Seniors share thoughts on COVID-19, give advice to peers

Kansas State Department of Education

TOPEKA — The last weeks of a senior’s high school journey should be filled with solidifying plans for the future, donning formalwear for prom and celebrating graduation with friends and family. Instead, the Class of 2020 is navigating uncharted territory.

A group of 64 seniors from across Kansas have been selected to share their own stories and give guidance to their peers on how to transition from high school to postsecondary plans during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Northwest Kansas students include&nbsp;Rhyann Brown, Osborne County USD 392; Taryn Fleckenstein, Golden Plains USD 316; Andrew Foote, Hoxie USD 412; Aubrey Kuhlman, Wallace County USD 241; Ella Roberts, Dighton USD 482; Emily Ryan, Central Plains USD 112; Drew Starbuck, Colby USD 315.; and Alyvia Zeigler, Paradise USD 399.

Kansas Commissioner of Education Dr. Randy Watson asked Kansas principals and superintendents for recommendations for the Senior Leaders Conversation group. From that group, 64 seniors were selected, and the first conversation with Kansas State Department of Education staff members took place April 21 via Zoom.

“You’re going to give advice on how to navigate through all of this,” Deputy Commissioner Brad Neuenswander told the group. “We are so proud you are here and joining us. You are serving as the voices of our seniors. We need you to help guide us and help seniors.”

After an initial welcoming, students were broken into small groups with KSDE staff members facilitating each group.

Seniors introduced themselves and shared their future plans and then were asked to share their opinions on various topics, including who is helping them through this difficult time, what barriers they’ve faced and how they’re dealing with the COVID-19 pandemic. They also were asked what they’d like to share with their peers.

“Expect anything,” said Alyvia Zeigler, a senior at Paradise Unified School District 399. “Two months ago, I had no idea I’d basically be homeschooled.”

There are about 30 students in Zeigler’s entire school, so being away from them is really hard, she said. Zeigler lives on a farm and plans to attend Fort Hays State University to study premedicine. She received her CNA while attending high school.

While the pandemic has altered senior plans, there are positive things to consider, too, Zeigler said.

“Seniors are in a bad situation,” she said. “But people with the virus have it worse.”

Drew Starbuck, a senior at Colby USD 315, said he is using his time to give back to his community. Starbuck’s parents are teachers, and he plans to attend Kansas State University or Seton Hall University to study international relations.

“We can’t change the fact that this has drastically changed our senior year,” he said. “When we think about this, it will be a moment in time we’ll always remember.”

Many students said they are learning from the experience, and it is preparing them for adulthood and their futures.

Conversations with members of the Class of 2020 will continue. A smaller group of students selected from the original group of 64 will be asked to share further conversation with KSDE staff members.

The 64 seniors, listed alphabetically by last name, along with their school district, are:

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/4/1588087252662.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Seniors share thoughts on COVID-19, give advice to peersKansas State Department of EducationTOPEKA — The last weeks of a senior’s high school journey should be filled with solidifying plans for the future, donning formalwear for prom and celebrating graduation with friends and family. Instead, the Class of 2020 is navigating uncharted territory.A group of 64 seniors from across Kansas have been selected to share their own stories and give guidance to their peers on how to transition from high school to postsecondary plans during the COVID-19 pandemic.Northwest Kansas students include&nbsp;Rhyann Brown, Osborne County USD 392; Taryn Fleckenstein, Golden Plains USD 316; Andrew Foote, Hoxie USD 412; Aubrey Kuhlman, Wallace County USD 241; Ella Roberts, Dighton USD 482; Emily Ryan, Central Plains USD 112; Drew Starbuck, Colby USD 315.; and Alyvia Zeigler, Paradise USD 399.Kansas Commissioner of Education Dr. Randy Watson asked Kansas principals and superintendents for recommendations for the Senior Leaders Conversation group. From that group, 64 seniors were selected, and the first conversation with Kansas State Department of Education staff members took place April 21 via Zoom.“You’re going to give advice on how to navigate through all of this,” Deputy Commissioner Brad Neuenswander told the group. “We are so proud you are here and joining us. You are serving as the voices of our seniors. We need you to help guide us and help seniors.”After an initial welcoming, students were broken into small groups with KSDE staff members facilitating each group.Seniors introduced themselves and shared their future plans and then were asked to share their opinions on various topics, including who is helping them through this difficult time, what barriers they’ve faced and how they’re dealing with the COVID-19 pandemic. They also were asked what they’d like to share with their peers.“Expect anything,” said Alyvia Zeigler, a senior at Paradise Unified School District 399. “Two months ago, I had no idea I’d basically be homeschooled.”There are about 30 students in Zeigler’s entire school, so being away from them is really hard, she said. Zeigler lives on a farm and plans to attend Fort Hays State University to study premedicine. She received her CNA while attending high school.While the pandemic has altered senior plans, there are positive things to consider, too, Zeigler said.“Seniors are in a bad situation,” she said. “But people with the virus have it worse.”Drew Starbuck, a senior at Colby USD 315, said he is using his time to give back to his community. Starbuck’s parents are teachers, and he plans to attend Kansas State University or Seton Hall University to study international relations.“We can’t change the fact that this has drastically changed our senior year,” he said. “When we think about this, it will be a moment in time we’ll always remember.”Many students said they are learning from the experience, and it is preparing them for adulthood and their futures.Conversations with members of the Class of 2020 will continue. A smaller group of students selected from the original group of 64 will be asked to share further conversation with KSDE staff members.The 64 seniors, listed alphabetically by last name, along with their school district, are:<ol>
 <li>Michael Abieta, Hiawatha USD 415.</li><li>Dan Archer, Derby USD 260.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</li><li>Avery Marie Berkley, Waconda USD 272.</li><li>Annie Bogart, De Soto USD 232.</li><li>Rhyann Brown, Osborne County USD 392.</li><li>Kaitlyn Burris, Goddard USD 265.</li><li>Ashley Chandler, Neodesha USD 461.</li><li>Madelynn Collins, Woodson USD 366.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</li><li>Alec Damrell, Columbus USD 493.</li><li>Donna Duong, Winfield USD 465.</li><li>Ethan Fisher, Garden City USD 457.</li><li>Taryn Fleckenstein, Golden Plains USD 316.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</li><li>Andrew Foote, Hoxie USD 412.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</li><li>Haley Forge, Easton USD 449.</li><li>Abby Good, Council Grove USD 417.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</li><li>Alexis Hansen, Republic County USD 109.</li><li>Gene Hanson, Herington USD 487.</li><li>Kaylee Harbour, Skyline USD 438.</li><li>Dalton Helbing, Clearwater USD 264.</li><li>Dylan Helbing, Central USD 462.</li><li>Ronald Heminway, Hutchinson USD 308.</li><li>Hallie Herkelman, Coffeyville USD 445.</li><li>Kallie Hutchinson, El Dorado USD 490.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</li><li>Pooja Jain, Blue Valley USD 229.</li><li>Micah Jacques, Wichita USD 259.</li><li>Aubrey Kuhlman, Wallace County USD 241.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</li><li>Edma Landa, Liberal USD 480.</li><li>Emma Lett, Kaw Valley USD 321.&nbsp;&nbsp;</li><li>Deshon Lewis, Lawrence USD 497.</li><li>Kelly Lonker, Wamego USD 320.</li><li>Alexa Alba-Martinez, Dodge City USD 443.</li><li>Valeria Martinez, Kansas City USD 500.</li><li>Aaran McAlister, Holton USD 336.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</li><li>Morgan McIntire, Gardner USD 231.</li><li>Sloane McKinney, Spring Hill USD 230.</li><li>Alia Michaelis, Andover USD 385.</li><li>Tristan Mikesell, Concordia USD 333.</li><li>Elizabeth Ngatia, Fort Scott USD 234.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</li><li>Eva Dushyant Noble, Seaman USD 345.</li><li>Mason Perez, Fort Larned USD 495.</li><li>Amanda Phanivong, Haysville USD 261.</li><li>Katie Reinert, Rock Hills USD 107.</li><li>Ella Roberts, Dighton USD 482.</li><li>Riley Robinson, Pretty Prairie USD 311.</li><li>Neva Roenne, Jefferson West USD 340.</li><li>Hayden Rogers, Ellsworth USD 327.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</li><li>Yamilet Rojo, Moscow USD 209.</li><li>Emily Ryan, Central Plains USD 112.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</li><li>Cody Savage, Leavenworth USD 453.</li><li>Lucy Schneider, Caldwell USD 360.</li><li>Kameron Schneweis, Hoisington USD 431.</li><li>Annika Senn, Newton USD 373.</li><li>Bailey Sipes, Stanton County USD 452.</li><li>Braxton Smith, Centre USD 397.</li><li>Robbie Stansbury, Lyons USD 405.</li><li>Drew Starbuck, Colby USD 315.</li><li>Kahrie Stegman, Pratt USD 382.</li><li>Cooper Thompson, North Ottawa USD 239.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</li><li>Boyd Tweed, Jefferson County North USD 339.</li><li>Santiago Vasquez, Salina USD 305.</li><li>Sabrina Veith, Cheney USD 268. &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</li><li>Brigid Wentz, Shawnee Mission USD 512.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</li><li>Taylor Wise, Kansas School for the Deaf.</li><li>Alyvia Zeigler, Paradise USD 399.</li>
 </ol>

NW Kan. students serving on Senior Leaders Conversation group

Learning to identify poison ivy is vital if you wish to avoid the rash that accompanies exposure.&nbsp; Unfortunately, poison ivy can make identification difficult because it occurs in three forms: an erect woody shrub, a groundcover that creeps along the ground, and a woody vine that will climb trees.&nbsp;



When poison ivy climbs, it forms numerous aerial roots that give the vine the appearance of a fuzzy rope. The leaves of poison ivy also vary. Though the compound leaf always has three leaflets, the leaf margins may be toothed, incised, lobed or smooth. 

The size of the leaves also can vary, although usually the middle leaflet is larger than the other two. Also, the middle leaflet is the only one with a long stalk; the other two are closely attached to the petiole (leaf stem). 

The number of leaves gives rise to the saying: "Leaves of three, let it be!" Poison ivy is often confused with Virginia creeper or Woodbine. Each of these vines, however, has five leaflets rather than three.

There are three methods commonly used to eradicate poison ivy. These include pulling or grubbing out the plants by hand, cutting off the vine, and then treating the cut stump or the regrowth, and spraying the plants directly. 

The method used depends somewhat on the plant's growth form.&nbsp;

If the plant is growing as a groundcover, direct spray or grubbing the plant out is often used. If grubbing, wear gloves and a long-sleeved shirt. The soil must be moist for grubbing to work well. Wash the clothes and yourself immediately after you finish. It might also be a good idea to rinse the washing machine.&nbsp;



If the plant is in the shrub form, direct spray is the most common control method. If the plant is a woody vine that has climbed a tree, the preferred method is to cut the plant off at the base and treat the sprouts after they emerge. 

Some triclopyr herbicides also have instructions on treating a freshly cut stump directly. Triclopyr (Brush-B-Gon Poison Ivy Killer, Brush Killer Stump Killer) is most often used for poison ivy control. Other herbicides that can be used include glyphosate (Roundup; Killzall Weed and Grass Killer; Nutgrass, Poison Ivy and Vine Killer) or dicamba. Poison ivy is tough. Repeat applications may be necessary.&nbsp;

Lauren Fick is the Horticulture Extension Agent for the Cottonwood Extension District. If you have questions she can be contacted by e-mail at lfick@k-state.edu or by phone at 785-628-9430 or 620-793-1910.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/4/1588003925233.png" alt="Poison Ivy has three large, distinctive leaves. Most people use a saying “leaves of three, let it be” to help identify poison ivy." />
 <figcaption>Poison Ivy has three large, distinctive leaves. Most people use a saying “leaves of three, let it be” to help identify poison ivy.</figcaption>
 </figure>Learning to identify poison ivy is vital if you wish to avoid the rash that accompanies exposure.&nbsp; Unfortunately, poison ivy can make identification difficult because it occurs in three forms: an erect woody shrub, a groundcover that creeps along the ground, and a woody vine that will climb trees.&nbsp;
<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/2/1580750915301.jpeg" alt="Lauren Fick is the Horticulture Extension Agent for the Cottonwood Extension District.&nbsp;" />
 <figcaption>Lauren Fick is the Horticulture Extension Agent for the Cottonwood Extension District.&nbsp;</figcaption>
 </figure>
When poison ivy climbs, it forms numerous aerial roots that give the vine the appearance of a fuzzy rope. The leaves of poison ivy also vary. Though the compound leaf always has three leaflets, the leaf margins may be toothed, incised, lobed or smooth. The size of the leaves also can vary, although usually the middle leaflet is larger than the other two. Also, the middle leaflet is the only one with a long stalk; the other two are closely attached to the petiole (leaf stem). The number of leaves gives rise to the saying: "Leaves of three, let it be!" Poison ivy is often confused with Virginia creeper or Woodbine. Each of these vines, however, has five leaflets rather than three.

There are three methods commonly used to eradicate poison ivy. These include pulling or grubbing out the plants by hand, cutting off the vine, and then treating the cut stump or the regrowth, and spraying the plants directly. The method used depends somewhat on the plant's growth form.&nbsp;

If the plant is growing as a groundcover, direct spray or grubbing the plant out is often used. If grubbing, wear gloves and a long-sleeved shirt. The soil must be moist for grubbing to work well. Wash the clothes and yourself immediately after you finish. It might also be a good idea to rinse the washing machine.&nbsp;

If the plant is in the shrub form, direct spray is the most common control method. If the plant is a woody vine that has climbed a tree, the preferred method is to cut the plant off at the base and treat the sprouts after they emerge. Some triclopyr herbicides also have instructions on treating a freshly cut stump directly. Triclopyr (Brush-B-Gon Poison Ivy Killer, Brush Killer Stump Killer) is most often used for poison ivy control. Other herbicides that can be used include glyphosate (Roundup; Killzall Weed and Grass Killer; Nutgrass, Poison Ivy and Vine Killer) or dicamba. Poison ivy is tough. Repeat applications may be necessary.&nbsp;Lauren Fick is the Horticulture Extension Agent for the Cottonwood Extension District. If you have questions she can be contacted by e-mail at lfick@k-state.edu or by phone at 785-628-9430 or 620-793-1910.&nbsp;

FICK: Poison ivy identification and control

Three-day weather outlook

Join Hays Post reporter James Bell and Grow Hays Executive Director Doug Williams for a live chat about the current developments with the COVID-19 business relief efforts.

During the conversation, we will take questions live and also invite questions in advance. 

Questions can be sent to&nbsp;thehayspostpodcast@gmail.com.

<a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/5e879d1eeb7f17053601a319">Part 1 of this limited series can be found by clicking here.</a>

<a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/5e978a47eb7f17053602a2d5">Part 2 can be found here.</a>

<figure>
 <iframe width="560" height="315" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/dv2Ze0MyqDI"></iframe>
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Join Hays Post reporter James Bell and Grow Hays Executive Director Doug Williams for a live chat about the current developments with the COVID-19 business relief efforts.During the conversation, we will take questions live and also invite questions in advance. Questions can be sent to&nbsp;thehayspostpodcast@gmail.com.<a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/5e879d1eeb7f17053601a319">Part 1 of this limited series can be found by clicking here.</a><a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/5e978a47eb7f17053602a2d5">Part 2 can be found here.</a>

🎥LIVE: Navigating the COVID-19 Economic Response

April 30 is a fifth Thursday of the month. Therefore, there won’t be a Hays City Commission work session that evening.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/3/1584721067731.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>City of HaysApril 30 is a fifth Thursday of the month. Therefore, there won’t be a Hays City Commission work session that evening.

No Hays City Commission work session Thursday

Ellis County Health Department

New cases: 0 Current active cases: 2 Recovered cases: 6 Total cases: 8

New cases: As reported by KDHE. Will be updated every 24 hours via press release from ECHD.

Active cases: As determined by the Public Health office. Patients are currently in isolation with daily contact from the ECHD.

Recovered cases: Following KDHE guidelines patients have completed isolation, have had significant improvement of symptoms and have gone 72 hours fever free with no fever-reducing medication.

Total cases: Total number of lab-confirmed Covid-19 patients that reside in Ellis County.

Includes both active cases and recovered cases.

Many have noticed the inconsistency between KDHE and ECHD numbers. 

KDHE has determined that a problem exists between some private labs and the KDHE lab. This does not impact notification to the ECHD. 

We are notified of all positives and begin the contact tracing immediately. 

Ellis County Health Department is the most up to date and accurate source of information regarding COVID-19 cases in Ellis County. Follow us on Facebook to ensure that you have current and correct information.

Residents and visitors of Ellis County need to remain diligent in social distancing as well as basic precautions like washing your hands, covering your cough and staying home when you are ill.

Continue to follow and understand guidance provided by CDC, KDHE and ECHD. Make the individual choice to protect yourself and others around you.

Stay informed as information changes frequently. For more information, visit <a href="http://www.cdc.gov/COVID19">www.cdc.gov/COVID19</a> or <a href="http://www.kdheks.gov">www.kdheks.gov</a>/. Call the KDHE phone bank at 1-866-534-3463 (1-866-KDHEINF) Monday – Friday, 8 a.m.–5 p.m. or ECHD at 628-9440.

Ellis County Health DepartmentNew cases: 0 Current active cases: 2 Recovered cases: 6 Total cases: 8New cases: As reported by KDHE. Will be updated every 24 hours via press release from ECHD.Active cases: As determined by the Public Health office. Patients are currently in isolation with daily contact from the ECHD.Recovered cases: Following KDHE guidelines patients have completed isolation, have had significant improvement of symptoms and have gone 72 hours fever free with no fever-reducing medication.Total cases: Total number of lab-confirmed Covid-19 patients that reside in Ellis County.Includes both active cases and recovered cases.Many have noticed the inconsistency between KDHE and ECHD numbers. KDHE has determined that a problem exists between some private labs and the KDHE lab. This does not impact notification to the ECHD. We are notified of all positives and begin the contact tracing immediately. Ellis County Health Department is the most up to date and accurate source of information regarding COVID-19 cases in Ellis County. Follow us on Facebook to ensure that you have current and correct information.Residents and visitors of Ellis County need to remain diligent in social distancing as well as basic precautions like washing your hands, covering your cough and staying home when you are ill.Continue to follow and understand guidance provided by CDC, KDHE and ECHD. Make the individual choice to protect yourself and others around you.Stay informed as information changes frequently. For more information, visit <a href="http://www.cdc.gov/COVID19">www.cdc.gov/COVID19</a> or <a href="http://www.kdheks.gov">www.kdheks.gov</a>/. Call the KDHE phone bank at 1-866-534-3463 (1-866-KDHEINF) Monday – Friday, 8 a.m.–5 p.m. or ECHD at 628-9440.

Active COVID-19 cases in Ellis County drops by two

4-H and FFA kids across our listening and viewing area, have been 
working diligently all year long to have the chance to show off their 
hard work this summer in the show ring. 

Vanderbilt's of Hays 
knows that the time in the show ring is only a small part of the 
experience but these kids love to compete and they deserve to be 
recognized for their hard work. One honorable male and female will be 
randomly chosen on May 15th to win a Head to Toe Ariat apparel pack 
courtesy of Vanderbilt's of Hays. 

Submit your photo of your kiddos doing their hard work for their chance to win.

<div>  <script src="https://embed-689181.secondstreetapp.com/Scripts/dist/embed.js" data-ss-embed="promotion" data-opguid="513c0e00-9aab-4325-8adc-6ac11f7b5a62" data-routing="hash">/**/</script></div>4-H and FFA kids across our listening and viewing area, have been 
working diligently all year long to have the chance to show off their 
hard work this summer in the show ring. Vanderbilt's of Hays 
knows that the time in the show ring is only a small part of the 
experience but these kids love to compete and they deserve to be 
recognized for their hard work. One honorable male and female will be 
randomly chosen on May 15th to win a Head to Toe Ariat apparel pack 
courtesy of Vanderbilt's of Hays. Submit your photo of your kiddos doing their hard work for their chance to win.

Vanderbilt's presents: 4-H, FFA photo contest

Cheyenne County Health Department&nbsp;

Cheyenne County–The Cheyenne County Health Department is announcing the second case of coronavirus disease (COVID-19) in the county.&nbsp;

The case involves a male between the ages of 55-64 and remains isolated at home. The Cheyenne County Health Department is working to identify all close contacts of this individual and those who were exposed are being contacted. We have provided instruction to these case contacts to monitor for symptoms of COVID-19, to include fever and respiratory symptoms. &nbsp;No further information about the patient will be released.

KDHE has released guidelines (<a href="http://www.kdheks.gov/coronavirus/COVID-19_Resource_Center.htm">http://www.kdheks.gov/coronavirus/COVID-19_Resource_Center.htm</a>&nbsp;for quarantine and isolation of travelers who visited locations in the United States where large numbers of people have contracted the disease. These guidelines are available on our website at Cheyennecountyhealth.com and our Facebook page.

Please adhere to the following recommendations:

• Avoid non-essential trips and stay home to the extent you can.

• Follow all recommendations regarding self-quarantine&nbsp;

• Avoid large gatherings (groups of more than 10)

• If you do need to go out in public, ensure you maintain six feet distance from other people.

Cheyenne County residents can stay informed regarding COVID-19 by visiting the County Health Department’s website at&nbsp;<a href="http://www.cheyennecountyhealth.com/">www.cheyennecountyhealth.com</a>&nbsp;or the Cheyenne County Health Department Facebook Page, or County Residents may obtain information from&nbsp;<a href="http://www.kdheks.gov/coronavirus">www.kdheks.gov/coronavirus</a>&nbsp;or&nbsp;<a href="http://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus">http://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus</a>.

For general information, contact the KDHE phone bank at 1-866-534-3463 (1-866-KDHEINF) or email&nbsp;<a href="mailto:COVID-19@ks.gov">COVID-19@ks.gov</a>&nbsp;. You may also contact the County Health Department information line at 785-332-8858 or 785-332-2381.

Cheyenne County Health Department&nbsp;Cheyenne County–The Cheyenne County Health Department is announcing the second case of coronavirus disease (COVID-19) in the county.&nbsp;The case involves a male between the ages of 55-64 and remains isolated at home. The Cheyenne County Health Department is working to identify all close contacts of this individual and those who were exposed are being contacted. We have provided instruction to these case contacts to monitor for symptoms of COVID-19, to include fever and respiratory symptoms. &nbsp;No further information about the patient will be released.KDHE has released guidelines (<a href="http://www.kdheks.gov/coronavirus/COVID-19_Resource_Center.htm">http://www.kdheks.gov/coronavirus/COVID-19_Resource_Center.htm</a>&nbsp;for quarantine and isolation of travelers who visited locations in the United States where large numbers of people have contracted the disease. These guidelines are available on our website at Cheyennecountyhealth.com and our Facebook page.Please adhere to the following recommendations:• Avoid non-essential trips and stay home to the extent you can.• Follow all recommendations regarding self-quarantine&nbsp;• Avoid large gatherings (groups of more than 10)• If you do need to go out in public, ensure you maintain six feet distance from other people.Cheyenne County residents can stay informed regarding COVID-19 by visiting the County Health Department’s website at&nbsp;<a href="http://www.cheyennecountyhealth.com/">www.cheyennecountyhealth.com</a>&nbsp;or the Cheyenne County Health Department Facebook Page, or County Residents may obtain information from&nbsp;<a href="http://www.kdheks.gov/coronavirus">www.kdheks.gov/coronavirus</a>&nbsp;or&nbsp;<a href="http://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus">http://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus</a>.For general information, contact the KDHE phone bank at 1-866-534-3463 (1-866-KDHEINF) or email&nbsp;<a href="mailto:COVID-19@ks.gov">COVID-19@ks.gov</a>&nbsp;. You may also contact the County Health Department information line at 785-332-8858 or 785-332-2381.

Second case of COVID-19 identified in Cheyenne Co.

The City of Russell suspended utility disconnects for non-payment until May 1, as
customers and the community faced potential hardship from coronavirus.


With the uncertainty of the coronavirus and the financial difficulties some customers
may face during this time, the suspension of utility disconnects for non-payment is
extended to May 31. This temporary moratorium ensures that the City of Russell’s
utility customers will not be disconnected for non-payment.


The CDC and KDHE recommend limiting person-to-person contact amid coronavirus in
our community. As a result, we want to highlight various bill payment options available
to customers. If you typically pay in person, there are a couple of alternate methods you
can use. These include:


<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/4/1588185212653.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>City of RussellThe City of Russell suspended utility disconnects for non-payment until May 1, as
customers and the community faced potential hardship from coronavirus.
With the uncertainty of the coronavirus and the financial difficulties some customers
may face during this time, the suspension of utility disconnects for non-payment is
extended to May 31. This temporary moratorium ensures that the City of Russell’s
utility customers will not be disconnected for non-payment.
The CDC and KDHE recommend limiting person-to-person contact amid coronavirus in
our community. As a result, we want to highlight various bill payment options available
to customers. If you typically pay in person, there are a couple of alternate methods you
can use. These include:
<ol>
 <li>Online at www.russellcity.org – available 24 hours a day, seven days a week
using a credit card. Payments are posted the next day.

						</li><li>By phone – dial 785.483.6311, using a credit card

						</li><li>Auto-withdrawal – automatic check withdrawal allows your payment to be made
from your savings or checking account monthly. Call 785.483.6311 for more
information.

						</li><li>DropBox – available 24 hours a day, seven days a week, there is a dropbox on
the south side of the city building, 133 W. 8th Street.
Customers are encouraged to stay current with their utility bills to avoid getting too far
behind. Customers who are financially impacted by COVID-19 can discuss making
payment arrangements by calling the City Clerk’s Office at 785.483.6311.

						</li>
 </ol>

City of Russell extends utility disconnection moratorium

By CRISTINA JANNEY Hays Post

Breathe Coffee House launched the Can We Just Talk program last fall as a means to give people an informal way to talk to someone about things that matter.

The program was aimed in part to take some strain off of Fort Hays State University's Kelly Center, which had seen a sharp increase in students seeking mental health assistance.

<a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/5de92492950c9f4854f753f8">SEE RELATED STORY: Can We Just Talk? connects strangers with those needing caring listeners</a>

The program also sought to destigmatize mental illness and make it easier to get help.

Then the coronavirus outbreak occurred.&nbsp;

Students in FHSU's Leadership 310 class were tasked with finding a way for the program to continue when people couldn't physically get together to talk.

The students developed the idea of the Big Zoom. Breathe founder Patrick McGinnis and the Leadership 310 students will be hosting two Zoom meetings aimed at giving people an opportunity to learn more about mental health and empathic listening.

They will be at 8 p.m. Thursday and 11 a.m. Saturday. The Zoom login information for the Thursday meeting is&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsu.zoom.us/j/99923059325" target="_blank">https://fhsu.zoom.us/j/99923059325</a>&nbsp;Meeting ID: 999 2305 9325 Password: 458997

The Zoom login information for the Saturday meeting is&nbsp;&nbsp;<a href="https://www.google.com/url?q=https%3A%2F%2Ffhsu.zoom.us%2Fj%2F94655417900%3Fpwd%3DVVVFZE5ueFVOMmpDaG5RaVAxb3EvUT09&amp;sa=D&amp;ust=1588081826297000&amp;usg=AOvVaw38mQqSh54cvctm8Iv9Myxz" target="_blank">https://fhsu.zoom.us/j/94655417900?pwd=VVVFZE5ueFVOMmpDaG5RaVAxb3EvUT09</a>&nbsp;Meeting ID: 946 5541 7900

Password: 793579

Micayla Gutierrez, a sophomore in biology, is one of the students coordinating the project. Last fall, Micayla served as both a listener and a talker in the Can We Just Talk? program.

Her mother died by suicide last summer. She said participating in the program has both helped her work through her grief and given her a feeling she is helping prevent what happened to her mother from happening to someone else.

Working through mental health concerns have been more difficult for&nbsp;Gutierrez and others since the stay-at-home order was put in place at the end of March.

"I think they have," Gutierrez said. "They just don’t have the human contact. They have been trapped in their houses. It has been harder."

Gutierrez said the isolation has been difficult, but she is finding ways to cope.

"Thank goodness for Facetime," she said. "Otherwise, I would be stuck in the house doing homework. It definitely has been a little more difficult."

The students will give a PowerPoint presentation, but the event is also meant to spark community dialogue.

Because the event is being conducted online, it is open to the community and FHSU students and faculty, even those who have gone home to other communities.

Up to 100 people can be on the Zoom meeting at one time.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/6/1560348672679.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>By CRISTINA JANNEY Hays PostBreathe Coffee House launched the Can We Just Talk program last fall as a means to give people an informal way to talk to someone about things that matter.The program was aimed in part to take some strain off of Fort Hays State University's Kelly Center, which had seen a sharp increase in students seeking mental health assistance.<a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/5de92492950c9f4854f753f8">SEE RELATED STORY: Can We Just Talk? connects strangers with those needing caring listeners</a>The program also sought to destigmatize mental illness and make it easier to get help.Then the coronavirus outbreak occurred.&nbsp;Students in FHSU's Leadership 310 class were tasked with finding a way for the program to continue when people couldn't physically get together to talk.The students developed the idea of the Big Zoom. Breathe founder Patrick McGinnis and the Leadership 310 students will be hosting two Zoom meetings aimed at giving people an opportunity to learn more about mental health and empathic listening.They will be at 8 p.m. Thursday and 11 a.m. Saturday. The Zoom login information for the Thursday meeting is&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsu.zoom.us/j/99923059325" target="_blank">https://fhsu.zoom.us/j/99923059325</a>&nbsp;Meeting ID: 999 2305 9325 Password: 458997The Zoom login information for the Saturday meeting is&nbsp;&nbsp;<a href="https://www.google.com/url?q=https%3A%2F%2Ffhsu.zoom.us%2Fj%2F94655417900%3Fpwd%3DVVVFZE5ueFVOMmpDaG5RaVAxb3EvUT09&amp;sa=D&amp;ust=1588081826297000&amp;usg=AOvVaw38mQqSh54cvctm8Iv9Myxz" target="_blank">https://fhsu.zoom.us/j/94655417900?pwd=VVVFZE5ueFVOMmpDaG5RaVAxb3EvUT09</a>&nbsp;Meeting ID: 946 5541 7900

Password: 793579Micayla Gutierrez, a sophomore in biology, is one of the students coordinating the project. Last fall, Micayla served as both a listener and a talker in the Can We Just Talk? program.Her mother died by suicide last summer. She said participating in the program has both helped her work through her grief and given her a feeling she is helping prevent what happened to her mother from happening to someone else.Working through mental health concerns have been more difficult for&nbsp;Gutierrez and others since the stay-at-home order was put in place at the end of March."I think they have," Gutierrez said. "They just don’t have the human contact. They have been trapped in their houses. It has been harder."Gutierrez said the isolation has been difficult, but she is finding ways to cope."Thank goodness for Facetime," she said. "Otherwise, I would be stuck in the house doing homework. It definitely has been a little more difficult."The students will give a PowerPoint presentation, but the event is also meant to spark community dialogue.Because the event is being conducted online, it is open to the community and FHSU students and faculty, even those who have gone home to other communities.Up to 100 people can be on the Zoom meeting at one time.

Big Zoom to serve as platform for mental health awareness

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/QTkpSf3RiTs"></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: Pastor Leslie Radius

A mobile COVID-19 testing initiative launched in Kansas to set-up drive-thru sites in certain communities that haven’t had access to testing is underway, according to a media release.

Mobile units will travel to &nbsp;Butler, Scott, Rooks, Reno and Saline County on a rotating basis each week to test those who are exhibiting symptoms of COVID-19. In addition, all health care providers and first responders can be tested whether or not they are exhibiting symptoms. An appointment for testing can be made at&nbsp;<a href="https://www.doineedacovid19test.com">www.DoINeedaCOVID19test.com</a>, but on-site scheduling also will be available. The site is supported by Walmart,&nbsp;eTrueNorth and state officials.

“Testing is important to re-opening the country and the state, and we are thankful to Walmart and eTrueNorth for working with us to bring mobile testing to communities in need of more testing,” Kansas Governor Laura Kelly said. “As we prepare to implement less restrictive measures, we know we will still be working to overcome the pandemic for the next 12 to18 months, so widespread testing will be a key part of our ability to support our economy and our state.”

“Walmart is committed to supporting the state of Kansas’ efforts to expand COVID-19 testing, especially in communities that have had limited access to testing,” Ryan Irsik, Walmart Public Affairs Director for Kansas, said. “We are grateful to our pharmacists and associates who are supporting these testing sites, and to&nbsp;eTrueNorth and state and county officials as we work together to open sites that will help Kansans access timely testing.”

Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays each week; 10 a.m. – 3 p.m. weather permitting. State Fairgrounds, 2000 N. Popular St., Hutchinson.&nbsp;

Mondays, Tuesdays and Wednesdays each week; 10 a.m. – 3 p.m. weather permitting. El Dorado State Park, 618 NE Bluestem Road, El Dorado.&nbsp;

Mondays and Tuesdays each week; 10 a.m. – 3 p.m., weather permitting. Scott Lake State Park, 101 West Scott Lake Drive, Scott City.&nbsp;

Wednesdays and Thursdays each week; 10 a.m. – 3 p.m., weather permitting. Webster State Park, 1140 10 Rd., Stockton.&nbsp;

Fridays and Saturdays each week; 10 a.m. – 3 p.m. weather permitting. KHP Training Academy, 2025 East Iron Avenue, Salina.

The drive-thru site will test&nbsp;anyone who may be exhibiting symptoms of the virus. In addition, the site is available to all health care workers and first responders, whether or not they are exhibiting symptoms.

Appointments must be made through&nbsp;eTrueNorth’s online portal at&nbsp;<a href="http://www.DoINeedaCOVID19test.com">www.DoINeedaCOVID19test.com</a>, which will screen individuals to ensure they meet&nbsp;CDC eligibility for testing. On-site scheduling will be available for those who are not able to schedule online. For questions regarding testing, call 800-635-8611.

Those being tested will need to stay in their cars for verification of eligibility criteria, ID check and self-administered test. For the safety of all those on-site, the test site is not available to walk-ups; those being tested must be in a car.

The site will use a self-administered nasal swab test that will allow those being tested to swab their own nose onsite while in their vehicles, observed by a trained medical professional to ensure the sample is taken correctly, and then dropped in the sealed sample into a container on their way out of the drive-through site.

eTrueNorth, a contractor of the U.S. Department of&nbsp;Health and Human Services&nbsp;(HHS, will handle processing test samples and communicating results to those tested and applicable Departments of Health.

The site will be staffed by volunteers, including Walmart healthcare professionals and&nbsp;eTrueNorth team members.. While individuals who are tested are awaiting results, please follow&nbsp;CDC guidelines&nbsp;and take steps to help prevent the virus from spreading to people in your home and community.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/4/1588174331940.png" alt="Photo courtesy eTruth North" />
 <figcaption>Photo courtesy eTruth North</figcaption>
 </figure>A mobile COVID-19 testing initiative launched in Kansas to set-up drive-thru sites in certain communities that haven’t had access to testing is underway, according to a media release.Mobile units will travel to &nbsp;Butler, Scott, Rooks, Reno and Saline County on a rotating basis each week to test those who are exhibiting symptoms of COVID-19. In addition, all health care providers and first responders can be tested whether or not they are exhibiting symptoms. An appointment for testing can be made at&nbsp;<a href="https://www.doineedacovid19test.com">www.DoINeedaCOVID19test.com</a>, but on-site scheduling also will be available. The site is supported by Walmart,&nbsp;eTrueNorth and state officials.“Testing is important to re-opening the country and the state, and we are thankful to Walmart and eTrueNorth for working with us to bring mobile testing to communities in need of more testing,” Kansas Governor Laura Kelly said. “As we prepare to implement less restrictive measures, we know we will still be working to overcome the pandemic for the next 12 to18 months, so widespread testing will be a key part of our ability to support our economy and our state.”“Walmart is committed to supporting the state of Kansas’ efforts to expand COVID-19 testing, especially in communities that have had limited access to testing,” Ryan Irsik, Walmart Public Affairs Director for Kansas, said. “We are grateful to our pharmacists and associates who are supporting these testing sites, and to&nbsp;eTrueNorth and state and county officials as we work together to open sites that will help Kansans access timely testing.”COVID-19 testing scheduleReno County:Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays each week; 10 a.m. – 3 p.m. weather permitting. State Fairgrounds, 2000 N. Popular St., Hutchinson.&nbsp;Butler County:Mondays, Tuesdays and Wednesdays each week; 10 a.m. – 3 p.m. weather permitting. El Dorado State Park, 618 NE Bluestem Road, El Dorado.&nbsp;Scott County:Mondays and Tuesdays each week; 10 a.m. – 3 p.m., weather permitting. Scott Lake State Park, 101 West Scott Lake Drive, Scott City.&nbsp;Rooks County:Wednesdays and Thursdays each week; 10 a.m. – 3 p.m., weather permitting. Webster State Park, 1140 10 Rd., Stockton.&nbsp;Saline County:Fridays and Saturdays each week; 10 a.m. – 3 p.m. weather permitting. KHP Training Academy, 2025 East Iron Avenue, Salina.Additional testing information:The drive-thru site will test&nbsp;anyone who may be exhibiting symptoms of the virus. In addition, the site is available to all health care workers and first responders, whether or not they are exhibiting symptoms.Appointments must be made through&nbsp;eTrueNorth’s online portal at&nbsp;<a href="http://www.DoINeedaCOVID19test.com">www.DoINeedaCOVID19test.com</a>, which will screen individuals to ensure they meet&nbsp;CDC eligibility for testing. On-site scheduling will be available for those who are not able to schedule online. For questions regarding testing, call 800-635-8611.Those being tested will need to stay in their cars for verification of eligibility criteria, ID check and self-administered test. For the safety of all those on-site, the test site is not available to walk-ups; those being tested must be in a car.The site will use a self-administered nasal swab test that will allow those being tested to swab their own nose onsite while in their vehicles, observed by a trained medical professional to ensure the sample is taken correctly, and then dropped in the sealed sample into a container on their way out of the drive-through site.eTrueNorth, a contractor of the U.S. Department of&nbsp;Health and Human Services&nbsp;(HHS, will handle processing test samples and communicating results to those tested and applicable Departments of Health.The site will be staffed by volunteers, including Walmart healthcare professionals and&nbsp;eTrueNorth team members.. While individuals who are tested are awaiting results, please follow&nbsp;CDC guidelines&nbsp;and take steps to help prevent the virus from spreading to people in your home and community.

Drive-through virus testing expansion includes Rooks Co.

By CRISTINA JANNEY Hays Post&nbsp;

The Hays USD 489 food service program has served 21,000 breakfasts and lunches to local children since schools were shut down in the wake of the COVID-19 crisis.

Jessica Younker, USD 489 Nutrition Services director, gave a report on the grab-and-go meal program during the school board meeting Monday night.&nbsp;

The school board met via Zoom because of social distancing requirements.

The district is averaging 1,200 to 1,500 meals per day between its three distribution locations — Hays High School, Hays Middle School and Lincoln Elementary School.

The program had to temporarily shutdown last week after an employee tested positive for COVID-19.

Younker thanked the community organizations as well as local restaurants that offered free or reduced-price meals for children last week.

The district is continuing to practice precautions against spread of COVID-19.&nbsp;

"Obviously, employee safety is our No. 1 priority," Younker said.

Employees and volunteers are wearing masks and staying 6 feet apart whenever possible, Younker said. The district takes the temperature of staff when they report to work and asks them to verify they are not feeling ill.

The kitchen staff is doing some shift work with some workers doing prep work in the afternoons to reduce the number of people in kitchens at one time, Younker said.

Deliveries to the kitchens have also been no contact.

"We are doing some extra disinfecting procedures in our kitchens," Younker said. "We are doing everything we can to keep people safe but still make sure we get the kids fed."

The district had planned to serve its meals for its Summer Lunch Program at the Hays Public Library.

However, as the date to launch that program comes closer, Younker said it looks less likely meals will be served at the library.

The district will have free summer lunches, but what that will look like has not been determined. Continuation of the grab-and-go meals is an option.

Board members thanked both the food service workers and the community for their help in feeding the children of the community.

"You would not know it, but this is a lot more work than normal school, and we are doing it with less people," Younker said. "We have had a lot of challenges, but I really proud of [the staff]."

Principals, teachers and board members have also volunteered to serve meals, and Younker thanked all of the volunteers.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/4/1588092162052.jpeg" alt="Volunteers hand out grab-and-go meals from the USD 489 food service program." />
 <figcaption>Volunteers hand out grab-and-go meals from the USD 489 food service program.</figcaption>
 </figure>By CRISTINA JANNEY Hays Post&nbsp;The Hays USD 489 food service program has served 21,000 breakfasts and lunches to local children since schools were shut down in the wake of the COVID-19 crisis.Jessica Younker, USD 489 Nutrition Services director, gave a report on the grab-and-go meal program during the school board meeting Monday night.&nbsp;The school board met via Zoom because of social distancing requirements.The district is averaging 1,200 to 1,500 meals per day between its three distribution locations — Hays High School, Hays Middle School and Lincoln Elementary School.The program had to temporarily shutdown last week after an employee tested positive for COVID-19.Younker thanked the community organizations as well as local restaurants that offered free or reduced-price meals for children last week.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/4/1588092418384.png" alt="Volunteers pack grab-and-go meals for USD 489." />
 <figcaption>Volunteers pack grab-and-go meals for USD 489.</figcaption>
 </figure>The district is continuing to practice precautions against spread of COVID-19.&nbsp;"Obviously, employee safety is our No. 1 priority," Younker said.Employees and volunteers are wearing masks and staying 6 feet apart whenever possible, Younker said. The district takes the temperature of staff when they report to work and asks them to verify they are not feeling ill.The kitchen staff is doing some shift work with some workers doing prep work in the afternoons to reduce the number of people in kitchens at one time, Younker said.Deliveries to the kitchens have also been no contact."We are doing some extra disinfecting procedures in our kitchens," Younker said. "We are doing everything we can to keep people safe but still make sure we get the kids fed."<h2>Summer Lunch Program</h2>The district had planned to serve its meals for its Summer Lunch Program at the Hays Public Library.However, as the date to launch that program comes closer, Younker said it looks less likely meals will be served at the library.The district will have free summer lunches, but what that will look like has not been determined. Continuation of the grab-and-go meals is an option.Board members thanked both the food service workers and the community for their help in feeding the children of the community."You would not know it, but this is a lot more work than normal school, and we are doing it with less people," Younker said. "We have had a lot of challenges, but I really proud of [the staff]."Principals, teachers and board members have also volunteered to serve meals, and Younker thanked all of the volunteers.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/4/1587764051837.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>

Hays USD 489 food service serves 21,000 grab-and-go meals

By BECKY KISER Hays Post

Residential water consumption in Hays during March was flat while business consumption was up 16 percent, according to the March financial statement presented to city commissioners last week by Kim Rupp, Hays financial director.

"The numbers translate to&nbsp;a 6.9 percent increase in combined water&nbsp;revenue when compared to a year ago," Rupp reported. "The year-to-date water and conservation revenue is up 7.2 percent," he added.

Holly Dickman, water conservation specialist for the city of Hays, is confident residential water use has increased since the stay-at-home order by Kansas Gov. Laura Kelly was issued March 28 to slow the spread of COVID-19.

"I think with people being at home, in general we're seeing a little bit of an increase in consumption at home," Dickman said.

"Personally, I'm washing a lot more dishes," she laughed.&nbsp;

Many people are working from home, so there's more toilet flushing. They may be cooking more meals at home — for the entire family. There is also more hand washing — a top recommendation for removing germs by everyone from the national Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the Kansas Department of Health and Environment to local health care workers.

Dickman has several tips for reducing household water use which are available on the department's social media sites and <a href="https://www.haysusa.com/160/Water-Conservation">web page.</a>

"Make sure that dishwasher is full before you run it. If you're washing dishes by hand, have a full sink of dishwater and a rinse basin so you're not running the faucet constantly while you're washing those dishes.

"Teach your kids to make sure the faucet is shut completely off after they're done washing their hands.

"When you do wash your hands, it's always a good idea to wet them, get some soap, shut the water off and scrub for 20 seconds.&nbsp;Then turn the water back on and rinse.

Dickman pointed out the water saving tips should be used at all times, including limiting showers to five minutes and shutting off the water while brushing your teeth.

The U.S. Drought Monitor released April 23&nbsp;shows dry conditions continuing to expand in central and western Kansas, with drought conditions expanding slightly in southwest Kansas and abnormally dry conditions spreading to north-central Kansas.&nbsp;

Nearly all of Ellis County is abnormally dry and April has been a dry month in Hays.&nbsp;&nbsp;

According to official records from the K-State Agricultural Research Center, only 0.47 inches of moisture had been recorded through April 27. The monthly average is 2.11 inches by the end of April.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/2/1582900087858.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>By BECKY KISER Hays PostResidential water consumption in Hays during March was flat while business consumption was up 16 percent, according to the March financial statement presented to city commissioners last week by Kim Rupp, Hays financial director."The numbers translate to&nbsp;a 6.9 percent increase in combined water&nbsp;revenue when compared to a year ago," Rupp reported. "The year-to-date water and conservation revenue is up 7.2 percent," he added.Holly Dickman, water conservation specialist for the city of Hays, is confident residential water use has increased since the stay-at-home order by Kansas Gov. Laura Kelly was issued March 28 to slow the spread of COVID-19."I think with people being at home, in general we're seeing a little bit of an increase in consumption at home," Dickman said."Personally, I'm washing a lot more dishes," she laughed.&nbsp;Many people are working from home, so there's more toilet flushing. They may be cooking more meals at home — for the entire family. There is also more hand washing — a top recommendation for removing germs by everyone from the national Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the Kansas Department of Health and Environment to local health care workers.Dickman has several tips for reducing household water use which are available on the department's social media sites and <a href="https://www.haysusa.com/160/Water-Conservation">web page.</a><figure>
 <iframe width="560" height="315" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/s5iwP1ZxXOk"></iframe>
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>"Make sure that dishwasher is full before you run it. If you're washing dishes by hand, have a full sink of dishwater and a rinse basin so you're not running the faucet constantly while you're washing those dishes."Teach your kids to make sure the faucet is shut completely off after they're done washing their hands."When you do wash your hands, it's always a good idea to wet them, get some soap, shut the water off and scrub for 20 seconds.&nbsp;Then turn the water back on and rinse.Dickman pointed out the water saving tips should be used at all times, including limiting showers to five minutes and shutting off the water while brushing your teeth.The U.S. Drought Monitor released April 23&nbsp;shows dry conditions continuing to expand in central and western Kansas, with drought conditions expanding slightly in southwest Kansas and abnormally dry conditions spreading to north-central Kansas.&nbsp;Nearly all of Ellis County is abnormally dry and April has been a dry month in Hays.&nbsp;&nbsp;According to official records from the K-State Agricultural Research Center, only 0.47 inches of moisture had been recorded through April 27. The monthly average is 2.11 inches by the end of April.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/4/1588092904747.jpeg" alt="All but the extreme southeast corner of Ellis County is abnormally dry, according to the U.S. Drought Monitor." />
 <figcaption>All but the extreme southeast corner of Ellis County is abnormally dry, according to the U.S. Drought Monitor.</figcaption>
 </figure>

🎥 DICKMAN: Residential water use increases during stay-at-home order

By DIANE GASPER-O'BRIEN, FHSU University Relations and Marketing&nbsp;

Fort Hays State University senior Katie Youngers said she will never forget an invaluable lesson she learned from one of her professors: One of the best qualities a teacher can exhibit is adaptability.&nbsp;

Youngers and fellow classmates have taken that philosophy to heart, and like any resourceful teacher, passed it on.&nbsp;

An elementary education major, Youngers and other students in Dr. Sarah Broman Miller’s teacher education practicum class this semester are making a difference in people’s lives while learning a lot themselves. Those students joined a criminal justice class taught by Dr. April Terry in a unique undergraduate literacy project that involves reading books to inmates at the Topeka Correctional Facility, the&nbsp;only state women’s prison in Kansas.&nbsp;

The 31 students&nbsp;are working with 10 incarcerated mothers and two grandmothers on a literacy project which will improve the inmates’ basic reading skills and help them connect with their loved ones through reading.&nbsp;

The students continued the project even after the COVID-19 pandemic prompted FHSU to send students home from campus to continue their coursework online for the rest of the semester.&nbsp;

The elementary education majors record their book readings, modeling to the inmates what good reading looks like. They send their recordings to Dr. Broman Miller, who then forwards them to the correctional facility.&nbsp;

“I have learned that there are so many different ways of being a good teacher, rather than the traditional classroom setting,” said Youngers, a senior from Benton, a small town near Wichita.&nbsp;

The transition to online learning was nothing new for Jennifer Hutzel, who is pursuing her elementary education degree from FHSU online from Pleasant Hill, Mo.&nbsp;

Hutzel, the mother of four children ages 14 to 20, is a non-traditional student and admitted she was a little apprehensive at first about pursuing her degree online.&nbsp;

Hutzel’s &nbsp;husband, Adam, is a special education teacher who earned his master’s degree online from FHSU, so she decided to give it a try. By the time the read aloud program was introduced to Hutzel, she had conquered her fears of learning in a different way than was customary to her, and she is set to do her student teaching in the fall of 2020.&nbsp;

The pilot project with the correctional facility started through the collaborative efforts of Drs. Broman Miller and Terry. While tossing around ideas at a leadership conference last spring, they came up with the research project that would benefit the inmate population through a read aloud program.&nbsp;

Drs. Broman Miller and Terry wrote a research grant to fund the purchase of Hallmark recordable books for the inmates and plan to carry on the project next year as well.&nbsp;

One of Terry’s students, Christian Rivas, headed up the research piece of the project. A criminal justice major from Great Bend, Rivas is in charge of assessing the participants and helping Terry enter data about the inmates.&nbsp;

“Being able to start with a simple concept and apply it to the real world, trying to help other people, was so rewarding,” said Rivas, whose project was featured in FHSU’s annual Scholarly and Activities Day.&nbsp;

While switching the project to online presented different challenges, Rivas said he learned a lot he otherwise might not have had the opportunity to experience.&nbsp;

“Being able to adapt when we are facing adversity is huge,” he said. “We learned to go with what we were given and make the best of it.”&nbsp;

The students originally planned to return to Topeka the end of this month to help the inmates record themselves reading a Hallmark recordable book for their loved ones, but that face-to-face meeting was canceled. Dr. Broman Miller and Terry are hopeful they will be able to make that trip themselves this summer. Those books then will be delivered to the inmates’ children and grandchildren.&nbsp;

“I think this is a really important project, being able to bridge that social connection for the inmates, especially right now,” Dr. Broman Miller said. “It’s a really good way to help people who already are experiencing a lot of trauma and give them some hope.”&nbsp;

Dr. Broman Miller already has seen signs of hope as she has received thank-you notes from some of the inmates for including them in the project.&nbsp;

Although Youngers was disappointed her class wasn’t able to help the inmates record themselves reading, she said the experience had a powerful effect on her. And she will proudly carry those lessons into her teaching career.&nbsp;

“I think a lot of joy came out of this for those inmates,” she said. “This has been the most surprising semester ever, and I will never forget what I have learned from my professors and experiences at Fort Hays State.”&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/4/1588004005818.png" alt="FHSU elementary education major Jennifer Hutzel, Parkville, Mo., records herself reading “The Lion King” as part of a collaborative read aloud project with the Topeka Correctional Facility." />
 <figcaption>FHSU elementary education major Jennifer Hutzel, Parkville, Mo., records herself reading “The Lion King” as part of a collaborative read aloud project with the Topeka Correctional Facility.</figcaption>
 </figure>By DIANE GASPER-O'BRIEN, FHSU University Relations and Marketing&nbsp;Fort Hays State University senior Katie Youngers said she will never forget an invaluable lesson she learned from one of her professors: One of the best qualities a teacher can exhibit is adaptability.&nbsp;Youngers and fellow classmates have taken that philosophy to heart, and like any resourceful teacher, passed it on.&nbsp;An elementary education major, Youngers and other students in Dr. Sarah Broman Miller’s teacher education practicum class this semester are making a difference in people’s lives while learning a lot themselves. Those students joined a criminal justice class taught by Dr. April Terry in a unique undergraduate literacy project that involves reading books to inmates at the Topeka Correctional Facility, the&nbsp;only state women’s prison in Kansas.&nbsp;The 31 students&nbsp;are working with 10 incarcerated mothers and two grandmothers on a literacy project which will improve the inmates’ basic reading skills and help them connect with their loved ones through reading.&nbsp;The students continued the project even after the COVID-19 pandemic prompted FHSU to send students home from campus to continue their coursework online for the rest of the semester.&nbsp;The elementary education majors record their book readings, modeling to the inmates what good reading looks like. They send their recordings to Dr. Broman Miller, who then forwards them to the correctional facility.&nbsp;“I have learned that there are so many different ways of being a good teacher, rather than the traditional classroom setting,” said Youngers, a senior from Benton, a small town near Wichita.&nbsp;The transition to online learning was nothing new for Jennifer Hutzel, who is pursuing her elementary education degree from FHSU online from Pleasant Hill, Mo.&nbsp;Hutzel, the mother of four children ages 14 to 20, is a non-traditional student and admitted she was a little apprehensive at first about pursuing her degree online.&nbsp;Hutzel’s &nbsp;husband, Adam, is a special education teacher who earned his master’s degree online from FHSU, so she decided to give it a try. By the time the read aloud program was introduced to Hutzel, she had conquered her fears of learning in a different way than was customary to her, and she is set to do her student teaching in the fall of 2020.&nbsp;The pilot project with the correctional facility started through the collaborative efforts of Drs. Broman Miller and Terry. While tossing around ideas at a leadership conference last spring, they came up with the research project that would benefit the inmate population through a read aloud program.&nbsp;Drs. Broman Miller and Terry wrote a research grant to fund the purchase of Hallmark recordable books for the inmates and plan to carry on the project next year as well.&nbsp;One of Terry’s students, Christian Rivas, headed up the research piece of the project. A criminal justice major from Great Bend, Rivas is in charge of assessing the participants and helping Terry enter data about the inmates.&nbsp;“Being able to start with a simple concept and apply it to the real world, trying to help other people, was so rewarding,” said Rivas, whose project was featured in FHSU’s annual Scholarly and Activities Day.&nbsp;While switching the project to online presented different challenges, Rivas said he learned a lot he otherwise might not have had the opportunity to experience.&nbsp;“Being able to adapt when we are facing adversity is huge,” he said. “We learned to go with what we were given and make the best of it.”&nbsp;The students originally planned to return to Topeka the end of this month to help the inmates record themselves reading a Hallmark recordable book for their loved ones, but that face-to-face meeting was canceled. Dr. Broman Miller and Terry are hopeful they will be able to make that trip themselves this summer. Those books then will be delivered to the inmates’ children and grandchildren.&nbsp;“I think this is a really important project, being able to bridge that social connection for the inmates, especially right now,” Dr. Broman Miller said. “It’s a really good way to help people who already are experiencing a lot of trauma and give them some hope.”&nbsp;Dr. Broman Miller already has seen signs of hope as she has received thank-you notes from some of the inmates for including them in the project.&nbsp;Although Youngers was disappointed her class wasn’t able to help the inmates record themselves reading, she said the experience had a powerful effect on her. And she will proudly carry those lessons into her teaching career.&nbsp;“I think a lot of joy came out of this for those inmates,” she said. “This has been the most surprising semester ever, and I will never forget what I have learned from my professors and experiences at Fort Hays State.”&nbsp;

FHSU students adapt to changes to correctional facility literacy project

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 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/4/1588089447752.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Since it began in 1995, Commercial Builders Inc. has established its self as a leader in completing many successful projects in the surrounding area. They are looking to provide new employees with the opportunity to join their team and continue with the tradition of providing construction services that are on target, on time and on budget.&nbsp;Full-time, part-time, and temporary employment is available. They are looking for motivated individuals and offer competitive wages, retirement and health benefits.&nbsp;If interested in joining the team, please click the link below and email the completed application to <a href="mailto:brian@commercialbuildersinc.com">brian@commercialbuildersinc.com</a>&nbsp; or stop by our office to pick up an application.&nbsp; &nbsp;<a href="https://commercialbuildersinc.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/Commercial-Builders-Inc.-Application-Form-Fillable.pdf">Commercial Builders, Inc. Application Form</a>

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