In responding to the COVID-19 pandemic, Midwest Energy on Mar. 16 announced it was voluntarily suspending disconnection of utilities for non-payment.&nbsp; The next day, Kansas Gov. Laura Kelly signed executive order 20-05, suspending utility disconnections; that order was later extended through May 31.&nbsp; Now, as Kansas begins a phased return to opening businesses, Midwest Energy reminds customers that energy bills are payable on normal schedules, beginning June 1.

“We’re asking customers whose accounts are not current to have a payment plan in place by June 1 in order to avoid any inconvenience,” said Bob Muirhead, Midwest Energy’s Vice President for Customer Service.&nbsp; “We know this is a difficult time, and we will work with customers and be flexible in adjusting and extending payment arrangements.” &nbsp;

Muirhead noted that while Midwest Energy’s walk-in offices will likely remain closed for the near future, “all services can be provided by internet or phone.”&nbsp; 

Customer Service Representatives are available from 8 am to 5 pm Monday through Friday, and can be reached at 1-800-222-3121.&nbsp; While most payment drop boxes remain open, Muirhead said cash payments are not accepted in the boxes.&nbsp; Checks, money orders and bank draft enrollment forms are accepted in payment drop boxes.&nbsp; Electronic bank or credit card payments can be made online, and credit card payments can also be made by phone.

For those struggling to pay bills, the State of Kansas has extended the application period for the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) through May 29.&nbsp; You can learn more and apply by calling the Department of Children and Family Services, at 1-800-432-0043.

“We know this is a stressful time for everyone, and we’re going to work with you,” Muirhead said.&nbsp; “Please give us a call, and from there we’ll do what we can to help everyone get through this,” he added. &nbsp;

Midwest EnergyIn responding to the COVID-19 pandemic, Midwest Energy on Mar. 16 announced it was voluntarily suspending disconnection of utilities for non-payment.&nbsp; The next day, Kansas Gov. Laura Kelly signed executive order 20-05, suspending utility disconnections; that order was later extended through May 31.&nbsp; Now, as Kansas begins a phased return to opening businesses, Midwest Energy reminds customers that energy bills are payable on normal schedules, beginning June 1.“We’re asking customers whose accounts are not current to have a payment plan in place by June 1 in order to avoid any inconvenience,” said Bob Muirhead, Midwest Energy’s Vice President for Customer Service.&nbsp; “We know this is a difficult time, and we will work with customers and be flexible in adjusting and extending payment arrangements.” &nbsp;<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/5/1589212679546.jpeg" alt="Bob Muirhead" />
 <figcaption>Bob Muirhead</figcaption>
 </figure>Muirhead noted that while Midwest Energy’s walk-in offices will likely remain closed for the near future, “all services can be provided by internet or phone.”&nbsp; Customer Service Representatives are available from 8 am to 5 pm Monday through Friday, and can be reached at 1-800-222-3121.&nbsp; While most payment drop boxes remain open, Muirhead said cash payments are not accepted in the boxes.&nbsp; Checks, money orders and bank draft enrollment forms are accepted in payment drop boxes.&nbsp; Electronic bank or credit card payments can be made online, and credit card payments can also be made by phone.For those struggling to pay bills, the State of Kansas has extended the application period for the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) through May 29.&nbsp; You can learn more and apply by calling the Department of Children and Family Services, at 1-800-432-0043.“We know this is a stressful time for everyone, and we’re going to work with you,” Muirhead said.&nbsp; “Please give us a call, and from there we’ll do what we can to help everyone get through this,” he added. &nbsp;

Midwest Energy encourages having payment plans in place by June 1

The Kansas Department of Transportation expects to begin work this week on a resurfacing project on K-181 in Osborne County.

Project work will consist of a surface recycle on 8 miles of K-181 starting at the Mitchell County line and ending at W 105th&nbsp;Drive. A chip seal will also be completed from the Mitchell County line to the Downs south city limits. Traffic will be directed through the work zone by flaggers and a pilot car operation during daylight hours. Minor delays should be expected.

KDOT anticipates work to be completed by the end of June, weather permitting.&nbsp;

Dustrol Inc. is the primary contractor for the $913,000 project.&nbsp;

KDOTThe Kansas Department of Transportation expects to begin work this week on a resurfacing project on K-181 in Osborne County.Project work will consist of a surface recycle on 8 miles of K-181 starting at the Mitchell County line and ending at W 105th&nbsp;Drive. A chip seal will also be completed from the Mitchell County line to the Downs south city limits. Traffic will be directed through the work zone by flaggers and a pilot car operation during daylight hours. Minor delays should be expected.KDOT anticipates work to be completed by the end of June, weather permitting.&nbsp;Dustrol Inc. is the primary contractor for the $913,000 project.&nbsp;

Osborne County roadwork set to begin this week

Grow Hays announced recently that <a href="http://HaysHasJobs.com">HaysHasJobs.com</a> is merging into <a href="http://WorkHays.com">WorkHays.com</a>.

Garrett Bland and Lane Patterson wanted to create a more user-friendly job listing website and approached area employers. Hearing about their endeavor, Grow Hays quickly reached out hoping to join forces and letting them take the lead.

HaysHasJobs.com was created in 2007 as a joint project between the Ellis County economic development agency. State of Kansas and local employers. The site was designed to serve as a hub for Hays area employment information with listings of area businesses along with a description of what they do, employment opportunities, and contact information. The HaysHasJobs.com site has been the top website for local job seekers for many years. Due to financial constraints Grow Hays couldn't complete the desperately needed overhaul to the HHJ website to bring it up to today's needs.

Bland and Patterson are introducing a new job listing website, WorkHavs.com That site will provide analytics, be mobile friendly, easy to use, and increase applicant viewership.

"Working with Grow Hays has been an exceptional and insightful process," Bland said.&nbsp;

Grow Hays Office Manager Ernee Sly said that "the HaysHasJobs.com website has been a great resource for those seeking local employment. I know WorkHays.com will continue to bridge the gap between employers and job seekers. We look forward to being a resource partner and helping Work Hays any way possible."

WorkHays.com will be implementing a new "claim your business" feature to help usher in new business owners and human resource representatives. They will also be manually moving over all of April's positions, making sure people looking for employment can still find information during the transition.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/5/1589206378342.jpeg" alt="Lane Patterson" />
 <figcaption>Lane Patterson</figcaption>
 </figure>Grow HaysGrow Hays announced recently that <a href="http://HaysHasJobs.com">HaysHasJobs.com</a> is merging into <a href="http://WorkHays.com">WorkHays.com</a>.Garrett Bland and Lane Patterson wanted to create a more user-friendly job listing website and approached area employers. Hearing about their endeavor, Grow Hays quickly reached out hoping to join forces and letting them take the lead.HaysHasJobs.com was created in 2007 as a joint project between the Ellis County economic development agency. State of Kansas and local employers. The site was designed to serve as a hub for Hays area employment information with listings of area businesses along with a description of what they do, employment opportunities, and contact information. The HaysHasJobs.com site has been the top website for local job seekers for many years. Due to financial constraints Grow Hays couldn't complete the desperately needed overhaul to the HHJ website to bring it up to today's needs.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/5/1589206401935.jpeg" alt="Garrett Bland" />
 <figcaption>Garrett Bland</figcaption>
 </figure>Bland and Patterson are introducing a new job listing website, WorkHavs.com That site will provide analytics, be mobile friendly, easy to use, and increase applicant viewership."Working with Grow Hays has been an exceptional and insightful process," Bland said.&nbsp;Grow Hays Office Manager Ernee Sly said that "the HaysHasJobs.com website has been a great resource for those seeking local employment. I know WorkHays.com will continue to bridge the gap between employers and job seekers. We look forward to being a resource partner and helping Work Hays any way possible."WorkHays.com will be implementing a new "claim your business" feature to help usher in new business owners and human resource representatives. They will also be manually moving over all of April's positions, making sure people looking for employment can still find information during the transition.

WorkHays.com is replacing HaysHasJobs.com

Even as the Hays Public Library building remains closed during the COVID-19 pandemic, it has continued to provide digital resources and online programming.

And now it will offer another service to get resources into the hands of patrons — delivery and pickup.

As business and services reopen across Kansas, Callie Kolacny said the library is following guidelines set by the state and the local health department.

"We are following those first and foremost," she said, but after working through materials that were returned during the shutdown, they are now ready to begin offering items for checkout.

"It will be books, movies, music," Kolacny said. "Any of the items you are able to check out, they will start being available again."

The service will be offered as a delivery and pickup program, she said.

"A lot like the restaurants have been doing, with some pickup and delivery, but not necessarily opening their dining room. That's kind of how we will handle this time right now."

<a href="http://hayslibrary.org">Materials can be requested through a Google form on the library's website, hayslibrary.org</a>, or by phone at (785) 625-9014.

Once an order is placed, the patron can decide if they want to pick up the items or have it delivered to the door.

"We are going to start using that big, beautiful bookmobile to deliver items," Kolacny said. "We also have our van that will be used as well."

The deliveries will be made with "no contact," she said.

"If you have items that you want to send back to the library, you will be asked to put them in a bag, set them out on your porch or your driveway," Kolacny said. "Then whoever is delivering will deliver your items."

At the library, items will be offered in a similar manner, with times being set for pickup in the library breezeway.

For returns, items can be put into the drop boxes at the library.

"That's our plan to get items back out to the public, but also to make sure that we are being very safe with our staff and our patrons," Kolacny said.

Items coming in and out of the library will also be quarantined for 48 hours, to ensure they remain safe.

"We have done a lot of research on the studies on how long the virus can last on physical items," Kolacny said. "There will be a little bit of lag time because we want to make sure there is enough time for any of the virus to dissipate."

While the library will be offering the service, all in-person programming for the month of May remains canceled.

However, virtual programming continues and is available on the library's <a href="https://www.facebook.com/hayspubliclibrary/">social media</a> and <a href="https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCas5WHbl7o0ATDIREfnN14w">Youtube channel</a>.

Recent programming includes gardening tips, yoga and children's stories.

<a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/5e8cd1bfeb7f17053601ee20">The library also continues to offer a variety of digital resources.&nbsp;</a>

"We miss everybody and we want everybody back in the library, but we want to wait until it is completely safe and we can find ways to still social distance. But for now, being able to get some books and movies back into the hands of the people that have been wanting them — our first goal is to make that happen for them," Kolacny said.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/4/1586134292045.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure><div><iframe title="Hays Library plans to deliver materials door to door" height="122" width="100%" style="border: none;" scrolling="no" data-name="pb-iframe-player" src="https://www.podbean.com/media/player/nm22j-db7e75?from=yiiadmin&download=1&version=1&skin=3&btn-skin=101&auto=1&share=1&fonts=Helvetica&download=1&rtl=0&pbad=1"></iframe></div>By JAMES BELL Hays PostEven as the Hays Public Library building remains closed during the COVID-19 pandemic, it has continued to provide digital resources and online programming.And now it will offer another service to get resources into the hands of patrons — delivery and pickup.As business and services reopen across Kansas, Callie Kolacny said the library is following guidelines set by the state and the local health department."We are following those first and foremost," she said, but after working through materials that were returned during the shutdown, they are now ready to begin offering items for checkout."It will be books, movies, music," Kolacny said. "Any of the items you are able to check out, they will start being available again."The service will be offered as a delivery and pickup program, she said."A lot like the restaurants have been doing, with some pickup and delivery, but not necessarily opening their dining room. That's kind of how we will handle this time right now."<a href="http://hayslibrary.org">Materials can be requested through a Google form on the library's website, hayslibrary.org</a>, or by phone at (785) 625-9014.Once an order is placed, the patron can decide if they want to pick up the items or have it delivered to the door."We are going to start using that big, beautiful bookmobile to deliver items," Kolacny said. "We also have our van that will be used as well."The deliveries will be made with "no contact," she said."If you have items that you want to send back to the library, you will be asked to put them in a bag, set them out on your porch or your driveway," Kolacny said. "Then whoever is delivering will deliver your items."At the library, items will be offered in a similar manner, with times being set for pickup in the library breezeway.For returns, items can be put into the drop boxes at the library."That's our plan to get items back out to the public, but also to make sure that we are being very safe with our staff and our patrons," Kolacny said.Items coming in and out of the library will also be quarantined for 48 hours, to ensure they remain safe."We have done a lot of research on the studies on how long the virus can last on physical items," Kolacny said. "There will be a little bit of lag time because we want to make sure there is enough time for any of the virus to dissipate." While the library will be offering the service, all in-person programming for the month of May remains canceled.However, virtual programming continues and is available on the library's <a href="https://www.facebook.com/hayspubliclibrary/">social media</a> and <a href="https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCas5WHbl7o0ATDIREfnN14w">Youtube channel</a>.Recent programming includes gardening tips, yoga and children's stories.<a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/5e8cd1bfeb7f17053601ee20">The library also continues to offer a variety of digital resources.&nbsp;</a>"We miss everybody and we want everybody back in the library, but we want to wait until it is completely safe and we can find ways to still social distance. But for now, being able to get some books and movies back into the hands of the people that have been wanting them — our first goal is to make that happen for them," Kolacny said.

🎤Hays library plans door-to-door delivery, pickup of materials

NORTON — Norton County Community Foundation awarded $12,500 to five organizations in the month of April through the Emergency Grant Funding Program. This program was launched last month in order to respond to the short and long-term challenges that nonprofits and charitable organizations are facing due to COVID-19. The April grantees are as follows:

The Emergency Grant Funding program is still accepting applications, which are reviewed weekly. Qualifications include:

The application, along with other COVID-19 related information and resources, can be found on NCCF’s website:&nbsp;<a href="http://www.nortonccf.org/covid-19">www.nortonccf.org/covid-19</a>.&nbsp;

“We are proud of this grant program, which has allowed us to support our charitable community during this unprecedented time,” said Tara Vance, Executive Director of Norton County Community Foundation. “The application remains open, and we encourage organizations to apply if they meet the program criteria.”

Community members who want to support these efforts can make an online contribution to the Emergency Grant Funding program at&nbsp;<a href="https://www.gnwkcf.org/donate-neighbor">https://www.gnwkcf.org/donate-neighbor</a>. In order to guarantee that 100% of the donation stays in Norton County, please select&nbsp;"Norton County" in the drop-down menu&nbsp;while making the transaction.

For more information about this program, contact Tara Vance at 785.874.5106 or&nbsp;<a href="mailto:tara@nortonccf.org">tara@nortonccf.org</a>.&nbsp;

About Norton County Community Foundation

The Norton County Community Foundation was established in 1994 for the purpose of supporting local charitable activities in Norton County through endowments made to the foundation.&nbsp;Dedicated to serving today for tomorrow, to make our community a better place in which to live.&nbsp;Connect with the Norton County Community Foundation at&nbsp;<a href="http://www.nortonccf.org/">www.nortonccf.org</a>.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/5/1589134981343.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>SubmittedNORTON — Norton County Community Foundation awarded $12,500 to five organizations in the month of April through the Emergency Grant Funding Program. This program was launched last month in order to respond to the short and long-term challenges that nonprofits and charitable organizations are facing due to COVID-19. The April grantees are as follows:<ol>
 <li>Norton Theatre Association&nbsp;received $2,500 to support ongoing&nbsp;fixed expenses (i.e. salaries, utilities, insurance, etc.).</li><li>Norton Area Child Care Association (Sunshine Learning Center)&nbsp;received $2,500 to help cover the cost of an unexpected repair.</li><li>Valley Hope&nbsp;received $2,500 to purchase technology in order to provide&nbsp;online AA/NA meetings.</li><li>City of Norton Travel &amp; Tourism&nbsp;received $2,500 for advertising and personnel expenses.</li><li>Nex-Generation Round Up for Youth, Inc.&nbsp;received $2,500&nbsp;to support&nbsp;building upkeep and costs of supplies/materials, which continue to accrue despite the program being on hold due to COVID-19.</li>
 </ol>The Emergency Grant Funding program is still accepting applications, which are reviewed weekly. Qualifications include:<ol>
 <li>Applicant must be a nonprofit or charitable organization serving Norton County.</li><li>Maximum request amount per application is $2,500.</li><li>Applicant must be able to prove that the new/increased burden is related to COVID-19.</li>
 </ol>The application, along with other COVID-19 related information and resources, can be found on NCCF’s website:&nbsp;<a href="http://www.nortonccf.org/covid-19">www.nortonccf.org/covid-19</a>.&nbsp;“We are proud of this grant program, which has allowed us to support our charitable community during this unprecedented time,” said Tara Vance, Executive Director of Norton County Community Foundation. “The application remains open, and we encourage organizations to apply if they meet the program criteria.”Community members who want to support these efforts can make an online contribution to the Emergency Grant Funding program at&nbsp;<a href="https://www.gnwkcf.org/donate-neighbor">https://www.gnwkcf.org/donate-neighbor</a>. In order to guarantee that 100% of the donation stays in Norton County, please select&nbsp;"Norton County" in the drop-down menu&nbsp;while making the transaction.For more information about this program, contact Tara Vance at 785.874.5106 or&nbsp;<a href="mailto:tara@nortonccf.org">tara@nortonccf.org</a>.&nbsp;About Norton County Community FoundationThe Norton County Community Foundation was established in 1994 for the purpose of supporting local charitable activities in Norton County through endowments made to the foundation.&nbsp;Dedicated to serving today for tomorrow, to make our community a better place in which to live.&nbsp;Connect with the Norton County Community Foundation at&nbsp;<a href="http://www.nortonccf.org/">www.nortonccf.org</a>.

Norton County Community Foundation aids local nonprofits

Three-day weather outlook

ABILENE&nbsp; - The scheduled Ike Book TALK program for May 12 at 7 p.m. is moving into a virtual room for the discussion. The program is free and open to the public virtually -- join us online or by phone.

The memoir titled&nbsp;One Soldier's Story: Bob Dole&nbsp;will be the focus of discussion.

Before he became one of America's most respected statesmen, Bob Dole was an average citizen serving heroically for his country. Dole, a native of Russell, tells the moving story of his harrowing experience on and off the battlefield, and how it changed his life.

This informal discussion will be led by&nbsp;<a href="http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001LWZy9w5KgtBmCzB8iTMPGFNr7DfKk-0IXqorJ8AdzoKYEKPWdaNFgo31-stdEe8NIoPJPZ2G-wW4Ulzo4pB8vn6WfsNT9QHxvujBrGwcj0j0QzYgSxAqytR3d47NDcsHbNCc67BBVXqQLo67kE57bQ==&amp;c=2xJTb8D6EitapqLNTRDPqh_rvzOp0LeDBhke6m6Z_ySaYkrXuPrGuw==&amp;ch=6hNS7bxlcDDaEo015TpYfcLOsUGZ6SqMRa8hgxuVSUUQMB1rqHUcHA==">Humanities Kansas</a>&nbsp;discussion leader Sandra Wiechert. Even if you have not read the book, feel free to join this program as if you were meeting your friends in a cozy cafe or living room with a glass of wine.

Sandra Wiechert is a native of Wichita with an M.A. in American History from Kansas State University. She lives in Lawrence, Kan., where she worked as a reference librarian and community relations coordinator for the Lawrence Public Library. She is the author of Historic Mount Oread: A Catalog of KU's Landmarks and received Lawrence's "Phoenix Award for the Literary Arts."

The 2020 Ike Book Talk series is made possible courtesy of the Eisenhower Foundation, Union Pacific Foundation, Humanities Kansas, and the Abilene Public Library. For more details about this event, visit&nbsp;<a href="http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001LWZy9w5KgtBmCzB8iTMPGFNr7DfKk-0IXqorJ8AdzoKYEKPWdaNFguq1OTqs-pQ3YkqsDCaqVo5In19a4W7IZoEfJKXHYBkUpE44HF2_jxFwaaEShYVwOOlx5UdBJpAYZ2WTJvMRuDKc6oGNotnFpmaJvMkYhT5a&amp;c=2xJTb8D6EitapqLNTRDPqh_rvzOp0LeDBhke6m6Z_ySaYkrXuPrGuw==&amp;ch=6hNS7bxlcDDaEo015TpYfcLOsUGZ6SqMRa8hgxuVSUUQMB1rqHUcHA==">eisenhowerlibrary.gov</a>.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/5/1588773109330.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>ABILENE&nbsp; - The scheduled Ike Book TALK program for May 12 at 7 p.m. is moving into a virtual room for the discussion. The program is free and open to the public virtually -- join us online or by phone.The memoir titled&nbsp;One Soldier's Story: Bob Dole&nbsp;will be the focus of discussion. Before he became one of America's most respected statesmen, Bob Dole was an average citizen serving heroically for his country. Dole, a native of Russell, tells the moving story of his harrowing experience on and off the battlefield, and how it changed his life.This informal discussion will be led by&nbsp;<a href="http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001LWZy9w5KgtBmCzB8iTMPGFNr7DfKk-0IXqorJ8AdzoKYEKPWdaNFgo31-stdEe8NIoPJPZ2G-wW4Ulzo4pB8vn6WfsNT9QHxvujBrGwcj0j0QzYgSxAqytR3d47NDcsHbNCc67BBVXqQLo67kE57bQ==&amp;c=2xJTb8D6EitapqLNTRDPqh_rvzOp0LeDBhke6m6Z_ySaYkrXuPrGuw==&amp;ch=6hNS7bxlcDDaEo015TpYfcLOsUGZ6SqMRa8hgxuVSUUQMB1rqHUcHA==">Humanities Kansas</a>&nbsp;discussion leader Sandra Wiechert. Even if you have not read the book, feel free to join this program as if you were meeting your friends in a cozy cafe or living room with a glass of wine.MEETING OPTIONS:<ol>
 <li>Google Meet online:&nbsp;<a href="http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001LWZy9w5KgtBmCzB8iTMPGFNr7DfKk-0IXqorJ8AdzoKYEKPWdaNFgo31-stdEe8NBWtHf_Y5O0xJEQ-8S55qXJoChNu7rMhF_YM-3wbY4Ocd7gb4nZ9rQqxYVHiotc0jh6R_Ut9L5dTw6plR_kqA1vXBmcqiBY6d&amp;c=2xJTb8D6EitapqLNTRDPqh_rvzOp0LeDBhke6m6Z_ySaYkrXuPrGuw==&amp;ch=6hNS7bxlcDDaEo015TpYfcLOsUGZ6SqMRa8hgxuVSUUQMB1rqHUcHA==">﻿</a><a href="http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001LWZy9w5KgtBmCzB8iTMPGFNr7DfKk-0IXqorJ8AdzoKYEKPWdaNFgo31-stdEe8NBWtHf_Y5O0xJEQ-8S55qXJoChNu7rMhF_YM-3wbY4Ocd7gb4nZ9rQqxYVHiotc0jh6R_Ut9L5dTw6plR_kqA1vXBmcqiBY6d&amp;c=2xJTb8D6EitapqLNTRDPqh_rvzOp0LeDBhke6m6Z_ySaYkrXuPrGuw==&amp;ch=6hNS7bxlcDDaEo015TpYfcLOsUGZ6SqMRa8hgxuVSUUQMB1rqHUcHA==">meet.google.com/nfb-yjkm-sun</a></li><li>Telephone: 617-675-4444‬ (PIN: ‪511 045 556 7306#)</li>
 </ol>Sandra Wiechert is a native of Wichita with an M.A. in American History from Kansas State University. She lives in Lawrence, Kan., where she worked as a reference librarian and community relations coordinator for the Lawrence Public Library. She is the author of Historic Mount Oread: A Catalog of KU's Landmarks and received Lawrence's "Phoenix Award for the Literary Arts."The 2020 Ike Book Talk series is made possible courtesy of the Eisenhower Foundation, Union Pacific Foundation, Humanities Kansas, and the Abilene Public Library. For more details about this event, visit&nbsp;<a href="http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001LWZy9w5KgtBmCzB8iTMPGFNr7DfKk-0IXqorJ8AdzoKYEKPWdaNFguq1OTqs-pQ3YkqsDCaqVo5In19a4W7IZoEfJKXHYBkUpE44HF2_jxFwaaEShYVwOOlx5UdBJpAYZ2WTJvMRuDKc6oGNotnFpmaJvMkYhT5a&amp;c=2xJTb8D6EitapqLNTRDPqh_rvzOp0LeDBhke6m6Z_ySaYkrXuPrGuw==&amp;ch=6hNS7bxlcDDaEo015TpYfcLOsUGZ6SqMRa8hgxuVSUUQMB1rqHUcHA==">eisenhowerlibrary.gov</a>.News release

Bob Dole memoir featured in Ike's Book TALK program

As businesses reopen, new opportunities may be available

MANHATTAN — As stay-at-home orders end and stores begin to reopen, the leader of one of the state’s leading rural development organizations says it is a time for business owners to reconsider their strategy as it relates to the COVID-19 pandemic.

“I call it the three Rs: Re-orientation, re-energizing, and resilience,” said Ron Wilson, director of the Huck Boyd National Institute for Rural Development with K-State Research and Extension.

“Customer expectations and worker expectations have changed. As businesses reopen, owners need to re-orient their business plans and facilities to assure a higher level of disease protection. This means providing physical barriers, arranging for adequate spacing, providing masks to employees, and emphasizing constant sanitation, as many ongoing businesses have done.”

Business owners should be sure to carefully comply with local health department directives, he said.

“The second ‘R’ is re-energizing,” Wilson said. “It will be important to rebuild the local economy as quickly as possible, while following the phased guidelines for reopening.”

Many supply chains have been disrupted in the short-term, but markets are adjusting. “We believe there will be pent-up demand for certain products, and we encourage businesses to advertise, hire staff, and continue to emphasize customer service,” he said.

“Resilience has to do with planning for the long-term,” Wilson said, noting that the challenges posed by the pandemic and the resulting policy response have demonstrated the importance of communication between a business and its suppliers and lenders.

In the future, businesses might also wish to pursue improving their online presence and ordering systems, for example. “Business owners should always be thinking about building relationships and positioning themselves for the future,” Wilson said.

He added that businesses should take direction on local policies from each county and its health department.&nbsp;Information on best practices for reopening can also be accessed from&nbsp;<a href="https://www.ksre.k-state.edu/foodsafety/topics/doc/KSRE-best-practices-reopen.pdf">K-State Research and Extension</a>, the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.osha.gov/Publications/OSHA3990.pdf">Occupational Safety and Health Administration</a>, and&nbsp;the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kansascommerce.gov/covid-19-response">Kansas Department of Commerce</a>.

“Main street businesses face a lot of challenges,” Wilson said. “The economy will benefit if consumers support those businesses as they move carefully to reopen.”

<h2>As businesses reopen, new opportunities may be available</h2>K-State Research &amp; ExtensionMANHATTAN — As stay-at-home orders end and stores begin to reopen, the leader of one of the state’s leading rural development organizations says it is a time for business owners to reconsider their strategy as it relates to the COVID-19 pandemic.“I call it the three Rs: Re-orientation, re-energizing, and resilience,” said Ron Wilson, director of the Huck Boyd National Institute for Rural Development with K-State Research and Extension.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/11/1573141281633.png" alt="Wilson" />
 <figcaption>Wilson</figcaption>
 </figure>“Customer expectations and worker expectations have changed. As businesses reopen, owners need to re-orient their business plans and facilities to assure a higher level of disease protection. This means providing physical barriers, arranging for adequate spacing, providing masks to employees, and emphasizing constant sanitation, as many ongoing businesses have done.”Business owners should be sure to carefully comply with local health department directives, he said.“The second ‘R’ is re-energizing,” Wilson said. “It will be important to rebuild the local economy as quickly as possible, while following the phased guidelines for reopening.”Many supply chains have been disrupted in the short-term, but markets are adjusting. “We believe there will be pent-up demand for certain products, and we encourage businesses to advertise, hire staff, and continue to emphasize customer service,” he said.“Resilience has to do with planning for the long-term,” Wilson said, noting that the challenges posed by the pandemic and the resulting policy response have demonstrated the importance of communication between a business and its suppliers and lenders.In the future, businesses might also wish to pursue improving their online presence and ordering systems, for example. “Business owners should always be thinking about building relationships and positioning themselves for the future,” Wilson said.He added that businesses should take direction on local policies from each county and its health department.&nbsp;Information on best practices for reopening can also be accessed from&nbsp;<a href="https://www.ksre.k-state.edu/foodsafety/topics/doc/KSRE-best-practices-reopen.pdf">K-State Research and Extension</a>, the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.osha.gov/Publications/OSHA3990.pdf">Occupational Safety and Health Administration</a>, and&nbsp;the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kansascommerce.gov/covid-19-response">Kansas Department of Commerce</a>.“Main street businesses face a lot of challenges,” Wilson said. “The economy will benefit if consumers support those businesses as they move carefully to reopen.”

Rural businesses should consider post-COVID-19 strategies

<a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/5dd2f46c897d147ad4bb104b">To find out more about The Post Podcast, or subscribe to mobile notifications click here.</a>

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🎙 Post Podcast: COVID-19 testing covered by Medicare

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🎙 Post Podcast: FHSU preparing plans for fall return to campus

By BECCY TANNER &amp; The Journal <a href="https://www.kcur.org/news/2020-05-06/struggling-rural-grocery-stores-get-coronavirus-bump-but-worry-if-it-will-last">Kansas News Service</a>

The past couple of decades have been tough on small, rural grocery 
stores that often struggle to keep doors open as locals forgo hometown 
stores for shopping sprees in larger stores in bigger towns.

That 
is until 5 p.m. on March 11, 2020, two days after a historic drop in the
 stock market, which would only fall further in the days to come.

Jordan White remembers exactly what happened then.

“There began a little bit of frenzy buying,” says White, the operations manager of the company that operates<a href="https://www.whitesfoodliner.com/" target="_blank"> </a><a href="https://www.whitesfoodliner.com/" target="_blank">White’s Foodliner</a> stores in Kingman, Medicine Lodge,<a href="https://klcjournal.com/st-john-kansas-rural-grocery/" target="_blank"> </a><a href="https://klcjournal.com/st-john-kansas-rural-grocery/" target="_blank">St. John</a>, Phillipsburg and Scott City.

But at 5 p.m. on March 11, customers began flocking into White’s stores.

“Things
 got started. By Friday the 13th and that weekend, I am going to call it
 frenzy buying for toilet paper. It was all over the country, from store
 to store,” he said. “Our Kingman store had 17 pallets of toilet paper 
stored above our freezer and someone from Wichita posted about it on 
Facebook. Then, it was mass chaos. People were trying to get toilet 
paper and essentials. The following week was more like a steady 
Christmas week.”

It’s been an uptick in business ever since.

And it’s a story resonating across Kansas –<a href="https://nyti.ms/2Xy4Fia" target="_blank"> </a><a href="https://nyti.ms/2Xy4Fia" target="_blank">and the nation</a>.

“You
 are hearing about stores doing 300% more business,” White says. 
“Obviously, we are not seeing that, because it has bounced across the 
board, depending on the location. Some of our stores are up only 25% in 
business and some are 100%. It is different week by week. It is also a 
false sense of improved business, because you are selling at a lower 
margin. We don’t make a lot of money on canned food, toilet paper and 
diapers. So, while you may have a lot more sales in the rural 
independent grocery stores right now, they aren’t exactly profitable 
sales.”

Rial Carver, program manager for the<a href="https://www.k-state.edu/cecd/" target="_blank"> </a><a href="https://www.k-state.edu/cecd/" target="_blank">Center for Engagement and Community Development at Kansas State University</a>, said she’s hearing how<a href="https://www.ruralgrocery.org/" target="_blank"> </a><a href="https://www.ruralgrocery.org/" target="_blank">local stores</a>
 across the state are adapting during the pandemic. Some are closing 
their doors and offering only delivery and pickup services — such as the
 St. Paul Supermarket and Cecil K’s Hometown Market in Holton — to keep 
both their employees and customers safe.

“The reality that grocery
 stores are facing right now is that they are swamped – that’s something
 that is happening everywhere,” Carver says. “What I have seen is that 
some of these small-town grocers have a little bit of an edge because 
they are able to adapt quickly and implement new processes for ordering 
or for delivery. They also have closer ties to their community. And, 
some stores are working with volunteers to help make this new normal a 
reality.”

They’re getting a helping hand from their communities. 
Sheriff’s departments in Bourbon, Greenwood and Osage counties are 
offering grocery delivery to residents who shop at local stores.

Community groups in Trego County are partnering with<a href="https://www.malaysmarket.com/" target="_blank"> </a><a href="https://www.malaysmarket.com/" target="_blank">Malay’s Market</a> in WaKeeney to offer family food boxes. And some offer remote shopping by phone, email and Facebook Messenger, Carver said.

Stacie Schmidt, executive director of<a href="http://www.ellsworthcounty.org/County_departments/economic_development/index.php" target="_blank"> </a><a href="http://www.ellsworthcounty.org/County_departments/economic_development/index.php" target="_blank">Ellsworth County Economic Development</a>, said<a href="https://heartlandfoodsstores.com/" target="_blank"> </a><a href="https://heartlandfoodsstores.com/" target="_blank">Gene’s Heartland Foods</a>
 in her community started by offering curbside delivery and call-in 
orders to reduce foot traffic and keep the community and staff safe.

Fearing
 that it would be difficult to efficiently take phone orders, shop for 
people, stock shelves, clean and provide check-out services all at once,
 Ellsworth County Economic Development stepped in and worked with the 
store to launch<a href="http://www.genesclicklist.com/" target="_blank"> </a><a href="http://www.genesclicklist.com/" target="_blank">Gene’s Click List</a>, which allows for online ordering.

Schmidt said the system is working well for customers and helping to keep staff healthy by reducing traffic in the store.

“This
 is a way of thinking adaptively to solve challenges (with technical 
solutions) and a great way of collaboration and partnerships,” Schmidt 
says.

It’s a big moment for small-town stores, said Daniel Gile, store manager at<a href="https://www.gwfoodsinc.com/" target="_blank"> </a><a href="https://www.gwfoodsinc.com/" target="_blank">G&amp;W Foods</a> in Iola.

“We
 have never seen anything like it,” Gile says. “It is just 
unprecedented. I assumed it would taper off at some point, and it has 
not. When the governor issued that stay-at-home order on March 28, that 
was by far the busiest day we had. There was a lot of panic and fear — 
just fear of the unknown and that people might be stuck at home and they
 didn’t have enough groceries.”

It is not unusual, Gile said, to 
have a customer or two come in and do a month’s worth of shopping. But 
in these COVID-19 days and times, “it is not uncommon to see $400 to 
$500 orders. We are seeing that repetitively.”

And some customers are driving 70 to 90 miles to shop, Gile said.

“I
 was told a couple came down from the Kansas City area because their 
grocery store had depleted their products, and they were reaching out to
 anybody so they could have something. A couple from Lawrence drove an 
hour and 20 minutes. A lot of them were coming to find toilet paper, and
 when they realized we didn’t have that, they ended up buying other 
things.

“Are people flocking because they don’t want to brave 
Walmart? I think so. You and I both know they are a discount store for a
 reason. They (Walmart) serve the masses, where we cater to customer 
service, fresh-cut meat and produce. … We just take care of the 
community no matter how it is.”

Marilyn Logan, general manager of the<a href="https://www.facebook.com/TheMarmatonMarket/" target="_blank"> </a><a href="https://www.facebook.com/TheMarmatonMarket/" target="_blank">Marmaton Market</a>
 in Moran, says a reluctance to take risks in the face of the 
coronavirus prompted the store to offer curbside pickup and home 
delivery.

Even so, customers are driving in from Bourbon, Neosho and Anderson counties to shop.

“People
 are tending to buy more products as staple items — they are wanting 
flour, sugar and macaroni — less of the snack cakes. And yeast? We are 
out of yeast and have had trouble getting flour. We had some in stock, 
but that could change any minute,” she said.

“Our store has gone 
up 20% in business, and we are hoping we have opened up people’s eyes to
 continue to shop here when this is all over with.”

But some store owners are saying they are bracing for when the pandemic ends.

“I
 think the other side of the wave will show a decrease in sales,” Jordan
 White said. “That’s what we are preparing for, and we will be ready for
 it.

“People aren’t going to need to buy a lot of toilet paper or 
canned goods for the next three months because I think everybody should 
have plenty … but we will keep fighting, keep going and doing what we 
do.”

Chris Green, managing editor of The Journal, contributed to this story.

The
 Journal, the print and digital magazine of the Kansas Leadership 
Center, is publishing a digital newsletter that explores what is 
working, what isn’t working and what’s being learned during the response
 to COVID-19. To receive twice-a-week updates, subscribe <a href="https://kansasleadershipcenter.org/contact-us/join-our-email-list/" target="_blank">here</a>.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/5/1588863168159.png" alt="Jan Dunn shops at White's Foodliner in St. John in this photo from 2019. Jeff Tuttle / The Journal" />
 <figcaption>Jan Dunn shops at White's Foodliner in St. John in this photo from 2019. Jeff Tuttle / The Journal</figcaption>
 </figure>By BECCY TANNER &amp; The Journal <a href="https://www.kcur.org/news/2020-05-06/struggling-rural-grocery-stores-get-coronavirus-bump-but-worry-if-it-will-last">Kansas News Service</a>The past couple of decades have been tough on small, rural grocery 
stores that often struggle to keep doors open as locals forgo hometown 
stores for shopping sprees in larger stores in bigger towns.That 
is until 5 p.m. on March 11, 2020, two days after a historic drop in the
 stock market, which would only fall further in the days to come.Jordan White remembers exactly what happened then.“There began a little bit of frenzy buying,” says White, the operations manager of the company that operates<a href="https://www.whitesfoodliner.com/" target="_blank"> </a><a href="https://www.whitesfoodliner.com/" target="_blank">White’s Foodliner</a> stores in Kingman, Medicine Lodge,<a href="https://klcjournal.com/st-john-kansas-rural-grocery/" target="_blank"> </a><a href="https://klcjournal.com/st-john-kansas-rural-grocery/" target="_blank">St. John</a>, Phillipsburg and Scott City.But at 5 p.m. on March 11, customers began flocking into White’s stores.“Things
 got started. By Friday the 13th and that weekend, I am going to call it
 frenzy buying for toilet paper. It was all over the country, from store
 to store,” he said. “Our Kingman store had 17 pallets of toilet paper 
stored above our freezer and someone from Wichita posted about it on 
Facebook. Then, it was mass chaos. People were trying to get toilet 
paper and essentials. The following week was more like a steady 
Christmas week.”It’s been an uptick in business ever since.And it’s a story resonating across Kansas –<a href="https://nyti.ms/2Xy4Fia" target="_blank"> </a><a href="https://nyti.ms/2Xy4Fia" target="_blank">and the nation</a>.“You
 are hearing about stores doing 300% more business,” White says. 
“Obviously, we are not seeing that, because it has bounced across the 
board, depending on the location. Some of our stores are up only 25% in 
business and some are 100%. It is different week by week. It is also a 
false sense of improved business, because you are selling at a lower 
margin. We don’t make a lot of money on canned food, toilet paper and 
diapers. So, while you may have a lot more sales in the rural 
independent grocery stores right now, they aren’t exactly profitable 
sales.”Rial Carver, program manager for the<a href="https://www.k-state.edu/cecd/" target="_blank"> </a><a href="https://www.k-state.edu/cecd/" target="_blank">Center for Engagement and Community Development at Kansas State University</a>, said she’s hearing how<a href="https://www.ruralgrocery.org/" target="_blank"> </a><a href="https://www.ruralgrocery.org/" target="_blank">local stores</a>
 across the state are adapting during the pandemic. Some are closing 
their doors and offering only delivery and pickup services — such as the
 St. Paul Supermarket and Cecil K’s Hometown Market in Holton — to keep 
both their employees and customers safe.“The reality that grocery
 stores are facing right now is that they are swamped – that’s something
 that is happening everywhere,” Carver says. “What I have seen is that 
some of these small-town grocers have a little bit of an edge because 
they are able to adapt quickly and implement new processes for ordering 
or for delivery. They also have closer ties to their community. And, 
some stores are working with volunteers to help make this new normal a 
reality.”They’re getting a helping hand from their communities. 
Sheriff’s departments in Bourbon, Greenwood and Osage counties are 
offering grocery delivery to residents who shop at local stores.Community groups in Trego County are partnering with<a href="https://www.malaysmarket.com/" target="_blank"> </a><a href="https://www.malaysmarket.com/" target="_blank">Malay’s Market</a> in WaKeeney to offer family food boxes. And some offer remote shopping by phone, email and Facebook Messenger, Carver said.Stacie Schmidt, executive director of<a href="http://www.ellsworthcounty.org/County_departments/economic_development/index.php" target="_blank"> </a><a href="http://www.ellsworthcounty.org/County_departments/economic_development/index.php" target="_blank">Ellsworth County Economic Development</a>, said<a href="https://heartlandfoodsstores.com/" target="_blank"> </a><a href="https://heartlandfoodsstores.com/" target="_blank">Gene’s Heartland Foods</a>
 in her community started by offering curbside delivery and call-in 
orders to reduce foot traffic and keep the community and staff safe.Fearing
 that it would be difficult to efficiently take phone orders, shop for 
people, stock shelves, clean and provide check-out services all at once,
 Ellsworth County Economic Development stepped in and worked with the 
store to launch<a href="http://www.genesclicklist.com/" target="_blank"> </a><a href="http://www.genesclicklist.com/" target="_blank">Gene’s Click List</a>, which allows for online ordering.Schmidt said the system is working well for customers and helping to keep staff healthy by reducing traffic in the store.“This
 is a way of thinking adaptively to solve challenges (with technical 
solutions) and a great way of collaboration and partnerships,” Schmidt 
says.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/5/1588863283400.png" alt="It’s not unusual to see orders of $400 or more at G&amp;W Foods in Iola during the crisis, store manager Daniel Gile says. Courtesy photo" />
 <figcaption>It’s not unusual to see orders of $400 or more at G&amp;W Foods in Iola during the crisis, store manager Daniel Gile says. Courtesy photo</figcaption>
 </figure>It’s a big moment for small-town stores, said Daniel Gile, store manager at<a href="https://www.gwfoodsinc.com/" target="_blank"> </a><a href="https://www.gwfoodsinc.com/" target="_blank">G&amp;W Foods</a> in Iola.“We
 have never seen anything like it,” Gile says. “It is just 
unprecedented. I assumed it would taper off at some point, and it has 
not. When the governor issued that stay-at-home order on March 28, that 
was by far the busiest day we had. There was a lot of panic and fear — 
just fear of the unknown and that people might be stuck at home and they
 didn’t have enough groceries.”It is not unusual, Gile said, to 
have a customer or two come in and do a month’s worth of shopping. But 
in these COVID-19 days and times, “it is not uncommon to see $400 to 
$500 orders. We are seeing that repetitively.”And some customers are driving 70 to 90 miles to shop, Gile said.“I
 was told a couple came down from the Kansas City area because their 
grocery store had depleted their products, and they were reaching out to
 anybody so they could have something. A couple from Lawrence drove an 
hour and 20 minutes. A lot of them were coming to find toilet paper, and
 when they realized we didn’t have that, they ended up buying other 
things.“Are people flocking because they don’t want to brave 
Walmart? I think so. You and I both know they are a discount store for a
 reason. They (Walmart) serve the masses, where we cater to customer 
service, fresh-cut meat and produce. … We just take care of the 
community no matter how it is.”Marilyn Logan, general manager of the<a href="https://www.facebook.com/TheMarmatonMarket/" target="_blank"> </a><a href="https://www.facebook.com/TheMarmatonMarket/" target="_blank">Marmaton Market</a>
 in Moran, says a reluctance to take risks in the face of the 
coronavirus prompted the store to offer curbside pickup and home 
delivery.Even so, customers are driving in from Bourbon, Neosho and Anderson counties to shop.“People
 are tending to buy more products as staple items — they are wanting 
flour, sugar and macaroni — less of the snack cakes. And yeast? We are 
out of yeast and have had trouble getting flour. We had some in stock, 
but that could change any minute,” she said.“Our store has gone 
up 20% in business, and we are hoping we have opened up people’s eyes to
 continue to shop here when this is all over with.”But some store owners are saying they are bracing for when the pandemic ends.“I
 think the other side of the wave will show a decrease in sales,” Jordan
 White said. “That’s what we are preparing for, and we will be ready for
 it.“People aren’t going to need to buy a lot of toilet paper or 
canned goods for the next three months because I think everybody should 
have plenty … but we will keep fighting, keep going and doing what we 
do.”Chris Green, managing editor of The Journal, contributed to this story.The
 Journal, the print and digital magazine of the Kansas Leadership 
Center, is publishing a digital newsletter that explores what is 
working, what isn’t working and what’s being learned during the response
 to COVID-19. To receive twice-a-week updates, subscribe <a href="https://kansasleadershipcenter.org/contact-us/join-our-email-list/" target="_blank">here</a>.

Struggling rural grocers get virus bump, but worry it won't last

By CRISTINA JANNEY Hays Post

The Hays Downtown Development Corp. Bach's&nbsp;Lunch on The Bricks will proceed as planned.

The series is set to start&nbsp; Friday, June 5, at the Downtown Pavilion with&nbsp; Bodarks String Band, which is described as hootenanny, ragtime, jug band and western swing.

Allie Glidewell, DHDC director of events and operations, said the governor's reopening plans orders will be followed at the events.

Concerts will be every first, third and fifth Friday of the month (June through August). At 12:05 p.m., DHDC will offer a free, one-hour concert and $10 box lunch from a downtown restaurant.

Vegetarian lunch can be requested with a reservation. Reservations for lunch are appreciated.&nbsp;You can also bring your own food if you wish.

 All ages are welcome. Guests are encouraged to bring their own chairs.

"It's going to be a lot of fun this year,"&nbsp;Glidewell said. "I think there are some newer artists as well as some local artists. 

"The food is going to be really good — all local from downtown restaurants. I think we are all ready to shake loose a little bit, and I think this will be a really fun way to do it."

• June 5: Bodarks String Band | Hootenanny, Ragtime, Jug Band, Western Swing

• June 19: Harmony and Brad | High Energy Acoustic Rock&nbsp;

• July 3: Miles on End&nbsp;| Groove Rock Band

• July 17: Jammin' Randy | Children's Music

• July 31: Rocket Monkey&nbsp;| Rockin', Just Rockin'

• Aug. 7: Joshua T. Merello&nbsp;| Neo-classical Latin and Blues&nbsp;

• Aug. 21: 80 Proof Alice | Bluegrass, Folk, Americana

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/5/1588878094564.jpeg" alt="The DHDC Bach's Lunch concert series will begin Friday, June 5, in the Downtown Pavilion. Courtesy photo" />
 <figcaption>The DHDC Bach's Lunch concert series will begin Friday, June 5, in the Downtown Pavilion. Courtesy photo</figcaption>
 </figure>By CRISTINA JANNEY Hays PostThe Hays Downtown Development Corp. Bach's&nbsp;Lunch on The Bricks will proceed as planned.The series is set to start&nbsp; Friday, June 5, at the Downtown Pavilion with&nbsp; Bodarks String Band, which is described as hootenanny, ragtime, jug band and western swing.Allie Glidewell, DHDC director of events and operations, said the governor's reopening plans orders will be followed at the events.Concerts will be every first, third and fifth Friday of the month (June through August). At 12:05 p.m., DHDC will offer a free, one-hour concert and $10 box lunch from a downtown restaurant.Vegetarian lunch can be requested with a reservation. Reservations for lunch are appreciated.&nbsp;You can also bring your own food if you wish. All ages are welcome. Guests are encouraged to bring their own chairs."It's going to be a lot of fun this year,"&nbsp;Glidewell said. "I think there are some newer artists as well as some local artists. "The food is going to be really good — all local from downtown restaurants. I think we are all ready to shake loose a little bit, and I think this will be a really fun way to do it."<h2>Schedule of performances</h2>• June 5: Bodarks String Band | Hootenanny, Ragtime, Jug Band, Western Swing• June 19: Harmony and Brad | High Energy Acoustic Rock&nbsp;• July 3: Miles on End&nbsp;| Groove Rock Band• July 17: Jammin' Randy | Children's Music• July 31: Rocket Monkey&nbsp;| Rockin', Just Rockin'• Aug. 7: Joshua T. Merello&nbsp;| Neo-classical Latin and Blues&nbsp;• Aug. 21: 80 Proof Alice | Bluegrass, Folk, Americana

Bach's Lunch concert series set to kick off June 5 in downtown Hays

By RON WILSON Huck Boyd National Institute for Rural Development

Let’s go to a farm show. We’ll see lots of vendors, hear speakers with the latest information, and learn about various products. But wait, we can’t do that. There’s a pandemic and a stay-at-home order in place.

What if we could participate in a farm show and do so virtually and safely, from the comfort of our homes? Today we’ll learn about a community which accomplished exactly that.&nbsp;

Alicia Boor is one of the agriculture and natural resources agents for the K-State Research and Extension Cottonwood District, serving Barton and Ellis counties. She grew up in Dodge City, earned an animal science degree, and got a job as a zookeeper for rare breeds of livestock at the Sedgwick County Zoo before joining extension. Her extension position enabled Alicia and her husband to move to her husband’s hometown of Hoisington in Barton County. Hoisington is a rural community of 2,706 people. Now, that’s rural.

Alicia’s duties included lining up speakers for the annual Great Bend farm and ranch show which attracts thousands of people to Great Bend each spring. She was assisted by Jared Petersilie, the agriculture extension agent in the neighboring Walnut Creek District. Because of the interest in growing industrial hemp, the name of the 2020 show was changed to the Great Bend Farm, Ranch &amp; Hemp Expo.

Then came the coronavirus, followed by stay-at-home orders. Alicia and Jared had already lined up the speakers but reluctantly notified the planners that they could no longer participate.

In March, two weeks before the scheduled beginning of the expo in early April, Alicia got another request. The expo organizers wanted to make this a virtual expo. Could the speakers present their programs after all? Alicia decided to give it a try.

How in the world does someone conduct a virtual expo? The planners in Great Bend worked with a company with the domain name,&nbsp;<a href="http://www.virtualfarmexpo.com/">www.virtualfarmexpo.com</a>. In a matter of a couple of weeks, they managed to organize the event so that it could function online.

Alicia contacted her K-State speakers and found that they were willing. The original idea was that they would pre-record presentations to be presented during the expo, but it turned out that live Zoom presentations worked even better. This allowed for real-time interaction with the participants.

On April 8, 9 and 10 – the originally scheduled dates – the Great Bend Farm, Ranch &amp; Hemp Expo was conducted virtually. Participants got online, viewed the exhibits, and interacted with the speakers through their electronic devices.

The K-State speakers included Jason Griffin, an industrial hemp researcher at the John C. Pair Horticulture Center near Haysville; wheat specialist Romulo Lollato in Manhattan; and grain marketing economist Dan O’Brien in Colby. All were able to present their research results, share their screens with viewers, and respond to questions.

The presentations were live and also recorded. “We broke these into segments by crop,” Alicia said. “That way if a producer was interested specifically in grain sorghum, for example, they didn’t have to listen to an hour on other crops to get the 10 minutes that they wanted.”

What about the exhibits? The organizers created a screen image which looked like a booth one would see at the farm show. Exhibitors were able to populate that screen with their own pictures, information and videos, which rotated online during the show. It was an ingenious way to share the information while doing so safely and remotely. The K-State booth, for example, included links to extension publications and generated more than 1,000 views.

This was accomplished in a remarkably short time frame. “It was stressful, but it was fun,” Alicia said.

“At last year’s state extension conference, we were asked to innovate. I didn’t realize we would be forced to do it so quickly," she said with a smile. “We do have to find new ways to reach the public.”

It’s time to leave this virtual farm show. We commend Alicia Boor and all those who made a difference by using technology in this way. They were able to make “virtual” a reality.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/5/1588772194734.png" alt="Screen Shot 2020-05-06 at 8.36.17 AM.png" />
 <figcaption>Screen Shot 2020-05-06 at 8.36.17 AM.png</figcaption>
 </figure>By RON WILSON Huck Boyd National Institute for Rural DevelopmentLet’s go to a farm show. We’ll see lots of vendors, hear speakers with the latest information, and learn about various products. But wait, we can’t do that. There’s a pandemic and a stay-at-home order in place.What if we could participate in a farm show and do so virtually and safely, from the comfort of our homes? Today we’ll learn about a community which accomplished exactly that.&nbsp;Alicia Boor is one of the agriculture and natural resources agents for the K-State Research and Extension Cottonwood District, serving Barton and Ellis counties. She grew up in Dodge City, earned an animal science degree, and got a job as a zookeeper for rare breeds of livestock at the Sedgwick County Zoo before joining extension. Her extension position enabled Alicia and her husband to move to her husband’s hometown of Hoisington in Barton County. Hoisington is a rural community of 2,706 people. Now, that’s rural.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/11/1573141354634.png" alt="Alicia Boor" />
 <figcaption>Alicia Boor</figcaption>
 </figure>Alicia’s duties included lining up speakers for the annual Great Bend farm and ranch show which attracts thousands of people to Great Bend each spring. She was assisted by Jared Petersilie, the agriculture extension agent in the neighboring Walnut Creek District. Because of the interest in growing industrial hemp, the name of the 2020 show was changed to the Great Bend Farm, Ranch &amp; Hemp Expo.Then came the coronavirus, followed by stay-at-home orders. Alicia and Jared had already lined up the speakers but reluctantly notified the planners that they could no longer participate.In March, two weeks before the scheduled beginning of the expo in early April, Alicia got another request. The expo organizers wanted to make this a virtual expo. Could the speakers present their programs after all? Alicia decided to give it a try.How in the world does someone conduct a virtual expo? The planners in Great Bend worked with a company with the domain name,&nbsp;<a href="http://www.virtualfarmexpo.com/">www.virtualfarmexpo.com</a>. In a matter of a couple of weeks, they managed to organize the event so that it could function online.Alicia contacted her K-State speakers and found that they were willing. The original idea was that they would pre-record presentations to be presented during the expo, but it turned out that live Zoom presentations worked even better. This allowed for real-time interaction with the participants.On April 8, 9 and 10 – the originally scheduled dates – the Great Bend Farm, Ranch &amp; Hemp Expo was conducted virtually. Participants got online, viewed the exhibits, and interacted with the speakers through their electronic devices.The K-State speakers included Jason Griffin, an industrial hemp researcher at the John C. Pair Horticulture Center near Haysville; wheat specialist Romulo Lollato in Manhattan; and grain marketing economist Dan O’Brien in Colby. All were able to present their research results, share their screens with viewers, and respond to questions.The presentations were live and also recorded. “We broke these into segments by crop,” Alicia said. “That way if a producer was interested specifically in grain sorghum, for example, they didn’t have to listen to an hour on other crops to get the 10 minutes that they wanted.”What about the exhibits? The organizers created a screen image which looked like a booth one would see at the farm show. Exhibitors were able to populate that screen with their own pictures, information and videos, which rotated online during the show. It was an ingenious way to share the information while doing so safely and remotely. The K-State booth, for example, included links to extension publications and generated more than 1,000 views.This was accomplished in a remarkably short time frame. “It was stressful, but it was fun,” Alicia said.“At last year’s state extension conference, we were asked to innovate. I didn’t realize we would be forced to do it so quickly," she said with a smile. “We do have to find new ways to reach the public.”It’s time to leave this virtual farm show. We commend Alicia Boor and all those who made a difference by using technology in this way. They were able to make “virtual” a reality.

Now That’s Rural: Alicia Boor, Great Bend virtual farm show

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

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

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

🎥 Encouraging Words: Brenda Rodger, Trinity Lutheran

EDWARDS COUNTY —On person was injured in an accident just before 10p.m. Saturday in Edwards County.

The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a 2009 Chevy Malibu driven by&nbsp; Crispin Garcia, 27, Boise City, OK.,&nbsp; was eastbound on S Road, just east of 190th Avenue and struck&nbsp;Joseph Allen Hammack, 35, Macksville,&nbsp;&nbsp;who was just outside of the drivers side door of a 2006 Chevy Trailblazer in the middle of the road.

EMS transported Hammack to the hospital in Kinsley.&nbsp; Garcia, an adult and two children in the Chevy were properly restrained and not injured, according to the KHP.&nbsp;

EDWARDS COUNTY —On person was injured in an accident just before 10p.m. Saturday in Edwards County.The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a 2009 Chevy Malibu driven by&nbsp; Crispin Garcia, 27, Boise City, OK.,&nbsp; was eastbound on S Road, just east of 190th Avenue and struck&nbsp;Joseph Allen Hammack, 35, Macksville,&nbsp;&nbsp;who was just outside of the drivers side door of a 2006 Chevy Trailblazer in the middle of the road.EMS transported Hammack to the hospital in Kinsley.&nbsp; Garcia, an adult and two children in the Chevy were properly restrained and not injured, according to the KHP.&nbsp;

Kan. man hospitalized after struck by car in Edwards Co.

The Ellis County Public Works Road &amp; Bridge Division announced last week that a concrete repair
project will take place beginning at the intersection of 370th Avenue and Old U.S. 40 and
commencing west for 1 mile, ending at the Vincent Avenue and Highway 40 intersection.


This 1-mile area of Old U.S. 40 will be closed to through traffic beginning at 8 a.m.
Monday and is expected to be reopened by 4:30 p.m. Friday.
Motorists traveling in the affected closure area should use alternate routes of travel until this
project is complete. Pending the forecast of rain, the start and completion dates could be
delayed.


Direct any questions to the Ellis County Public Works Road &amp; Bridge Division at 785-628-
9455.&nbsp;

The Ellis County Public Works Road &amp; Bridge Division announced last week that a concrete repair
project will take place beginning at the intersection of 370th Avenue and Old U.S. 40 and
commencing west for 1 mile, ending at the Vincent Avenue and Highway 40 intersection.
This 1-mile area of Old U.S. 40 will be closed to through traffic beginning at 8 a.m.
Monday and is expected to be reopened by 4:30 p.m. Friday.
Motorists traveling in the affected closure area should use alternate routes of travel until this
project is complete. Pending the forecast of rain, the start and completion dates could be
delayed.
Direct any questions to the Ellis County Public Works Road &amp; Bridge Division at 785-628-
9455.&nbsp;

Repairs will close 1-mile portion of Old U.S. 40 this week

Since we are still limiting our contact with larger groups I am postponing our Healthy Community Potluck that should have been scheduled this month. But I can still bring you the message that I was planning to share and that is “Med instead of Meds.” I had the opportunity to participate in a professional development class on the K-State campus back in February by the same title. A vivacious instructor from North Carolina, shared her passion for healthy cooking in our hands on lab.&nbsp;

So what exactly is “Med Instead of Meds”? The first Med stands for the Mediterranean Diet and lifestyle. With an emphasis on vegetables, fruits, legumes, beans, whole grains, nuts and unsaturated fat, you can imagine consuming a plate of food that is both colorful and full of fiber. Lifestyle choices related to the Mediterranean way of life include: eating a light breakfast, long extended lunch including a nap, daily physical exercise, and consuming fresh plant based foods that are grown locally.

Combining this approach to a healthy diet with lifestyle choices that also support health is our goal. By consuming more vegetables, fruits, whole grains, legumes and nuts, we are providing the nutrients our bodies need to maintain and even regain health. That is where the word “Meds” comes into play. Meds, short for medicine, can save our lives in some cases. However, if the underlying cause of a health concern is related to consuming a diet high in fat or added sugar, perhaps we need to take a closer look at what we put on our plates.&nbsp;

Are we consuming five to nine servings of vegetables and fruits every day? Are we choosing to eat at least three ounces of whole grains and is our source of protein lean? An easy way to follow the Mediterranean diet is to shop the perimeter of the grocery store where all of the fresh foods are found. Less time spent in the aisles that have highly processed food choices is another good rule to follow.

Consider preparing this Mushroom Brown Rice Pilaf as a nutritious dish to complement your healthy menu. Ingredients:

Heat the oil in a large saucepan and brown onion and mushrooms for about five minutes. Add one cup brown rice and stir to coat grains in the oil. Add two cups broth, bring to a boil, then turn down to a simmer. Simmer for about 45 minutes or until all liquid is absorbed. Cooking time for whole grain rice varies according to the variety of rice; check package directions. You can make a pilaf like this with any grain – not just rice. Simply vary the amount of broth and the cooking time according to the different grain. In a hurry? Try bulgur or quinoa, which both cook in under 15 minutes.

Donna Krug is the District Director and Family &amp; Consumer Science Agent with K-State Research and Extension – Cottonwood District. You may reach her at: (620)793-1910 or <a href="mailto:dkrug@ksu.edu">dkrug@ksu.edu</a>&nbsp; K-State Research &amp; Extension is an equal opportunity provider and employer.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/11/1574802720194.jpeg" alt="Donna Krug is the District Director and Family &amp; Consumer Science Agent with K-State Research and Extension – Cottonwood District." />
 <figcaption>Donna Krug is the District Director and Family &amp; Consumer Science Agent with K-State Research and Extension – Cottonwood District.</figcaption>
 </figure>Since we are still limiting our contact with larger groups I am postponing our Healthy Community Potluck that should have been scheduled this month. But I can still bring you the message that I was planning to share and that is “Med instead of Meds.” I had the opportunity to participate in a professional development class on the K-State campus back in February by the same title. A vivacious instructor from North Carolina, shared her passion for healthy cooking in our hands on lab.&nbsp;So what exactly is “Med Instead of Meds”? The first Med stands for the Mediterranean Diet and lifestyle. With an emphasis on vegetables, fruits, legumes, beans, whole grains, nuts and unsaturated fat, you can imagine consuming a plate of food that is both colorful and full of fiber. Lifestyle choices related to the Mediterranean way of life include: eating a light breakfast, long extended lunch including a nap, daily physical exercise, and consuming fresh plant based foods that are grown locally.Combining this approach to a healthy diet with lifestyle choices that also support health is our goal. By consuming more vegetables, fruits, whole grains, legumes and nuts, we are providing the nutrients our bodies need to maintain and even regain health. That is where the word “Meds” comes into play. Meds, short for medicine, can save our lives in some cases. However, if the underlying cause of a health concern is related to consuming a diet high in fat or added sugar, perhaps we need to take a closer look at what we put on our plates.&nbsp;Are we consuming five to nine servings of vegetables and fruits every day? Are we choosing to eat at least three ounces of whole grains and is our source of protein lean? An easy way to follow the Mediterranean diet is to shop the perimeter of the grocery store where all of the fresh foods are found. Less time spent in the aisles that have highly processed food choices is another good rule to follow.Consider preparing this Mushroom Brown Rice Pilaf as a nutritious dish to complement your healthy menu. Ingredients:<ol>
 <li>½ large onion, chopped</li><li>1 cup sliced mushrooms (4-5 mushrooms)</li><li>1 Tablespoon olive oil</li><li>1 cup brown rice</li><li>2 cups vegetable broth</li>
 </ol>Heat the oil in a large saucepan and brown onion and mushrooms for about five minutes. Add one cup brown rice and stir to coat grains in the oil. Add two cups broth, bring to a boil, then turn down to a simmer. Simmer for about 45 minutes or until all liquid is absorbed. Cooking time for whole grain rice varies according to the variety of rice; check package directions. You can make a pilaf like this with any grain – not just rice. Simply vary the amount of broth and the cooking time according to the different grain. In a hurry? Try bulgur or quinoa, which both cook in under 15 minutes.Donna Krug is the District Director and Family &amp; Consumer Science Agent with K-State Research and Extension – Cottonwood District. You may reach her at: (620)793-1910 or <a href="mailto:dkrug@ksu.edu">dkrug@ksu.edu</a>&nbsp; K-State Research &amp; Extension is an equal opportunity provider and employer.

KRUG: Med instead of meds

By LU ANNE STEPHENS, <a href="https://www.kmuw.org/post/mullinville-kansas-artist-mt-liggetts-work-continues-spark-debate">Kansas News Service</a>

It also can lead to — let’s say — a good debate.

That’s certainly the case with M.T. Liggett’s sculptures, which, like the artist himself, inspire widely differing opinions.

Liggett’s
 collection of metal sculptures line U.S. 400 along the edge of his 
property, just west of Mullinville. You can see them easily while 
driving by.

But if you pull over and look closely, it’s evident that Liggett had 
opinions about things — and they weren’t always complimentary.

Larry
 Hatteberg, a retired photojournalist and former anchor at KAKE-TV, 
became one of the trustees of Liggett’s estate when Liggett died in 
2017.

Hatteberg says Liggett disliked a lot of people, but there 
were several he held in high esteem. Hatteberg, it seems, was one of 
them.

He <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bjv1j5xUUAY" target="_blank">interviewed Liggett</a> several times for his series, "Hatteberg's People," and, over the years, they became friends.

"I
 think I was kind of an anomaly," Hatteberg said, "because you either 
liked M.T. Liggett, or you didn’t. And he was the same way: If he liked 
you, you were gold, and if he didn’t, you weren’t."

Myron Thomas Liggett — known throughout his life as "M.T." — had a 
fascinating life, according to Hatteberg. Liggett joined the Navy in 
1947, the Air Force in 1957 and also earned a law degree, Hatteberg 
said.

And Liggett had thoughts on the world and the people in 
charge of it. When he returned to the property in Mullinville in the 
mid-1980s, he began turning those thoughts into art.

As you walk along the row of sculptures — or totems, as they’re 
called — it’s easy to see the people Liggett didn’t like: politicians, 
judges, the town of Mullinville itself, with which he had a 
long-standing feud.

Hillary Clinton is there, along with Laura 
Bush — both portrayed with swastikas — and George W. Bush, Bill Clinton,
 Rush Limbaugh, former Kansas Gov. Bill Graves and the Kansas State 
Board of Education.

Hatteberg says Liggett didn’t align with either side, politically.

"I mean, he wasn’t a Republican, he wasn’t a Democrat because he went
 after both of them," he said. "So it’s hard to put his art in a 
political arena because many times he just didn’t like any party."

Hatteberg
 is part of an effort to preserve Liggett’s legacy and make his artwork 
available for future generations. The trustees contacted the Kohler 
Foundation, an organization that supports the arts and education, about 
preserving the estate.

Terri Yoho is the preservation director for the Kohler Foundation, based in Kohler, Wisconsin.

"The
 Foundation has focused on artist-built environments and the work of 
self-taught artists since the '70s," she said. "It’s important to save 
this kind of work — sometimes whimsical, colorful; sometimes 
provocative. This is the kind of art that tends to inspire and 
motivate."

Not all of the pieces carry an acerbic message. There are totems of 
opera figures, Greek mythology and pop culture. There’s one of Hatteberg
 portrayed as a "newshound."

Some of the totems have moving parts
 — whirligigs that spin in the prairie breeze. Others incorporate road 
signs or bright glass bottles. Many are unnamed.

Hatteberg says Liggett never went into detail about his art.

"His life, in many ways, is a mystery," Hatteberg said. "We will never know exactly what he thought about. And that’s too bad."

While
 we may never know what was behind all of Liggett’s artwork, the 
collection will be preserved. The Kohler Foundation is creating the M. 
T. Liggett Art Environment on the property, an ambitious conservation 
project that will include a visitor’s center, nature paths across the 
rolling prairie, and perhaps an artist’s residence with workshops.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/5/1588958895092.jpeg" alt=" M.T. Liggett in his workshop. Credit Courtesy Larry Hatteberg" />
 <figcaption> M.T. Liggett in his workshop. Credit Courtesy Larry Hatteberg</figcaption>
 </figure>By LU ANNE STEPHENS, <a href="https://www.kmuw.org/post/mullinville-kansas-artist-mt-liggetts-work-continues-spark-debate">Kansas News Service</a>Art can inspire, motivate and educate.It also can lead to — let’s say — a good debate.That’s certainly the case with M.T. Liggett’s sculptures, which, like the artist himself, inspire widely differing opinions.Liggett’s
 collection of metal sculptures line U.S. 400 along the edge of his 
property, just west of Mullinville. You can see them easily while 
driving by.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/5/1588958959596.jpeg" alt=" Longtime photojournalist Larry Hatteberg became friends with M.T. Liggett over the years. "I think I was kind of an anomaly," he says. Credit Lu Anne Stephens / KMUW" />
 <figcaption> Longtime photojournalist Larry Hatteberg became friends with M.T. Liggett over the years. "I think I was kind of an anomaly," he says. Credit Lu Anne Stephens / KMUW</figcaption>
 </figure>But if you pull over and look closely, it’s evident that Liggett had 
opinions about things — and they weren’t always complimentary.Larry
 Hatteberg, a retired photojournalist and former anchor at KAKE-TV, 
became one of the trustees of Liggett’s estate when Liggett died in 
2017.Hatteberg says Liggett disliked a lot of people, but there 
were several he held in high esteem. Hatteberg, it seems, was one of 
them.He <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bjv1j5xUUAY" target="_blank">interviewed Liggett</a> several times for his series, "Hatteberg's People," and, over the years, they became friends."I
 think I was kind of an anomaly," Hatteberg said, "because you either 
liked M.T. Liggett, or you didn’t. And he was the same way: If he liked 
you, you were gold, and if he didn’t, you weren’t."<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/5/1588958992458.jpeg" alt=" The sculptures, or "totems," depict politicians, figures from Greek mythology, opera figures and pop culture. Credit Lu Anne Stephens / KMUW" />
 <figcaption> The sculptures, or "totems," depict politicians, figures from Greek mythology, opera figures and pop culture. Credit Lu Anne Stephens / KMUW</figcaption>
 </figure>Myron Thomas Liggett — known throughout his life as "M.T." — had a 
fascinating life, according to Hatteberg. Liggett joined the Navy in 
1947, the Air Force in 1957 and also earned a law degree, Hatteberg 
said.And Liggett had thoughts on the world and the people in 
charge of it. When he returned to the property in Mullinville in the 
mid-1980s, he began turning those thoughts into art.As you walk along the row of sculptures — or totems, as they’re 
called — it’s easy to see the people Liggett didn’t like: politicians, 
judges, the town of Mullinville itself, with which he had a 
long-standing feud.Hillary Clinton is there, along with Laura 
Bush — both portrayed with swastikas — and George W. Bush, Bill Clinton,
 Rush Limbaugh, former Kansas Gov. Bill Graves and the Kansas State 
Board of Education.Hatteberg says Liggett didn’t align with either side, politically.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/5/1588959048483.jpeg" alt="Credit Lu Anne Stephens / KMUW" />
 <figcaption>Credit Lu Anne Stephens / KMUW</figcaption>
 </figure>"I mean, he wasn’t a Republican, he wasn’t a Democrat because he went
 after both of them," he said. "So it’s hard to put his art in a 
political arena because many times he just didn’t like any party."Hatteberg
 is part of an effort to preserve Liggett’s legacy and make his artwork 
available for future generations. The trustees contacted the Kohler 
Foundation, an organization that supports the arts and education, about 
preserving the estate.Terri Yoho is the preservation director for the Kohler Foundation, based in Kohler, Wisconsin."The
 Foundation has focused on artist-built environments and the work of 
self-taught artists since the '70s," she said. "It’s important to save 
this kind of work — sometimes whimsical, colorful; sometimes 
provocative. This is the kind of art that tends to inspire and 
motivate."<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/5/1588959084945.jpeg" alt=" A sculpture depicts journalist Larry Hatteberg as a "noozhound." Credit Lu Anne Stephens / KMUW" />
 <figcaption> A sculpture depicts journalist Larry Hatteberg as a "noozhound." Credit Lu Anne Stephens / KMUW</figcaption>
 </figure>Not all of the pieces carry an acerbic message. There are totems of 
opera figures, Greek mythology and pop culture. There’s one of Hatteberg
 portrayed as a "newshound."Some of the totems have moving parts
 — whirligigs that spin in the prairie breeze. Others incorporate road 
signs or bright glass bottles. Many are unnamed.Hatteberg says Liggett never went into detail about his art."His life, in many ways, is a mystery," Hatteberg said. "We will never know exactly what he thought about. And that’s too bad."While
 we may never know what was behind all of Liggett’s artwork, the 
collection will be preserved. The Kohler Foundation is creating the M. 
T. Liggett Art Environment on the property, an ambitious conservation 
project that will include a visitor’s center, nature paths across the 
rolling prairie, and perhaps an artist’s residence with workshops."We’re very pleased it can be preserved where he built it," said Yolo. "It’s always the goal to preserve in situ.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/5/1588959121182.jpeg" alt=" A visitor's center is being built on the property, part of the future "M.T. Liggett Art Environment." Credit Lu Anne Stephens / KMUW" />
 <figcaption> A visitor's center is being built on the property, part of the future "M.T. Liggett Art Environment." Credit Lu Anne Stephens / KMUW</figcaption>
 </figure>"The art will be stabilized and restored. There are pieces in other 
locations that will be brought to the main property to make it easier 
for people to see the collection."Once completed — perhaps by 
the end of the year — the Kohler Foundation will gift the M.T. Liggett 
Art Environment to the 5-4-7 Arts Center in Greensburg, which will be 
the steward of the site.Hatteberg is pleased with the project."In
 many cases, an artist’s work like M.T.’s is never saved cause there’s 
no interest in saving it, there’s no money to save it," he said."But
 now, this folk art is going to be saved. And I think that is the best 
thing of all. To have someone from Kansas who did this unique, totem 
pole-like art, and left it for everybody to see, I think that’s great."Hidden Kansas is a part of KMUW's weekly show, <a href="https://www.kmuw.org/programs/range" target="_blank">The Range</a>.&nbsp;

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