language that would allow the Department of Transportation to fund certain highway projects using dollars collected from turnpike tolls.&nbsp;Additionally, there is still funding for broadband infrastructure grants and improvements to the state’s short line railroad system.&nbsp;The Eisenhower Legacy plan is now being sent to Governor Laura Kelly for her signature.&nbsp;<a href="http://kslegislature.org/li/b2019_20/measures/sb454/" target="_blank">SB 454</a> - Creating exemptions in the Kansas Open Records Act (KORA) for election security records and cyber security records. <a href="http://kslegislature.org/li/b2019_20/measures/sb491/" target="_blank">SB 491</a> - Expanding definition of “infectious disease” to include diseases designated as infectious or contagious in nature by the Secretary of Health and Environment through rules and regulations. <a href="http://kslegislature.org/li/b2019_20/measures/sb432/" target="_blank">SB 432</a> - Clarifying the license terms and electronic submission of tax payments, reports and documentation for holders of a special-order shipping license. <a href="http://kslegislature.org/li/b2019_20/measures/sb417/" target="_blank">SB 417</a> - Authorizing the sale or service of alcoholic liquor by a class A club for consumption on the licensed club premises by persons who are not members, their families, or guests during an event. Class A clubs include bona fide nonprofit social, fraternal, or war veterans’ organizations such as the American Legion.<a href="http://kslegislature.org/li/b2019_20/measures/sb309/" target="_blank">SB 309</a> - Placing the burden of proof on the county appraiser in certain valuation and classification appeal hearings before the district court.<a href="http://kslegislature.org/li/b2019_20/measures/sb322/" target="_blank">SB 322</a> - Making sales tax exemption permanent for certain cash rebates on sales or leases of new motor vehicles. <a href="http://kslegislature.org/li/b2019_20/measures/sb474/" target="_blank">SB 474</a> - Permits student athletes to receive compensation for the use of their name, image, likeness rights or athletic reputation when 15 other states adopt similar legislation. <a href="http://kslegislature.org/li/b2019_20/measures/sb406/" target="_blank">SB 406</a> - Sedgwick county charter commission created to review and recommend changes regarding the structure of county government. <a href="http://kslegislature.org/li/b2019_20/measures/sb433/" target="_blank">SB 433</a> - Allowing the director of alcoholic beverage control to suspend or revoke a license under the Kansas liquor control act or the club and drinking establishment act. <a href="http://kslegislature.org/li/b2019_20/measures/hb2054/" target="_blank">S Sub HB 2054</a> - Updating field of membership requirements of credit unions and allowing privilege tax deductions on certain business and single-family residence loans. <a href="http://kslegislature.org/li/b2019_20/measures/hb2510/" target="_blank">HB 2510</a> - Special districts may be dissolved, and responsibilities assumed by a city.<a href="http://kslegislature.org/li/b2019_20/measures/hb2702/" target="_blank">HB 2702</a> - Decoupling the KIT and KIR workforce training programs from the high-performance incentive fund program and enhancing the workforce training tax credit. <a href="http://kslegislature.org/li/b2019_20/measures/hb2595/" target="_blank">HB 2595</a> - Eliminating the 30-day delay before offering state surplus property for sale to the general public. <a href="http://kslegislature.org/li/b2019_20/measures/sb346/" target="_blank">SB 346</a> - Authorizing the insurance department to retain the proceeds of the sale of insurance department surplus real estate and any improvements thereon in the insurance department service regulation fund. <a href="http://kslegislature.org/li/b2019_20/measures/sb423/" target="_blank">SB 423</a> - Establishing the Sedgwick county urban area nuisance abatement act. <a href="http://kslegislature.org/li/b2019_20/measures/hcr5025/" target="_blank">HCR 5025</a> - Ratifying and providing the continuation of the March 12, 2020, state of disaster emergency declaration for the state of Kansas. This declaration passed unanimously.&nbsp; <a href="http://kslegislature.org/li/b2019_20/measures/hb2168/" target="_blank">HB 2168</a> - contains the provisions of SB 225 and SB 409. Senate Bill 225 would take advantage of available federal funds to supplement the existing Medicaid fee schedule reimbursing physicians and hospitals at above the existing Medicaid fee schedule. The Medicaid fee schedule pays physicians and hospitals about 80% of the Medicare rate and about 50% of the commercial insurance rate. The bill allows for about $221 million of federal funds to be brought in to supplement the low Medicaid fee schedule. It will help keep hospitals and physicians from cost shifting to the commercial payers as they will get better Medicaid rates. The bill was amended to prohibit the use of the State General Fund to supplement hospital provider rates.&nbsp; Senate Bill 409 extends a sunset for the Nursing Facility Quality Care Assessment from July 1, 2020 to July 1, 2030. Extension of the sunset allows the Assessment to continue to provide funding for increased nursing facility reimbursement rates.&nbsp; This bill allows for about $57 million of federal funds to be brought in to supplement the nursing home’s low Medicaid fee schedule. &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;It is estimated that this Assessment results in a 15% increase to the nursing home’s Medicaid fee schedule.&nbsp; SENATE CONFIRMATIONThe Senate approved the appointment of Justin Nichols, to serve as a member of the State Banking Board. Nichols practices law with focuses in the banking and real estate industries.GOVERNOR KELLY SIGNS THREE BILLS INTO LAWGovernor Kelly signed three bills into law Thursday aimed at addressing the rapidly changing public health situation due to Coronavirus. These bills include <a href="http://kslegislature.org/li/b2019_20/measures/sb142/" target="_blank">SB 142</a>, which authorizes school districts to receive full state funding despite not meeting legally required student attendance levels. Governor Laura Kelly ordered all schools be shuttered with the possibility of web-based schooling to be revisited later. The second bill signed Thursday was House Substitute for <a href="http://kslegislature.org/li/b2019_20/measures/sb102/" target="_blank">SB 102</a>, which authorizes the chief justice of the Supreme Court to extend or suspend court dates for pending cases in order to allow some judicial personnel to remain home amidst the current public health situation. The final bill signed Thursday was <a href="http://kslegislature.org/li/b2019_20/measures/sb27/" target="_blank">SB 27</a>. While this bill originally included provisions aimed at relieving local economic hardship due to Spirit AeroSystem layoffs, the current public health situation prompted the legislature to extend the 16-week limit on receiving unemployment compensation to 26 weeks. This extension is set to sunset on April 1, 2021. COMMITTEE WORKDue to the ongoing concerns over COVID-19 and the desire of the legislature to expedite the legislative process, committee work was quite brief and composed mostly of final action on bills previously heard.&nbsp;OFF SESSION AT HOMEPlease email me at&nbsp;<a href="mailto:elaine.bowers@senate.ks.gov" target="_blank">elaine.bowers@senate.ks.gov</a> or call 785 243-3325x2 at my office in Concordia with questions or concerns during the break.&nbsp; Continue to visit <a href="https://govstatus.egov.com/coronavirus" target="_blank">https://govstatus.egov.com/coronavirus</a> or <a href="https://www.cdc.gov" target="_blank">https://www.cdc.gov</a> for up to date information on the virus as it changes at this point hourly.&nbsp; Thank you for the honor of serving you!Senator Elaine Bowers Kansas State Capitol Building Room 223-E300 SW 10th St.Topeka, KS 66612 <a href="mailto:elaine.bowers@senate.ks.gov" target="_blank">elaine.bowers@senate.ks.gov 785 296-7389 www.kslegislature.org</a>

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