By BECKY KISER Hays Post

 Hays city commissioners voted 3-2 Thursday to accept the low bid for construction of the North Vine Street Corridor Improvement Project.

The bid from Smoky Hill Construction, Salina, was $3.5 million over estimates by the city's project engineer, WSP of Lenexa, and by the Kansas Department of Transportation. KDOT will oversee the project.

Voting in the negative were the two newest city commissioners, Michael Berges and Mason Ruder.

Ruder was also the sole voter against accepting the $1.2 million single construction engineering bid for the project from&nbsp; Kirkham Michael, Ellsworth, which passed 4-1.&nbsp;Kirkham Michael will be working under an existing contract they have with KDOT for&nbsp;on-call inspection services.,

The city does not specifically know why the two construction bids it received for the work are nearly 30 percent higher than anticipated. 

The low bid by Smoky Hill Construction, which has completed four other major projects for the city in the past 14 years, and has built traffic roundabouts in other Kansas communities, was $11,915,287. The other bid, from KOSS Construction, Topeka, was even higher. KOSS has also built roundabouts elsewhere.

The engineer's estimate was $8,463,336 and KDOT’s estimate was lower at $8,152,118. 

John Braun, city project manager, told the commission last week he "mainly attributed it to the current economic situation caused by the COVID-19 pandemic."

"The city is able to cover the higher than estimated cost of construction," Braun said.

Berges, a financial analyst, asked several questions of City Manager Toby Dougherty and Finance Director Kim Rupp. As he said last week, Berges remains opposed to the project. "I just couldn't reconcile voting for the approval with the (bids) coming in that far off."

Hays was awarded a $6.05 million federal BUILD grant in December 2018. Dougherty reminded the commission it is 2018-allocated monies from the Federal Highway Administration, saying "if we don't take it, somebody else will."

The construction bid, combined with $1.2 million for construction engineering by Kirkham Michael of Ellsworth, brings the project cost total to $13.1 million.&nbsp;

Subtracting the $6 million federal grant leaves the city’s share at $7,110,430. It will be paid from the Capital Projects Fund by a 2% increase in the city's Transient Guest Tax (TGT) that was implemented in 2018. The TGT is now 7%.

Berges was also concerned about the reliability of the TGT. "How do we fund that (possible) gap?" he asked Dougherty.

"I think you'd have to have a lot of hotels shut down," Dougherty responded.

"The current scenario doesn't include the two new hotels that are under construction (Hilton Garden Inn and AVID, both north of Interstate 70). They're going to be a draw and the development at (I-70 Exit 157) that is going to include hotels.&nbsp;

"You'd have to see either of those hotels not come online and/or a wholesale reduction in the other hotels. That's why we feel fairly confident in making a recommendation like that."

Dougherty added that Rupp has been "fairly conservative with his estimates on that."

Dougherty also noted the city has very little general obligation bond debt.

As Berges did last week, Ruder this week supported the idea of "pushing it down the line and getting some concrete numbers where we're going to be after the summer. See how businesses bounce back. See what other funds are available .... In the fall it would give us some more time to find out why there was such a drastic difference."&nbsp;

Acknowledging the city was disappointed when the bids came in higher than expected, Commissioner Ron Mellick said "I have to live with today" and the city should get construction started now. 

"If we wait another six months, what will the bids do then?" he wondered. "Higher, lower, none at all?&nbsp; I don't know.

"I do know with what the bids are today, we can afford to do it today."&nbsp;

Mellick also talked about how complex the job is as another possible reason for the high bids.

"I don't believe engineers have a full grasp of how difficult it is. People who actually do this work have a better understanding of what the labor is and what it's going to cost to do it."&nbsp;

Shaun Musil, mayor, said the large project drew the most contacts and emails from residents he's had in a long time. He also feels the cost estimates "are just flat wrong."

"There's been so many studies. ... I think this is best for the community. It'll be many years before we see it. It is (temporarily) going to hurt businesses," Musil noted.

" ... With the policies the city has in place -&nbsp; even after this pandemic - two or three years down the road, we're (still) going to be in good shape."

Vice-Mayor Sandy Jacobs expressed her continued support for the project, saying "I'm not closed-minded about it and have done my due diligence in speaking with developers, contractors and bankers."

Both Ruder and Berges at the end of the meeting expressed their respect for the other commissioners' decisions.

"I know we've all done extensive research and talked with many, many contractors, citizens, businesses," Ruder said. "I believe we're all up here doing what we believe is best for the city of Hays."

According to the work timeline, construction will begin next month and continue through October 2021.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/4/1587093169044.jpeg" alt="The $7.1 million payment from the city of Hays is due to KDOT May 14 for the North Vine Street Corridor Improvement Project." />
 <figcaption>The $7.1 million payment from the city of Hays is due to KDOT May 14 for the North Vine Street Corridor Improvement Project.</figcaption>
 </figure>By BECKY KISER Hays Post Hays city commissioners voted 3-2 Thursday to accept the low bid for construction of the North Vine Street Corridor Improvement Project.The bid from Smoky Hill Construction, Salina, was $3.5 million over estimates by the city's project engineer, WSP of Lenexa, and by the Kansas Department of Transportation. KDOT will oversee the project.Voting in the negative were the two newest city commissioners, Michael Berges and Mason Ruder.Ruder was also the sole voter against accepting the $1.2 million single construction engineering bid for the project from&nbsp; Kirkham Michael, Ellsworth, which passed 4-1.&nbsp;Kirkham Michael will be working under an existing contract they have with KDOT for&nbsp;on-call inspection services.,The city does not specifically know why the two construction bids it received for the work are nearly 30 percent higher than anticipated. <figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/4/1587692996736.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>The low bid by Smoky Hill Construction, which has completed four other major projects for the city in the past 14 years, and has built traffic roundabouts in other Kansas communities, was $11,915,287. The other bid, from KOSS Construction, Topeka, was even higher. KOSS has also built roundabouts elsewhere.The engineer's estimate was $8,463,336 and KDOT’s estimate was lower at $8,152,118. John Braun, city project manager, told the commission last week he "mainly attributed it to the current economic situation caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.""The city is able to cover the higher than estimated cost of construction," Braun said.Berges, a financial analyst, asked several questions of City Manager Toby Dougherty and Finance Director Kim Rupp. As he said last week, Berges remains opposed to the project. "I just couldn't reconcile voting for the approval with the (bids) coming in that far off."Hays was awarded a $6.05 million federal BUILD grant in December 2018. Dougherty reminded the commission it is 2018-allocated monies from the Federal Highway Administration, saying "if we don't take it, somebody else will."<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/4/1587694501086.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>The construction bid, combined with $1.2 million for construction engineering by Kirkham Michael of Ellsworth, brings the project cost total to $13.1 million.&nbsp;Subtracting the $6 million federal grant leaves the city’s share at $7,110,430. It will be paid from the Capital Projects Fund by a 2% increase in the city's Transient Guest Tax (TGT) that was implemented in 2018. The TGT is now 7%.Berges was also concerned about the reliability of the TGT. "How do we fund that (possible) gap?" he asked Dougherty."I think you'd have to have a lot of hotels shut down," Dougherty responded."The current scenario doesn't include the two new hotels that are under construction (Hilton Garden Inn and AVID, both north of Interstate 70). They're going to be a draw and the development at (I-70 Exit 157) that is going to include hotels.&nbsp;"You'd have to see either of those hotels not come online and/or a wholesale reduction in the other hotels. That's why we feel fairly confident in making a recommendation like that."Dougherty added that Rupp has been "fairly conservative with his estimates on that."Dougherty also noted the city has very little general obligation bond debt.As Berges did last week, Ruder this week supported the idea of "pushing it down the line and getting some concrete numbers where we're going to be after the summer. See how businesses bounce back. See what other funds are available .... In the fall it would give us some more time to find out why there was such a drastic difference."&nbsp;<figure>
 <iframe width="560" height="315" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/LJdPhebMy5I"></iframe>
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Acknowledging the city was disappointed when the bids came in higher than expected, Commissioner Ron Mellick said "I have to live with today" and the city should get construction started now. "If we wait another six months, what will the bids do then?" he wondered. "Higher, lower, none at all?&nbsp; I don't know."I do know with what the bids are today, we can afford to do it today."&nbsp;Mellick also talked about how complex the job is as another possible reason for the high bids."I don't believe engineers have a full grasp of how difficult it is. People who actually do this work have a better understanding of what the labor is and what it's going to cost to do it."&nbsp;Shaun Musil, mayor, said the large project drew the most contacts and emails from residents he's had in a long time. He also feels the cost estimates "are just flat wrong.""There's been so many studies. ... I think this is best for the community. It'll be many years before we see it. It is (temporarily) going to hurt businesses," Musil noted." ... With the policies the city has in place -&nbsp; even after this pandemic - two or three years down the road, we're (still) going to be in good shape."Vice-Mayor Sandy Jacobs expressed her continued support for the project, saying "I'm not closed-minded about it and have done my due diligence in speaking with developers, contractors and bankers."Both Ruder and Berges at the end of the meeting expressed their respect for the other commissioners' decisions."I know we've all done extensive research and talked with many, many contractors, citizens, businesses," Ruder said. "I believe we're all up here doing what we believe is best for the city of Hays."<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/4/1587093202586.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>According to the work timeline, construction will begin next month and continue through October 2021.&nbsp;<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/4/1587084308491.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>

🎥 City proceeds with N. Vine project, despite unexpected high construction bid

By CRISTINA JANNEY Hays Post

The historic drop in oil prices means wells across Kansas are being shut down, potentially thousands of industry workers will be laid off and oil property tax revenue will be slashed.

The price of oil hit negative figures Monday. Even as the price rebounded to positive numbers, the price of oil was well below Kansas producers' cost to pump the oil out of the ground.

Lifting costs in Kansas run about $25 per barrel, which means it makes more economic sense to shut wells down and leave the oil in the ground for now.

&nbsp;John O. Farmer IV is a lifelong oil man and the third generation in John O Farmer Inc. oil company of Russell. He said he has never seen a downturn in the industry this bad.

"This is unprecedented. We have never seen anything [like this]. Yesterday, it closed at 25 cents a barrel for Kansas common and the day before it (went negative," he said. "We have never seen that in the history of the oil and gas history. This is uncharted waters."

Corrected, Friday, 7 p.m.: To reflect more accurate oil prices.

The oil and gas industry accounts directly or indirectly for&nbsp;118,000 jobs, $3 billion in family income, and $1.4 billion&nbsp;in state and local tax revenue annually. In some counties, taxes related to oil and gas production account for 25 percent of county revenue.

Ellis County is the largest oil producing county in the state.

Farmer said his company plans to shut down most of its wells beginning May 1. John O Farmer Inc. has 450 wells and will shut down 85 percent to 90 percent of the wells. The others likely will only be operated intermittently.

Although the company is trying to retain its core staff using federal Payroll Protection Plan funds, 30 to 40 contract employees will be laid off.

"It really kind of makes me sick," Farmer said, "because not only do we need to look at dollars and cents when we make these decisions to shut down wells, you are also looking at lives — people's livelihoods and people's abilities to put food on the table.&nbsp;

"Sometimes it is not all about making money. Sometimes it is a decision that not only affects the financial wherewithal of the company or the leases but also it affects the local employees."

Nicole Koelsch, CPA who leads the oil and gas practice with Adams, Brown, Beran &amp; Ball, said the industry will likely see workers leave oilfields for other jobs and not come back.

Marty Patterson, president Western Well Service, has laid off half of his direct staff. He is also using the PPP to keep his remaining staff employees through this crisis.&nbsp;

He said he hopes to use the PPP funds to sustain his remaining staff until at least until August. He hopes the market will start to correct itself by then.

"This has taken [our business] from a viable business to zero in about three months is what it's done," Patterson said.

The company is planning to shut down all of its 50 wells in Ellis, Rooks and Barton counties.

Many other industries are also affected when wells shut down, Patterson said. Electric companies such as Midwest Energy sell less power when wells aren't pumping. Chemical companies are not supplying wells. Pumpers will likely lose their jobs.

Yet other businesses that sell pipe and supplies to oil producers and drillers will lose business.

"Ellis County is agriculture, oil and the hospital out there and the university. You take one of those out of there. Ag has been pretty low and now oil is low, you are taking half the economy away from Ellis County right now.

"It's going to be a tough year for sure — 2020."

The property owners lose, too. John O Farmer is in the process of sending letters to the well royalty owners. As wells shut down, the oil revenue for those landowners will go to zero.

Local governments collect property tax on oil-producing properties. The guide price on that valuation has been cut in half for this year from $46 per barrel to $23 per barrel.

The valuations on oil properties are still being calculated. They are required to be sent by May 1, but Lisa Ree, Ellis County appraiser, said she will likely ask for a week extension to finish the calculations.

The formula is complicated and based on the amount of oil in reserve in a producing well. However, Ree estimated the oil property tax revenue will be cut in at least half. That would be a loss of $500,000 for Ellis County. Ellis County's annual budget is about $22 million.

If a well was operating at the first of the year, then it will be considered an active well for this tax year, Ree said. However, if wells continue to be shut down into 2021, the tax will be calculated on the well's equipment and not the oil reserve.

This could mean a possible further reduction in property tax revenue from oil.

The county is not the only entity affected. Any taxing entity that depends on property taxes will be affected by decreases in oil property taxes. This includes townships, school districts, rural fire districts and Extension districts.

Bankruptcies, especially of some of the smaller oil companies are likely, experts like&nbsp;Koelsch warn.&nbsp;The industry is likely to see consolidation over the long term.

"I see fewer players in the game in the future," she said.

Patterson said he sees himself in a better position than some companies becuase he his not carrying debt. Those companies who have borrowed to drill will be in more peril.

Overproduction was pushing oil prices down before the COVID-19 crisis drastically dropped demand. Russia and OPEC dumped large amounts of crude oil on the market right before the COVID-19 crisis hit. Now the U.S. is reaching its limit on crude oil storage capacity.

The global market has a 30 million to 35 million barrel per day oil surplus. Ed Cross, president of the Kansas Independent Oil and Gas Association, said it could take some time for demand to catch up to supply.

Could be long wait for oil industry recovery

Producers like Patterson and Farmer are hoping for a quick rebound, but acknowledge recovery may be slow.

"I don't know how many people are going to be excited to go on vacation or get in an airplane," Patterson said. "Everybody may say we are going to wait until there is a cure for this before we do anything. ... I see at least a year before we get back to normal."

Cross said he thought it could be longer before the industry sees a full recovery.

"I think we will be up and running again in the medium term," Cross said. "We are talking a few years probably — two or three years — before we see things start to get back to where we were once before. I think that will happen eventually. I think that we have to struggle through some tough times."

Cross said experts in industry are forecasting $20 per barrel oil by summer, $30 to $35 per barrel oil by the end of the year and oil in the upper $30s or $40s per barrel in 2021.

"Those are people's opinions," Cross said. "That is not set in stone. The market will decide that."

Koelsch encouraged oil firms to reach out to their banks to see what kind of help they may be able to obtain in restructuring debt.

"There is no one-size-fits-all in surviving a bust cycle," she said.

Koelsch said the oil industry is no stranger to ups and downs. The industry experienced a downturn as recently as 2014, and was only rebounding from that downturn as recently as 2018 and 2019.

"I like to refer to it in my simple mind like riding a roller coaster," she said. "They have seen it before. They have weathered the storm. I have no doubt they will make it through this. How long it will last? We don't know."

Cross said President Trump and the U.S. Department of Energy have discussed other means to assist the oil industry this week, including purchasing oil from domestic producers to place in the strategic oil reserve. This might include the government purchasing oil, but allowing producers to keep the oil in the ground.

"I think it's really sad," Farmer said. "There is going to be a lot of people out of work and it is going to change how we live going forward. Things are never going to be the same from this."

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/4/1587659332467.jpeg" alt="As gas prices across Kansas drop to their lowest prices in decades, 87 octane fuel in Hays ranged from $1.30 to $1.51 late Thursday morning." />
 <figcaption>As gas prices across Kansas drop to their lowest prices in decades, 87 octane fuel in Hays ranged from $1.30 to $1.51 late Thursday morning.</figcaption>
 </figure>By CRISTINA JANNEY Hays PostThe historic drop in oil prices means wells across Kansas are being shut down, potentially thousands of industry workers will be laid off and oil property tax revenue will be slashed.The price of oil hit negative figures Monday. Even as the price rebounded to positive numbers, the price of oil was well below Kansas producers' cost to pump the oil out of the ground.Lifting costs in Kansas run about $25 per barrel, which means it makes more economic sense to shut wells down and leave the oil in the ground for now.&nbsp;John O. Farmer IV is a lifelong oil man and the third generation in John O Farmer Inc. oil company of Russell. He said he has never seen a downturn in the industry this bad."This is unprecedented. We have never seen anything [like this]. Yesterday, it closed at 25 cents a barrel for Kansas common and the day before it (went negative," he said. "We have never seen that in the history of the oil and gas history. This is uncharted waters."Corrected, Friday, 7 p.m.: To reflect more accurate oil prices.The oil and gas industry accounts directly or indirectly for&nbsp;118,000 jobs, $3 billion in family income, and $1.4 billion&nbsp;in state and local tax revenue annually. In some counties, taxes related to oil and gas production account for 25 percent of county revenue.Ellis County is the largest oil producing county in the state.Farmer said his company plans to shut down most of its wells beginning May 1. John O Farmer Inc. has 450 wells and will shut down 85 percent to 90 percent of the wells. The others likely will only be operated intermittently.Although the company is trying to retain its core staff using federal Payroll Protection Plan funds, 30 to 40 contract employees will be laid off."It really kind of makes me sick," Farmer said, "because not only do we need to look at dollars and cents when we make these decisions to shut down wells, you are also looking at lives — people's livelihoods and people's abilities to put food on the table.&nbsp;"Sometimes it is not all about making money. Sometimes it is a decision that not only affects the financial wherewithal of the company or the leases but also it affects the local employees."Nicole Koelsch, CPA who leads the oil and gas practice with Adams, Brown, Beran &amp; Ball, said the industry will likely see workers leave oilfields for other jobs and not come back.Marty Patterson, president Western Well Service, has laid off half of his direct staff. He is also using the PPP to keep his remaining staff employees through this crisis.&nbsp;He said he hopes to use the PPP funds to sustain his remaining staff until at least until August. He hopes the market will start to correct itself by then."This has taken [our business] from a viable business to zero in about three months is what it's done," Patterson said.The company is planning to shut down all of its 50 wells in Ellis, Rooks and Barton counties.<h2>Effect on entire Kansas economy</h2>Many other industries are also affected when wells shut down, Patterson said. Electric companies such as Midwest Energy sell less power when wells aren't pumping. Chemical companies are not supplying wells. Pumpers will likely lose their jobs.Yet other businesses that sell pipe and supplies to oil producers and drillers will lose business."Ellis County is agriculture, oil and the hospital out there and the university. You take one of those out of there. Ag has been pretty low and now oil is low, you are taking half the economy away from Ellis County right now."It's going to be a tough year for sure — 2020."The property owners lose, too. John O Farmer is in the process of sending letters to the well royalty owners. As wells shut down, the oil revenue for those landowners will go to zero.<h2>Property tax revenue slashed</h2>Local governments collect property tax on oil-producing properties. The guide price on that valuation has been cut in half for this year from $46 per barrel to $23 per barrel.The valuations on oil properties are still being calculated. They are required to be sent by May 1, but Lisa Ree, Ellis County appraiser, said she will likely ask for a week extension to finish the calculations.The formula is complicated and based on the amount of oil in reserve in a producing well. However, Ree estimated the oil property tax revenue will be cut in at least half. That would be a loss of $500,000 for Ellis County. Ellis County's annual budget is about $22 million.If a well was operating at the first of the year, then it will be considered an active well for this tax year, Ree said. However, if wells continue to be shut down into 2021, the tax will be calculated on the well's equipment and not the oil reserve.This could mean a possible further reduction in property tax revenue from oil.The county is not the only entity affected. Any taxing entity that depends on property taxes will be affected by decreases in oil property taxes. This includes townships, school districts, rural fire districts and Extension districts.<h2>Bankruptcies may be on horizon</h2>Bankruptcies, especially of some of the smaller oil companies are likely, experts like&nbsp;Koelsch warn.&nbsp;The industry is likely to see consolidation over the long term."I see fewer players in the game in the future," she said.Patterson said he sees himself in a better position than some companies becuase he his not carrying debt. Those companies who have borrowed to drill will be in more peril.<h2>Surplus on the market</h2>Overproduction was pushing oil prices down before the COVID-19 crisis drastically dropped demand. Russia and OPEC dumped large amounts of crude oil on the market right before the COVID-19 crisis hit. Now the U.S. is reaching its limit on crude oil storage capacity.The global market has a 30 million to 35 million barrel per day oil surplus. Ed Cross, president of the Kansas Independent Oil and Gas Association, said it could take some time for demand to catch up to supply.<h2>Could be long wait for oil industry recovery</h2>Producers like Patterson and Farmer are hoping for a quick rebound, but acknowledge recovery may be slow."I don't know how many people are going to be excited to go on vacation or get in an airplane," Patterson said. "Everybody may say we are going to wait until there is a cure for this before we do anything. ... I see at least a year before we get back to normal."Cross said he thought it could be longer before the industry sees a full recovery."I think we will be up and running again in the medium term," Cross said. "We are talking a few years probably — two or three years — before we see things start to get back to where we were once before. I think that will happen eventually. I think that we have to struggle through some tough times."Cross said experts in industry are forecasting $20 per barrel oil by summer, $30 to $35 per barrel oil by the end of the year and oil in the upper $30s or $40s per barrel in 2021."Those are people's opinions," Cross said. "That is not set in stone. The market will decide that."Koelsch encouraged oil firms to reach out to their banks to see what kind of help they may be able to obtain in restructuring debt."There is no one-size-fits-all in surviving a bust cycle," she said.Koelsch said the oil industry is no stranger to ups and downs. The industry experienced a downturn as recently as 2014, and was only rebounding from that downturn as recently as 2018 and 2019."I like to refer to it in my simple mind like riding a roller coaster," she said. "They have seen it before. They have weathered the storm. I have no doubt they will make it through this. How long it will last? We don't know."Cross said President Trump and the U.S. Department of Energy have discussed other means to assist the oil industry this week, including purchasing oil from domestic producers to place in the strategic oil reserve. This might include the government purchasing oil, but allowing producers to keep the oil in the ground."I think it's really sad," Farmer said. "There is going to be a lot of people out of work and it is going to change how we live going forward. Things are never going to be the same from this."

Oil industry downturn leads to layoffs, ripples in entire Ellis County economy

U.S. Sen. Jerry Moran, R-Kan., joined the daily press briefing with doctors from the University of Kansas Health Systems in Kansas City on Friday to discuss Congress's latest COVID-19 aid package.

The package includes additional funds for the Payroll Protection Program, which is aimed at helping small businesses affected by the outbreak as well as additional funds for hospitals and COVID-19 testing.

Prior to the replenishment, Kansas businesses had received $4.28 billion in 27,000 loans.&nbsp; This is estimated to have retained 427,000 jobs in the state, Moran said.

The legislation that was passed&nbsp; by the House Thursday will add $310 billion to the PPP fund.

The legislation also includes $75 billion that will be allocated to hospitals and $25 billion more directed toward testing.

"Health care and citizens are interested in why we are not doing more testing," Moran said. "A piece of good news from this legislation is that $21 million is immediately available to Kansas to increase testing and to accomplish the goal of broader testing in Kansas."

Moran said he thought the PPP program should be available to all hospitals. County, city and district hospitals have not been able to access the funds.

Testing important to reopening the economy

Even with the infusion of funds for testing, Moran said he thought the allocation was still insufficient to cover all needed testing.

He also noted the funds will not improve Kansas' low testing rate if the state can't get the tests.

Moran has been speaking remotely with Kansas hospital administrators who said they will need tests available for patients who are coming into hospitals before they can start opening again for elective procedures.

Those tests need to be able to be processed in moments or at least hours compared to days.

The bill also includes $14 billion aimed at developing a vaccine that would replace the need for testing over time, Moran said.

Testing will become even more important as society begins to reopen, said Dr. Steve Stites, University of Kansas Health Systems pulmonologist and chief medical officer.

If someone becomes sick, they need to determine if that person has COVID-19 and then trace their contacts so those people who have been exposed can shelter in place.

Stites said the outbreak surrounding meatpacking plants in western Kansas is an example of how the virus can be spread among densely compacted people. This could be a work or social setting.

"If you are congregated together in close quarters and one person gets sick, everybody gets sick," Stites said. "The only way to intervene with that is to do testing early and often."

Dr. Lee Norman, secretary of the Kansas Department of Health and Environment, has requested 400 volunteers to help with contact tracing in the state.

The University of Kansas Health Systems has volunteered 50 workers who normally would be working in areas of elective procedures to help in this effort.

Fourth-year medical students, who have graduated early, have also volunteered to do contact tracing.

Social distancing will continue to be important

"We know that social distancing has worked," Stites said. "We know we have an advantage because we are less dense. ...

"As we open up, while testing is critically important, personal, social responsibility has never been more important. You can shelter at home, which is a great way to achieve social distancing, but you can socially distance at work."

Stites said maintaining social distancing even after the state begins to reopen will be an enormous help.

"Yes, we need more testing. That is a federal, state, local and health system responsibility," Stites said, "but social distancing is a personal responsibility. That is something we are all going to have to be a part of, as we have been so far, which has bent the darn curve."

Walmart began rolling out self-administered COVID-19 tests in the Kansas City area on Friday.&nbsp;

Stites and&nbsp;Dr. Dana Hawkinson, medical director of infection control and prevention at the University of Kansas Health System, said they were both leery of the accuracy of home testing.&nbsp;

If the test is not administered correctly, then the test could produce an inaccurate result, the doctors said.

Stites said when using a nasal swab, it has to be pushed far into the nasal cavity, which can be very uncomfortable. Health professionals have been trained to administer nasal swabs correctly.

Antibody test kits are not available commercially. Stites said not to believe anyone who says they have one at this time.

Moran was asked if he supported a change that would allow states to declare bankruptcy.

&nbsp;Moran said he is still interested in helping cities and counties that are struggling with funding issues as a result of the COVID-19 crisis.

However, he said he did not support taxpayers supporting governments that had made poor decisions before the crisis.

"If we can look at history," he said, "I am interested at looking at recent circumstances. I don't want Kansas taxpayers bailing out states that have had poor fiscal decisions, lived beyond their means and then want somebody else to solve that problem."

Moran added the federal government does not have the means to keep spending. The government has already spent $3 trillion in response to COVID-19.

"The best way to get relief to people beyond health care, is an economy that is working," he said, "that people are back to work and are capable of taking care of themselves and paying taxes. That requires a healthy country to get there, so the focus on health care is important."

Moran was also asked about an effort by he and other members of Congress to eliminate limits on aid on commodities and livestock.

The CARES Act Phase Three provided $19 billion in aid to farmers. Moran and others insisted livestock be covered, which is unusual in most farm programs.

However, the COVID-19 crisis is affecting producers' abilities to have their animals processed. This can ultimately decrease the revenue producers can receive for those animals.

Previous payment limitations on what any individual could receive per commodity would not have covered losses for most livestock producers, Moran said.

Commodity aid limits also affect speciality crop producers, as well as dairy farmers.

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 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/4/1587753561993.png" alt="U.S. Sen. Jerry Moran joined the daily press briefing with doctors from the University of Kansas Health Systems in Kansas City Friday." />
 <figcaption>U.S. Sen. Jerry Moran joined the daily press briefing with doctors from the University of Kansas Health Systems in Kansas City Friday.</figcaption>
 </figure>By CRISTINA JANNEY Hays PostU.S. Sen. Jerry Moran, R-Kan., joined the daily press briefing with doctors from the University of Kansas Health Systems in Kansas City on Friday to discuss Congress's latest COVID-19 aid package.The package includes additional funds for the Payroll Protection Program, which is aimed at helping small businesses affected by the outbreak as well as additional funds for hospitals and COVID-19 testing.Prior to the replenishment, Kansas businesses had received $4.28 billion in 27,000 loans.&nbsp; This is estimated to have retained 427,000 jobs in the state, Moran said.The legislation that was passed&nbsp; by the House Thursday will add $310 billion to the PPP fund.The legislation also includes $75 billion that will be allocated to hospitals and $25 billion more directed toward testing."Health care and citizens are interested in why we are not doing more testing," Moran said. "A piece of good news from this legislation is that $21 million is immediately available to Kansas to increase testing and to accomplish the goal of broader testing in Kansas."Moran said he thought the PPP program should be available to all hospitals. County, city and district hospitals have not been able to access the funds.<h2>Testing important to reopening the economy</h2>Even with the infusion of funds for testing, Moran said he thought the allocation was still insufficient to cover all needed testing.He also noted the funds will not improve Kansas' low testing rate if the state can't get the tests.Moran has been speaking remotely with Kansas hospital administrators who said they will need tests available for patients who are coming into hospitals before they can start opening again for elective procedures.Those tests need to be able to be processed in moments or at least hours compared to days.The bill also includes $14 billion aimed at developing a vaccine that would replace the need for testing over time, Moran said.Testing will become even more important as society begins to reopen, said Dr. Steve Stites, University of Kansas Health Systems pulmonologist and chief medical officer.If someone becomes sick, they need to determine if that person has COVID-19 and then trace their contacts so those people who have been exposed can shelter in place.Stites said the outbreak surrounding meatpacking plants in western Kansas is an example of how the virus can be spread among densely compacted people. This could be a work or social setting."If you are congregated together in close quarters and one person gets sick, everybody gets sick," Stites said. "The only way to intervene with that is to do testing early and often."Dr. Lee Norman, secretary of the Kansas Department of Health and Environment, has requested 400 volunteers to help with contact tracing in the state.The University of Kansas Health Systems has volunteered 50 workers who normally would be working in areas of elective procedures to help in this effort.Fourth-year medical students, who have graduated early, have also volunteered to do contact tracing.<h2>Social distancing will continue to be important</h2>"We know that social distancing has worked," Stites said. "We know we have an advantage because we are less dense. ..."As we open up, while testing is critically important, personal, social responsibility has never been more important. You can shelter at home, which is a great way to achieve social distancing, but you can socially distance at work."Stites said maintaining social distancing even after the state begins to reopen will be an enormous help."Yes, we need more testing. That is a federal, state, local and health system responsibility," Stites said, "but social distancing is a personal responsibility. That is something we are all going to have to be a part of, as we have been so far, which has bent the darn curve."<h2>Doctors leery of home tests</h2>Walmart began rolling out self-administered COVID-19 tests in the Kansas City area on Friday.&nbsp;Stites and&nbsp;Dr. Dana Hawkinson, medical director of infection control and prevention at the University of Kansas Health System, said they were both leery of the accuracy of home testing.&nbsp;If the test is not administered correctly, then the test could produce an inaccurate result, the doctors said.Stites said when using a nasal swab, it has to be pushed far into the nasal cavity, which can be very uncomfortable. Health professionals have been trained to administer nasal swabs correctly.Antibody test kits are not available commercially. Stites said not to believe anyone who says they have one at this time.<h2>Moran says no bankruptcy for states</h2>Moran was asked if he supported a change that would allow states to declare bankruptcy.&nbsp;Moran said he is still interested in helping cities and counties that are struggling with funding issues as a result of the COVID-19 crisis.However, he said he did not support taxpayers supporting governments that had made poor decisions before the crisis."If we can look at history," he said, "I am interested at looking at recent circumstances. I don't want Kansas taxpayers bailing out states that have had poor fiscal decisions, lived beyond their means and then want somebody else to solve that problem."Moran added the federal government does not have the means to keep spending. The government has already spent $3 trillion in response to COVID-19."The best way to get relief to people beyond health care, is an economy that is working," he said, "that people are back to work and are capable of taking care of themselves and paying taxes. That requires a healthy country to get there, so the focus on health care is important."<h2>Ag aid</h2>Moran was also asked about an effort by he and other members of Congress to eliminate limits on aid on commodities and livestock.The CARES Act Phase Three provided $19 billion in aid to farmers. Moran and others insisted livestock be covered, which is unusual in most farm programs.However, the COVID-19 crisis is affecting producers' abilities to have their animals processed. This can ultimately decrease the revenue producers can receive for those animals.Previous payment limitations on what any individual could receive per commodity would not have covered losses for most livestock producers, Moran said.Commodity aid limits also affect speciality crop producers, as well as dairy farmers.

🎥 Moran: Latest federal bill expands aid for small businesses, COVID-19 testing

Accuspray $100 Lawn Spraying Certificate

Retail Price $100 Current bid $19

Use this $100 gift certificate to take care of your lawn and trees. Accuspray serves the area and owner Jeremy Zorn is ready to get that lawn of yours looking lush and in tip top shape just like you’ve always wanted. Now is the time to do tree spraying and tree injections, and can be used towards chemical spraying for your yard for ridding it of stickers, weeds, and all those pesky non-wanted flowers that tend to arrive in your yard this time of year. Accuspray has been doing this for years in the area, both residentially and commercially. Call Jeremy Zorn and get on his list today to get your yard cared for properly. 785-483-7811, trustworthy, dependable, and reasonable rates. Accuspray, serving the area. One Certificate per Visit.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Retail Price $50 Current bid $21

This certificate is good for anything at Arthur’s Pizza except alcohol. Enjoy pizza, Mexican, appetizers, desserts, salad, challenge pizzas and new menu items. Arthur’s Pizza and Mexican Foods, 109 W. 9th, Ellis, KS 67637. 785-726-4683 Use by 3/31/21.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Better Built Trailers Ranch Hand Full Bumper Replacement and Installation

Retail Price $1435 Current bid $600

This front-end American made Legend Series Ranch Hand bumper replacement is for any American made ¾ or 1 ton pickup including Dodge, Ford and Chevy. Installation is included. Ranch Hand bumper replacements are among the very best on the market. They are made of heavy pipe. They look great too and fit the contour of your truck to give it a clean, customizable feel. High bidder will need to call Better Built Trailers and give Mike a heads-up on when you’ll have your front end replacement installed.&nbsp;&nbsp;

BOS Motorsports 2019 Polaris Sportsman 570 Hunter

Retail Price $9799 Current bid $4,350

This brand new 2019 carry-over Polaris Sportsman 570 hunter edition is loaded with front and rear bumpers, power steering, a 2500 lb. winch, front rear rack extensions, a gun mount and scabbard, extra gun mounts and don't forget it's camo! This perfect hunting atv also comes with a 6 month warranty! To see this machine in person, Stop by BOS Motorsports, home of Polaris and Bob-Cat zero turn riding mowers.&nbsp;&nbsp;

BTI (Ness City) 1300 cubic inch D1 Timberline Traegor wood pellet Grill

Retail Price $1999 Current bid $1,110

The premier outdoor cooking solution, the Traeger Timberline WiFi pellet grill pushes the limits of what's possible in grilling technology. Enjoy unrivaled wood-fired flavor, every time you fire up the mighty Timberline. Features include 1300 cubic inches of cooking area, Timberline D1 Controller, WiFIRE Technology, where the grill can be run by your phone, Timberline D1 Direct Drive, TurboTemp, Three tiers of stainless steel grates, Double wall stainless steel interior, Pellet Sensor, Magnetic Bamboo Cutting Board and Concealed Grease Management System. This grill IS in the box and high bidder will need to assemble it.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Bull City Gun and Archery Hoyt Helix Real Tree Edge Camo Bow

Retail Price $1200 Current bid $300

The Helix is Hoyt's quietest bow ever. This camo bow features a 60 to 70 pound draw weight and 27 to 30 inch draw length. The Helix was designed for performance, accuracy and silence. It's 30 1/2 inches axel to axel with a 6 inch brace height and weighs 4.3 pounds.&nbsp;&nbsp;

CoCo Key Indoor Water Park (K.C.) Standard Room with 4 Park Passes

Retail Price $250 Current bid $67

Standard room and 4 water park passes valid for 2 days! Enjoy summer fun all year round with an affordable, family-friendly getaway to Kansas City’s CoCo Key Water Resort connected to the Adam's Mark Hotel! Just across from Royals and Chiefs Stadiums. Coco Key Water Resort is an indoor water park offering 6 water slides, an adventure river, activity pool, and more! Perfect for sports fans, families and travelers looking to explore the heart of the city. Not valid during Chiefs and Royals home games. Blackout dates may apply. Based upon availability.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Retail Price $690 Current bid $92

Manufactured in America by Eagle Furniture, this nightstand measures 29 inches wide X 18.5 inches deep X 34 inches tall. It's medium oak color with solid wood and veneers and full extension slide drawers. It is the same color as the Queen Bed from Fitzgerald's, also in the radio auction.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Hearing Solutions (Hays/Colby) Pair of Sonic Cheer 20 Hearing Aids

Retail Price $3700 Current bid $1,030

From the whoop of a crowd, to chatter among friends, Hearing Solutions of Hays and Colby wants you to get back to hearing everything around you. Hearing Solutions offers up for bid this pair of Sonic Cheer 20 Wireless open fit Behind the Ear Hearing aids. With antifeedback circuitry, speech variable processing, soft noise reduction, Adaptive microphone system, and wireless connectivity, it allows you a great option to make your modern lifestyle even more fun and hassle-free. Gray in color…Configured to provide hands-free operation in most listening situations. Hearing Solutions of Hays and Colby, 29th and Vine in Hays, and on Range Ave in Colby…785-621-HEAR…LISTEN CLOSELY FOR SOME EXCITING NEWS COMING SOON FROM YOUR FRIENDS AT HEARING SOLUTIONS!&nbsp;&nbsp;

Karst Water Ritchie Omni 3 Cattle Water Fountain

Retail Price $995 Current bid $345

Ritchie Omni 3 Cattle water fountain. Designed with animal safety in mind, the Omni 3 features smooth rounded edges and a fully insulated casing for energy efficiency. The stainless steel trough features thermostatically controlled heat elements that are attached to the underside for frost free service even under the most severe winter conditions. Herd capacity is 100 head. And Ritchie fountains have the best warranty in the industry. See all the details at&nbsp;<a href="http://www.ritchiefount.com/" target="_blank">www.ritchiefount.com</a>.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Retail Price $5450 Current bid $725

The Invisalign program from Lifetime Dental Care offers comfort, convenience and confidence while straightening your teeth using trays that are virtually invisible. The Invisalign program Includes office consultation, trays, photos, x-rays, aligners, whitening program and more. Invisalign works great for both adults and teens. Your new smile is waiting. Get started today!<a href="http://www.lifetimedentalcare.com/" target="_blank">www.lifetimedentalcare.com</a>. THIS OFFER NOT VALID WITH ANY OTHER SPECIAL OFFER.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Marine Specialty DOOMSWELL&nbsp;Sparkplug 4’8” Surfboard

Retail Price $500 Current bid $75

Without a sparkplug, an engine doesn't start so snatch up the Doomswell Sparkplug Wakesurf Board and fire up your season of inland surfing! With a full nose and straight, friendly outline, the Spark Plug is perfect for beginner to intermediate riders. Well constructed with an EPS foam core, carbon fiber stringers, and a durable epoxy fiberglass outer shell, the quad fin Doomswell Sparkplug Wakesurfer is the spark your behind-the-boat surfing has been waiting for! Epoxy Fiberglass Skin – Provides a strong yet flexible shell. Ultralight EPS Foam Core – For structural integrity and stiffness. Carbon Fiber Stringer Reinforcement.

Olliff Boeve Furniture La-Z-Boy Power Chair

Retail Price $1435 Current bid $185

This is a comfortable La-Z-Boy Power Chair from Olliff-Boeve Furniture and Appliance. This chair is not a recliner, but offers a lot of comfort and support. The legs power out with the touch of a button on the right side of the chair. The color is a neutral lighter brown.&nbsp;

Premier Indoor Training $500 Family Membership

Retail Price $500 Current bid $135

One year family membership to The Premier Indoor Training Facility, located at 240th Avenue, Hays, Ks. This membership gives you and your family nearly 24 hour access to practice, train and fine tune your skills! The PIT features 120’x120’ turfed area that is fully netted, 4 batting cages, 4 portable pitching mounds, regulation basketball court with 6 basketball goals, volleyball equipment, portable soccer goals and competition regulation 54’x42 cheer/dance/tumbling spring floor. Retail Price: $500. This membership is valid from April 1st, 2020 until March 31st, 2021.&nbsp;

Retail Price $500 Current bid $265

Gift Ccrtificate from Premier Landscaping in Hays. Good towards landscaping, fences, lawn service and everything outdoor. Serving Hays and surrounding communities. Gift certificate valid through 12-31-2020.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Smokin' Company BBQ Catered Meal for 30

Retail Price $780 Current bid $225

This item is from Smokin’ Company BBQ. Hays’ very own professional Competition BBQ team and caterer. You will receive a catered BBQ event with smoked ribs, brisket, pulled pork, chicken…any 1 smoked meat of your choice for up to 30 of your friends and/or family and 2 sides. Side choices include baked beans, coleslaw, mac and cheese, cheesy potatoes and many more possibilities. This is perfect for holiday parties, reunions, anniversaries or holiday weekends. Let Ryan Sultzer at Smokin’ Company do the work while you sit back and enjoy. Thinking of inviting more than 30 people, use this as a credit toward something larger allowing more people to taste “BBQ at it’s Best!” Find Smokin’ Company on Facebook for a full catering menu. Not good for existing accounts. Expires March 31, 2021.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Retail Price $500 Current bid $110

Protect your investment with a quality crafted tarp! Choose from 16, 18 and 22 ounce polyester and nylon coated material in a wide array of colors. All applications are top quality, fully guaranteed, and crafted to fit your needs. Does not include Boat Tarps. Certificate value is $500. Offer valid through September 30th 2020.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Retail Price $1540 Current bid $260

Wolf Furniture Galleries in Hays offers this BENCH made stationary chair for addition in your living room or basement. This chair is of utmost comfort and is brown tweed in color. Durable Construction, year of comfort and enjoyment. This chair will match with any colors and is soft, comfy, and ready to enjoy. Wolf Furniture Galleries, north of I70 in Hays, open 7 days a week.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Click&nbsp;<a href="https://hayspost.com/eagle-radio-auction">HERE</a>&nbsp;to see all the latest deals from local merchants.

Register, bid and buy from the comfort of your own home!

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/3/1584379320707.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Accuspray $100 Lawn Spraying CertificateRetail Price $100 Current bid $19Use this $100 gift certificate to take care of your lawn and trees. Accuspray serves the area and owner Jeremy Zorn is ready to get that lawn of yours looking lush and in tip top shape just like you’ve always wanted. Now is the time to do tree spraying and tree injections, and can be used towards chemical spraying for your yard for ridding it of stickers, weeds, and all those pesky non-wanted flowers that tend to arrive in your yard this time of year. Accuspray has been doing this for years in the area, both residentially and commercially. Call Jeremy Zorn and get on his list today to get your yard cared for properly. 785-483-7811, trustworthy, dependable, and reasonable rates. Accuspray, serving the area. One Certificate per Visit.&nbsp;&nbsp;<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/1/1579623151266.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Arthur's Pizza $50 CertificateRetail Price $50 Current bid $21This certificate is good for anything at Arthur’s Pizza except alcohol. Enjoy pizza, Mexican, appetizers, desserts, salad, challenge pizzas and new menu items. Arthur’s Pizza and Mexican Foods, 109 W. 9th, Ellis, KS 67637. 785-726-4683 Use by 3/31/21.&nbsp;&nbsp;<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/3/1583347114158.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Better Built Trailers Ranch Hand Full Bumper Replacement and InstallationRetail Price $1435 Current bid $600This front-end American made Legend Series Ranch Hand bumper replacement is for any American made ¾ or 1 ton pickup including Dodge, Ford and Chevy. Installation is included. Ranch Hand bumper replacements are among the very best on the market. They are made of heavy pipe. They look great too and fit the contour of your truck to give it a clean, customizable feel. High bidder will need to call Better Built Trailers and give Mike a heads-up on when you’ll have your front end replacement installed.&nbsp;&nbsp;<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/3/1584030683159.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>BOS Motorsports 2019 Polaris Sportsman 570 HunterRetail Price $9799 Current bid $4,350This brand new 2019 carry-over Polaris Sportsman 570 hunter edition is loaded with front and rear bumpers, power steering, a 2500 lb. winch, front rear rack extensions, a gun mount and scabbard, extra gun mounts and don't forget it's camo! This perfect hunting atv also comes with a 6 month warranty! To see this machine in person, Stop by BOS Motorsports, home of Polaris and Bob-Cat zero turn riding mowers.&nbsp;&nbsp;<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/2/1582304164558.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>BTI (Ness City) 1300 cubic inch D1 Timberline Traegor wood pellet GrillRetail Price $1999 Current bid $1,110The premier outdoor cooking solution, the Traeger Timberline WiFi pellet grill pushes the limits of what's possible in grilling technology. Enjoy unrivaled wood-fired flavor, every time you fire up the mighty Timberline. Features include 1300 cubic inches of cooking area, Timberline D1 Controller, WiFIRE Technology, where the grill can be run by your phone, Timberline D1 Direct Drive, TurboTemp, Three tiers of stainless steel grates, Double wall stainless steel interior, Pellet Sensor, Magnetic Bamboo Cutting Board and Concealed Grease Management System. This grill IS in the box and high bidder will need to assemble it.&nbsp;&nbsp;<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/3/1583515642972.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Bull City Gun and Archery Hoyt Helix Real Tree Edge Camo BowRetail Price $1200 Current bid $300The Helix is Hoyt's quietest bow ever. This camo bow features a 60 to 70 pound draw weight and 27 to 30 inch draw length. The Helix was designed for performance, accuracy and silence. It's 30 1/2 inches axel to axel with a 6 inch brace height and weighs 4.3 pounds.&nbsp;&nbsp;<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/1/1578502244777.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>CoCo Key Indoor Water Park (K.C.) Standard Room with 4 Park PassesRetail Price $250 Current bid $67Standard room and 4 water park passes valid for 2 days! Enjoy summer fun all year round with an affordable, family-friendly getaway to Kansas City’s CoCo Key Water Resort connected to the Adam's Mark Hotel! Just across from Royals and Chiefs Stadiums. Coco Key Water Resort is an indoor water park offering 6 water slides, an adventure river, activity pool, and more! Perfect for sports fans, families and travelers looking to explore the heart of the city. Not valid during Chiefs and Royals home games. Blackout dates may apply. Based upon availability.&nbsp;&nbsp;<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/3/1583256150842.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Fitzgerald Furniture Night StandRetail Price $690 Current bid $92Manufactured in America by Eagle Furniture, this nightstand measures 29 inches wide X 18.5 inches deep X 34 inches tall. It's medium oak color with solid wood and veneers and full extension slide drawers. It is the same color as the Queen Bed from Fitzgerald's, also in the radio auction.&nbsp;&nbsp;<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/3/1585335341918.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Hearing Solutions (Hays/Colby) Pair of Sonic Cheer 20 Hearing AidsRetail Price $3700 Current bid $1,030From the whoop of a crowd, to chatter among friends, Hearing Solutions of Hays and Colby wants you to get back to hearing everything around you. Hearing Solutions offers up for bid this pair of Sonic Cheer 20 Wireless open fit Behind the Ear Hearing aids. With antifeedback circuitry, speech variable processing, soft noise reduction, Adaptive microphone system, and wireless connectivity, it allows you a great option to make your modern lifestyle even more fun and hassle-free. Gray in color…Configured to provide hands-free operation in most listening situations. Hearing Solutions of Hays and Colby, 29th and Vine in Hays, and on Range Ave in Colby…785-621-HEAR…LISTEN CLOSELY FOR SOME EXCITING NEWS COMING SOON FROM YOUR FRIENDS AT HEARING SOLUTIONS!&nbsp;&nbsp;<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/2/1582915807659.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Karst Water Ritchie Omni 3 Cattle Water FountainRetail Price $995 Current bid $345Ritchie Omni 3 Cattle water fountain. Designed with animal safety in mind, the Omni 3 features smooth rounded edges and a fully insulated casing for energy efficiency. The stainless steel trough features thermostatically controlled heat elements that are attached to the underside for frost free service even under the most severe winter conditions. Herd capacity is 100 head. And Ritchie fountains have the best warranty in the industry. See all the details at&nbsp;<a href="http://www.ritchiefount.com/" target="_blank">www.ritchiefount.com</a>.&nbsp;&nbsp;<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/2/1582914084062.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Lifetime Dental InvisalignRetail Price $5450 Current bid $725The Invisalign program from Lifetime Dental Care offers comfort, convenience and confidence while straightening your teeth using trays that are virtually invisible. The Invisalign program Includes office consultation, trays, photos, x-rays, aligners, whitening program and more. Invisalign works great for both adults and teens. Your new smile is waiting. Get started today!<a href="http://www.lifetimedentalcare.com/" target="_blank">www.lifetimedentalcare.com</a>. THIS OFFER NOT VALID WITH ANY OTHER SPECIAL OFFER.&nbsp;&nbsp;<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/2/1581612409028.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Marine Specialty DOOMSWELL&nbsp;Sparkplug 4’8” SurfboardRetail Price $500 Current bid $75Without a sparkplug, an engine doesn't start so snatch up the Doomswell Sparkplug Wakesurf Board and fire up your season of inland surfing! With a full nose and straight, friendly outline, the Spark Plug is perfect for beginner to intermediate riders. Well constructed with an EPS foam core, carbon fiber stringers, and a durable epoxy fiberglass outer shell, the quad fin Doomswell Sparkplug Wakesurfer is the spark your behind-the-boat surfing has been waiting for! Epoxy Fiberglass Skin – Provides a strong yet flexible shell. Ultralight EPS Foam Core – For structural integrity and stiffness. Carbon Fiber Stringer Reinforcement.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/1/1579539069934.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Olliff Boeve Furniture La-Z-Boy Power ChairRetail Price $1435 Current bid $185This is a comfortable La-Z-Boy Power Chair from Olliff-Boeve Furniture and Appliance. This chair is not a recliner, but offers a lot of comfort and support. The legs power out with the touch of a button on the right side of the chair. The color is a neutral lighter brown.&nbsp;<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/2/1580840020692.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Premier Indoor Training $500 Family MembershipRetail Price $500 Current bid $135One year family membership to The Premier Indoor Training Facility, located at 240th Avenue, Hays, Ks. This membership gives you and your family nearly 24 hour access to practice, train and fine tune your skills! The PIT features 120’x120’ turfed area that is fully netted, 4 batting cages, 4 portable pitching mounds, regulation basketball court with 6 basketball goals, volleyball equipment, portable soccer goals and competition regulation 54’x42 cheer/dance/tumbling spring floor. Retail Price: $500. This membership is valid from April 1st, 2020 until March 31st, 2021.&nbsp;<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/3/1583430787358.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Premier Landscaping $500 CertificateRetail Price $500 Current bid $265Gift Ccrtificate from Premier Landscaping in Hays. Good towards landscaping, fences, lawn service and everything outdoor. Serving Hays and surrounding communities. Gift certificate valid through 12-31-2020.&nbsp;&nbsp;<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/2/1582830701569.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Smokin' Company BBQ Catered Meal for 30Retail Price $780 Current bid $225This item is from Smokin’ Company BBQ. Hays’ very own professional Competition BBQ team and caterer. You will receive a catered BBQ event with smoked ribs, brisket, pulled pork, chicken…any 1 smoked meat of your choice for up to 30 of your friends and/or family and 2 sides. Side choices include baked beans, coleslaw, mac and cheese, cheesy potatoes and many more possibilities. This is perfect for holiday parties, reunions, anniversaries or holiday weekends. Let Ryan Sultzer at Smokin’ Company do the work while you sit back and enjoy. Thinking of inviting more than 30 people, use this as a credit toward something larger allowing more people to taste “BBQ at it’s Best!” Find Smokin’ Company on Facebook for a full catering menu. Not good for existing accounts. Expires March 31, 2021.&nbsp;&nbsp;<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/3/1583257061404.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Tarps Unlimited $500 CertificateRetail Price $500 Current bid $110Protect your investment with a quality crafted tarp! Choose from 16, 18 and 22 ounce polyester and nylon coated material in a wide array of colors. All applications are top quality, fully guaranteed, and crafted to fit your needs. Does not include Boat Tarps. Certificate value is $500. Offer valid through September 30th 2020.&nbsp;&nbsp;<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/3/1584379039382.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Wolf Furniture Galleries ChairRetail Price $1540 Current bid $260Wolf Furniture Galleries in Hays offers this BENCH made stationary chair for addition in your living room or basement. This chair is of utmost comfort and is brown tweed in color. Durable Construction, year of comfort and enjoyment. This chair will match with any colors and is soft, comfy, and ready to enjoy. Wolf Furniture Galleries, north of I70 in Hays, open 7 days a week.&nbsp;&nbsp;Click&nbsp;<a href="https://hayspost.com/eagle-radio-auction">HERE</a>&nbsp;to see all the latest deals from local merchants.Register, bid and buy from the comfort of your own home!

Eagle Radio Online Auction is underway!

A 1976 documentary showcasing rural life in America with Hays as a subject will be broadcast this weekend and featured on the Hays Arts Council website as a way to help bring people together, even if remotely, after the cancellation of the annual Spring Art Walk.

"I really wanted to find something special to provide the community during what was supposed to have been our Spring Art Walk weekend, a time of such wonderful community connections,"&nbsp;said Hays Arts Council Executive Director Brenda Meder.

"To provide a little distraction, revel in nostalgia and demonstrate that things change and, as a community, we have always adapted to the change that, and we will again, the Hays Arts Council has acquired the rights from&nbsp;Radio Television Suisse for both the television and screening rights to the 1976 documentary on Hays, Kansas entitled 'A Quiet America,' " she said.

Meder said broadcasting the film and its 2015 sequel was important to make it accessible to as many people as possible.

With the assistance of the Fort Hays State University's Tiger Media Network, the film will air on both area cable systems on Eagle channel 17 and Nex-Tech channel 102 at 7 p.m. Saturday and 2 p.m. Sunday.

"My primary concern has been that the films be accessible to our older citizens, the ones to whom this may mean the most — and will hopefully be a source of joy and entertainment and memories," Meder said.&nbsp;

The film will also be made available on-demand on the council's website in the days following the broadcast.

The film was previously shown in 2017 by the council, but with recent events, Meder said she thought the look back at Hays would be particularly poignant.

"After seeing the enthusiasm for Hays’ recent 'dragging Main' event and seeing how much everyone enjoyed the nostalgia it generated, we were reminded of the 'dragging Main' scenes in that ’76 documentary," she said in a recent Facebook post, which also gave a little history of the project.

Film producers at the time wanted to show a glimpse of small-town American life at the time of the U.S. bicentennial.

Multiple sites were visited before Hays was selected.

"For several weeks in the spring of ‘76, a Swiss production team led by Jean-Jacques Legrange and Marc Schindler traveled the streets of Hays, discovered its history, met its people, and visited churches, businesses, bingo halls, VFW dinners, livestock auctions, newspaper, radio and television stations, even spending a little time with the locals 'dragging Main,' " Meder said.

The film was first shown domestically by the council in 2017 — almost 40 years after it was shown in Europe.

A companion piece — "Back to Hays," filmed by Schindler in 2015 — will accompany the original film.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/4/1587592628705.png" alt="The 1976 film "A Quiet America" featuring Hays will be shown this weekend on Eagle and Nex-Tech cable systems. (Photo courtesy Hays Arts Council)" />
 <figcaption>The 1976 film "A Quiet America" featuring Hays will be shown this weekend on Eagle and Nex-Tech cable systems. (Photo courtesy Hays Arts Council)</figcaption>
 </figure><div><iframe title="Hays Arts Center shifting programs online during" height="122" width="100%" style="border: none;" scrolling="no" data-name="pb-iframe-player" src="https://www.podbean.com/media/player/rv57k-d98868?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 PostA 1976 documentary showcasing rural life in America with Hays as a subject will be broadcast this weekend and featured on the Hays Arts Council website as a way to help bring people together, even if remotely, after the cancellation of the annual Spring Art Walk."I really wanted to find something special to provide the community during what was supposed to have been our Spring Art Walk weekend, a time of such wonderful community connections,"&nbsp;said Hays Arts Council Executive Director Brenda Meder."To provide a little distraction, revel in nostalgia and demonstrate that things change and, as a community, we have always adapted to the change that, and we will again, the Hays Arts Council has acquired the rights from&nbsp;Radio Television Suisse for both the television and screening rights to the 1976 documentary on Hays, Kansas entitled 'A Quiet America,' " she said.Meder said broadcasting the film and its 2015 sequel was important to make it accessible to as many people as possible.With the assistance of the Fort Hays State University's Tiger Media Network, the film will air on both area cable systems on Eagle channel 17 and Nex-Tech channel 102 at 7 p.m. Saturday and 2 p.m. Sunday."My primary concern has been that the films be accessible to our older citizens, the ones to whom this may mean the most — and will hopefully be a source of joy and entertainment and memories," Meder said.&nbsp;The film will also be made available on-demand on the council's website in the days following the broadcast.The film was previously shown in 2017 by the council, but with recent events, Meder said she thought the look back at Hays would be particularly poignant.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/4/1587594559373.jpeg" alt="(Photo courtesy Hays Arts Council)" />
 <figcaption>(Photo courtesy Hays Arts Council)</figcaption>
 </figure>"After seeing the enthusiasm for Hays’ recent 'dragging Main' event and seeing how much everyone enjoyed the nostalgia it generated, we were reminded of the 'dragging Main' scenes in that ’76 documentary," she said in a recent Facebook post, which also gave a little history of the project.<div><iframe src="https://www.facebook.com/plugins/post.php?href=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2Fpermalink.php%3Fstory_fbid%3D3478456608838209%26id%3D137869202896983&width=500" width="500" height="788" style="border:none;overflow:hidden" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" allowTransparency="true" allow="encrypted-media"></iframe></div>Film producers at the time wanted to show a glimpse of small-town American life at the time of the U.S. bicentennial.Multiple sites were visited before Hays was selected."For several weeks in the spring of ‘76, a Swiss production team led by Jean-Jacques Legrange and Marc Schindler traveled the streets of Hays, discovered its history, met its people, and visited churches, businesses, bingo halls, VFW dinners, livestock auctions, newspaper, radio and television stations, even spending a little time with the locals 'dragging Main,' " Meder said.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/4/1587594542982.jpeg" alt="(Photo courtesy Hays Arts Council)" />
 <figcaption>(Photo courtesy Hays Arts Council)</figcaption>
 </figure>The film was first shown domestically by the council in 2017 — almost 40 years after it was shown in Europe.A companion piece — "Back to Hays," filmed by Schindler in 2015 — will accompany the original film.

🎤International documentary featuring Hays to broadcast this weekend

By JONATHAN ZWEYGARDT Hays Post

The Ellis County Commission this week confirmed its desire not to
fund the Northwest Kansas Planning and Development Commission in 2020,
while looking at hiring a full-time grant writer.

Amid budget-cutting efforts and after years of
dissatisfaction with the Northwest Kansas Planning and Development Commission, the Ellis County Commission, the largest member county, decided not to pay the full
amount of dues owed. They chose instead to pay $22,500. 

As a result, the NWKPDC stripped Ellis County of its voting
rights. The commission then decided to not pay any fees in 2020.

Previously, Commissioner Dustin Roths had floated the
idea of the county hiring a full-time grant writer to fill the void. At Monday’s
commission meeting, Roths said he believes a grant writer position could pay
for itself.

“The beauty of the position is that we would be able to
constantly see how effective it is on a yearly basis. We would know what kind
of funds they were creating,” he said.

By JONATHAN ZWEYGARDT Hays PostThe Ellis County Commission this week confirmed its desire not to
fund the Northwest Kansas Planning and Development Commission in 2020,
while looking at hiring a full-time grant writer.Amid budget-cutting efforts and after years of
dissatisfaction with the Northwest Kansas Planning and Development Commission, the Ellis County Commission, the largest member county, decided not to pay the full
amount of dues owed. They chose instead to pay $22,500. As a result, the NWKPDC stripped Ellis County of its voting
rights. The commission then decided to not pay any fees in 2020.Previously, Commissioner Dustin Roths had floated the
idea of the county hiring a full-time grant writer to fill the void. At Monday’s
commission meeting, Roths said he believes a grant writer position could pay
for itself.“The beauty of the position is that we would be able to
constantly see how effective it is on a yearly basis. We would know what kind
of funds they were creating,” he said.Roths said he estimated a grant writer salary would be approximately
$35,000 to $50,000 and with the county’s benefit package the position would
cost an estimated $70,000.He said he believes that every department could benefit from
a dedicated grant writer, including Road and Bridge. The commission has said it would like to use a portion of
the revenue from the quarter-cent sales tax <a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/5e8cfcfdeb7f17053601f5e0">approved by voters</a> earlier this
month to pay for improvements to <a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/5e55392065b5d314384974d5">several roads</a> in Ellis County.“It’s something that I feel like that could be highly
beneficial over the years and just a way to be good stewards of any kind of
influx in sales tax revenue that is coming in,” Roths said.Roths also said the position could work with other governments
within Ellis County.“I think the biggest benefit, from our perspective, is the
idea that all these staff members, when we they see a grant that’s a potential
then they can come to this person to make sure that we are at least putting the
funding request out,” Roths said. “Because I imagine we leave quite a bit of
money on the table.”Commissioner Dean Haselhorst said he would like into what it
would cost to hire an outside contractor to write grants. The commissioners said
they could also potentially work with Grow Hays, if that group was interested in adding
a grant writer. Randy Hrabe, executive director of the NWKPDC, recently
reached out to the commission to ask if they were going to pay membership
dues for 2020. Hrabe said that they are still working on projects within Ellis County.On Monday, the commission confirmed that they would not pay
its 2020 membership dues and that they would address 2021 funding at a later
date.The NWKPDC helps cities and counties get grants for
improvement projects.Roths said of adding a grant writer position, “If we have
this position, I don’t believe that we would need to stay inline with Northwest
Kansas Planning.”The commission also elected to table the hiring of a grant
writer position until a new county administrator is hired. They anticipate the grant
writer position would report to the county administrator.In other business, the commission: • Approved the purchase of a
new grader for Public Works. • Accepted a donation on behalf of the Ellis County Fire
Department. • Approved a letter to the city of Hays asking for additional
funds to help pay for a portion of the Northwest Business Corridor. • Tabled a discussion on pay raises and EMS COVID-19 pay.