Three-day weather outlook

Twenty-two faculty members have earned tenure, promotion or both at Fort Hays State University for the next academic year.&nbsp;

The promotions take effect with the fall semester.&nbsp;

Faculty to be promoted are listed with their new academic rank.&nbsp;

Dr. James Balthazor,&nbsp;associate professor of chemistry.&nbsp;

Dr. Yaprak Dalat Ward,&nbsp;associate professor of advanced education programs.&nbsp;

Dr. Brooke Moore,&nbsp;associate professor of advanced education programs.&nbsp;

Dr. Rick Edgeman,&nbsp;professor of management.&nbsp;

Dr. Candace Mehaffey-Kultgen, assistant&nbsp;professor of management.&nbsp;

Ron Rohlf,&nbsp;assistant professor of informatics.&nbsp;

Dr. Christa Beiker,&nbsp;professor of allied health.&nbsp;

Dr. Emily Breit,&nbsp;professor of accounting, finance and economics.&nbsp;

Joe Chretien,&nbsp;professor of applied technology.&nbsp;

Ben Cline,&nbsp;professor of music and theatre.&nbsp;

Dr. Cole Engel,&nbsp;associate professor of economics, finance and accounting.&nbsp;

Toby Flores,&nbsp;professor of art and design.&nbsp;

Dr. Leo Herrman,&nbsp;professor of psychology.&nbsp;

Rebecca Karlin,&nbsp;assistant professor of allied health.&nbsp;

Dr. Eric Leuschner,&nbsp;professor of English.&nbsp;

Dr. Sarbari Mitra,&nbsp;associate professor of mathematics.&nbsp;

Dr. Janett Naylor-Tincknell,&nbsp;professor of psychology.&nbsp;

Dr. Irena Ravitskaya,&nbsp;professor of music and theatre.&nbsp;

Dr. Sam Schreyer,&nbsp;professor of economics, finance and accounting.&nbsp;

Kim Stewart,&nbsp;professor of applied technology.&nbsp;

Dr. Janet Stramel,&nbsp;professor of teacher education.&nbsp;

Angela Walters,&nbsp;professor of informatics.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/5/1589294713723.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>FHSU University RelationsTwenty-two faculty members have earned tenure, promotion or both at Fort Hays State University for the next academic year.&nbsp;The promotions take effect with the fall semester.&nbsp;Faculty to be promoted are listed with their new academic rank.&nbsp;<h2>Tenured and promoted</h2>Dr. James Balthazor,&nbsp;associate professor of chemistry.&nbsp;Dr. Yaprak Dalat Ward,&nbsp;associate professor of advanced education programs.&nbsp;Dr. Brooke Moore,&nbsp;associate professor of advanced education programs.&nbsp;TenuredDr. Rick Edgeman,&nbsp;professor of management.&nbsp;Dr. Candace Mehaffey-Kultgen, assistant&nbsp;professor of management.&nbsp;Ron Rohlf,&nbsp;assistant professor of informatics.&nbsp;<h2>Promoted</h2>Dr. Christa Beiker,&nbsp;professor of allied health.&nbsp;Dr. Emily Breit,&nbsp;professor of accounting, finance and economics.&nbsp;Joe Chretien,&nbsp;professor of applied technology.&nbsp;Ben Cline,&nbsp;professor of music and theatre.&nbsp;Dr. Cole Engel,&nbsp;associate professor of economics, finance and accounting.&nbsp;Toby Flores,&nbsp;professor of art and design.&nbsp;Dr. Leo Herrman,&nbsp;professor of psychology.&nbsp;Rebecca Karlin,&nbsp;assistant professor of allied health.&nbsp;Dr. Eric Leuschner,&nbsp;professor of English.&nbsp;Dr. Sarbari Mitra,&nbsp;associate professor of mathematics.&nbsp;Dr. Janett Naylor-Tincknell,&nbsp;professor of psychology.&nbsp;Dr. Irena Ravitskaya,&nbsp;professor of music and theatre.&nbsp;Dr. Sam Schreyer,&nbsp;professor of economics, finance and accounting.&nbsp;Kim Stewart,&nbsp;professor of applied technology.&nbsp;Dr. Janet Stramel,&nbsp;professor of teacher education.&nbsp;Angela Walters,&nbsp;professor of informatics.&nbsp;

Promotions, grants of tenure announced by FHSU

The Ellis County Planning and Zoning Committee meeting scheduled for May 27 has been canceled.

The next meeting is tentatively scheduled for June 24.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/1/1578921333301.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>ELLIS COUNTYThe Ellis County Planning and Zoning Committee meeting scheduled for May 27 has been canceled.The next meeting is tentatively scheduled for June 24.&nbsp;

Ellis Co. Planning and Zoning Committee cancels May meeting

TOPEKA—Eight more district courts will resume issuing marriage licenses using a process that doesn't require in-person contact, according to a news release from the Office of Judicial Administration (OJA).

District courts in Barton, Leavenworth, Lyon, Miami, Pawnee, Reno, Saline and Thomas counties will begin processing new marriage license applications starting Wednesday, May 13.

Applicants must call a court to begin the process.

Ten courts have been processing marriage licenses using this new process since April 20.

Courts that will issue marriage licenses

People who live in Johnson, Sedgwick, Shawnee, or Wyandotte county will get their marriage licenses through the district court in their county:

People who live in other counties will now be able to choose from 14 court locations to get a marriage license:

Courts will receive applications by encrypted email or mail

Marriage license paperwork requires the applicant to provide a photo identification that includes personally identifiable information, such as date of birth, Social Security number,
 or driver’s license number. To protect this information, courts will begin an encrypted email exchange with the applicant through which the applicant will return completed paperwork.

If an applicant does not have email, courts will also send and receive paperwork by U.S. mail.

Marriage license applicants previously were required to appear in person in the clerk of court’s office to swear an oath that includes affirming:

Under the new process, applicants will make this affirmation on paper.



Prior marriage license applications will not be processed

If a person submitted a marriage license application before courts closed to in-person contact on March 18, and the marriage license was not issued, the person will need to submit a
 new application to a court issuing marriage licenses using this new process. This applies even if the earlier application was submitted to a court that will now issue marriage licenses, and it is to ensure all requirements are met.&nbsp;



State courts slowly expanding operations&nbsp;


On May 1 the chief justice issued six new administrative orders to provide updated direction to state courts and court users as the state slowly reopens following a plan outlined by
 the governor April 30.

Under these orders, courts will gradually increase the number and types of service delivered to the people of Kansas.

State courts have been operating in a limited capacity since March 18 under earlier Supreme Court orders issued in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. Courts initially were restricted
 to only essential functions, but they were later permitted to perform additional functions to the extent local resources and circumstances allowed.

For a complete list of judicial branch actions in response to the novel coronavirus, visit&nbsp;<a href="https://kansascourts.org/l/JqDtBpkqH62iBM4NbIZYb1aUDzx1PP5TWLT1Qtq_1Y8" target="_blank">Kansas
 Courts Response to COVID-19</a>.

OJATOPEKA—Eight more district courts will resume issuing marriage licenses using a process that doesn't require in-person contact, according to a news release from the Office of Judicial Administration (OJA).District courts in Barton, Leavenworth, Lyon, Miami, Pawnee, Reno, Saline and Thomas counties will begin processing new marriage license applications starting Wednesday, May 13.Applicants must call a court to begin the process.Ten courts have been processing marriage licenses using this new process since April 20.Courts that will issue marriage licensesPeople who live in Johnson, Sedgwick, Shawnee, or Wyandotte county will get their marriage licenses through the district court in their county:<ol>
 <li><a href="https://kansascourts.org/l/JqDtBpkqH62iBM4NbIZYb7Wcg6Y3-q94VSvaFs16CyA" target="_blank">Johnson County District Court</a>&nbsp;— Olathe — 913-715-3428</li><li><a href="https://kansascourts.org/l/JqDtBpkqH62iBM4NbIZYb6rLOVTv8tfLDZLXa0pY0go" target="_blank">Sedgwick County District Court</a>&nbsp;— Wichita — 316-660-5900</li><li><a href="https://kansascourts.org/l/JqDtBpkqH62iBM4NbIZYb6vNJxyxYE4Y2dgnWfNUJtU" target="_blank">Shawnee County District Court</a>&nbsp;— Topeka — 785-251-6362</li><li><a href="https://kansascourts.org/l/JqDtBpkqH62iBM4NbIZYb3eWoY_FPLaL4wh6cKHyaxc" target="_blank">Wyandotte County District Court</a>&nbsp;— Kansas City — 913-573-2834</li>
 </ol>People who live in other counties will now be able to choose from 14 court locations to get a marriage license:<ol>
 <li><a href="https://kansascourts.org/l/JqDtBpkqH62iBM4NbIZYb94bTvGqIf_OQjOZ5bjCI9U" target="_blank">Barton County District Court</a> — Great Bend — 620-793-1856</li><li><a href="https://kansascourts.org/l/JqDtBpkqH62iBM4NbIZYb25qa860-fO31r1_9_mltEw" target="_blank">Crawford County District Court</a>&nbsp;— Pittsburg — 620-231-0380</li><li><a href="https://kansascourts.org/l/JqDtBpkqH62iBM4NbIZYb9tXstjl-fI76y-wmrcrU1U" target="_blank">Douglas County District Court</a>&nbsp;— Lawrence — 785-832-5256</li><li><a href="https://kansascourts.org/l/JqDtBpkqH62iBM4NbIZYb8Is3cFF5ezKSAliO1-cM_E" target="_blank">Ellis County District Court</a>&nbsp;— Hays — 785-628-9415</li><li><a href="https://kansascourts.org/l/JqDtBpkqH62iBM4NbIZYb_K2B_YYLfn8_H1FoCMfYuE" target="_blank">Finney County District Court</a>&nbsp;— Garden City — 620-271-6120</li><li><a href="https://kansascourts.org/l/JqDtBpkqH62iBM4NbIZYbziHMPo7_pMtAu56beFJgko" target="_blank">Ford County District Court</a>&nbsp;— Dodge City — 620-227-4609</li><li><a href="https://kansascourts.org/l/JqDtBpkqH62iBM4NbIZYb2YMs5PiB4uiYMLBnnJrk3w" target="_blank">Harvey County District Court</a>&nbsp;— Newton — 316-284-6890</li><li><a href="https://kansascourts.org/l/JqDtBpkqH62iBM4NbIZYbxLgzcfnuEEFv3BFZCcPp2o" target="_blank">Leavenworth County District Court</a> — Leavenworth — 913-684-0700</li><li><a href="https://kansascourts.org/l/JqDtBpkqH62iBM4NbIZYbx65sCHtkGFn-dm95vhQQZQ" target="_blank">Lyon County District Court</a> — Emporia — 620-341-3280</li><li><a href="https://kansascourts.org/l/JqDtBpkqH62iBM4NbIZYb9dHss6eqa7zO0qeMey2Lho" target="_blank">Miami County District Court</a> — Paola — 913-294-3326</li><li><a href="https://kansascourts.org/l/JqDtBpkqH62iBM4NbIZYb9ZwypAhXEZwylX2ZdaFhrs" target="_blank">Pawnee County District Court</a> — Larned — 620-285-6937</li><li><a href="https://kansascourts.org/l/JqDtBpkqH62iBM4NbIZYb-53vGN7VjmxAwBOIZZ3DuU" target="_blank">Reno County District Court</a> — Hutchinson — 620-694-2956</li><li><a href="https://kansascourts.org/l/JqDtBpkqH62iBM4NbIZYb-q2LOPcx0b-bRk1ZeBMw4Q" target="_blank">Saline County District Court</a> — Salina — 785-309-5831</li><li><a href="https://kansascourts.org/l/JqDtBpkqH62iBM4NbIZYb6SDGIs3oV0H64tXkRWrpuY" target="_blank">Thomas County District Court</a> — Colby — 785-460-4540</li>
 </ol>Courts will receive applications by encrypted email or mailMarriage license paperwork requires the applicant to provide a photo identification that includes personally identifiable information, such as date of birth, Social Security number,
 or driver’s license number. To protect this information, courts will begin an encrypted email exchange with the applicant through which the applicant will return completed paperwork.If an applicant does not have email, courts will also send and receive paperwork by U.S. mail.Fulfilling the oath requirementMarriage license applicants previously were required to appear in person in the clerk of court’s office to swear an oath that includes affirming:<ol>
 <li>they are of lawful age to marry or have necessary consent to marry;</li><li>are not related in degrees prohibited by law; and</li><li>no legal reason exists why they should not marry.</li>
 </ol>Under the new process, applicants will make this affirmation on paper.

Prior marriage license applications will not be processedIf a person submitted a marriage license application before courts closed to in-person contact on March 18, and the marriage license was not issued, the person will need to submit a
 new application to a court issuing marriage licenses using this new process. This applies even if the earlier application was submitted to a court that will now issue marriage licenses, and it is to ensure all requirements are met.&nbsp;

State courts slowly expanding operations&nbsp;
On May 1 the chief justice issued six new administrative orders to provide updated direction to state courts and court users as the state slowly reopens following a plan outlined by
 the governor April 30.Under these orders, courts will gradually increase the number and types of service delivered to the people of Kansas.State courts have been operating in a limited capacity since March 18 under earlier Supreme Court orders issued in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. Courts initially were restricted
 to only essential functions, but they were later permitted to perform additional functions to the extent local resources and circumstances allowed.For a complete list of judicial branch actions in response to the novel coronavirus, visit&nbsp;<a href="https://kansascourts.org/l/JqDtBpkqH62iBM4NbIZYb1aUDzx1PP5TWLT1Qtq_1Y8" target="_blank">Kansas
 Courts Response to COVID-19</a>.

Thomas Co. court to issue marriage license with no in-person contact

By JONATHAN ZWEYGARDT, Hays Post

The Hays Eagles and Hays Monarchs summer baseball teams are
still planning to play this summer despite the National American Legion’s
announcement this week that the organization has canceled all involvement in
the 2020 summer baseball season.

Earlier this spring, in the midst of the coronavirus
pandemic, the American Legion National Organization canceled the regional and
national tournaments for the 2020 season but left it up to each individual
state decide if they would have a state tournament. But, on Sunday, the national
organization announced the “shutdown all sponsorship and all involvement in
baseball for the 2020 season."

<a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/5ebacfdceb7f17053604c4d8">RELATED: Hays Rec issues reopening plan for 2020.</a>

Steve Queen, Kansas American Legion State Baseball chairman, said
there were 24 states still planning to try and play American Legion baseball
this summer but the national leadership’s decision to shut down made it virtually
impossible for the states to go forward.

“They were going to pull the plug, so the portal where all
of our registrations&nbsp; (were located was shut down,” Queen said. “They canceled all
the insurance. So, everything that had been accomplished already had been undone.”

The leadership of both the Hays Eagles and Hays Monarchs
confirmed this week they are planning to play this summer. 

Skip Cox, Hays Eagles board president, said they will try to
have just as many games as last season.

“It really doesn’t change a whole lot outside of
postseason,” Cox said. “The American Legion isn’t tied to the doubleheaders we
play during the week and a lot of the tournaments that we go to are not
specifically Legion-sanctioned events. They’re independent.”

Trey Wentling of the Monarchs said “our season is on as
scheduled.”

Any teams that chose to play in 2020 will be considered
independent and will have to carry their own insurance. 

Queen said as the current number of positive cases of coronavirus
just now peaking in the Midwest safety is a big priority.

“Our most important concern in the health and safety of the
people — of the kids that are playing and the spectators that come to watch,” he said.

Queen said he has been in contact with programs across the
state trying to help them get the proper coverage that they need. 

Cox said they will make sure they
are insured before they move forward.

“The company that does our American Legion insurance is
going to have another option,” Cox said. “As soon as we get all that covered,
we can get after it.”

On the state level, Queen said the American Legion won’t have
anything to do with it — he encourages programs to play as independents.

“There’s a bunch of teams around,” Queen said. “I know my
local team, they’re going to continue their program as an independent.”

Cox said he anticipates some tournaments will get pushed
back because of the late start, but the Wild West Fest Tournament is still set
to go on as planned.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/5/1589313426565.jpeg" alt="Courtesy photo" />
 <figcaption>Courtesy photo</figcaption>
 </figure>By JONATHAN ZWEYGARDT, Hays PostThe Hays Eagles and Hays Monarchs summer baseball teams are
still planning to play this summer despite the National American Legion’s
announcement this week that the organization has canceled all involvement in
the 2020 summer baseball season.Earlier this spring, in the midst of the coronavirus
pandemic, the American Legion National Organization canceled the regional and
national tournaments for the 2020 season but left it up to each individual
state decide if they would have a state tournament. But, on Sunday, the national
organization announced the “shutdown all sponsorship and all involvement in
baseball for the 2020 season."<a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/5ebacfdceb7f17053604c4d8">RELATED: Hays Rec issues reopening plan for 2020.</a>Steve Queen, Kansas American Legion State Baseball chairman, said
there were 24 states still planning to try and play American Legion baseball
this summer but the national leadership’s decision to shut down made it virtually
impossible for the states to go forward.“They were going to pull the plug, so the portal where all
of our registrations&nbsp; (were located was shut down,” Queen said. “They canceled all
the insurance. So, everything that had been accomplished already had been undone.”<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/5/1589313782561.jpeg" alt="Courtesy photo" />
 <figcaption>Courtesy photo</figcaption>
 </figure>The leadership of both the Hays Eagles and Hays Monarchs
confirmed this week they are planning to play this summer. Skip Cox, Hays Eagles board president, said they will try to
have just as many games as last season.“It really doesn’t change a whole lot outside of
postseason,” Cox said. “The American Legion isn’t tied to the doubleheaders we
play during the week and a lot of the tournaments that we go to are not
specifically Legion-sanctioned events. They’re independent.”Trey Wentling of the Monarchs said “our season is on as
scheduled.”Any teams that chose to play in 2020 will be considered
independent and will have to carry their own insurance. Queen said as the current number of positive cases of coronavirus
just now peaking in the Midwest safety is a big priority.“Our most important concern in the health and safety of the
people — of the kids that are playing and the spectators that come to watch,” he said.Queen said he has been in contact with programs across the
state trying to help them get the proper coverage that they need. Cox said they will make sure they
are insured before they move forward.“The company that does our American Legion insurance is
going to have another option,” Cox said. “As soon as we get all that covered,
we can get after it.”On the state level, Queen said the American Legion won’t have
anything to do with it — he encourages programs to play as independents.“There’s a bunch of teams around,” Queen said. “I know my
local team, they’re going to continue their program as an independent.”Cox said he anticipates some tournaments will get pushed
back because of the late start, but the Wild West Fest Tournament is still set
to go on as planned.

Despite cancellations, Hays summer baseball still a go

By CRISTINA JANNEY Hays Post

Is it OK to hug a loved one? Should I sign my child up for sports this summer? Do I need to wear a mask at work?

Health care professionals at the University of Kansas Health System answered these questions and others Monday about staying safe as the Kansas economy begins to reopen after the COVID-19 shutdown.

Dr. Steve Stites, chief medical officer at the health system, was joined by Dr. Dana Hawkinson, medical director of infection prevention and control, and&nbsp;Amanda Gartner, RN, director of Quality and Safety.

"I think at some point we have to realize this is about relative risk and not about absolute safety," Stites said. "Absolute safety is 'Give me the bubble wrap and I'll just stay inside.' ...

"Each person has to determine their own level of risk."

"A hug is a very short period of time, and I think there are ways to make it safe," Hawkinson said.

Wearing masks and turning your head from each other can lower the chances of transferring droplets that can spread the virus, the health care workers said.

Is it OK for my kids to play organized sports this summer?

The health care workers discouraged children playing organized sports even though phase two and three of the governor's reopening plan would allow it.

Stites especially discouraged organized sports for young children who might not be able to understand or realistically practice social distancing.

"The problem is not that it is baseball. It is that you just brought a bunch of 5- and 7-year-olds together," he said. "Would you let that happen in another environment?"

The children who contract the virus will likely be asymptomatic. They might not feel sick, but they can spread the virus to others, Stites said.

In baseball or softball, the ball can be a means of transferring the virus. Athletes also sit close to each other when they are on the bench waiting to bat.

Even testing is not insurance, because a negative test today can be a positive test tomorrow, Gartner said.

Gartner said anytime you think or know you are going to be around people, you should wear a mask, including at work.

"I was speaking to someone in an office space earlier today, and I said she should really have a mask on. She said, 'I'm just sitting at my desk.' But people come to her desk often," Gartner said.

Stites recommended wait staff wear masks and gloves when serving food.

Gartner said she keeps hand sanitizer in her car at all times. She also wears a mask when she goes to the grocery store.&nbsp;

"It also helps remind me to not touch my face when I have a mask on," she said. "You come into contact with the environment and then the likelihood of transmission is when you touch your face."

The virus can live on hard or nonporous surfaces such as cans, bottles and chip bags. You can wipe those down when you get home with an alcohol wipe. Fruits and vegetables can by washed with water.&nbsp;

However, if the cans are left to sit for a couple of days, the virus won't last on the items.&nbsp;

He noted there have been no confirmed cases of people being infected from touching grocery items.

Is it possible to over-sanitize? Will this hurt our immune systems?

"I don't think there is a risk of over sanitizing,"&nbsp;Gartner said.&nbsp; "I think these are all really good practices despite COVID."

She also said health care workers have known for years good hand hygiene practices help prevent infection.

Hawkinson said the human body is regularly exposed to other pathogens.

Will we still have to wear masks after June 15?

The doctors said just because the economy is opening does not mean that the virus is gone.&nbsp;

Hawkinson said we will still likely see cases.

Stites said effective therapy or a vaccine will likely be anywhere from six to 18 months away.

Gartner said, "I think we have to be very mindful.&nbsp; Some of the regulations have changed and we can go out into the community, but we still have to be very aware of the risk of the spread here."

She said it is still important to maintain small group gatherings, wear a mask in public, clean, and wash your hands.

Stites said, "The rules haven't changed just because the calendar did."

He said we need to take personal responsibility.

"Making other people unhealthy is not going to make the economy better," he said. "What is going to make it better is being here in the long term."

He repeated precautions are about relative risk.

"If you want to use bubble wrap and not go out, you can do that," he said, "but I don't know that is a humanly possible thing. You have to balance the different needs you have as a person against that.

"One the things is when you listen to all public health people is they are going to say you have to do all these things. That's great, but it's not real health. You have to cope with what is real health."

Hawkinson said public health officials try to aim for the gold standard because they know most people will fudge and not quite reach those standards.

Will students be safe in dorms in August?

Hawkinson said we know dorm living has historically been dangerous because people are congregated together. He gave the example of meningitis.&nbsp;

"In a place like a dorm or fraternity or sorority house," he said, "infectious disease can spread very quickly. I think it is too early to say, but right now I would say I probably wouldn't do that, especially if you are expecting to go back and forth every couple of weeks to see your loved ones."

<div><iframe src="https://www.facebook.com/plugins/video.php?href=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2Fkmbc9%2Fvideos%2F2666584283602223%2F&show_text=0&width=560" width="560" height="315" style="border:none;overflow:hidden" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" allowTransparency="true" allowFullScreen="true"></iframe></div><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/5/1589223037484.jpeg" alt="Dr. Steve Stites, center, chief medical officer at the KU Health System, answered&nbsp; questions about COIVD-19 Monday via Zoom. He was joined by Dr. Dana Hawkinson, medical director of infection prevention and control, and Amanda Gartner, RN, director of Quality and Safety." />
 <figcaption>Dr. Steve Stites, center, chief medical officer at the KU Health System, answered&nbsp; questions about COIVD-19 Monday via Zoom. He was joined by Dr. Dana Hawkinson, medical director of infection prevention and control, and Amanda Gartner, RN, director of Quality and Safety.</figcaption>
 </figure>By CRISTINA JANNEY Hays PostIs it OK to hug a loved one? Should I sign my child up for sports this summer? Do I need to wear a mask at work?Health care professionals at the University of Kansas Health System answered these questions and others Monday about staying safe as the Kansas economy begins to reopen after the COVID-19 shutdown.Dr. Steve Stites, chief medical officer at the health system, was joined by Dr. Dana Hawkinson, medical director of infection prevention and control, and&nbsp;Amanda Gartner, RN, director of Quality and Safety."I think at some point we have to realize this is about relative risk and not about absolute safety," Stites said. "Absolute safety is 'Give me the bubble wrap and I'll just stay inside.' ..."Each person has to determine their own level of risk."<h2>Is there a safe way to hug someone?</h2>"A hug is a very short period of time, and I think there are ways to make it safe," Hawkinson said.Wearing masks and turning your head from each other can lower the chances of transferring droplets that can spread the virus, the health care workers said.<h2>Is it OK for my kids to play organized sports this summer?</h2>The health care workers discouraged children playing organized sports even though phase two and three of the governor's reopening plan would allow it.Stites especially discouraged organized sports for young children who might not be able to understand or realistically practice social distancing."The problem is not that it is baseball. It is that you just brought a bunch of 5- and 7-year-olds together," he said. "Would you let that happen in another environment?"The children who contract the virus will likely be asymptomatic. They might not feel sick, but they can spread the virus to others, Stites said.In baseball or softball, the ball can be a means of transferring the virus. Athletes also sit close to each other when they are on the bench waiting to bat.Even testing is not insurance, because a negative test today can be a positive test tomorrow, Gartner said.<h2>Should I wear a mask at work?</h2>Gartner said anytime you think or know you are going to be around people, you should wear a mask, including at work."I was speaking to someone in an office space earlier today, and I said she should really have a mask on. She said, 'I'm just sitting at my desk.' But people come to her desk often," Gartner said.Stites recommended wait staff wear masks and gloves when serving food.<h2>What are safe shopping procedures?</h2>Gartner said she keeps hand sanitizer in her car at all times. She also wears a mask when she goes to the grocery store.&nbsp;"It also helps remind me to not touch my face when I have a mask on," she said. "You come into contact with the environment and then the likelihood of transmission is when you touch your face."The virus can live on hard or nonporous surfaces such as cans, bottles and chip bags. You can wipe those down when you get home with an alcohol wipe. Fruits and vegetables can by washed with water.&nbsp;However, if the cans are left to sit for a couple of days, the virus won't last on the items.&nbsp;He noted there have been no confirmed cases of people being infected from touching grocery items.<h2>Is it possible to over-sanitize? Will this hurt our immune systems?</h2>"I don't think there is a risk of over sanitizing,"&nbsp;Gartner said.&nbsp; "I think these are all really good practices despite COVID."She also said health care workers have known for years good hand hygiene practices help prevent infection.Hawkinson said the human body is regularly exposed to other pathogens.<h2>Will we still have to wear masks after June 15?</h2>The doctors said just because the economy is opening does not mean that the virus is gone.&nbsp;Hawkinson said we will still likely see cases.Stites said effective therapy or a vaccine will likely be anywhere from six to 18 months away.Gartner said, "I think we have to be very mindful.&nbsp; Some of the regulations have changed and we can go out into the community, but we still have to be very aware of the risk of the spread here."She said it is still important to maintain small group gatherings, wear a mask in public, clean, and wash your hands.Stites said, "The rules haven't changed just because the calendar did."He said we need to take personal responsibility."Making other people unhealthy is not going to make the economy better," he said. "What is going to make it better is being here in the long term."He repeated precautions are about relative risk."If you want to use bubble wrap and not go out, you can do that," he said, "but I don't know that is a humanly possible thing. You have to balance the different needs you have as a person against that."One the things is when you listen to all public health people is they are going to say you have to do all these things. That's great, but it's not real health. You have to cope with what is real health."Hawkinson said public health officials try to aim for the gold standard because they know most people will fudge and not quite reach those standards.<h2>Will students be safe in dorms in August?</h2>Hawkinson said we know dorm living has historically been dangerous because people are congregated together. He gave the example of meningitis.&nbsp;"In a place like a dorm or fraternity or sorority house," he said, "infectious disease can spread very quickly. I think it is too early to say, but right now I would say I probably wouldn't do that, especially if you are expecting to go back and forth every couple of weeks to see your loved ones."

🎥 KU health care staff: OK to hug; youth sports discouraged

TMP-Marian Seniors are invited to take a final lap around Victory Road to celebrate their achievements and shed light on all they have missed during the last nine weeks.&nbsp;

On May 17, at 8:20 p.m., 20:20 military time, there will be a drive-by celebration to honor the TMP-Marian Senior Class of 2020. Seniors, deck out your cars with any design of your choice, use window chalk or design a poster.&nbsp; Please be sure all designs are school appropriate. 

Seniors, please report to the east student parking lot by 8 p.m. to line up for the drive-by.&nbsp; The parade will be led by the TMP-Marian “Victory Bell."

Seniors are also welcomed and encouraged to place their senior yard sign on Hall Street between 17th Street and the Victory Road entrance&nbsp;by 2 p.m. on Sunday, May 17 and pick them up after the parade.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Family members, non-senior students, faculty and staff, along with all patrons of TMP-Marian are invited to attend this ceremony and park along Victory Road to support the senior class by honking their horns and flashing their lights.

The State of Kansas will still be in Phase One of Governor Kelly’s reopening plan so social distancing guidelines must be followed. Students and all people attending need to be safe and stay inside their vehicles for the entirety of the event.

Please note:&nbsp; This event will not replace the formal graduation ceremony.&nbsp; TMP-Marian will announce Commencement plans for the Class of 2020 on May 13.

TMP-MarianTMP-Marian Seniors are invited to take a final lap around Victory Road to celebrate their achievements and shed light on all they have missed during the last nine weeks.&nbsp;On May 17, at 8:20 p.m., 20:20 military time, there will be a drive-by celebration to honor the TMP-Marian Senior Class of 2020. Seniors, deck out your cars with any design of your choice, use window chalk or design a poster.&nbsp; Please be sure all designs are school appropriate. Seniors, please report to the east student parking lot by 8 p.m. to line up for the drive-by.&nbsp; The parade will be led by the TMP-Marian “Victory Bell."Seniors are also welcomed and encouraged to place their senior yard sign on Hall Street between 17th Street and the Victory Road entrance&nbsp;by 2 p.m. on Sunday, May 17 and pick them up after the parade.&nbsp;&nbsp;Family members, non-senior students, faculty and staff, along with all patrons of TMP-Marian are invited to attend this ceremony and park along Victory Road to support the senior class by honking their horns and flashing their lights.The State of Kansas will still be in Phase One of Governor Kelly’s reopening plan so social distancing guidelines must be followed. Students and all people attending need to be safe and stay inside their vehicles for the entirety of the event.Please note:&nbsp; This event will not replace the formal graduation ceremony.&nbsp; TMP-Marian will announce Commencement plans for the Class of 2020 on May 13.

TMP sets victory lap for seniors

Rachel Moravek, a Hays junior majoring in sociology, was recently announced in a virtual ceremony as Fort Hays State University Forsyth Library’s second annual winner of the Lynn Haggard Undergraduate Library Research Award.&nbsp;

The award recognizes excellence in undergraduate research that incorporates the use of Forsyth Library resources and demonstrates sophisticated information literacy skills.&nbsp;

The $500 cash award honors Lynn Haggard, retired Forsyth Librarian, and her 18 years of service to the FHSU community. A selection committee of faculty from each college, librarians, and graduate students evaluated applications submitted by students.&nbsp;

Moravek’s research project, “Campus Inclusivity: Student Experiences with Accessibility at FHSU,” was completed as an independent study with her faculty mentor, Dr. Christy Craig, assistant professor of sociology.&nbsp;

“A person puts so much of themselves into their research, and little else feels as validating as being recognized for that hard work,” said Moravek. “I am honored to be able to showcase the resources available at Forsyth Library that have made my project possible.”&nbsp;

Students who apply provide a copy of their research project, a bibliography, and a reflective essay detailing the search process and lessons learned.&nbsp;

“She received the highest average score for her application. Her reflective essay was thoughtful and thorough and the sources she used showed a dedication to interdisciplinary library research,” said Elizabeth Downing-Turner, digital curation librarian and chair of the selection committee.&nbsp;

A statement of support from a faculty member who verifies their work meets the standards of their discipline is the final piece of the application.&nbsp;

“Rachel has truly engaged with this project, and rather than stopping when her work became difficult, she dove deeper into the literature and identified important themes and frameworks for the larger project alongside data analysis,” said Craig.&nbsp;

The works of the winner will be preserved and accessible in the FHSU Scholars Repository at&nbsp;<a href="http://scholars.fhsu.edu/">scholars.fhsu.edu</a>.&nbsp;

Downing-Turner said most of the work in the repository is produced by faculty and master’s-level students, but “some exemplary undergraduate work” is included.&nbsp;

For more information about the award, visit&nbsp;<a href="http://fhsuguides.fhsu.edu/lhulra">fhsuguides.fhsu.edu/lhulra</a>.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/5/1589306619204.jpeg" alt="Moravek" />
 <figcaption>Moravek</figcaption>
 </figure>FHSU University RelationsRachel Moravek, a Hays junior majoring in sociology, was recently announced in a virtual ceremony as Fort Hays State University Forsyth Library’s second annual winner of the Lynn Haggard Undergraduate Library Research Award.&nbsp;The award recognizes excellence in undergraduate research that incorporates the use of Forsyth Library resources and demonstrates sophisticated information literacy skills.&nbsp;The $500 cash award honors Lynn Haggard, retired Forsyth Librarian, and her 18 years of service to the FHSU community. A selection committee of faculty from each college, librarians, and graduate students evaluated applications submitted by students.&nbsp;Moravek’s research project, “Campus Inclusivity: Student Experiences with Accessibility at FHSU,” was completed as an independent study with her faculty mentor, Dr. Christy Craig, assistant professor of sociology.&nbsp;“A person puts so much of themselves into their research, and little else feels as validating as being recognized for that hard work,” said Moravek. “I am honored to be able to showcase the resources available at Forsyth Library that have made my project possible.”&nbsp;Students who apply provide a copy of their research project, a bibliography, and a reflective essay detailing the search process and lessons learned.&nbsp;“She received the highest average score for her application. Her reflective essay was thoughtful and thorough and the sources she used showed a dedication to interdisciplinary library research,” said Elizabeth Downing-Turner, digital curation librarian and chair of the selection committee.&nbsp;A statement of support from a faculty member who verifies their work meets the standards of their discipline is the final piece of the application.&nbsp;“Rachel has truly engaged with this project, and rather than stopping when her work became difficult, she dove deeper into the literature and identified important themes and frameworks for the larger project alongside data analysis,” said Craig.&nbsp;The works of the winner will be preserved and accessible in the FHSU Scholars Repository at&nbsp;<a href="http://scholars.fhsu.edu/">scholars.fhsu.edu</a>.&nbsp;Downing-Turner said most of the work in the repository is produced by faculty and master’s-level students, but “some exemplary undergraduate work” is included.&nbsp;For more information about the award, visit&nbsp;<a href="http://fhsuguides.fhsu.edu/lhulra">fhsuguides.fhsu.edu/lhulra</a>.&nbsp;

FHSU names winner of Lynn  Haggard Undergraduate Library Research Award

On Monday, May 11, Morgan Brothers Construction, a contractor for the city of Hays, began the repair of settled joints in the brick pavement on Main Street between 6th and 13th Streets. 

Work began at 6th Street and is progress northward. 

Progress is ahead of schedule, and the project is expected to be completed by the end of the day on Thursday, May 14, rather than Friday as originally anticipated. 

The 800 block of Main will be closed this afternoon (Tuesday) and Wednesday morning; the 1000 block of Main will be closed Wednesday afternoon; the 1100 block will be closed Thursday morning; and the 1200 block will be closed Thursday afternoon. 

Main Street will be closed to traffic one block at a time as work progresses. 

Sidewalks and side streets will remain open. 

For questions contact the Office of Project Management at (785) 628-7350 or Morgan Brothers Construction at (785) 432-3104.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/5/1589304926048.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>CITY OF HAYSOn Monday, May 11, Morgan Brothers Construction, a contractor for the city of Hays, began the repair of settled joints in the brick pavement on Main Street between 6th and 13th Streets. Work began at 6th Street and is progress northward. Progress is ahead of schedule, and the project is expected to be completed by the end of the day on Thursday, May 14, rather than Friday as originally anticipated. The 800 block of Main will be closed this afternoon (Tuesday) and Wednesday morning; the 1000 block of Main will be closed Wednesday afternoon; the 1100 block will be closed Thursday morning; and the 1200 block will be closed Thursday afternoon. Main Street will be closed to traffic one block at a time as work progresses. Sidewalks and side streets will remain open. For questions contact the Office of Project Management at (785) 628-7350 or Morgan Brothers Construction at (785) 432-3104.

Main St. brick repair ahead of schedule; closings changed

The following outline is the plan to reopen the Hays Recreation Commission facilities and programs and activities. These plans will follow the state's guidelines for reopening as well as guidelines set forth by our state agency, the Kansas Recreation and Park Association for each phase. 

This reopening is subject to change. Visit&nbsp;<a href="http://www.haysrec.org">www.haysrec.org</a> to view detailed guidelines for all areas of recreation.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/3/1584115677751.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Hays Recreation CommissionThe following outline is the plan to reopen the Hays Recreation Commission facilities and programs and activities. These plans will follow the state's guidelines for reopening as well as guidelines set forth by our state agency, the Kansas Recreation and Park Association for each phase. This reopening is subject to change. Visit&nbsp;<a href="http://www.haysrec.org">www.haysrec.org</a> to view detailed guidelines for all areas of recreation.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/5/1589301364157.png" alt="" />
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 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/5/1589301391968.png" alt="" />
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Hays Rec issues reopening plan for 2020

By BECKY KISER Hays Post

The April showers waited until May in Hays.

Light rain Monday totaled slightly&nbsp; more than a third of an inch, according to official weather statistics from the K-State Agricultural Research Center south of town.

Rainfall at the Eagle Media Center, 2300 Hall Street, measured 0.45 inch at 6 a.m. today.

There's been a little less than four inches of precipitation in Hays as of May 11; the average accumulation by the end of May is 7.81 inches.

It was also cold overnight in Hays with the low dipping to 36 degrees. Monday's high temperature was only 39 degrees. One year ago the daytime high was 70 degrees.

The <a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/5eb9f1b4eb7f17053604b8ad">weather forecast</a> calls for more rain through Thursday with temperatures warming to the upper 70s beginning Wednesday.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/2/1582558612611.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>By BECKY KISER Hays PostThe April showers waited until May in Hays.Light rain Monday totaled slightly&nbsp; more than a third of an inch, according to official weather statistics from the K-State Agricultural Research Center south of town.Rainfall at the Eagle Media Center, 2300 Hall Street, measured 0.45 inch at 6 a.m. today.May precipitation so far is 0.42 inches.There's been a little less than four inches of precipitation in Hays as of May 11; the average accumulation by the end of May is 7.81 inches.It was also cold overnight in Hays with the low dipping to 36 degrees. Monday's high temperature was only 39 degrees. One year ago the daytime high was 70 degrees.The <a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/5eb9f1b4eb7f17053604b8ad">weather forecast</a> calls for more rain through Thursday with temperatures warming to the upper 70s beginning Wednesday.

Drizzly Monday yields one-third inch of rain in Hays

Weekly numbers from the Kansas oil patch reflect a dramatic slowdown across the industry, which reflects Kansas crude prices at historic lows. Independent Oil &amp; Gas Service reported two active drilling rigs in eastern Kansas, up one for the week, and eight west of Wichita, which is also up one. 

The number of inactive rigs in Kansas last week increased from 194 to 203. Operators in Pratt and Morton counties received the only two new drilling permits in the state, and operators completed just 16 new wells. Independent Oil &amp; Gas identifies them as one dry hole, seven "re-completions" and eight abandoned locations. Year-to-date permits total 179, compared to 318 a year ago. Completions this year total 351, compared to 562 last year at this time.

Your 15-gallon fillup will cost you $2 less than last week, a little more than last month, $13 less than six months ago, and $17 less than a year ago. We see a gallon of regular as low as $1.49 at one station in Great Bend, and $1.46 at several stations in Hays.

Pump prices are going up in some areas as states reopen. AAA says big price increases in just a few states are fueling an increase in the national average ($1.84/gallon) The average across Kansas is $1.50 a gallon, up more than six cents from a week ago.

Kansas Common crude at CHS in McPherson starts the week at $15 a barrel, after gaining $1.25 on Friday. Kansas prices are $5 higher than a week ago, but $36 a barrel less than at the beginning of the year.

Baker Hughes noted another big drop in its weekly Rotary Rig Count. Nationwide, there are 374 active drilling rigs, down 33 oil rigs and down one seeking natural gas. The count in Texas dropped 28 rigs. North Dakota was down six, and Oklahoma dropped by two rigs. The count in New Mexico was up four rigs from the week before. Canada reported 26 active drilling rigs, down one from the week before.

Oil-by-rail shipments continue to decline amid a downturn in all freight train traffic. The latest weekly totals from the Association of American Railroads show the energy industry originated just 9,544 cars hauling petroleum and petroleum products during the week ending May 2, down 28% from the same week a year ago. Total rail traffic was down 22% for the week, and was 25% lower during the month of April.

The Energy Information Administration reported a nearly five-million barrel increase in U.S. crude-oil inventories at more than 532 million barrels. Stockpiles are about 12% above the five-year seasonal average. The government report undercut a report from the American Petroleum Institute a day earlier, which predicted a much larger build in U.S. stockpiles.

The government reported a drop in U.S. crude production for the sixth week in a row.&nbsp; The EIA said weekly output dropped below 12 million barrels per day for the first time since July of last year. U.S. crude imports increased 410,000 barrels per day last week. The four week average for imports is still more than 20% below that same four-week average a year ago.

U.S. crude-oil storage capacity continues to dwindle, but not as quickly as it was earlier. The EIA reported net stockpiles accounted for 61% of our working storage capacity during the week ending April 24. That's an increase of one percent from the week before. Storage usage jumped from 50% to 61% in just five weeks.&nbsp;&nbsp;

"Proration is now dead." So says the one Texas energy regulator willing to put the prospect of statewide production limits on the table, outgoing Texas Railroad Commissioner Ryan Sitton in an interview with Bloomberg TV.&nbsp; Sitton's proposal to consider OPEC-style production caps in the Lone Star State divided the energy industry there. New numbers from Bloomberg show producers didn't really need a government order, with fracking down 82% and oil drilling is down 54% in the last seven weeks.

Colorado will delay hearings on a major revamp of its oil and gas regulations, even as concerns mount about how much of the state’s petroleum industry will be left to regulate. The Denver Post reports a 96% drop in drilling permits across Colorado, from 522 in April of last year, to just 21 last month.

Regulators in the number-two crude-oil producing state say demand shock has forced North Dakota to shut in 6,800 wells oil wells, amounting to 450,000 barrels per day of production. Hoping to jump-start the industry's recovery, regulators announced formation of the "Bakken Restart Task Force." &nbsp;The group of government, business and industry leaders will focus on regulatory relief, economic stimulus, and the long-term recovery of the oil patch in North Dakota.

Oil field services giant Halliburton continues to shed employees, with nearly three thousand announced this week in Texas, Oklahoma, and Colorado. That comes in addition to 3,500 mandatory furloughs earlier. Local media in Houston report a thousand layoffs at the firm's corporate headquarters there.

OPEC’s crude production surged by the most in almost 30 years last month as its biggest member engaged in a price war with Russia. Saudi Arabia pumped a record of more than 11 million barrels a day in April according to a Bloomberg survey. Though they reached a truce by the middle of the month, the Saudis continued to keep production high, even with demand went into an unprecedented free-fall. The brief price war adding almost 100 million barrels of additional supply into an already oversupplied market.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/11/1574099516454.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>By JOHN P. TRETBARWeekly numbers from the Kansas oil patch reflect a dramatic slowdown across the industry, which reflects Kansas crude prices at historic lows. Independent Oil &amp; Gas Service reported two active drilling rigs in eastern Kansas, up one for the week, and eight west of Wichita, which is also up one. The number of inactive rigs in Kansas last week increased from 194 to 203. Operators in Pratt and Morton counties received the only two new drilling permits in the state, and operators completed just 16 new wells. Independent Oil &amp; Gas identifies them as one dry hole, seven "re-completions" and eight abandoned locations. Year-to-date permits total 179, compared to 318 a year ago. Completions this year total 351, compared to 562 last year at this time.Your 15-gallon fillup will cost you $2 less than last week, a little more than last month, $13 less than six months ago, and $17 less than a year ago. We see a gallon of regular as low as $1.49 at one station in Great Bend, and $1.46 at several stations in Hays.Pump prices are going up in some areas as states reopen. AAA says big price increases in just a few states are fueling an increase in the national average ($1.84/gallon) The average across Kansas is $1.50 a gallon, up more than six cents from a week ago.Kansas Common crude at CHS in McPherson starts the week at $15 a barrel, after gaining $1.25 on Friday. Kansas prices are $5 higher than a week ago, but $36 a barrel less than at the beginning of the year.Baker Hughes noted another big drop in its weekly Rotary Rig Count. Nationwide, there are 374 active drilling rigs, down 33 oil rigs and down one seeking natural gas. The count in Texas dropped 28 rigs. North Dakota was down six, and Oklahoma dropped by two rigs. The count in New Mexico was up four rigs from the week before. Canada reported 26 active drilling rigs, down one from the week before.Oil-by-rail shipments continue to decline amid a downturn in all freight train traffic. The latest weekly totals from the Association of American Railroads show the energy industry originated just 9,544 cars hauling petroleum and petroleum products during the week ending May 2, down 28% from the same week a year ago. Total rail traffic was down 22% for the week, and was 25% lower during the month of April.The Energy Information Administration reported a nearly five-million barrel increase in U.S. crude-oil inventories at more than 532 million barrels. Stockpiles are about 12% above the five-year seasonal average. The government report undercut a report from the American Petroleum Institute a day earlier, which predicted a much larger build in U.S. stockpiles.The government reported a drop in U.S. crude production for the sixth week in a row.&nbsp; The EIA said weekly output dropped below 12 million barrels per day for the first time since July of last year. U.S. crude imports increased 410,000 barrels per day last week. The four week average for imports is still more than 20% below that same four-week average a year ago.U.S. crude-oil storage capacity continues to dwindle, but not as quickly as it was earlier. The EIA reported net stockpiles accounted for 61% of our working storage capacity during the week ending April 24. That's an increase of one percent from the week before. Storage usage jumped from 50% to 61% in just five weeks.&nbsp;&nbsp;"Proration is now dead." So says the one Texas energy regulator willing to put the prospect of statewide production limits on the table, outgoing Texas Railroad Commissioner Ryan Sitton in an interview with Bloomberg TV.&nbsp; Sitton's proposal to consider OPEC-style production caps in the Lone Star State divided the energy industry there. New numbers from Bloomberg show producers didn't really need a government order, with fracking down 82% and oil drilling is down 54% in the last seven weeks.Colorado will delay hearings on a major revamp of its oil and gas regulations, even as concerns mount about how much of the state’s petroleum industry will be left to regulate. The Denver Post reports a 96% drop in drilling permits across Colorado, from 522 in April of last year, to just 21 last month.Regulators in the number-two crude-oil producing state say demand shock has forced North Dakota to shut in 6,800 wells oil wells, amounting to 450,000 barrels per day of production. Hoping to jump-start the industry's recovery, regulators announced formation of the "Bakken Restart Task Force." &nbsp;The group of government, business and industry leaders will focus on regulatory relief, economic stimulus, and the long-term recovery of the oil patch in North Dakota.Oil field services giant Halliburton continues to shed employees, with nearly three thousand announced this week in Texas, Oklahoma, and Colorado. That comes in addition to 3,500 mandatory furloughs earlier. Local media in Houston report a thousand layoffs at the firm's corporate headquarters there.OPEC’s crude production surged by the most in almost 30 years last month as its biggest member engaged in a price war with Russia. Saudi Arabia pumped a record of more than 11 million barrels a day in April according to a Bloomberg survey. Though they reached a truce by the middle of the month, the Saudis continued to keep production high, even with demand went into an unprecedented free-fall. The brief price war adding almost 100 million barrels of additional supply into an already oversupplied market.

News from the Oil Patch: Dramatic slowdown continues

An elementary education class in classroom management at Fort Hays State University would normally create “sensory hallways” as part of the semester. This semester, that didn’t happen because of the COVID-19 shutdown.&nbsp;

Instead, students created sensory sidewalks in their hometowns and posted videos to #tigersensorylearning on Twitter. They are available to the public.&nbsp;

The senses are engaged through drawings, artwork, activities, toys and other objects. In an elementary class setting, a sensory hallway is a method to provide “extra sensory input for kids and adults throughout the school day,” said Dr. Betsy Crawford, assistant professor of teacher education.&nbsp;

Last semester, she said, the class was able to create a sensory hallway for students, Tigertots, and others to enjoy in the second-floor hallway of Rarick Hall. This year, the fun is shared through video.&nbsp;

Crawford said sensory hallways are used to get students and adults “up and moving,” she said. They can be use between assignments, for instance, or at other times when a full recess is not feasible.&nbsp;

“Sensory hallways or sidewalks are a fun way to get up and move throughout the day to help regain focus and release some energy.”&nbsp;

This class, TEEL 340, teaches skills in classroom management and in working with students in all educational settings. Crawford and Scott Gregory, field experiences coordinator for FHSU’s College of Education, team teach the class.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/5/1588876168459.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>FHSU University RelationsAn elementary education class in classroom management at Fort Hays State University would normally create “sensory hallways” as part of the semester. This semester, that didn’t happen because of the COVID-19 shutdown.&nbsp;Instead, students created sensory sidewalks in their hometowns and posted videos to #tigersensorylearning on Twitter. They are available to the public.&nbsp;The senses are engaged through drawings, artwork, activities, toys and other objects. In an elementary class setting, a sensory hallway is a method to provide “extra sensory input for kids and adults throughout the school day,” said Dr. Betsy Crawford, assistant professor of teacher education.&nbsp;Last semester, she said, the class was able to create a sensory hallway for students, Tigertots, and others to enjoy in the second-floor hallway of Rarick Hall. This year, the fun is shared through video.&nbsp;Crawford said sensory hallways are used to get students and adults “up and moving,” she said. They can be use between assignments, for instance, or at other times when a full recess is not feasible.&nbsp;“Sensory hallways or sidewalks are a fun way to get up and move throughout the day to help regain focus and release some energy.”&nbsp;This class, TEEL 340, teaches skills in classroom management and in working with students in all educational settings. Crawford and Scott Gregory, field experiences coordinator for FHSU’s College of Education, team teach the class.&nbsp;

Elementary ed students at FHSU take an interactive activity to their hometowns

This will be the week that we learn, or at least get our first hints, just how broad a political issue that the coronavirus is going to be about…let’s say…August, when we have our first pandemic-era elections.

Now they’re just primary elections in August when the parties have their primary elections to determine who is going to wind up on the November election ballot for their chance to represent us for the upcoming two years in the House and four years in the Senate.

But the May 21 one-day meeting of the Legislature that ends this session may become a key to just who runs the House and Senate next session, and what happens in the two-year-away gubernatorial election.

And, that presents a lot of opportunity for lawmakers to seek that headline on their campaign palm cards to show that they are the ones Kansans should vote for this fall.

There are some issues that have arisen because of COVID-19 that most of us never really thought about and which aren’t just party-line votes.

If you own or work in a store, should you be able to prohibit folks who don’t wear masks to enter your business? Now the simple answer is, of course. It’s your store, and there are well-thought-out antidiscrimination measures that we’ve lived with for generations. But this isn’t a simple antidiscrimination issue.

It’s safety. Both for the employees who work at the store and the customers who visit it. That’s an issue that lawmakers may find themselves dealing with—for one day.

But it goes further. If a store owner lets in customers who are without a mask, have they put their employees at risk? Probably. But what about an employee who believes he/she is protecting his/her own health, and the health of customers and the employee’s family? Can that worker be told to work or be fired? Or laid off during the pandemic?

You can’t make a stocker or a butcher or a clerk work in a building that is on fire., And that store owner is in most circumstances responsible for the safety of customers, and maybe those masks are a way to make sure that customers are safe.&nbsp;

Of course, there are the lawyers for those injured or even killed as a result of the coronavirus. Is that responsibility for the safety of customers and employees legally enforceable? Lawyers—for&nbsp; those injured or rendered ill because of store policies—believe that the store owners are. And lawyers for the owners, well, they and their clients don’t think so.

If signs outside a store say “no guns,” that’s one thing. If the signs say “no admittance without a mask,” is that a problem?&nbsp; Doesn’t seem like quite the same deal, but there are voters out there who are going to believe those mask restrictions are a big enough lifestyle/constitutional issue that they may just vote against a lawmaker over it.

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 <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>This will be the week that we learn, or at least get our first hints, just how broad a political issue that the coronavirus is going to be about…let’s say…August, when we have our first pandemic-era elections.Now they’re just primary elections in August when the parties have their primary elections to determine who is going to wind up on the November election ballot for their chance to represent us for the upcoming two years in the House and four years in the Senate.But the May 21 one-day meeting of the Legislature that ends this session may become a key to just who runs the House and Senate next session, and what happens in the two-year-away gubernatorial election.And, that presents a lot of opportunity for lawmakers to seek that headline on their campaign palm cards to show that they are the ones Kansans should vote for this fall.There are some issues that have arisen because of COVID-19 that most of us never really thought about and which aren’t just party-line votes.If you own or work in a store, should you be able to prohibit folks who don’t wear masks to enter your business? Now the simple answer is, of course. It’s your store, and there are well-thought-out antidiscrimination measures that we’ve lived with for generations. But this isn’t a simple antidiscrimination issue.It’s safety. Both for the employees who work at the store and the customers who visit it. That’s an issue that lawmakers may find themselves dealing with—for one day.But it goes further. If a store owner lets in customers who are without a mask, have they put their employees at risk? Probably. But what about an employee who believes he/she is protecting his/her own health, and the health of customers and the employee’s family? Can that worker be told to work or be fired? Or laid off during the pandemic?You can’t make a stocker or a butcher or a clerk work in a building that is on fire., And that store owner is in most circumstances responsible for the safety of customers, and maybe those masks are a way to make sure that customers are safe.&nbsp;Of course, there are the lawyers for those injured or even killed as a result of the coronavirus. Is that responsibility for the safety of customers and employees legally enforceable? Lawyers—for&nbsp; those injured or rendered ill because of store policies—believe that the store owners are. And lawyers for the owners, well, they and their clients don’t think so.If signs outside a store say “no guns,” that’s one thing. If the signs say “no admittance without a mask,” is that a problem?&nbsp; Doesn’t seem like quite the same deal, but there are voters out there who are going to believe those mask restrictions are a big enough lifestyle/constitutional issue that they may just vote against a lawmaker over it.And while legislative candidates have become accustomed to campaigning through a screen door, or a storm door that is opened just a crack so they can hand a campaign brochure to the voter, is it different if everyone has to be six feet away?&nbsp;This upcoming one-day legislative session and the campaigning that follows will tell us something about the lawmakers seeking re-election. Or will voters even open that screen door to talk to a candidate wearing a mask? Or, not wearing a mask?We may find out something at this short session next week…just what a pandemic does to rights, or at least courtesy—or the Kansas Legislature.Yes, let’s watch…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>